Last week travel guide, Lonely Planet, voted Scenic Rim as number eight in its worldwide list of best regions to visit in 2022. This is truly a testament to the wonderful small business and tourism operators in our region who work hard to showcase the food, beverages, experiences, and natural beauty that Scenic Rim has to offer. It’s amazing that our region is now on display at an international level.

However, as tourists from across the globe start to dream of their ideal holiday in our corner of the world, the Queensland Government continues to shamefully lockout Scenic Rim residents from Queensland and denies them home quarantine. COVID-19 is a health risk, but with so many inconsistencies and favouritism from this Government (sporting teams come in, while families stay separated), just saying “I’m keeping you safe” doesn’t cut it. As long ago as July 2020, the LNP was pushing for ‘compassion, consistency and commonsense’ when it comes to these issues. 

Still, there are hundreds, if not thousands of Queenslanders locked out of the state. Some are just over the border, and some were locked out with two hours’ notice, but the rules at present – and indeed, up until 17 December 2021 – require them to drive south, fly into Brisbane and get their car hauled home (that last bit probably actually increases COVID-19 risks as the truck driver is an extra person coming to Queensland). What an absolute crock! There must be a better way, but the Government stubbornly refuses to make it happen, and for that, it should be condemned. 

BUY LOCAL 2021 CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN
Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz, and I are running the Buy Local 2021 Christmas Campaign to encourage support for local business by keeping dollars in our communities. There will be more information in the coming weeks about how you can go into the draw to win the $1000 cash prize but for now, we are asking for any business in the Scenic Rim interested in hosting a box to contact my office. 

The competition works by locals writing their name and number on their receipt and placing it in the box – which will be collected and compiled with receipts from businesses across Scenic Rim. If your business would like to be a part of the Buy Local 2021 Christmas Campaign, contact my office on (07) 5515 1100 or email scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au 

GRANT SUCCESS FOR BOTANIC GARDENS
It was great to catch up with members of the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens this week - the organisation was able to install a bore and new fully computerised irrigation system after receiving $33,421 in Round 104 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Round 112 of the GCBF closed on 31 October and I will update you with new information when we find out the recipients of the previous funding round and when Round 113 opens. 

MY OFFICE
In addition to helping with Queensland Government matters, my office can provide assistance in procuring Queensland flags and letters of congratulations for significant birthdays and anniversaries. We can provide letters of support for community groups seeking grant funding. Anybody considering becoming a Justice of the Peace/Commissioner for Declarations will need to contact my office to complete the nomination form.

If you have an issue that you think should be fixed, I encourage you to contact my office, toll-free on 1800 813 960, so I can lobby on your behalf in Brisbane.