Jan's Jottings
Here are some of my most recent columns - Jan's Jottings - published in the local newspapers. Please feel free to contact my office if you would like to know more about any of the topics in the following Jottings.
If I can help promote any upcoming community events, please feel free to let me know.
July Jottings
I was really pleased that the Premier accepted my invitation to visit Airlie Beach last week and meet with a group of community leaders and tourism and small business operators.
While in town, the Premier spoke about the government’s plans to maintain a focus on jobs growth by continuing to support infrastructure projects across the state. She said that while there are signs of a slow recovery in the State’s economy, not all sectors of the economy are recovering at the same rate. In particular, the construction and tourism sectors are still feeling the fallout from the economic downturn.
While the impacts in our area are mixed, I think most local business operators would agree that these are tough times and it will only be through a united and concerted effort that we can hope to make a strong recovery. That’s why I was particularly pleased that many who spoke to the Premier last week raised the issue of the need to revitalise Airlie Beach through an upgrade of the main street precinct.
The Premier was presented with concept plans and left with little doubt that this project has the support of Council, business operators and the community. As Council breaks the project down into bite-sized, doable portions I will be off to Brisbane to seek funding for those parts that fit the State’s funding responsibility.
This project might seem like pie-in-the-sky, but I am confident that if we do the preparation properly and remain focused on this as our priority project, than it is achievable. All levels of government and the community will need to contribute, but the reward for effort will be a new and fresh first impression of Airlie Beach for our visitors and a much more functional town heart for all of us.
Please get behind this project in any way you can.
June Jottings
Last week, Premier Anna Bligh announced the beginning of a new course for managing growth in Queensland with the release of the Government’s response to the Queensland Growth Management Summit.
This response, known as Shaping Tomorrow’s Queensland, focuses on shaping our State’s future by strengthening our regions, promoting liveable and affordable communities, delivering infrastructure, protecting our lifestyle and environment and creating connected communities.
There is no magic wand to dealing with population growth – we can’t stop people at the border - but we can continue to work with all levels of government and the community to manage growth. To this end the Premier has announced 22 new initiatives that will form a key part of our strategy to shape Queensland’s future.
Included in the initiatives is the Regional First Home Owners Grant – a $4,000 boost to the existing $7,000 grant for new homes built in regional areas.
This initiative is aimed squarely at encouraging first home owners to move to the regions and stay in the regions. It’s also about strengthening the construction sector to help boost regional economies and create employment.
With a city the size of Mackay moving to Queensland’s South East every year, the Government simply must look at ways to encourage growth into the regions and managing the growth that occurs in SEQ.
That’s why the Premier has also announced the establishment of a new office called Growth Management Queensland to be located within the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. This new unit is charged with leading the Government’s growth management agenda.
For more information about the remaining initiatives or to learn more about the Regional First Home Owners Grant visit www.qld.gov.au/growthsummit.
Best wishes
Jan
May Jottings
WHITSUNDAY COAST AIRPORT UPDATE
Since the announcement of the $7 million upgrade to the Whitsunday Coast Airport, the state government and the Whitsunday Regional Council have been working in close partnership to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget.
Discussions with the terminal’s lease-holders and aircraft carriers to scope out the works and design of the terminal have taken place and in March, a Mackay based architectural firm secured the tender to develop detailed design and specifications for the refurbishment and upgrade works. The tender process to select a building contractor is expected to occur in June.
With this in mind, the refurbishment works are scheduled to commence in July 2010 and be completed by the end of the year.
The key features of the upgrade will include additional floor space in the departure lounge, a dedicated check-in area and an arrivals area that will include a baggage claim carousel inside the terminal building. The cafeteria will be relocated to the air-side precinct. Airport offices will also to be relocated and renovated.
For more information about this project, visit www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects.
DO THE BRIGHT THING!
On 19 February 2010 the Federal Government announced the closure of the Federal solar hot water rebate. As a result of this announcement, the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program was reviewed and then closed.
The Bligh Government is now offering a new Solar Hot Water Rebate to Queenslanders. This is a great incentive to help residents save on the cost of installing a solar hot water system or heat pump and ultimately, save money on electricity bills.
Eligible Queensland pensioners will be able to receive $1,000 towards the cost of installing a solar hot water system or heat pump if it was purchased after 13 April 2010. Other Queensland residents may be eligible to receive $600 towards a new system.
The great news is that when combined with existing Federal Government initiatives, some eligible households could save up to $3,300 off the cost of a new solar hot water system.
For more information, contact 13 GET SOLAR or 13 438 76527 or visit www.qld.gov.au.
Best wishes
Jan
April Jottings
I hope you were lucky enough to take a break over the Easter period and managed to spend time with family and friends.
ANZAC Day is another significant time of the year that will be upon us very soon. On April 25, we will be remembering the 1915 landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the beaches of Gallipoli in the Dardanelles of north-western Turkey. This is our chance to show our respect for all who have fought for this country. Most of all, it’s always great to see the many children from schools around the district who are actively involved in the ANZAC Day march and other activities each year.
I encourage you to participate in the dawn service or any other ANZAC Day commemorations and pay tribute to the memory of all who have served in defence for our country.
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If you love books and writing, then you may be interested in the 2010 Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards that are currently open for nomination.
This national awards program encourages, supports and nurtures the talent of Australian writers and, once again, awards will be offered in 14 categories with total prize money of $225,000.
The Awards celebrate writing excellence in areas ranging from fiction and non-fiction, to film and television scripting, short story and history. This is a great opportunity for both budding writers and established authors to continue their love of writing and gain national recognition.
There is no entry fee for the Literary Awards and nominations close on Monday 10 May 2010. For more information visit www.literaryawards.qld.gov.au.
Best wishes
Jan
March Jottings
NEW FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR SPORT AND RECREATION GROUPS
We are fortunate in this region to have numerous groups providing vital sporting and recreation opportunities for community members. For many years government grants and subsidies have assisted these organisations with the delivery of both facilities and services.
The Queensland Government has recently introduced a new package of sport and recreation funding programs worth more than $138 million. The funding is designed to create jobs, help build infrastructure and deliver initiatives to encourage Queenslanders to take part in sport and recreation activities.
There are four new programs that are designed to assist sporting clubs and recreation groups, councils and schools to meet the aims of increasing participation and volunteering, supporting capacity building and enhancing opportunities for equitable access to activities, programs and facilities.
On Wednesday, 17 March from 5:30pm to 7pm, I will be hosting an information session at the Proserpine Community Centre to provide information about the new funding programs. All sporting and recreation groups or interested individuals are welcome to attend.
Well by now you will be aware that our airport is set to be transformed into a better looking and better functioning facility that will reflect the reality of our status as an important tourism destination.
It has been a long road to this point but this $7 million upgrade will surely see us well into the next decade. I put on record my gratitude to the Council for their agreement to look for a professional management organization to maximise our potential to secure additional flights into the airport.
Finally, I ask for people’s patience during the construction phase but promise them it will be worth the effort.
Best wishes
Jan
February Jottings
Thank you to everyone who took up the challenge last year to become a volunteer with a local organization.
Our volunteers play such an important role in the community but they also gain so much from being part of a social network and making our world a better place. It’s never too late to become a volunteer so whether you can spare one hour or 40 hours a week, there are many worthy community groups that would treasure your time.
Right now the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Association needs your help! This amazing group of people play an important role in caring for sick and injured wildlife but they desperately need new carers to help spread the load. This time of the year sees a larger number of orphaned animals in care including baby birds, wallabies and possums.
The group is desperately searching for more responsible carers, especially those who can assist in caring for orphaned wildlife. Fauna Rescue is also in need of more members who can help by providing safe release sites for marsupials, specifically possums, wallabies and kangaroos.
Donations are also most welcome as they help to provide aviaries, materials for enclosures, medical supplies and animal food. If you can volunteer some of your time to Fauna Rescue, or help in any other way, call the Fauna Rescue Hotline on 4947 3308.
To find out more about volunteering in your area, visit my website www.janjarratt.com where you can find a variety of local groups and organisations that are looking for volunteers.
This is the ultimate act of giving and it’s an opportunity open to everyone. Whether it’s sharing your talents with others, raising funds for worthy causes or taking on an official role, there are plenty of opportunities to work with a volunteer group or not-for-profit organisation.
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If you haven’t any plans for Saturday, 13 February and you would like to support a very important and valuable community group in the region, the Proserpine Community Centre will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner. Commencing at 7pm at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, you can enjoy a delicious meal with live entertainment whilst helping to raise funds to build a new community centre.
Tickets are only $30.00 or $55.00 for a double and are available from the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on 4945 2312 or from the Community Centre by calling 4945 5915.
Best wishes
Jan
January Jottings
Happy New Year! I trust you are able to spend a little of the festive season with family and friends enjoying this warm but wonderful time of year.
If you have the time to go camping or bushwalking in our unique and spectacular environment, you might want to consider exploring Queensland’s newest Great Walk which is located right here in our backyard. The Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail has been developed in an area that has been the traditional country of the Ngaro people for over 9,000 years. The trail winds its way across South Molle, Hook and Whitsunday islands taking in areas of breath-taking natural beauty and cultural history.
The best thing is that the walk caters for people of all ages and levels of fitness with sections ranging from challenging vertical climbs to a more gentle 11 kilometre round trip. The Trail has been constructed over the last two years at a cost of $1.3 million with a further $2.2 million invested in upgrading visitor facilities such as viewing platforms, camping areas and toilets. If you would like more information visit www.derm.qld.gov.au.
Whilst on the subject of experiencing our national parks, here are several tips to ensure your break away is a safe, happy and relaxing one – and at the same time, taking care of our environment.
• Book your campsite early to ensure a spot – do it online at www.derm.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1313 04, as self-registration is not available at most camping spots.
• Camp only within designated areas and ensure your booking number is clearly visible.
• Don’t feed any wildlife, and secure your food to prevent wildlife being attracted to it.
• If you’re taking children, make sure you know where they are at all times, particularly if there are swimming areas nearby.
• Take notice of fire restrictions. Check this before you go at the Department’s website and take a fuel stove.
• If you’re going for a bushwalk, make sure you know where you’re going, stay on the tracks and let someone else know an approximate time of return.
• And above all, take your litter away with you when you leave the park or forest.
Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a safe and relaxing one and I wish you a Happy New Year for 2010.
Best wishes
Jan
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