Media Releases

People living and travelling through Narangba West will now have better phone service to make calls, browse the internet and stay connected with family and friends. The new mobile base station at Alf Dobson Rd, Narangba West, has been turned on being turned on and will significantly improve phone service for residents and those passing through the area. The base station is expected to provide more than 6 square kilometres of new and improved mobile coverage to the area immediately around the site and also to a significant distance to the north and south. Local roads, such as Alf Dobson, Schulz, Raynbird and Roberts roads are also expected to benefit from improved coverage. The site will complement coverage from the base station at Moorina, which came on air in October 2020, and was also funded through the Program. Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said the switch on of the new mobile base station in Narnagba West under the Mobile Black Spot Program reflects the Morrison-McCormack Government’s commitment to further improving connectivity in the regions. “This significant investment as part of the Mobile Black Spot Program means that people living, working and travelling in Longman will now have better mobile coverage. This is especially important following this summer’s devastating bushfires,” Minister Fletcher said. “While no telecommunications network is 100 per cent impervious to damage from natural disasters, Australians naturally want to be confident our communications networks are as resilient as possible. The Mobile Black Spot Program is an important part of this as it provides an alternative communications option if another network goes down during an emergency situation. “The first five rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program are funding more than 1,200 mobile base stations around Australia, with more than 900 of these already on air and providing much needed mobile connectivity to rural and regional areas.” Minister for Regional Communications, Regional Health and Local Government, the Hon Mark Coulton MP, said the Coalition Government is committed to improving connectivity for people living in regional and rural areas. “The improved service is thanks to the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program, which is eradicating phone black spots across Longman,” Minister Coulton said. “This Government knows how frustrating it is to be talking on the phone or browsing the internet and then lose service, so we’re getting on with the job of building more phone towers to deliver better service.  “Not only will these towers make it easier for people to stay connected to family and friends, it will also make it easier to do business and access education.” Minister Coulton said more than 40,000 Triple 0 calls have so far been made possible through the Mobile Black Spot Program. Member for Longman Terry Young said he was pleased that local residents and businesses would now have better service in more locations. “My constituents have raised the issue of poor service in this part of Narangba and I’m pleased to be part of a Government that is listening and delivering,” Mr Young said. “The new mobile base station was completed by Telstra and is the latest of seven sites across Longman to receive new or improved mobile coverage under the program. “Our continued investment in mobile phone base stations is further proof of the Coalition’s commitment to connecting Australians, wherever they are, particularly in areas like Narangba West.” More information about the program is available at www.communications.gov.au/mbsp.

Bribie Islanders will soon have face-to-face access to Federal Government Services like Medicare and Centrelink right on the island. Services Australia is working to establish an Agent service on Bribie Island that will provide self-service facilities for customers along with trained staff who can provide additional assistance. Federal Member for Longman Terry Young, who fought hard behind the scenes to secure funding for the service, said he was delighted with the outcome. “This will mean that residents in the area won’t have to travel to Caboolture to access government services such as Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support. “Thanks to everyone who signed our online petition and helped make this happen.“This is a great result and another example of how the Federal Government is delivering for the people of Bribie Island.” An Expression of Interest process will identify a host organisation and it is expected the Agent will be available in the first half of the year. Until then Services Australia Community Engagement Officers will continue to support the community, visiting the Bribie Island Neighbourhood Centre in Bellara every Tuesday between 9.30 am and 11 am for appointments. Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said while Agents were not agency staff, they received extensive training and ongoing support to assist locals with access to self-service facilities, certifying Proof of Identity documents and access to general information. “Agents help people in regional, rural and remote communities to do their business with Services Australia and connect with the services they need, no matter where they live,” Mr Jongen said. “Increasingly, customers are conducting their business with us online. “The new Bribie Island Agent service will help people use our digital services with confidence. “People will be able to visit the Agent and use self-service equipment such as internet-enabled computers and telephone to access government services, scan, print and upload documents and receive advice on how to access the government assistance they need.” Bribie Island residents will continue to have access to the Caboolture Service Centre at 20‑22 George Street, Caboolture. For more information about services available at Agents, visit Agents and Access Points – How we can help – Services Australia

Well, what a year 2020 turned out to be. We started the year with drought and horrific bushfires in many parts of Australia. While Queensland largely escaped the devastation that occurred in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, we watched in horror at what was occurring in our neighbouring states. Like most Australians, Queenslanders wanted to do our bit to help our southern neighbours and we saw some true acts of courage and selflessness. The true Aussie spirit of helping out a mate was on show for the world to see, and we dug deep to start the rebuilding process. Then came the floods. In February, parts of Queensland and NSW were soaked by more rain than many areas received in the whole of 2019. But once again we dug in and endured. Then the COVID-19 global pandemic struck. Society as we knew it virtually changed overnight as lockdowns and social distancing became the norm. We as Australians adapted to this change remarkably well and the results of following the health advice and doing the right thing, along with Federal Government initiatives that kept many businesses open and people in jobs, meant we are now bouncing back. Australia has endured much this year but I’d still rather be here than in any other country in the world right now. As all things in life, there is good that comes from bad situations. COVID19 has sparked a renewed level of patriotism for local manufacturing and reducing our dependence on other countries for items we purchase. The grade 12 students graduating in 2020 will be some of the highest achievers we ever have. They have had to adapt and learn to deal with adversity. Life has taught me that the greatest lessons are learned in the toughest times. As we head into the Christmas period, it will be a good time to take a step back, spend time with our families, reflect on what we have lost, and appreciate what we still have. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. God knows you’ve earned it! Stay safe on the roads and let’s hope 2021 will bring better days ahead.

Bribie Islanders are set to benefit as the Australian Government lays out its plan to bring Australia out of the recession. Budget 2020 was created to create jobs and rebuild the Australian economy as we bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Member for Longman Terry said the Budget was a welcome and well-thought out plan that will help locals find jobs. “The private sector will help lead Australia out of this recession and this Budget presents a clear roadmap to recovery,” he said. Around 43,100 taxpayers in the Longman electorate will benefit from tax relief of up to $2,745 this year. “This will allow families in the Bribie area to keep more of what they earn, allowing them to spend more on the things they need,” Mr Young said. Around 23,064 age pensioners and 3,311 carers in Longman will receive a further $250 payment in December and a further $250 from March next year. The Government is also supporting business through a range of initiatives, including a temporary tax incentive that will allow around 9,300 businesses in Longman to write off the full value of any eligible asset they purchase. To help young people find jobs, The JobMaker Hiring Credit of up to $200 per week is available to employers who hire eligible employees aged 16-35. “We are also funding 100,000 new apprenticeships through a new 50 per cent wage subsidy for all businesses that take on new apprentices from now until September 30 next year,” Mr Young said. “And we will continue helping older people find work through the Restart program which provides up to $10,000 to encourage businesses to hire and retain mature age employees aged 50 and over. Other measures to drive investment in the region include further funding for the Bruce Highway upgrade between Caboolture and Caloundra; and the New Settlement Rd overpass; and the D’Aguilar Highway upgrade. Moreton Bay Council will also receive more than $5 million to build shovel-ready local priorities, supporting local jobs and local business. “These investments, together with the new Road Safety Program will support around 10,000 jobs over the life of the projects and I look forward to residents in this electorate benefiting from the local procurement they bring,” Mr Young said. “This Budget will position Australia as a world leader as we come out of this pandemic.”

A section of the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane will receive additional “smart” upgrades aimed at busting congestion. The Federal government has invested $84 million for Stage 2 of the Smart Motorways program. This program will transform a section of the Bruce Highway between the Gateway Motorway and Caloundra Road Interchange into a “smart” freeway. Ramp signals at highway entry ramps to manage traffic entering the highway Variable speed limit signs notifying motorists when speed limits have changed in response to changing road conditions Variable message signs to provide information on incidents, available detours, delays and traffic conditions CCTV cameras to monitor real-time traffic conditions. Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the technology would help bust congestion and reduce travel times on the critical section of the highway. “Installing this kind of technology will improve traffic flow and motorist safety, particularly during busy peak periods,” Mr Young said. The $105 million Smart Motorways Stage 2 project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under an 80:20 funding arrangement, with the Australian Government contributing $84 million and the Queensland Government contributing $21 million. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is responsible for project design and delivery. Ends. Media Contact: David Alexander – 0422 366 070

People living and travelling through Moorina will now have better phone service to make calls, browse the internet and stay connected with family and friends. The new mobile base station has been turned on and will significantly improve phone service in the Moorina area, particularly for properties to the south and west of the Melba St site. Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said the switch on of the new mobile base station in Moorina under the Mobile Black Spot Program reflects the Morrison-McCormack Government’s commitment to further improving connectivity in the regions. “This significant investment as part of the Mobile Black Spot Program means that people living, working and travelling in Longman will now have better mobile coverage. This is especially important following this summer’s devastating bushfires,” Minister Fletcher said. “While no telecommunications network is 100 per cent impervious to damage from natural disasters, Australians naturally want to be confident our communications networks are as resilient as possible. The Mobile Black Spot Program is an important part of this as it provides an alternative communications option if another network goes down during an emergency situation. “The first five rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program are funding more than 1,200 mobile base stations around Australia, with more than 880 of these already on air and providing much needed mobile connectivity to rural and regional areas.” Minister for Regional Communications, Regional Health and Local Government, the Hon Mark Coulton MP, said the Coalition Government is committed to improving connectivity for people living in regional and rural areas. “The improved service is thanks to the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program, which is eradicating phone black spots across Longman,” Minister Coulton said. “This Government knows how frustrating it is to be talking on the phone or browsing the internet and then lose service, so we’re getting on with the job of building more phone towers to deliver better service.  “Not only will these towers make it easier for people to stay connected to family and friends, it will also make it easier to do business and access education.” Minister Coulton said more than 40,000 Triple 0 calls have so far been made possible through the Mobile Black Spot Program. Member for Longman Terry Young said he was pleased that local residents and businesses would now have better service in more locations. “People have raised the issue of poor service in Moorina and I’m pleased to be part of a Government that is listening and delivering,” Mr Young said. “This new macro cell base station is co-located on the NBN tower. “It is expected to provide new and improved 3G and 4G mobile coverage in Moorina and includes new mobile coverage to 17 properties in the surrounding area. “It is also expected to provide improved mobile coverage to local roads in the area, including the Moorina, Mountain View and F. Lindsay Roads.” Mr Young said the site would complement coverage from a Telstra base station at Narangba West which is expected to come on air later this year. The new base station was completed by Telstra and jointly funded by the Federal Government, Telstra and the Queensland Government under Round 4 of the Mobile Black Spot Program. It is the latest of 243 sites across Queensland to receive new or improved mobile coverage under the program. “Our continued investment in mobile phone base stations is further proof of the Coalition’s commitment to connecting Australians, wherever they are, particularly in regional towns like Moorina,” Mr Young said. More information about the program is available at www.communications.gov.au/mbsp.

Machinery has arrived to start works on the Bruce Highway and New Settlement Rd/Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade, north of Brisbane. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $163.3 million project was part of the 15-year, $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. “Through this program, the Australian Government is investing massively to improve safety, flood resilience and capacity along the full length of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns,” Mr McCormack said. “It is the largest infrastructure program in Queensland and is delivering many vital projects such as the congestion-busting, job-creating New Settlement Rd/Deception Bay Rd interchange upgrade, which is expected to support an average of 270 direct jobs throughout its life. “We are continuing to roll out this type of major project nationwide under our $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.” Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said this was a project he secured funding for in his first term as an MP in 2013. “I have been fighting for this project to be delivered every day since,” he said. “I’m pleased to see the State Government has finally begun construction on the Deception Bay Road Overpass, it’s long overdue and it will make a huge difference to locals who commute. “It is important, now more than ever, that we invest in infrastructure projects that help businesses and industry develop and thrive,” Mr Howarth said. “The Australian Government has invested significantly in the projects on the southern end of the Bruce Highway that, once open to traffic, will continue to support growth in the region.” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said motorists using this stretch of the Bruce Highway experience significant congestion, particularly during peak hours. “This upgrade will tackle the problem of drivers getting stuck along the existing two-lane bridge when they’re trying to get to work or home to their families,” Mr Young said. “We need to upgrade the interchange so we can support the economy and productivity and get people home sooner and safer.” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Director-General Neil Scales said improving the interchange would make it quicker and safer for residents, visitors and businesses to get to their destinations. “The existing two-lane bridge at Deception Bay Road, over the highway, experiences heavy congestion during peak periods,” Mr Scales said. “The interchange upgrade will improve traffic flow by replacing the existing bridge with two new, wider and longer bridges, plus longer and wider entry and exit ramps, and two upgraded, signalised intersections on Deception Bay Road. “Metering signals will be installed at entry ramps to balance traffic demands with capacity as traffic enters the highway. New infrastructure for pedestrians and bike riders will also be included to safely cross the Bruce Highway and connect better to local paths. “Delivery will require a considerable construction effort, with works expected to be ongoing into 2023.” The $163.3 million upgrade project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through an 80:20 funding arrangement. The Australian Government is contributing $130.64 million and the Queensland Government is contributing $32.66 million.

Member for Longman Terry Young has encouraged local students and school communities to thank and acknowledge the hard work of our teachers and celebrate World Teachers’ Day in Australia. Mr Young said teachers and school leaders played a critical role in the lives of our kids, and it was more evident than ever this year. “Teachers and school leaders have a challenging job at the best of times, but the ongoing risks and challenges posed by COVID-19 are exceptional, and I continue to be impressed by how Longman’s teachers are responding,” Mr Young said. “Teachers have continued to support our students throughout this pandemic, and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their work. “On World Teachers’ Day we pay tribute to every teacher and the hard work and passion they continue to bring to their important job. “As we approach the end of what has been a difficult school year, I thank each of the teachers across the electorate for the role they have played in helping schools continue to deliver a world-class education to our students in these challenging times. “Our local teachers deserve our thanks every day, but on World Teachers’ Day I especially encourage students, parents, families and communities across Australia to say a special thank you to their teachers.” World Teachers’ Day is being celebrated in Australia on Friday 30 October 2020.

The Morrison Government has committed $300,000 to the Fishers for Fish Habitats in the Maroochy River and Northern Moreton Bay Project to assist in restoring the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats. Member for Longman Terry Young said the project, under the Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program, is one of 28 projects across the country to share in $8 million of grant funding. “This is a collaborative and strategic drive to improve the once-thriving fish stocks of the popular Maroochy River, Pumicestone Passage and Deception Bay waterways,” he said. “It will enhance fish habitats through bank stabilisation and mangrove rehabilitation along Burpengary Creek and restore in-stream shellfish habitat in the Pumicestone Passage. “The project will be delivered by Healthy Land and Water with support from Ozfish and local recreational fishers.” Work will also be carried out in the Maroochy River canelands, Coolum Creek Wetlands, and Maroochy estuary. Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said these projects would benefit recreational fishers by improving the health and productivity of habitats that support fish stocks and fisheries. “Australia’s waterways are some of the best in the world,” Assistant Minister Duniam said. “It’s critical we keep our fisheries habitats healthy so we can continue to enjoy our world-class fishing into the future. “This program will benefit Australia’s natural resource base and the broader community – especially our recreational fishers. “We will be funding 28 projects across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australian and Tasmania. “This funding will see Regional Land Partnership providers and recreational fishing groups partner in rolling-up their sleeves to directly improve fish habitats. “Together, they will work on surrounding vegetation and biodiversity in marine and estuarine areas, from tropical mangrove wetlands in Queensland, to building shellfish reefs on Kangaroo Island and restoring fish habitat damaged by moorings in southern Tasmania.” The Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program is a 2019 government election commitment to provide $8 million to restore the health and functionality of coastal and estuarine fisheries habitats.

The Morrison-McCormack Government will continue supporting job-creating, economy-boosting infrastructure, as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for Australia, rebuilding our economy to secure Longman’s future. The Government’s record $110 billion transport infrastructure program and $3.5 billion rolling water infrastructure fund will support local jobs and businesses at the time it is needed most. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Budget delivered on our economic plan for a stronger and more resilient Australia, boosting the economy, providing water security for regional and rural Australia, meeting our national freight challenge and getting Australians home sooner and safer. “The Budget includes new and additional funding in the 2020-21 Budget for projects and initiatives, supporting more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the projects, to get Australia back to work and back in business following the pandemic,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “Funding is being delivered to critical transport infrastructure projects in every state and territory because this is a Team Australia moment where we need every government to work together to chart the economic road back.” Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Government was driving the delivery of major infrastructure projects to build the economy and provide certainty for business over the long term. “Our infrastructure pipeline is driving road investment, substantial rail investment, unlocking the economic potential of our regions and busting congestion in urban areas,” Minister Tudge said. “The Government’s ongoing commitment to the delivery of City Deals in Townsville, Darwin, Western Sydney, Hobart, Launceston, Geelong and Adelaide will help drive recovery in our cities and make them better places to live.” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the Government would invest an additional $2 billion for a new road safety program which will support upgrades. “Improving road safety in Longman is a core priority for the Government and that’s why this additional investment builds on the $500 million we are already delivering for targeted road safety works,” Mr Young said. “Our community-led recovery plan empowers local governments nation-wide to deliver roads and community infrastructure through an additional $1 billion for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. “Moreton Bay Regional Council will receive $5,003,061 to build shovel-ready local priorities, supporting local jobs and local business. “This investment, together with the new Road Safety Program will support around 10,000 jobs over the life of the projects and I look forward to residents in this electorate benefiting from the local procurement this investment brings.”

Queensland school leavers and job seekers will benefit from increased access to free or low-fee skills training under a significant investment through the JobTrainer Agreement to be rolled out across Queensland. Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said strengthening Australia’s skills and training system is a priority as the nation responds to COVID-19. The $1 billion JobTrainer program will provide up to an additional 340,700 training places across the country for school leavers and help upskill and retrain jobseekers in areas of demand. “JobTrainer is central to Australia’s recovery from COVID-19. It will provide Australians with new opportunities and skills to get a job” Minister Cash said. “It is a significant joint investment by the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments.” The Queensland agreement will inject an extra $201 million into the state’s vocational education and training sector. The Australian Government will contribute $100.5 million, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Queensland Government. Member for Longman Terry Young said this is a fantastic result for Queensland which will really help job seekers and young people, especially school leavers. “The JobTrainer Fund will help lift Queensland as the state recovers from COVID-19,” Mr Young said. “This will help people in my electorate of Longman upskill and reskill for the industries that are in-demand and are looking for more staff.” Minister Cash said JobTrainer is part of the Australian Government’s $6.5 billion investment in Vocational Education and Training in 2020-21. “As part of this investment the Commonwealth is also providing additional support with the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees (SAT) wage subsidy, which has provided more than $500 million to employers across Australia since April this year. “As part of the SAT the Government has invested $102.89 million to assist 10,461 employers to retain 17,290 apprentices and trainees in Queensland.” For more information about JobTrainer visit: https://www.dese.gov.au/jobtrainer-fund.

Work will start before Christmas to add lanes in each direction on the Bruce Highway between Caboolture and Beerburrum. The $662.5 million jointly funded upgrade, which will deliver six lanes on the Bruce Highway from Caboolture Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163), will boost the Sunshine Coast’s economic recovery, with more than 660 jobs on offer when construction ramps up. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said Acciona Infrastructure Project Australia had been selected to complete the first contract of works for the upgrade, creating jobs at a critical time in Queensland’s recovery effort. “This project is a key part of the Australian Government’s record $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline which will support our economy at a time when it is needed most,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “The Australian Government’s contribution of $530 million is all about creating jobs for Queenslanders, particularly those in the construction and manufacturing industries.” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the project was one of four major Bruce Highway upgrades that would be under simultaneous construction between Brisbane and Gympie. “When work starts on this project, there will be four upgrades with a combined value of more than $2.8 billion transforming the highway between Brisbane and Gympie, supporting more than 2,000 jobs all up as part of Queensland’s economic recovery plan,” Mr Bailey said. “Anyone who drives the highway regularly between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will have experienced the congestion between Beerburrum and Elimbah. “The work starting soon will widen an 11-kilometre section of the highway from four lanes to six lanes and replace 10 bridges over five creek crossings with wider, higher bridges.” Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said the upgrade would be delivered as two contracts – one between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Pumicestone Road and a second between Pumicestone Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163). “Both stages of the project are expected to be completed in early 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting,” Mr Young said. “Work on the first stage will start later this year, while the second contract is expected to be awarded early next year and construction scheduled to start mid-2021 – all fantastic news for local jobs and drivers.” The Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $530 million and the Queensland Government committing $132.5 million. Acciona Infrastructure Project Australia was formerly known as Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd.

Bribie Islanders will have access to the medical care they need thanks a new three-year trial of after-hours primary care. The Australian Government is investing $500,000 to deliver the much-needed service which will be rolled out in January 2021. “For years, residents on the island have been calling for better access to medical services and I am delighted to announce this trial program,” Member for Longman Terry Young said. “Currently, Bribie Island locals don’t have an established after-hours health care service available through their GPs or medical deputising arrangements. “With this investment, patients won’t have to travel 20km to Caboolture Hospital for care outside normal office hours but will have access to a GP right here on Bribie Island.” The Government will provide $500,000 to the Brisbane North Primary Health Network to co-design and develop the service with input from stakeholders. The local provider will be determined through a tender process. Ensuring all Australians have access to safe, quality, and accessible health care is an Australian Government priority. We will continue to work with our GPs, specialists and consumers to improve the delivery of care. As part of the Government’s Long Term National Health Plan, our Primary Health Care10-Year Plan will set a vision and path to guide future primary health care reform. This is in addition to our broader health care reform agenda to make the health system more person-centred, integrated, efficient and equitable for all Australians no matter where they live.

A new $1.5 billion Australian Government infrastructure package will provide an immediate injection into the economy and bring jobs back online to help stem the impact of COVID-19. Federal Member for Longman Terry Young MP said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in Longman. “Every single job that we support makes a huge difference in our local communities – now and as we navigate out of the pandemic,” Mr Young said. “The project benefitting our region will include an upgrade to D’Aguilar Highway, covering Caboolture, Wamuran, Woodford, and D’Aguilar up to Yarraman. “The Government is investing $15.2 million of a total $19 million to upgrade D’Aguilar Highway, which will be welcome news for Longman residents and the region. “This crucial project will create new jobs and make our roads safer, helping our local economy to bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new package would fund shovel-ready infrastructure projects that can support local jobs immediately. “This funding will deliver critical infrastructure projects right across the country to help keep construction businesses running and people in jobs,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “$1 billion of this package will fund projects that can get underway now and over the next six months, to give an immediate boost to the economy and local jobs – right at the time we need it. “We will work together with the states and territories to deliver these job-creating priority projects, building on our unprecedented cooperation to date through the National Cabinet of States and Territories.” “The package also includes a $500 million Targeted Road Safety Works initiative for states and territories to deliver smaller but critical projects to improve road safety and bolster the resilience of our local road networks. “The Government has already announced $500 million for local governments to support projects such as road safety improvements, maintaining community infrastructure and increasing accessibility. “Now we are announcing a substantial funding injection for national infrastructure priorities, such as the D’Aguilar Highway project. “This is part of our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline, which is laying the foundations of a financial bridge to recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis.” Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the $1.5 billion package, combined with the additional funding to local governments, is expected to support up to 12,000 direct and indirect jobs by creating new local opportunities and securing existing positions. “This package will support thousands of jobs across our national construction sector, which we know is facing many challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis,” Mr Tudge said. “This includes local governments as well, who will receive funding to deliver targeted projects in their area. “These types of infrastructure projects will be particularly crucial for helping us bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis has ended by ensuring we have the safe transport connections needed for all of Australia to keep moving.

The Morrison Government’s Volunteer Grants are now available for local community groups and organisations in Longman. Under the 2019-20 Volunteer Grants program, 28 organisations in Longman will receive $63,750 in funding to help them buy equipment and cover costs, such as those for transport or training.   Federal Member for Longman Terry Young MP said volunteers are a vital part of the backbone of our community, with many vulnerable people in our society relying on their support. “This funding will provide a much-needed boost for many organisations working tirelessly to provide critical services to those who need it most in Longman. “Longman consists of so many wonderful volunteers and organisations who continually sacrifice to help others and strengthen our community resilience. “This funding delivers on the Morrison Government’s commitment to support Australians, particularly marginalised and vulnerable people, through what are increasingly challenging times,” Mr Young said. The successful organisations in Longman are as follows:  St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Meant to Rise Inc St John Qld Bribie Island Rd Saddle Club Inc Boggo Road Gaol Historical Society Inc Caboolture Netball Association Inc Woodfordia Inc. Bribie Island Soccer Football Club Incorporated Burpengary Meals on Wheels Inc. Caboolture 10 Neighbourhood Watch Incorporated Caboolture Meals on Wheels Genies Netball Club Inc Global Care Bribie Island The Boys’ Brigade 3rd Caboolture Company The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Queensland Branch) Inc. Volunteer Marine Rescue –  Bribie Island Inc. The Girls’ Brigade 3rd Caboolture Company Burpengary and District Men’s Shed Inc Cartmill Community Centre Burpengary Riding for Disabled Association Inc. Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club Inc. Toastmasters International – District 69, Moreton Division, Area 3 Burpengary Jets Netball Club Inc Bribie Island Indoor Bowls Club Inc Bribie Butterfly Volunteers Inc. Caboolture Men’s Shed Incorporated Caboolture Warplane and Flight Heritage Museum Inc. Bribie Island Meals on Wheels Association Inc For more information about the Volunteer Grants program, please go to the Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au