Local ex-service organisations can now apply for Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants and Grants-in-Aid, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

“These grants help ex-service organisations provide vital advocacy services for current and former serving men and women which help veterans with their compensation claims and also ensure they get correct access to entitlements and services,” Mr Vasta said.

“More than $4 million in over 155 grants have been provided to ex-service organisations supporting veterans under these programs in 2017-18 and I encourage all ex-service organisations to apply for this round of grant funding.”

Applications for both grant programs close on Thursday, 19 April 2018 with payments to the successful applicants to be made before the end of 2018-19 financial year.

“Organisations needing assistance with online lodgement are encouraged to seek help through the Community Grants Hub,” Mr Vasta said.

“If you think you may need help with your application please call or email the Hub as soon as possible to ask for help. This will ensure any issues can be worked through in time for your application to be considered for funding.”

For information about how to apply for grants online, see the Community Grants Hub website: www.communitygrants.gov.au or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website: www.dva.gov.au.

Support is available by phone: 1800 020 283 or by email: support@communitygrants.gov.au.

To receive an email alert when veteran and other community grants are open for applications on the Hub, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au.

Brisbane City Council is getting on with the job of ensuring residents get home quicker and safer, with the final designs released for a major upgrade of the Green Camp Road corridor. 

Infrastructure Chairman Amanda Cooper said the $28 million upgrade project, which was jointly funded with the Australian Government, would deliver vital infrastructure for our growing population. 

“The Green Camp Road upgrade is a priority investment as part of our $1.3 billion package of more than 90 suburban road projects across the city, which will tackle traffic congestion while also catering for future growth,” Cr Cooper said.  

“The project focuses on two key intersections along the stretch, with works to upgrade the Tilley Road intersection, as well as improvements to the layout and alignment of the Rickertt Road intersection. 

“The section of road between Rickertt Road and Manly Road will also be widened from one lane each way to a minimum of two lanes in each direction, and three lanes northbound through the Tilley Road intersection. 

“This will increase capacity for the corridor, which is already choked with traffic during peak periods, and cut travel times by around 50 percent in the morning and 35 percent in the afternoon.”

Chandler Ward Councillor Adrian Schrinner said the project would address serious safety concerns along the stretch, and was predicted to reduce crash risks through the area by more than half. 

“Fifty-seven crashes have occurred along the corridor over the past seven years, with 46 crashes requiring medical treatment or hospitalisation,” Cr Schrinner said. 

Doboy Ward Councillor Ryan Murphy said as well as ensuring residents get home quicker and safer, the project would also ensure a safer journey for native wildlife. 

“A range of environmental features have also been incorporated into the design including fauna exclusion fencing, dedicated underpasses, rope crossings and glider poles,” Cr Murphy said. 

“Green-coloured road pavement markings and signage will also be installed to alert motorists they are entering a wildlife awareness zone.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the project would mean a safer trip for those who commute along the corridor, including cyclists and pedestrians and would ease congestion, helping to get people home quicker.

“The community’s support for an upgrade to these roads has been overwhelming. I’m proud to have helped deliver this project for them,” Mr Vasta said. 

“I’m looking forward to working productively with each level of government to deliver more vital infrastructure projects like this one for our area.”

Federal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming said the collaboration between Brisbane City Council and the Australian Government would deliver huge benefits for residents. 

“This partnership between Canberra and Brisbane City Council is addressing a massive economic bottle neck for my residents as well,” Mr Laming said.   

“I’m delighted this high-quality project to expand Green Camp Road to four lanes is being delivered as promised to Brisbane City Council and Redland City residents.”

To facilitate the upgrade, a temporary closure of Tilley Road – adjacent to the Green Camp Road intersection – will be required for approximately three months. 

This closure will allow culvert installation and Tilley Road widening works to be completed within a shorter timeframe, reducing impacts to residents and businesses. 

Detour signage will be installed and the community will be given advanced warning to allow for alternative plans to be made. 

Construction is expected to commence in mid-2018 and be completed by mid-2019, weather and construction conditions permitting.

For more information on the Green Camp Road corridor upgrade visit brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on 3403 8888.