Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, Deb Frecklington, says people in the South Burnett, Somerset and Crows Nest regions should remain vigilant over the next few days as the remnants of Cyclone Debbie head our way.
Mrs Frecklington said reports are predicting heavy rainfall for the region and she is keen to ensure the community stays safe.
“It is possible we will see extensive rainfall across the region, and as we all know, our creeks and waterways are prone to flooding during these types of events.
“I would encourage people to stay off the roads if possible, and remember, if it’s flooded, forget it.
“The flooding events in 2011 and 2013 have taught our region much in regards to being prepared and staying out of flooded waters, but I hope things don’t get as bad as they have previously.
“The rain though will bring much relief for our farmers who have been struggling with such a long dry period and I know many are counting on this weather filling dams and aquifers.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has teamed up with Wilkesdale local, Owen Townsend to call for a dedicated Stoma Nurse at the Kingaroy Hospital.
Mrs Frecklington said Mr Townsend had approached her to highlight the fact that there is no Stoma Nurse available in the South Burnett, following the retirement of the previous nurse.
“Mr Townsend explained that he regularly travels to Brisbane for check-ups and appointments, however, if there is an emergency situation, there is not an equipped Stoma Nurse to assist patients at the Kingaroy Public Hospital,” said Mrs Frecklington.
“I was pleased to learn that the Markwell Medical Centre also identified the need and have started a free clinic, however, I believe this is a key service which should also be available through the public system.
“We believe there may be at least 40 people who would benefit from this support. Previously, the service was provided by Anne Davoren who has now retired. I’d like to thank Anne for the work she has done and continues to offer voluntarily in this field.
“On behalf of Mr Townsend and other people across the region who have a stoma bag, I’m calling on the State Government to provide funding for this specialised nursing service for the South Burnett.
Mr Townsend is also hoping to establish a Stoma Support Group for the region. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact the Nanango Electorate Office on 4190 7100.
Young people in the Wide Bay region continue to suffer under the Palaszczuk Government with more than 300 youth jobs being lost last month.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said youth unemployment in Wide Bay had reached over 24 per cent under Labor, who have no credible plans to create the vital jobs regional Queensland need.
“A staggering 1,300 young people have lost their jobs in the last year under the Palaszczuk Government, with 1,200 of those being full time jobs,” Mr Emerson said.
“In the last year, more young people have given up looking for work because they've lost hope the Palaszczuk Government can deliver the jobs and opportunities they need.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk continues to spruik her failed jobs programs but conveniently forgets to mention the fact that youth unemployment in the Wide Bay continues to rise.
“Young people in the Wide Bay region continue to be let down by Annastacia Palaszczuk and her do-nothing government as they continue to watch more Wide Bay jobs disappear.
“For too long the Wide Bay region has been crying out for the job-creating projects needed to turn things around - but these calls have fallen on deaf ears.”
Mr Emerson said a future LNP Government will focus on five key priorities to build a better Queensland, while having a jobs program specifically targeted at getting young people employed.
“We will create jobs across Queensland and better manage our finances, build stronger families, provide safe and liveable communities, build the roads, bridges and dams we need and deliver better government - not more government,” Mr Emerson said.
“The LNP’s $100 million Get Queensland Working program will create up to 20,000 jobs for young Queenslanders through financial incentives for businesses who take on young apprentices and vouchers for young tradies to buy their tools whether they’re a hairdresser, a carpenter or a pastry chef.
“Queensland jobseekers deserve better from Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor.”
The Queensland Parliament tonight passed important new laws to protect Queensland victims of domestic violence, their children and their families, introduced by the Liberal National party.
LNP leader Tim Nicholls said new laws including reversing the onus of proof, introduced urgent appeal rights for victims and allowing GPS trackers for offenders in domestic violence cases will save lives.
“The Queensland Parliament tonight voted to protect vulnerable victims of domestic violence,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Queenslanders are horrified and saddened every time we hear about the tragic death of another victim of domestic violence and we want the scourge of domestic violence to end.
“On behalf of every woman, man and child feeling threatened by a violent former partner, I am relieved that MPs supported reforms to provide victims better protection.
“The Queensland community was demanding action on domestic violence, and the LNP has stepped up and delivered reforms from Opposition because we couldn’t wait any longer.”
Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Ros Bates said Queensland accounted for a quarter of all domestic violence-related deaths in Australia last year.
“Domestic violence is a matter of life and death, where 18 Queensland women died at the hands of their partner, which is 18 too many,” Ms Bates said.
“That’s why the LNP appointed former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce to lead a taskforce that produced the Not Now, Not Ever report.
“The LNP have a strong record of standing up for victims of crime and ensuring that the scales of justice are balanced in favour of community safety.”
Shadow Attorney-General Ian Walker said the LNP’s measures will give the courts greater powers in certain high-risk cases to ensure the accused can’t make contact with the victim.
“It’s beyond belief Labor members refused to support important provisions around a DV bail alert system which would have seen victims alerted when a previous offender applied for bail,” Mr Walker said.
“This common-sense measure would have ensured DV victims have an early alert when an offender is released, allowing them to take the necessary safety precautions.
“Most other states across the country have already enacted similar reforms for domestic violence offences – sadly, Queensland is one of the last remaining states to act.”
Key reforms in the Bail (Domestic Violence) and Another Act Amendment Bill 2017:
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, said the region will see an injection of $4.5million for a new Hall at Kingaroy State High School.
Mrs Frecklington said the infrastructure announcement comes after the Labor Government doing nothing for school infrastructure for more than two years.
“The LNP Opposition have been calling on the Labor Government to invest money in school infrastructure and I am disappointed it has taken this long for the need to be identified,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“However, now that we do have this funding, I would like to see local contractors securing the work so Kingaroy sees the economic benefits of the project.
“I also support the statement by our Shadow Minister for Education, Tracy Davis, that it is clear Labor doesn’t have a long-term plan to meet the growing needs of schools across Queensland.
“Instead of investing more in our schools, Labor shifted $191 million out of the education and training budget* back into the kitty for whole of government priorities. To date, their only answer has been to install more demountables.
“The LNP delivered a record $600 million worth of funding for school maintenance to keep our schools in top shape.
In fact, in the Nanango Electorate, nearly $8million was invested in getting through the backlog of maintenance projects that desperately needed attention. And a further $13million was spent on Capital Works projects.
“It was the LNP that established the Schools Planning Commission, which helped secure 10 new schools for south-east Queensland through the Public Private Partnership (PPP).
“The LNP also established independent public schools and in 2014 alone we invested an extra $131 million through the Great Results Guarantee program.”
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, with students from Kingaroy State High School during a visit this month.
The LNP has delivered milestone changes to help struggling farmers facing debt with key amendments to see the introduction of a new Farm Debt Restructure Office in Queensland.
Shadow Agriculture Minister Dale Last said the LNP’s changes would establish the new office to tackle farm debt head-on under the authority of The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority.
“The LNP is focused on delivering for farmers who are doing it tough, and by successfully moving amendments we established the Farm Debt Restructure Office to give them the help they need,” Mr Last said.
“The office will provide a process for the efficient and equitable resolution of farm business debt matters between mortgagees and farmers.
“A key aspect of delivering a resolution to farmers will be providing professional staff to aid farmers in financial distress with advice and ways to improve their profitability.
“There are farmers and graziers who need our help – particularly in western Queensland where they are suffering from continued failed wet seasons and have little or no cash flow to service debt.
“We’ve acted because we are aware of the lack of professional debt restructuring services and the lack of suitable loans, and we believe the LNP’s changes will help rectify those issues and help struggling Queensland farmers.”
Mr Last said the LNP’s amendments would also see banks and other rural lenders compelled to provide data on lending and associated debt.
”We need to know the extent of this debt so we know how big this issue is for the Queensland farmers who are doing it tough, and because the banks stopped providing information we are flying blind,” he said.
“The clear message to the banks and other lenders is stop the nonsense and provide the data on debt levels, which is simple enough to do.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says it is good to see that common sense has prevailed and Beekeepers are now recognised as ‘primary producers’ by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
Mrs Frecklington said that previously TMR did not classify beekeepers as primary producers and they had been unable to access concessions when the registering their trucks.
“I was approached by a beekeeper from Kumbia towards the end of last year, who explained what was happening and I agreed with him that it seemed ridiculous beekeepers were not listed as primary producers by TMR,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The LNP’s Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Dale Last wrote to the Agriculture Minister on behalf of the Queensland Beekeepers’ Association asking that beekeepers be recognised as primary producers for the purposes of concessional vehicle registration.
“In a letter from the Minister, it has been acknowledge that beekeepers do in fact produce food and were entitled to primary producer concessions.
“This is an excellent result for beekeepers around Queensland who now have access to some relief on the cost of registering their trucks.
“I’d also like to congratulate Members of the Queensland Beekeepers Association who worked hard to help initiate this change,” Deb said.
Photo: Member for Deb Frecklington with members of the Queensland Beekeepers Association.
When Esther Kinyanjui approached Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington to help her son Edwin get back to school, Deb knew urgent action was needed.
Mrs Frecklington took up the fight for Edwin, a student of Kingaroy State High School, after Mrs Kinyanjui was told by the Education Department in Brisbane he could no longer attend school unless she paid her international student fees upfront.
“Mrs Kinyanjui moved to Kingaroy from South Australia early in 2017 to take up work as a registered nurse, and Edwin began Year 10 school at Kingaroy State High School this year,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“However, Mrs Kinyanjui was hit with a massive $9,500 bill for his school fees which she was told she had to pay upfront, otherwise, he could not come to school.
“Edwin is a very bright student who loves school and both he and his mum were devastated. Mrs Kinyanjui was able to pay in instalments, but the Education Department wouldn’t allow it.
“A young person must be able to go to school, so I immediately wrote to the Minister for Education asking for him to be able to return while an outcome could be negotiated. It was a Parliament week, so I also took the opportunity to speak directly to the Minister about Edwin’s case.
“It took a further three weeks, but we were able to get Edwin back to school. It was wonderful to meet with him and his mum and talk about his bright future.
“The family are from Kenya originally and are looking for a new start here in Kingaroy. I wish them all the best and I know Kingaroy will offer a warm welcome to them both as they start their future together in this great part of the world,” Deb said.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has welcomed the announcement of two projects to help improve safety on the D’Aguilar Highway near Kilcoy.
Mrs Frecklington said the first set of works, just west of Kilcoy, commences this week to remove roadside hazards along the highway.
“Works will be completed in stages and will involve clearing trees along the D’Aguilar between Funkners Lane, Woolmar to Spring Creek Road, Harlin,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“These works will continue throughout the year and should be completed by December 2017.
“Transport and Main Roads have identified this area as needing clearing to provide an area within the road reserve clear from objects in case a vehicle has left the road for any reason.
“The second set of works is further down the Highway where a major upgrade of the intersection with Mary Smokes Creek Road, Royston will be undertaken.
“This intersection has a high crash rate and the works will involve installing a dedicated right turn lane onto the Highway, widening the road shoulder and removing some vegetation to increase visibility,” Deb said.
“These roadworks will started in mid-2017 and will take about one month to complete once they’re underway.
“I’m pleased to see these important works planned for the D’Aguilar,” Deb said.
The LNP Opposition is today celebrating the achievements of women across Queensland as part of International Women’s Day.
LNP Leader Tim Nicholls said he was proud of the LNP’s track record in promoting women in State Parliament and was committed to ensuring women take on leadership roles, whether it be in politics, medicine, business, education or any other field.
“International Women’s Day is about forging greater awareness of gender equality and celebrating the fiercely intelligent, formidable and accomplished women we have in Queensland and around the world,” Mr Nicholls said.
“That’s why today is a great opportunity to introduce another one of our outstanding female candidates, Cr Julie Talty, for the seat of Springwood – a hardworking and respected councillor who will be a great asset to the community as a State Member.
“Along with Deputy Leader Deb Frecklington and our other women Shadow Ministers and MPs, we’re proud to have exceptional female candidates by our side – in seats from Cairns and Townsville to Pumicestone and Bulimba.
“Historically, the LNP has led the way when it comes to female leadership, with the first woman elected to State Parliament, Irene Longman, a member of the Country and Progressive National Party – a precursor to the LNP.
“The LNP proudly appointed the first female Cabinet Minister in State Parliament, Yvonne Chapman, and the first female Speaker, Fiona Simpson.
“We also had the first female Brisbane Lord Mayor in Sallyanne Atkinson and the first woman to lead a Queensland political party in Joan Sheldon.”
Ms Deb Frecklington said one of the LNP’s proudest moments was introducing and funding paid parental leave for women in the public sector.
“Across Queensland we have so many talented women – they must be given every opportunity to fulfil their potential while ensuring they are supported when starting a family,” Ms Frecklington said.
“We have a great track recording promoting young women – LNP Member for Broadwater Verity Barton was the youngest woman ever elected to State Parliament at the age of 26 and prior to that it was LNP Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson, who went on to become Speaker.
“As Deputy Leader of the LNP, I’m proud of our party’s strong history in supporting women in leadership roles and we will continue to encourage and empower women to thrive – whether it be at home, out in the community or in the boardroom.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington is fighting for the South Burnett to be drought declared following a failed wet season.
Mrs Frecklington said she is calling on the Minister for Agriculture to take notice of the lack of rainfall across the region and listen to the local community when it comes to the need for a drought declaration.
“We saw the Minister make an early announcement for the Bundaberg region and I am now calling on him to also declare the South Burnett area as in-drought,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“In the South Burnett, I have primary producers asking every day when the region will be drought declared because they just don’t have any water left.
“There has been patchy rainfall, but in general, the area is bone dry, especially in places like the Barkers Creek Flats, Gordonbrook, Kumbia and Windera.
“Last week in Parliament I questioned the process around drought declarations and revocations and I believe the Minister must do something about the South Burnett,” Deb said.
Joint Statement by
The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Member for Lyne and;
Mr David Littleproud MP, Member for Maranoa
People living in Kingaroy will have greater access to health and medical services following the area’s recent classification as a region with a doctor shortage.
Federal Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, joined the Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, in Kingaroy today to announce the area has gained District Workforce Shortage (DWS) status in the recent classification updates.
Minister Gillespie said the Coalition Government uses the DWS to distribute medical services across Australia, with a focus on making sure there are adequate services in regional, rural and remote areas.
“The population to GP ratio in Kingaroy is now worse than the national average. In light of this concerning data, I’m here today with the Member for Maranoa to announce that Kingaroy now has DWS status," Minister Gillespie said.
“DWS classifications precisely identify where doctor shortages exist, which means the recruitment of new doctors to those areas can be better targeted.”
"The government is continuing to review and improve the DWS scheme so that we can continue to meet this core objective," Minister Gillespie said.
Mr Littleproud said it was pleasing to see action being taken by the Coalition Government to ensure towns like Kingaroy will get the medical services locals deserve.
“I’ve had lengthy discussions about Kingaroy’s concerns with Minister Gillespie and I’m pleased that the DWS status has been restored.
“This has been a concern of locals in the area for some time, so I’m relieved there’s now a solution towards ensuring we can attract more doctors to the area.”
Under current regulations, some doctors, such as overseas trained doctors, foreign graduates of Australian medical schools and Australian-trained bonded doctors with return of service obligations, are restricted from providing services that attract a Medicare rebate unless they work in a DWS area.
Information about the updated DWS classifications can be found on the DoctorConnect website.
Photo: Federal Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, SB Care CEO Cheryl Dalton and Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud.
The redistribution by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) represents the biggest shake-up of electoral boundaries in 30 years.
This isn’t about politicians – it’s about Queenslanders and ensuring they get the best representation possible.
The Liberal National Party will accept the umpire’s decision. We are united and focused on delivering the jobs, infrastructure and safer communities that Queensland needs to reach its full potential.
We, the LNP State team, have carefully studied the findings and are pleased to confirm:
Our proven track record in delivering for our constituents means the LNP is the only party that will listen, plan and act to Build a Better Queensland.
As a team, we will continue to deliver for the people of Toowoomba, Condamine, Nanango and Beaudesert.
Given that Annastacia Palaszczuk has indicated an election will be held on the new boundaries, the LNP will be working tirelessly to deliver for our current electorates and will hit the ground running serving the new ones too.
Sadly, Queensland will lose a great warrior, a gentle giant and a passionate advocate for regional and rural Queensland at the next State election.
I personally want to pay tribute and thank Jeff Seeney for his colossal contribution to public life in Queensland.
Jeff is one of the great believers in Queensland, in its future and in our Parliament.
Jeff and I have stood shoulder to shoulder and fought many battles together, none more so than fighting Labor’s sale of Queensland Rail in 2010. A fight that took us into the early hours of the morning and saw a full use of Jeff’s mastery of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Queensland, especially regional Queensland is better off for Jeff’s devotion and presence in Parliament.
Since I first entered the Parliament, Jeff Seeney has been both a mentor and my great friend.
I pay tribute to Therese Seeney. Behind all of us, is a family which puts up with our absences, our constant communication and our need to have a broader family of some 30,000 voters in each of our electorates.
I look forward to working with Jeff as he continues to represent the people of Callide and be part of the team that is determined to see the LNP returned to government at the next election.
I welcome the release of the Coordinator-General’s report on the Coopers Gap Wind Farm Environmental Impact Study.
As I’ve consistently said since I was first elected in 2012, should this project go ahead it could create up to 350 construction jobs and ongoing employment for up to 20 people in the region.
I am pleased that my push for jobs to be offered to local people has been successful. The EIS notes that during the construction phase, AGL has committed to maximising local employment and local contractors. They have also committed to a local ongoing workforce, which means one full-time job for every four to six wind turbines.
My next push will be for the full-time jobs to be based in the South Burnett and I will be making this clear to AGL during future discussions.
In regards to noise levels, I have always said this was a concern, especially for those people who will be neighbours to the wind farm. The Coordinator-General notes that some submissions to the EIS process also raised these concerns and he has stated conditions for AGL to meet. These include that AGL must provide an updated noise impact assessment prior to construction to confirm the noise modelling they have presented in the EIS. There must also be a noise monitoring plan for approval prior to construction to demonstrate that the wind farm will operate in compliance with the noise limits. A further stated condition is for noise monitoring to be undertaken at 3 months and again at 12 months following the wind farm being fully operational.
The LNP Shadow Cabinet is heading to Bundaberg this weekend and locals are invited to meet the team and speak face-to-face with Shadow Ministers about the issues important to them.
LNP Leader Tim Nicholls said the community forum was a great opportunity for families, business owners and community groups to speak first-hand to Shadow Ministers about infrastructure, police, crime, transport, health and education.
“Deb and I can’t wait to bring the team to Bundaberg to pound the pavement and hear from locals on the issues that matter most,” Mr Nicholls said.
“The LNP community forum will give locals the opportunity to register for meetings with any Shadow Minister they like, in any portfolio – whether it be agriculture, health, infrastructure, police or education.
“It is extremely important to me that my Shadow Ministers are in regional communities listening first-hand to the issues facing locals.”
Deputy LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the Liberal National Party will always listen to Regional Queenslanders and act in their best interests.
“This isn’t our first time in Bundy, but we’re even more excited to bring the entire Shadow Cabinet along this time around,” Ms Frecklington said.
“We know people are frustrated with the major parties and that is why the Liberal National Party has been out-and-about listening to Regional Queenslanders.
“The LNP is listening, we are planning and we will always act in the best interests of people in Regional Queensland.
“The LNP represents the best of both traditions – Liberal and National. We will always work together to get the best for all Queenslanders.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible so be sure to register early to ensure your spot.”
LNP Shadow Cabinet Community Forum:
Tonight the LNP moved a motion calling on all Members of Parliament to denounce calls from Get Up! to close Queensland coal and gas-fired power stations.
Calls to close these power stations are completely irresponsible and tonight, instead of taking leadership, Labor turned a blind eye.
The worst offender was Labor’s Energy Minister Mark Bailey.
We know Mr Bailey is aware of GetUp’s position on coal and gas-fired power stations because he used his personal email account on 12 October to communicate GetUp’s position to his ministerial advisors.
We don’t know what the advice back to the Minister was because it is related to consideration of Cabinet and was withheld under the RTI Act.
This proves Mr Bailey was doing Cabinet business on his private email.
He knows closing Queensland’s gas and coal-fired generators would bring an end to thousands of Queensland jobs. It would also wipe billions of dollars of much-needed investment from our state.
Yet Labor continues to pursue their extreme 50% renewable energy target that will cost Queensland families $317 million more for electricity over 13 years and $6.2 billion in lost revenue for power stations.
To add insult to injury, this Government refuses to acknowledge that renewable energy is more expensive than existing coal and gas-fired power stations.
Once again Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Ministers are more interested in protecting inner-city Green votes than protecting jobs and bringing down energy prices for Queensland families.
Queenslanders are sick of Labor saying one thing in regional Queensland and doing another in Brisbane.
