Category: Media Releases

FINAL DESIGN UNVEILED FOR GREEN CAMP ROAD UPGRADE

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.

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GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR EX-SERVICE ORGANISATIONS IN BONNER

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.

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Locals Lining Up to Have a Shoot at New Netball Courts

Wondall Heights State School’s new netball courts are currently undergoing some much needed resurfacing works and already they’ve got local groups lining up to take to the courts.

Thanks to the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme, Bonner Federal Member Ross Vasta advocated for the school and secured $18,094 for the parents and community group to resurface the three courts.

Mr Vasta this week met with Wondall Heights State School principal Majella Frith to inspect the progress of the works.

“When Majella came to me and described the condition of the courts I just knew that I had to go into bat for the school to secure this funding.”

“The site is now two weeks away from completion and I can see it’s going to be a huge benefit for not only the 682 students here at Wondall Heights State School but also the wider community.”

Principal Majella Frith says this funding has been a saviour.

“The lack of courts in the area added with the very poor condition of the Wondall courts limited the growth and playing of netball in the local area.”

“The courts aren’t just used for school activities they are also utilised throughout the year for interschool sport carnivals and outside school hours care.”

“Since beginning the revamp we’ve had local clubs calling to book in times to use the new hard courts as well,” said Mrs Frith.

Weather permitting the new courts should be ready for use by the 26/03/2018.

[ENDS]

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Vasta Delivers Lindum Station Crossing Petition to Deputy PM

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has spent the last three months tirelessly petitioning the community to support his campaign calling for action on the disastrous Lindum Station Crossing.

Collecting more than 4,500 signatures Mr Vasta then transported the petition to Canberra last week and hand delivered it to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport the Hon.
Michael McCormack.

Minister McCormack thanked Mr Vasta for his hard work on this issue and acknowledged that the current state of Lindum Station Crossing is obviously very concerning for locals in Bonner.

Mr Vasta said presenting the petition to the Minister is just the first step in finding a solution for this crossing.

“The Minister agrees this issue is something that needs to be looked into, it’s a huge issue for my local community.”

“Moving forward I’m looking forward to working with local State and Council representatives to find a solution for this dangerous low level crossing.”

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BONNER BENEFITING FROM WORK FOR THE DOLE

The Labor Party must commit to Work for the Dole. Their continued suggestions that a Labor government will scrap this program and prevent thousands of Australians from improving their chances of getting a job are alarming.

Work for the Dole is a vital part of the Turnbull Government’s commitment to creating jobs for Australians. It is this commitment which has contributed to 2017 being the best year for jobs growth ever with over 400,000 jobs being created.

Most importantly, this program ensures that people are prepared for a future in the workforce, not a lifetime of welfare subsidised by Australian taxpayers.

The majority of participants have reported that Work for the Dole improves their self-confidence, work-related skills and ability to work with others, as well as providing an opportunity to contribute to the local community. 

In the Bonner electorate, 497 people have participated in Work for the Dole since the 2016 election. 

Mr Vasta said Work for the Dole is a win-win program that gives participants a chance to gain valuable skills, experience and employment contacts. 

“Local communities like ours benefit from projects completed by Work for the Dole participants.

“The program is having a positive impact and 30% of jobseekers who complete Work for the Dole are in a job three months after completing their placement. This success rate is better than the former Labor Government’s record. 

“Unlike the Labor Party, the Coalition is committed to getting people off welfare and into work. Work for the Dole ensures taxpayers are not subsidising a lifetime of welfare but are instead preparing people to get, and stay in, a job.”

For more information about Work for the Dole go to https://www.jobs.gov.au/work-dole 

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SUPPORTING UNPAID CARERS IN BONNER

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said unpaid carers in his electorate would benefit from $85.6 million in additional funding for support services.

Mr Vasta said the new support services were in recognition of the important contribution unpaid carers were providing to their families, the community, and the nation.

“The Turnbull Government will provide a range of new services, including peer support, coaching, targeted financial support and crisis support, to target early-intervention and build carers’ skills,” Mr Vasta said.

“Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life. It can help to reduce emotional or physical strain, assist carers to stay in work or study, take breaks from caring responsibilities, and help plan for the future. We owe a big thanks to our unpaid carers, who make significant sacrifices to support the most vulnerable in our community.”

From October 2018, carers will be able to access new supports and services through the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway website, including peer support, counselling, coaching, and educational resources.

From September 2019, the Australian Government will establish a network of Regional Delivery Partners to help carers access a range of  local services such as needs assessments, targeted financial support, information and advice, tailored counselling and coaching, and crisis support where required. 

The new services will be funded by a $250,000 family income test threshold to the Carer Allowance payment.

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said around 99 per cent of Carer Allowance recipients would have no change to their payment under the threshold.

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INCREASE IN NUMBER OF BULK BILLED GP SERVICES A WIN FOR PATIENTS IN BONNER

More patients in Bonner are seeing their doctor without paying a cent, with the bulk-billing rate increasing to a record 85.8 per cent in the first half of the 2017–18 financial year. 

This is the highest GP bulk-billing rate on record for the July to December period and is nearly 4% higher than Labor’s 81.9%, which they achieved when they were last in Government.

In Bonner the total number of GP services that have been bulk billed is 361,473, which is up from 278,183 under Labor (a total of 83,290 extra services in Bonner).

In total more than 65.9 million bulk billed GP visits were provided to patients over this time period, an extra 3.1 million services compared to last year. 

The total cost of all Medicare services during the six month period was $11.6 billion, with the bulk-billing rate for all services increasing in every state and territory. 

The Turnbull Coalition Government is investing more than ever into Medicare, with record funding increasing each and every year from $23 billion in 2017-18, to $24 billion, to $26 billion to $28 billion in 2020-21 (spending under Labor was $19.5 billion in 2012-13).

“Our commitment to Medicare is rock solid and the figures released today show that under the Turnbull Government, Medicare is providing more support to Australian patients than ever before,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said. 

Although more Australians are benefitting from these record bulk-billing figures than ever before, we must continue to drive down the cost of private health insurance and address out-of-pocket costs.

That’s why the Turnbull Coalition Government will work with the medical profession to address the large and sometimes unanticipated out-of-pocket medical fees some patients face. 

A new expert committee chaired by the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, will investigate out-of-pocket costs and options to ensure that consumers are better informed of fees before agreeing to treatment.

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NEW HEARING CENTRE FOR BONNER

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP welcomed the unveiling of Australian Hearing’s flagship store in Mt Gravatt today. 

The new Australian Hearing centre features an interactive reception area, activity zones, revamped consulting rooms and spaces to interact with the latest hearing technology. 

Mr Vasta said Australian Hearing’s clients told them they wanted a more open, interactive and welcoming space. 

“We asked the people what they wanted and we’ve delivered on that, making it easier for clients to browse, engage with technology and interact with Australian Hearing’s expert staff,” Mr Vasta said. 

“This is the next generation of hearing care experience and the new centre creates a strong sense of community for customers.” 

The new centre is being unveiled to coincide with Hearing Awareness Week. 

“Hearing Awareness Week is a great reminder for all Australians to be ‘hearing fit’ and incorporate regular hearing checks in their general health check-ups,” Mr Vasta said. 

“Australian Hearing offers free, five-minute checks at its 600 locations across Australia.” 

Since July 2017, Australian Hearing has provided almost 270,000 hearing services under the Australian Government Hearing Services program. 

This includes 5,247 hearing services to indigenous clients, an increase of almost twelve per cent compared to the same period last year. 

Australian Hearing Mt Gravatt is located at Unit 1, 2092 Logan Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt.  For more information about Australian Hearing visit www.hearing.com.au or call 1300 412 512. 

Media contact: Ashleigh Saunders, (07) 3893 3488 

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RED FROGS FOUNDER TALKS GOOD LEADERSHIP AT STUDENT LEADERS AFTERNOON TEA

Over 60 school captains from primary and secondary schools across the Bonner electorate attended the second Student Leaders Afternoon Tea hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta yesterday.

The students enjoyed a captivating talk by Red Frogs founder Andy Gourley and had the opportunity to ask questions about his work and what they could do to make a difference in their leadership roles.

“When we did this last year the students got so much out of it I had to hold it again,” Mr Vasta said.

“Andy is a superb role model for young kids and his story is an inspiring one everyone can learn from.”

Mr Gourley, a former Holland Park State High School student, spoke about how he started Red Frogs, and shared his general principles on being on a good leader.

“You can achieve a lot with others as long as you don’t mind others taking the credit,” Mr Gourley said.

“Learn the art of being second. Learn to champion others over yourself. Good leaders are culture setters—people will do as you do, so set a good example. Don’t be a whinger and never criticize others for not doing something if you’re not willing to either. And always be willing to learn from others.”

School captain of Mansfield State High School Clive D’Silva said one of his main goals as a school leader was to strengthen ties within the school community and the wider Mansfield community.

“Becoming school captain has motivated me to be the best version of myself I can be, so that I can set a good example for other students,” Mr D’Silva said.

Questions from students to Mr Gourley ranged from what inspired him to start Red Frogs, obstacles he’d encountered and whether he had any regrets, and the best reactions he’d had from people he’s helped, to how he inspired others to get involved.

Mr Gourley said he’d had people come up to him to tell him he’d saved their lives, and that parents had written to him to thank him for his work. He told the students to trust their gut, and that through consistent work they could transform small things into great things.

“More good leaders are needed through the education system, and to encourage this Red Frogs offers student leader training seminars across the country for schools and universities,” Mr Gourley said.

“I had a lot of great questions today—this is definitely a room full of leaders.”

Student leaders from the following schools attended the event:

• Manly West State School
• Lota State School
• Belmont State School
• Wondall Heights State School
• Brisbane Bayside State College
• Moreton Bay Boys’ College
• Citipointe Christian College
• Holland Park State High School
• Mt Gravatt High School
• Mansfield State High School
• Wishart State School
• Rochedale State High School

Mr Vasta said he hoped the students had enjoyed their red frogs and had gotten the most out of meeting Andy and leaders from other schools.

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RISING POWER PRICES ON AGENDA AT Q&A WITH FEDERAL ENERGY MINISTER

Representatives from local cold chain logistics companies had the opportunity to discuss energy prices and energy security with the Federal Minister for Energy and Environment, the Hon Josh Frydenberg, at a Q&A session hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta this week.

Minister Frydenberg said he understood power bills were a major expense for cold-storage businesses in Australia, and that they had an impact on their ability to compete with overseas companies.

“The Turnbull Coalition Government’s National Energy Guarantee will drive power prices down and improve reliability as we transition to a lower emissions future,” Minister Frydenberg said.

“The National Energy Guarantee is supported by industry and experts. It is truly technology-neutral, offering a future for investment in whatever technology the market needs – solar, wind, coal, gas, batteries or pumped hydro storage.”

Mr Vasta encouraged attendees to share real-life examples of their power bills and usage, and what businesses had been doing to offset power price rises.

Paul Fleiszig from Oxford Cold Storage, Australia’s leading privately owned cold storage company, said their power bills had risen dramatically even as they’d lowered their power usage.

“The local market is finding it harder and harder to compete. We’ve done everything to improve margins. There are no margins left,” Mr Fleiszig said.

A number of guests shared similar experiences with rising power bills.

Minister Frydenberg said the day’s discussions drove home the importance and urgency of what the Government is trying to do.

“The experiences of businesses here in Bonner is why the National Energy Guarantee is so important as a means to deliver a more affordable and reliable energy system,” Minister Frydenberg said.

Mr Vasta invited attendees and other local businesses to send him further examples of their power bills and usage, which he would present to the Minister to strengthen the Government’s case for change.

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