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.”
Deb Frecklington and the LNP have committed to build Barlil Weir to support agriculture and jobs in the South Burnett, if elected to government next month.
This major announcement is a flag in the ground for how importantly the LNP values water security for Queenslanders, and in particular, irrigators who rely on access to water in what is one of our State’s most important foodbowls.
Deb said she had been advocating for the construction of the Barlil Weir for many years to increase water security for the region and support primary producers.
“The Barlil Weir is a vital project for the South Burnett and will be built on the Barambah Creek at Barlil.
“The Labor Government have failed regional Queensland for too long by not building the critical water storage infrastructure regions like ours desperately need.
Deb said the $28million project would ensure every taxpayer dollar is invested to deliver the maximum benefit.
“The LNP will restore respect for your money, delivering projects on time and on budget, with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future,” Deb aid.
“I have met with primary producers from the Byee and Mondure area and they know that an investment in water is not only an investment in agriculture, but an investment in hope, growth and jobs for the South Burnett.
“This announcement is a clear signal that the LNP are pro water security and are looking at projects across this state to progress and get build.
“As local Member but also Shadow Water Minister, I know this project will give local irrigators the confidence they need to invest more in their businesses, with certainty of water supply moving forward.
“Under Labor, projects like the Barlil Weir have been shovel ready for years, yet this Labor government’s addiction to reviews sees a constant merry go round of chaos rather than seeing shovels in the ground.
“Queenslanders are currently paying far more and getting far less under Labor.
"Time's up for Labor’s expensive failures which have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts, that could have instead delivered local infrastructure like the Barlil Weir.
Deb said Nanango Electorate residents could vote for the Barlil Weir and a government focused on driving down cost pressures, by voting LNP at this election.
“Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024, to restore respect for their money,” Deb aid.
“This project is one of many a future Crisafulli LNP Government hopes to progress as part of our plan for water security in this state.
“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”
The LNP has committed to build a new skate park in the township of Wooroolin if elected next month.
Local MP Deb Frecklington said she had been advocating for a skate park in Wooroolin for several years after young people from the town highlighted the need with her.
“A skate park will be a great asset for the young people of Wooroolin providing an outlet for physical activity and fun which is currently not available in the small town,” Deb said.
“This is a project which I am passionate about, and which I want to see completed as soon as possible for our young people.
Deb said the $150,000 project was part of the LNP’s focus on working harder for Queenslanders, while under Labor Queensland was heading in the wrong direction.
“The LNP will restore a government that works for you, with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future,” Deb said.
“Labor’s failures have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts that could have instead delivered grassroots infrastructure like a skate park for Wooroolin.
“Queenslanders should have a government that delivers the programs and services needed for the State’s future, supporting our communities.”
Deb said South Burnett locals could vote for the Wooroolin Skate Park and a government which worked for them, by voting LNP at this election.
“Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024, to ensure the right focus on delivering the programs, services and communities for our state,” Deb said.
“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”
The LNP has committed to boost Queensland’s manufacturing capability with a new Manufacturing Hub in Toowoomba, as part of the Right Plan for Manufacturing.
As well as the new Hub in Toowoomba, the LNP will grow Queensland’s manufacturing sector with more grants that will boost Queensland jobs and back home-grown manufacturing.
Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Regional Development Deb Frecklington said Toowoomba was an important regional manufacturing centre in the state and it was time a State Government recognised this.
“The LNP’s $10 million commitment not only expands the footprint of manufacturing hubs in regional Queensland like Toowoomba but will importantly look at how they can be made more fit for purpose,” said Ms Frecklington.
“Our vision is for the Department of Manufacturing to work hand in hand with industry to address the challenges manufacturers face including new threats like cyber crime, and assisting the industry with workforce planning and attracting staff.
“Manufacturing Hubs are the front line in this industry engagement and the LNP wants to provide a much needed boost to this program.
“In addition to this $10 million investment, the LNP commits to increasing funds to the Made In Queensland Grants Program to the tune of $5 million additional each year in from 2025-26, noting Labor has no money budgeted after the election.”
Under Labor fewer products are produced in Queensland and jobs are being exported to other states and overseas.
The LNP will unleash Queensland’s manufacturing potential and ensure we are more self-sufficient, which is important now more than ever.
Shadow Treasurer and MP for Toowoomba South David Janetzki joined Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts to announce the boost to local jobs and the economy.
“Queensland has the potential to become Australia's most competitive and dynamic manufacturing state, which is why Queensland is investing in this manufacturing hub,” said Mr Janetzki.
“Queenslanders should have a government that delivers the programs and services needed for the State’s future, supporting our communities.”
“Our state needs a Fresh Start, only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s future.”
Photo: The announcement was made at local Toowoomba manufacturer, Tuff Bullbars with their CEO, Anton Griffiths.
Deb Frecklington and the LNP have committed to anti-hooning measures in the Dundas area to help stop ongoing organised hooning activity, if elected this month.
Deb said the $200,000 in measures would include physical structures such as raised concrete islands and street lighting to deter hoons from assembling at the well-known hooning location at the intersection of Northbrook Parkway and Wivenhoe-Somerset Road.
“Local residents of Dundas and the surrounding areas have been putting up with this blatant and frequent anti-social behaviour for many years, and the Labor Government has done nothing to fix the problem,” Deb said.
“This location is one of the primary burnout hotspots in our region. The hooning activity is dangerous for locals and regular users of this road.”
LNP Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington said the announcement was part of the LNP’s Making Our Community Safer Plan.
“The LNP will restore safety where you live with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future,” Deb said.
“Public safety is a priority and these anti-hooning measures are essential in helping to deter hoons from this otherwise quiet rural area.
“Queenslanders have been held hostage by Labor’s Crime Crisis, but the LNP is committed to making our community safer with our crime policies which also include Adult Crime, Adult Time, gold standard early intervention and effective rehabilitation.
“Labor’s failures have seen crime skyrocket, with almost 300,000 Queenslanders victim to violations like car theft, break-ins and assaults, just last year.
Deb said Queenslanders could vote for the anti-hooning measures and a government which worked for them, by voting LNP at this election.
“Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024, to restore safety where they live,” Deb aid.
“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington at the intersection of Northbrook Parkway and Wivenhoe-Somerset Road where anti-hooning measures will be installed
The LNP and Deb Frecklington have committed to funding an extension of the Wondai Art Gallery, if elected next month.
Local MP for Nanango, Deb Frecklington said the commitment would fund additional undercover infrastructure to improve accessibility to the popular facility.
“This $100,000 will help make the Wondai Art Gallery more accessible for everyone, improving the arts offering across our region and ensuring all can experience our local art,” Deb said.
Deb said the Wondai Art Gallery accessibility improvement project was part of their focus on working harder for Queenslanders, while under Labor Queensland was heading in the wrong direction.
“The LNP will restore a government that works for you, with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future,” Deb said.
“Labor’s failures have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts that could have instead delivered grassroots infrastructure like the Wondai Art Gallery extension.
“Queenslanders should have a government that delivers the programs and services needed for the State’s future, supporting our communities.”
President of the Wondai Art Gallery, Elaine Madill, welcomed the announcement which means the Gallery will be an even more inclusive space for the whole community.
“A new undercover area will make the Wondai Art Gallery much more usable for people of all abilities,” Elaine said.
“Our Art Gallery is an important part of promoting arts in the South Burnett, and a project like this will ensure our facility continues to meet the diverse needs of the thousands of people who visit each year,” she said.
Deb said South Burnett residents could vote for upgrades to the Wondai Art Gallery and a government which worked for them, by voting LNP at this election.
“Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024, to ensure the right focus on delivering the programs, services and communities for our state,” Deb said.
“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington with Wondai Art Gallery President, Elaine Madill following the announcement on Friday evening at the Wondai Art Gallery (4th October).
Deb Frecklington and the LNP have committed to commence construction of a new Kingaroy Fire and Rescue Station, if elected in October.
Deb said the current Labor Government had been dragging their feet on the important upgrades and it was essential the project got underway.
“The Kingaroy Fire and Rescue Station is an important facility for not only fire safety, but for the critical care provided to the many serious accidents which occur on our busy highways in the South Burnett,” Deb said.
“The current station has served us well, but it is now outdated and struggling to meet the needs of the hardworking QFR (Queensland Fire & Rescue) staff, let alone the capacity needed to house the extra staff coming online as the station transitions to a 7-day permanently crewed station.
“These upgrades are a priority, but Labor have continued to delay these essential works,” Deb said.
“We are committing $7.5 million to this project, and work will commence in the first term of an LNP government.”
Deb said the LNP would ensure every taxpayer dollar invested will deliver the maximum benefit.
“The LNP will restore respect for your money, delivering projects on time and on budget, with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future,” Deb said.
“Queenslanders are currently paying far more and getting far less under Labor.
"Time's up for Labor’s expensive failures which have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts, that could have instead delivered local infrastructure like Kingaroy Fire and Rescue Station.
Kingaroy Station Officer, Bruce Groer said a new station will not only enhance the effectiveness of the staff response capabilities but also ensure the safety of the firefighters who protect us all.
“Improvements to the facilities at the Kingaroy Fire and Rescue Station will be greatly appreciated by all the fire station staff,” Mr Groer said.
Deb said South Burnett residents could vote for a new Kingaroy Fire and Rescue Station and a government focused on driving down cost pressures, by voting LNP at this election.
“Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024, to restore respect for their money,” Deb said.
“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”
The LNP has announced a Queensland first agriculture innovation fund, designed to deliver cutting-edge insights and farming productivity to boost Queensland’s farm gate output to $30 billion by 2030.
The $30 million investment is designed to attract the best and brightest research opportunities to Queensland, in partnership with industry and universities under the Cooperative Research Centre model, to unearth the world’s best farming innovation.
The announcement follows the LNP’s commitment to beef-up biosecurity to tackle emerging threats to agriculture, with 100 additional biosecurity officers for the regions, a review of Labor’s closure of the frontline Cape York Biosecurity Facility and strengthening Labor’s failed fire ant eradication program.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the LNP’s landmark Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation fund will be kickstarted with a $30 million injection, as part of the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.
“The LNP will cultivate an environment for research into Australian agriculture, delivering better productivity in farming and cutting-edge techniques to grow farm gate production,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Our investment will attract the biggest and brightest research opportunities and harvest opportunities to boost the future of agriculture.
“Research and development are fundamental to bringing new technology and expertise to life, and critical to the ongoing success of Queensland’s $23.6 billion agricultural industry.
“The vital work of Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has been derided and devalued under Labor, but the LNP will restore Queenslanders’ trust in their role as a trusted advisor and partner to industry, not red tape and bureaucracy.”
Mr Crisafulli said the LNP’s commitment would allow for applications from universities and industry to be made to government if the LNP are elected this month.
“The key focus and criteria for the fund would be how Queensland growers can achieve better productivity on the farm, and ensuring our producers are at the cutting edge of agricultural technology and innovation,” he said.
“Under the LNP, Queensland will reopen for business when it comes to investment in agriculture.
“Our state needs a fresh start, nothing will change unless we change the government.
“Only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future, including growing our agriculture sector through innovation, science and technology.”
The LNP has committed to crucial funding for upgrades to the Brisbane Valley Highway to improve safety and access for the Lockyer and Nanango communities if elected next month.
LNP Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald said the $20 million project would include both safety upgrades and road pavement treatments on this major thoroughfare to keep our community safer and ensure every taxpayer dollar is invested to deliver the maximum benefit.
“This was funding that Labor promised and then cut,” Mr McDonald said.
“The LNP will do what it said it would do; restore respect for your money by delivering projects on time and on budget, with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”
Mr McDonald said the need for this funding was further highlighted in the RACQ’s Unroadworthy Roads survey which named Brisbane Valley Highway as the fourth worst in the state.
“This major announcement is part of the LNP’s Safer Roads, Better Transport program and will help the Lockyer and Nanango traffic network,” he said.
“Road improvements will include both safe shoulder turning lanes, overtaking lanes, and road pavement treatments.”
LNP Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the upgrade would deliver benefits to the Somerset community and beyond.
“The LNP has been listening to the feedback from the community, local government, and business owners and recognises the need for this important upgrade,” Ms Frecklington said.
“This critical piece of infrastructure was promised by Labor, and then they reneged.
“This upgrade will not happen if Labor is re-elected.
"Time's up for Labor’s expensive failures, which have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts that could have instead delivered local infrastructure like the Brisbane Valley Highway upgrade.”
Mr McDonald said Queenslanders could vote for the Brisbane Valley Highway upgrade and a government focused on getting the state moving and driving down cost pressures by voting LNP in this election.
“Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024 to restore respect for their money,” Mr. McDonald said.
“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”
