The heavy rainfall event and severe storms that battered the Southeast last week highlighted once again the extraordinary efforts of our SES and Energex crews, as well as other emergency service personnel. I’d like to thank them for their hard work. Some people had water through their homes or businesses, and I have seen a terrific community mobilisation to assist people in need – especially where insurance may be an issue. There are plenty of potholes to be fixed on roads around the Mountain (I was there on Wednesday last week and again around Tamborine and Mundoolun on Sunday to see for myself). The near $6 billion backlogs in road repairs and maintenance that has arisen under this QLD Government is making things worse - things start to crumble quicker and in a bigger way when they haven’t been looked after properly, and so it is right now across our region.

These recent weather events also highlight why the Howard Creek Crossing upgrade is important. This $10 million project is 80% funded by the Federal Government, and members of Wright, Scott Buchholz, and I have been fighting for these works to be completed. I received an update last week from Main Roads after making representations on behalf of concerned constituents in relation to traffic management at road works on Tamborine-Oxenford Road. Main Roads advised that works are currently underway at Wongawallan, including short term pavement reseal activities at various locations, including near Welches Road. Variable message signs are in place, providing advance warning at all worksites and speed is reduced to 40 km/h. Most importantly, locals should note that the Howard Creek project traffic in the work zone will soon be reduced to one lane, 24-hours a day, seven days a week for approximately four months.

All this rain impacts works on the Goat Track (Tamborine Mountain Road). It is a project being carried out in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions – even without rain – because of the slope and very rocky surface. Keeping all people working there safe is a major concern, and unfortunately, the weather will likely see even further delays on its completion. When I have a firm update from Main Roads, I will provide it. 

OVERSEAS EVENTS 
I know events in Ukraine have shocked many Australians. Particularly on Tamborine Mountain, there are quite a few residents who have moved to Australia from Europe, some even arriving in the early years after World War II – these events must be harrowing to watch. Australia must prepare for what could be tumultuous years ahead globally and the impacts it could bring to our economy, including by ensuring that essential services and manufacturing can be carried out here. Affordable, reliable energy is key to that, as is the need to unleash the potential of our businesses who want to grow by reducing the red-tape barriers put in front of them. Every day of economic enterprise and growth lost – and in our region, that’s from small and family business - is a lost opportunity for Australia. All levels of government should be committing to bringing down these barriers – not in a reckless, irresponsible way that damages the environment or leads to silly development, but with an acknowledgement of the challenges faced by business, the costs to our country in terms of jobs and productivity lost, together with an ongoing commitment to bring down those walls that prevent growth.

To contact my office, call 1800 813 960 or email scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au