LINDAS VINE LINES – STATE MEMBER FOR KURWONGBAH
The last few weeks have been very busy with the handing down of the 2008/09 State budget. This year‟s budget focuses on helping people buy their first home as well as the State‟s roads with $3.235 billion being pledged to, amongst other things, help improve road safety.
Some of the highlights include:
- $9.79 million for the Caboolture Health precinct.
- Stamp duty abolished for those purchasing their fist home valued under $500,000.
- Improvements to Petrie railway station including a new footbridge and lifts to provide platform access.
- $1.47 million for books for public libraries in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area.
- $608,000 for the Integrated Family and Youth Service Clyde House project to provide a residential care service providing five places for young people aged 12-17 years.
- $4.46 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project to complete concept planning for the Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation, between Dinmore and Narangba.
- $1.63 million to complete the resurfacing of asphalt between Dianne Street and the Paper Mill entrance on Gympie Road. $1.45 million to complete miscellaneous works on Dayboro Road.
- $40,000 for bikeways at various locations in Moreton Bay Regional Council, Pine Rivers district.
- $271,000 to complete a planning study between Anzac Avenue and Youngs Crossing Road on Dayboro Road.
- $2.87 million to complete the resurfacing of asphalt between South Pine River Bridge and Paisley Park on Gympie Road.
PINE RIVERS COURTHOUSE AND WATCHHOUSE
The official opening of the Pine Rivers Courthouse and Watchhouse has been postponed by about a month due to the delay in the supply of specialist materials needed to complete the Watchhouse. The official opening and open day for the public is now due for early August.
NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK GRANTS
Young Queenslanders will be able to celebrate National Youth Week 2009 in style thanks to $70,000 in Queensland Government grants to support community events. The funding will assist with the planning and staging of educational and engaging activities throughout Queensland during next year‟s National Youth Week from March 28 to April 5. The grants are available so young people can develop, plan and promote activities and participate in what is now the biggest celebration of youth in the country.
For more information call the Office for Youth on (07) 3008 8622 or visit www.communities.qld.gov.au. Applications close 4th August 2008.
COMMUNITY MEMORIALS RESTORATION PROGRAM
The Department of Public Works is calling for expressions of interest from local community groups interested in restoring local historic icons through the State Government‟s Community Memorials Restoration Program. This is an opportunity for councils and community groups to apply for a dollar-for-dollar subsidy to recognise, repair and restore icons such as statues, honour rolls, gardens, fountains, cenotaphs and memorial gates, heritage cemeteries and gravesite and other special structures that symbolise a community‟s heritage.
If you are interested or know of anyone who might be interested, more information is available from www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/services/CommunityMemorials.cfm . Expressions of interest close on 23rd July.
ROAD SENSE!
Paying attention may save lives. As our lives get busier it‟s very easy to take on two tasks at once, even while driving a vehicle. However, Queensland Transport is urging all road users to take extra caution and always remain alert and ensure safety on our roads. In 2007, 54 people died on Queensland roads due to inattention or distraction, which is 15% of the total road toll. So far there have been 21 fatalities in 2008 caused by inattention, 15.8% of the total road toll to date. Putting sunglasses on, tuning the radio, inserting a CD, applying make-up, checking a street directory or looking at paperwork are all actions that should be done while a vehicle is parked. Remember that everyday simple actions can become extremely dangerous when undertaken by drivers. Keep our roads safe by keeping your concentration.
FOSTER CARERS WANTED
I would just like to remind everyone that the State Government is urgently seeking more foster families to care for vulnerable children and young people who are unable to live at home because of abuse or neglect. We are investing more than $15 million over the next five years to recruit, train and increase support for carers. This is an investment in the future of Queensland. It‟s about ensuring that we attract more compassionate, dedicated people to care for our state‟s most vulnerable children. Carers are vital but we need many more of these generous people.
For more information on becoming a foster carer, call 1300 550 877 or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au.
DIARY HIGHLIGHTS!
NAIDOC Week – 6th-13th July – NAIDOC celebrates the survival of Indigenous culture and the Indigenous contribution to modern Australia. I encourage everyone to participate in NAIDOC Week activities.
Dayboro Show – 11th-13th July – This is the 53rd Annual Show and I‟m very much looking forward to catching up with everyone.
Pine Rivers Show – 1st-3rd August – The 104th Annual Show looks set to be another great one with a line-up including the Toyota Hilux Heroes, fireworks displays, rodeo, pig racing and much much more. I will have my stand at the show again with showbags for the kids and lots of information about state government services.
Until next month,
Linda
