It was very disappointing to see the Federal Labor Government’s announcement that they are cutting in half the additional Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions introduced by the Coalition for mental health support for vulnerable Australians.
Member for Longman Terry Young today welcomed a significant increase in the rate of Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for local families with multiple children aged five or under in child care. Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert, said the Australian Government had lifted the rate of CCS by 30 per cent for the second child aged five or under and any younger children in child care, up to a maximum rate of 95 per cent. The higher subsidy will boost support for working families and follows the removal of the annual CCS cap of $10,655 for families earning over $190,015 (in 2021-22 terms) from 10 December 2021 – and beyond. ‘These measures will ease the cost of child care for about 250,000 families throughout Australia who on average will be around $2,260 a year better off, including families in Longman,’ Minister Robert said. ‘For a family who are charged a typical fee and earns $120,000 a year with two children in child care for five days per week, the saving will be $144 per week compared to current settings.’ The Morrison Government fast-tracked the increased subsidy, bringing it forward from 1 July 2022 to today. ‘Families do not have to do anything to receive the increased subsidy – it will flow to families automatically, with no need to apply to Services Australia,’ Minister Robert said. ‘But families keen to know their benefits can go to the new StartingBlocks.gov.au website and use the simple family estimator.’ Mr Young said the Australian Government measures would make a significant contribution to easing the pressure on the cost of living for many families with young children. ‘For local families with more than one child aged five or under in child care, today’s increase in the CCS, means more money in your pocket each week,’ he said. ‘This is good news for eligible families who will benefit from reduced out-of-pocket child care costs, which also provides an incentive to consider either returning to work or working additional hours. ‘Local families know that the cost of child care – particularly for families with more than one child in care – can be a barrier to pursuing employment or working additional hours. ‘This is especially so for local mums who may be able to use this to get back into the workforce or to increase their hours in their current job.’ Minister for Women’s Economic Security, Jane Hume, said about one million Australian families are being supported by record levels of child care funding. ‘Childcare changes lives – it removes barriers and provides opportunities to those who need it most. The Morrison Government’s increased investment in childcare, around $10.3 billion this financial year alone, means that around one million families will benefit. ‘It’s all about empowerment, not dependence. Unlike Labor’s free childcare for millionaires, the Morrison Government is targeting our childcare spend to make sure carers, overwhelmingly women, get the choices and chances they expect and deserve.’
People with diabetes living in the Longman electorate will now have access to the next-generation Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), ensuring they can use the latest technology to manage their diabetes. From 1 March, 58,000 eligible Australians participating in the CGM Initiative will have the option of using the new Dexcom G6 CGM device, as the current Dexcom G5 CGM device is phased out. “Around 1.8 million people in Australia live with diabetes and more than 120,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year, this includes many living in Longman,” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said. “We know that living with diabetes can have its challenges. Having access to the latest medical products and treatments, can help Australians with the self-management of diabetes.” CGM measures glucose levels to gain insight into patterns and trends—day and night. Monitoring blood glucose levels helps prevent both short-term and long-term health complications including heart attacks and strokes, amputations, kidney failure and preventable blindness. Funded by the Morrison Government, CGM products are available through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) to help thousands of people manage their diabetes every day. Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Morrison Government has invested more than $300 million in the CGM Initiative over four years. “In 2020-21, the NDSS delivered more than 5.9 million diabetes products worth more than $186 million and more than $709 million in medicines for diabetes were dispensed under the PBS,” Minister Hund said. “The Morrison Government remains committed to ensuring all Australians have access to the latest health care products when and where they need them.” Thousands of Australians have successfully used the Dexcom G5 monitoring device but, due to international supply chain issues, the G5 would no longer be available in Australia. To ensure this doesn’t impact current G5 users, the Morrison Government has been working with the product sponsor and Diabetes Australia to make sure Australians can transition to the new G6 product before the G5 supple is exhausted. To minimise the impact of this change, the listing for the G6 has been expanded so that all people eligible to participate in the CGM Initiative can access this option. In addition, existing G5 users—about 7,500 people—will be automatically transitioned to G6 on 1 March to avoid any delays receiving their CGM product. All products, including the new G6, provided under the CGM initiative remain free of charge. Last November, the Government released the Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021–2030 to drive real improvements in the prevention, early detection, management, and care of people with diabetes. With approximately one in 20 Australians affected by diabetes, the new strategy will bring together the latest research and evidence to ensure people living with diabetes, their family and carers have access to care, treatments and support where and when they need it.
Work has started on the $19 million D’Aguilar Highway safety improvement project between Sandy Creek and Kilcoy. The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $15.2 million towards the project and the remaining $3.8 million provided by the Queensland Government. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Australian Government’s funding was part of its $1.5 billion infrastructure investment response to COVID-19, announced in June 2020. “Targeted Road Safety Works projects such as this are helping the Australian economy to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic by creating jobs and strengthening transport connections,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “This much-needed safety improvement project will also protect drivers on this stretch of road, reducing the potential for head-on, rear-end and run-off-road crashes. “It is one of many road infrastructure projects being rolled out across Queensland, delivering important maintenance and safety improvements to the roads Queenslanders rely on.” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to improving safety on Queensland’s regional roads. “As part of our record $27.5 billion road and transport plan, we are delivering $17.8 billion worth of projects across regional Queensland to get locals home sooner and safer than before,” Mr Bailey said. “Connecting the Bruce Highway to the Caboolture, Wamuran, Woodford and Kilcoy communities, the D’Aguilar Highway is an important link in our state’s road network – which is why this safety project is critical for the 7,800 drivers who use it each day. “We will be targeting these improvements at locations with a known crash history to ensure the ongoing safety of locals and tourists alike. “The D’Aguilar Highway will also be widened to accommodate a wide centre line treatment, which provides greater separation between vehicles travelling in opposite directions and plays an important part in reducing the likelihood of head-on crashes. “Construction has now begun and will continue until late-2022 – supporting over 60 local jobs at a time it is needed most.” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said one life lost on Australian roads was too many. “The Australian Government is committed to keeping our communities safe and improving road safety, while securing the nation’s economic recovery,” Mr Young said. “Key works on this project will include widening from west of Neurum Road to Sandy Creek Road and from Arnolds Road North to west of Scrubby Creek, installing a wide centre line treatment, extending and replacing culverts, and shoulder widening.” Senator for Queensland Paul Scarr said new safety barriers and signage will also be installed, along with vegetation management. “This investment is yet another example of the Australian Government backing in Queensland’s economic recovery by supporting the jobs and transport links needed to keep the state moving,” Senator Scarr said. More information on the Australian Government’s infrastructure investment response to COVID-19, including Targeted Road Safety Works, is available at: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/national-initiatives/response-to-covid-19.aspx.
Through the Coalition Government’s legislative agenda we continue to implement our economic recovery plan, create more jobs, keep Australians safe and secure as well as deliver the essential services we all rely on. A number of important bills were passed throughout the year to ensure additional economic support could flow to Australian individuals, households and businesses who have been doing it tough as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures also passed the Parliament that provide greater and more affordable child care to around 250 000 Australian families and allow more parents to return to work or pick up more hours. We also continue to keep Australians safe with new national security laws to better equip our intelligence agencies, protect the community from high-risk terrorist offenders and further back our law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal gangs. We are also keeping Australians safe online, especially our kids, having passed important laws that give the eSafety Commissioner stronger powers to improve online safety and crack down on the cyberbullying of children and toxic online abuse. Aged-care reforms developed in response to the Royal Commission will also help ensure senior Australians receive the high-quality and safe aged-care services they deserve. New superannuation reforms are also set to save Australians $17.9 billion over ten years and will ensure the system works in the best financial interests of all Australians by providing more flexibility, removing unnecessary waste and increasing accountability and transparency. In total, the Coalition Government passed a total of 142 bills through the Parliament this year as we continue to support all Australians through the COVID-19 pandemic. Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment (Economic Empowerment) Bill 2021 Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 1) Bill 2021 Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Improved Home Care Payment Administration No. 2) Bill 2020 Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Serious Incident Response Scheme and Other Measures) Bill 2020 Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority Board and Other Improvements) Bill 2019 Agriculture Legislation Amendment (Streamlining Administration) Bill 2019 Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2021-2022 Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2021-2022 Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2021-2022 Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2020-2021 Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2020-2021 Archives and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 Australian Immunisation Register Amendment (Reporting) Bill 2020 Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Amendment (Governance and Other Measures) Bill 2021 Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Bill 2021 Biosecurity Amendment (Clarifying Conditionally Non-prohibited Goods) Bill 2021 Biosecurity Amendment (Strengthening Penalties) Bill 2021 Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Bill 2021 Charter of the United Nations Amendment Bill 2021 Competition and Consumer Amendment (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Bill 2021 Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (High Risk Terrorist Offenders) Bill 2021 Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Sunsetting Review and Other Measures) Bill 2021 COVID-19 Disaster Payment (Funding Arrangements) Bill 2021 Crimes Amendment (Remissions of Sentences) Bill 2021 Crimes Legislation Amendment (Economic Disruption) Bill 2020 Customs Amendment (2022 Harmonized System Changes) Bill 2021 Customs Tariff Amendment (2022 Harmonized System Changes) Bill 2021 Customs Amendment (Product Specific Rule Modernisation) Bill 2019 Customs Amendment (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2021 Customs Tariff Amendment (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2021 Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals and Other Measures) Bill 2020 Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill 2021 Defence Legislation Amendment (Discipline Reform) Bill 2021 Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2021 Designs Amendment (Advisory Council on Intellectual Property Response) Bill 2020 Education Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Bill 2021 Education Legislation Amendment (2021 Measures No. 2) Bill 2021 Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Amendment Bill 2021 Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Cost Recovery and Other Measures) Bill 2021 Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Refunds of Charges and Other Measures) Bill 2020 Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (Charges) Bill 2021 Education Services for Overseas Students (TPS Levies) Amendment Bill 2021 Electoral Legislation Amendment (Annual Disclosure Equality) Bill 2021 Electoral Legislation Amendment (Assurance of Senate Counting) Bill 2021 Electoral Legislation Amendment (Contingency Measures) Bill 2021 Electoral Legislation Amendment (Counting, Scrutiny and Operational Efficiencies) Bill 2021 Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Offences and Preventing Multiple Voting) Bill 2021 Electoral Legislation Amendment (Party Registration Integrity) Bill 2021 Electoral Legislation Amendment (Political Campaigners) Bill 2021 Export Control Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2020 Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Equity Investments and Other Measures) Bill 2021 Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2021 Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Child Care Subsidy) Bill 2021 Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Early Childhood Education and Care Coronavirus Response and Other Measures) Bill 2021 Farm Household Support Amendment (Debt Waiver) Bill 2021 Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2019 Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Bill 2019 Financial Regulator Assessment Authority (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2021 Financial Regulator Assessment Authority Bill 2021 Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response No. 2) Bill 2020 Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response – Better Advice) Bill 2021 Foreign Intelligence Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 Fuel Security (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2021 Fuel Security Bill 2021 Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Amendment Bill 2021 Health Insurance Amendment (Enhancing the Bonded Medical Program and Other Measures) Bill 2021 Health Insurance Amendment (Prescribed Fees) Bill 2021 Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Provider Category Standards and Other Measures) Bill 2020 Higher Education Support Amendment (Extending the Student Loan Fee Exemption) Bill 2021 Higher Education Support Amendment (Freedom of Speech) Bill 2020 Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Amendment Bill 2021 Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Bill 2020 Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Charge (General) Bill 2020 Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Charge (Customs) Bill 2020 Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Charge (Excise) Bill 2020 Industrial Chemicals Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 Industry Research and Development Amendment (Industry Innovation and Science Australia) Bill 2021 Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 Medical and Midwife Indemnity Legislation Amendment Bill
Moreton Bay Regional Council has received its second 2021-22 quarterly payment through the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant program. Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the funding is untied, allowing councils to spend the grant according to their own local priorities. “Local governments are vital to building safer and stronger communities,” Mr Young said. “They are an important delivery partner for the Federal Government’s economic stimulus packages and play a critical role in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Moreton Bay Regional Council has received $2,320,768 in the most recent quarterly payment. Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said a total of $2.7 billion in untied Federal funding was allocated for local governments in 2021–22. “The Federal Government prepaid around half of the allocated funding in June 2021, the remainder will be paid through these quarterly payments across the year,” Mr Hogan said. “We know the early payment is a valued support to councils, particularly in regions that have faced the combined impacts of bushfire, drought, floods and COVID-19.” “Across the nation, local governments employ around 194,000 people and deliver a wide range of services in the cities, regional towns and remote areas of Australia. This support will continue to bolster Australia’s economic recovery.” Since 1974–75, the Australian Government has provided local governments with almost $60 billion in untied funding through the Financial Assistance Grants program. For more information, visit https://www.regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx
NBN Co has announced asixth trancheof suburbs and towns across Australia that will become eligible to upgrade to NBN’s Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), with Australians in Longman set to benefit from access to ultrafast broadband. Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said today’s announcement would bring the total to 1.6 million premises of the 2 million target. “This next stage will see another 200,000 premises eligible, many of which are in the Longman electorate, which will drive significant benefits to the community,” Minister Fletcher said. “NBN Co will now work with its construction and delivery partners to get premises in Longman ready to upgrade to ultrafast speeds when they choose to do so. “This represents a key part of NBN Co’s $3.5 billion investment that will see 75 per cent of Australia’s fixed line network able to access ultrafast broadband by 2023.” Member for Longman Terry Young said towns and communities across the region would benefit from being able to access to ultrafast broadband. “This will create jobs in the community, ensure local businesses can access the speeds they need to thrive, and improve connectivity for families in the entire region,” Mr Young said. “Households and businesses in towns like Caboolture and Narangba will be able to access NBN Co’s fastest internet plans of up to 1 gigabit per second, on demand by 2023. “I expect more suburbs will follow in the future.” For more information on the new towns and suburbs, visit https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-statements/nbn-co-announces-200000-more-homes-and-businesses-to-become-eligible-for-nbn-fibre-grades-releases-Q1-FY22-financial-results For more information on the NBN, go to www.nbnco.com.au
Local road maintenance in Longman will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program. Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the Australian Government would deliver over $65.09 million to 215 local government authorities nationwide for safer and better-maintained roads. “The Roads to Recovery funding will allow councils across the area to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best local roads,” Mr Young said. “It was great to see the recent completion the Webster Road upgrade in Caboolture, which received just under $500,000 from the Roads to Recovery program.” The Longman electorate will receive a share of $25,015,305 being provided to Moreton Bay Regional Council over a five-year period between July 2019 and June 2024. Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said the Australian Government has committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019–20 Budget. “From 2013–14 to 2023–24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Mr Hogan said. “We are investing in infrastructure nationwide in order to lay the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. “Assisting local councils to maintain and improve roads under their jurisdiction is a big part of that, which is why we are also funding a $2.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2021–22 Financial Assistance Grant payment.” Mr Hogan said Roads to Recovery investments deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout the country. “The Australian Government supports local governments to provide vital infrastructure and services through a range of programs. “This support includes Financial Assistance Grants and the Bridges Renewal, Black Spot, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity, Roads to Recovery and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure programs.” More information on these programs is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au.
The Morrison Government is supporting job seekers in Longman to get a driver’s licence in a move that will help address a significant barrier to many entering the workforce. People participating in employment services through a jobactive provider will be eligible to access increased support for driving lessons to help them complete the required hours to get their driver’s licence. In addition, jobactive providers can also support job seekers with other travel costs such as public transport and fuel. With nearly one third of job seekers on the jobactive caseload indicating they do not currently hold a driver’s licence, around 330,000 individuals may be eligible for the support nationally. Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert said the assistance would be particularly helpful for people living in outer-suburban and regional areas who need to travel greater distances to get to their place of employment or training. “A critical part of succeeding at an interview or at a new job is being able to travel to and from work easily— which is why I have directed this change to ensure job seekers are able to more easily travel safely to training, interviews or to start a new job or apprenticeship,” he said. “As we continue to suppress the virus, getting as many Australians into work as possible is critical to securing our economic recovery, and helping job seekers get a driver’s licence will increase their independence and mobility as well as boosting their prospects for getting into work.” Member for Longman Terry Young said this initiative would help job seekers across the region who were struggling to afford the costs associated with getting a license. “Getting people into work is something I am very passionate about and this is a fantastic initiative that will help reducing barriers for many people in my electorate. “A critical part of succeeding at an interview or at a new job is being able to travel to and from work easily. “Our jobs plan, outlined in the recent Budget, is to connect people with jobs today and upskill our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow and contributes to the Morrison Government’s plan to get all Australians who should be working into a job.” Driving lessons can be cost prohibitive for many, generally costing between $55 and $70 an hour. For more information on the range of support available to job seekers, visit: www.jobsearch.gov.au
Staff and students at four Longman schools will benefit from the development of new master plans funded through the Morrison Government’s Capital Grants Program. The schools are: Australian Christian College – Moreton in Caboolture ($9,375) Carmichael College in Morayfield ($14,625) Birali Steiner School in Beachmere ($30,000) Caboolture Montessori School in Caboolture ($28,200) “This project will enable local non-government schools to plan for future upgrades and support expected growth in student numbers over time,” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said. “This project will enable local non-government schools to plan for future upgrades and support expected growth in student numbers over time,” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said. “Each of the four schools has a wonderful school community, and these new master plans will further enhance the learning environment that they offer to staff and students. “Students and teachers thrive when their schools have modern and up-to-date facilities – that’s why the Morrison Government is proud of the Capital Grants Program, which has helped thousands of schools across the nation. “Our Government is ensuring that every child gets a high-quality education no matter where they go to school. We are providing a record $315.2 billion for all Australian schools between 2018 and 2029. “We are delivering real, needs-based funding that is matched by national reforms that will drive better results and outcomes, as recommended by David Gonski in the Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools. “I congratulate these four schools on their successful grant application and look forward to seeing the positive impact the new master plan will have on students and our community.” The Capital Grants Program provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure where they otherwise may not have access to sufficient capital resources. More information about the Capital Grants Program can be found at https://www.dese.gov.au/payments-and-grants-schools/capital-grants-non-government-schools.
People with disability in Longman will be encouraged to interact with a new dedicated one-stop shop providing advice and up-to-date information for people with disability as a national campaign rolls out across our screens this week. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the National Disability Gateway consists of an accessible website and 1800 phone line staffed by people with lived experience in supporting Australians with disability. “The disability community is very diverse and finding information about policies, programs and support available for individuals can be a challenge,” Ms Ruston said. “The Disability Gateway is fast, easy to use and offers a range of accessible features for people with disability including an Easy Read toggle on every page.” Member for Longman Terry Young said the name of the national campaign is ‘I can’ and would consist of television, radio, print, digital and social media advertisements. “The campaign features people with lived experience of disability describing the benefits of using the new service,” Mr Young said. “The government worked extensively with the disability sector to build a fit-for-purpose source of information and it will help our community to easily access advice and referral services.” The Disability Gateway can assist with a range of support, from locating advocacy services, finding a sporting team that meets the needs of a person’s disability or identifying local disability-related events. It is available at www.disabilitygateway.gov.au or by calling 1800 643 787 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEST. People with disability who need support in another language can also contact the Gateway on 1800 643 787 and ask for an interpreter. Broadcast-quality television commercials and high-resolution versions of advertisements are available at: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/about
Brisbane North PHN will call for Expressions of Interest to identify a suitable provider for the Bribie After-Hours Health service. The tender process previously carried out by the PHN to identify the provider was unsuccessful. Member for Longman Terry Young said it was important to get after-hours primary health care right and in line with the expectations of Bribie Island residents. “Having successfully fought hard for the required funding, the last thing I want to see is a service that is not meeting locals’ needs,” Mr Young said. “Rest assured, the PHN is doing its best to deliver the best after-hours service possible for the people of Bribie Island. “Once up and running, the service should help alleviate some of the issues around seeing a GP on Bribie Island after-hours.” The PHN’s Health Systems Improvement executive manager Rachelle Foreman said Brisbane North PHN would now move to an adapted direct purchase process, which would begin with an informal Expression of Interest (EOI). Ms Foreman said PHN staff would meet with local GPs to determine their interest and capacity to deliver the pilot service. “Our intention remains to trial a sustainable, blended payment after-hours model of care, in line with feedback we received through the stakeholder engagement and co-design sessions we ran earlier this year,” Ms Foreman said.
Seven additional medical practices servicing the Longman electorate will begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine over the next few weeks. The Beachmere Health Centre, Narangba Family Medical Practice and the Kilcoy General Practice will come on board with the AstraZeneca vaccine from June 21. Bribie Doctors Banksia Beach will begin administering the AstraZeneca vaccine from June 28. On top of these four new AstraZeneca clinics, three local clinics have just been selected to administer the Pfizer vaccine from July 5. “I’m pleased to announce today that Caboolture Super Clinic; Morayfield 7 Day Medical Centre; and Goodwin Drive Family Medical Centre will join the Pfizer rollout,” Member for Longman Terry Young said. “This is great news for locals who want to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.” Today, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommended the Pfizer vaccine as the preferred vaccine for people aged 16 to 59 years. To meet this higher demand for the Pfizer vaccine, the Australian Government is fast-tracking the transition of GPs to administer Pfizer. “The addition of the four medical clinics administering the AstraZeneca vaccine means it will be easier for locals aged 60 and over to get the jab,” Mr Young said. “Over the next few weeks, people will have access to more options when booking their vaccine appointments.” To date, Health Hub Doctors Morayfield GPRC/CVC has been the only clinic in Longman administering the Pfizer vaccine, which is recommended for people aged under 50. “The addition of three more clinics in Longman administering the Pfizer vaccine will provide much better access for locals who are eligible for that vaccine” Mr Young said. More clinics are expected to be added to the Pfizer rollout over the next few months. The four new AstraZeneca clinics included in the rollout are in addition to the 19 clinics already administering that vaccine to Longman residents. These include: Beachmere Medical Centre; Bertha Street Medical and Dental Centre; Bribie Doctors; Bribie Doctors Surfside; Caboolture Indigenous Community; Caboolture IUIH GPRC/CVC; Caboolture Super Clinic; Health Hub Doctors Morayfield GPRC/CVC; Kilcoy Medical Centre; Morayfield 7 Day Medical Centre; Morayfield Moreton ATSICHS; Morayfield Road Medical And Dental Centre; Narangba Valley Medical Centre; Ningi Doctors; The Hub family Medical Centre; The Lakes Family Medical Centre; United Medical Centre Caboolture; Welsby Parade Medical Centre; Woodford Family Medical Centre. To find out when and where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker on the Health.gov.au website. The Eligibility Checker help residents find a clinic based on the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommendations about who can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine or the Pfizer vaccine.
Stimulus support from the Australian Government will help Moreton Bay Regional Council deliver 57 priority projects worth nearly $52.5 million by the end of the year. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said Phase 2 of the Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program will build on the $5 million from Phase 1 to see a further $15.6 million invested into improving transport networks and community facilities across the region. “This program supports local councils to deliver priority infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “The third phase of our highly-successful LRCI program will continue to support local jobs and businesses at a time it is needed most. “We are investing in vital programs like this under our record $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, part of our Economic Recovery Plan to secure Australia’s world-leading economic recovery.” Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery said the funding will bring forward projects in the Council’s pipeline and create hundreds of local jobs. “This additional funding will see $52.5 million worth of projects delivered this year and will create more than 800 jobs,” Cr Flannery said. “I’d like to thank the Australian Government for their ongoing support and investing more than $20 million into Moreton Bay Region through both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the LRCI Program. “Council can now fast-track local infrastructure projects to be completed by the end of 2021.” Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said the LRCI program is a direct way the Australian Government is working with Moreton Bay Regional Council to improve access and safety on local roads, footpaths and cycle ways. “While the Australian Government has been working to protect Australians from the pandemic, we believe it’s just as important to help keep the local economy strong,” Mr Dutton said. “A key focus of the LRCI Program was improving connectivity across Moreton Bay Region’s transport network.” Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said an investment into local infrastructure is an investment for the future. “The resilience of our communities shone through during the pandemic, so it’s important to invest in community hubs and facilities that bring people together,” Mr Howarth said. “We’ve worked with Moreton Bay Regional Council to identify priority community infrastructure and local roads projects that will deliver benefits for the community come 2022.” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said if there’s one thing locals missed more than ever during this pandemic; it’s being outdoors. “This funding will help promote an active and healthy lifestyle for our residents by improving local sporting and recreation facilities, including the new clubhouse for the Peterson Road facility, netball courts at Burpengary and the skate park at Morayfield,” Mr Young said. “From upgrading playgrounds, installing new fitness equipment and building much-needed sporting infrastructure, we want locals to play and exercise without travelling too far away from home.” The Australian Government will also provide Moreton Bay Regional Council with a further $10 million from the 2021-22 Budget for Phase 3 LRCI projects, which will be available from January 1, 2022. Projects funded under Phase 3 will be announced later this year. Project Details Total funding Federal Government funding Council funding Bicycle and walking path at Bribie Island Road, Ningi The project will complete a 950 metre missing pathway link along Bribie Island Road between Bestmann Road and an existing pathway located approximately 450 metre east of Aylward Road. $900,000 $500,000 $400,000 Bicycle and walking path at Elkhorn Avenue, Bellara The project will complete a 650 metre missing pathway link along Elkhorn Avenue between Eucalypt Street and Verdoni Street. $450,000 $300,000 $150,000 Play equipment at Aird Street, Sandstone Point Installation of play equipment to an under-serviced playground. $200,000 $200,000 Streetscape upgrade at Biggs Avenue, Beachmere The project will create a safe road environment for all users, provide increased pedestrian connectivity, upgrade existing stormwater and active transport links. $500,000 $250,000 $250,000 Transport improvements at Station Road, Burpengary This project will improve pedestrian and cyclist’s connectivity and road user safety. $700,000 $400,000 $300,000 Netball court renewal at Burpengary Sports Complex The project will renew the court surface allowing conditions to improve public safety while providing healthy lifestyle options to residents. $650,000 $350,000 $300,000 Skate park renewal at Sheep Station Creek, Morayfield The project will involve a full rebuild to create a major skate facility. $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 Pedestrian crossing and traffic improvements at Alma Road, Dakabin The project includes the delivery of a pedestrian refuge island and kerb ramps that will improve connections to North Pine Christian College and a bus stop. $125,000 $100,000 $25,000 Park upgrade at Carramar Reserve, Dakabin The project scope includes the construction of a park upgrade which includes playgrounds, barbeque and seating areas, pathways and landscaping. $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 Sporting complex upgrade at Peterson Road, Morayfield The project scope includes the demolition of the existing clubhouse and construction of Stage 1 of a shared clubhouse comprising of four multi-purpose change rooms, public amenities, offices, kitchen and multipurpose clubroom with elevated viewing decks and tiered seating looking over existing Northern and Southern fields. $4,000,000 $1,500,000 Council: $500,000, State Government: $1,000,000, Club contribution: 1,000,000 Missing pathway link at D’Aguilar Highway The project will complete a 15,000 metre missing pathway link along D’Aguilar Highway between Scotts Lane and Mt Mee Road. $200,000 $100,000 $100,000 Traffic improvements at Flinders Parade, Cook Court, Torres Crescent and Diamond Jubilee Way Multiple upgrades to improve road safety for both the short and long term. $2,575,000 $1,250,000 $1,325,000 Park upgrade at Osprey House, Griffin Upgrade of the existing playground to meet the future needs and supporting the existing environmental and community facilities at Osprey House. $200,000 $200,000 Building upgrade of Deception Bay Community Hall Provide an accessible, more functional, safe district-level community hall with increased hire capacity for the benefit of the local community, surrounds and Moreton Bay Region. $4,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 Upgrade Stage 1
There has been some conjecture over when work on the latest upgrade to Bribie Island Road will begin so I thought I’d clear it up. The Federal Government will contribute $10 million to four-lane Bribie Island Rd between Hickey Rd and King Johns Creek, as announced as part of the Infrastructure programs in the latest Federal Budget. This upgrade is part of the State Government’s Bribie Island Rd Masterplan which you can find on Transport and Main Roads’ website. This Masterplan, which was released in 2019, includes 10 stages of upgrades for the State controlled road, including the upgrade at Old Toorbul Point Rd which is currently under way. The Hickey Rd – King Johns Creek upgrade is included as Stage 6 of the Masterplan and has a 5-10 year timeline. Based on this State Government timeline, construction on the project would begin some time between 2024 and 2029. The State Government, in its own Budget submission to the Federal Government, flagged construction on this project to begin in early 2025. If the State Government requires the funding sooner, then I am more than happy to speak with the Minister to try and get it brought forward. I’m delighted that the Federal Government has contributed $10 million towards this project. This is a significant upgrade and along with improvements at Old Toorbul Point Rd, it will help reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and support local jobs during its construction. I encourage anyone interested in the State Government’s plans for Bribie Island Rd to check out the Masterplan here: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/caboolture-bribie-island-road-upgrade. Click the Download pdf link on the right of the page, under “Contact Us”.
The 2021–22 Federal Budget delivers substantial support to assist the Moreton Bay region to boost Australia’s economic recovery thanks to an additional $1 billion through Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said Moreton Bay Regional Council would receive $10 million in Phase 3 to support local community projects. This is in addition to more than $20 million delivered to the council in Phases 1 and 2 of the program. “This Budget injection for our hard-working local councils means even more funding for upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities, as well as improved accessibility to public facilities,” Mr Young said. “Providing more time for planning and construction will enable local governments to consider a broader range of priority projects and potentially undertake larger, more complex developments to deliver even great benefits for their communities.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new investment brings the total Australian Government commitment to the strongly supported and highly successful LRCI Program to $2.5 billion. “This is fantastic news for local councils across Australia, who will be able to access additional funding to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “This is all about supporting the resilience of local economies by delivering even more jobs to help communities bounce back from COVID-19, with the additional funding and a longer delivery window to provide greater flexibility for communities to address local priorities.” Minister for Local Government Mark Coulton said Local councils have so far nominated more than 5,500 projects over the first two phases of the LRCI Program, with construction on the first 2,900 projects due to be completed by 30 June 2021. “The Liberal and Nationals Government understands that local governments play a critical role in delivering vital services and ensuring the quality of life for the communities they serve,” Minister Coulton said. “I have been especially delighted to see how, over recent months, LRCI Program funding has enabled councils to support local communities to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19 – and Phase 3 will further assist our local communities in emerging from the pandemic stronger and more resilient. “LRCI Phase 3 is expected to support an estimated 3,500 jobs over the life of the projects across the nation, particularly where employment in other sectors such as tourism been negatively impacted.” Councils will be able to access funding through LRCI Phase 3 from 1 January 2022, with Phase 3 projects to be completed by 30 June 2023. For more information, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.
The Bribie Island community will have improved access to Centrelink and Medicare services with the opening of a Services Australia Agent on the island. Minister for Government Services the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the Agent would help people access government services including Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support, and have self-service facilities. “My colleague, the Member for Longman, Terry Young, has strongly supported improved access to government services for Bribie Island residents,” Minister Reynolds said. “Services Australia conducted an Expression of Interest process to identify a host organisation to provide the Agent service. I am delighted that the Bribie Island Neighbourhood Centre in Bellara will begin delivering the service from Monday 19 April 2021. “People will be able to visit the Agent and use self-service equipment, scan, print and upload documents and receive advice on how to register for and use our digital services with confidence. “Increasingly people are conducting their business with us online and Agent staff receive extensive training to help the community access these digital self-service options.” Mr Young said he was pleased the Bribie Island community would have better access to key government services through the new Agent. “I’m so please that this service will be up and running on Monday,” Mr Young said. “Many people on the island have told me what a massive difference this service would mean for them and I’m delighted to get it delivered. “Bribie locals will be able to use the self-service equipment at the Centre and receive face-to-face information and support for a range of Centrelink, Medicare and other Government services.” While the Agent personnel are not Service Australia, Bribie locals will have access to a dedicated line in which to receive support for more complex enquiries. “People living in the Bribie area will no longer have to travel to Caboolture to get face-to-face information and support for a range of government services, including general inquires, certifying, photocopying and printing documents and more. “The opening of an Agent service on the island demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting our island community into the future,” Mr Young said. Bribie Island residents will also continue to have access to the Caboolture Service Centre at 20-22 George Street, Caboolture. For more information about services available at Agents, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/agents
Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said travel agents in the electorate would benefit from sharing in additional funding support of $130 million from the Coalition Government. Mr Young said local travel agents should apply for funding support in Round 2 of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, which opens later this month. “The Coalition Government has committed $258 million to support our travel agents through the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program,” Mr Young said. “Our Government provided $128 million in Round One to support some 3000 travel agents who continued to serve their customers. “We are now providing additional support via Round 2 and I encourage local travel agents to check their eligibility and apply for funding. “Our support for travel agents complements the $1.2 billion aviation and tourism support package which was designed to get domestic tourists spending and follows the successful JobKeeper program. “We can all support our local travel agents in Longman by using their services when booking a holiday this year.” Eligible travel agents and tour operators in Longman who have received a payment under Round One may be entitled to a second payment, ranging between $7,500 and $100,000. To be eligible the business must: · Have been operating a travel agent, inbound tour operator or tour wholesaler business prior to the announcement of the closure of international borders, and are continuing to operate that business; · Have a turnover of between $50,000 and $20 million (or between $500,000 and $200 million Total Transaction Value – TTV) for the 2019 calendar year; and · Have been in receipt of the JobKeeper extension (28 September 2020 to 28 March 2021). To ensure equity, businesses found to have received a payment based on TTV in Round One that was greater than they would otherwise have received if the payments for Round One and Two were calculated on turnover, will not be eligible for a Round Two payment. For more information, visit the Austrade website. https://www.austrade.gov.au/australian/tourism/tourism-and-business/grants/covid-19-consumer-travel-support-program
