Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says a report assessing the condition of the Jimna Fire Tower is now available for community feedback.
Mrs Frecklington said the detailed report by ‘Wood Research and Development’ based in Caboolture has been provided to the State Government to help guide future decisions about the tower.
“I was very pleased to read the report and understand further the extent of structural decline caused by decay in this ageing wooden structure,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The overall assessment found the Jimna Fire Tower is in poor condition and is not structurally sound, with a danger of the Tower collapsing under even moderate force winds. There are areas of advanced decay, especially in the lower sections as well as the connectors.
“The assessors have provided several options in regards to either complete remediation or removal. To make the fit for public use without cables or anchors would require a substantial financial input of more than $1million.
“As I have only just stated recently, during the term of our former LNP Government, approximately $350,000 was spent on works to stabilise the tower. These works were halted after additional decay was discovered and we made the difficult decision not to invest further funding.
“I would encourage residents from Jimna, Kilcoy and other local areas to access the report from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and provide feedback on what is the right option for the community. The consultation process will inform the Department’s decision about the future of the tower, so this is an important time to get involved,” Deb said.
The greedy Palaszczuk Labor Government has turned its sights to ripping-off fishing families and pensioners after they nearly tripled the cost of freshwater fishing permits.
Shadow Fisheries Minister Dale Last said Labor had snuck through changes meaning families were now being slugged at least $100 for a fishing permit that cost $36 last year.
He said a pensioner couple was now expected to fork out $72, up from $36, for a permit as a result of Labor’s shameless cash grab.
“It is another Palaszczuk Labor Government rip-off anyway you look at,” Mr Last said.
“Be careful if you plan on throwing in a line at one of the state’s 63 freshwater dams, especially if you don’t have the correct permit.
“You can bet Labor will have inspectors out-and-about ready to fine you so they can line their pockets.”
Mr Last said the freshwater fishing licence, otherwise known as the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme, fee was meant to raise funds for restocking dams with fingerlings.
“Under the Palaszczuk Labor Government swindle, people are going to baulk at paying for permits so there will be less money collected for restocking,” he said.
“A family of four, or a pensioner couple, could buy a permit for $36 last year.”
Mr Last said Labor’s claim they had consulted and the increase to family and pensioner couple permits was supported by stakeholders was simply not true.
“This is just another Labor lie, something that is becoming an all too familiar scenario where Minister Donaldson is concerned” he said.
“The peak representative group, the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland, was totally opposed, but they have been arrogantly ignored by under-performing Minister Donaldson.
“Labor’s justification the scheme is being expanded to 63 dams is a nonsense because there are only so many dams you can fish over a weekend or two.”
“No one was against reasonable increases in-line with CPI rises, but what the greedy Palaszczuk Labor Government is doing is unfair, anti-families and anti-pensioner couples.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated the first winners of her ‘Local Hero Grant’ - the Esk RSL Sub-Branch.
Mrs Frecklington said the grants provides an opportunity to show her support for community groups who help make a difference in our community.
“I am so pleased that Esk RSL have been chosen as the first Somerset group to receive a Local Hero grant valued at $250,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This is a brand new grant program to help support local community groups and individuals across the Nanango Electorate.
“The Esk RSL will be putting the funding towards helping to fuel their bus which helps transport Legacy and older residents to functions and other welfare events.
“I would like to encourage more local groups to apply. The next round closes on 30 March, so there’s plenty of time to send through a submission. There are three rounds each year and four successful applicants from around the Nanango Electorate are selected in each round.
“My Local Hero Grants are also open to individuals who need support to attend sporting or other representative events,” she said.
If you would like to apply, please go to Deb’s website at www.debfrecklington.com.au or contact the Electorate office on 4190 7100.
Photo: Deb with Esk RSL Sub-Branch Patron, Mr Jack O’Keefe.
The LNP would work with graziers to redress unfair changes the Palaszczuk Labor Government made to the state’s Tick Line if successful at the next election.
Shadow Agriculture Minister Dale Last said many graziers remained angry with Labor’s changes around abolishing the ‘control zone’ and location of the new line dividing the ‘tick zone’ and ‘tick-free zone.’
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s handling of the entire process has been a load of bull,” Mr Last said.
“My phone has been ringing off the hook with calls from affected graziers who are fed-up with this government’s ideologically driven agenda.
“There has been a massive financial imposition on graziers and they are struggling to get any information from the government surrounding these changes.
“Minister Donaldson showed her total lack of industry knowledge and empathy with her cack-handed attempt to rush through major changes without proper consultation during the holiday period last Christmas.
“This is just another example of a poor decision by Minister Donaldson who is completely out of her depth.
“Minister Donaldson has already taken a sledgehammer to the fisheries industry, so it would seem the agriculture industry is next on her hit list.”
Mr Last said Minister Donaldson was embarrassingly forced into extending the consultation period and holding a few meetings to hear the legitimate views and concerns of affected graziers.
“The final decision on the two-zone system and the location of the tick line has been made full-stop,” he said.
“This government doesn’t know the meaning of the word consultation.”
Mr Last said it was important graziers were given a genuine opportunity to have further say on how the line and its management can be improved.
He said the biggest impacts were being felt by graziers previously in the ‘control zone’ who had been progressing to clear their properties of ticks only to be dumped in the tick zone.
“This is about giving graziers affected by the decisions of this under-performing Minister a say on how their properties, their businesses and their lives have been impacted by changes,” he said.
“Changes to the tick line took effect on July 1, 2016 so I reckon it would be reasonable a review be held any time after 12 months’ operation.
“Many graziers viewed it as particularly arrogant of Minister Donaldson to announce her decision on the line would be final and there would be no compensation.”
Fast Facts:
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says local primary producers and tourism operators will benefit from the Federal Government’s decision to slash a proposed tax rate on backpackers.
“I welcome the Turnbull Government’s common sense decision to listen to community concerns over the Backpacker Tax and implement a rate that will continue to encourage young tourists to visit and work in Australia,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The new rate announced by the Federal Government is welcome recognition of the vital role backpackers play in tourism and agriculture sectors.
“By reducing the proposed tax, the Government has given our farmers certainty and allowed working holiday makers to spend more time contributing to our communities and the local economy.
“For regions like ours which rely so heavily on agriculture and tourism, this is a real win.”
“The LNP will continue to support our regional industries, unlike the Palaszczuk Labor Government whose Green-agenda continues to threaten agriculture, jobs, business and prosperity across the State,” Deb said.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says a response to the community petition requesting a school bus subsidy for students travelling from Goombungee to attend Highfields State Secondary College is extremely disappointing.
Mrs Frecklington said the Minister for Transport, Stirling Hinchliffe obviously does not appreciate the growing needs of the district.
“I have been highlighting this issue with the Department for more than a year, as it has become obvious that the school bus subsidy eligibility requirements for the region are changing,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Earlier in the year I met with a group of parents about the growing number of students choosing to attend Highfields SSC, and we decided to conduct a petition to further shine a spotlight on this problem.
“There was a great response to the petition which asked the Minister to reassess the eligibility for students from Goombungee and surrounding districts to offer a school bus subsidy to attend either Highfields State Secondary College or Oakey SHS.
“Unfortunately, the Minister is hiding behind the inflexibility of the system and is not willing to look into this particular case and the changing situation in Goombungee.
“I’d like to personally thank parents who initiated the petition and who have been working so hard to try and create change.
“I’ll continue to follow this for the community and won’t give up on making this happen for Goombungee families.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated the first winners of her ‘Local Hero Grant’ - the Kingaroy Christmas Carnival and a young Kingaroy sportswoman.
Mrs Frecklington has presented the $250 ‘big cheques’ to Craig Lucas, President of the Kingaroy Christmas Carnival and equestrian sportswoman, Jayde Novak.
“I was really pleased to catch up with both Craig and Jayde to congratulate them on receiving the very first of my Local Hero Grants,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This is a brand new grant program to help support local community groups and individuals across the Nanango Electorate.
“Kingaroy Christmas Carnival Committee submitted an excellent application. The new committee is working very hard to ensure we have a fun, affordable Christmas Carnival here in Kingaroy. I enjoy attending the Christmas Carnival every year, and helping to sell raffle tickets, and I am really glad I could help support their efforts.
“My grants are also open to individuals attending sporting or other representative events and Jayde Novak, a Year 12 student here in Kingaroy certainly stood out. Jayde will be representing Queensland at the National Interschool Equestrian Titles in Sydney this month and this grant will help her on her way to this competition.
“I would like to encourage more local groups to apply. The next round closes on 30 March, so there’s plenty of time to send through a submission. There are three rounds each year and four successful applicants from around the Nanango Electorate are selected in each round.
“The grants provides an opportunity to show my support, thanks and appreciation for all our hardworking volunteer groups who make such a difference for our community. And to encourage people who are attending sporting or other representative events and need assistance to make it possible,” she said.
If you would like to apply, please go to Deb’s website at www.debfrecklington.com.au or contact the Electorate office on 4190 7100.
The first four winners in Round 1 were: Maclagan-Windermere Kindy, Esk RSL, Jayde Novak and the Kingaory Christmas Carnival.
Photo: Deb presenting the $250 Local Hero Grant to Craig Lucas, President of the Kingaroy Christmas Carnival.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated the hardworking police officers and staff and inspected the brand new facilities at the Nanango Police Station.
Mrs Frecklington said she was extremely proud to have been able to deliver such a state-of-the art facility for the region.
“Our police officers in Nanango did a remarkable job in what was a very old and run down building, so they thoroughly deserve this new station,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Achieving new policing facilities was one of my key goals for the South Burnett and it was also a priority for our former LNP Government who were committed to revitalising front-line services and made the funding available.
“It is a fantastic outcome for our region and it makes me really proud to know that Nanango has gone from just one police car and about 6 officers to two cars and an official strength of 10 officers.
“In particular, there are some really important changes, like a private, sound-proof interview room, improved safety for the public and staff, and a much more functional space for our police to carry out their duties. I know this new space will make a major difference for them in their daily operations.
“Results from my recent Community Survey showed that while 69% of people felt safe in our community, 83% felt we needed more police on the beat. With Nanango Police Station now open and the $8.3million Kingaroy Police Station soon to be completed, I believe our region will be safer than ever,” Deb said.
Photos: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington with Sgt Jason Newton and staff at the new Nanango Police Station.
Women from around the Crows Nest region gathered at the Crows Nest CWA Hall on Wednesday to meet with Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington and celebrate Women’s Health Week.
Mrs Frecklington hosted the special free morning tea to give local women a chance to take some time to focus on their health, learn more and take action.
“We had two terrific guest speakers from the Breastscreen and Bowelscreen programs who provided some excellent advice and reminded us all about how to monitor our own health and remembering to make our health a priority,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We had about 25 ladies from the district come along and it was wonderful that they were able to take a few hours to relax and get updated on women’s health issues.
“We all know that women tend to focus on the needs of their family and friends, and can often overlook their own health, so it was great they made the time to come along.
“I’d especially like to thank the Crows Nest CWA Ladies who prepared such a beautiful morning tea, and the Member for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts, who came along to support the event,” Deb said.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated the first winners of her ‘Local Hero Grant’ - the Maclagan-Windermere Kindergarten.
Mrs Frecklington presented the $250 ‘big cheque’ to Kindy President, Claire Utz and her daughter Adelaide, who attends the Kindy.
“I was really pleased to meet Claire and congratulate the Maclagan Windermere Kindy on receiving the very first of my Local Hero Grants,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This is a brand new grant program to help support local community groups and individuals across the Nanango Electorate.
“When my own children were young, I was a Kindy President and mum and remember the efforts our families went to to fundraise to help our kids. So I am really happy that the Maclagan-Windermere Kindergarten applied and I could help them in this way.
“I would like to encourage more local groups to apply. The next round closes on 30 March, so there’s plenty of time to send through a submission. There are three rounds each year and four successful applicants from around the Nanango Electorate are selected in each round.
“The grants provides an opportunity to show my support, thanks and appreciation for all our hardworking volunteer groups who make such a difference for our community. And to encourage people who are attending sporting or other events and need assistance to make it possible,” she said.
If you would like to apply, please go to Deb’s website at www.debfrecklington.com.au or contact the Electorate office on 4190 7100.
Photo: Deb presenting the $250 Local Hero Grant to Claire Utz, President of the Maclagan-Windermere Kindergarten and her daughter Adelaide.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington is asking the South Burnett community – ‘RU supporting RUOK Day on 8th September?’
Mrs Frecklington said the event was an important day in the South Burnett calendar and she was looking forward to attending one of the events being held in the region at the Town Hall Forecourt.
“I have been a long term supporter and advocate for RUOK Day which is all about starting a conversation which may ultimately make a difference in someone’s life,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I hope as many people around the South Burnett as possible take the time to ask someone if they are ‘OK’.
“I’d also like to thank and congratulate all the community organisations, businesses and individuals who have organised events around our region to promote RUOK Day,” Deb said.
On behalf of primary producers and land managers in the Somerset Regional Council area, Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has highlighted with Council the extreme level of concern about their newly announced tree clearing regulations.
Mrs Frecklington said the new regulations, announced on the same day the State Opposition voted down similarly onerous vegetation management legislation in State Parliament, have taken local landholders by surprise.
“Just as the LNP Opposition voted to reject legislation which would have negatively impacted primary producers and their ability to manage native vegetation on their land, the Somerset Regional Council announced their own overlay maps for new tree clearing regulations in the region,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“While I understand the environmental sentiment behind the new maps and the need to protect koala and native animal populations, the prescriptive nature of this policy, the associated costs to landholders and retrospectivity is unacceptable.
“In the conversations I have had with local landholders, all have said they had no knowledge of the impending changes and all are concerned about the potential for the regulations to impact their productivity, viability and threaten local jobs.
“I have personally brought these concerns to the attention of Mayor Graeme Lehmann and Deputy Mayor Dan Hall to ask them to reconsider these new regulations.
“On behalf of the Somerset’s primary producers, I have requested the new regulations and overlay maps be immediately overturned and that Council go back to the drawing board and consult with all groups affected by the proposed regulations, including the region’s landholders and primary producers to reconsider possible ways forward.
