• Applications for round four of the Safer Communities Fund are now open
• The program delivers on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure
• The Coalition Government has committed up to $55 million under round four of the program

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has called on local councils and community organisations in Bonner to apply for a share of up to $1.5 million in funding through round four of the Safer Communities Fund which opens June 5 2019.

The Safer Communities Fund is an Australian Government commitment to keep Australians safe and secure by enhancing the efforts of local councils and community organisations to address crime and antisocial behaviour.

Local councils and community organisations are invited to apply through the fourth round of funding for security enhancement projects, including for initiatives such as CCTV, bollards, lighting and crime prevention through environmental design initiatives.

This latest funding announcement from the Coalition brings the total amount available under the Safer Communities Fund to $119.9 million between 2016-17 and 2020-21. To date around 340 grants have been made.

Mr Vasta said this funding provides a robust example of the Government’s commitment to the safety and security of local communities like Bonner.

“By empowering local organisations and councils to improve their security infrastructure, addressing crime and anti-social behaviour, we’re able to increase perceptions of safety and cohesion, fostering viable and vibrant communities into the future,” Mr Vasta said.

Applications for Safer Communities open today, June 5 2019. Information on how to apply for funding is available on the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund – Round Four webpage: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/safer-communities-fund-round-4

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has affectionately named 2019 the year of the Volunteer in his South-east Brisbane electorate.

This week marks the 30^th National Volunteer Week but the celebrations began early in Bonner when the Coalition Government announced more than $90,000 for local community groups in February to help support their volunteers.

Organisations in Bonner receiving grants include;

• Carina/Carindale and District Basketball Club inc. – $5,000
• Transformative Training Mt Gravatt – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club – $1,678
• Belmont Lions Club – $3,000
• Wynnum Manly Community Gardens Group – $3,972
• St Vincent De Paul St Peter’s Rochedale – $2,500
• Queensland Cyclists Assoc. Chandler – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly Tourism and Visitor Info Centre – $1,224.98
• St Vincent De Paul Manly – $3,600
• Bayside United Sports Club – $5,000
• Community Sports Mentoring and Coaching – $5,000
• ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Assoc. Upper Mt Gravatt – $5,000
• Bulimba Creek Catchment B4C – $1,000
• Mt Gravatt Community Centre – $3,600
• Genealogical Society of Queensland Wishart – $4,942
• Mt Gravatt East Primary P&C – $4,390
• Marshall Road Primary P&C – $2,035
• Girls Brigade Mansfield – $5,000
• RSL National Servicemen Mt Gravatt – $2,806
• Boys’ Brigade Queensland Holland Park – $4,750
• South Western Metro Basketball – $3,592
• Australian Academy of Martial Arts – $1,800
• Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Manly – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly Employment and Training – $4,800
• Gateway Life Centre Carindale – $5,000

 In addition to this Mr Vasta also celebrated local volunteers with his own Volunteer awards in March recognising local sporting, environmental, youth and older volunteers for their tireless work in the community.

Winners of the 2019 Bonner Volunteer Awards include from each category Adult: Brenden Hodgkins (Hemmant); Senior: Roma Barton (Murarrie); Youth: Kate Fainton (Manly West); and Group: Mackenzie 4156 Neighbourhood Watch.

Volunteering Australia has announced this year’s theme for National Volunteer Week 2019 “Making a world of difference” and Mr Vasta said it’s the little things that volunteers do that make so much difference in the community of Bonner.

“Volunteering greatly benefits our local community, the people and the organisations – both socially and economically.”

“Australia has more than 8.7 million volunteers, and it’s estimated that the value of their time per year amounts to more than $290 billion per year.”

“Whether it’s helping meals on wheels during the week or volunteering at the local homeless shelter these generous locals are the backbone of our strong community,” Mr Vasta said.

“Volunteers embody the best of our community with thousands of people regularly volunteering their skills, services and time to make life in Bonner better for those around them.”

The Liberal-National Government’s strong economic management is why we can afford to provide the essential services Australians rely on and support and encourage the good work of our local volunteers.

Millions of Australians flocked to polling places on Saturday 18th May to get their rightfully deserved democracy sausage and place their votes in today’s federal election.

In Bonner, the two party preferred choice was between incumbent and local resident, Ross Vasta for the LNP and Bill Shorten’s Labor candidate Jo Briskey.

In the end the result found Bonner voters choosing to place their trust in incumbent LNP member Ross Vasta who has a track record of delivering millions worth of funding for vital local infrastructure projects, record funding into local schools and community projects.

Mr Vasta said he was humbled to have been returned as the Federal Member for Bonner and wanted to thank locals for their ongoing support.

“It’s been a long tough campaign, but I’ve always remained focused on delivering for the people of Bonner and I’m glad that they have placed their trust in me to continue to represent them and fight for them in Canberra.”

Mr Vasta said he’s very proud to have fought for and delivered:

• $85 million to fix Lindum crossing in Wynnum West;
• $12 million to fix Newnham Wecker intersection in Mt Gravatt;
• $14 million to fix the Rochedale Priestdale Rd roundabout in Rochedale; and
• $6 million to fix Chelsea Rickertt Rd intersection in Ransome

“I pledge a promise to the people of Bonner, that I will continue fighting the good fight to ensure that we have the funding and infrastructure that we need locally.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has today announced that a re-elected Morrison Government will provide $350,000 to provide an all-inclusive playground for years 4,5, and 6 at Wishart State School.

Mr Vasta said the rapidly growing school is in need of another playground on site and this funding will enable them to build its very first senior playground.

“In the past few years the enrolment numbers have increased by more than 200 students and this playground is desperately needed to cope with the additional intake and the growing senior years.”

“The playground will encapsulate the natural beauty of the school and it will be an all abilities playground for all senior students to use with specialty equipment for the students with special needs.”

“The playground will feature bushfood, trees, climbing and balancing equipment and it will incorporate the natural landscape and build on the already established playground.”

Andy and Ruth Boyle from Wishart said that this playground will be great for the students and the community.

“We’re thrilled to hear about Ross Vasta’s commitment to build a new playground for the Wishart State School seniors. Both of our children attend this school and we know that this facility will be a welcome improvement to an already great school.”

Mr Vasta said delivering this playground for the school and its community is a key priority for the LNP because of the significant benefits that it will provide to the school community and local community and sporting groups.

Mr Vasta said that this was important infrastructure that can only be delivered to the local community becomes of the Liberal National Government’s economic management.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record when it comes to managing the Budget,” Mr Vasta said.

“By paying down debt and growing the economy, we can afford to deliver funding for priorities in local communities such as Wishart State School.

The LNP government is providing record funding for all 28 government schools in Bonner, including Wishart State School, and funding will continue to increase by around 50% per student over the next decade to 2029.

Mr Vasta said this was all at risk under Labor.

“This is all at risk under Labor and Bill Shorten who pose the greatest risk to Australia’s economy in a generation with plans for $387 billion in new taxes on small and family businesses, retirees, housing, income, investments, electricity and cars.

“Labor would put at risk Australia’s 27 years of consecutive economic growth.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s Federal Budget delivered Australia’s first surplus in more than a decade.

“The surplus guarantees funding for the essential services that you and your family need and rely on,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes record funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads.”

Women across Bonner are set for a boost with a $75 million commitment from the Morrison Government for new mid-career checks to help them pick up the work they want or to work more.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said many Australians in their thirties and forties were part of the ‘sandwich generation’ that had taken time out of their careers to start families, care for children and were often worrying about their ageing parents.

“We respect the choices families make when taking on caring responsibilities. For those who wish to return to work after a period of caring for others, we want to support their choice because boosting women’s workforce participation is good for them, their families and the economy,” Mr Vasta said.

The Mid-Career Checkpoint initiative will be targeted at up to 40,000 Australians, primarily women, aged 30 to 45 who have taken two or more years of leave to care for family members.

“Our new Mid-Career Checkpoint program is about backing the women and men who have taken family time and want to work or work more.

“Many women in particular take a career break to start a family or care for older family members and are looking for that bit of extra help to get them back into the workforce.

“The skills and experience gained in unpaid family roles is often not properly acknowledged, and women in these caring roles can sometimes lose confidence, as others have gone ahead at work and technology has changed roles,” Mr Vasta said.

The new initiative would start with a ‘checkpoint session’ to help people step back in to or step up their careers:

• Stepping back in: women returning to the workforce will be able to have an initial discussion with a professional who can help assess their needs and steer them in the right direction (for example, they might need assistance with interview skills, polishing up computer skills, professional development or advice on where and how to undertake specific longer-term skills training)
• Stepping up: eligible women who have returned to the workforce for up to 18 months and are now at a point where they are ready to step up their career, but need a little extra advice to do so.

“Nothing gives someone more confidence, choices, independence and economic security than a job they love and thrive in.

“We’ve already overseen 1.3 million new jobs but backing women who have left their careers to take up the job of looking after their family, and who want to return to work, is key to achieving our ambitious target of creating an extra 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years,” Mr Vasta said.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta welcomed the Coalition Government’s investment of $30 million in a network of six new Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres to bring together the key services for our veterans and their families.

This investment is part of a $63.2 million suite of initiatives to create Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres across the country, deliver job opportunities and secure health and housing services for the future.

Mr Vasta said the Coalition had a strong track record delivering services and support to our veterans and their families, including for those living in Bonner.

“The Coalition recognises that for veterans living in Bonner ex-service organisations play an important role providing support after their service has concluded.

“These new Centres will integrate government and non-government support for Australians who have served in our Defence Forces with local health services community organisations, advocacy and wellbeing support.”

The Coalition will also invest $16.2 million to support organisations including Soldier On, Team Rubicon and State Branches of the RSL. Along with other ex-service organisations, these groups will also be able to use the new Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres to deliver their services.

We will deliver an extra $17 million to exempt Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) veterans from the new ‘Treatment Cycle’ requirements that were due to commence on 1 July 2019, allowing them to continue to access  allied health services under existing arrangements.

A re-elected Morrison Government will also make it easier for Bonner veterans to access the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, and extend eligibility to the Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme.

These measures build on the Coalition’s strong record delivering for our veterans and recognising their important service to our nation.

“The Coalition also launched the Australian Veterans’ Card and Lapel Pin because we understand it is important veterans in Bonner are appropriately recognised by the community and businesses, even when they’re not wearing their medals and uniforms,” Said Mr Vasta.

The Coalition’s plan to put our veterans and their families first builds on an extensive record of support for veterans:

• The record $11 billion we deliver to support 280,000 veterans and their families each year
• Extending access to the DVA Gold Card for civilian medical teams in the Vietnam War
• $500 million we’ve committed to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs to better meet the needs of veterans and their families
• $100 million we invested in the Sir John Monash Centre in France
• $498 million committed over the next nine years to redevelop the Australian War Memorial and allow the Memorial to display more of their collection and proudly tell the stories from recent years in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and East Timor.
• Delivering our $1.4 billion in fairer indexation for military superannuants
• Supporting Kookaburra Kids to help the children of veterans affected by mental illness.

Only the Coalition can be trusted to deliver for veterans and their families in Bonner.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta is delivering for Bayside sporting women. Mr Vasta has today announced that a re-elected Morrison Government would provide $580,000 for Wynnum Vikings AFL Club to build and upgrade female amenities at the Bayside sporting club.

Mr Vasta said this is an important project for the local female AFL players and was proud the Morrison Government was delivering for the Bonner women in sport.

“I have been working with Wynnum Vikings President Brendan Hodgkins and the team and I’m glad to have been able to fight and deliver these much needed funds to upgrade the local club.”

“The LNP is delivering local infrastructure that our communities expect and deserve, infrastructure that will enable more female participation in football and local sport,” Mr Vasta said.

“Not only will this project deliver for the local women and girls that already play at the club but it will also benefit the community, visiting teams and encourage more female inclusion at the playing level.”

Wynnum Vikings AFL President Brendan Hodgkins thanked Mr Vasta for delivering for the club and said that he is always been a reliable supporter and is always on hand to help out whether it’s to lend a marquee or to fight for much needed funding.

“The club was built in 1974 without the foresight of today’s needs and this funding would be able to take our club and our players into the next league and that’s huge for a local club like the Vikings.”

“We’re so happy and ecstatic that Ross has been able to provide us this grant for the Wynnum Vikings Football Club to grow women’s AFL in the Wynnum community. It’s phenomenal.”

Mr Vasta said that he is proud to be part of a Coalition Government that is delivering a stronger economy so they can invest in local projects.

“The Morrison Government understands the importance of inclusion and delivering infrastructure at a local level for communities just like the Bayside.”

The Morrison Government will fund thirteen new congestion busting projects across South-East Queensland with a further $226.25 million funding boost, including $14 million for the dangerous roundabout at Rochedale Rd and Priestdale Rd in the Bonner electorate.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said this is great news for the families of Bonner who frequent the dangerous roundabout.

“Since I began my petition to fix Rochedale Priestdale Rd roundabout in January this year I’ve gathered more than 2000 signatures from locals who demand a fix for this roundabout.

“I’ve been down here many times chatting to locals during peak hour traffic and it’s an absolute nightmare of a roundabout, especially when you have five schools and a large childcare centre all within a stone’s throw of each other.”

“People are sick of sitting in traffic and more importantly parents are terrified of having to send their children to school via this horrible intersection every day.”

“This $14 million contribution from the Morrison Government that I’ve today secured will fast track a solution to this local traffic issue to help get locals home sooner and safer,” Mr Vasta said.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane City Council welcomes this commitment to fix the roundabout at Rochedale and Priestdale Rd.

“This commitment from the Federal Government will make this happen sooner. And it is a great example of different levels of government working together to deliver great positive benefits for local residents.”

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said these projects will help thousands of people living in South-East Queensland.”

“By managing money and running a strong economy we are able to invest record funding in road and rail projects which improve the lives of so many Queenslanders.”

“This funding will fix local traffic pinch points like Rochedale Priestdale Rd and bottle necks that have the most impact on congestion, helping everyone get home sooner.”

The projects include:

• Upgrading Rochedale Road and Priestdale Rd intersection, Rochedale
• Commuter car parking at Beenleigh Station
• Commuter car parking at Loganlea Station
• Commuter car parking at Coomera Station
• Upgrading the intersection at Oxley Drive and Brisbane Road, Arundel
• Upgrade of High Road and Easterly Street between Sabre Street and Old Logan Village Road, Waterford
• Upgrading the Henry Road-Dohles Rocks Road, Griffin
• Upgrade the Klinger Road & Boardman Road intersection, Kippa-Ring
• Upgrading Beams Road between Lacey Road to Handford Road, Bracken Ridge
• Level crossing removal at Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
• Upgrading Beaudesert-Beenleigh Road between Milne St to Tallagandra Rd, Beenleigh
• Upgrading Chambers Flat Road between Park Ridge Road to Derby Road, Park Ridge
• Upgrading the Kenmore Roundabout at Moggill Road, Kenmore

The projects will bolster the significant investment across South-East Queensland that includes an additional $500 million for the M1 between Daisy Hill and the Logan Motorway.

It also includes the recently completed Gateway Upgrade North project from Nudgee to Bracken Ridge, which would not have been possible without an $861.8 million Coalition investment.

There has also been a $112 million investment for Stage 3a of the Gold Coast Light Rail project following $95 million for Stage 2.

In February the Morrison Government pledged to work with the State Government and local Councils to develop a City Deal for the region.

These commitments are all part of the Liberal-National plan which is seeing $25 billion invested in road and rail projects across Queensland.

Investments across South East Queensland include:

• M1 Pacific Motorway Upgrade Program – $1.775 billion, including:
  • Gateway Merge – $115 million
  • Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill – $500 million
  • Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway – $500 million
  • Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes – $110 million
  • Varsity Lakes to Tugun – $500 million
• Gateway Motorway – Bracken Ridge to Pine River – $800 million
• Gateway Upgrade North – $861.8 billion
• Brisbane Metro – $300 million
• Gold Coast Light Rail Stages 2 and 3A – $207 million

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has secured $213,631 for the Mt Gravatt Community Centre to fund its Social Isolation program Ways of Wellness project.

This funding builds on the $422,000 commitment from Ross Vasta and the Coalition Government to expand and renovate ‘Bernies Centre’.

This project is reliant on Link workers and will enable the community Centre to employ an additional Link Worker and an admin support worker to address loneliness in the Mt Gravatt and surrounding Bonner community.

Mr Vasta said this funding is important for the Mt Gravatt community Centre to enable it to continue the great work it is doing to reduce social isolation, improve community cohesion and prevent locals from experiencing the negative health impacts of loneliness.

“I’m pleased to deliver this funding for an additional Link worker and admin staff member because it means the Mt Gravatt Community Centre will be able to refer more people in the community to improve mental health outcomes, improve community well-being, reduce social exclusion, increasing self-esteem, confidence and provide community members with a sense of control and empowerment.”

“This is great news for people within Bonner, and provides additional support for those who need it most,” Mr Vasta said.

Mt Gravatt Community Centre Chief Executive Officer Deb Crompton described the social prescribing program as a way of linking patients or community members in primary care with sources of group support within the community.

“This funding from Mr Vasta gives locals greater access to this vital program which will connect them with medical professionals with non-medical referral options that can operate alongside existing treatments to address their social isolation issues.”

Mr Vasta said the Coalition’s strong economy means more funding for local community groups like the Mt Gravatt Community Centre.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record when it comes to managing the Budget,” Mr Vasta said.

“By paying down debt and growing the economy, we can afford to deliver funding for priorities in local communities such as Mt Gravatt Community Centre in Mount Gravatt.

“This is all at risk under Labor and Bill Shorten who pose the greatest risk to Australia’s economy in a generation with plans for $387 billion in new taxes on small and family businesses, retirees, housing, income, investments, electricity and cars.”

Mr Vasta said this year’s Federal Budget delivered Australia’s first surplus in more than a decade.

“The surplus guarantees funding for the essential services that you and your family need and rely on,” Mr Vasta said.

“This includes record funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads.”

The Morrison Government is backing volunteers across Australia and in Bonner with a $20 million Volunteer Grants program.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to help community organisations for a range of needs, including buying equipment, paying fuel costs, training volunteers or improving their fundraising have been allocated to organisations in Bonner.

Organisations in Bonner receiving grants include;

• Carina/Carindale and District Basketball Club inc. – $5,000
• Transformative Training Mt Gravatt – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club – $1,678
• Belmont Lions Club – $3,000
• Wynnum Manly Community Gardens Group – $3,972
• St Vincent De Paul St Peter’s Rochedale – $2,500
• Queensland Cyclists Assoc. Chandler – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly Tourism and Visitor Info Centre – $1,224.98
• St Vincent De Paul Manly – $3,600
• Bayside United Sports Club – $5,000
• Community Sports Mentoring and Coaching – $5,000
• ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Assoc. Upper Mt Gravatt – $5,000
• Bulimba Creek Catchment B4C – $1,000
• Mt Gravatt Community Centre – $3,600
• Genealogical Society of Queensland Wishart – $4,942
• Mt Gravatt East Primary P&C – $4,390
• Marshall Road Primary P&C – $2,035
• Girls Brigade Mansfield – $5,000
• RSL National Servicemen Mt Gravatt – $2,806
• Boys’ Brigade Queensland Holland Park – $4,750
• South Western Metro Basketball – $3,592
• Australian Academy of Martial Arts – $1,800
• Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Manly – $5,000
• Wynnum Manly Employment and Training – $4,800
• Gateway Life Centre Carindale – $5,000

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said volunteering greatly benefits our communities – both socially and economically.

“The enormous value of volunteering is estimated at $290 billion per year. Australia’s 8.7 million volunteers and their organisations are the backbone of community life,” Mr Vasta said.

“Volunteers embody the best of our community with thousands of people regularly volunteering their skills, services and time to make life in Bonner better for those around them,” said Mr Vasta.

The Liberal-National Government’s strong economic management is why we can afford to provide the essential services Australians rely on and support the good work of our volunteers.