LINDAS VINE LINES Oct 2008
Linda Lavarch
State Member for Kurwongbah
I am still the local Member for Kurwongbah until the next election and I will continue to serve you and our community and pour all my efforts into the area. My office remains open and I encourage you to contact me if you have any State Government matters that you need assistance with.
Now back to business. If I thought August was busy then September was crazy. We had the Pine Rivers Courthouse official opening and public open day, the sod-turning at
Pine Rivers Courthouse Opening
For those of you who attended the open day at the Pine Rivers Courthouse on Saturday 13th September, I hope you enjoyed it as much I did. The new $11 million Courthouse was opened in style with an open day, fairytale trials, guided tours, community displays and a Crime Stoppers sausage sizzle.
The day was a huge success and I was pleased that the Premier Anna Bligh was able to perform the official opening. Particularly successful were the trials of Jack and the Beanstalk, charged with the alleged murder of a well-to-do giant and numerous other offences and the three little pigs charged with murdering the big bad wolf. The court room was so full that people were standing in the doorways trying to catch a glimpse.
Ever since the Courthouse project was approved back in 2003 I have been eagerly awaiting this day. Along the way I had the privilege of being the Attorney-General who appointed the architect in charge of the design of the Courthouse, Guymer Bailey Architects.
The Courthouse is now one of the best in
The new building is also more environmentally friendly than the former courthouse at Petrie. The most obvious difference is the amount of natural light, which is not only more appealing but reduces reliance on artificial lighting. There are also motion-sensors for lighting control, ultra-efficient air-conditioning and solar hot water which further reduce electricity consumption. There is also a
As well as the Premier, other guests included the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine, Member for Aspley Bonny Barry, Member for Glasshouse Carolyn Male, Member for Murrumba Dean Wells, Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Alan Sutherland, Councillor Mick Gillam, Senator Mark Furner, Chief Magistrate Judge Marshall Irwin, to name a few. The incoming Chief Magistrate, Judge Brendan Butler was also welcomed at the ceremony.
Justice of the Peace Service Awards
As part of the Pine Rivers Courthouse opening, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine presented a number of long service awards to local Justices of the Peace. He presented awards to Denise Amies and Joy Seiffert for 25 years service and to Dayboro’s own Joan Kilby for 50 years of service. Joan tried out the new Magistrate’s Court Bench but convening a court is not a new experience for Joan having sat on a bench as a Justice of the Peace. Frank McCaul and David Carlson received 25 year awards but were unable to attend. These people have provided a vital service to the community and it is important they receive recognition. I congratulate them on reaching these significant milestones and thank all of them for their years of service. There are over 1,000 registered JP’s and CDec’s in the Kurwongbah electorate.
Dayboro and District Rural Fire Brigade Station
I was delighted to officially open the new Dayboro and District Rural Fire Brigade station recently. At the ceremony two Rural Fire Brigade members were recognised for their long-service. Mr Neville Juffs and Mr Bill Rowe received medals in recognition of the many hours of their own time they have given to put their lives on the line to protect the people of our local community. The two have combined for nearly 100 years of service.
I would like to congratulate everyone involved in getting this station up and running, particularly the Brigade itself, which raised $57,000 and worked tirelessly to build the new station.
Toward Q2
On Tuesday the 16th September a community forum was held at the Strathpine Community Centre to promote the State Government’s new plan of action for
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt and I recently had the pleasure of inspecting progress on the Q150 Legacy Infrastructure and Moreton Bay Regional Council project at
In the lead-up to next year’s Q150 celebrations it’s important that the venue be upgraded so that it can continue to service the region’s growing population, now and in years to come. The venue will be open in time for this year’s Christmas concert and will be able to seat 15,000 people.
Free Building Advice Seminar
If you’re considering or undertaking building work, this seminar hosted by the Building Services Authority (BSA) will provide you with the advice you need to help you through the process. Topics covered include choosing your land, your house and the right builder as well as advice on contracts and even on maintenance after you move in. The seminar will be held on
Until next month
Linda Lavarch.
