Premier's message
Sarah Towell, School Captain of Caboolture Special School, with her grandmother and Premier Anna Bligh.
Sarah, 18, recently won a bravery award for saving the life of a boy in her class.
Listening to the views and concerns of all Queenslanders is a high priority for my government and I was delighted to hold this Community Cabinet in Bribie Island and Redcliffe.
This beautiful part of Queensland is vibrant and exciting, and makes a valuable contribution to the state’s economy. Tourism is vital to Queensland and, being part of the spectacular Moreton Bay region, both Redcliffe and Bribie Island have a lot to offer.
The deputations are a valuable part of the Community Cabinet and I am pleased that we were able to offer access to my ministers and directors-general on both days. A range of matters was discussed and it was a privilege for us to be able to talk about the real issues with you.
The Community Cabinet was a great opportunity for my ministers and heads of departments to see first hand the challenges and opportunities of this region. While I was in Redcliffe I visited the site of the Houghton Highway Duplication Project and was pleased with its progress. When it is completed it will significantly reduce congestion and improve safety on and around the bridge.
I always enjoy the company of young people and I congratulate the students of Banksia Beach State School, Bribie Island State School, Bribie Island State High School and Redcliffe High School for their excellent performances and behaviour at the Community Cabinet. We are all very proud of you.
Thank you for making us so welcome in Bribie Island and Redcliffe.
Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland
Recycled refreshment
Bribie Island State High School Principal Goldy Sodhi and Queensland Water Commission Director of Communication and External Relations Gerald Tooth.
Visitors to Bribie Island Community Cabinet were given free samples of Purified Recycled Drinking Water.
The water, from Singapore, uses the same technology that will be used to produce Queensland’s purified recycled water, which is due to be available before the end of this year.
The bottled water was welcomed by Community Cabinet visitors who endured a hot 30 degree afternoon on Bribie Island.
Mobile protection
Sen Sgt Scott MacQueen and Sgt Roland Watkins are pictured in front of the MPF at Bribie Island.
The Queensland Police Service’s new Mobile Police Facility (MPF) was in use at both Bribie Island and Redcliffe for the Community Cabinet.
The MPF is a prototype vehicle used to provide a highly visible presence and as a platform to support police operations at planned and unplanned events. The vehicle has its own power supply, making it suitable for use in most locations and situations.
The vehicle came into service on 2 April, when it was launched by the Minister for Police Judy Spence. It is so successful that funding has been provided for a total of four vehicles.
Police officers recognised for their service
Assistant Commissioner Graham Rynders and Sgt Terry Wyatt.
Five members of the Queensland Police Force were honoured during a ceremony at the Community Cabinet in Redcliffe.
Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Police Judy Spence joined Assistant Commissioner Graham Rynders in presenting National Police Medals to officers from Caboolture and Redcliffe Districts.
The medal recipients have performed duties in a range of areas, including Police Communications Centres, Forensic Services, General Duties. Criminal Investigations Branch, Child Protection Investigations Unit and Specialist Services.
Member for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg praised the officers for their dedication and commitment.
‘Every day, these officers go above and beyond to serve the people of this region and I know the local community appreciates their efforts to keep us safe,’ Ms van Litsenburg said.
The officers honoured were Sgt Terry Wyatt, who was awarded the First Clasp to the National Medal, and Sgt Michelle Dodds, Sgt Aaron Firth, Sen Const Christopher Heather and DSC Stephen Marshall, who all received the National Medal. Sgt Andrew Mortimer was also awarded the National Medal but was unable to attend the Community Cabinet.
Local groups to celebrate Seniors Week
Local seniors groups will receive funding from the Queensland Government for Seniors Week 2008 projects.
Organisations receiving grants are the Multicultural Association of Caboolture ($1000), Churches of Christ Care at Bongaree ($1000), Beachmere Sports Club ($980), Active 60 and Better of Deception Bay ($1000) and North Lakes Retirement Resort Resident Services ($1000).
‘Seniors Week encourages older people to lead active lifestyles and I applaud the diversity of celebrations and activities proposed by local organisations,’ Minister for Seniors Lindy Nelson-Carr said.
Seniors Week 2008 will be celebrated from 23 to 31 August.
Safe passage across Oxley Avenue
A pedestrian overpass linking Redcliffe State High School’s campuses across Oxley Avenue opened to students last month.
The overpass’s ramps and entry points are safely contained within the school grounds, so that students and staff no longer have to use the signalised crossing on busy Oxley Avenue.
Minister for Main Roads Warren Pitt acknowledged the tragic death of Redcliffe High School student Caitlin Hanrick, killed after being struck by a car in late 2006.
‘Nothing can ever compensate for Caitlin’s death and her family’s loss, but this overpass will guard against a tragic accident like this happening again,’ Minister Pitt said.
The overpass was the result of extensive consultation between Main Roads, the Department of Education, Training and the Arts, and the Redcliffe State High School community.
Have your say on the Bribie Island park ‘n’ ride
Community consultation of a new car park ‘n’ ride for Bribie Island opens in late May and Minister for Transport John Mickel is urging residents to have their say.
‘The Bribie Island park ‘n’ ride will be a great facility and will significantly increase access to public transport for island residents,’ Minister Mickel said.
Queensland Transport is considering three locations for the facility. Features planned include space for 240 cars, cycling and pedestrian access, storage for bicycles, sheltered waiting areas with comfortable seating, security cameras and lighting, and a ‘kiss ‘n’ ride’ drop-off area.
Construction is expected to start in late 2009 with completion due in early 2010. Information will be available from the office of the Member for Pumicestone, Carryn Sullivan, (phone 3408 6436) or at www.transport.qld.gov.au
Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Station to be redeveloped
The successful tenderer will soon be announced for the $5 million expansion to the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Station.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the new development, expected to start next year, would ensure that Queensland remains a leader in aquaculture research.
Fisheries scientists will continue their research into a range of freshwater and marine species, in collaboration with other national research agencies.
When completed, the 650 square metre tank and aquarium building will be able to withstand the harsh beachside environment at Woorim.
The new facility is expected to be operational in early 2009.
Caboolture Hospital’s emergency department gets an upgrade
A $50,000 upgrade of Caboolture Hospital’s emergency department is among a swag of health projects announced by the Minister for Health Stephen Robertson.
Member for Pumicestone Carryn Sullivan said the upgrade represented the government’s commitment to enhancing health services in the area.
‘I know local residents will join me in welcoming this important upgrade to our hospital’s emergency department,’ Mrs Sullivan said.
‘I have lobbied hard for quality health services in my electorate and I’m pleased that the State Government is delivering the upgrades needed to service our growing community.’
The work, which commenced in February, includes improvements to the fast track area to greatly improve patient flow. The patient waiting area and staff facilities will also be improved.
Unique fishing competition
Back (left to right): Redcliffe Special School teacher Barrie James, Member for Murrumba Dean Wells, Member for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg, President of Redcliffe City Amateur Anglers Alan McMillan, Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Education and Training Rod Welford.
Front: Redcliffe Special School students Emma Waterson, Arthur Navuni, Crystal Donnelly and Mitchell Bernard.
Around 150 students from throughout South-East Queensland will compete at Bribie Island in October in the 17th annual fishing competition organised by Redcliffe Special School. The competition is for students from special schools and primary and secondary special education programs. Participating students may have a range of disabilities including visual, hearing, intellectual or physical impairments, or autism spectrum disorder.
‘The students form strong social bonds, enjoy learning about fish and oceans and develop leisure and recreation skills which could last throughout their lives,’ Premier Bligh said.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford commended the support of volunteers who assist with the competition.
‘The Bribie Island Lionesses provide a BBQ, the Brisbane Tram and Bus Association help out with accommodation and the Redcliffe City Amateur Anglers give team support," Minister Welford said.
Support for Redcliffe youth at risk
Redcliffe residents are set to benefit from a project aimed at reducing youth crime.
Minister for Youth Lindy Nelson-Carr announced the Redcliffe Area Youth Space Incorporated would receive Youth and Community Combined Action (YACCA) funding to support young people at risk of offending.
‘YACCA programs connect young people to their families, school and community through recreational, cultural and educational activities which help prevent them from coming into contact with the juvenile justice system,’ Minister Nelson-Carr said.
The funding of $83,849 will allow the Redcliffe Area Youth Space to create the Redcliffe Youth at Risk Network.
Member for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg welcomed the funding saying it would help the community overcome crime.
