Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announced almost $50,000 for organisations in Bundaberg and Bargara to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War.

Mr Pitt said the Bundaberg Regional Council would receive $44,941 under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, to build a memorial on the Bargara esplanade in time for 100th anniversary commemorations in 2015.

“The Bargara Dawn Service has been so well attended in recent years that the current memorial site is at capacity,” Mr Pitt said.

“The new WWI memorial will accommodate larger crowds to inform, educate and inspire future generations.

“The memorial will feature a catafalque commemorating the Anzac spirit, and form part of Council’s broader refurbishment of the esplanade.”

Mr Pitt said the Bundaberg & District Ex-Service Women’s Association would receive $1668 to commemorate when the first contingent of Australian Army Nursing Sisters departed for Gallipoli.

President Jenny Waldron said the Association would revitalise the War Nurses Memorial Park, across from the Bundaberg Base Hospital, to include a new Australian Service Nurses Memorial Wall that will complement the existing heritage-listed pavilion.

“The wall will also feature a special plaque to acknowledge the woman who served in units and hospitals other than the Australian Army Nursing Service. We are seeking the community’s help to ensure all our nurses are named,” Ms Waldron said.

“Sacrifice, courage, devotion, faith, hope and charity will be the memorial’s central themes.

“We are truly grateful for the support we have received from our local representatives and the community.”

Hinkler applications for the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program closed on January 31. They were assessed for eligibility by an independent local committee and sent to Minister Michael Ronaldson for final approval.

“I’m delighted to announce these very worthwhile local projects, which commemorate one of the most significant events in Australia’s history,” Mr Pitt said.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today announced $13,000 for organisations in Woodgate and Childers to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War.

Mr Pitt said the Woodgate RSL Sub-Branch would receive $10,000 under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, to build a memorial on the esplanade.

“Patronage at the Anzac Dawn Service in Woodgate has grown significantly in recent years, despite the absence of an official memorial,” Mr Pitt said.

“The impressive memorial proposed by Woodgate RSL will feature four pillars to represent Army, Navy, Air Force and Nursing and includes educational information that details the significance of WWI.

“The memorial has been thoughtfully designed to facilitate commemorations in 2015, and to be a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Mr Pitt said the Childers Military and Memorabilia Museum had been granted $3000.

“The museum, which is operated by a generous and dedicated local family, has a considerable collection of WWI memorabilia that they had previously been unable to display,” he said.

“They will purchase cabinets to display and preserve the pieces for the thousands of tourists, locals and school children who visit the museum each year.”

Hinkler applications for the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program closed on January 31. They were assessed for eligibility by an independent local committee and sent to Minister Michael Ronaldson for final approval.

“I’m delighted to announce these very worthwhile local projects, which commemorate one of the most significant events in Australia’s history,” Mr Pitt said.

“I look forward to seeing these projects delivered in time for the 2015 anniversary.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

The Federal Government will contribute $50,000 towards the expansion of the Freedom Park war memorial in Hervey Bay, under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch would use the funds to help purchase a bronze statue of a light horseman.

“The memorial is simply breathtaking, and an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a community works together,” Mr Pitt said.

“The memorial will include a granite wall, with Anzac Centenary 1915-2015 etched in gold. The light horseman will depict the jumping of the trenches.

“Before now, Freedom Park could only accommodate about 2,000 people on Anzac Day.

“The Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch is to be commended for its commitment to redeveloping the memorial at Freedom Park, to ensure more people can attend Anzac services comfortably and safely,” Mr Pitt said.

Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President John Kelsey thanked Mr Pitt and the Federal Government for the contribution.

“This is one of the largest projects being undertaken in Queensland for the Centenary,” Mr Kelsey said.

“With this funding, we can now get the magnificent bronze statue under way to unveil when the National President of the RSL visits Hervey Bay in October.

“We look forward to local businesses also getting behind us with donations.”

Hinkler applications for the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program closed on January 31. They were assessed for eligibility by an independent local committee and sent to Minister Michael Ronaldson for final approval.

“I’m delighted to announce this very worthwhile local project, which commemorates one of the most significant events in Australia’s history,” Mr Pitt said.

“I look forward to seeing the project delivered in time for the 2015 anniversary.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Upgrades to the Bruce Highway continue with construction starting today on a $6 million overtaking lane north of Howard.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the new overtaking lane will improve traffic conditions for north-bound motorists.

“Once complete, the overtaking lane will allow for fast-travelling motorists to avoid slow-moving traffic such as freight vehicles,” Mr Truss said.

“Not only will that improve efficiency, it will improve safety by giving drivers a dedicated area to pass.

“This project is another example of our commitment to fixing the Bruce Highway.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the project was an investment in local road safety.

“Locals and every other driver along that stretch of the highway will be delighted to see traffic moving at a steady rate once the project is complete,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Bruce Highway is our key road link in this area, and travellers heading north from Maryborough to other regional centres will soon be able to complete their journey with fewer delays and greater safety.”

The upgrade also includes a one-metre wide median strip, with construction expected to finish in August 2014.

Media Contacts

For Mr Truss: Kate Barwick 0408 072 809
For Mr Pitt: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Hinkler residents will today have their say on the future of Australia’s agriculture sector.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said Bundaberg was the final stop on the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper Taskforce’s listening tour across Australia.

“The Taskforce has visited 25 regional centres and eight capital cities since February, as part of the Coalition’s plan to make agriculture more profitable and rural communities more prosperous,” Mr Pitt said.

Hinkler farmers and stakeholders will attend one-on-one meetings and a community round-table session today.

“Our local industry leaders, farmers, and those in sectors like banking and transport, are full of practical ideas to deliver greater returns and now is the time to share them,” Mr Pitt said.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) Executive Officer Peter Hockings said the Taskforce’s visit was a great opportunity for local farmers to outline their ideas to make Australian agriculture more competitive.“Our region’s growers are struggling to remain competitive with the currently high costs of labour, electricity, red tape and other impediments,” Mr Hockings said.

“We welcome the current Government’s approach to engagement, which opens proactive industry consultation for future policy development.”

Mr Pitt said information gathered during the consultation process would be used to develop a Green Paper, which will be released in mid-2014.

Written submissions can be made up until 5pm on April 17 (this Thursday).

The final White Paper, due for release at the end of the year, will outline the Government’s long term plan for the sector.   

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814        

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher and Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today met with residents and businesses in Hervey Bay to discuss mobile coverage blackspots across the region.

In December last year, Hinkler residents were invited to comment on a discussion paper on how to structure the Coalition’s $100 million programme to improve mobile coverage in regional Australia.

Mr Fletcher briefed Bundaberg and Hervey Bay Mayors Mal Forman and Gerard O’Connell, State Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorenson and Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce representatives about the $80 million Mobile Network Expansion Project and $20 million Mobile Blackspot Project.

Mr Pitt said local residents, health workers, real estate agents and telecommunications providers also voiced their concerns about mobile coverage issues.

“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 like Hinkler,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Fletcher opted to drive along the Bruce Highway as part of his tour throughout southern and central Queensland. 

“I wanted to experience firsthand the many mobile coverage issues along Queensland’s major arterial road,” he said.  

While formal submissions closed on February 28, the Department of Communications continues to accept nominations of locations to be included in a database of areas reported to have poor or no mobile coverage. Locations can be emailed to mobilecoverage@communications.gov.au

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814        

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today donated blood, and is urging local residents to do the same in the lead up to Easter.

Mr Pitt and two of his staff gave blood at the Australian Red Cross Donor Centre, at Bundaberg Base Hospital, this morning.

“It takes just an hour of your time, and each donation can save up to three lives,” Mr Pitt said.

“One in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime, and yet just three per cent of the population gives blood.

“Australia needs more than 27,000 donations every week.”

Mr Pitt said the Easter long weekend was a particularly challenging time on the roads for emergency service workers.

“Unfortunately, more traffic typically means more accidents and that’s why giving blood at this time of year is so important,” he said.

“I urge Hinkler residents to stay safe and put their blood – not their body – in a bag this Easter. One fatality is one too many!”

Mr Pitt encouraged Hinkler residents to support the Red Cross’ Easter Egg-straction blood drive.

“They need 81 more people to fill appointments at the Hervey Bay and Bundaberg donor centres over the Easter weekend.”        

To find your nearest donor centre, telephone 13 14 95.   

Hinkler residents who applied to attend the Anzac Centenary Dawn Service in Gallipoli in 2015 will find out in coming weeks whether they have been successful in the ballot.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said 42,273 applicants would receive initial email advice from today, with formal letters being sent in coming weeks.

The Australian and New Zealand Governments initiated the ballot process after the Turkish Government advised they had capped attendance at 10,500 people.

Mr Pitt said the fair, open and transparent ballot would enable 8,000 Australians and 2,000 New Zealanders to safely and comfortably attend 100th anniversary commemorations in 2015.

“Successful applicants will receive two tickets – one for themselves and one for a guest,” Mr Pitt said.

“More than 24 per cent of successful applicants are from Queensland. The oldest applicant is 99-years-old and the youngest is just 16.

“The overwhelming response is indicative of our respect and appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who served our country.

“I congratulate the applicants who have been successful in the ballot. Those without tickets may consider visiting Gallipoli on August 6 next year for the Battle of Lone Pine Centenary commemoration service.

“There will also be plenty of opportunities in Australia for people to pay their respects, with services and events being held right across the country.”

Mr Pitt said he looked forward to announcing the successful applications for funding under the Centenary of Anzac Local Grants Program later this year.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

The Coalition Government has delivered its election promise to 57,000 military superannuants and their families.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said 556 local veterans, aged 55 and over, will benefit from changes to the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits scheme (DFRB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) schemes.

“From 1 July next year military superannuants will have their pensions indexed in the same way as age and service pensions,” Mr Pitt said.

“The fair indexation provisions will also extend to reversionary (widow) pensioners aged 55 and over.” 

“This has been a long fought campaign for equity, justice and fairness by the Australian veteran community.

“The Coalition promised our veterans a fair go before the 2010 and 2013 elections and now, with the passing of this legislation, we have delivered on our promise.

“The legislation recognises of the unique nature of military service and the sacrifices military personnel and their families make on behalf of all Australians.”

Mr Pitt said it was important the Government, on behalf of the Australian community, recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by military personnel.

He said Certificates of Appreciation were now available under the Saluting Their Service commemorations program, for those who served during the Second World War (both in the armed forces or as civilians on the home front), with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) Japan, Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan and during peacekeeping operations.

They are also available as a lasting legacy to the family of deceased veterans.  Certificates can be requested by email Keith.Pitt.MP@aph.gov.au or telephone on 07 4152 0744. 

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today congratulated St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Bundaberg on receiving the coveted title of ‘Reef Guardian School’.

Each year five schools receive $1000 from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, in recognition of their positive on-ground environmental actions to help protect the Reef and its marine life.

“Reef Guardian School students are the future custodians of the Reef and this program is an important step in supporting their efforts and furthering their interest in caring for the environment,” Mr Pitt said.

“I congratulate the students and teachers at St Joseph’s on the great work they’ve been doing at Mon Repos to assist rangers, monitor rock pools and raise awareness of the importance of appropriate lighting during turtle nesting season.”

Mr Pitt was joined by State Opposition Environment Spokesman, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett for a tour of the school.

“It was great to meet some of the participating grade 5 & 6 students, and their pet turtle,” Mr Bennett said.

“The Reef is facing challenges and all actions – big or small – are vital to the Reef’s future. Whatever we do today affects the future of our grandchildren, and I congratulate the school for taking positive steps towards a cleaner, better future.

“The former LNP government has a proud track record of protecting our reef and our endangered sea turtles.

“Everyone’s Environment grants provided some $12million to support practical environmental projects, including reducing light pollution on turtles nesting at Mon Repose Beach and improving water quality in the area.”

Catholic Education Assistant Director Schools Southern Region, Stephen Dale said, “The whole St Joseph’s community should be congratulated on their outstanding commitment to the environment.”

“Being an effective steward of the environment is an important aspect of the holistic education provided in our Catholic Schools. It is also important for students to experience practical ways that

they can help make the world a better place and I know they enjoy making a difference,” Mr Dale said.

Mr Pitt said representatives from the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority would visit St Joseph’s in the near future to see their work first hand and to formally present them with the Habitat Heroes Award certificate.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814