LOCAL, STATE & FEDERAL

I’m pleased to see a range of projects wrap up over the last few months across Division 5. From footpath renewals in Woombye and Palmwoods, strengthening and repair works at Dalton’s Bridge, Conondale and road reseal upgrades at Byrne Lane and Mountain View Road, Maleny. These upgrades go a long way in keeping our community connected. I am sure we are enjoying the end results and I thank all residents for their patience whilst Council delivered these works.

• Major Grants success with more than $604,000 supporting 84 local projects. Congratulations in Div 5 to Sunshine Coast Motorcycle Club Inc, Crystal Waters Community Cooperative Ltd and Knitfest Inc. Major Grants support community groups with project funding up to $15,000 (and up to $30,000 for infrastructure projects only), and Minor Grants support community groups with project funding up to $2,000.

• Now is the time to get your COVID-19 vaccine. It is our ticket to a safer future, and our best defence in the fight against COVID-19. The sooner our community is vaccinated, the greater the likelihood that we can start to move on from the impacts of this pandemic on our jobs, our families and many of the things we enjoy. Undoubtedly COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down, but now is the time for us to come together as a community and “get the jab done” for our own benefit and for the good of the whole community, esp. our most vulnerable. www.health.qld.gov.au

New speed limits are in sight for Kenilworth-Skyring Creek Road, following a review.

“Locals have been calling for the speed limit of this section to be reduced for a while now,” Mr Skelton said.

“The Committee was made up of representatives from Queensland Police Service, Gympie Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads. “Several important factors are taken into consideration when we undertake these reviews including crash history, traffic volumes, types of drivers, geography of the road and its role in the road network.”

Mr Skelton urged drivers to keep an eye out for the new speed signs and be aware of the changed 70km/h speed limit. "I encourage drivers to always drive to the conditions and reduce their speed in wet weather or other adverse conditions," he said.

• The reduced speed limit is scheduled to be implemented by the end of 2021, weather and conditions permitting.

Nicklin Electorate 5406 4100 or nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au

On October 15 Council announced the successful applicants in its latest Major Grants program, with more than $604,000 supporting 84 projects. Congratulations in Div 10 to Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce with $7500 to help drive membership.

Council is calling all community organisations, sporting clubs, religious organisations, schools and other groups who may operate a community venue to have their say for the chance to win a $500 voucher for their organisation.

Our region is home to a wide range of community venues. They provide important spaces for activities, programs, services and events within our community.

This Check-In includes all hireable spaces for community use and looks at understanding the region’s community venues better, their capacity and accessibility, plus opportunities so we can help support them in becoming the best well-used and activated spaces. Visit council’s website for more information before the survey closes on 3 December 2021.

• The 2022 Sunshine Coast Heritage Calendar is out now making the perfect gift for friends and loved ones. The $6 calendar features stunning photos of the great outdoors from days gone by. Buy yours at customer contact centres and council libraries.

If you have any questions please contact me at email: david.law@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and follow my Facebook page for regular updates: @DavidLawDivision10

Local community groups are the beating heart of civil society here on the Sunshine Coast. As such, it was a great pleasure to recently announce the opening of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

Grants from $2,500 to $20,000 are available for local not-for-profit community and sporting groups to undertake small capital projects (e.g. purchase of equipment, upgrades to facilities, etc) that improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities on the Sunshine Coast.

Previous iterations of this grant have made a huge contribution to local organisations such as the Eumundi School of Rock, Eumundi Dragons Rugby Union Club and the Yandina Bowls Club. Expressions of interest are now open until Friday 3 December for all eligible organisations. Head to www.tedobrien.com.au/grants.

• Restoring Hope Parkinson's Therapy Choir is another recent recipient of a Stronger Communities grant. It was a pleasure to meet the Choir at the Flaxton Barn recently to see the group in action at their first-ever in-person meeting. The organisation delivers a progressive voice therapy program designed to improve the quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s. My father lived with Parkinson’s disease for years and so I was so happy to meet this group.

• It was an honour to walk alongside Bruce and Denise Morcombe at the annual Day for Daniel recently as part of Australia’s most important annual event in support of child safety. Bruce and Denise Morcombe turned an unthinkable, personal tragedy into a message of hope and a vehicle for positive change across Australia. I am reminded every year of the impassioned resilience and strength that the Morcombes so openly show each year on this difficult day, and I commend them for all that they have achieved in keeping Australian children safe.

Editorial / advertising enquiries to jillguldbransen@gmail.com

Mary Valley Community News Assoc. Inc., publishers of The Mary Valley Voice since 1991, reserves the right to refuse inappropriate advertising and submissions for both print and website, and any opinions expressed in any published advertisements or submissions does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Association or its Editor. It also reserves the right to determine what is inappropriate for publication purposes.

• ABN 61 781 267 568 • Mary Valley Community News Assoc Inc, PO Box 158, Kenilworth Q 4574