Fraser Coast Community Cabinet
Table of contents
View Fraser Coast Community Cabinet photo gallery
Premier's message
View large (115 KB)
"Thank you" morning tea for Emergency Services volunteers.
I was delighted to hold this, my seventh Community Cabinet, on the Fraser Coast.
Both Maryborough and Hervey Bay make valuable contributions to Queensland’s economy and way of life, through tourism, primary industry and business. With Maryborough’s rich history and beautiful architecture, and Hervey Bay’s renowned whale-watching attraction and beautiful beaches, the Fraser Coast is a vibrant and exciting part of the state.
These gatherings give my ministers, heads of departments and me an opportunity to hear first hand what issues are important to local communities. It is part of my government’s commitment to listening to Queenslanders’ concerns on their home turf.
A range of issues was discussed in the deputations, the public forum and during the luncheon, and while we were on the Fraser Coast we were able to see for ourselves the challenges and opportunities of this region. We visited the sites of two major upgrades planned for the Maryborough- Hervey Bay Road; unveiled the impressive new state-of-the-art whale-watching boat, the Spirit of Hervey Bay – MV Grant Dorn; presented a Q150 Queensland Government Legacy Infrastructure Program cheque for construction of the Wide Bay Water Education Park; and inspected the latest QR urban trains being constructed in Maryborough. All of these projects are making a huge contribution to both the Fraser Coast and the entire state.
I always enjoy meeting my fellow Queenslanders, discussing their concerns and congratulating them on their achievements. Thank you for making us so welcome in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland
Getting into the Spirit of whale watching
A $5 million state-of-the-art whale-watching boat has been launched for the 2008 season.
Premier Anna Bligh unveiled the Spirit of Hervey Bay – MV Grant Dorn, a 24-metre ocean-going catamaran, at the Community Cabinet.
Streamline Catamaran’s latest boat has four levels of viewing decks, underwater viewing windows and specially located TVs, including 'Dolphin Cameras', giving tourists unparalleled viewing of whales, dolphins and other marine animals.
"This boat, which will be operated by Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruises, can take 247 passengers on the trip of a lifetime," Premier Bligh said.
"Streamline Catamarans is a world-class boat building firm renowned for its use of new technologies, including fibre composites."
The marine sector has been named as a priority industry by the Queensland Government. It has an annual turnover of $2.6 billion and employs more than 11,000 people.
Major upgrades for Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road
En route to the Fraser Coast Community Cabinet, Premier Anna Bligh inspected the sites of two major road upgrades planned for Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road.
The Queensland Government has allocated $29.5 million for the two projects, which should be completed by mid 2010.
The first project, costing $11.5 million, involves widening and strengthening a 6.9 kilometre section of Maryborough- Hervey Bay Road, from north of the Dundowran Road intersection to the Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection.
The second project, worth $18 million,involves upgrading Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road between Dundowran Road and Torbanlea-Pialba Road, including intersection improvements.
Climate-conscious water park
View large (123 KB)
Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation and Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara presented a cheque for $4.95 million from the Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program to Mayor of Fraser Coast Regional Council Mick Kruger and CEO of Wide Bay Water Corporation Tim Waldron.
A climate-conscious water park playground will open in Pialba in 2009 thanks to a grant of $4.95 million from the Q150 Queensland Government Legacy Infrastructure Program.
Premier Anna Bligh presented the cheque for the Wide Bay Water Educational Park to the Fraser Coast Regional Council and the Wide Bay Water Corporation, who are partners with the State Government in the project. The total cost of the project is $12.8 million.
"This is a great project and I congratulate all involved," Premier Bligh said.
"It has its own gigantic water tank that harvests 1.8 megalitres of stormwater. That water is treated so that it’s fit for contact with humans and transformed into a magical playground of water jets, talking animal statues reinforcing sustainability messages, a place to surf and even a giant water movie screen."
The Wide Bay Water Corporation was in charge of construction and will maintain and operate the park.
Residents flushed with water-saving rebates
The Bligh Government has paid $3,009,825 in rebates to Fraser Coast residents who have bought water-saving products.
The Home and Garden Waterwise Rebate Scheme assists residents in their efforts to conserve water, with rebates for rainwater tanks, dual-flush toilets, pool covers, greywater systems, water-efficient washing machines, garden products and showerheads.
Minister for Water Craig Wallace said he was pleased the people of the Fraser Coast had supported the rebate scheme.
"The scheme has been an unprecedented success with more than $264 million in rebates being paid out state-wide," he said.
Solutions for small businesses
Businesses on the Fraser Coast are now able to access assistance offered by the State Government’s Small Business Solutions initiative.
Minister for Education and Training Rod Welford said Small Business Solutions had helped more than 500 businesses since it started last year.
"The initiative became available in Hervey Bay early in June, and already our mentors are assisting two local businesses," Minister Welford said.
Mentors assisting local business operators are David Robinson, who has several years experience managing five-star hospitality establishments in Sydney and Brisbane, and Darren Everard, who has operated a successful small business in Hervey Bay for over 12 years.
Two Police Officers honoured
Two Queensland Police Officers from the Maryborough Police District were recognised at the Community Cabinet for their many years of dedicated service.
Premier Anna Bligh joined Minister for Police Judy Spence and Commissioner Bob Atkinson in presenting National Police Medals to Senior Sergeant Jan Hunt and Sergeant Kirklan Chambers.
Senior Sergeant Hunt is the Officer in Charge of the Maryborough Station and was sworn in as a probationary officer in 1972. She has served in Brisbane, Inala, liquor licensing, drug squad, CIB and in Mount Isa before moving to Maryborough. She was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2002 for her work in Criminal Investigation and Domestic Violence.
Sergeant Chambers is the Officer in Charge of Gayndah Station and was sworn in as a cadet in 1969. He has served in Fortitude Valley, Redcliffe, Caboolture, Monto and Gayndah.
Premier tracks progress of trains
View large (108 KB)
Inspecting the trains at EDI Rail Workshops are Industrial Engineer Mark Roder, Plant Manager Brian Heselwood, Business Development Manager Downer EDI Rail
Brisbane Clive Shepherd, Premier Anna Bligh and Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara.
Premier Anna Bligh inspected the latest in the new series of QR’s urban trains being constructed at the Downer EDI Rail Workshops while she was in Maryborough for the Community Cabinet.
"My government has invested more than $500 million in 44 new trains and associated stabling yards work," Premier Bligh said.
The first two trains in the new Suburban Multiple Unit (SMU260) congestion-busting were due to commence service throughout South-East Queensland in July.
A gardener’s guide to going grey
The Waterwise Queensland: Gardening with greywater guide, published by the Department of Natural Resources and Water, is now available from the office of the Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara.
"Greywater is a good source of water for gardeners and I urge people to read Waterwise Queensland: Gardening with greywater," Mr McNamara said.
"People also should remember that the Bligh Government offers a rebate of up to $500 to people who install greywater systems."
The guide provides information on the dos and don’ts of using greywater, plants and turf that are greywater-tolerant, and how to maintain soil quality.
Fraser Coast benefits from funding
Hervey Bay and Maryborough community groups will share almost $230,000 in grants from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and the Jupiter’s Casino Benefit Fund.
Premier Anna Bligh and Treasurer Andrew Fraser announced the funding allocation, which included $50,000 from the Jupiter’s Casino Fund for the Country Women’s Association.
Hervey Bay recipients: Australia for All Alliance ($9536), Burrum District Soccer Club ($2298), Hervey Bay and District Senior Citizens Club ($4973), Pialba State School P&C Assoc ($5253) and River Heads Progress Assoc ($2545).
Maryborough recipients: Bauple State School P&C Assoc ($23,363), Burrum District Community Centre Assoc ($26,987), Fraser Coast Housing Services ($30,000), Maryborough BMX Club ($22,782), Model Engineers and Live Steamers Assoc Maryborough ($8946), Peter Pan Literacy Club ($30,000), Sunbury Sports Assoc ($7090) and Burrum and District Heritage Society ($13,115).
For information on the fund visit www.olgr.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 633 619 (free call).
Hardwood plantation to benefit from recycled water
The Queensland Government has provided the first instalment of its $3.3 million commitment to a recycled water project in Hervey Bay, helping to establish a new hardwood plantation.
Treasurer and acting Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser said the Vanderwold Road Farm Recycled Water Project, being undertaken by the Fraser Coast Regional Council, would increase the use of recycled wastewater.
"Using treated effluent to irrigate hardwood plantations is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than upgrading the treatment plants to allow discharge into the ocean", Minister Fraser said.
"As an added bonus, the subsequent timber harvests will provide the council with an ongoing income to partially offset the irrigation and treatment costs."
The project includes the purchase of 135 hectares of land for a hardwood plantation and construction of a main pipeline to the farm and a 500-megalitre storage dam.
Unique shelter to commemorate sacred site
The site of the last-known corroboree in Hervey Bay is to be commemorated with a public art project at Dayman Park.
The Fraser Coast Regional Council will receive $50,000 through the Queensland Government’s art+place program to create a unique Indigenous shade shelter.
Minister for the Arts Rod Welford and Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara visited the site of the planned project during the Community Cabinet. "Experienced public artist Suzanne Holman is working with local artist Chris Calcutt and members of the Butchulla community, traditional owners of the site, to create a unique shelter with seating for use at family events and celebrations," Minister Welford said.
The shelter will embrace the traditional design and stories of the Butchulla people, and will incorporate a sleek, contemporary feel. It will be located on the newly created Midden Trail.
SES volunteer honoured
View large (132 KB)
Left to right: Member for Hervey Bay Andrew McNamara, Bob Lynch (Maryborough SES), Premier Anna Bligh, Alan McNamara OBE (Woocoo SES) and Laureen McNamara (Woocoo SES).
Maryborough State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer Allan Kruger has been recognised for more than 25 year of outstanding service.
Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts presented a meritorious service medal to Allan at a morning tea at Queen’s Park to pay tribute to SES volunteers.
Allan joined the SES in Maryborough in 1982. He has been a leader and a trainer, and has been involved in many SES tasks, such as responding to storm damage and searching for missing people.
Announcements
Streamlined transfers for RFDS patients
The State Government will contribute $30,000 to a new patient transfer facility for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) at Hervey Bay.
The funding boost, announced by Premier Anna Bligh, will assist the Fraser Coast Council’s planned construction of the facility.
"This facility will provide a more streamlined method of transferring patients from RFDS aircraft into Queensland Ambulance Service ambulances," Premier Bligh said.
The RFDS made 550 landings at Hervey Bay in 2007.
Celebrating whales and seafood
Two Hervey Bay events are combining to create one vibrant coastal festival, with the help of the Queensland Events Regional Development Program.
The Hervey Bay Whale Festival and the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival will amalgamate under the banner of 'Celebrate the Sea' with two weeks of celebrations.
The Whale Festival’s blessing of the fleet is on 2 August and the Seafood Festival is on 17 August.
Fraser Coast public dental care set to double
The Queensland Government will spend $16.5 million over three years to double the public dental health service capacity in Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.
Minister for Health Stephen Robertson said the number of dental chairs at the Hervey Bay Dental Clinic will increase from eight to 16.
Minister Robertson said a new home needed to be found for Fraser Coast’s Community Health Services so that the existing dental clinic could accommodate the extra chairs.
All new chairs are expected to be operational by 2010.
Ambulance 'pit stops' upgraded
Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg ambulance station plant rooms have been upgraded, improving facilities for Fraser Coast’s ambulance officers.
Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said the plant rooms are the 'pit stops' of the ambulance service and will provide more room to house ambulances and other resources.
"The additional plant rooms at Maryborough and Hervey Bay are worth $112,000 and $109,847 respectively. The emergency response plant room at Bundaberg cost $28,212," Minister Roberts said.
A working strategy for tourism
Fraser Coast tourism operators and the Bligh Government have joined forces to ensure the region’s tourism growth isn’t restrained by skill shortages.
The Fraser Coast Tourism Skills Formation Strategy will give industry greater responsibility for attracting, recruiting, skilling and retaining its workers.
Minister for Education and Training Rod Welford said the State Government had provided funding of $128,000 over two years towards the strategy, an amount matched by the Fraser Coast South Burnett Regional Tourism Board.
"Through the process, industry members will take the lead role in identifying training needs and how the industry can recruit, train, retrain and keep good people in the longer term," Minister Welford said.
Ambulance Officers receive long-service medals
Two Hervey Bay ambulance officers were presented with Long Service Medals by Premier Anna Bligh at the Community Cabinet.
Glen Camplin was presented with his 30-year Long Service Medal and his colleague Mark Wildey with a 20-year Long Service Medal.
Glen joined the Queensland Ambulance Service in Brisbane in March 1978. He moved to the Darling Downs in 1989, serving at Pittsworth and Clifton, before moving to Hervey Bay.
Mark joined the service in May 1987. He served at the Hervey Bay station for most of his career, apart from a stint at Mundubbera in 2002 as acting Officer-in-Charge.
High-speed broadband for the Fraser Coast
A fibre optic link built into new high voltage power lines will boost broadband connections for the Fraser Coast region.
An agreement has been signed between Ergon Energy, the Fraser Coast Regional Council and the University of Southern Queensland, paving the way for data transfer rates from 10 to 1000 times the speed of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line).
It is expected the fibre optic cable will be in place and ready for use by late December this year.
Support for the homeless
Minister for Communities Lindy Nelson- Carr has announced $1.3 million in funding to support crisis accommodation for homeless people on the Fraser Coast.
A three-year funding package will support the Fraser Coast Housing Service, which offers shelter for more than 100 people.
The housing service offers 12 supported homes for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including women and children escaping domestic violence. It also operates the 16-bed Coolooli Men’s Shelter Service.
Boost for disability accommodation services
Minister for Disability Services Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced funding of $3.4 million for disability accommodation services throughout Queensland.
The funding from the Accommodation Services Initiative includes $150,895 for the Hervey Bay Community Access Association Inc.
Boat Harbour Drive ready for Christmas
Upgrades to Boat Harbour Drive in Hervey Bay, between Hunter and McNally Streets, should be completed by Christmas.
"The $11.5 million road upgrade to the one-kilometre section of Boat Harbour Drive will significantly improve peakhour traffic flow and safety in Hervey Bay and will make sure the city can cater for future growth," Premier Anna Bligh said.
The project will widen the road to four lanes, upgrade eight intersections and provide a new road surface. A new pedestrian footpath will link existing council pathways between Banksia Park Drive and McNally Street to the new signalised pedestrian crossing at Banksia Park Drive.
