In Parliament this week the Queensland Government will deliver the 2022-2023 State Budget and I will be watching closely to see if Labor commits its fair share of funding for vital infrastructure in our region.

The big issue that we need funding for in Scenic Rim is roads. The massive delay to repair works and maintenance all over the electorate is a result of Labor’s $5.85 billion road backlog – more than three times the cost of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. Remember, this $5.85 billion backlog is just maintenance – it doesn’t even touch on new projects, or upgrades. 

My constant fighting for Scenic Rim roads has seen work brought forward on some projects and I’ll keep fighting for our fair share, getting in the Government’s ear, to fund improvements to many parts of our road network to make them safer and more efficient. I have also brought to Main Roads’ attention the impact their works on Geissmann Drive are having on Main Street traders, and urged them to take steps to mitigate this impact on business profitability.

ROAD SAFETY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
This week is the last week of school for semester one and as we head into school holiday time again, it’s important to pay even more attention on our roads as kids are out and about with their families. Eat Local Week also coincides with holidays, running from 25 June – 3 July so there will be an increased number of vehicles on the road as locals and visitors to the region explore what the Scenic Rim has to offer. If you happen to notice any anti-social driver behaviour and hooning in your area, call 13 HOON (13 4666) or fill out the online form at police.qld.gov.au. It’s important that formal complaints are made. Having lots of complaints on file can affect police decisions about how police officers and vehicles are deployed. I know it is frustrating that sometimes complaints are made with no attention paid to them, but I ask for your assistance and support to help with this issue.

EARLY VOTING LOCATION ON TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN
Last week I mentioned that, after the recent Federal Election, concerns were raised with me about the absence of an early voting location on Tamborine Mountain. At the last QLD election in 2020 there was such a booth. In response to these concerns being raised, I made representations on behalf of the community to the Electoral Commission of Queensland. I received a response from the ECQ (very promptly, in fact), and the Electoral Commissioner advised me that there is no intention to reduce the number of early voting centres that are available to Tamborine Mountain electors in the 2024 election. Good news. 

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.