Looking for a Boost?

The $10,000 Queensland Government Building Boost Grant is available to buy or build a new home in Queensland from 1 August 2011 to 30 April 2012. Find out how much you can get at:

http://boost.treasury.qld.gov.au/

Public transport in Barron River has been a high priority for me and over the past five years we have seen significant improvements with new buses, new routes and timetables, better on time running and the introduction of the latest technology like bus tracker: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Qconnect/Cairns-Real-Time/Cairns-Real-Time-Bus-Tracker.aspx.

In the last state budget, I secured $2.8million funding for major upgrades to bus stop infrastructure for the Barron River electorate, including a new premium bus stop at James Cook University.

In the coming weeks, a new bus stop will be constructed at McGregor Road in Smithfield. This location has been selected because of the high passenger catchment.  Another two are being constructed Palm Cove.

You can see the designs here -

 Barron_River_Bus_Stop_Model_2.pdf

 Barron_River_Bus_Stop_Model_2.pdf

 Barron_River_Bus_Stop_Model_3.pdf

$95,000 has been allocated for construction of each stop which includes road cut-ins and any necessary service re-locations.

As well as this new stop, existing stops at Smithfield Shopping Centre and on the Captain Cook Highway near Cheviot Street and Leisure Park Road are to upgraded.

Providing the best possible services and infrastructure is important for locals and for tourists who rely on public transport

Better public transport also entices people to leave cars at home which can save money, reduce emissions and ease pressure on our road network.

I hope you will approve of the improvements to the bus stops in your local area.

Queensland Health
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/fluoride/water_fluoridation.asp

The response to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal has been overwhelming and very welcome.

But due to unprecedented weather events, a large volume of emergency calls are coming in and must be the absolute priority.

Donors are urged to please use other methods to contribute to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.

Donations can be made on the Queensland Government website, www.qld.gov.au/floods

Donations can also be made in person at any Queensland branch of the Bank of Queensland (BoQ), Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, NAB, Suncorp, St George Bank, Bank West, Bank SA, Australian Central Credit Union and the Savings and Loans Credit Union.

Donations can also be made at Coles Supermarkets.

Cheques can be made out to the Premiers' Disaster Relief Appeal.

Far North Queensland received a major boost last month with the opening of the new $13.6 million Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.  Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the new terminal would be a much needed shot in the arm for the local economy.

"Backed by this substantial piece of infrastructure the local cruise ship industry will set a course for even more success," Ms Bligh said.

"First impressions count and arriving passengers will be dazzled by this terminal. "There is a great mix of old and new. We've restored the heritage-listed wharf shed and even the original rail tracks are featured in the redevelopment.

"The clock tower and bronze bell, which have a special association with the Cairns community having functioned as the city's and wharf's timepiece since 1948, have also taken pride of place in the new terminal. "We wanted a terminal that locals can be proud of and that's what has been achieved," Ms Bligh said.