Latest News

Member for Longman Terry Young attended Carmichael College to open a new multipurpose course and administration building extension that were funded by the Coalition Government. Mr Young said students would benefit from the new court that will be used for a variety of sporting activities including basketball, netball, volleyball and tennis. The space will also be used during lunch breaks and for chapel and assembly gatherings. The extension to the administration building enhances the overall school environment. It is contemporary in design and takes into account the requirements of the staff, the students and the broader school community. The Coalition Government provided $320,000 for the project through the Capital Grants Program, which provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure. “It was great to visit Carmichael College to see the new facilities and hear about the positive impact it will have on students,” Mr Young said. “Carmichael College has a wonderful school community, and these new facilities will further enhance the learning environment. “We are ensuring that every child gets a quality education no matter where they go to school.School funding has increased every year under our Government. “Our Government is providing record funding for government schools, for Catholic schools and for Independent schools. “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 his Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools. “Our Government is funding improved facilities at schools, like the new multipurpose court and administration building extension at Carmichael College, as part of our commitment to education.” More information about the Capital Grants Program is at https://www.dese.gov.au/payments-and-grants-schools/capital-grants-non-government-schools.

The Caboolture community will soon have improved access to Centrelink and Medicare services, with a purpose-built Services Australia precinct office opening on August 2, 2021.  Finishing touches are underway at the new site at 28 King Street, which will have a contemporary look and feel, delivering the best possible customer service experience for Caboolture residents.  The Caboolture precinct office will deliver face-to-face Centrelink and Medicare services, replacing the existing service centre at George Street, and provide office accommodation for non face-to-face staff.   Minister for Government Services the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said around 160 staff will be located at the King Street site.   ‘The new precinct office is in a more central location, close to shops and only a short walk to the Caboolture train station,’ Minister Reynolds said.   ‘We’re committed to continually improving our services, so Caboolture locals will be able tell Services Australia what they think of the new service centre, as staff will be seeking feedback about their experience.’  Member for Longman Terry Young said the new site was great news for the area. ‘It will provide locals with state-of-the-art government services, including upgraded self-service terminals and access to appointments for Centrelink services,’ Mr Young said. ‘Anyone who needs help accessing the agency’s digital services can also visit the service centre and staff will help them get started online.’   There will be no gap in services for the Caboolture community, with the existing service centre at George Street continuing to support locals until the new site at King Street is operational. The Caboolture precinct office will open on August 2, and will operate Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm.  

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is undertaking a planning study to investigate options for a new transport corridor through Caboolture West in the Moreton Bay region between Moorina and Moodlu. The study is funded 50-50 by the State and Federal Governments contributing $10 million each. The Bruce Highway Western Alternative through Caboolture West is an approximately 10km section of the North Brisbane – Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) corridor. The corridor will provide an alternative route to the Bruce Highway and help alleviate congestion and accommodate future growth in the area. The future BHWA corridor is a total length of 57km, stretching roughly between Stafford and Beerburrum. To accommodate the expected growth in the region, we are developing a structured planning approach to confirm transport needs, evaluate options, and prioritise and scope infrastructure projects in the north Brisbane and Moreton Bay areas. Planning is being progressed as a priority, given the urgent need to identify the land requirements and protect the land through Caboolture West, which is at high risk of being compromised due to the rapid pace of development in the area. Funding The Australian and Queensland governments are partners in the delivery of the North Brisbane – Bruce Highway Western Alternative project. The Australian Government has committed $10 million to the project under the Major Project Business Case Fund and the Queensland Government has committed $10 million to the project on a 50:50 (federal:state) basis.  Current status The project is currently in the planning phase. Before a suitable corridor through Caboolture West can be identified and protected from future development, we are preparing to undertake community consultation with key stakeholders and the community. Three concept options are proposed with planning to identify a preferred option, pending feedback from the community. The 3 concept options for the future motorway have been broadly identified as: Eastern option The Eastern alignment option starts to the south-east of the Sheepstation Creek Reserve in Moorina and travels northwards towards the D’Aguilar Highway at Moodlu. The corridor avoids the Sheepstation Creek Reserve. The Eastern option would have the most significant impact on existing dwellings. It also runs through a number of areas that are below the one-in-one-hundred-year flood level. However, it is mostly flat terrain which would reduce the need for significant earthworks during construction. Central option The Central option starts in Moorina, south of Caboolture River Road, and travels north towards the D’Aguilar Highway, staying close to the powerline easement. It ends about halfway between Moodlu and Wamuran on the D’Aguilar Highway, avoiding high-value koala habitat areas. The Central option provides significant benefits in the connections it would enable through the area. There are a few existing dwellings in the proposed area. Western option The Western option starts at the same location as the Central option and then turns west towards Old North Road, following the existing road where possible. It will provide limited connections for the area. Difficult terrain in this area will make construction complex and expensive, with very significant works needed to establish a road. It is also longer than the other 2 options. Sustainability TMR is dedicated to minimising potential impacts to the environment or areas of cultural significance from transport projects. TMR will carefully consider the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative and actively engage the community for feedback as part of the planning process. Source: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-western-alternative-stage-1-caboolture-west

The Morrison Government is providing $593,210 for headspace services in Longman as part of our $26 million investment to ensure that young people can access mental health services where they need them and when they need them. Federal Member for Longman Terry Young welcomed the grant, which will ensure better social and health outcomes for young locals. “Headspace Caboolture has been experiencing high demand for services and this funding will help them expand their services and improve access to high quality, youth friendly and mental health support,” Mr Young said. “I’m pleased to announce that Caboolture headpsace will have more staff to service the local area thanks to this funding. “This will enable the centre to employ a full time mental heath clinician and will cut wait times for members of the community who use the service. “Myf and the team at headspace Caboolture do an amazing job and this funding will help them offer an even better service.” Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said one in four young Australians are affected by a mental illness every year. “Many young people have also been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it more important than ever to ensure access to youth mental health services,” Minister Hunt said. “The funding reinforces our Government’s strong commitment achieving better mental health for all Australians and will complement our record investment of $6.5 billion in mental health and suicide prevention services in 2021-22.” Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said headspace provides free or low cost youth-friendly support in four key areas, mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support. “headspace offers a safe, welcoming place where young people can get non-judgmental professional help and peer support, so they can tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them,” Assistant Minister Coleman said. 40 headspaces services located in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory will benefit from grants of up to $1.8 million each. The grants are part of the Government’s $152 million investment in the headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program, to reduce wait times and make capital improvements. Over the next four years from 2021-22, the Government is investing $873.2 million in the national headspace network, this includes $758.2 million for the establishment of new services ongoing service delivery and enhancement of existing services. The Government continues to make mental health a national priority, and provided a record $2.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system. Based on the principles of Prevention, Compassion and Care, the Plan will ensure that high quality, person-centred care is available to all Australians, regardless of where they live. Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).

Bribie residents will receive a significant road safety boost with the Morrison Government announcing it will invest $472,000 under the 2021–22 Black Spot Program. The funding will provide a new signalised pedestrian crossing at Goodwin Drive, Bongaree, near the Bribie Island shopping centre. It involves replacing the existing zebra crossing with a signalised crossing, and decreasing the crossing distance by installing kerb buildouts and narrowing the centre median. The new traffic signals will include push button activation with pedestrian count-down timers, advance warning signage and flashing lights. Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said community input was critical to identifying key black spots in the electorate. “There is a history of rear-end crashes at this intersection as well as pedestrians being hit where vehicles travelling on Goodwin Drive failed to give way,” Mr Young said. “Road crashes place major emotional and economic strains on all affected communities but particularly the families and friends of the victims. “I am pleased to see that projects like Goodwin Drive in Bongaree will be delivered under the 2021–22 funding round.” Moreton Bay Regional Council nominated this crossing for blackspot funding in early 2020 and I’m pleased to see it delivered under the 2021–22 Black Spot funding round.  Work will be carried out in 2021-22 financial year. The Australian Government has committed $1.1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013–14 to 2023–24 to improve road safety across the nation. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the State would receive $20.8 million under the Black Spot Program’s 2021–22 funding round. “This major investment is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to building safer roads right across the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a number of serious crashes are known to have occurred. “That is why the Australian Government has committed $1.1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013-14 to 2023-24 to improve road safety across Australia.” Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the 67 Black Spot projects across Queensland would make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on Queensland roads and built on previous investments in the state. “This Government is investing in road safety right across the nation to ensure Australians get home sooner and safer, as even one death or one serious injury crash on our roads is one too many,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said. The Australian Government has committed $1.1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013–14 to 2023–24 to improve road safety across the nation. Community input is critical to identifying key black spots in the electorate. For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots.

Longman continues to benefit from the Liberal and Nationals Government’s record infrastructure investment, with funding for new projects announced in the 2021-22 Federal Budget. Key projects to be funded include:• $10 million for the Caboolture – Bribie Island Road (Hickey Road-King John Creek) Upgrade.• Bruce Highway – Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way ($50 million allocation)• Deception Bay Road Interchange Upgrade ($24,958,400 allocation)• D’Aguilar Highway – Caboolture to Yarraman ($2.2 million allocation; total cost: 19 million)• North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative business case ($1 million allocated) Federal Member for Longman Terry Young said these projects will make local roads safer, improve public transport, reduce travel times and support thousands of jobs. “The Federal Government’s record funding commitment is creating jobs, boosting business investment, while securing Australia’s COVID recovery.” “These initiatives will enhance transport connectivity, underpin economic growth and help Queenslanders get home sooner and safer,” Mr Young said. “The $400 million investment for the Inland Freight Route will transform the way freight moves across the State, all the way from Mungindi to Charters Towers. “The Federal Budget continues the Government’s agenda to improve high-priority roads such as Bribie Island Rd, essential to the movement of people and freight to support the region’s economic development. “This record infrastructure spend sees the Government stepping up its economic response to continue Queensland’s recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Young said. The Australian Government looks forward to working constructively with the Queensland Government to deliver this infrastructure, supporting jobs and businesses right across Queensland. For more information on investments in Queensland visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au

Longman families are among the big winners in this year’s Federal Budget with a range of initiatives and some big-ticket items to help the region’s economic recovery. Member for Longman Terry Young said around 64,800 taxpayers in the electorate are being rewarded for their hard work with tax relief of up to $2,745 this year. “This is a result of the Morrison Government’s decision to extend the low and middle income tax offset to 2021-22 and the decision to bring forward Stage 2 of the Government’s tax relief plan,” Mr Young said. “It will put more money in the pockets of hardworking residents in Longman and ultimately boost the local economy.” On the jobs and training front, the Morrison Government is extending and expanding the JobTrainer Fund which will provide more opportunities for locals to get an apprenticeship or traineeship. “We are also providing 50 per cent wage subsidies for 170,000 new apprentices and trainees on top of the 100,000 apprentices already supported,” Mr Young said. “We are continuing tax incentives that will allow around 14,700 businesses in Longman to write off the full value of any eligible asset they purchase.” The Government is encouraging home ownership by expanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme and helping more first home buyers build a home with a 5 per cent deposit; and helping eligible single parents purchase a home with a 2 per cent deposit. The Government will continue guaranteeing the essential services many locals rely on with more support for aged care, mental health and childcare. “We are delivering a $17.7 billion package of support for aged car which includes an additional 80,000 Home Care Packages,” Mr Young said. “The Budget also includes support for 33,000 new personal carer training places, higher payments for residential care and stronger regulation. “We’re also extending telehealth consultations to the end of this year. Around 371,700 telehealth consultations through Medicare have been delivered in Longman since the start of the pandemic. “Our childcare reforms will increase affordability for around 1,770 families living in Longman, opening the door for parents to return to the workforce or increase their hours. “We will also remove the $10,560 cap on the Child Care Subsidy. “We’re also committing $2.3 billionto mental health care and suicide prevention, including more Headspace centres to support more young Australians, greater access to psychiatrists, through Medicare and a new National Suicide Prevention Office. “We are doubling our commitment for women’s safety through more emergency accommodation, more legal assistance and counselling and more financial support for those escaping abusive relationships.” Mr Young said mobile phone coverage in fringe urban areas would also be improved thanks to the new $16.4 million Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP). “This will open the door for new mobile infrastructure to improve coverage in areas like Wamuran and Caboolture South,” Mr Young said. “We are also investing in new major infrastructure with $10 million to upgrade Bribie Island Road between Hickey Road and King John Creek. “This is a significant upgrade and along with improvements at Old Toorbul Point Rd, will help reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and support local jobs during its construction.” This Budget also invests a further $1.6 billion to fund priority technologies to help protect our environment including clean hydrogen and energy storage and upgraded recycling capabilities. “This Budget is the next stage in securing Australia’s economic recovery from the pandemic,” Mr Young said. “This is achieved through personal income tax cuts, incentives for local businesses, new apprenticeship and training places, improved roads and mobile phone coverage and record funding for schools, hospitals, aged care, mental health and the NDIS.”

Bushfire-prone areas on the outskirts of our major cities will be better connected through the Morrison Government’s $16.4 million Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP), to be unveiled in the 2020-21 Budget. Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said PUMP will improve mobile connectivity for communities in bushfire-prone areas along the edges of Australia’s major cities. “Improving coverage on the peri-urban fringe will help communities access vital information during emergencies, seek help if needed and stay in touched with loved ones,” Minister Fletcher said. “PUMP will also improve the quality and reliability of available mobile services, providing benefits on a day-to-day basis for those living and working in these communities.” Through PUMP, the Government will provide grant funding to mobile network operators and infrastructure providers to deploy new mobile phone infrastructure to improve mobile reception and coverage in peri-urban areas. Member for Longman Terry Young said the announcement is great news for people in peri-urban areas of Longman that have long been plagued by poor mobile coverage. “It will open the door for new mobile infrastructure to improve service in areas like Wamuran which have been caught in a sort of no-mans-land when it comes to getting funding for new mobile infrastructure. “Recently I held a community forum with Minister Fletcher and the message was loud and clear: mobile service in parts of Longman is simply not good enough. “I congratulate the Minister for listening to our concerns and coming up with a solution for people who live in peri-urban areas in Longman and around Australia.” The Program will run a competitive assessment process to provide funding to assist the deployment of new and improved mobile infrastructure. This infrastructure will address identified quality of service and reception issues in targeted areas. All applications will be competitively assessed on a solution by solution basis with funding awarded based on the coverage outcomes provided by each solution. “We will continue to invest in targeted programs that improve mobile connectivity across the country to match our increasing reliance on mobile phones, both in an emergency and our day-to- day lives,” Minister Fletcher said. “This new Program will complement the highly successful Mobile Black Spot Program, which is delivering new mobile coverage across regional and remote Australia.” Berowra MP Julian Leeser, who advocated for PUMP on behalf of his constituents, said, “For too long, residents in the outer suburbs have been putting up with poor mobile coverage and extended outages. “Frustrating at the best of times, this can become a matter of life or death when disasters strike. PUMP has the potential to provide a lifeline for communities like mine.”

Do you know someone who deserves a special ‘thank-you’ for their contributions to our local community? If so, then nominate them for a 2021 Longman Volunteer Award. I established these Awards to recognise the amazing work done by local residents in a variety of ways including with local charities, sporting clubs, service organisations, community groups and other voluntary activities. As I meet with people across our local region it’s heartening to see such dedication. If you know someone who deserves recognition please complete this form and return it to me. Right click -> save image as. You can then print out the form and fill it out. Take a photo of the completed form and email to [email protected] or mail/drop off the completed form to: Unit 7, Level 1, 69 King Street, Caboolture, 4510. 

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 today, 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.” The centre will operate: Mondays-Thursdays: 12pm-3pm and Fridays: 8.30am-11am. 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 is now up and running,” 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

BeachmereMarch: 6.45am, from Uniting Church, Corner of Moreton Terrace and Second Avenue.Main Service: Beachmere Remembrance Memorial, Clayton Park, Moreton Terrace : 7am Bribie IslandDawn Service: Korea Place, Bribie Island RSL Club: 4.28amMarch: 8.30am, from Apex Park, Bongaree.Main Service: Korea Place, Bribie Island RSL Club: 9am BurpengaryDawn Service: Burpengary War Memorial, Buchanan Park: 4.45amMarch: 10am, from Coles Carpark, Burpengary.Main Service: Burpengary War Memorial, Buchanan Park: 10.30am Caboolture/MorayfieldMain Service: Caboolture Town Square: 10am DonnybrookService: Corner Edith & Alice Streets: 11.30am Mt MeeService: Mt Mee Lookout: 5.50am ToorbulDawn Service: Toorbul Rural Fire Brigade: 5amMarch: 7.50am, from Toorbul Store, 109 Esplanade.Main Service: Toorbul Rural Fire Brigade: 8am WoodfordDawn March: 4.50am, from Woodford Memorial HallDawn Service: 5am, Woodford Memorial ParkMain March: 10.15am, from Corner of George and Archer streets.Main Service: Woodford Memorial Park: 10.30am

I would like to invite you to attend an Agriculture Forum with the Hon David Littleproud MP, Minister for Agriculture, and representatives from local horticulture and agriculture groups. This free community event will take place on:Friday the 16th April9.30am for a 10am start. Ends 11.30am.Caboolture Sports Central (Cnr Hasking and Beerburrum Rd), Caboolture QLD 4510 This will be a great opportunity to discuss local issues relating to horticulture and agriculture as well as meet with other related industry stakeholders. Spaces are limited so register early using the link below to secure your place: www.trybooking.com/BPTHQ

You are invited to a Communications Forum with Terry Young MP and Special Guest, Minister for Communications, the Hon Paul Fletcher. We will be discussing matters regarding the NBN, mobile coverage and more. Representatives from Telstra, Optus and NBN will also be present to address any questions or concerns. Date: Tuesday 9th March 2021Time: 9:30am-11:30amLocation: Sports Central Caboolture, formerly known as the Caboolture RSL, Corner of Hasking Street and, Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture QLD 4510 Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=712647& Seats are strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Telstra has advised that its mobile base station at Narangba West in Longman has been switched on and is now on air. This is the 907th base station funded under the Mobile Black Spot Program to be switched on, and the 7th in the Longman electorate. This macro cell base station, jointly funded by the Federal Government, Telstra and the Queensland Government under Round 4 of the Mobile Black Spot Program (the Program), is co-located on the NBN tower at Narangba West. The base station is expected to provide over 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. This base station is expected to improve mobile coverage in an area that previously experienced patchy coverage from mobile network operators and will benefit those living, working and travelling through this area. In addition, the site will complement coverage from the Telstra base station at Moorina, which came on air in October 2020, and which is also funded through the Program.

During February, there will be an increase in earthworks and drainage across the project footprint. This includes an increase in heavy construction machinery and traffic, deliveries and personnel working in all areas. Works planned for February include: Bruce Highway and bridge works Construction of the new bridges over the Bruce Highway will continue in February. Single lane closures may be required at night. Early concrete pours for bridge works will start at 5am.  Piling for the northbound highway entry ramp bridge, parallel to Old Gympie Road, will begin during day works.  Old Gympie Road Earthworks including clearing and grubbing, drainage and pavement works will occur on Old Gympie Road.  New Settlement Road Earthworks, drainage and pavement works will occur on New Settlement Road.  The speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h through the work zone. Deception Bay Road Earthworks, drainage and pavement works will occur on Deception Bay Road. The speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h through the work zone. Eastern Service Road Earthworks, drainage and pavement works will occur on the Eastern Service Road. Single lane closures may be in place during pavement works at night. The local community can expect: Southbound Bruce Highway exit ramp detour: The southbound exit ramp (Exit 142) to Deception Bay Road will be closed for five nights from 7 to 11 February, between 7pm and 5am. Traffic will be detoured via the southbound exit ramp (Exit 138) to Boundary Road and cross the highway bridge to return to the Bruce Highway northbound. Traffic control: Other localised traffic changes will be in place including reduced speed limits, lane closures and minor traffic disruptions. Traffic controllers may be in present to assist and direct road users. Priority access through the work zone will be given to emergency vehicles, wherever safe to do so. Night works: Works at night will include installation of traffic barriers, and underground service investigations at the intersections of Old Gympie Road and New Settlement Road, and Deception Bay Road and the Eastern Service Road. Potential vegetation clearing will also occur near the southbound highway entry ramp. Audible noise and dust: Audible noise and increased dust from construction activities, heavy machinery and vehicles can be expected. Reversing beepers and flashing lights are a safety requirement and will be used at all times during work hours. Access: Access to residential properties and businesses will be maintained as needed Working hours: Day works will be undertaken wherever possible. However, night works will be required where the works are in close proximity to live traffic. Night works: between 7pm and 5am, Sunday to Thursday. Day works: between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm on Saturday. All works are subject to weather and construction conditions. For more details on this project visit TMR’s website.

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

Elimbah residents will find it easier to get out and about thanks to construction of a new much-needed footpath along Bigmor Drive. The new 3.5km concrete footpath will be constructed between Pumicestone Rd and Mansfield Rd, providing the “missing link” in the local footpath network in the area. The $700,000 project was jointly funded by the Federal Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($500,000) and Moreton Bay Regional Council ($200,000). Member for Longman Terry Young said he was delighted to see work begin on the new footpath. “Mums and dads with prams and people with mobility issues will find it much easier to get to local shops and parks thanks to this new footpath,” Mr Young said. “It will also provide safe pedestrian access to the massive new commercial development next to the iconic Big Fish Tavern, anchored by a new Bunnings Warehouse. “I’m pleased that the Federal Government has been able to contribute $500,000 to this project which will benefit local residents and support local jobs during construction.” Construction of the new footpath was expected to be completed in early April, weather permitting. “I’m looking forward to seeing its completion along with the other projects in Longman that have been funded under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP),” Mr Young said. The LRCIP is a Federal Government program that supports local councils to deliver priority local projects that support jobs and help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said it was great to see Mr Young successfully take this fight to Canberra and secure funding for a such an important project for the people of Elimbah.  “Council has been busy progressing as many infrastructure projects as possible over the past year to help Moreton Bay Region bounce back from COVID-19 stronger than ever,” Mayor Flannery said.  “The Federal Government’s assistance for Bigmor Drv has allowed us to fast-track construction and keep locals on the tools when it’s needed most.  “This is a demonstration of what can be achieved for a community when levels of government come together, and I thank Terry for his partnership on this.”  Councillor Tony Latter (Div 12) said these footpath works would have a massive impact on the quality of life for Elimbah residents.  “If COVID-19 taught us anything it was the value of getting outside, exercising and getting some fresh air,” Cr Latter said.  “This footpath will connect the Elimbah community across a huge stretch of road, whether it’s for recreation or just grabbing some groceries it’ll all be much easier once complete.  “Not only is this project a great economic stimulator, but it’s an upgrade on quality of life as our region grows.” Other Longman projects funded under the LRCIP include new lights at Bob Brock Park in Dakabin, a new fauna overpass at Woorim, and work is already under way to upgrade Collins Park (Summerfield Drv) in Caboolture.

Australians are encouraged to take up seasonal work opportunities in horticulture as part of a collaboration trial funded by the Morrison Government. The Harvest Trail Services, which have been expanded into 16 regions, will ensure major horticulture areas have access to the workers they need. Five organisations are being funded as part of the $1 million Harvest Trail Services Industry Collaboration Trial to find new ways to encourage people to take up opportunities in the horticulture sector, while meeting employer demand. Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the trial will test-run different ways to promote harvest work to Australian job seekers. “We know growers are struggling to find the labour they need, which is why Harvest Trail Services is as important as ever,” Minister Cash said. “As part of Harvest Trail Services, we have provided additional funds to a number of growers groups for them to develop innovative approaches to promote new opportunities in the horticulture sector.” The organisations selected are: Fruit Growers Victoria Limited Northern Territory Farmers Association Incorporated Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers Limited (GrowCom) Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Cooperative Limited AUSVEG Limited. Member for Longman Terry Young said these funding opportunities ranged from pre-employment projects, mentoring, training, development of videos, engagement with school leavers, and social media campaigns. “The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring job seekers in Longman can find work and to help growers meet their workforce needs,” Mr Young said. “We are also providing relocation assistance to people who relocate to harvest and regional areas to take up agricultural work.” From 1 November 2020, relocation assistance is available to people who relocate to harvest and regional areas to take up short-term agricultural work, including Australians who are not receiving income support and those with the right to work in Australia. Those relocating to take up short-term agricultural work may be eligible to receive up to $6,000 if they are an Australian worker; or $2,000 if they are visa holders with general work rights in Australia, not restricted to an employer or a type of work. More details on the Harvest Trail can be found at https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest For more information about Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job visit: https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest/workers/relocation-assistance