Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is calling on councils and community groups to submit ideas for new Green Army projects across the region.

Mr Pitt said the Green Army provided opportunities for young people to gain training and experience, while delivering real benefits to the local environment.

“Projects can involve restoring and protecting habitat, weeding, planting, cleaning up creeks and rivers and conserving cultural heritage places,” he said.

“Under the programme, the participants will be paid an allowance and undertake accredited training.”

Applications open on Monday (14 April) and will close on 9 May. The first round of the Programme will run from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.

Project guidelines are available online at www.environment.gov.au/green-army or from the Hinkler electorate office on Woongarra Street. 

Applications for the 2014 Resilient Australia Awards are now open.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is encouraging local residents to nominate before July 2.

“Hinkler residents endured tornadoes, two major floods in two years and are now in the midst of a drought,” Mr Pitt said.

“The awards acknowledge community efforts in recovery, building resilience, preparedness, providing mental health support and education, emergency broadcasting and volunteering.

“These are all things the Hinkler community has done exceptionally well in recent years.”

To apply or nominate someone you know go to www.emknowledge.gov.au  

Statement from Keith Pitt MP re Canegrowers concerns about the Free Trade Agreement with Japan: 

“Japan is Queensland’s largest trading partner.

“The Free Trade Agreement with Japan is a major win for Australian beef, horticulture, seafood and wine.

“The Hinkler region is Australia’s largest producer of heavy vegetables. As such, producers of a wide array of fruit and vegetables – such as macadamia nuts, strawberries, mangoes, tomatoes, pumpkins and tomatoes – will benefit from the elimination of tariffs.

“The agreement with Japan has been endorsed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council, Wesfarmers, Universities Australia and several of Australia’s most respected and successful businessmen.

“The Japan agreement is about much more than agriculture – it will benefit Australian consumers by eliminating tariffs on household appliances, electronics and cars.

“I recognise, however, that no Free Trade Agreement will ever be a silver bullet for every single industry.

“South Korea is Australia’s biggest export market for sugar. This week the Prime Minister also signed an agreement with South Korea that eliminates tariffs on key agricultural exports like sugar. The sugar industry was one of the main benefactors in the Korean Agreement.”

Statement from Keith Pitt MP re International Court of Justice ruling regarding  whaling in the Antarctic:

“I welcome the Court’s decision.

“The Government is working with Japan to implement the judgement.  

“Australia and Japan have consistently agreed that our differences over whaling should not affect our close bilateral relationship, including our trade negotiations.

“Both countries have stated that they will accept the decision of the Court.”

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has welcomed NBN Co’s announcement today of another step towards bringing fast broadband to the Wide Bay Burnett.

NBN Co confirmed that areas within Bundaberg, Fraser Coast and North Burnett regional councils will have access to fixed wireless networks from mid next year.

“This is a welcome announcement that NBN is moving ahead in some of the most disadvantaged areas for broadband access,” Mr Pitt said.

Fixed wireless services use radio communications delivered by antennas that transmit a signal direct to an outdoor antenna fixed to a home or business.

NBN Co advised the Government last year that to deliver broadband sooner, at less cost to taxpayers and more affordably for consumers, the NBN should be completed using a mix of technology.

“This rollout of areas to access fixed wireless networks shows that the Government is committed to delivering fast speed broadband using the most appropriate technology that is affordable for consumers and at the best cost to taxpayers,” he said.

Media contact: Debbie Leis 07 4152 0744

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has welcomed the Australian Taxation Office’s decision to drop proposed changes that would have resulted in GST being applied to moveable homes.

The ATO has advised it has withdrawn its draft ruling, which sought to apply the full GST to many caravan park residents who live in mobile homes across the Hinkler electorate.

Mr Pitt wrote to Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey on November 15 about the draft ruling, highlighting Hinkler residents’ concerns.

“This is great news for the hundreds of Hinkler residents who would have been adversely affected, had the ATO’s draft ruling been allowed to stand,” Mr Pitt said.

“I had serious concerns about the impact the ruling would have on the cost of living for locals in mobile homes.”

Mr Pitt said the ATO had listened to residents’ concerns.

“In their statement, the ATO acknowledges the arguments which were included in many of the submissions,” he said.

“I received dozens of letters from the Hinkler community about the ATO’s proposal, and a petition containing more than 250 signatures.  

“It is this feedback that enabled us to present the strongest possible case against the draft ruling,” he said.

“This is a welcome early Christmas present for affected residents, relieving them of the stress that the draft ruling created.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is inviting local residents to comment on a discussion paper on how to structure the Coalition’s $100 million programme to improve mobile telephone coverage in regional Australia.

“The Coalition Government is keen to hear from residents, community leaders and from other levels of government in regional and remote communities around Australia,” Mr Pitt said.

“Inadequate mobile phone coverage is a significant concern for regional communities. Lives can literally depend on accessing mobile phone networks in emergencies, so expanding mobile phone coverage has clear benefits to public safety – as well as to the productive and economic capacity of regional communities.”

The funding has two elements.  The $80 million Mobile Network Expansion Project will improve mobile coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in areas that are prone to experiencing natural disasters.

The $20 million Mobile Black Spot Project will improve mobile coverage in locations with unique coverage problems such as areas with high demand for services.

The discussion paper is available from the Department of Communications’ website at:
http://www.communications.gov.au/mobile_services/mobile_coverage_programme 

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is getting on with the job of creating opportunities for the people of his electorate.

Mr Pitt today met with Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker to discuss the challenges confronting the region.

Mr Pitt said the Coalition Government was on track to deliver its election commitments to help more Australians find and keep a job.

“We’ve committed to provide financial incentives to employers and employees to get young people and seniors into the workforce.

“Hinkler employers will receive up to $3250 when they hire a job seeker aged 50+.

“Hinkler residents aged between 18 to 30 will receive $2500 if they hold a job for a continuous period of 12 months, and a further bonus of $4000 when they attain 24 months of service.”

Mr Pitt said he looked forward to working with Mr Hartsuyker and the rest of the Ministerial team to create real opportunities for training and employment in the Hinkler electorate.  

“Our policies will help give businesses the confidence they need to employ.”

The Coalition is delivering on the election commitments it made to the people of Hinkler, through the newly established Community Development Grants Programme.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announced $850,000 for three projects across the electorate.

“Bundaberg Surf Lifesaving will receive $400,000 to go towards its club extension,” Mr Pitt said.

“Hervey Bay Hockey will receive $350,000 for its turf pitch and a further $100,000 will go to the Hervey Bay Surf Lifesaving Club for its tower.”

Mr Pitt said the Community Development Grants Programme was part of the regional community funding package committed to by the Coalition during the 2013 election.

“Up to $342 million will be spent on about 300 community projects across Australia, and I am delighted Hinkler has been able to secure funding for three projects,” he said.

“The Community Development Grants Programme will support infrastructure that has social and economic benefits for regional communities.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the anniversary marked not only a momentous occasion for the company, but also for the Hinkler electorate and him personally.  

“I, like many other locals, worked with Bundaberg Sugar and the Distillery as an apprentice,” he said.

“Bundaberg Rum was born from the ingenuity of a consortium of Bundaberg sugar millers, who found a way to utilise their excess molasses.

“Today, the distillery employs more than 50 people and is one of Queensland’s most popular tourist destinations.

“I would like to thank Bundaberg Distilling Co for their ongoing support of the local community, particularly during recent natural disasters, and I congratulate them on reaching 125 years.”