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| Solar grants for local sporting and community groups | |
Community organisations can cut their energy bills and contribute to a greener future thanks to grants made available by the State Government.
Queensland not-for-profit sporting and community groups have been encouraged to apply for solar grants to help them save on energy bills and reduce emissions.
Member for Mount Coot-tha, Andrew Fraser said today that the first round of Gambling Community Benefit Fund solar grants would close on 31 August 2010.
“By switching to solar energy, sporting and community groups can save on their electricity bills as well as significantly reduce carbon emissions,” Mr Fraser said.
“Local not-for-profit sporting and community organisation may be eligible to receive grants to install solar panels or solar hot water systems at their facilities.
“Their energy bills can range from several hundred dollars up to thousands each month so these grants have the potential to make a huge difference.
“A sporting club that operates for most of the year and has an annual electricity bill of about $22,000 could save around $6200 in energy costs over the 15-year lifespan of a solar panel.
“A community counselling centre that had around 100 clients a week and an electricity bill of around $4300 could cut their emissions by about two tonnes every year as well as saving on their annual hot water bill.
“Harnessing the sun’s energy to save money and reduce our use of carbon-based electricity makes sense and is the bright thing to do.”
Eligible sporting and community organisations right across Queensland can apply for GCBF grants to support the purchase and installation of 1.5 kilowatt solar power PV (photovoltaic) panels and solar hot water systems.
By 2014, community groups doing the bright thing could be helping Queensland to avoid around 3600 megawatt hours of electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3600 tonnes per annum.
Information about eligibility criteria and applications for solar installations under the GCBF are available at www.olgr.qld.gov.au/grants .
For more information please contact: Mount Coot-tha Electorate Office - Ph 3368 3208
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| Department of Communities (Sport and Recreation) Information Sessions on changed funding programs. | |
The Queensland Government ordered a review of sport and recreation funding programs in July 2009.
The findings of the review have led to the creation of new funding programs. The new guidelines and application forms for these programs are accessible from 1 March 2010 via www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.
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| 2010 NRMA Insurance Community Grants Program | |
NRMA Insurance through its Community Grants program is offering grants of bteween $500 and $5000 to groups undertaking projects in areas of crime prevention, road safety, emergency readiness and the environment.
Community groups interested in applying for a Community Grant should visit www.nrmaqld.com.au/grants for more information.
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| From overpass to work of art | |
The Burns Road rail overpass has been transformed into a work of art thanks to a collaborative effort between local primary school students and artist Mark Makhoul.
Member for Mount Coot-tha Andrew Fraser joined the budding artists today to unveil the new Burns Road Overpass murals, an initiative of Queensland Rail’s positive pARTnerships program, which document Toowong’s early beginnings in picture form.
Mr Fraser said the artworks were a vibrant addition to the local area.
“Mark worked with 60 children from Toowong State School and St Ignatius Parish School to decorate both sides of the Burns Road Overpass,” Mr Fraser said.
“The time and effort Mark and the kids put into these works was well worth it – they are a wonderful depiction of our local history.”
Mr Fraser said the Toowong and District Historical Society provided reference material for the artworks, which depict an historical panorama of the Toowong area.
“The historical society has actually compiled a book about the bridge, titled ‘Toowong: Bridging the Rail at Burns Road’,” he said.
“This really is a community effort and I’m sure everyone passing the murals - and reading the book - will enjoy and appreciate their creativity and origins.”
The positive pARTnerships program involves local schools, community groups and organisations in the beautification of train stations which can include station walls, shelter sheds, subways, car parks and bike lockers throughout the South East Queensland network.
If your school, community group or organisation would like to be part of the QR positive pARTnerships station beautification program, please contact QR’s Art Projects Coordinator on 3235 1610 or email pARTnerships@qr.com.au
Media contact: Mount Coot-tha electorate office – 3368 3208
4 February 2010
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| $3 million boost to Brisbane bus services | |
A $3 million revamp of Brisbane’s bus network will mean 385 more services and 20,000 extra seats for commuters every week.
Member for Mount Coot-tha Andrew Fraser said from 22 February, 13 new environmentally-friendly buses will be on the road and services on the city’s most popular routes would be made more frequent or be extended.
“This is about enhancing services and making public transport a more convenient way for residents to travel,” Mr Fraser said.
“In a nutshell, we’re delivering more buses, new services, improved routes and more seats.
“We’re committed to building a public transport system that can meet the everyday needs of commuters now as well as cater for Brisbane’s growing population into the future.”
Mr Fraser said Brisbane’s western suburbs would directly benefit from the revamp with one of the areas fastest growing routes – the 412 to St Lucia and UQ – to receive 35 new services a week.
“What better time to increase the frequency of buses travelling this popular student route then over the next couple of weeks, just as the uni semester is kicking off,” he said.
Local UQ student Simon Byrne will be one of the many west-side residents to benefit from the new 412 services this semester.
Simon, who is currently completing his Masters at UQ, said the extra services would make it easier for local residents to get to uni.
“The 412 is a really popular bus and a lot of students rely on it, so the more frequently it comes the more convenient it will be for people to catch it,” he said.
“More buses will also reduce wait times and crowding, and mean that more of us can travel to and from uni more often.”
The 412 departs from Adelaide St in the CBD and follows Coronation Drive through Milton, Auchenflower and Taringa before turning into Gailey Road and Sir Fred Schonell Drive.
New 412 services (operating university semesters only) will depart the city at 8.02am, depart UQ Chancellor’s Place at 3.55pm and 6pm, and depart St Lucia South at 7.06am, 7.20am, 8.10am and 8.16am.
More bus services will also be added to UQ routes 109 (City to UQ via Eleanor Schonell Bridge) and 169 (Eight Mile Plains to UQ via Eleanor Schonell Bridge).
For more information on public transport, visit the website www.translink.com.au or phone the Call Centre on 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Media contact: Mount Coot-tha electorate office – 3368 3208
18 February 2010.
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| Speed in Mount Coot-tha school zones returns to 40 km/hr | |
With the new school year fast approaching Hon Andrew Fraser MP, Member for Mount Coot-tha has warned local motorists to slow down in school zones and be mindful of children in and around school areas.
"The start of the school term means school zones will be back in action with 40km/hr speed limits in place around most school areas," Mr Fraser said.
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| Creativity the key to helping disadvantaged renters | |
Local non-profit community groups are invited to apply for a share in $180,000 to help educate under-privileged renters about their rights as tenants.
Member for Mount Coot-tha Andrew Fraser said the Residential Tenancy Authority is offering grants to those groups who can best help promote an understanding of rental laws in Queensland.
“We want community groups to use their imagination and come up with clever ways to promote the state’s rental laws for tenants,” he said.
“Not everyone has that kind of information at their fingertips.
“People who live in caravan parks, in remote communities, people with a disability, refugees and migrants are all examples of those who may not be up-to-date with rental laws.
“It’s important that everyone, regardless of their social situation, knows and understands their rights as tenants.”
Some of the projects funded in the past by the RTA grants include radio ads, tenancy information in braille, DVDs and a tenancy information board game.
“We want community groups to think outside the square. They understand local needs and know how to draw on local resources to solve local issues,” Mr Fraser said.
“I urge our local community groups to get behind this initiative, come up with a clever idea and apply for a grant from the RTA.
“They’ll be doing their bit to help more Queenslanders get a fair go in the private rental market.”
Interested applicants can contact the RTA’s Community Engagement Unit on 1300 366 311 or visit the RTA website at www.rta.qld.gov.au to download grant guidelines and an application kit.
Applications close on 5 March, 2010. Successful applicants will be notified in May.
11 February 2010.
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| $1M sport and recreation boost for children in care | |
The Bligh Government will provide up to $1 million to help children in care participate in sport and recreation activities as part of a new scheme that will see volunteer carers reimbursed for related expenses.
Member for Mount Coot-tha Andrew Fraser said the scheme would refund each carer up to $300 for sports related costs in an effort to ensure children in care were given the opportunity to participate.
“With sign on days for soccer, rugby, hockey, netball and other sports happening in coming weeks, it’s hoped this funding will mean more kids in care will have the ability to lead active, healthy and happier lives by getting involved.
“Sport can break down barriers, boost self esteem, promote team work and assist social cohesion, and this program will make it easier for carers to afford for children in their care to take part.”
Minister for Child Safety Phil Reeves said few people realise that the 4,000 odd carers in Queensland are volunteers.
“These carers only receive an allowance to help them cover the basic costs of providing safe homes for more than 6,500 children and young people across the state,” he said.
“This extra funding program will be available for children’s participation in sport and recreation throughout 2010 and will help more Queensland kids to get active.”
Mr Reeves said the Bligh Government provided more funding for sport and recreation services than any other state or territory government.
For more information on this funding program, call 1300 656 191 or visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.
11 February 2010.
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| Whiplash focus of State Government and UQ alliance | |
The State Government will team up with the University of Queensland to ensure a prominent whiplash rehabilitation guide used by thousands of sufferers every month provides the most cutting edge information available.
Written by Professor Gwendolen Jull, Director of UQ’s Cervical Spine and Whiplash Research Unit and a leading authority on whiplash injuries, Recovery from Whiplash Injury: A Self Management Guide has been published in Australia and the United States and has attracted interest in both the United Kingdom and Japan.
Treasurer and State Member for Mount Coot-tha Andrew Fraser said the Motor Accident Insurance Commission would fund a $25,000 review into the guide, with the updated version to be made available by the end of the year.
“This collaboration will ensure the guide delivers the most advanced advice available to the thousands of sufferers who rely on it to aid their recovery,” Mr Fraser said.
“It has a proven track-record in helping sufferers reduce their whiplash symptoms, with an average 2,600 people viewing the publication online each month.
“UQ will conduct the review in two stages - the first will involve a literature review to ensure the guide aligns with current industry best practice and the second will see its contents updated.
“Whiplash remains one of the most common injuries sustained by people in motor accidents, representing more than half of claims to the Queensland Compulsory Third Party Scheme.
“This review will increase the effectiveness of the guide which in turn will assist sufferers and health professionals alike.”
The Commission has a proud history of affiliation with UQ’s Whiplash Research Unit and funds a number of whiplash and rehabilitation projects at UQ’s Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine.
Since being established in 1994, the Commission has provided more than $740,000 in funding for whiplash projects
The self-management advice and exercise program in Recovery from Whiplash Injury: A Self Management Guide are based on Professor Jull’s clinical trial results, research into neck disorders, and extensive clinical experience in whiplash-associated disorders and other neck pain syndromes.
To download the current version of the booklet, visit the Commission’s website at www.maic.qld.gov.au
11 February 2010.
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| MacGregor/Jubilee Terrace Planning Study | |
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has developed the preferred planning option for a future upgrade of MacGregor/Jubilee Tce in Bardon.
The Department undertook the MacGregor/Jubilee Tce planning study to determine how this section of road may best be upgraded in the future. This planning option represents the ultimate upgrade for the corridor, and shows what changes andenhancements would be made to upgrade the road.
Please click below for a .pdf of the recently released Main Roads, MacGregor/Jubilee Tce Planning Study newsletter.
They can be contacted by phone on 3137 8125, fax 3137 8363 or email MacGregorJubilee@mainroads.qld.gov.au
For more information see the letter below from the Minister for Main Roads and Local Government, Hon. Warren Pitt MP.
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| Proposed Telecommunications Tower at Gerler St | |
Telstra has proposed to erect a telecommunications tower on Gerler St, Bardon in close proximity to local residences and Rainworth State School.
Concerned members of the community and parents have raised their fears with me of the potentially detrimental impact mobile phone towers may pose when situated in residential areas.
After attending a community meeting in which these concerned parties raised their views on the siting of the telecommunications tower I made representations on their behalf to Mr Anton Jones, Area General Manager of Telstra Brisbane regarding this matter.
It is my view that Telstra has not adequately discussed the alternative proposals to the Gerler St site with concerned local parties and I remain unconvinced of the necessity of Gerler St as a location for the construction of a telecommunications tower.
I informed Mr Jones that it is my firm opinion that Telstra should revisit their plans for the Gerler St site and instead pursue a co-located facility as a more appropriate option.
Please find below a .pdf of my letter to Mr Jones.
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| Andrew's Achievements as the State Member for Mt. Coot-tha | |
As the State MP for our local community I work hard to deliver for our suburbs.
• Delivered the new Toowong Pedestrian and Cycle bridge – NOW OPEN
• Upgraded the intersection of Jubilee and Kennedy Terraces to make it safer
• Increased trains services – providing for 1500 more passengers a day – through Toowong, Auchenflower and Milton stations
• Increased key bus services through Bardon, Paddington, Red Hill and Kelvin Grove – 18 more services a week
• Secured funds for Ithaca Creek Swimming Club to upgrade pool this year
• Delivered funds that upgraded the Toowong Soccer Clubhouse and for the Sylvan Road tennis courts at Toowong
• Delivered funds for upgrade of Western Districts Youth Club at Purtell Park in Bardon
• Saved the Toowong Pre-school site from being sold-off
• Delivered funds for a face-lift of historic Milton State School, after assisting with funds to deliver new covered assembly area and prep facilities.
• Construction is underway on a major upgrade at Ithaca Creek State School, and work has begun on the student performance area upgrade at Bardon State School
• Delivered new “Art-space” for Rainworth State School and just secured another $160 000 for new projects at Rainworth.
• Upgraded the Community Health Centre at Coopers Camp Road, Bardon - and increased services available
• New grant for upgrade of equipment at Brisbane Arts Theatre at Petrie Terrace
• Provided funds and support for organisations like Communify (former Red Hill Paddington Community Centre)– delivering vital social services in our community
• Delivered grants for water saving projects like tanks at facilities like Jahjumbjeen Child Care at Toowong as well as the Brisbane West Senior Citizens on Latrobe Terrace in Paddington.
• New Roma Street Fire and Ambulance Station and upgrade of Taringa Fire Station
• $2m to upgrade the Coronation Drive bikeway between Park Road & Little Cribb St
I look forward to continue working for our community.
ANDREW FRASER MP
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| Northern Link Tunnel Project |  |
Late last year, Andrew attended a public meeting hosted by the Toowong Tunnel Solutions Group about the Northern Link Project, which has been proposed by the Brisbane City Council.
He supports the Northern Link tunnel which will link the Western Freeway into the Inner City Bypass.
With the growth that is set to occur beyond Ipswich in the western corridor, the choice for our community is essentially whether we want to see increased traffic driving through our suburbs or driving under our suburbs.
He does not support the “local access” tunnel proposed by Council at Toowong.
With the support of the community in Andrew's first term, he secured funding to construct the pedestrian and cyclist bridge to improve connectivity for residents. Construction is now almost finished on this $9 million project which will link up Anzac Park and Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens and beyond.
Andrew is not about to support a proposal that would compromise his efforts to improve local residents’ ability to move around their suburb.
No case has been made out by the project’s proponents for the size and scale of the “local access” tunnel in the design.
If the proposal can be redesigned with a local access tunnel that is acceptable in the community then Andrew is prepared to support the ability of locals to access the tunnel (without having to backtrack along the Western Freeway).
The proposal will assist in reducing traffic along Milton Road and Coronation Drive, and therefore improve capacity for public transport. The project links in with the Budget’s investment in duplicating the rail line to enable extension to Springfield to ensure public transport alternatives for residents moving into the Western Corridor.
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| Proposed boundary changes will enhance community safety | |
3 August 2010
Residents of Paddington and Red Hill are invited to have their say on proposed boundary changes which will remove confusion about property addresses.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is coordinating a public consultation on the proposed changes to assist with correct property addressing and to align boundaries with current development in the area.
State Member for Mount Coot-tha Andrew Fraser said the proposed boundary changes will align with rear property boundaries, natural features and other infrastructure.
“The current boundaries of these suburbs were defined in 1975 and they may be ambiguous and misleading as they are not aligned to property boundaries,” Mr Fraser said.
“This can lead to misinterpretation of property addresses which can be critical for dispatching of emergency and other community services.”
Under the proposal there will be a change of address for properties in Upper and Lower Cairns Terrace from Red Hill to Paddington.
DERM administers the Place Names Act 1994 which controls the naming of localities and suburbs in local government areas.
The proposed new boundaries of Paddington and Red Hill are shown on Queensland place name maps QPN905 and QPN906.
Copies of the proposed maps for these suburbs are available at www.derm.qld.gov.au and search the proposal under Queensland Place Names. Maps can also be obtained from DERM Business Centre, Level 2, Landcentre, corner of Main and Vulture Streets Woolloongabba.
Submissions about the proposal can be forwarded to the Regional Services Director, South East Region, Department of Environment and Resource Management, GPO Box 2771, Brisbane, QLD 4001 until 1 October 2010.
ENDS
For further information contact Department of Environment and Resource Management Media Services Ph: (07) 3224 7792 or email media@derm.qld.gov.au
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