GATEWAY UPGRADE NORTH NOW COMPLETE

South-East Queenslanders are getting home sooner and safer after the opening of the newly widened section of the Gateway Motorway.

The completion of the section means the massive $1.1 billion Gateway Upgrade North project is now finished. The project supported over 1,000 jobs during its construction.

Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the project was part of the Morrison Goverrment’s plan to bust congestion across the region – one of the fastest growing in Australia.

“And there is more relief to come – only last month we announced $244.25 million under the Morrison Government’s Urban Congestion Fund,” Mr Tudge said.

“We want people to be spending less time in traffic, and more time at home with their families and doing what’s important.”

In addition the Morrison Government has $7.2 billion invested into major urban infrastructure projects across South East Queensland.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the gateway upgrade would help to unlock major economic growth in Queensland by busting congestion for motorists and vastly improving freight access to the Australia TradeCoast (ATC), Port of Brisbane and Brisbane Airport.

“This is a $214 million investment by the Queensland Government that has transformed the Gateway Motorway and improved Bruce Highway connectivity for the thousands of Queenslanders and businesses who rely on this important corridor every day,” the Premier said.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said extra lanes on the motorway and Deagon Deviation are already significantly reducing congestion while the upgraded Nudgee Interchange will improve access, traffic flow and driver safety on and off the motorway in each direction.

“Daily, more than 83,000 vehicles travel along motorway between Nudgee and Deagon. The Gateway Upgrade North will provide relief for motorists today and allow for growth in the future,” Mr Bailey said.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said works involved widening 11.3 kilometres of the Motorway from four to six lanes between Nudgee to the Deagon Deviation and the construction of an off-road shared pathway.

“The bike path will provide a safe and efficient off-road connection for local cyclists along the Gateway Motorway between Nudgee and Bracken Ridge.” Mr Howarth said.

The $1.1 billion Gateway Upgrade North project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with the Australian Government committing $861.78 million and the Queensland Government committing $214.45 million.

HOWARTH URGES LABOR TO PUT COMMUNITY INTERESTS AHEAD OF POLITICAL INTERESTS

 Local MP Luke Howarth is calling on the State Labor Government to progress plans for a car park at the Mango Hill Train Station, with the project gaining funding certainty from both sides of politics.

Mr Howarth said, State Member Steven Miles had shelved plans for the car park pending the outcome of the Federal Election, before the funding was committed by the Liberal National Government in January.

“The Prime Minister and I announced months ago that the Government would deliver the funds needed to build the car park, yet we are still waiting for Mr Miles to press the start button.”

“While locals drive around each morning in frustration looking for a park or trenching through mud, the State Labor Government is holding up the solution for their own political gain.”

Mr Miles had previously directed the Department of Transport and Main Roads to stop the Expressions of Interest process for the development of the land, citing Labor’s election commitment as the reason for the delay.

With the funds now readily available, Mr Howarth said Mr Miles and Labor had run out of excuses.

“Holding up this car park in the hope of scoring a cheap political win is a shameful way to treat the community he represents.”

“The money is there – let’s get on with it!” Mr Howarth said.

Mr Howarth said he had written to Mr Miles and asked for an update on plans to build the car park.

When I talk to parents, teachers and principals, I keep hearing the same thing over and over.

People want the Government to invest in schools so their kids get a quality education.

We know the world is changing. Over the last ten years, major economic, social and technological changes have been reshaping employment, the economy, society and individuals.

That means our education system has to respond to these changes.

This week, I invited local school principals to talk to Federal Education Minister, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, about the future of education in the Petrie Electorate, and in Australia.

Parents, teachers and principals want to know their school is getting enough money.

Funding is important, and that’s why the Morrison Government is providing record, needs-based funding of $307.7 billion for state schools, Catholic schools and Independent schools, including $65.8 billion for Queensland schools.

But common sense is one of our greatest natural resources in Queensland and there were plenty of principals who made the point that spending more money won’t improve results unless you have a plan on how that investment will improve outcomes.

I agree. When it comes to improving our education system, much work has been done but there is still more work to do.

In return for our Government’s record investment, the Queensland Government has committed to introducing important reforms recommended by David Gonski that will lift education standards.

These include: new tools for teachers, changes to the curriculum and a national student identifier.

The Federal Government will lead the way on data collection and research to further improve our understanding of performance and to guide future reform.

We are also ensuring our next generation of teachers are better prepared to provide a top-class education from day one.

Every teaching student must pass a test that puts them in the top 30 per cent of the adult population for literacy and numeracy before they can graduate. Starting this year, graduates will also be required to pass a teaching performance assessment before they graduate.

Like passing a driving test before being allowed on the road, teachers will be assessed on things like managing challenging behaviour and how they teach literacy and numeracy before they’re allowed in the classroom.

This year, the Federal Government has also embarked on a nationwide consultation to hear from parents, teachers and principals about what they want to see in the nation’s goals for education, which is called the Melbourne Declaration.

It’s timely to have a frank discussion and to ask: is our education system delivering the results we want? And just as importantly: what are the results that we want?

The feedback provided at the forum will be used as part of this process and there will be more opportunities for the people of Petrie to have their say. Everyone has a stake in our education system.

BETTER SUPPORT IN BRISBANE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Children with autism and their families will soon have access to greater support in Brisbane, with work starting today on the new North Brisbane and Pine Rivers Autism Hub.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said with four early intervention classrooms, a motor skills room and seven consulting rooms, the hub will provide individual programs for up to 50 children with autism spectrum disorders.

“The hub will provide much needed support to children with autism and their families, as well as specialist outreach and assistance to childcare centres and schools in the area,” Mr McCormack said.

Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said the facility will support 124 jobs during construction and create another 25 ongoing jobs, providing a healthy boost for the local economy.

“The hub will include a training facility and research space, providing researchers with a unique opportunity to capture data while offering real-time information for families and regulatory bodies,” Mr Dutton said.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, who attended the sod turn today, said the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is proud to support the construction of the North Brisbane and Pine Rivers Autism Hub.

“Facilities such as this are essential and providing children and their families with best-practice care and support will make an important and positive difference in their lives,” Mr Howarth said.

Chief Executive Officer of the AEIOU Foundation Alan Smith said the Foundation commended the Australian Government for its vision and commitment to young children with autism and their families.

“The funding provided by the Australian Government represents a tremendous opportunity to establish a world-class facility which will have a direct impact upon the lives of local children with autism,” Mr Smith said.

This project is jointly funded with the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government investing $4.5 million and the AEIOU Foundation $96,050.

PCYC UPGRADE GIVES REDCLIFFE YOUTH MORE SUPPORT

More young people on the Redcliffe Peninsula and surrounding areas will be able to reach their full potential thanks to a major redevelopment of the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association facilities at Kippa-Ring.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth, who attended the official opening of the PCYC redevelopment today, said the upgraded buildings would provide local youth with a fun and safe sporting and recreational environment.

“Now boasting a large covered multipurpose sports arena with enclosed access between buildings, young people using these fantastic facilities will be protected from a range of weather conditions and be able to play a variety of sports across all seasons,” Mr Howarth said.

“The upgrades will enable more young people to engage in the number of programs and activities PCYC has to offer, reducing the current waitlists for many classes and programs.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project, which supported 24 jobs during construction and creates a further three ongoing jobs, will better support young people and their families.

“With the capacity to offer additional youth at-risk programs, young people in Redcliffe will be inspired and encouraged to reach their full potential,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is proud to support projects designed to support young people and build healthier regional communities.”

This project is jointly funded with the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government investing $450,000 and the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association $47,740.

Redcliffe’s WW1 Veterans Remembered

The history of Redcliffe’s contribution to World War One was honoured when Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth MP presented the Director of the Australian War Memorial, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson AO with a book researched and produced by the Redcliffe & District Family History Group.

“Remembering Redcliffe’s First World War Veterans” commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice on 11th November 1918.

“The research and time spent on this endeavour is truly inspiring” Mr Howarth said.

“The collection of stories and historical accounts is now part of the Australian War Memorial’s collection and pays tribute to locals who fought in WW1”

The collection was edited by Dr Ted Flack and has been published in a hard covered leather bound book.

Additional copies of “Remembering Redcliffe’s First World War Veterans” have been published and are available to the public at the Redcliffe, North Lakes and Sandgate Libraries.

THE Federal Government has locked in $4 million for new car parking at the Mango Hill train station.

Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth MP said because of our growing economy, we are able to deliver the services and infrastructure our community desperately needs.”

The federal funding is part of the $244.25 million investment in South East Queensland through the Urban Congestion Fund.

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,” he said.

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

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.