2020/21 Fairfax Annual Report - Ted O'Brien MP

FA I R FAX ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 2 0 /2021

www.tedobrien.com.au

I am pleased to present my 2020/21 Annual Report for Fairfax.

It has been another challenging year, with ongoing uncertainty about what to expect during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the Federal Government has continued to show strong leadership and foresight, introducing measures that have allowed the economy to bounce back faster and better than most people expected.

I am honoured to be your representative in Canberra, and I will continue to do my utmost to make sure the Sunshine Coast and the residents of Fairfax are well looked after in 2021/22.

Ted O’Brien MP

Cover page: Ted met with the Treasurer, The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, ahead of the Federal Budget 2

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

Ted and CEO Andrew Bond showed the Prime Minister, The Hon Scott Morrison MP, around manufacturing facilities at The Ginger Factory

FAIRFAX REPORT: TED O’BRIEN MP

Australia has fared well amidst the biggest health and economic crisis in nearly 100 years, and the Sunshine Coast has been a standout performer.

When COVID-19 emerged, our region was already receiving unprecedented funding from the Federal Government for infrastructure and public services, underpinning confidence in the early days of the pandemic.

As the financial year unfolded, more Federal Government support was needed, and we delivered – including, for example, 17,500 local businesses and 53,800 employees benefiting from JobKeeper and over 24,900 locals receiving JobSeeker and other support payments.

What’s more, our targeted support for construction, tourism, manufacturing, childcare and the arts had a direct impact on our local economy.

As we enter a new financial year, I see three variables driving our continued economic recovery: the vaccine rollout, private sector growth and a possible 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Our success over the past year has been due to a team effort and I thank local business and community leaders who make up that team.

Finally, I thank the people of Fairfax for their support and for the privilege of serving as their Federal MP.

Ted O’Brien MP Federal Member for Fairfax

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

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C O V I D -19 R E S P O N S E A N D R E COV E RY

PROTECTING PEOPLE’S HEALTH The Government acted decisively to protect lives with a $20 billion health package, which has seen relatively few Australians contract COVID-19.

Across the Sunshine Coast over 691,000 telehealth consultations were conducted; we invested in additional PPE and medical equipment; increased hospital funding; provided $1.2 million to support the aged care sector in Fairfax alone; and secured 195 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

PROTECTING PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOODS The Federal Government continued to protect people’s livelihoods during 2020/21, with billions of dollars of economic support to individuals and businesses across the electorate of Fairfax.

Ted met with industry representatives during 2020/21, with their input helping to design the JobKeeper scheme. Targeted support packages went to the local tourism and hospitality sectors and construction industry.

Ted met with businesses across the electorate

Ted received his COVID-19 vaccine

COMMUNICATION DURING COVID

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Organised Sunshine Coast Jobs Forums to hear how the Government could support a jobs recovery on the Coast.

Hosted the Prime Minister, The Hon Scott Morrison, who met with businesses about the impact of the pandemic.

Targeted roundtable Zoom session with individuals and businesses to speak with the Treasurer, The Hon Josh Frydenberg, following the 2020/21 Federal Budget.

Co-hosted a manufacturing round table with Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast, to discuss the $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

Hosted a round table forum for local travel agents.

Supported thousands of constituents in response to telephone and email enquiries.

Undertook a ‘Go Local First’ campaign to promote buying locally.

Distributed weekly eNewsletters to thousands of Fairfax constituents.

Provided regular briefings to Chambers of Commerce on business-related support and funding opportunities.

Hosted a round table Zoom session with Assistant Minister for Charities, The Hon Sen Zed Seselja, and Sunshine Coast not-for-profits and charities.

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

SNAP S H O T O F A S S ITANCE TO S UNS HINE COAS T R E GION

JOBKEEPER

JOBSEEKER

SUPPORT PAYMENT

Over 17,500 businesses and 53,800 staff supported

Over 24,900 residents received JobSeeker payments

Over 52,000 support payments pensioners and carers

JobSeeker Program

Economic Support Payment

JobKeeper Program

A wage subsidy to businesses to keep paying their employees.

Support for people who had lost their job.

CASHFLOW BOOST

INSTANT ASSET WRITE OFF

TELEHEALTH

Around 12,100 businesses received payments

Around 49,300 businesses eligible for full write offs

Over 691,000 telehealth consultations

Cashflow Boost to Business

Instant Asset Write Off

Telehealth consultations

Tax free payments to affected businesses.

Immediate tax deduction for the full cost of purchasing eligible assets.

Stimulus payments to pensioners and carers.

COVID-safe medical consultations by phone & video

BUILDING RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY With the worst of COVID-19 behind us, the Federal Government has been tapering off support measures, such as JobKeeper and the JobSeeker COVID supplement.

The Australian economy is performing strongly with a growth rate exceeding most advanced economies, even exceeding Australia’s own pre-pandemic level.

Australia’s unemployment rate has also recovered to pre-COVID levels.

Some sectors on the Sunshine Coast faced greater challenges than others, and the Federal Government stepped in with targeted support: Construction Tourism and Hospitality Live Music Manufacturing Childcare

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

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LEAD ERSH IP

SEQ 2032 OLYMPIC BID As the Prime Minister’s representative for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ted has been instrumental in bringing the Sunshine Coast to the brink of history.

An announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is expected and Ted, along with the rest of Queensland, is hoping South East Queensland is awarded the rights on 21 July 2021 to host the Games.

Ted said if the bid is successful it would provide two decades of unparalleled opportunity; a decade leading up to the Games and a decade following.

Ted has been on the Leadership Group for the Olympic bid together with the Prime Minister, the Qld Premier, the Brisbane Lord Mayor and others.

Prime Minister, The Hon Scott Morrison MP, and Ted who is the Prime Minister’s representative for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid

AUSTRALIA-CHINA RELATIONS Throughout the year Ted has spoken and written extensively about the ‘China Question’, including articles in the Quadrant Magazine, The Australian and The Australian Financial Review.

Ted also conducted numerous radio and multiple television interviews.

He has also been a keynote speaker on the topic, including at the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

Ted believes the ‘China Question’ is the greatest challenge of our time.

His perspectives in this regard have been picked up internationally, including in the US, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Ted spoke extensively on Australia’s relationship with China during 2020/21

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Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

LE ADE RSHIP

BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE SUNSHINE COAST Other important road projects are also continuing, including improvements to the Bruce Highway between Caloundra and the Sunshine Motorway, which are due for completion later this year.

Work is also progressing on the Bruce Highway, at the Maroochydore and Mons Roads Interchanges.

In response to Ted’s lobbying, $5 million dollars has also been allocated for a busines case into Stage 2 of the full duplication Ted continued to deliver unprecedented infrastructure investment for the region

that’s two tracks - of the North Coast Rail Line between

Ted welcomed the 2021/22 Federal Budget announcement of $160 million to upgrade the dangerous Mooloolah River Interchange on the Sunshine Motorway. This road junction is the scene of

Beerburrum and Nambour.

Ted continued to lead an ambitious campaign to bring heavy fast rail up the Coastal strip connecting

frequent accidents and near misses, as well as causing

Brisbane to the Maroochydore CBD, using the

daily frustration for thousands of drivers.

CAMCOS corridor.

PAR LIAMENTARY INQUIRIES Ted chaired six Parliamentary Inquiries during 2020/21: 1. Problem of feral and domestic cats in Australia 2. National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Bill 2020 3. Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 and Climate Change (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020 4. Current circumstances, and the future need and potential for, dispatchable energy generation and storage capability in Australia (ongoing) 5. Activating greater trade and investment with Pacific island countries 6. Expanding membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (ongoing)

Ted led multiple Parliamentary Inquiries

The Parliamentary Inquiry into the problem of feral and domestic cats in Australia received nationwide media attention. It led to Ted launching an ambitious proposal for a new national conservation mission dubbed ‘Project Noah’.

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

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WIDE BAY

BLAIR

FISHER

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I NFRA STRUC T U R E

UNPRECEDENTED INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING SINCE COMING TO OFFICE

$3.2 billion

Bruce Highway Upgrade

$395 million

North Coast Rail Upgrade

Sunshine Coast Airport Upgrade Concessional loan

$102.9 million

Roads & Community Infrastructure

Funding secured Construction commenced Expected completion

3 3 Mid 2021

M A R O O C H YDO R E R D IN T E R CHAN GE

Funding secured Construction commenced Expected completion

3 3 Late 2022

M O N S R D IN T E R CHAN GE

Funding secured Construction commenced Expected completion

3 3 Late 2022

Funding secured Construction commenced Expected completion

3 3 2024

W I D E B AY HIGHWAY IN T E R S E CT IO N

Funding secured Construction commenced Expected completion

3 3 Late 2021

C O O R O Y T O CUR R A

Sections A-C completed Section D (Gympie Bypass) funding secured Section D construction commenced Section D expected completion

3 3 3 Mid 2024

N O RT H C OAS T R AIL L IN E UP GR ADE

Infrastructure Australia approval Federal funding secured (50%) State funding secured (50%) Pre-construction commenced (Stage 1) Construction tender (Stage 1)

C A LO U NDR A R D T O

SU NSH I NE M O T O R WAY

PINE RIVER TO CALOUNDRA RD INTERCHANGE

Business case funding Business case completed State support for proposition Campaign for approval + funding

H E AVY ( FA S T ) R AIL T O M A R O O C H YDO R E

F U L L D U P L ICAT IO N O F

3 3  3 2021 3 3  Ongoing

Federal funding for business case (50%) State funding for business case (50%)

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SU NSH I NE CO AS T AIR P O RT UP GR AD E

Federal Government approvals Federal Government loan New runway opened

3 3 3

LO C A L R O ADS AN D IN F R AS T R UCT U RE

Recurrent funding for Council Black Spot funding COVID-19 + Bushfire Recovery funding

3 3 3

M O O LO OL AH R IV E R IN T E R CHAN GE

Funding secured

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R A I L T O N AM B O UR

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$181 million

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

INFR AS TR UC T URE

LOCAL ROADS During 2020/21 the Sunshine Coast Council received over $40.06 million of Federal funding to deliver priority local road projects, support jobs and help the local economy bounce back from COVID-19.

Projects included $3.2 million to seal Zgrajewski Rd, Yandina Creek and $350,000 to install a pedestrian refuge on the busy Yandina-Coolum Rd, near Coolum State School. Over $2.9 million was provided for other road safety initiatives, the installation of CCTV cameras and removal of overgrown vegetation.

Ted with Angelo Reitano who had been campaigning for 30 years to have Zgrajewski Rd sealed

BRUCE HIGHWAY AND SUNSHINE MOTORWAY Ted led the campaign to secure funds for upgrades to the Maroochydore and Mons Road Interchanges and in July 2020, the first sod was turned on the $301 million project. This project supports more than 380 jobs and will improve safety and congestion at these two critical junctions to the Bruce Highway.

The $320 million upgrade to the Mooloolah River Interchange, 50% Federal Government funded

In May 2021, Ted announced $160 million of Federal funds to upgrade the Mooloolah River Interchange, representing 50% of the total cost, despite it being a State Government responsibility.

The $301 million upgrade of the Maroochydore and Mons Rd Interchanges, 80% Federal Government funded

Ted also secured funds for smaller Sunshine Motorway projects such as $570,000 for an anti-throw barrier at the Havana Rd overpass.

RAIL Following Ted’s successful campaign, which secured $390 million of Federal funding for the Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade of the North Coast Rail line in 2018, tenders for the design and construction of Stage 1 (from Beerburrum to Landsborough) were sought in 2020/21. Pre-construction works also commenced, with the project supporting 333 local jobs. With the State Government failing to progress Stage 2 (between Landsborough and Nambour), Ted proposed

that a better solution for Stage 2 be assessed – that is, full duplication (two tracks) all the way to Nambour.

Ted secured $5 million in the 2021/22 Federal Budget to undertake a business study for this improved Stage 2 solution, but the State Government, which is responsible for the rail, failed to match the Federal Government’s offer.

Ted also continued his campaign for heavy fast rail between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

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G RA NT F U N D I N G R E C E I V E D IN FAIR FAX IN 2 0 2 0 /2 0 2 1

MORE THAN $52 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING WAS RECEIVED BY COMMUNITY GROUPS, SCHOOLS, INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES AND COUNCIL IN 2020/2021 5 Elementa

$20,000

Naturo

Accura Group

$21,945

North Arm State School P&C

Adadale Dairy Farm

$21,393

Nero Resources

$10,000

Ausroe

$15,876

Pac Foods

$62,949

Bella Donna Silver

$15,294

Pearls for Girls

$10,000

RAIDER Targetry

$60,143

Red Chair - Compass Project

$99,115

Big Pineapple Music Festival Channel 7 Queensland Cirlock Coast2Bay Housing

$292,000 $1,869,702 $17,313 $2,664,924

RDA - Sunshine Coast Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy

Coolum Advertiser

$10,000

Road Safety - Havana Rd Overpass

Coolum-Peregian RSL

$16,918

Road Safety Initiatives

$1,100,000 $4,500

$1,466,853 $7,800 $570,000 $1,679,000

Coolum State High School

$1,200

Rockcote

$40,000

Coolum Women’s Shed

$3,750

Salute For Service

$20,000

Donations to community events

$2,818

SC Council - Black Spot Road Program

Endeavour Foundation

$7,250

SC Council - Financial Assistance Grants $12,135,823

Endless Summer Resort

$25,000

SC Council - LRCI Phases 1-3

$708,500 $22,030,479

Eumundi Dragons Rugby Union

$2,500

SC Council - Oceania Cup

Eumundi School of Rock

$5,442

SC Council - Roads to Recovery

$3,653,767 $1,336,000

$198,000

Felix Advantage

$49,500

SC Council - Train Sunshine Coast

Fen Foods

$10,590

Seaborne Clothing

$19,480

Fernland

$13,298

Shedfast

$20,932

Sol Bar Live

$24,514

Healthy Land & Water - HLW

$300,000

Horton Apartments

$21,500

Suncoast Christian Care

$15,000

House of Drapes

$20,000

Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show

$70,000

$485,878

Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast

$4,500

Imperial Hotel - Eumundi Infectious Clothing Company

$20,000

Sunshine Coast Hockey

$4,053

Lallemand Brewing

$16,700

Sunshine Coast Netball

$4,832

Local Sporting Champions - 57 Students

$33,450

Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club

$9,750

Marcoola SLSC

$19,800

Tennant & District Times

$13,539

Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre

$10,741

The Green Life Warehouse

$20,000

Maroochydore RSL

$13,620

The Woombye Pub

$19,254

Maroochydore SES

$6,500

Thrive Sunshine Coast

$7,500

Maroochydore SLSC

$20,500

Unique Health Products

$33,095

MJ Playgrounds

$38,890

Vinnies Nambour

$12,500

Mountain Creek Junior AFC

$5,000

Vision Unit Trust

$4,620

Mountain Creek State High School

$1,200

Wildlife HQ Zoo

$396,929

Mudjimba SLSC Nambour Community Centre 12

$13,255 $5,500

Woombye Snakes FC Yandina Bowls Club

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

$15,000 $2,810

COMMUNIT LE ADE RSHIP Y

FUNDING WINS FOR LOCAL GROUPS

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS

Over $13.3 million of Federal funds have been provided to local community groups in Fairfax since Ted was elected in 2016. During 2020/21, Ted announced over $3.25 million of funding including:

This year Ted secured funding of $6.45 million to support economic growth locally, including:

$2.66 million for crisis accommodation services $150,000 for small capital projects for charities and not-for-profits

$1.34 million for business growth and innovation, including a pilot milk processing plant in Coolum $1.34 million to attract high value sports tourism to the Sunshine Coast $971,506 for shows, live music and events

$135,450 for local sporting groups $38,241 to support emergency relief services

$396,928 for zoos and wildlife parks

$53,555 for local Surf Life Saving Clubs

$313,228 for business events and conferences

OUT AND ABOUT ACROSS FAIRFAX

$153,571 in energy efficiency grants to help businesses reduce their electricity bills

Ted continued his quarterly road trips across the electorate, providing local residents with an opportunity to raise issues directly with him at more than 30 mobile office locations.

LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONS

Ted also visited numerous local community groups and clubs and sponsored marquees for six sporting organisations.

Ted with some of Fairfax’s Local Sporting Champions

Ted with the Maroochydore Junior Rugby League Club and their new marquee

Ted awarded $33,450 in Local Sporting Champion grants to 57 young sports people to help towards the costs of participating in state, national or international championships.

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

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ADVOCACY

FAIR SHARE OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR QUEENSLAND Ted led a campaign to uncover the true extent of the Queensland Government’s underspend on infrastructure across the state. Ted revealed irrefutable evidence that the Queensland Government has been spending half as much on infrastructure compared to the governments of New South Wales and Victoria. This translated into a $12 billion blackhole and Ted called on the State Government to start paying their fair share.

Ted uncovered a $12 billion blackhole in the Qld State Government’s investment in infrastructure

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SHEDS Ted led a campaign to change tax laws to give Men’s and Women’s Sheds around Australia tax deductible status. This change in law was officially enacted on 1 July 2020.

The 2020/21 year has therefore been the first year Sheds have benefited from donations over $2 being tax deductible, which is great news for the 10 Sheds in Fairfax.

Ted and Graeme Giles at the opening of the Maroochy Men’s Shed, thanks to a $450,000 Federal Government grant

AGED CARE While COVID-19 restrictions prevented the 2020 Fairfax Seniors Forum from going ahead, the Fairfax Seniors Advisory Committee continued to hold regular meetings, even via Zoom.

The Committee was pleased to see Ted’s submission to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, on behalf of the electorate of Fairfax, reflected in the Report’s final recommendations and, in turn, the 2021/22 Federal Budget.

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Aged Care was the centrepiece of the Federal Budget, with an investment of $17.7 billion. This will help over 28,000 senior Australians living in Fairfax with more home care places, more funding for residential aged care, improvements to the standards of care and stronger regulators to monitor and enforce the new measures.

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

2 0 2 1 /2 2 B UDGE T - S UPPORTING FAI RFAX

THE YEAR IN NUMBERS

14,350 More than 14,350 Welcome to Fairfax letters sent to newly enrolled voters.

3,600 More than 3,600 birthday cards sent to celebrate constituent birthdays.

1,000

Ted speaks to school children at St Andrews Anglican College

SELECTED BUDGET INITIATIVES

Roads

$160 million for the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade, creating almost 400 jobs.

Rail

$5 million for a study into the full duplication of the North Coast Rail Line between Landsborough and Nambour.

Aged Care

$17.7 billion to reform Aged Care and implement findings of the Royal Commission and an additional 80,000 home care packages.

Tax Offset

Extension of the tax offset for people earning less than $90,000 pa, allowing 130,000 Sunshine Coast locals to receive up to $1,080.

Jobs

$2.7 billion to create an additional 170,000 apprenticeships and traineeships.

Business

Extension of the Instant Asset Write-Off scheme, allowing more than 49,300 local businesses to write-off the full value of any eligible assets.

Childcare

$1.7 billion package to increase the childcare subsidy making it easier for parents of 3,000 local families to re-join the workforce.

Fairfax Annual Report 2020/2021

Congratulatory certificates and letters sent to celebrate constituent anniversaries and major personal milestones.

57 Young sports people received Local Sporting Champions grants.

51 More than $51 million granted to local groups and individuals in Fairfax.

100 More than 100 flags made available to community organisations and individuals across Fairfax.

9 9 committees that Ted sat on in his role as an MP.

25,000 Over 25,000 emails received by Ted’s office.

13 13 cane toads competed in the ‘Nambour Cup’ run by Ted, raising $1,300 for Nambour High School’s STEMM program.

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PO Box 1978, Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore Qld 4558 Phone: (07) 5479 2800 Email: ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au @TedOBrienMP

tedobrien.com.au

@Ted.OBrien.MP

Authorised by Ted O’Brien MP, LNP, 17 Southern Dr, Maroochydore QLD 4558. Printed by Express Print and Mail, 510 Maroochydore Road, Kunda Park QLD 4556.

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