Stage 2 Lindum Crossing upgrades underway

With stage one safety upgrades completed to the Lindum level crossing, work has begun on Stage two upgrades to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and commuters.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said since securing the $85 million Federal Funding for this project in 2019, he had been working with the state and local council to move forward with vital safety improvements.

“I’ve been fighting for this upgrade since 2017 when over 7000 locals in Bonner signed my petition to fix Lindum crossing,” Mr Vasta said.

“Sadly, we have lost too many lives at this dangerous level crossing, and while stage one safety improvements are completed thanks to $1 million from our $85 million, I am very pleased work on stage two is now underway.”

Mr Vasta said the immediate safety upgrade to Lindum crossing included the installation of new and extended median islands, as well as new on-road line markings and resurfacing.

“The second stage utilises $10 million of our government’s $85 million commitment and involves realigning and signalising the intersection at the level crossing,” Mr Vasta said.

“I will continue to work with all levels of government and deliver on my commitment to the people of Bonner to fix Lindum crossing and provide an upgrade that safely caters for commuters, school children, business, bike riders and pedestrians.”

More information on stage one and two Lindum safety upgrade works is available here.

In addition to the Federal Government’s commitment, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government have each committed $5 million to stage two of the project.

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Drive alert and stay alive in Bonner

Motorists in Bonner are being urged to be mindful of the dangers of driving when tired as we remember the lives lost to fatigue-related crashes on 23 April 2021, which marks Driver Fatigue Awareness Day.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said it is important to remember how deadly driving while tired can be and understanding what can be done to manage fatigue.

“In Queensland there have been 304 road fatalities in the past year,” Mr Vasta said.

“Road crashes cause immeasurable suffering for the families and friends affected.

“This is why it is important we make sure we get enough sleep before driving, take regular breaks, or pull over to take a power nap when we feel fatigue setting in – it can be the difference to arriving at our destination alive.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said Driver Fatigue Awareness Day reminds us how deadly driving while tired is and what road users can do to manage fatigue.

“Falling into a micro-sleep, even for a few seconds, can be fatal – a driver can travel more than 100 metres without any control at all over their vehicle,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Making sure we get enough sleep before driving, taking regular breaks, or pulling over to take a power nap when we feel fatigue setting in can be the difference to arriving at our destination alive.

“Working towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on Australian roads is a core priority for the Government.

“This is why we are delivering record levels of road safety and infrastructure spending right across the nation,” Mr McCormack said.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said driver fatigue had been identified as one of the ‘Fatal Five’ road safety factors that contribute to road trauma, being a factor in up to 30 per cent of all deaths and severe injuries on our roads.

“Driver Reviver sites are critical in tackling driver fatigue to make our roads safer, which is why I am proud to be part of a Government that continues to invest in the program,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“Initiatives such as the Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program showcase what governments and communities can achieve when working together. Applications for Round Two of this $8 million program are now closed and being assessed.

Mr Buchholz said the Australian Government was making road safety a priority, with significant investments such as the $2 billion Road Safety Program to reduce risk across the country.

“These investments will deliver practical safety improvements such as shoulder sealing and rumble strips to help keep drivers on the road and in their lane.

“This will help reduce the $30 billion annual cost of road crashes to the national economy,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“Most importantly, the program will reduce the amount of lives lost and the immeasurable suffering that follows for the families and friends affected.

More information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives is available at officeofroadsafety.gov.au and statistics at https://www.bitre.gov.au/statistics/safety.

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Morrison government’s economic recovery plan delivering for women

Australia has achieved the highest female participation rate in the workforce ever recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics at 61.8%, up from 61.4% in February today’s unemployment figures show.

Unemployment overall declined to 5.6%, down from 5.8% in February, with around 71,000 jobs created. Of those around 55,400 or 78% went to women.

Female rates of underemployment have also fallen to the lowest level in over seven years.

“These figures are a welcome confirmation that the Morrison Government’s economic recovery plan is delivering for women.” Minister for Women’s Economic Security Senator the Hon Jane Hume said.

“Increasing female participation in the workforce is key to enhancing women’s economic security, and that is exactly what the Morrison Government is achieving.”

“Whether it be income tax cuts, business investment incentives, female entrepreneur programs or our investments in infrastructure, skills and training – the Morrison Government’s record investment in Australia’s economic recovery is delivering for women.”

The Morrison Government welcomes these positive numbers. However, the impact of COVID-19 will continue to be felt for some time and there is still a long road ahead.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was very pleased with these numbers as they represent more balanced workforces and progression towards closing gender employment gaps across the electorate.

“What we want to see is greater social and economic benefits for the electorate as well as workforces that reflect our community. This goes hand in hand with our commitment to further supporting choice and boosting workforce participation for women.

“Strong efforts are needed to continue building on this commitment and the recent figures released by the Morrison Government are evidence we are on the right track.”

The Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, described by the OECD as ‘key’ to saving jobs,will continue to create employment opportunities in Australia and secure the economic and labour market future for all Australians, and particularly Australian women.

 

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Bonner receives agricultural show and field day COVID-recovery boost

  • Australian Government support continues for agricultural shows and field days forced to cancel because of COVID-19
  • 110 events nationally—including the Mt Gravatt Show in Bonner—to share in $710,818 Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days supplementary payments

The Mt Gravatt agricultural show in Bonner is receiving an Australian Government cash boost to help it bounce back bigger and better from COVID-19.

Agricultural shows in Bonner are being boosted with more Australian Government support to help them bounce back from COVID-19 cancellations.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the event has been awarded supplementary expense funding under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.

A total of 110 events across the country will share in the $710,818 cash boost.

“Almost $34 million has already gone out to the 378 shows and field days approved for funding for costs paid from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Our agricultural shows and field days are bouncing back from the pandemic because of the hard work of their volunteers and support from their communities.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said these events were at the heart of local communities and help farmers stay competitive by sharing innovation and new ways of doing business.

“I’m very pleased the Mt Gravatt Show will receive this boost. This is great news for the volunteers and Bonner communities,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring agricultural shows and field days are in the best position possible to continue in 2021 and beyond.”

For more information on the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows.

Fast Facts:

  • The supplementary funding will be delivered to grantees in April-June 2021.
  • The Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program reimburses eligible costs for shows and field days which had to cancel because of COVID-19.
  • There are 580 agricultural shows nationwide, that contribute $1 billion to the economy, attract six million visitors and are serviced by 50,000 volunteers.

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Volunteer grants available for community organisations

The Australian Government is backing volunteers, with up to $20 million available to support volunteers across the nation.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said up to $132,450 was available in Bonner as part of the 2021 Volunteer Grants round.

Mr Vasta said he eligible, not-for-profit community organisations were invited to submit their expression of interest before 14 April.

“I am liaising with community leaders and relevant committees to identify priority volunteer support for our local area,” Mr Vasta said.

“Volunteers across Bonner freely give their time to support local organisations in a variety of ways, and make an extraordinary contribution to our community.”

Volunteer Grants of between $1000 and $5000 will help volunteers and volunteer groups to buy small equipment for volunteers, by reimbursing volunteer fuel, transport or training costs, or support promotional activities.

Organisations must have been nominated by their Federal Member of Parliament and meet the eligibility criteria which can be checked here.

Each Member can nominate organisations to apply for funding in their electorate up until 29 April 2021. The Department of Social Services will then send an application form to nominated organisations to apply for funding in May 2021.

Successful applicants will be announced in November 2021.

More information is available by emailing ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au or by visiting the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au

 

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Holiday in Australia this year

The Morrison Government has launched a $5 million campaign across national advertising, TV and event sponsorships to encourage Australians to book a holiday in Australia this year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the advertising blitz was about promoting domestic holidays to support our local tourism jobs and businesses.

“The campaign will feature Australian destinations, tourism products and experiences from every state and territory in national advertising, TV program and event sponsorships, publisher created content and in-program editorial integration,” Mr Vasta said.

“Everyone deserves to take a break this year and it doesn’t matter if you book a holiday down the road or on the other side of the country, you’ll be supporting Australian businesses and workers.”

Mr Vasta said JobKeeper saved tourist businesses like Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island in Bonner, however, with the school holidays over and wage subsidies wrapping up, it was still important to back our local businesses.

“You can always enjoy a day trip or long weekend away to take a break and keep supporting Australia’s tourism industry,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our tourism industry is so important because it supports more than 666,000 local jobs and every dollar spent on an Australian holiday this year will help our tourism sector.

“When you do book your holiday this year, go to one of Bonner’s local travel agents to help support them because they’re also doing it tough because of COVID-19.”

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Extra funding boost for Bonner’s volunteer organisations

Three community groups in Bonner will benefit from a share in $2.7 million from the Morrison Government to support the work of local volunteers.

The grants awarded are between $1000 and $5000 and will enable local organisations to better support their volunteers to purchase small equipment, pay fuel, transport and training costs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said volunteers played an integral part on our society, particularly during times of hardship.

“On December 5 we mark International Volunteer Day and celebrate the contribution of charity and community groups across Bonner as they continue to support the vulnerable and strengthen our community,” Mr Vasta said.

“From fire to floods and a global pandemic, Queensland has been significantly impacted this year and help is always needed by people in our community.

“I am very pleased this Morrison Government funding will support the volunteers in Bonner to continue doing their great work.”

Recipients include:

  • Hope Foundation – Mt Gravatt – $4970
  • Indians Baseball Club – Wakerley – $3925
  • The Corporation of The Synod of The Diocese of Brisbane – Manly – $3000

“Now more than ever our community organisations, sporting clubs and charities rely on the selflessness of volunteers who step up to lend a hand,” Mr Vasta said.

“Often their time and work can incur a cost and I am glad that funding will help these groups better support our volunteers.”

The 2020-21 Volunteer Grants round is expected to open mid-2021 and you can subscribe on the Community Grants Hub to be alerted to this and other grant listings.

For more information on volunteering, visit the Volunteering Australia website.

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Roads to Recovery funding in Bonner

Local road maintenance in Bonner will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Australian Government would deliver over $171.1 million to 344 local government authorities nationwide for safer and better-maintained roads.

“The Roads to Recovery funding in Bonner will allow councils across the area to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best local roads,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Australian Government is committed to getting Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they live.”

This payment includes the final instalment of the Government’s $138.9 million additional funding for the 128 Local Government Areas eligible for the Drought Communities Program Extension.

Brisbane City Council received $3 million under the program which was used to upgrade Player Street in Bonner.

The project included extending Player Street to provide a connection with Kessells Road in Upper Mt Gravatt to improve safety access.

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said the Australian Government has committed an additional $100 million per year to the Roads to Recovery Program from 2019–20, as part of the Local and State Government Road Safety Package announced in the 2019–20 Budget.

“From 2013–14 to 2023–24, the Government will provide $6.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Program, with an ongoing commitment of $500 million each year following,” Mr Hogan said.

“We are investing in infrastructure nationwide in order to lay the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Assisting local councils to maintain and improve roads under their jurisdiction is a big part of that, which is why we have also funded a new $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and brought forward $1.3 billion of the 2020–21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.”

Mr Hogan said Roads to Recovery investments deliver safer roads in local government areas throughout the country.

“In order to meet the anticipated strong demand for Roads to Recovery for 2020–21, the Australian Government has brought forward $22.75 million to be available to councils to claim this financial year, for a total of $592.18 million in 2020–21,” Mr Hogan said.

“The Australian Government supports local governments to provide vital infrastructure and services through a range of programs.

“This support includes Financial Assistance Grants and the Bridges Renewal, Black Spot, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity and Roads to Recovery programs.”

More information on these programs is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au.

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Phil Thompson MP inspires during final BYAC

Member for Townsville Phil Thompson MP joined Ross Vasta MP for the final Bonner Youth Advisory Council (BYAC) Zoom of 2020 to offer inspiring insight into his journey from infantryman to parliamentarian.

Mr Vasta said BYAC was not only about giving local students a platform to have their voices and opinions heard, but to also provide insight on the inner workings of their Government.

“We had a fantastic turnout for the final BYAC Zoom meeting of 2020 and I hope they encourage their fellow students to get involved next year,” Mr Vasta said.

“My BYAC guest was the Member for Townsville who spoke about his journey into public life following a career in the Australian Defence Force.

“If there’s one message Phil passed on, I felt resonated, was his views on leadership and standing up for something you believe in – in his words it’s about ‘taking the hard right instead of the easy wrong’.”

Mr Vasta said BYAC participants asked some great questions around mental health, how students like themselves could reach our and why Phil took on further studies after his military career.

“It’s always great to hear about the issues at the forefront of young people’s minds and how they feel about other matters,” Mr Vasta said.

“I look forward to continuing the BYAC into 2021 and nominations are now open for the Junior (years 5-6) and Senior (years 10-12) BYAC.”

For more information or to get involved, contact your school and email your nomination to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au

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Bonner Christmas Card winner announced

Congratulations to this year’s Bonner Christmas Card Drawing Competition winner Emily Christie whose design will be featured on the 2020 Bonner Christmas cards.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this year’s theme was Christmas at Home and the year three Sheldon College student sent a beautiful image of her family around the Christmas tree.

“Christmas can look very different for many families, but I think the important thing to remember is that it is always nice when its spent with our family and loved ones,” Mr Vasta said.

“Emily’s winning drawing not only has her family, but her beloved pets too which is a very nice inclusion for her interpretation of Christmas at home.”

Mr Vasta said Emily’s drawing will feature on his Christmas card which is sent out not only to his constituents in Bonner, but his colleagues in Canberra.

“That includes the Prime Minister himself who will see Emily’s lovely interpretation of Christmas at home,” Mr Vasta said.

“Thank you to everyone who sent in their lovely entries, it was a tough decision, but there’s always next year.”

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