Media | Local News

Local News - September 2020

Nanango Electorate Election Commitment - Deb will secure new hall for Kilcoy State High School

Nanango Electorate Election Commitment - Deb will secure new hall for Kilcoy State High School

30th September 2020

LNP Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington will secure funding for a proper school hall for Kilcoy State High School if the LNP wins government at the state election.

Mrs Frecklington said she had fought on behalf of the school community for several years to secure the funding, but the calls have not been heard by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

“Kilcoy State High is a fantastic place to learn, but a new school hall has been needed for a long time,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“While the school has a covered outdoor learning area, it isn’t suitable for important ceremonies and events, and there are no other halls in the Kilcoy region with the required seating capacity.

“It really is unacceptable that a high school of this size doesn’t have an enclosed school hall with seating and modern facilities.

“More than 400 students attend Kilcoy SHS and the number keeps growing, so we need to get this project started now.

“The Kilcoy SHS P&C identified this project back in 2013 and I am pleased to support them in their push for better facilities.

“If the LNP wins the next election and forms government, we will build a $5.5m hall for Kilcoy State High School.

“The LNP will invest in the education of our kids and invest in our school buildings,” Deb said.

Photo: LNP Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington with Kilcoy SHS P&C President, Tony Martin, inspecting the proposed plans for a proper School Hall for Kilcoy SHS.

Nanango Electorate Election Commitment - Deb to deliver full-time Paediatrician for South Burnett

29th September 2020

LNP Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has pledged to secure a full-time Paediatrician for the South Burnett if the LNP wins government at the state election.

Mrs Frecklington said she has been fighting for the service for many years, as local children are missing out on vital paediatric specialist support.

“There is a clear need for a full-time paediatrician in the South Burnett,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“Our children face long waiting times, sometimes two years or more.

“For a growing child, this can mean the difference between a good outcome or a lifetime of struggle.

“Unfortunately, my previous requests to Labor’s Health Minister have been rejected, including a petition signed by 1,800 local people.

“Labor just don’t get regional communities such as ours and they obviously don’t understand the difficulties parents face trying to have their children seen by a specialist, as well as the added complication of having to travel to Toowoomba or Brisbane.

“It’s unacceptable and our kids deserve better.

“I’m proud to announce an LNP Government will fund a full-time paediatrician right here in the South Burnett.

“This is about ensuring local kids can get the basic health services they need close to home,” Deb said.

Federal Announcement - BRIDGES AND HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY FUNDING FLOWS TO THE SOMERSET

Federal Announcement - BRIDGES AND HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY FUNDING FLOWS TO THE SOMERSET

29th September 2020

Five projects across the Somerset region will receive a share of more than $290 million in Australian Government funding under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).

This includes safety and productivity improvements to Esk-Crows Nest Road and Lowood-Minden Road, as well as improvements to 17 bridges and the replacement of two timber bridges. The total amount of funding being provided to the Somerset Regional Council is $5.1 million.

Senator Paul Scarr said: “I know how important these projects are for the Somerset Regional Council. I have been fighting for the region to get these funds for the last six months. I am delighted that the Somerset region is getting its fair share.”

“This funding will provide local jobs and quality infrastructure just when it is needed most. I have seen the quality of the Somerset Regional Council’s works programme and I know that every dollar will be spent well.”

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said, “We are absolutely ecstatic and very grateful to the Australian Government for their contribution of $5.1 million to make this all possible.”

“This Commonwealth money will see our busiest local road, Lowood-Minden Road widened and made safer and more productive, make sure 19 local bridges can carry commercial loads and see Esk-Crows Nest Road significantly improved for cattle producers transporting to our largest local employer, Kilcoy Global Foods.”

“It all adds up to long-term jobs, improved road safety and big productivity gains for our area.”

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, and Member for Lockyer, Jim McDonald also welcomed the funding announcement.

“The Federal Government have injected significant funding into the Somerset region over the past few years through the Bridges Renewal Program and the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and the impact it is having on road safety and improved productivity for our community is obvious,” Deb Frecklington said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said these latest rounds would support 350 projects across the nation.

“I am pleased to deliver more than $290 million in funding to more than 350 projects nationwide, which will upgrade and replace bridges which have been damaged or are deteriorating and improve key heavy vehicle infrastructure,” Mr McCormack said.

“By improving our road network this funding will also help keep people safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities.

“This includes our truckies, who form an essential part of the backbone of our national economy and have been working tirelessly during COVID-19 to keep shelves stocked, hospitals supplied and the economy moving.

“Now more than ever the continued roll out of road infrastructure projects is important to support local jobs, underpin economic growth and ensure all Australians can reach their destinations sooner and safer and communities can rest assured that’s exactly what our Government is doing.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said 50 per cent of this funding would benefit communities impacted by the ongoing drought and earlier bushfire events.

“$146.97 million in funding through these rounds will go to councils affected by bushfires, drought or both – providing secure work for local construction contractors and businesses who have felt the cumulative impact of these events and now COVID-19 while delivering lasting infrastructure that will benefit the region for years to come,” Mr Buchholz said.

“Already more than 500 projects funded through the BRP and HVSPP across the country have either been completed or are well underway and I look forward to getting shovels in the ground on these next projects.”

Deb’s plan to four-lane the Bruce Highway

28th September 2020

Highway upgrade will be Queensland’s biggest infrastructure project

The LNP will launch the biggest infrastructure project regional Queensland has ever seen if it wins the next state election – four-laning the Bruce Highway from Cairns to Gympie.

The massive construction project will cost an estimated $33bn over the next 15 years, creating 100,000 jobs and supercharging coastal economies.

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said Queensland companies would be given preference for contracts over interstate and international construction corporations – with tenders scaled to allow local small and medium-sized businesses to bid.

“With almost 200,000 Queenslanders out of work, we need major infrastructure projects to create jobs and drag us out of recession,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Four-laning the Bruce Highway will create the jobs we need right now, but it will also benefit Queensland for generations to come.

“The upgraded Bruce Highway will have a speed limit of 110kmh and will boost the economic productivity of regional Queensland and Brisbane too.

“Labor have short-changed the regions for years when it comes to infrastructure.

“An LNP Government will ensure the regions finally get the investment they need and deserve.

“The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s most important economic lifeline but long stretches of the road are slow, dangerous and prone to flooding.

“The LNP will build a faster, safer and more resilient Bruce Highway.

“Our plan for the Bruce is bold and ambitious, but I believe Queensland must start building for the future.

“That’s why the LNP’s economic plan also includes the New Bradfield Scheme, as well as five new regional dam projects.

“Only the LNP has a plan to get Queensland working again.”

Ms Frecklington said an LNP Government would immediately invest $50m in planning for a four-lane Bruce from Curra, just north of Gympie, to Cairns.

In addition, an LNP Government will increase the annual Bruce Highway budget by 125% – from $200m to $440m.

An LNP Government would work with the Morrison Federal Government to secure an 80:20 federal-state funding arrangement to meet the $33bn cost of the 15-year project.

A dedicated panel of local construction contractors will be assembled to ensure regional companies are prioritised when contracts are awarded.

Construction will create an estimated 6820 full-time jobs a year – more than 100,000 jobs over the life of the project.

“I want every dollar that we spend on the Bruce to come back to Queenslanders,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Now is the time to look after our own.”

The Bruce Highway is a two-lane road for 1470km of its total 1650km length.

“Four-laning the Bruce Highway will improve safety, cut congestion, increase reliability and create jobs,” LNP Shadow Transport Minister Steve Minnikin said.

“Labor announced a Bruce Highway Trust to look at ways to improve the road in 2017, but the trust’s first meeting only took place in July this year – that’s 33 months later.

“The last LNP Government concluded a deal with the Federal Government that secured $8.5bn of upgrades to the Bruce.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk has never backed the Bruce Highway and never will.”

LNP Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said only the LNP had a plan to build infrastructure that will supercharge Queensland’s regions.

“An LNP Government will be able to fund job-creating infrastructure because we have a plan to grow the economy,” Mr Mander said

“We’ll cut Labor’s waste and invest for growth with projects like four-laning the Bruce Highway and building the New Bradfield Scheme.

“Only the LNP has a plan to stimulate the economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag Queensland out of recession.

“Only the LNP will get Queensland working again.”

Four-lane Bruce Hwy will boost Wide Bay

28th September 2020

The LNP’s plan to four-lane the Bruce Highway will deliver huge benefits for businesses and workers in the Wide Bay, LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said today.

Ms Frecklington today stopped at a Wide Bay farm on the first day of her regional road-trip along the Bruce to outline her plan to four-lane the highway between Curra and Cairns.

The massive construction project will cost an estimated $33bn over the next 15 years, creating 100,000 jobs and supercharging Queensland’s coastal economies.

“The LNP’s plan will deliver a safer, stronger and more efficient Bruce Highway for everyone in the Wide Bay region,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The LNP will ensure that Wide Bay construction contracts go to Wide Bay businesses to create new jobs for locals.

“Thanks to the anti-regions Palaszczuk Labor Government, Wide Bay now has the highest unemployment rate in Queensland and almost 14,000 people here are unemployed.

“Our plan will create construction jobs, but will also boost productivity and help Wide Bay businesses to grow – creating further jobs for this region.

“Right now, the Wide Bay economy depends on a two-lane road that can be closed for hours at a time by crashes or accidents.

“Our plan for the Bruce is bold and ambitious, but I believe Queensland must start building for the future.

“Only an LNP Government will get Queensland working again.”

The Bruce Highway is a two-lane road for 1470km of its total 1650km length.

An LNP Government would work with the Morrison Federal Government to secure an 80:20 federal-state funding arrangement to meet the $33bn cost of the 15-year project.

A dedicated panel of local Queensland construction contractors will be assembled to ensure regional companies are prioritised when contracts are awarded.

Construction will create an estimated 6820 full-time jobs a year – more than 100,000 jobs over the life of the project.

The LNP will also invest a further $50m to provide more driver reviver rest stops along the Bruce Highway and upgrade existing stops.

Road safety data shows there were 126 fatalities on the highway between 2014 and 2018 – an average of more than 30 lives lost a year.

LNP Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said extra investment in the Bruce Highway was long overdue.

“The Bruce is our gateway to the South-East and to North Queensland,” Mr Bennett said.

“The Bruce Highway is critical to our economy, but huge sections of the road are too slow and too dangerous.

“A more efficient, four-lane Bruce would ensure that local farmers and businesses can send and receive deliveries on time.

“A better Bruce Highway will also encourage more tourists to visit and explore our region.

“Only the LNP has a plan to turn Queensland’s most important road into Queensland’s best road.”

LNP Member for Bundaberg David Batt said his electorate urgently needed the benefits of a four-lane Bruce Highway.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government will never prioritise the infrastructure that Bundaberg needs,” Mr Batt said.

“With thousands of local people out of work, it’s time to invest in job-creating infrastructure like the four-lane Bruce Highway.

“Only the LNP has a plan to stimulate the Wide Bay economy, create a decade of secure jobs and drag us out of recession.

“Only an LNP Government will get Queensland working again.”

1,500 support Specialist Cancer Nurse Petition

1,500 support Specialist Cancer Nurse Petition

24th September 2020

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, has officially tabled in State Parliament the petition calling for the appointment of a Specialist Cancer Nurse for the South Burnett.

Mrs Frecklington said she was extremely proud to support the petition, which secured more than 1,500 signatures.

“This is a really important petition which has received widespread support from the South Burnett community, with more than 1,100 hard copy signatures and more than 400 online signatures,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“I would like to especially thank Eric Cross, who was the Principal Petitioner, and his wife Carla for making sure copies of the petition were available throughout the community. There were many other dedicated supporters as well and the number of signatures shows just how much the community wants this service to return.

“A similar service had been operating for nearly two years until it was ceased in late 2019. So many people were disappointed to hear it would no longer be available as it had become much valued.

“In fact, when the service ceased in late 2019, there were 76 active clients, with 10-12 new referrals each month.

“There are a large number of cancer patients in the South Burnett, with the number of people dying from cancer in Murgon, Cherbourg and Wondai 15% above the national average and 9% above the average for Kingaroy.

“In February this year I wrote to the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Board calling for the reinstatement of this specialist role.

“However, they have noted that the role will now be general and not specific to a particular disease. While I appreciate this new role is also important, cancer patients are telling me that they are very disappointed to lose this essential cancer specific service, which guided them through their cancer journey.

“The petition has called for the appointment of a Specialist Cancer Nurse role for the South Burnett. The Minister for Health has four weeks to provide an official response and we are all hoping this petition will help convince them that we need this service returned,” Deb said.

Labor sells fake news to Barambah Creek Farmers

23rd September 2020

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says the Labor Government’s announcement that Barambah Creek Farmers now have water security is nothing but fake news.

Mrs Frecklington said some local farmers from the Barambah Creek Groundwater sub-areas had actually been given reduced water licence volumes following negotiations with the Department of Natural Resources.

“These negotiations with the Department have been taking place since 2017, but it appears the method used by the Government to calculate the entitlements has not delivered a fair result,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“It became obvious that cracks started to appear in this process in late 2019 when several producers approached me with their concerns.

“So, it is very disappointing that the Minister thinks these licences give people confidence to expand their businesses as it is completely false.

“In fact, some of the entitlements do not allow for the current sustainability of their farming business, let alone the growth of that business.

“This is extremely concerning, as this area through Mondure, Wheatlands, Byee and Wooroonden is an important part of the South Burnett economy and an extremely productive and fertile area.

“It is very concerning that after such a long time negotiating these licences with the Government that many farmers are not getting a fair deal.

“I would call on the Minister to urgently reconsider the allocations for those who are disappointed with their outcome,” Deb said.

“The LNP is the only part in Queensland that has a plan to create new water infrastructure throughout the state including the New Bradfield Scheme.

“As well as building more water infrastructure, the LNP will also slash the price of water for 1 July 2021 for the more than 5,000 SunWater irrigators by almost 20% - including the more than 160 on the Barker Barambah Scheme.

“Unlike the LNP, Annastacia Palaszczuk has no plan to provide the long-term infrastructure and structural reform farmers need to ensure they will have access to affordable water.

LNP commits to securing local jobs on Darling Downs

17th September 2020

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington is calling on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to save existing jobs on the Darling Downs by approving the New Acland mine expansion.

On a visit to the mine site at Muldu today, Ms Frecklington said Labor was putting local jobs at risk by changing the goal posts and delaying approvals.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is the only thing standing in the way of this project and the local jobs that depend on it,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Labor’s anti-resources ideology is putting jobs at risk on the Darling Downs.

“This project would be approved as a priority by an LNP Government because we need to stimulate the economy, create secure jobs and drag Queensland out of recession.

“The expansion will be a significant jobs-generator and support local businesses in the Darling Downs economy.

“With a record 234,000 Queenslanders on the unemployment queue, the LNP will fast-track projects that support jobs and drag our state out of recession.

“When regional economies boom, Queensland booms, and that’s I will back resource projects that will secure our economic future.

“Labor is anti-resources, anti-jobs and anti-regions.

“Jackie Trad told miners to re-skill that’s what resource workers will be doing across Queensland if Labor is re-elected on October 31.

“The Toowoomba region has lost 4400 jobs in the last year and can’t afford another year’s of Labor’s anti-resources policies.

“The LNP’s economic plan will unleash industry, supercharge the regions and help make Queensland the economic powerhouse of Australia once again.”

Approval of New Acland’s Stage 3 is worth 487 direct jobs. Thousands of indirect jobs and $7 billion to the Queensland economy is at risk if New Acland Stage 3 isn’t approved.

Labor previously promised to allow the mine expansion if the Land Court ruled it could proceed – which it has since done. But Labor is now using further legal objections to the project to withhold final approval – once again shifting the goalposts.

LNP Member for Condamine Pat Weir said the LNP had a track record of supporting the New Acland Stage 3 and supporting local jobs.

“I have relentlessly advocated for the expansion’s approval because of how important these local jobs are for our community,” Mr Weir said.

“The local community supports the mine, but Annastacia Palaszczuk continues to delay and hide behind the appeal process.

“Local workers have already been laid off because of Labor’s delays and more jobs are at risk.

“Regional communities like Oakey are hurting like never before because of Labor’s anti-resources, anti-regions and anti-jobs agenda.

“The delays have dragged on for far too long and Palaszczuk Labor Government has failed to grasp just how important these local jobs to the survival of many regional communities.

“It’s clear the only job Annastacia Palaszczuk cares about is her own.

“Only the LNP will restore confidence and secure the new investment that the regions are crying out for – and we’ll start by approving the New Acland expansion.”

The LNP’s plan to support the gas and resources industry includes:

  • A 10-year royalties guarantee to provide investment certainty for the resources industry
  • A new Queensland Resources Industry Commissioner to promote the state to international investors (a position terminated by the Palaszczuk Labor Government)
  • A faster approvals process, with key performance indicators tracked and published to restore industry confidence in the Queensland Government
  • A new Queensland Infrastructure Fund to collect and invest all royalties from the Galilee Basin in new infrastructure across Queensland

The LNP’s plan for Queensland also includes a no-new-tax guarantee and cheaper electricity prices for regional areas, delivered through the introduction of retail price competition.

Labor’s smoke and mirrors can’t hide rural fire cuts

9th September 2020

The LNP has accused the Palaszczuk Labor Government of using smoke and mirrors to hide cuts to Queensland’s rural fire brigades.

Labor yesterday announced that the rural fire budget had been ‘increased’ to $47.1m – but did not provide a breakdown of the funding figure and did not release how much had spent on the brigades in 2019-20.

In 2018/19 total funding for rural fire brigades was $53.5m - $6.4m more than the figure announced yesterday*.

LNP Shadow Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Lachlan Millar said the only undisputed fact was that Labor had slashed rural fire funding by $6.4m over the last two years.

“No-one is buying Labor’s spin on fire funding,” Mr Millar said.

“The Rural Fire Brigade Association has already said there’s a good chance that this funding ‘increase’ is not real**.

“The LNP’s fight against rural fire brigade cuts has clearly rattled the Palaszczuk Labor Government – but I won’t stop fighting for our volunteer firefighters.

“It’s time for Labor to come clean on rural fire funding.

“Queenslanders need to see a full Budget so we can see where our taxes have been spent – and how Labor has cut funding.”

Mr Millar said Queensland’s rural firies deserved straight answers from Labor.

“Just a year ago these men and women were on the frontline of a horrific bushfire season, giving their all to protect their communities,” Mr Millar said.

“These cuts mean less money for training, less money for fire trucks and less money for equipment. No wonder volunteers are walking away from our rural brigades.”

In contrast with Labor’s cuts to rural fire brigades, the LNP has announced a10-point bushfire mitigation plan, which includes restoring local control to rural fire brigades as well as establishing a dedicated Rural Fire Board.

“A Deb Frecklington LNP Government will treat rural firies with the respect they deserve and provide them with the equipment they need to keep communities safe,” Mr Millar said.

* Funding is detailed in the response to Question on Notice 1488: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2019/1488-2019.pdf

** See RFBAQ comment:
https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/6915857/rural-firies-in-the-dark-on-budget/?cs=4785

The LNP’s 10-point bushfire mitigation plan

 

  • One-stop-shop for streamlined approval process: The LNP will establish a single point of contact for all landholders (local, state and federal) to answer and enable bushfire mitigation inquiries, as recommended by the 2018 IGEM report.
  • Deemed approval after 15 business days under a "right to burn" model: Properly made applications will be automatically approved after 15 business days to give landholders and councils certainty. This will stop permits getting lost in bureaucratic process and restore accountability and bring certainty to landholders and allow government to scale up or down resources to respond to demands for permits.
  • New KPIs to achieve 98 per cent of hazard reduction activities: There are currently no KPIs holding government departments to account on hazard reduction burns, the creation of firebreaks and community education. Between 2016 and 2019, Only 54% of hazard reduction burns planned have been completed. There’s also been a 30 per cent reduction in completed overall hazard reduction activities.
  • Indigenous rangers to undertake traditional burning: The LNP will trial a traditional burning program run by indigenous rangers. The program won’t replace Rural Fire Brigades’ role in managing and coordinating hazard reduction burns. It will compliment pre-existing efforts by combining traditional and modern burning practices. Blending cultural and modern burning techniques has proven successful and should be expanded.
  • Establish a Natural Disaster Cabinet Committee to monitor preparations: The group will be chaired by the Emergency Services Minister and QFES Commissioner. It will monitor the progress of state departments and landholders conducting hazard reduction activities.
  • Monitored grazing in state forests, some national parks to manage fuel loads: The 2018 IGEM report cited grazing as a measure used in conjunction with a suite of hazard reduction measures. Grazing will be monitored to protect the environment but also manage fuel loads.
  • Establish metropolitan-based Rural Fire Volunteer brigades: Just like in Sydney and Melbourne where brigades exist that are operated by volunteer firefighters that can be called on during extreme bushfire events to surge capacity, a similar model should be investigated in Queensland to make use of the large number of SEQ based volunteers.
  • Restore local control to Rural Fire brigades: This will restore recent management structure changes that pushed local fire brigades under the reporting authority of regional urban fire groups.
  • Establish a Rural Fire Board: The Rural Fire Board will be made up of respected rural fire brigade members from across Queensland as well as members appointed by the Government. Future policy direction or matters that affect brigades and volunteers would need to be accepted or made workable by this representative board.
  • Review of aerial firefighting capability: A review and stock take of aviation fire assets in Queensland to ensure the state’s capacity will accommodate future increased fire risks.

 

Bushfire Royal commission interim report backs LNP’s plan

2nd September 2020

The Australian Government’s Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements interim report has highlighted opportunities for improvements that line up with the LNP’s 10-point Bushfire Mitigation Plan.

LNP Shadow Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Lachlan Millar said that the report, released on August 31, endorses key elements of the LNP’s comprehensive plan to get Queensland bushfire ready.

“The report clearly points to the fact that State and Territory Governments have the responsibility of managing natural disasters including preparation and mitigation activities,” Mr Millar said.

“This is an endorsement of LNP’s bushfire mitigation plan which will increase preventative measures, provide certainty for landholders and support frontline firefighters.

“In emphasising that the ‘practical implementation of land management rests with the landholder’ the report prioritises the importance of the LNP’s plan to streamline ‘right to burn’ rules if approvals are not processed in 15 days**.

“The report also outlines the importance of prescribed burning, mechanical clearing—such as slashing, thinning and mowing—and grazing by animals as managing bushfire behaviour and increasing the potential for suppression***.

“Labor has failed to meet its targets for ‘Operation Cool Burn’ five years in a row.

“It’s hard to believe that after last year’s horrendous bushfires, the Palaszczuk Labor Government still hasn’t met its own hazard reduction targets.

“Labor has no performance targets for holding government departments to account, which is why the LNP’s bushfire plan includes a commitment to complete 98% of all planned hazard reduction activities.

“The LNP also has a plan to allow monitored grazing in state forests and some national parks to manage fuel loads

“The report also lines up with the LNP’s plan to trial a traditional burning program run by indigenous rangers****.

“Labor should release the actual number of planned and delivered hazard reduction burns, instead of fudging the figures.

“A Deb Frecklington LNP Government will undertake adequate mitigation activities to ensure Queensland lives and properties are protected from future bushfire threats.”

* Bushfire Royal Commission – Interim Observations 31 August 2020: https://naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/2020-08/Interim%20Observations%20-31%20August%202020_0.pdf
** Public and private land management: Page 16
*** Public and private land management: Page 16
**** Indigenous land and fire management: page 17

The LNP’s 10-point bushfire mitigation plan
One-stop-shop for streamlined approval process: The LNP will establish a single point of contact for all landholders (local, state and federal) to answer and enable bushfire mitigation inquiries, as recommended by the 2018 IGEM report.

Deemed approval after 15 business days under a "right to burn" model: Properly made applications will be automatically approved after 15 business days to give landholders and councils certainty. This will stop permits getting lost in bureaucratic process and restore accountability and bring certainty to landholders and allow government to scale up or down resources to respond to demands for permits.

New KPIs to achieve 98 per cent of hazard reduction activities: There are currently no KPIs holding government departments to account on hazard reduction burns, the creation of firebreaks and community education. Between 2016 and 2019, only 54% of hazard reduction burns planned have been completed. There’s also been a 30 per cent reduction in completed overall hazard reduction activities.

Indigenous rangers to undertake traditional burning: The LNP will trial a traditional burning program run by indigenous rangers. The program won’t replace Rural Fire Brigades’ role in managing and coordinating hazard reduction burns. It will compliment pre-existing efforts by combining traditional and modern burning practices. Blending cultural and modern burning techniques has proven successful and should be expanded.

Establish a Natural Disaster Cabinet Committee to monitor preparations: The group will be chaired by the Emergency Services Minister and QFES Commissioner. It will monitor the progress of state departments and landholders conducting hazard reduction activities.

Monitored grazing in state forests, some national parks to manage fuel loads: The 2018 IGEM report cited grazing as a measure used in conjunction with a suite of hazard reduction measures. Grazing will be monitored to protect the environment but also manage fuel loads.

Establish metropolitan-based Rural Fire Volunteer brigades: Just like in Sydney and Melbourne where brigades exist that are operated by volunteer firefighters that can be called on during extreme bushfire events to surge capacity, a similar model should be investigated in Queensland to make use of the large number of SEQ based volunteers.

Restore local control to Rural Fire brigades: This will restore recent management structure changes that pushed local fire brigades under the reporting authority of regional urban fire groups.

Establish a Rural Fire Board: The Rural Fire Board will be made up of respected rural fire brigade members from across Queensland as well as members appointed by the Government. Future policy direction or matters that affect brigades and volunteers would need to be accepted or made workable by this representative board.

Review of aerial firefighting capability: A review and stock take of aviation fire assets in Queensland to ensure the state’s capacity will accommodate future increased fire risks.

LNP to fast-track Toowoomba water assessment

1st September 2020

The LNP has pledged to fund and fast-track an assessment of Toowoomba’s water needs if it wins the next State Election.

During a visit to the city today, LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said her party was already committed to a vast statewide water infrastructure program and would include an urgent Darling Downs water assessment in its drought-busting program.

An LNP Government will partner with Toowoomba Regional Council to deliver the water supply options assessment.

“Labor hasn’t built a dam in the regions for 15 years, but an LNP Government will build new water infrastructure across Queensland – because water means jobs,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The Darling Downs is one of our most important economic hubs, but it is being back by the anti-dams, anti-farming Palaszczuk Government.

“I want to supercharge the economy of the Darling Downs and that’s why I’m committed to assessing its water needs and developing a plan to meet them.

“Toowoomba has lost 4,400 jobs in the last year, so this work needs to begin as soon as possible.

“Only an LNP Government will unlock the potential of the Darling Downs, create new jobs and secure our children’s future.”

Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts said the Darling Downs water assessment would be the responsibility of the LNP’s proposed Economic Recovery Agency, which will be tasked with kick-starting job-creation projects and dragging Queensland out of recession.

“This water assessment will be part of the LNP’s plan to stimulate the economy and create a decade of secure jobs,” Mr Watts said.

“The LNP will deliver a water security plan for Toowoomba that ensures our community and our economy can keep growing.

“We will work with all levels of government to secure Toowoomba’s future.”

If elected on October 31, an LNP Government will deliver a water infrastructure program that will bring a swift end to Labor’s dam-building drought:

  • A Deb Frecklington LNP Government will commission the CSIRO to begin advanced planning for the New Bradfield Scheme, which will create the biggest dam in Australia and the largest hydro-electric scheme in the state, while transforming an area of Outback Queensland larger than Tasmania into a new food-bowl.
  • An LNP Government will contribute $10 million to get the following projects shovel-ready:
    o The Nullinga Dam on the Atherton Tablelands
    o The Urannah Dan, north-west of Mackay
    o Raising the Burdekin Falls Dam, near Townsville
  • The LNP will construct Emu Swamp Dam, Central Queensland’s Rookwood Weir and fix Wide Bay’s Paradise Dam.
  • The LNP will establish the Queensland Dam Company to deliver new dams and water infrastructure.
  • The LNP will undertake a state-wide water asset audit and complete a 30-year water security plan to unlock the jobs and potential of Queensland existing water infrastructure.