Category: Media Releases

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE NBN ROLLOUT IN WYNNUM AND MANLY

Local residents and business owners had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in Wynnum and Manly, thanks to an NBN information session today hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

NBN Co representatives, Kylie Lindsay and Johanna de Winter, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.

“I’m pleased to report that 21 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. At the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”

Mr Vasta said the NBN would be available in the Wynnum-Manly area by mid- to late 2018.

“If you’ve been contacted by someone claiming the NBN is here already and that you must pay them to connect now, they’re scammers—please report them to my office,” Mr Vasta said.

Mrs Lindsay said every household that wanted to keep their landline and internet would be required to switch over to the NBN.

“Every premise in Australia will be connected to the NBN free-of-charge. You will then have 18 months from the installation date to switch over. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you,” Mrs Lindsay said.

“When contacting a service provider about switching over, ask them: what plan do they suggest, whether there will be any additional installation fees, and if you can keep your current home phone number—in most cases you’ll be able to. Have a good think about what plan will suit you best, you’ll have plenty of time to decide.”

Mrs de Winter said people should also consider any medical devices they had currently connected to their home phone lines, and whether they would be compatible with the NBN.

“If you depend on medical alarms, auto diallers, or emergency call buttons, we recommend that you speak to your medical alarm provider before switching over to the NBN and ensure your medical device will keep working,” Mrs de Winter said.

“For additional support, you can also register your medical alarm with the NBN online at www.nbn.com.au/medicalregister or by calling 1800 227 300.”

In response to questions about whether extra boxes would be required inside the home to be connected to the NBN, Mrs Lindsay said there are a number of different solutions depending on the location of a person’s property and the service NBN Co is able to provide.

“You may have FTTP (Fibre to the Premise), FTTN (Fibre to the Node), or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), which will determine whether you have additional devices to be installed at your premise or not. Discuss with your service provider about what will be required to be installed in your home,” Mrs Lindsay said.

Mrs Lindsay said NBN Co understood many people were frustrated about being told one thing by NBN and another by their service providers in regards to solving their connection issues. She said there is currently an ACCC investigation ongoing and that NBN Co is confident there will be positive outcomes for all consumers following the investigation.

Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.

Due to popular demand, Mr Vasta will be hosting another NBN information session at Mt Gravatt Showgrounds on Thursday, 13th July from 10am to 11am (RSVP to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au or call 3893 3488).

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ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE NBN ROLLOUT IN EIGHT MILE PLAINS AND WISHART

Local residents and business owners had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in Eight Mile Plains and Wishart, thanks to an NBN information session today hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

NBN Co Queensland State Manager, Lisa Berrie, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.

“I’m pleased to report that 21 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. At the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”

Mrs Berrie said NBN Co had been hearing from some people regarding a lack of speed on their connection.

“In this instance ‘bandwidth choking’ is occurring— service providers have not purchased enough capacity from NBN to supply certain speeds. The issue is that the network is being oversold and is therefore not providing the speeds that NBN Co has the capacity to provide to each household,” Mrs Berrie said.

“What we recommend when switching over to the NBN is to shop around for a suitable provider. Ask them how much bandwidth they’ve purchased from NBN Co, and if you’ll experience bandwidth congestion. What is the capacity of my modem and will it throttle the speeds coming into my home?”

Mrs Berrie said NBN Co understood many people were frustrated about being told one thing by NBN and another by their telco providers in regards to solving these issues. She said there is currently an ACCC investigation ongoing and that NBN Co is confident there will be positive outcomes for all consumers following the investigation.

In response to questions about whether extra boxes would be required inside the home to be connected to the NBN, Mrs Berrie said there are a number of different solutions depending on the location of a person’s property and the service NBN Co is able to provide.

“You may have FTTP (Fibre to the Premise), FTTN (Fibre to the Node), or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), which will determine whether you have additional devices to be installed at your premise or not. All of this information is readily available at the NBN Co website,” Mrs Berrie said.

Mrs Berrie said it would be compulsory for every household in Australia to switch over to the NBN.

“You will have 18 months to do this from the installation date. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you. You will also be reminded plenty of times during this 18 month period. NBN sends out all forms of communications to each and every household as a matter of priority as the 18 month deadline draws to a close,” Mrs Berrie said.

Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.

Due to popular demand, Mr Vasta will be hosting another NBN information session at Mt Gravatt Showgrounds on Thursday, 13th July from 10am to 11am (RSVP to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au or call 3893 3488).

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ONE-YEAR

ONE YEAR OF DELIVERING FOR BONNER

Today marks one year since the 2016 election. I’ve been proud to deliver a number of projects and initiatives for Bonner in this short amount of time:

• $10m for upgrade of Rickertt Rd-Green Camp Rd intersection;

• Funding to upgrade M1-Gateway Motorway merge at Eight Mile Plains;

• NBN: 21% of rollout complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access by 2020;

• $319,210 in Commonwealth Home Support Programme funding for local aged care providers;

• $400,000 for Wynnum Manly Seagulls Clubhouse dressing sheds upgrade;

• $1.15m for Manly Bowls Club second green enclosure;

• $558,000 for PCYC Bayside facility and equipment upgrade;

• $450,000 for Moreton Bay Discovery Centre extension;

• $185,000 for Australian Academy of Martial Arts training hall;

• $178,000 for Mt Gravatt Bowls Club new surface and shade system;

• $70,000 for Hope Foundation new equipment and supplies;

• $22,612 for Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed solar panels and facility upgrades;

• $20,000 for Eastside Community Church for fencing, shade sails, and path upgrade;

• $22,616 for Manly-Lota RSL sub-branch BEST grant;

• $4,000 in NSDP funding for Wynnum Manly and District Men’s Shed;

• Mobile Black Spot Program funding for new mobile phone tower on Russell Island;

• Inaugural Bonner Bright Star Awards to honour outstanding young locals;

• Inaugural Bonner Volunteer Awards to honour outstanding local volunteers;

• Coffee with a Cop community safety events to address local crime.

I’m also proud to be part of the Turnbull Coalition Government that has delivered a number of historic reforms in the last year: Gonski 2.0; Snowy Hydro 2.0; cracking down on multinational tax avoidance; tax cuts and other incentives for small business; and much more. I encourage you to read the PM’s short piece on what we’ve achieved for Australians.

I can’t wait for the year ahead and to deliver more for the people of Bonner.

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POSITIVE CHANGES FOR BONNER SMALL BUSINESSES FROM JULY 1

Small businesses in Bonner are set for simpler Business Activity Statements (BAS) and an extension to the instant asset write-off programme thanks to positive changes in force from July 1, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

“Local small businesses are set to benefit from simpler paperwork and yet another year to use the instant asset write-off,” Mr Vasta said.

Mr Vasta said the popular $20,000 instant asset write-off programme will run for another year thanks to an extension in the recent Federal Budget.

“I’ve heard from many local small business owners about how helpful the instant asset write-off is to purchase the new equipment they need to grow, and how it creates what small business calls a ‘chain reaction’ for staff and customers,” Mr Vasta said.

“We listened to that feedback and the Government extended the programme in the 2017-18 Budget. As a result, small businesses with a turnover up to $10 million can continue to purchase the equipment they need to grow up to $20,000 and write it off immediately.”

Mr Vasta said small business tax cuts – which were back-dated to 1 July 2016 so small business reaped the reward immediately – also made more small businesses eligible for the programme. 

“We know turnover above $2 million doesn’t mean you’re a big business, so we have changed the definition to up to $10 million to help even more genuine small businesses grow.”

1 July 2017 also sees a tax cut for the large-employing medium-sized businesses with an annual turnover up to $25 million. 

“Small businesses employ almost one in every two Australians in the workforce. Our changes back them to create even more jobs and keep our economy growing,” Mr Vasta said.

For more information, visit www.business.gov.au/smallbusiness.

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Moreton Bay College Spirit Triumphs in the Face of Adversity

Moreton Bay College has shared an intimate moment with the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Julie Bishop and Bonner MP Ross Vasta this week following the tragic death of former Moreton Bay Girl Sara Zelenak.

Mr Vasta invited Minister Bishop to personally address the college’s senior students and speak to them about the recent events encouraging the students to find the strength to continue living their lives to the fullest.

Minister Bishop told the students that one of the most difficult parts of her role is answering an embassy call and discovering there has been an accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack and there are Australians involved.

“My first thought is always about the family and friends. The hardest part is speaking to the family. We provide all the support we can as a government but how can you ever put yourself in the shoes of someone in that circumstance?

Minister Bishop said “breadth of mind, depth of heart is the Moreton Bay College school motto and it is no doubt present here within your community. In this tragedy we need to remember this motto, as Sara herself did. In her final moments we know that she rushed to the aid of others in order to help and that is how we should all be living our lives thinking of how we can help others and make each day better.”

The students were also given the opportunity to have an intimate Q&A session with the Minister; five students took up the opportunity asking a number of questions focusing on the role, responsibilities and difficulties facing women in Parliament.

Minister Bishop said “in my role there are challenges, many very tough but my time as a lawyer has taught me not to pass judgement on others and their circumstances, and to be strong. It also made me more appreciative of the opportunities I have had. Every day when I wake up I think what can I do to make today better, and you should too.”

Mr Vasta said it was a true honor to host Minister Bishop at Moreton Bay College.
“This recent event is a devastating blow for our region, but it will only bring this community closer together, and I hope each and every one of you will not be disheartened by this event but in fact encouraged to continue living your lives in the spirit of Sara.

“The school motto should be embodied in every aspect of each of your lives. As Minister Bishop has explained life is not without obstacles and battles but if you believe that you can do something, you can. Don’t ever let anyone else define what you can and can’t do.”

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20 MILLION TREES GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING PROJECTS

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today invited community groups, organisations and individuals to start their own tree planting projects by applying for grants under Round Three of the 20 Million Trees Program.

“Up to $6 million is now available for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for tree planting projects that will put back threatened bushland and support threatened species,” Mr Vasta said.

“This is a great opportunity for people in our community who are committed to looking after our local environment and improving our green spaces. These green spaces connect communities to the environment and improve the liveability of our towns and cities.”

“I encourage interested parties to apply for projects that will provide valuable benefits to the environment and our local community.”

The 20 Million Trees Grant Guidelines: Round Three are now available and applications close on 15 August 2017.

The Coalition Government’s 20 Million Trees Program will see 20 million trees planted across Australia by 2020. Under previous 20 Million Trees funding rounds, Landcare groups and community projects across Australia have planted three million trees. With 13.4 million trees already contracted for planting, today’s announcement will ensure that the 20 million trees election commitment target is met.

The 20 Million Trees initiative is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

More information is available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.

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21,000 Bonner Residents to Receive Energy Assistance Payment

The Turnbull Government is following through with its election commitment to deliver affordable living for all Australians.

The government has announced tougher regulations for the Gas sector giving Aussies priority to the supply and plans to strengthen the Australian regulator, alongside delivering the energy assistance payment to millions of Australians.

More than 20,000 people in Bonner are amongst the 3.8 million nationally who will benefit from a one-off payment of up to $75 to help with energy costs.

The Energy Assistance Payment will be provided to anyone on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Parenting Payment Single as well as Veterans and their partners who receive the Service Pension, Income Support Supplement and relevant compensation payments.

A total of 21,355 people in Bonner will benefit from this measure including:

·         15,127 recipients of the Age Pension

·         3,414 recipients of the Disability Support Pension and

·         1,138 recipients of Parenting Payment Single. 

·         1,676 recipients of veteran’s payments.

The one-off payment is $75 for singles and $62.50 for each pensioner in a couple will be automatically paid to eligible recipients over the next two weeks.

Local MP Ross Vasta said this one-off payment was delivered as part of a package securing significant reform through the Senate.

“In securing the passage of the company tax cuts, helping small and medium sized businesses employing 6.5 million people, the Government also committed to providing these one-off payments.”

The payment will not be taxed, will not be treated as income for tax purposes and does not count as income for social security purposes.

Mr Vasta said “this package is great news for people of the Bonner electorate, not only are we delivering this Energy Assistance Payment but we have also approved the reinstatement of thousands of Pensioner Concession Cards.”

Approximately 733 part-pensioners will have their Pensioner Concession Card reinstated.

“As a result of the much needed reforms to part pension on January 1 this year some former part-pensioners in Bonner lost access to some state and local government concessions.

“We have listened to the community and I personally campaigned for the reinstatement of this concession and I’m delighted that these people will have their card reinstated and be able to access the same benefits they enjoyed previously through the Pensioner Concession Card.”

The Pensioner Concession Card will be automatically provided to eligible former part-pensioners in October.

Further information is available at: www.humanservices.gov.au/energyassist

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FUNDING CONFIRMED FOR RICKERTT ROAD-GREEN CAMP ROAD UPGRADE

The Federal Government has committed $10 million to Brisbane City Council’s upgrade of Green Camp Road, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.
 
This funding will add to Brisbane City Council’s $18 million investment for the upgrade, with works expected to commence next year.
 
“The Rickertt Rd-Green Camp Rd intersection is currently plagued by traffic congestion with long queues during peak periods,” Mr Vasta said.
 
“This project will include road widening and intersection upgrades along the Green Camp Road corridor, reducing peak-hour queues and increasing safety for commuters between Redland City and Brisbane.”
  
“I thank Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and local Councillors Adrian Schrinner and Ryan Murphy, for funding this vital upgrade,” Mr Vasta said.
 
“I also thank my colleague, Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming, for his advocacy on behalf of Redland residents which together has allowed us to secure the Federal Government’s contribution to this project.”

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MEN’S SHED FUNDING APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL JULY 7

Round 15 of the National Shed Development Programme is now open for applications for funding of up to $10,000, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

Developing and established Men’s Sheds and members and non-members of the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) can apply for financial assistance to go toward:

  • Tools, equipment, community projects and training (maximum $5,000);

  • Building maintenance and development (maximum $7,500); and

  • Health improvement activities.

 

“I am proud to support the local Men’s Sheds in Bonner that have produced wonderful health outcomes—physical, mental and spiritual—for people in the community,” Mr Vasta said.

“I encourage Men’s Sheds to put in their applications for the latest round of funding.”

Under the NSDP, the Australian Government is allocating $800,000 (GST excl) in the 2016-17 financial year to Men’s Sheds across Australia. There will be a funding pool of $400,000 (GST excl) per round across two funding rounds.

Applications are open until Friday, 7 July 2017. For guidelines, FAQs, and to download an application form visit http://mensshed.org/national-shed-development-programme/.

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MEN’S HEALTH WEEK LAUNCHED AT MT GRAVATT MEN’S SHED

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today hosted a men’s health information session for members of Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed, as part of Men’s Health Week 2017.

He was joined by Dr David Hunt from Mt Gravatt, who spoke to Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed members about health-related issues they faced, and State Member for Mansfield, Ian Walker.

“I know a number of men here whose lives have been changed for the better since joining this Men’s Shed,” Dr Hunt said.

“Men’s Sheds are a wonderful health initiative and it’s great to see Ross get involved today.”

President of Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed, Murray Rogash, said Men’s Sheds were health-focused and helped save lives.

“We have a medical doctor, psychologist, and Minister of Religion who help meet our members’ physical, mental and spiritual needs,” Mr Rogash said.

“On August 7th, we will be offering members another Spanner in the Works tune-up. Spanner in the Works is a great initiative by the Australian Men’s Shed Association that encourages members to stay on top of their physical and emotional health with regular health check-ups.”

Mr Vasta said Men’s Sheds give their members an opportunity to gather together to take part in a range of activities, helping stave off social isolation while keeping member’s minds and bodies engaged.

“This year the theme for Men’s Health Week is Healthy Body-Healthy Mind: Keeping the Balance, which is exactly what men’s sheds are all about,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m proud to support Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed and I’m pleased to have been able to deliver them $22,000 in funding recently to install new solar panels, which will help them continue their good work improving the health and well-being of members of our community.”

For more on Spanner in the Works visit http://malehealth.org.au.

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