High risk intersections in the Bundaberg region are being upgraded with funding provided under the Australian Government’s Black Spot Programme.

Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher said that following grants of more than $500,000 under the programme this financial year, the Bundaberg Regional Council is about to complete two of its four Black Spot upgrade projects.

“Improvements on Hummock Road at both the Elliott Heads Road and Windermere Road intersections have been underway for some weeks and are nearing completion,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Work on the Burnett Heads Road and Mittleheusers Road intersection is scheduled to begin early this month and be finished in about three weeks.

“The Council will also be working for about five weeks from the end of February on upgrading the Burnett Street and Targo Street intersection.”

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said black spots on the region’s roads are identified using police crash statistics and road safety audits.

“After reviewing crash rates and the audits, councils then investigate what specific causal factors are at play at locations identified as high-risk before submitting safety improvement funding proposals to the Australian Government,” Mr Pitt said.

“As these essential works are carried out we thank motorists for their patience and understanding when driving through road works.”

The Australian Government has committed $500 million to the Black Spot Programme from 2014-15 to 2018-19, including an additional $200 million over two years from 2015-16.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt will host a free Community Jobs Forum next week to inform job seekers about the assistance that is available to give them a hand up and encourage local businesses to create new jobs.

Mr Pitt said 10,000 invitations had been distributed by email, letter box drop and via job agencies and training providers. 

“Reducing unemployment is my number one priority and I want to ensure Hinkler residents are well informed about the options that are available to them,” Mr Pitt said.

“As well as receiving information about the various Federal Government incentives and programs, guest speakers will provide tips on how to start a small business, prepare for job interviews and make your resume stand out from the crowd.

“I’m pleased Luke Hartsuyker, Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, will also be in attendance to talk about the jobs and industries of the future and what skills will be in high demand.    

“I recognise that one of the major hurdles job seekers face locally is a lack of vacancies and high number of applicants, but that’s why we’re working to give businesses confidence to expand. Attracting investment to the region will boost the economy and help create new jobs.       

“The complex economic and social reasons for our region’s historically high unemployment rate cannot be addressed overnight. Reducing unemployment takes time, but we are making some real progress. 

“In the final year of the Howard government (2007) the local unemployment rate was six per cent. Over six years the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Governments let it climb to 9.6 per cent (2013).

“Since being elected to Government, the Coalition has reinstated a number of the programs and policies first introduced by the Howard Government because they work. Latest ABS data (Oct 2015) for the Wide Bay region shows unemployment has dropped to 8.5 per cent.”  

For more information go to: www.keithpitt.com.au/news/are-you-or-someone-you-know-looking-work

The Forum will be held in the Fraser Room at Hervey Bay Boat Club on January 29 from 9am to noon.

[ENDS] 21 January 2016

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Tired of being told you don’t have enough experience? The National Work Experience Program may be just what you’re looking for. 

Already qualified, but can’t find a position in your chosen field? Perhaps you should consider starting your own business. Help is available through the Business Enterprise Centre and New Enterprise Incentive Scheme.

Worried you’ll struggle on apprentice wages if you undertake a trade? You may be eligible for a Trade Support Loan.

If this sounds like you, or someone you know – The Community Jobs Forum is your opportunity to learn about the financial incentives, assistance and training programs provided by the Australian Government to help you find and retain a job.

Guest speakers will provide tips on how to make your resume stand out from the crowd and prepare for job interviews.

You’ll hear how the Government is helping local businesses create new jobs. We’re also encouraging them to employ young and mature age job seekers.

All Hinkler residents welcome.

Date: Friday 29 January, 2016

Time: Registrations open at 9am for a 9.30am start. A networking morning tea will be held between 10.30 – 11am. The event concludes at NOON.

Location: Fraser Room, Hervey Bay Boat Club, Buccaneer Dr, Urangan

Cost: FREE

Can’t make it? You can still have your say by completing Keith’s online survey: https://keithpitt.com.au/have-your-say

You’ll find more information about the various Government programs on Keith’s website.      

PROGRAM

Registrations: 9am – 9.30am

Session One: 9.30am – 10.30am

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt, who is an electrical engineer and owned a registered training organisation prior to entering politics, will outline how the Federal Government is working to create new jobs in regional Australia.

Shane Gross, Contract Manager with the Department of Employment, has 26 years’ experience helping people find work and has a keen interest in indigenous education. Mr Gross will provide details of the wide variety of Federal Government programs that can assist job seekers, including: the Job Commitment Bonus, Relocation Assistance, the Youth Employment Strategy, National Work Experience Program and wage subsidies like Restart, which encourage businesses to employ mature age job seekers.

Donna Norman, Work for the Dole co-ordinator Wide Bay Sunshine Coast Mission Providence, will talk about the benefits of participating in Work for the Dole, local placement opportunities and the requirements of the program.   

Bianca Carlsson, Queensland Regional Manager for Campbell Page, will explain how local Green Army participants are gaining new skills, completing accredited training modules and helping to protect precious natural assets that the community can enjoy.

Chris Dale, General Manager of Busy At Work, will briefly outline how Trade Support Loans are making it more affordable for young people to undertake a trade, and will introduce Radmila Desic. Ms Desic started her career as an apprentice carpenter joiner and now oversees Busy At Work’s involvement in the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network. Ms Desic is passionate about the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship, which can also provide a solid foundation for future careers.

Networking morning tea: 10.30am – 11.00am

Session Two: 11.00am – NOON

Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Luke Hartsuyker, who managed his family’s tourism business in Coffs Harbour prior to entering politics in 2001, will discuss the jobs of the future; which industries will grow and what skills will be needed. He’ll also talk about Government initiatives like the Coalition’s reinstated Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year.    

Peter Peterson, Manager of the Bundaberg Business Enterprise Centre, will explain how to turn your skills into a small business and the importance of writing a business plan. He’ll also explain what advice the BEC can provide to help Central Queensland start-ups navigate their way through government regulation, marketing and human resources.

Scott Rowe, Executive Officer Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett, works with the community and all levels of government to drive job-creating economic development initiatives. Scott has a small business background and spent more than 20 years working in regional media. He’ll talk about a local job-matching website that’s currently under development and proposals for a FIFO hub. 

Hervey Bay Boat Club Human Resources Manager Rachel Young will explain what major employers look for when they’re inundated with resumes – how to make your resume stand out from the crowd.   

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organisation that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Cate Ayres, a member of Speak-Easy Toastmasters Hervey Bay, will share tips on preparing for job interviews. By learning to effectively convey your ideas and present yourself well, you will be more persuasive with potential employers.

[event concludes at noon]

One of Bundaberg’s best-known car clubs will this week be able to complete long-awaited upgrades to their hall with the help of a Stronger Communities grant from the Federal Government.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said Rum City Rods and Customs had been awarded $5775 to replace the roof on their Quay Street hall.

“These much needed repairs will provide the club’s 70 members with a central meeting point that is safe and dry. The hall can now also be utilised by other community groups,” Mr Pitt said.

“I congratulate Rum City Rods and Customs on their successful application and for contributing a further $5775 of their own funds.”

Rum City Rods and Customs President Roger Keegan said the Club had purchased the hall in 2013.

“We carried out several repairs to make the hall suitable after the 2013 floods, but unfortunately our budget didn’t extend far enough to replace the roof,” Mr Keegan said.

“The roof was in a bad state of repair. We are grateful these funds will help us replace it to enable our clubhouse to be used seven days a week in any weather.”

The Club was formed around 1994 and was originally named the Rum City Rodders. Rum City Rods and Customs’ main objective is to promote and encourage community interest in the sport of constructing, showing and driving street legal rods. The Club holds monthly Friday Night Coffee Runs and Sunday Brunch Runs. Two major events promoted by the Club are the Swap Meet in March and the Bargara Beach Rod Run and AutoMazing Car Show in October.  The club donates proceeds from the latter event to various local charities.

Through the Stronger Communities Program, eligible community groups can apply for grants of between $5000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions. Each Federal Electorate is allocated $150,000 a year over two years. Applications are selected by an independent panel of locals, before being sent to the Department for final approval. For more information go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP 

WeCare2, an organisation which provides meals and assistance to about 1000 disadvantaged Fraser Coast residents each week, has been awarded $10,000 from the Federal Government to purchase new freezers.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt toured WeCare2’s new expanded Extra Choices Low Cost Food Centre this week, where job seekers, disability pensioners, aged pensioners and anyone with a Centrelink concession card can buy low cost food with a $5 annual membership fee.

“These freezers will enable the team at WeCare2 to continue providing vital assistance across the Fraser Coast – whether it’s through Extra Choices, the Community Connect Food Van, school breakfasts, emergency relief, or to support the Comfort Kitchen weekly dinner for the disadvantaged.” Mr Pitt said.

“I congratulate WeCare2 on its successful Stronger Communities application, and on fundraising a further $10,000 to put towards the four 1000 litre display freezers.”

WeCare2 Operations Manager Jan Carlson said the freezers had been purchased to coincide with the Shop’s recent expansion into their bigger new purpose built Low Cost Food Centre at their 225 Main Street site in Urraween Hervey Bay.

“The Low Cost Food Centre has been squeezed into our Administration building since the move to our own land at 225 Main Street Urraween in April 2015. During this time the small space we have been operating from has been very restrictive for our shoppers and volunteers and has significantly limited the amount of stock we have been able to display. Our new purpose built Centre is at the same address but provides us with the opportunity to deliver a far superior service to our customers with much more stock on display, aisles wide enough for shopping trolleys and a significantly increased storage & work area,” Ms Carlson said.

“These 4 new display freezers give us the ability to stock a much wider range and larger quantity of frozen goods that will benefit not only the Low Cost Food Centre customers, but also our other clients.

“On behalf of many disadvantaged families that We Care 2 assists every week, we wish to thank Mr Pitt and Federal Government for this much need funding for the new freezers.”

Through the Stronger Communities Program, eligible community groups can apply for grants of between $5000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions. Each Federal Electorate is allocated $150,000 a year over two years. Applications for Round Two will open early in the New Year. For more information go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt was today put to the test by some of the region’s best young table tennis players, who have been named Local Sporting Champions by the Australian Sports Commission.

Mr Pitt presented seven members of the Bundaberg and District Table Tennis Association with certificates, following their return from the Pacific School Games and the 2015 Australian Junior Table Tennis Championships.

“Last month I had the pleasure of seeing some of the world’s best table tennis stars in action in Canberra for the 5th Annual Hyundai Bennelong Cup Table Tennis Tournament, alongside former tennis great John Alexander MP,” Mr Pitt said.

“And today I was put through my paces by some of Hinkler’s best – perhaps, even, a future world champion or two!?”

The seven players are among 17 Local Sporting Champions from across the Hinkler electorate, who have each been awarded a $500 grant under Round Two of the program.

“These Local Sporting Champions grants help cover some of the costs associated with travelling to and from state, national and international sporting competitions for sports men and women aged between 12 and 18,” Mr Pitt said.

“Sport is not only essential to the health and fitness of our young people; it helps build self-confidence and teaches them the importance of team work. That’s why we’re helping to make it easier for young people to participate in sport.

“Applications for Round Three are now open and close on February 29, 2016. I encourage young Hinkler sportspeople to apply.”

Round Two Recipients 

Chelsea May Pacific School Games (table tennis)

Samuel Freeman Australian Junior Table Tennis Championships

Brett Fourro Australian Junior Table Tennis Championships

Rebecca Tran Australian Junior Table Tennis Championships

Leyton Ey Australian Junior Table Tennis Championships

Leah Scott Australian Junior Table Tennis Championships

Nicholas Jefferson Pacific School Games (table tennis)

Jade Garland Pacific School Games (soccer)

Ethan Hall Pacific School Games (soccer)

Jayden Douma Australian U13 Boys Hockey

Harrisen Douma Australian 12years and under Boys Hockey

Kijah Stephenson FFA Futsal National Championships

Isaac Rossetto National Cross Country Championships

Michael Logan Qld State Athletics Championships

Riley Anderson Qld U17 State Championships (softball)

Zoran Fitzek Qld School Sport Track and Field State Championship

Monatana Deamer National Youth Championships (touch football)

For more information telephone the Hinkler electorate office on 07 4152 0744 or visit http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/local_sporting_champions

Christmas has come early for the Bundaberg Steam Tramway Preservation Society, with Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announcing $20,000 to help make the local tourist attraction more resilient.

Mr Pitt said the rail track in the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens had flooded twice in the past two years, costing the not-for-profit group considerable time and money to repair.

“Since it was built in November 1988, the Australian Sugar Cane Railway has carried more than 500,000 locals and tourists,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Society is committed to keeping ticket prices low so that children of all ages can enjoy the Botanic Gardens and learn about locomotive and sugar history.

“This grant of $18,182 (plus GST), provided through the Coalition’s Stronger Communities Program, will go towards replacing the existing timber sleepers with concrete sleepers along the 2km line.

“I congratulate the Society on being able to contribute $40,000 through its own fundraising efforts. Donations made to the Society demonstrate how highly the local community values the Railway, and shows that the volunteers’ efforts are greatly appreciated.”

Bundaberg Steam Tramway Preservation Society President Wendy Driver OAM said replacing the sleepers would save volunteers from needing to undertake back-breaking repairs on the old timber sleepers.

“These upgrades will reduce the number of track maintenance closures, which will enable us to entertain and educate more families,” Mrs Driver said.

 “Our fleet consists of the 1914 steam locomotive ‘Old Germany’, and the 1911 English Fowler ‘Invicta’. We also have two cane trains: ‘No3’ Bundaberg Foundry 1952 and ‘No 1’ Bundaberg Foundry 1950. We operate every Sunday from 10am to 4pm, as well as Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the school holidays.”

 Through the Stronger Communities Program, eligible community groups can apply for grants of between $5000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions. Each Federal Electorate is allocated $150,000 a year over two years. Applications for Round Two will open early in the New Year. For more information go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP 

Motorists will enjoy safer driving conditions on the Bruce Highway following the completion of a project to widen a section of the highway adjacent to Wongi State Forest, south of Torbanlea.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the $7.1 million project had created a major increase in the separation distance between vehicles travelling in opposite directions for 2.2 kilometres.

“Widening this section of the highway has allowed a wide centre line treatment to be put in place which improves drivers’ chances of avoiding a crash should they stray out of their lanes,” Mr Truss said.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the treatment was recently recognised at the 2015 Australasian Road Safety Conference as a highly effective means of reducing the number of serious road crashes.

“The Coalition Government is committed to building a safer Bruce Highway and we are continuing to provide funding to roll out this important safety treatment along the length of the highway,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Bruce Highway is the major artery connecting Queensland’s coastal communities and the economic centres between Brisbane and Cairns. It is the single most important piece of infrastructure for the people of my electorate.

“Without it, Hinkler residents wouldn’t be able to get their products to market, visit loved ones or evacuate during an emergency. It also enables tourists to visit our great region.”   

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the works are an example of what can be achieved when governments work together to deliver improved safety on Queensland roads.

“An added bonus was that an average of 22 direct jobs were supported over the life of the project,” Mr Bailey said.

The project was completed on budget and ahead of schedule by local contractor, Sunstate Group Queensland.

The works were jointly funded, with the Australian Government providing $5.7 million and the Queensland Government $1.4 million.

Bundaberg will be the first city in Queensland to connect to the NBN fibre to the node (FTTN) network, with Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today switching on the state-of-the-art technology.

Mr Pitt said he fought hard to ensure his region was one of ten trial sites prioritised nationally and now, as a result, Bundaberg would be the second location in Australia to receive FTTN.

“Bundaberg’s main street and neighbouring areas like Avenell Heights, Thabeban, Norville, Bundaberg South and Bundaberg East will be the first to make the switch,” Mr Pitt said.

“The surrounding areas will also be connected in coming weeks, bringing the total number of premises to 24,000.

“The FTTN network has been designed so that families and businesses can access high speed internet sooner, at less cost to taxpayers.

“As well as the obvious entertainment benefits, the National Broadband Network will transform local education and health services. Enabling businesses to better engage in the rapidly evolving digital economy, the NBN will help create local jobs.”

NBN Corporate Affairs Manager for Queensland Kylie Lindsay said NBN was working towards 90 per cent of users getting at least 50Mbps, but trials showed users located less than 400 metres from a cabinet get speeds of around 100/40Mbps.

“FTTN technology will provide the capacity we need into the foreseeable future. By using a mix of technology, NBN Co aims to connect eight million homes and business, providing wholesale download data rates of up to 25Mbps to all premises and at least 50Mbps to 90 per cent of fixed line premises as soon as possible,” Ms Lindsay said.

Mr Pitt said FTTN construction would begin in the southern end of the Hinkler electorate in early 2017 to connect 19,000 premises in Craignish, Dundowran, Dundowran Beach, Eli Waters, Kawungan, Nikenbah, Pialba, Point Vernon, Scarness, Toogoom, Torquay, Urraween and Wondunna.

FTTN construction will also start in Avoca, Branyan, Millbank, Burnett Heads, Coral Cove, Elliott Heads, Innes Park, Childers, Woodgate, Howard, Burrum Heads, River Heads, Booral and Urangan in 2018.

About 20 wireless NBN towers are either operational or under construction across Hinkler’s many rural communities.

By the end of 2018, about 70,000 Hinkler premises will be able to connect to the NBN.

FACTBOX: How to connect to the NBN:

Consider your personal requirements:

• If you have a medical alarm or alert, register your details with NBN Co by calling 1800 227 300 or complete the online form at nbnco.com.au/medicalregister

• If you have an EFTPOS terminal, fax or alarm system, call the provider of that service (EG bank, security firm) to ask what internet or landline phone services will support the device over the NBN.

• If your building has an emergency lift phone and/or a fire indicator panel, register your details with NBN Co so these services can be identified by calling 1800 687 626.

• How many people in your home or business, how many devices do you have, and how do you use the internet?

• Are you currently locked into a plan? 

Shop around:

• Contact phone companies or internet service providers to discuss your requirements and find out what NBN plans or packages they offer. Be sure to check if there are any cancellation fees if you break your existing contract early.

Connect:

• Once you’ve chosen a plan that suits your needs, order your NBN service as soon as possible. Premises have 18 months to make the transition to NBN.

An independent evaluation of the Work for the Dole pilot has found the program to be effective in helping participants gain confidence and learn skills.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said he made strong representations to the Minister early last year to ensure two out of the 18 trial sites were located in the Hinkler Electorate.

“Unemployment is the single biggest issue in our region. That’s why I’ve been working hard to attract investment and ensure Hinkler is at the centre of the Coalition Government’s employment programs,” Mr Pitt said.

“Work for the Dole places job seekers in activities where they can gain valuable experience in roles that also give back to the community.

“Since the trial started in July last year Hinkler job seekers aged 18 to 29 years in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay have learnt team work and communication skills and their self-esteem has improved.

“Work gives individuals the ability to provide for their families. It makes our communities strong and is the foundation of economic security for the nation.”

The independent evaluation by the Social Research Centre and the Australian National University found that of the participants surveyed:

• 83 per cent agreed that Work for the Dole is an opportunity to give back to the community

• 79 per cent agreed that the routine was good for them

• 81 per cent said they were treated like a valuable member of staff

• 81 per cent said they were satisfied with the amount of responsibility they were given

• 76 per cent said they were satisfied with the amount of work

• 74 per cent said they were satisfied with the variety of tasks

• 68 per cent agreed that their placement was a valuable experience

“It’s also pleasing to note that host organisations, many of them community groups and charities, believe Work for the Dole is an opportunity to undertake activities and complete tasks they would otherwise not have the resources to do,” Mr Pitt said.

The Work for the Dole trial ran for 12 months before it was rolled out nationally on July 1 this year. Job seekers under the age of 30, who have been receiving welfare payments for six months or more, must complete 25 hours per week for a minimum of six months each year. Job seekers aged between 30 and 49, who have been receiving welfare payments for six months or more, must complete 15 hours per week for a minimum of six months each year. All Work for the Dole participants receive an additional $20.80 per fortnight to assist with the cost of transport.

Mr Pitt said Work for the Dole was just one of the measures the Government had introduced to give job seekers a hand up:

 – Businesses can access up to $10,000 to employ mature age job seekers through Restart

 – Young job seekers who find a job and stay off welfare for 12 months will receive a Job Commitment Bonus of $2500, and a further $4000 at 24 months

 – Receive up to $9000 Relocation Assistance to take up a sustainable ongoing job

 – Trade Support Loans of up to $20,000 for apprentices, with a 20% discount for successful completion

 – Wage subsidies of up to $6,500 for businesses that employ long-term welfare recipients, young or indigenous jobs seekers

 – $476 million Industry Skills Fund for staff training to help businesses expand

 – Green Army volunteers gain a qualification while helping clean up the environment

 – Entrepreneurial job seekers interested in starting their own business can get assistance through the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)

 – $5 billion for the new job services provider model jobactive

 – $330 million for a Youth Employment Strategy to help young people transition from school to work

 – National Work Experience Program gives job seekers unpaid placements with employers for up to four weeks

 – ADF Gap Year

“We are doing everything we can but, the bottom line is, there aren’t enough jobs locally,” Mr Pitt said.

“Together, as a community, we need to attract investment to the region by telling everyone how great it is. We need to shop locally and support businesses so that they have the confidence to create new jobs.

“That’s why I’ve launched the #bundybayandbush campaign and why I’m trying to create a military dive wreck to attract more tourists to the region.

“We’ve signed free trade agreements, which will open up new markets for our local exporters. We’ve reduced the company tax rate, and the last Federal Budget included immediate tax deductions for small businesses that purchase new assets.”

To see the full evaluation report of Work for the Dole visit https://www.employment.gov.au/evaluation-work-dole-2014-15