Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP has vowed to bypass the State Government and work with Brisbane City Council (BCC) to deliver stage 1 upgrades to the Lindum Level Crossing.

Following disappointment from the Queensland Labor Government’s lack of funding to upgrade the dangerous level crossing, Mr Vasta will now work directly with BCC to find an alternative solution.

Mr Vasta has delivered $85 million towards the project and BCC has committed $40 million for removal of the open level crossing, subject to the State coming to the party.

“Unfortunately, we can’t let the lack of state funding prevent this vital safety upgrade from getting underway,” Mr Vasta said.

“The jointly funded Federal/State Lindum Station Precinct Study was conducted to help us deliver an “all-government” solution, however we cannot sit back any longer and watch other level crossings like Coopers Plains receive $66 million State funding, while Lindum Level Crossing gets zero.

”Mr Vasta said he had been working with the Chair of Public and Active Transport Cr Ryan Murphy, Councillor for Doboy Ward Lisa Atwood and Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge to workshop a solution.

“As a result, we will be redirecting our $85 million funding away from the State Government and delivering it to BCC so they can begin upgrades to the Lindum Road Corridor,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our funding will support BCC and together we’ll be looking at possible first stage solutions such as traffic lights and road upgrades and/or extensions in the Lindum Road Corridor to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists in the local area until the State Government has a change of heart.”

Councillor for Doboy Ward Lisa Atwood said it was disappointing that the State Government didn’t want to join the two other levels of government to deliver the outcome residents and businesses deserve.

She said the Lindum Level Crossing and surrounding intersections were notoriously dangerous for all road users – especially parents and new young drivers of Iona College.

“This is alongside the many workers of the major industrial areas of Hemmant and the Port who every day have to negotiate getting through the Level Crossing and adjoining intersections with their heart in their mouths,” Cr Atwood said.

“As the local councillor, I have been working with Mr Vasta and the Australian Government to give our community a safer road network and rail crossing and I am disappointed in the state’s decision”.

Mr Vasta said he had written to Minister Tudge to formally request the $85 million funding be redirected to BCC to get the project moving.

“During the Treasurer’s Budget speech, he warned States “if you don’t use it, you lose it” and the Queensland Labor Government has not only lost this Federal funding, but the confidence of their local community,” Mr Vasta said.

ENDS

BONNER’S Local Legends have been recognised during a special barbecue to thank them for their selfless acts of kindness during a difficult 2020.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he put the call out for the community to nominate people who went above and beyond to support others.

“While 2020 has been a trying year for all of us, it has also brought out the best in our local community,” Mr Vasta said.

“I wanted to celebrate that by hosting the Bonner Local Legends Awards and after promoting it over the past couple of months, we received some heart-warming nominations.”

Mr Vasta said he was humbled to meet so many incredible people in the community and learn more about what motivated them to be so kind, caring and compassionate towards others.

“I hope by sharing their selfless stories it inspires others and also provides hope to those doing it tough, that there are always good people out there willing to lend a hand,” Mr Vasta said.

Bonner Local Legends include:

Coast Guard Brisbane volunteers – we couldn’t just have one, because you work as a team and everything you do to keep our boaties safe is a team effort!

Rebekah Barelet – Nominated by her neighbour, Rebekah showed selflessness and care during COVID-19. She rang her neighbour every day to make sure she was okay. Her neighbour also described her as “the most selfless person I know.”

Coral Brenner – Darling Point Special School. Running the before and after school program and vacation care program at Darling Point Special School, Coral works extra hard to support the families who needed their children minded during COVID restrictions. She not only looks after the children’s families but treats everyone with respect and greets all with a smile.

Mark Brittan – President of the Mt Gravatt Hawks Football Club. Mark is described as the heart and soul of the club. He was nominated for his hard work and commitment as a club volunteer, making sure everything is running smoothly. His good humour is always appreciated on game days.

Keoni Driscol  – A Disability Support Worker, Keoni was nominated by the beautiful family she supports. She worked tirelessly to protect Charlotte during COVID-19 and Charlotte’s mother Angela said she and Charlotte would not have managed without her.

Lisa Morrison – Principal of Belmont State School, Lisa has had a year like no other and has led her school community through absolute tragedy. With the loss of three beautiful students earlier this year, Lisa made sure everyone had access to counsellors and guidance officers. On top of this, she had to take on learning from home during COVID, as well as navigate a whole new set of challenges once school resumed.

Christine Rafter – President of Care Kits for Kids Queensland, Chris and her amazing team put together care kits for the thousands of Queensland children in crisis or care.

Michelle Thompson – Opening a dance studio just prior to COVID. Michelle didn’t let that stop her from supporting her local community. She took her classes online and offered them for free to anyone in the community wanting to dance. She ran competitions and lessons on top of her day job and kept everyone’s spirits up.

Nicole Blums – Volunteering for Wildlife Australia, Nicole was nominated for leading an amazing team of volunteers and helping to save thousands of native animals during the devastating bushfires.

The 2020 Ross Vasta Christmas Appeal officially launched today and has partnered with national online charity GIVIT to provide much needed support to families in Bonner.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said 2020 had been a year like no other with the global coronavirus pandemic impacting on hardworking families.

“To say it has been a difficult year would be an understatement,” Mr Vasta said.

“I know there are many families in my electorate still doing it tough and this year’s Christmas Appeal, I would like to see the community come together to support those families who may be looking at a very different kind of holiday season.

“I have partnered with GIVIT who work with charities in Bonner recognising families in need of support.

“We’ll be putting up a Christmas tree in my office where you can read some of these families’ stories, and donate cash or a gift card which will be used to purchase essential items to help ease their financial burden.”

Mr Vasta said all items would be purchased from local small businesses in Bonner, which are also in need of community support.“Small businesses are run by hard working locals and families so I’d like to buy locally to support these businesses,” Mr Vasta said.

GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant said GIVIT has been working with local frontline charities to identify the families and households needing support through what has been a very difficult year.

“Christmas is always a hard time for people who are struggling financially, exacerbated by the economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Ms Tennant.

“Sadly, we’re seeing a significant increase in people needing help, including many who have never before needed to ask.

“We’re proud to once again partner with the Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP, and provide some Christmas cheer across Brisbane’s southside to those who need it most.”

To donate to the Ross Vasta Christmas appeal, visit www.rossvasta.com.au/community/ross-vasta-christmas-appeal/ or visit the office at 69 Clara St, Wynnum.

100 per cent of funds received will be used to purchase essential items for Bonner families in need this Christmas.

Grants for projects supporting the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families are now available, with the latest round of Veteran and Community Grants (V&CG) program now open.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the health and wellbeing of the veteran community was an ongoing priority for the Federal Government and the V&CG program was a way of supporting ex-service organisations (ESOs) and community organisations in providing local solutions.

“Veteran and Community Grants are for activities and services that improve the health and wellbeing of members of the veteran community,” Mr Vasta said.

“Grants can provide seed funding for projects that promote a healthy lifestyle, help veterans to remain living independently in their own homes, reduce social isolation, support carers and improve access to community services.

“Our local ESOs know best what will benefit veterans and their families and these grants will provide opportunities to community organisations to extend the important support they provide to veterans and their families.”

ESOs and community organisation partners are invited to apply for grants of up to $20,000 for local, community-based projects and activities.

A small number of large grants of up to $150,000 are available for projects that deliver wellbeing support services and activities of broad-scale benefit to the veteran community.

The 2020-21 grant round is now open online and follows the successful Veterans’ Health Week where social connection amidst the coronavirus pandemic was the theme and key focus of events.

“2020 has been a tough year for so many, and this year maintaining social connections has been more important than ever when it comes to our mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage any local ESO or community organisation with ideas for practical projects and activities that support safe environments for veterans and their families to connect and engage to consider making an application.”

Grant applications will close 29 January 2021.

For information about how to apply see the Community Grants Hub website: www.communitygrants.gov.au.

Assistance with grant application queries is also 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.

Local organisations in Bonner with research project ideas that encourage the community to get involved are invited to apply for a Citizen Science Grant.

Grants of between $150,000 and $500,000 are available to support projects encouraging community participation in four key research areas: disaster resilience and preparedness, environmental change, cyber security and artificial intelligence, and food and agribusiness.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the grants not only provide exciting opportunities for the organisations but also enable members of the community to get involved and participate in discoveries which could have an impact across the country.

“Citizen Science grants are all about coming up with innovative solutions to some of our biggest national challenges,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage organisations across my electorate to put their research project ideas forward for grants.”

Citizen Science Grants are part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme, which encourages community participation in science and technology, with $4 million available over four years.

Applications for Round 2 are open until 17 December. For more information visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/citizen-science-grants

The Bonner community will stand in silent reflection and remembrance of the sacrifice of our fallen man and women who gave their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations this Remembrance Day.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said for more than a century Australians had paused at 11am on 11 November to acknowledge our fallen service men and women.

“Remembrance Day is one of the most important days of our year as it represents a time where Australians can stand together with our service personnel and veterans to remember those who have lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping,” Mr Vasta said.

“Originally known as Armistice Day, this day was in commemoration of the moment the guns of the Western Front fell silent on 11 November 1918 at 11 am.

“Just over 20 years later, Australia joined the Second World War, during which more than 39,000 Australians gave their lives. It was after the wars ended that 11 November became known as Remembrance Day.”

Tragically, over a century of service in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations, more than 102,000 Australian men and women have now made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

This Remembrance Day wear a red poppy to show they will never be forgotten.

Mr Vasta said on Remembrance Day we remember all our fallen service personnel and the sacrifices they have made, including the many locals who have served.

“It is incredibly important to continue the tradition of pausing in remembrance and respect of our fallen defence personnel, now and into the future,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage all members of the Bonner community to mark this day in a solemn and dignified manner by partaking in the minutes silence, or attending one of the local services.”

Remembrance Day Services in Bonner include:

Bayside National Servicemen’s Association7am – Darling Point Memorial, Manly.  

Holland Park/ Mt Gravatt RSL sub-branch 10.15am – Memorial Hall – 58 Arnold St, Holland Park

Wynnum RSL sub-branch10.30am – Pandanus Room of Wynnum RSL – 174 Tingal Rd, Wynnum

Manly Lota RSL sub-branch10.30am – Richard Russell Park, Manly 

This Remembrance Day, wear a red poppy in remembrance of our fallen.Along with the red poppy, the veteran community are encouraged to wear their Veteran Lapel Pin or Reservist Lapel Pin, provided as part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, as a way to readily identify service to our nation through the defence force.

Australians are encouraged to share their personal commemorations on social media by using the #RemembranceDay. For more information about Remembrance Day, visit the Anzac Portal.

Students in Bonner can have their say on the issues important to them by taking part in the 2021 Bonner Youth Advisory Council (BYAC).

Launched in 2020, BYAC invites each high school in the electorate to select students to take part in the program, which provides young people the opportunity to meet with Mr Vasta and other community leaders.

“BYAC participants can be chosen by their school or they can self-nominate for the chance to be the youth voice of their peers,” Mr Vasta said.

“These are the future leaders of our country and we want to share and learn about the issues important to them.”

Mr Vasta said it was also a great opportunity for young people to learn about the role government’s play in their local community.

“The more they understand how the levels of government work and who is responsible for what, it provides them a clearer path on how to get involved, give feedback and influence change on the matters they care about,” Mr Vasta said.

“If you would like to be part of the 2021 BYAC, you can be nominated through your local high school or contact my office.”

Mr Vasta said BYAC members would have the opportunity to meet with different Members of Parliament and other community leaders to learn about the role they play, and share their feedback on important matters.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to have a voice and influence change,” Mr Vasta said.

Young people aged 15 – 17 can nominate for the BYAC by emailing ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au

Australians in Eight Mile Plains are set to be part of the first 100,000 premises to benefit from higher internet speeds as a result of NBN Co’s $4.5 billion new network investment plan.

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said NBN Co had commenced work with construction delivery partners to design and construct local fibre networks passing at the street level around 100,000 premises in areas currently serviced by Fibre to the Node (FTTN) technology.

“NBN Co has included Eight Mile Plains as part of the initial roll out as the company anticipates strong demand for faster internet in the area, and NBN Co has established construction and delivery partners that are well resourced and ready to work,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The initial footprint represents only 5 per cent of the FTTN upgrade program, and NBN Co will continue to design and deploy new local fibre networks to pass 2 million premises over the next three years.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said as well as the benefits faster internet could provide, this investment by NBN Co would deliver a much needed boost to economic activity and employment in the region.

“The commencement of these works by NBN Co will create jobs for the Bonner community and support local businesses by allowing them to take advantage of the benefits that faster internet can provide,” Mr Vasta said.

“Households and businesses in Eight Mile Plains will be able to access NBN Co’s fastest internet plans of up to 1 gigabit per second, with the fibre lead-ins connecting premises to the new local fibre network only built when a customer orders an eligible service.”

NBN Co will work closely with internet retailers over the coming months to define the process by which eligible customers can express their interest in ordering a higher speed broadband service and acquiring a fibre lead-in to their premises.