Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington is calling for volunteers and volunteering organisations to have their say as part of the Parliamentary Inquiry to supporting Queensland volunteers.
Mrs Frecklington said the inquiry aims to investigate the barriers preventing higher rates of volunteering across the community.
“Here in the Nanango electorate, we rely heavily on the efforts of volunteers, but it’s no secret participation numbers have fallen,” she said.
“The Salvos, Rural Fire Brigades, Scouts QLD, SES, and various other vital volunteer organisations are the backbone of our local community and quite frankly, we’d be lost without these volunteers.
“However we know there are far too many barriers getting in the way of these dedicated volunteers and this inquiry is the first step to ensure that anyone who has a passion to make a difference in our local community has every opportunity to become a volunteer.”
“The Inquiry delivers on a key commitment from the Government’s 100 Day Plan and will deliver a lifeline to the sector”.
Participation rates among volunteers have fallen by more than 10 per cent over the previous three years.
“Time, health, financial matters, burnout; these are just some of the issues we hope to be able to help address,” said Deb
“Our volunteers are at the core of our communities and are always putting others first and it’s high time we put them first”.
“Our government is listening and the voices of volunteers on the frontline are crucial to finding a better way forward.
“I encourage our volunteers and organisations to reach out, get involved, and have their say.”
The inquiry will focus on the following five areas:
1.Restrictions on volunteering caused by legislation and regulation
2. Current government support for the sector and opportunities for improvement
3. Barriers to volunteering for non-volunteers
4. Current restrictions adversely limiting active volunteers
5. Opportunities for diversification in the volunteer workforce
The Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee invites submissions addressing any aspect of the inquiry from all interested parties.
Guidelines for making a submission to the parliamentary committee are available here: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=0&id=4456
The closing date for written submissions is 5pm, Friday 28 February 2025.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington is pleased to reveal the Crisafulli Government has delivered a key election commitment by making all wind farm developments impact assessable from Monday, 3 February.
This new planning pathway is the first step in ensuring all renewable projects are subject to the same rigorous approval processes as other major development projects. It will now be mandatory for developers to consult with local councils, communities, and other stakeholders for all new wind farm projects.
“These changes are the first step in fixing Labor’s failed laws which overlooked the importance of our regional communities.” said Deb
“For nearly a decade, the previous Labor Government failed to consult Queenslanders on major renewable projects, and that’s why the LNP Government was determined to give local communities a voice”.
“It’s only fair that communities are properly consulted on any new renewable energy developments in their own backyard, just as suburban communities are when it comes to high-rise residential projects in their neighbourhoods.” Deb said
“We promised to make the approvals process a level playing field with the same rigorous requirements, including community consultation, no matter the project and we are delivering on that promise.”
“The government will continue to listen to Queenslanders and engage with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector as further approval process enhancements are made” said Deb
Looking ahead, the next phase will focus on making other renewable energy projects, such as large-scale solar farm developments, impact assessable.
Deb Frecklington, Member for Nanango, is calling on young people from the Nanango Electorate to apply for the role of Youth Member for Nanango in the upcoming 2025 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.
Deb announced that nominations are now open for this year’s Youth Parliament, which begins with a launch weekend from 11-13 April at Parliament House in Brisbane.
"Young people, aged 15 to 25, will be selected to discuss the issues affecting youth today and develop legislation to be debated later in the year," Deb said.
"These young parliamentarians will represent the 93 Queensland electorates, chosen for their passion, ability to represent their communities, and commitment to addressing key issues in Queensland" She said.
"Such opportunities are vital in encouraging young people to get involved in decision-making, learn how to initiate change, and work towards improving our communities."
"All Youth Members will participate in meetings, mentoring, training, and research, culminating in the debate of their proposed Bills at Parliament House during the residential week in Brisbane from 28 September."
"Applications for the 2025 program close on 14 February, so I encourage anyone interested to apply soon," Deb added.
"Youth Parliament provides young people with valuable insight into the government’s decision-making process, while offering exceptional leadership opportunities for those who may one day become future leaders."
“Emma Lindholm, the 2024 Nanango Youth Member, was an outstanding representative, and I look forward to welcoming the next Youth Member soon."
For more details about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament and to apply, visit YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.
Member for Nanango, and Queensland’s new Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Deb Frecklington has made Kingaroy the focus of her first official visit in her new role.
Deb said it was an important opportunity, following the outcome of the recent state election and her appointment as Attorney-General, to head back to Kingaroy and meet with staff at her local Courthouse.
“The Kingaroy Court House is a vital part of our local justice system and as Attorney General, I’m committed to ensuring all communities like ours have access to fair, transparent, and efficient justice,” Deb said.
“It was also a very special moment for me, having spent so much time at the Kingaroy Courthouse as a local solicitor, to be able to head home and show my support and appreciation to the Courthouse staff.
“I look forward to working together with all our local Courthouses to build a stronger, safer Queensland,” Deb said.
Photo caption 1: Member for Nanango and Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington made her first official visit in her new role to the Kingaroy Courthouse.
It is an absolute honour to be returned as the State Member for Nanango and as a member of the new Crisafulli Government as we work to deliver a fresh start of Queensland.
I would especially like to thank the people of the Nanango Electorate for putting their faith in me to continue to represent them in the Queensland Parliament.
My priority will be the key issues affecting our region, including the poor state of our road network, youth crime, access to health services and housing shortages.
This is what I’ll be working to achieve for our Nanango Electorate communities – right across the South Burnett, Somerset, northern Toowoomba, Cherbourg and western Gympie areas.
As a passionate advocate for regional Queensland, I am committed to ensuring our region has access to the same quality of services as our city cousins.
I also believe that areas like ours are the growth centre of Queensland and it is my priority to ensure our region gets its fair share.
I’ll be working hard each and every day because I love this area, and the people who call our beautiful part of the world home.
A big thanks must also go to the many volunteers who supported me during the election campaign and on voting day. I can’t thank them enough for their time and dedication.
Photo caption: Deb and her husband Jason casting their vote on election day.
The LNP will provide certainty to the Wide Bay Burnett by rebuilding Paradise Dam and constructing two new weirs along the Burnett River catchment.
The comprehensive plan for water security and capacity will meet the growing needs of Wide Bay Burnett producers and turbocharge agricultural production in the region.
The LNP’s plan includes:
Shadow Minister for Water and the Construction of Dams Deb Frecklington said the plan will boost agriculture in the region and allow producers to increase their volumes.
“Because of Labor’s failures, farmers in the Wide Bay Burnett have spent years in limbo worrying if they’ll have the water they need to support and grow their businesses,” Ms Frecklington said.
“As well as rebuilding Paradise Dam, the LNP will massively increase water storage capacity in the region by building the Cooranga and Barlil weirs.
“This will boost water security and create hundreds of local jobs in construction.”
LNP candidate for Bundaberg Bree Watson said the LNP’s water plan was a shot in the arm for local producers and businesses.
“When water dries up, business does too. Labor’s failures have left Wide Bay Burnett farmers unable to confidently plant crops, with devastating flow-on effects for Bundaberg,” Ms Watson said.
“We live in one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, and this announcement will allow us to fully realise our potential.”
LNP Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said farming families have been left reeling by Labor's failures.
“Because of Labor’s failures at Paradise Dam, farmers have had to plant fewer crops, driving up the cost of fruit and vegetables in Queensland grocery stores,” Mr Bennett said.
“The LNP will deliver water security for the Wide Bay Burnett, so that local families and farming businesses have certainty to invest and grow.”
Bree Watson said Queenslanders could vote for water security in the Wide Bay Burnett region, by voting LNP on October 26.
“Labor is desperate to hold onto power, risking a Greens/Labor Coalition of Chaos that is ideologically opposed to dams and water projects,” Ms Watson said.
“This is the opportunity for a Fresh Start with the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”