Tannum Sands/Gladstone Community Cabinet
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Premier's message
Hearing the views and concerns of all Queenslanders is a high priority for my government, and I was especially pleased to hold my 11th Community Cabinet in Gladstone and Tannum Sands.
This exciting part of the State has a lot to offer both locals and visitors alike. As a region of vibrancy and rapid growth, Gladstone and Tannum Sands are making significant contributions to Queensland's economy, through their burgeoning tourism and world-class mining developments.
This recent cabinet meeting presented me, my ministers and heads of departments with an invaluable opportunity to see first hand the challenges and opportunities unique to this region.
It is always delightful not only having the opportunity to listen to my fellow Queenslanders and respond to a range of key issues facing this area, but to also celebrate the many successes of its residents.
It was a memorable visit to Gladstone and Tannum Sands and I thank you for making us welcome.
Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland
Gladstone water in the pipeline
Chairperson for the Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) Mary Boydell explains the finer points of the Gladstone-Fitzroy Pipeline to the Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace at the Awoonga Dam near Gladstone. The GAWB is proposing to run the pipeline from Rockhampton to the dam.
Plans to develop a new $373 million state-of-the-art pipeline in Gladstone will see residents experience improved water facilities.
Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said plans to deliver supplies to Gladstone will secure the region's water needs in times of drought and in the future.
‘We will continue to work with the Gladstone Area Water Board and all other relevant parties to ensure the water supply needs of this region continue to be met,’ Mr Wallace said.
The project, which has the capacity to deliver 30,000 megalitres each year, will involve the construction of a 120-kilometre pipeline running from Rockhampton's Fitzroy River to Gladstone's water distribution system at Yarwun, with $10 million allocated for preliminary works.
Landmark deal for Gladstone
Wiggins Island Coal Terminal. Photo courtesy Gladstone Ports Corporation.
Premier Anna Bligh has announced a landmark deal that will see the city of Gladstone become home to the new Wiggins Island Coal Terminal.
In response to strong global demand for Queensland coal, the deal will see WICET Holdings fund and build the $4 billion terminal over the next few years.
Premier Bligh said the Wiggins Island project will be delivered in three phases, with the first phase expected to provide 25 million tonnes per annum by 2012.
On project completion, all three phases will see the terminal export up to 150 million tonnes per year and be considered one of the largest coal export ports in the world.
Announcements
Gladstone goes all out for Q150
From displaying the HMAS Gladstone to establishing a colonial fair, Gladstone communities are putting their commemorative hats on and gearing up to celebrate Queensland's 150th anniversary in 2009.
The Gladstone Maritime History Society Inc and Gladstone Regional Council have each successfully applied for funding in the third and final round of the Q150 Community Funding Program.
‘Queenslanders now have almost 500 Queensland Government-funded community activities they can enjoy or participate in around the state,’ Premier Anna Bligh said.
Gladstone tops tourism awards
The 60th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race has taken out top honours in the festival and events category of this year's Queensland Tourism Awards, according to Tourism Minister Desley Boyle.
Ms Boyle also congratulated five Gladstone finalists for their achievements, including the 2008 Observer Boyne Tannum Hookup, the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd (GAPDL) Visitor Information Centres, GAPDL Free Industry Tours, Gecko Valley Wines and Barney Beach Caravan Parks.
‘This is a fantastic result for the Gladstone region, particularly in view of strong competition from across the state this year with more than 200 entries,’ she said.
Queensland Theatre Company set to tour regional Queensland
Taking its education program to the next level, Queensland Theatre Company will begin touring all corners of the state in 2009.
Comprising a series of innovative workshops running from February to August, students and teachers from regional centres, such as Gladstone, will have the opportunity to hone their creative skills in playwriting, physical theatre, Shakespeare and clowning.
The company will also introduce two new scholarship programs in 2009. Designing better roads Tannum Sands Road is to be upgraded as part of a $4 million plan. Catering to population and traffic growth, the initiative is part of the State Government's commitment to improving Queensland roads, in Gladstone and across the state.
Work on the project is currently on track to commence in mid 2009, with the expected completion date scheduled for December 2010.
Rest areas assured for central Queenslanders
As part of a key initiative to combat driver fatigue and to reduce the state's road toll, the Queensland Government is planning to build four new heavy vehicle rest areas in central Queensland.
Announced by Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt at the Community Cabinet in Gladstone, the development is funded by the State Government's Camera detected offence program and will be rolled out during the 2009-2010 financial year.
Gladstone checks in healthy
Thanks to results from the Clean and Healthy Air for Gladstone project, Gladstone residents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their overall health is in check.
Health Minister Stephen Robertson said that while there were fluctuations in hospital rates for heart disease, respiratory infection, heart disease and diabetes, results show these were in line with the rest of the state.
Queensland Health conducted telephone surveys with Gladstone residents during September, with more than 2000 adults participating in the project.
Traditional owners listed as cultural heritage body
Port Curtis Coral Coast traditional owners were officially recognised as Queensland's 23rd cultural heritage body, Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace has announced.
While the Gladstone and Bundaberg regions undergo rapid population growth, the listing ensures a balance between tradition and progress is preserved.
‘The land of the Port Curtis Coral Coast people covers 19,279 square kilometres, stretching from Port Alma in the north to Burrum Heads in the south and Kroombit Tops, near Biloela, in the west,’ Mr Wallace said.
Gladstone receives boost in tourism funding
Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd has received a $79,000 grant to develop an industrial tourism showcase centre, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle has announced.
Part of the State Government's $1 million commitment to fund regional tourism initiatives across Queensland, the grant will enable the development of a new tourism attraction and interpretive centre in Gladstone, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the region's key industry.
Ms Boyle said the funding is the first of the State Government's plans to provide an additional $4 million in funding to regional tourism organisations over four years.
Gladstone youth course into future
Thanks to a new partnership with Central Queensland Institute of TAFE, the Queensland Government is helping address a critical skills shortage in the Gladstone region.
The program, which is offered over a 10-week period, equips young Indigenous trainees with the industry skills to gain employment as mechanical trade assistants.
The innovative course is part of the Queensland Government's 2020 plan to provide three out of four Queenslanders with trade or technical qualifications.
Experimenting with Indigenous science
As the first of its kind in Queensland, a new Indigenous science course is adopting an innovative approach towards engaging with Indigenous students.
By blurring the boundaries between science, technology and traditional Indigenous practices, the program aims to encourage students to explore Indigenous themes through hands-on scientific experiments.
Devised by Tannum Sands State High School teacher Heather Moller, the course covers the themes of earth, space, energy, water and materials and includes past, present and future sustainable practices.
Partnerships made perfect
According to Minister for Education, Training and the Arts Rod Welford, the Queensland Government, in partnership with Rio Tinto Alcan, is providing Gladstone school leavers with a unique opportunity to realise their dream careers.
Bridging the gap between secondary study and vocational employment, the program aims to build a cooperative network between school, industry and local businesses.
‘By offering diverse programs that lead to real employment, we are not only addressing critical skills shortages, but providing jobs for people close to home, in strong industries,’ Mr Welford said.
Safer transport for commuters
Bus services in regional Queensland have recently been fitted with CCTV cameras, providing commuters with added security during their journey.
Transport Minister John Mickel said the State Government program, which cost $716,000, has enabled bus services in 13 regional centres, including Gladstone, to be installed with the secure technology.
‘The cameras will make it easier to identify vandals and to bring charges against people misbehaving on buses. It means a safer, more secure bus service for drivers and passengers,’ Mr Mickel said.
Last updated Monday, May 24, 2010
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