Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt thanked the Bundaberg community for getting behind the ‘HANDS OFF our gas pipeline’ campaign, which was initiated by State Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.

“Within its first 24 hours, more than 450 people signed up to help put pressure on the State Labor Government to follow through with the State LNP’s gas pipeline project,” Mr Pitt said.

“To get such a rapid response in such a short period of time shows just how important this project is to the people of Hinkler.

“I’m pleased Labor has seen sense and decided to honour the agreement that was put in place prior to the state election.

“Today’s announcement is great news for the Bundaberg community, jobs and the local economy.”  

Mr Pitt said businesses looking to invest in the Port would now finally have the certainty they’d been waiting for.        

“I understand Gladstone Ports Corporation has until early next month to give final development approval for the Knauf Plasterboard manufacturing plant,” he said.

“Knauf is ready to start construction, and they’ve given a commitment to train local people for the ongoing operation of the facility.”  

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt described the move as “madness”.

“The State Labor Government’s poorly thought out proposal was made at the eleventh hour,” Mr Pitt said.  

“Queensland deserves better!   

“Over many years the fishing industry has been slowly eroded by governments that bow to the Greens, causing job losses on trawlers, at processing facilities and retail businesses.

“That’s why it’s so important for consumers to support our local fishing businesses, by buying locally caught seafood.

“I urge Hinkler constituents to make their objection known to local State Labor MPs Leanne Donaldson and Bruce Saunders.

“As local representatives, they must help stop this madness.

“By denying our commercial fishers access to local fishing grounds, the State Labor Government will be forcing Queenslanders to eat imported fish.

“Earlier this month four people suffered potentially life-threatening food-poisoning after consuming imported fish at a Sydney café.

“The Federal Coalition Government’s efforts to introduce mandatory country-of-origin food labelling could prove pointless if Australian consumers can’t actually buy Australian seafood.  

“As history shows, The Nationals have consistently fought for the seafood industry and small business in regional Australia.

“Senator Ron Boswell may have retired, but The Nationals’ passion for the seafood industry and small business remains.”  

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is encouraging local families to ride, walk, scoot or skate to school this Friday for National Ride2School Day.

Mr Pitt said the initiative aimed to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity for children.

“In the 1970s, when I rode a Dragster ‘treadly’ to Walkervale Primary School, 80 per cent of Australian kids walked or rode their bikes to school,” Mr Pitt said.

“Riding into the school yard on a Malvern Star was considered cool at Kepnock High in the 1980s.

“Today, just two out of every ten students ride to school.”

Mr Pitt said even those who hadn’t formally registered to take part could still use the opportunity to get active.

“Studies show that students who actively travel to school are more alert and better engaged in class,” he said.

“Physical activity is ranked second among the most important factors for disease control and it helps reduce congestion and parking problems on the roads around our schools.

“It also helps kids learn basic road rules.

“I encourage everyone who lives within riding distance of their school to get involved.”  

Bumblebees Therapeutic Preschool’s government funding has been extended as a direct result of strong advocacy by the Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt.

Mr Pitt said he had made numerous representations in recent weeks to the Minister for Social Services on behalf of the preschool’s operator, Phoenix House.

“I’m pleased to announce that Bumblebees and a small number of other local organisations, which were also unsuccessful in their latest grant applications, will receive bridging funding until the 30^th of June this year,” Mr Pitt said.

“I recognise this is just a temporary solution, but the extension will give these organisations more time to identify alternative sources of funding.

“Last year, the Government undertook a competitive tender for those seeking funding under an $800 million of Department of Social Services (DSS) grants round to support a broad range of vital frontline services that assist communities and vulnerable people around Australia.

“The funding round attracted unprecedented interest from service delivery organisations with more than 5,500 applications, seeking total funding of more $3.9billion.” 

BACKGROUND NOTE: The Department will notify organisations directly if their funding has been extended. There are several local organisations which were successful with their original grant application. Organisations are fully informed of the grant expiration date at the time of approval. When their funding expires, recipients can apply for another grant or some may opt to seek an alternate, ongoing source of funding from another Government Department or the private sector.   

The Federal Government has committed $50 million over four years to plant 20 million trees by 2020, to help re-establish green corridors and urban forests.

Individuals, organisations and community groups, including schools and landholders, can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to establish native tree plantings on public and private land.

Applications for round one close on October 30.

For more information go to www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees 
 
 

Applications for the Federal Government’s Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) program opened on October 15.

Already established not-for-profit small business advisory service providers can apply for grants of up to $200,000 per year over three years.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt encouraged local Business Enterprise Centres, Chambers of Commerce and Industry Associations to apply before November 12.

“Small businesses are the backbone of regional Australia and these grants ensure organisations can continue to provide them with valuable services and advice,” Mr Pitt said.

For more information go to www.business.gov.au/asbas or telephone 13 28 46 

Statement from Keith Pitt MP re Productivity Commission Inquiry into Natural Disaster Funding:

“The Productivity Commission is an independent body.
“This report is a draft only.
“I received a briefing from the Commission earlier this week in Canberra and expressed my deep concern that they do not intend to hold hearings outside the capital cities, in disaster-affected regions like Bundaberg.
“Hinkler residents who are concerned, and wish to be well-informed on the matter, should not rely solely on views of commentators shared via the media.
“I encourage Hinkler residents to read the draft report for themselves and make submissions.” 

Submissions close on October 21 and can be sent via email and post:

disaster.funding@pc.gov.au

Natural Disaster Funding Arrangements
Productivity Commission
Locked Bag 2
Collins St East
Melbourne Vic 8003

For more information go to: http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disaster-funding/make-submission

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is urging the community to get behind their local business women and nominate them for the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Mr Pitt said there were many impressive women working to make Hinkler businesses a success, including many in traditionally male dominated industries.

“The awards recognise business women whose passion, creativity, leadership and success have a positive impact on our community,” he said.

“These women inspire other young ladies to follow in their footsteps.”

Nominations can be made between May 26 and July 14 at www.womensawards.com or by telephoning 1800 817 536.   

The Federal Government this week released terms of reference for a Productivity Commission inquiry into natural disaster funding arrangements.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Coalition established the inquiry to identify options for achieving an effective and sustainable balance between recovery and mitigation.

“The Hinkler electorate has endured tornadoes, two major floods and a drought in three years,” Mr Pitt said.

“As we have seen, natural disasters can cripple communities and businesses, and have enormous impact on our economy.

“Since 2009, the Commonwealth has spent more than $12 billion on natural disasters.

“This inquiry will be crucial in ensuring Government funding is carefully targeted in future.”

The Commission will soon be seeking submissions, and will release a draft report in September.

More information is available at www.pc.gov.au       

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is calling on young local residents to have their say on what should be discussed at the Youth 20 Summit.

Mr Pitt said the Youth 20 Summit was a platform for young people to discuss and debate pressing global economic challenges.

“120 youth delegates will attend the summit in Sydney from July 12 to 15,” Mr Pitt said.

“The outcomes will be presented at the G20 Leaders meeting in Brisbane in November.”

The G20 is a group of 20 major advanced and emerging economies, whose leaders meet once a year.

To find out more go to www.y20australia.com