Patients in Brisbane’s North will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions with the Liberal National Government announcing a new MRI licence for Redcliffe Hospital.

This MRI licence is expected to benefit the many Australians living in the region through a Medicare rebate and provide an estimated 5,900 services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.

An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.

It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.

Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth MP said, today’s announcement is a big win for locals.

“The Government has delivered the licence and patients could receive the Medicare-covered MRI services,” Mr Howarth said.

“It took the State Labor Government five years to lodge an application for a MRI licence for the Redcliffe Hospital and this happened and only after public pressure.”

“Bill Shorten and Labor like to talk about health but it is the Coalition that actually delivers.”

“Having the MRI machine located in the hospital will free up frontline services, such as nurses and ambulance staff who are required to accompany patients to the MRI which is currently available off-site,” Mr Howarth said.

The MRI license will be available whenever the state government finally provides Redcliffe with an MRI. It is now up to the state government to deliver.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families.

“Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said.

“Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.

“Under the Liberal National Government, Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from $24 billion in 2017–18 to $28.8 billion in 2021–22 to support health care for every Australian.

“Unlike Labor we have also committed to reducing the cost for patients by indexing targeted diagnostic imaging services including mammography, fluoroscopy, CT scans and interventional procedures.

“The LNP is committed to delivering improved health services in Queensland which includes increased hospital funding with an extra $8 billion for hospitals taking it to $29.5 billion over five years,” Minister Hunt said.

The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

Parents will be able to get home to their families sooner and tradies will spend less time in traffic jams following an $80 million injection for local congestion busting projects across Brisbane’s north.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the seven projects will make a real difference to the lives of people living in Brisbane’s north.

“I want people to spend less time stuck in traffic jams and more time at home with their families and working in their businesses – that is what matters,” the Prime Minister said.

The investment includes $50 million for upgrades on the Gympie Arterial Road to meet the significant increase in vehicle traffic and improve the connection to the southern end of the Bruce Highway.

Bracken Ridge residents will benefit from $7.5 million for three projects including: the upgrade of the Barbour Road and Norris Road intersection; upgrades to Norris Road between Telegraph Road and Bracken Ridge Road; and upgrades to Hoyland Street between Kluver Street and Bracken Ridge Road.

The funding forms part of a $244.25 million investment in South East Queensland through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund which was announced at the 2018-19 Budget.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said he was really pleased that the Federal Coalition Government is delivering for Mango Hill and Bracken Ridge residents.

“Because of our growing economy, we are able to deliver the services and infrastructure our community desperately needs.”

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said estimates put the cost of congestion in Australia’s capital cities at $25 billion per year, projected to reach $40 billion by 2030.

“The Urban Congestion Fund is helping to deliver a more reliable road network for commuters and freight, and support critical access to employment centres and freight hubs,” Mr Tudge said.

“This is as much about hitting those local traffic headaches as it is about the major highways.”

The Liberal and Nationals Government has invested more than $20 billion in Queensland roads and rail since 2013, including over $5 billion provided in last year’s Budget.

Swimming and participating in other recreational activities at the beach can provide significant health benefits for senior Australians.

The Liberal & Nationals Government recognises this and has provided Surf Life Saving Australia with a grant of $530,000 to support its Silver Salties fitness program, designed for all Australians over the age of 65.

Minister McKenzie announced the grant to Surf Life Saving Australia today at the Redcliffe Surf Life Saving Club in Moreton Bay, Queensland CEO of Surf lifesaving Australia, Adam Weir, was in attendance and welcomed the grant.

“The Liberal & Nationals Government is delighted to provide this grant to support Silver Salties – a widely-accessible, low-impact program that offers social and active participation opportunities to senior Australians of all abilities, regardless of their mobility, swimming capability or fitness levels,” Minister McKenzie said

“Surf Life Saving Australia will develop a framework to increase the number of older Australians in our coastal communities who participate in recreational activities on our beaches.

“The organisation will also complete a web-based program, accessible by all Surf Live Saving clubs across the country, to encourage the implementation of fitness programs for senior Australians at the grassroots level.”

Minister McKenzie said Australians were living longer and the Move It Aus Better Ageing program was an important step in helping older Australians to get the most out of their senior years.

“As outlined in the Government’s National Sport Plan – Sport 2030 – no matter what your age and no matter what your stage, we’re encouraging all Australians to embrace the philosophy of “Movement for Life”. This is a really important step in that process,” Minister McKenzie said.

“On current trends, the number of Australians aged 65-plus is expected to double in the next 40 years.

“This shift presents a challenge in broader health terms but provides a chance for sport and physical activity to make a positive difference to the lives of older Australians.”

Currently only 25 per cent of Australians over 65 meet the Department of Health physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes activity per day.