POLITICS
S A N D Y B O LT O N
R O B S K E LT O N
member for Noosa
AS I write from Parliament after an evening of welcoming fellow ‘Noosans’ to the Supercharging QLD Showcase, I am reminded of how incredibly fortunate we are to live in an electorate where so many are dedicated to effecting positive change. This ‘can do’ attitude makes our community, from coast to countryside, incredibly special. Works will get underway on Beckmans Road Stage 1 in the coming weeks. Design work completed to date had identified the alignment of the new intersection, allowing vegetation clearing and relocation of energy and water infrastructure to start the project. Main construction is projected to commence in late 2021 - weather and construction conditions permitting - with more information available on Noosa Council’s website. My work now is securing the funding for Stage 2 in the upcoming Budget! The issue of heavy haulage vehicles through our villages remains a priority, and we are currently waiting on the response to the request for a review of the review process for Environmental Authorities. A survey regarding needed works has been sent to Kin Kin and Pinbarren residents, with updates available at www.sandybolton. com and Noosa Council’s website. The Housing Action Group met again in May to report on progress made including legislation around secondary dwellings and access to worker accommodation, with micro-apartments housing hospitality
staff and agreements with providers being negotiated. A co-housing project by women, for women, has been brought forward by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson, Susan Davies, President of Sharing with Friends, and Joanna Blyth from AECOM. It was wonderful to meet with those who are committed in all ways, and I look forward to our journey together. As always, we have run out of room! With so much to share, stay updated on local issues as well as Parliamentary happenings via Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com. Whilst there, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, or join us on Facebook. As always, email our office at noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone 5319 3100 if you any require assistance or have any questions. Warmest regards, and how wonderful is this beautiful autumn? Sandy
LLEW O’BRIEN
federal member for Wide Bay
WO R K E R S’ C O M P E N S AT I O N A N D R E H A B I L I TAT I O N A N D OT H E R L E G I S L AT I O N A M E N D M E N T B I L L 2 0 2 0.
THE Federal Budget for 2021-22 is one of the most important in Australia’s history, with significant investments to rebuild our economy, create jobs, and build infrastructure following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Budget contains a record $17.7 billion commitment to improve aged care, which includes an extra 80,000 new home care packages, and I will be working to ensure this funding is used to address the availability and quality of care in Noosa and Wide Bay. Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie and I recently met with veterans at the Tewantin-Noosa and the Cooroy Pomona
During the last sitting week, the Palaszczuk government passed legislation that provides a presumptive pathway for first responders to access treatment for PTSD. Our Emergency Services are the backbone of our community, always going the extra mile to ensure that Queenslanders are not in harm’s way. Quite often they are exposed to circumstances that leave lasting effects, and this legislation will ensure they can get the help they need, when they need it. N AT I O N A L VO LU N T E E R W E E K
Last week was National Volunteer Week. We have so many amazing volunteers here in Nicklin that deserve to be recognised for the tireless work they do to better our community. I was fortunately able to thank a few in person including Red Cross Nambour Branch, Nambour and District Scouts group, the Nambour Probus Club, Norm Morwood from our Local BushCare Groups, and Lorraine Taylor from Street Art Nambour. Thank you for all for your ongoing commitment to our community. If you would like me to attend your group’s meeting, get in touch with my office to arrange a time. VO LU N TA R Y A S S I ST E D DY I N G
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that Queensland will
RSLs, where we discussed the urgent need for fair pay for Occupational Therapists and allied health professionals who care for veterans. I’m pleased that the Government has acted with a $61.9 million boost for these services. I also welcome $2.3 billion in the Budget for mental health, $1.1 billion for women’s safety, and an increase of the Child Care Subsidy to for families with more than one child aged five and under. Around 49,100 taxpayers in Wide Bay will benefit from tax relief of up to $2,745 this year, from the extension of the low and middle income tax offset to 2021-22 and the decision to bring forward Stage 2 of the Government’s tax relief plan.
Federal Member for Wide Bay
Working for Noosa's Hinterland 319 Kent Street, Maryborough QLD 4650
Llew.Obrien.MP@aph.gov.au
PO Box 283 Maryborough QLD 4650 07 4121 2936 Tollfree 1300 301 968
www.llewobrien.com.au
Authorised by Llew O’Brien, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 319 Kent St, Maryborough QLD 4650
f facebook.com/llewobrienLNP
introduce Voluntary Assisted Dying laws to the Parliament this week. I recognise this is an important issue for many of my constituents and that there are many with strong views on the subject. I want to hear what your views are on the legislation, if you would like to comment send an email to my office at nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au FEDERAL BUDGET 2021
I was disappointed by miniscule funding offered to Queensland compared to the rest of the states in this year’s Federal Budget. With so many projects of national importance on the go, it is disheartening to think the Federal Government will not come to the party and provide Queensland with the support it needs. I call on my Federal colleagues to stand up for the region, to secure the funding it deserves.
Locally, the Tablelands Road Bridge at Cooran and Wahpunga Lane Bridge at Kin Kin will be completed in 2021-22 with $1,240,949 allocated through the Bridges Renewal Program; and Noosa Council will receive $1,580,692 through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program. Cooroy Badminton Hall receives a final payment of $10,000 for its newly completed $20,000 amenities block upgrade, while the new Peregian Beach Community House is scheduled to be finished by November with $1,517,500 in the Budget as part of a $2,550,179 investment.
LLEW O’BRIEN MP
Page 14 | Your Local Lifestyle June 2021
member for Nicklin
