Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says a strong group of applications for the August Local Hero Grant round has resulted in extra funding being awarded to local groups and individuals
Mrs Frecklington said five groups will share in her Local Hero funding program, along with five local students who were supported with smaller amounts to assist with their expenses to attend representative sporting events.
“The August Round was heavily subscribed, and I would like to congratulate the groups who were successful,” Mrs Frecklington said.
The winners of the August 2022 round are:
The Local Hero Grants started in 2016 and are in their seventh year. They are designed to provide small donations to not-for-profit community groups and individuals from across the Nanango Electorate.
Four grants of up to $250 each are available in three rounds per year. The next round closes on 30 November. Head to https://debfrecklington.com.au/online-office/debs-local-hero-grants for more information.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington met members of the Kilkivan SS Cattle Team at the recent Nanango Show
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says the Minister for Health has acknowledged the lengthy wait times which were being experienced by patients applying for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS).
Mrs Frecklington explained that in response to her letter to the Minister about the unacceptable wait times, actions had been put in place to address the issue.
“South Burnett patients applying for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme had reported wait times of up to 12 weeks (60 working days) which is double the processing time Qld Health states in its own guidelines,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I understand this has been acknowledged by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, who advise they have recruited two additional full-time staff to address the backlog, along with additional contract staff during June and July 2022.
“They note this has reduced processing times to the expected 30 working days. I hope this helps alleviate some of the stress these lengthy reimbursement delays had been causing for patients.
“As I have said before, people from the South Burnett rely on the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme to allow them to afford treatment and many must travel at least two hours to see a specialist or to undergo surgery as most specialist services are not available locally.
“I thank the DDHHS for addressing this issue and the importance of the timely reimbursement of the PTSS for our community,” Deb said.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has personally congratulated Ethan Keenan of Taabinga State School for taking out first place in the Year 5-6 level for the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.
Mrs Frecklington presented Ethan with a certificate and prize for his amazing efforts, which also saw him ranked 4th in Australia.
“Ethan is a Grade 6 student and School Captain of Taabinga State School and his achievement in this competition is absolutely fantastic,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I understand there were 26,000 children who took part from across Australia in the Year 5-6 level, so to come 1st in Queensland and 4th in Australia is so exciting for him and his family, as well as for the staff at Taabinga SS.
“I was pleased to pass on my personal congratulations for this stellar achievement and to also get a few spelling tips!
“Ethan explained some of the words he had to spell including ‘astigmatism’, ‘rickety’ and ‘despondent’. He was able to complete 28 out of 30 words correctly in just 1.56 minutes.
“He is a very clever young man and I look forward to following his progress in the future,” Deb said.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, presents Ethan Keenan with a certificate congratulating him on his achievements in the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington says the latest RACQ road fatality statistics, which show Nanango Electorate roads have claimed the highest number of road deaths in Queensland so far this year, can no longer be ignored by the State Government.
Mrs Frecklington said families continue to be torn apart by these tragedies, with 13 fatalities in the region between January 1st and July 31st 2022.
“With every fatality, a family suffers unimaginable loss. We must remember that these statistics only count those who have lost their lives. There are many more who are injured and incapacitated in these accidents who will endure a lifetime of suffering,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The statistics compiled by RACQ paint a damning picture of road safety across the Nanango Electorate. In 2021, the region was the second worst in Queensland, and now we have unfortunately risen to become the worst in Queensland.
“I recently spoke in Parliament* about the chronic neglect of state-controlled roads across the Electorate but I was shut down by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads who didn’t want me reminding the Government about the huge road maintenance backlog.
“Statewide the backlog on state-controlled roads has blown out to $5.7million, with the Auditor-General forecasting that our maintenance backlog would grow to $9 billion this decade. This chronic neglect of our regional road upgrades means our roads continue to deteriorate.
“Our communities need confidence in their road network to know they can safely travel to work, drive their truck to market, or send their kids on the school bus,” Deb said.
‘I will continue to advocate for funding for our highways including the Bunya, Burnett, D’Aguilar and Brisbane Valley Highways, along with key connecting roads and bridges including:
• Tanduringie Creek Bridge, GS Bond Bridge on the Chinchilla-Wondai Road, Running Creek Bridge on the Woolooga-Brooweena Road and single-lane Cooyar Bridge on the New England Highway,
• Mundubbera-Durong Road, Kingaroy-Barkers Creek Road, Kilkivan-Tansey Road, Memerambi-Gordonbrook Road and Byee Road
“Unfortunately, these roads are never a priority for this State Government, but this must change and I implore them to look at these statistics and what is blatantly obvious - our regional roads need urgent funding to make them safe,” Deb said.
*Transcript – 30 August 2022 - https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/speeches/spk2022/Deborah_Frecklington-Nanango-20220830-192232821573.pdf
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has spoken in Parliament in support of beekeepers retaining access to apiary sites in Queensland’s National Parks.
Mrs Frecklington said Queensland’s beekeepers have been fighting to overturn Labor Government laws which would see them have to exit National Parks by 2024.
“I was proud to speak in support of local beekeepers to highlight how important it is for them to have continued access to this vital resource,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The next generation of beekeepers need certainty. For 20 years they have been worrying that eventually their industry and businesses would be completely decimated if they could no longer place their hives in National Parks.
“This Labor Government want to impose another 20-year sentence to 2044. While I support the extension, I question why we need another deadline.
“The LNP Opposition believes we need to remove the end date for apiary permits in our National Parks. Unfortunately this will mean Queensland is the only state with a sunset clause and ultimately, this can only lead to people walking away from the industry, or choosing to expand into NSW or Victoria where there is increased certainty for their business.
“I would like to thank the Queensland Beekeepers Association, and local beekeeper, Brad Jensen who have been keeping me updated on this issue.
“The South Burnett is home to many commercial beekeepers and they need our support.
“Because without bees, we simply would not have much of the food we need and love, not to mention the amazing honey they produce.
Transcript of speech – Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
Photo – Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington with local South Burnett beekeepers during their visit to Qld Parliament House, Brad Jensen (left) and Chris Kassebaum.
I welcome the announcement of an extension for two of the disaster flood grants application deadlines.
This is a win for primary producers, who are have been calling for the Government to recognise how difficult it has been to undertake restoration activities due to continued wet weather.
While I had called for a three month extension for each of the grant deadlines, the new deadlines extension will give those affected by the November rains, and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth an extra two months to apply.
Please also note, an important and welcome change has occurred in relation to the eligibility of manure and compost claims. I would encourage producers to check with QRIDA for details on 1800 623 946.
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has written to the Minister for Agriculture seeking an extension to the deadlines for the Disaster Assistance Grants.
Mrs Frecklington said multiple flood events since November last year, and ongoing wet weather are making if difficult for primary producers to access paddocks and secure contractors to undertake works.
“I have heard from primary producers who have not been able to start restoration activities and are very concerned they will be unable to meet grant deadlines, given works must be completed and fully paid prior to their submission,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The first deadline is very soon, 30th September, for those impacted by the November 2021 floods.
“From there, anyone affected by Ex-tropical Cyclone Seth in early January must submit by 28 October, and for the Feb/March event, by 5 December.
“This will be nearly impossible for producers who need to undertake earthworks as the paddocks are just too wet for this type of activity. In some cases, even accessing paddocks for fencing is still too difficult.
“On behalf of our primary producers, I have requested an extension of at least three months to provide more time and help relieve some of the unnecessary stress this is causing,” Mrs Frecklington said.
