In May each year we celebrate our small businesses as we support them through small business month. The contributions made by small businesses help grow the foundations of thriving Queensland towns and communities. In the Scenic Rim we have many small businesses run by passionate – and very hard-working - individuals and families.

Although it is important to buy local all year round (and I encourage you to do this where possible), this month is a time for us to celebrate and support the local economy and business owners. When you shop locally, your money stays local, with one dollar spent at a local business returning up to five times that amount through employee wages, rates and the purchase of materials and supplies. Representing over 90% of the economy in our region, they also employ many people locally, from school students starting their first job to those working part-time into retirement. 

Local businesses need our support, not only for the jobs they provide but for the contribution that so many give back to our community through sponsorships and support for great causes. Times have been tough over the past years, so let’s support those that support us.

GOAT TRACK UPDATE
A few weeks back, Main Roads provided an update on Goat Track repair works which I shared on social media. One thing it did not mention was a new expected time for completion and re-opening. I followed up on this when I met with the Main Roads District Director (South Coast Region) in late April and was told they expect completion in the “third quarter” of 2022. Obviously, this provides a wide timeframe, and as is normal with these types of works, it depends on the rain staying away most of the time and there being no other mishaps. I will inform the community if I become aware of any change here.

FIRE SAFETY THIS WINTER
Did you know that winter is the peak season for housefires? We’re not quite in the winter season yet, but it is starting to cool down. Most fires are caused by everyday items such as cooking equipment, faulty or poorly maintained appliances, and flammable materials placed too close to heat sources. When heat and toxic smoke start to fill your home, your best chance of survival will be working, interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms and a well-practised fire escape plan. Take five minutes now to get out alive. Young children and the elderly are the most at risk, so it’s especially important to consider how they will escape safely. Make it a priority this winter to draw up an escape plan with multiple exits based on the location of the fire and practice it regularly with your family.

As your State representative, I am always urging the National Parks Department to do more when it comes to hazard reduction burns in order to ensure that State land does not cause unnecessary danger to residents. Controlled burns around mid-year, with the aim of reducing fuel loads before the hotter, drier conditions return towards spring, are sensible, practical ways to reduce bushfire risk. I encourage residents to have a talk to the local Rural Fire Brigade if they have any questions or concerns about bushfire risks or prevention measures.  

SCENIC RIM ELECTORATE OFFICE
You can contact me by phone, toll-free, on 1800 813 960, or email scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au, so I can lobby on your behalf in Brisbane. In an electorate as large as the Scenic Rim, there are lots of issues, and I appreciate your feedback that helps me do my job as well as possible.