A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will provide the Australian Academy of Martial Arts Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Club (AAMA) with $185,000 in funding to go towards the construction of a new building to be used as a dojo and for additional health and wellness classes.

Making the announcement today at Mt Gravatt Hawks Soccer Club, Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said he was pleased to be able to make the commitment to the long-running club.

“The Australian Academy of Martial Arts has been the leading teacher of karate to children and adults in the Mount Gravatt, Wishart and Mansfield areas for over 40 years,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m proud to be able to commit this funding today, which will help the club expand its programmes and preserve the Academy’s heritage in the community.”

AAMA Committee member, Glenn Weiss welcomed the funding announcement.

“This will be a multi-purpose facility that will provide the club with twice as much space, which will allow us to offer more options to parents as well as students,” Mr Weiss said.

“With this additional space we intend to offer regular classes related to health and wellness as well as healthy aging programs.”

“We have recognised the need for healthy aging programs for older people through consultation with the community. We are now planning to broaden our focus in this area through collaboration with other community groups.”

A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide funding for the upgrade of the intersection of Rickertt Road and Green Camp Road, relieving congestion for motorists in the electorate of Bonner and Bowman.

The intersection, which is a key route for commuters between Redland City and Brisbane, is currently plagued by congestion during peak times. Around 1,000 vehicles per hour pass through the intersection during peak times, resulting in traffic queues of up to two kilometres.  

The Turnbull Government will provide $5 million for the upgrade which will be matched by the Brisbane City Council.  

The funding will enable the re-phasing of traffic signals as well as the upgrade and extension of the dual carriageway.

The announcement was made today by Minister for Major Projects, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP, and Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming MP. 

Mr Vasta said, “I’ve heard from countless residents and commuters in Bonner who’ve had issues with this particular intersection. After fighting for years on their behalf for this much-needed upgrade I’m pleased the Government is now able to commit this funding.”

Mr Laming said, “This upgrade transforms the commute between Redland City and Brisbane. The morning congestion in particular has caused frustration for around 15,000 Redland city families.”

The Turnbull Government is investing $13.7 billion in Queensland infrastructure and is spending a record $50 billion on land transport infrastructure nationally as part of our carefully structured economic plan to provide jobs and growth and a secure future for Australian families.