The Scenic Rim Electorate Office has assisted many Queenslanders trying to come home – stranded interstate and frozen out by the Queensland Government’s sudden border closure some time ago.

It is estimated that 4000 Queenslanders are still stranded interstate, many paying rent or mortgages here, unable to work, savings being depleted and health and wellbeing becoming dangerously impacted by the unpredictable, sudden decisions to lock them out. 

This is simply un-Australian – especially when many are fully vaccinated, and within an hour or so of home across the border. Why can’t they come home – even if they go into home quarantine? This Labor Government needs to wake up to themselves and realise that their decisions are taking some Queenslanders to breaking point (and in some cases, beyond). 

My LNP colleagues and I will continue to push these issues, in the Parliament and in the media, and hold the Government to account for their actions. For a start, Scenic Rim should be in the home quarantine initiative – it just doesn’t make sense that it’s not.

KEEP SUPPORTING THE LOCALS, WHERE YOU CAN 
The past 20 months have been tough on everyone – especially small businesses. Lockdowns, uncertainty, cancelled bookings and orders, last-minute changes to plans – these are all things that have had an impact in one way or another on business confidence across our region and the nation recently. Knowing who you are dealing with in these times can be very reassuring, and so what a time to give the locals in business a go. 

The government at all levels needs to make it easier for these businesses to grow. In the past, I spoke in Parliament about how State planning laws and council planning schemes under those laws can be too hard for small businesses – especially those just starting out – to get their head around (let alone the costs!). There is a huge untapped opportunity to create jobs that is being stifled. Let’s unleash the potential.

THANK YOU TO TMSS YEAR FIVES
Thank you to the students and teachers at Tamborine Mountain State School for inviting me to spend some time with you last week discussing Australia’s system of government. The Year Fives asked many interesting questions and had good points of view. Schools on the Mountain are fantastic, and this is all down to the great community fostered by teachers, parents, and staff. Well done Year Fives, and hopefully, we'll talk again when you visit Queensland Parliament next year.  

GAMBLING COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND  
It was great to catch up with members of the Tamborine Mountain Bowls Club last Friday – the club was able to install a bore, pump, and water tank after receiving $28,956 in Round 104 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

Round 112 of the GCBF closes soon; community organisations have until 31 October 2021 to apply for grants of up to $35,000. Commencing in 2022, there will be changes to the GCBF funding program. There will be four funding rounds each year, with three of these rounds having funding available up to $35,000 and one super round (GCBF Round 113) with up to $100,000 of funding available. 

I have provided letters of support for numerous community groups, and together with other grant initiatives, our region has received over $18 million in grant funds for community organisations since I was elected as your representative in 2012. I certainly encourage clubs and community organisations to apply for assistance. Please contact my office for more information or to request a letter of support and visit justice.qld.gov.au