Member for Bonner Ross Vasta together with the Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield today announced that a re-elected Turnbull Coalition Team will deliver improved mobile phone coverage in Belmont, Burbank, Moreton Island and Gumdale, as part of an additional $60 million commitment to extend the successful Mobile Black Spot Programme.

“New mobile base stations in Belmont, Burbank, Moreton Island and Gumdale will bring a much-needed boost to mobile coverage, providing benefits to emergency service operators, businesses, and residents,” Mr Vasta said.

“I am pleased that under Round 1 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme, the electorate of Bonner will receive new mobile coverage to one mobile black spot area nominated by the public, with the results of Round 2 to be announced in the second half of 2016.

“The Turnbull Coalition Team understands the importance of mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia and that is why we are committing an additional $60 million on top of the $160 million already invested in mobile black spots, bringing the Coalition’s total investment to $220 million,” Mr Vasta said.

To date, the Mobile Black Spots Programme has committed to 499 new or upgraded base stations covering around 3,000 black spots, which is the most significant one-time increase in mobile network coverage to regional and remote Australia.

Minister Fifield said the Coalition is committed to improving mobile coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in locations prone to experiencing natural disasters, as well as addressing unique mobile coverage problems such as areas with high seasonal demand.

“Despite being in Government for six years, Labor did not spend one dollar on fixing mobile black spots in regional and remote Australia,” Minister Fifield said.

“The Coalition’s $220 million plan to address mobile black spots will ensure regional and remote communities have access to wider and more reliable mobile phone coverage.”

A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will provide Mt Gravatt Bowls Club with $178,000 in funding to go towards the conversion of its existing grass surface to an artificial surface, as well as the construction of a cover over the new green.

Making the announcement at Mt Gravatt Bowls Club’s open men’s competition today, Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said he was happy to pledge the funding that would help secure the club’s future.

“This project will significantly reduce the club’s operating costs,” Mr Vasta said.

“It will provide an excellent playing surface that will protect players from the elements. This will also help attract new members to this wonderful club.”

Business manager of Mt Gravatt Bowls Club, Reg Walls welcomed the funding announcement.

“This funding will provide much-needed certainty and a more secure future for the club,” Mr Walls said.

Mr Walls said the project would be a great benefit to the community and community organisations that utilised the club’s facilities.

“This includes barefoot bowlers, corporate bowlers and people who in part use the Licenced Club facilities in conjunction with the bowling greens.”

“We are also encouraging schools to use the greens facilities and have procured 30 sets of smaller sized bowls to facilitate and encourage students to take up the sport.”

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.

A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will provide Wynnum-Manly Meals on Wheels with $300,000 in funding to go towards the purchase of new kitchen facilities for their Kitchen and Community Centre to be built at Wakerley.

Making the announcement today at Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre in Wynnum, Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said he was proud to be able to support Wynnum-Manly Meals on Wheels’ move to their new site at 880 Manly Road, Wakerley.

“In the last 20 years, Wynnum and Manly Meals on Wheels has fundraised tirelessly to move into their new and improved home and I’ve been proud to support their efforts,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Wakerley facility will be a fantastic asset for the community. It will have a state-of-the-art kitchen that will see many more hot meals delivered to locals. It will also have many other features that will be available to local groups, including meeting, training and sporting spaces.”

President of Wynnum-Manly Meals on Wheels, Ken Edwards welcomed the funding announcement.

“The new Meals on Wheels kitchen will improve the facilities available to over 280 volunteers,” Mr Edwards said.

“This will allow for more hot meals to be cooked, prepared and delivered more efficiently to homes in the area. This helps us assist people to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes for longer.”

Mr Vasta thanked Mr Edwards for his unwavering dedication to the project.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the completed facility and joining everyone on opening day,” Mr Vasta said.

“I commend Wynnum-Manly Meals on Wheels for its work delivering meals to residents in our community.”

A re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will assist Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed with the installation and fitting out of their new shed site at Wynnum North, with an investment of $100,000, Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta announced today.

“I’m delighted Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed was able to find a new home here at the former Wynnum Bowls Club site,” Mr Vasta said today.

“I’m pleased the Turnbull Government has committed this much-needed funding to help cover the Shed’s costs and attract more members to this wonderful group.”

President of Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed, David Westlake welcomed the funding announcement.

“This funding will go toward the insulation of our three sheds and air conditioning for the main building,” Mr Westlake said.

Mr Westlake thanked Mr Vasta for securing a demountable ex-army shed for Wynnum Manly and Districts Men’s Shed through an initiative by the Australian Army.

Mr Vasta said Wynnum and Manly Districts Men’s Shed was an incredible organisation that helps fight against social isolation and fosters community togetherness.

“I have seen first-hand the valuable work the Men’s Shed does in the community and I’m proud to be able to offer them this support today,” Mr Vasta said.

Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today announced a re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government would provide the 215 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets with $14,000 to help them with the construction of a new trailer.

Speaking at the 215 Squadron AAFC’s weekly evening parade at Citipointe College, Mr Vasta said he was proud to support the project that would benefit a number of local squadrons and units throughout the area.

“The trailer will be made available for use by different squadrons and cadets units throughout the area,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m thrilled to be able to commit this funding to a worthy local community group such as 215 Squadron for a worthy project that will also benefit the wider community.”

Executive Officer of 215 Squadron AAFC, Tony Shield welcomed the funding.

“Our cadet units will be able to use the enclosed trailer to store and transport field equipment such as tents, radios and first aid into rural and bush settings for field training exercises,” Mr Shield said.

“It will increase our capacity to conduct field training, enabling more participants and elevating our standard of training.”

Mr Vasta commended 215 Squadron for better equipping young people for community life and stimulating an interest in the air force through its training programs.

Only the Turnbull Coalition Team can provide the strong economic leadership needed to deliver for community groups in the Bonner electorate.

A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide community groups across Bonner with $160,000 towards installing solar and battery storage to help the local community play their part in reducing Australia’s emissions and directly benefit from lower electricity bills.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta is delivering new solar infrastructure for community organisations such as Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed, the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association and Wynnum Baptist Church.

“The expanded Solar Communities program will provide funding for groups across Australia to install rooftop solar PV, solar hot water and battery storage systems for community owned buildings. For community groups in Bonner, $100,000 will be available in addition to $60,000 already committed,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s been a pleasure to introduce Minister for Environment the Hon. Greg Hunt MP to the Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed and the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association today,” Vasta said.

The Turnbull Government is investing in the environment and recognises the important role community and household solar plays in Australia’s transition to a low emissions economy with an increase in renewable energy.

“Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed estimates its new 10KW solar system could save over $6,000 per year in lower electricity costs,” Mr Vasta said.

“Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association’s 17.94KW solar PV system could save $7,500 in lower electricity costs per annum and around 21 tonnes of emissions per annum,” Minister Hunt said.

Around 350 community groups such as churches, sporting clubs and scouts will benefit from the expanded solar communities program, with $5 million available.

“Unlike Labor, the Coalition Government is committed to tackling climate change without hiking up power bills for community groups, families and businesses and putting Australian jobs at risk,” Minister Hunt said.

“Bill Shorten’s carbon tax is a tax on electricity and will hurt community groups across Australia. By contrast, we are committed to supporting community groups with our expanded Solar Communities program.”

“Under the Turnbull Government, half a million households and businesses have already made the switch to solar,” Minister Hunt said.

Australia has the highest proportion of households with solar panels in the world – about 15 per cent. 

The Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target provides for an average rebate for a solar system of $3,000, or about 30 per cent of the installation cost. 

“We have also established a $250 million Community Housing Program to help lower costs for low income families and residents through the construction of up to 1,000 new energy efficiency homes.”

“We have established a $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund to support the latest technology which will transform our renewable energy use over the coming decade.”

“Only the Coalition is committed to tackling climate change without a job-destroying carbon tax,” Minister Hunt said.