Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for State Development Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for Infrastructure Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for Planning Jeff Seeney

Queensland Shines At Planning Awards

Victor P Taffa

Assistant Minister for Planning Reform Ian Walker has welcomed Queenslanders success at the Planning Institute of Australia’s National Awards for Planning Excellence.

Queenslanders took eight of the 12 national awards.

The Queenslander who spearheaded the project to get flood-affected families into new homes in disaster-ravaged Grantham Brendan Nelson of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s Land Use Planning Team was named inaugural Australian Planner of the Year.

Assistant Minister for Planning Reform Ian Walker said the Award for Excellence recognised Mr. Nelson’s clear and focussed leadership, which included driving revolutionary land use planning responses that helped Queenslanders to get back on track faster.

“Among Brendan’s achievements is his leadership of the Grantham Development Scheme, which saw construction on an entirely new housing estate on higher ground, begin in less than six months.” Mr. Walker said.

“I congratulate Brendan on his achievements. This is a fantastic result for Queensland’s planning industry.”

Mr. Walker said the Queensland Reconstruction Authority had produced a range of guidelines and toolkits to increase Queensland’s resilience to future events, including ground-breaking floodplain mapping and guidelines for storm tide prone areas, wind-resistant housing for cyclone-affected residents and electrical infrastructure.

Mr. Nelson’s award was one of eight for Queensland out of 12 at the national awards, showing the strength and innovation of the state’s planning talent.

Among the other winners were:

Brisbane City Council for their Urban Renewal Brisbane – 20 years project, a joint project team of Redland City Council, Griffith University, Laurel Johnson and Play Environment Consulting Pty Ltd took out the Best Planning Ideas Award with their project Child and Youth Friendly City, Griffith University also won the Cutting Edge Research and Teaching Award while six students from Queensland University of Technology won the Outstanding Student Achievement Award for their project West End – Building Social Resilience.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman

Premiers Unite To Save State Of Origin

Victor P Taffa

The Queensland and New South Wales Premiers today united in urging the NRL not to sell off iconic State of Origin rugby league games to interstate bidders.

Both Premiers are concerned the NRL is currently considering a $12.5 Million bid from the Victorian Government to host one game per series in Melbourne.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said it is outrageous the NRL would even consider sending a game a year outside the states where the games belong.

“State of Origin belongs to the people of Queensland and New South Wales and we shouldn’t be held to ransom over what is our own game.” Mr. Newman said.

“Surely the NRL understands that this game is an institution in our states, it’s where legends like Darren Lockyer, Allan Langer and Wally Lewis were made and the meeting place for generations of diehard supporters.”

“Just like the determination on the field each game, I’ll be doing everything I can to stop any other state getting the ball over the line.”

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said the NRL needs to think about the fans rather than focusing on making a quick buck.

“NSW and Queensland are the heartland of rugby league, nowhere else should even be considered as a permanent home.” Mr. O’Farrell said.

“This sort of talk is akin to auctioning a game per series off on eBay to the highest bidder which clearly is just not on. The independent commission which is looking after this bid would be making a huge mistake if it was to take any more games away from the home teams.”

“I urge rugby league fans in both States to make their voices heard and tell the NRL, a permanent match in Melbourne simply isn’t on.”

Melbourne currently has a deal with the NRL to host a game every three years, which will expire after this year’s series. The proposed deal from the Victorian Government would see the NRL paid $2.5 million a game plus a $500,000 grant for junior development.

Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell

Fuel Spill Near Breakfast Creek Road

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell, said departmental staff and compliance officers were this morning working with emergency services to contain a fuel spill near the Brisbane River following an incident during a refuelling operation.

“At approximately 6am the State Incident Response Network (SIRN) group were notified of a fuel spill through the after-hours pollution hotline.” Mr. Powell said.

“The spill involved about 2,700 litres of unleaded fuel spilt at a service station during a bulk refuelling operation on Breakfast Creek Road Newstead.”

“About 500 litres has been contained and an estimated 2,200 litres has entered the stormwater drain.”

“Our on call Brisbane SIRN officer has been on site for some time and is providing environmental input to the response.”

“Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) is working with Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Maritime Safety Queensland to help contain the spill.” Mr. Powell said.

“There are several access points where the drain goes straight into the Brisbane River which is our major concern.”

“Fortunately at this time the very high tide is acting as a plug , holding back and containing the fuel to the drain with no releases into the river.” Mr. Powell said.

“MSQ are on standby with an absorbent boom if any fuel enters the river; QFRS will identify the location where the fuel is being held by the tide and will use a sucker truck to remove all liquids from just below this point.”

“The response actions are now underway and EHP’s Environmental Services staff have been mobilised to investigate the incident.” Mr. Powell said.

Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for State Development Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for Infrastructure Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for Planning Jeff Seeney

Government Welcomes Community Input For New GasFields Commission

Victor P Taffa

The State Government encourages regional communities to have their say on the role and membership of the new GasFields Commission.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Government was establishing the GasFields Commission to better manage the coexistence between landholders, regional communities and the coal seam gas industry in Queensland.

“Industry and community groups and members of the public have a real opportunity to provide input into who should be represented on the Commission and what powers it should consider.” Mr. Seeney said.

Mr. Seeney appointed Mr. John Cotter as Chairman last month and submissions from the public can be made directly to the Chairman.

He said the Commission would be based in Toowoomba with a statewide focus.

“The Commission will be formed as a statutory body under legislation to make sure we get the right balance in place between landholders, local governments and the industry itself.” Mr. Seeney said.

“It will give local communities a more direct voice into government and ensure programs and services match the priorities in those areas affected by CSG operations.”

“A number of skills-based commissioners will be appointed to advise and assist the Commission in carrying out its work with government, industry and communities affected.”
“The Commission will be in close contact with the community and key organisations over the coming weeks and months to ensure concerns and issues about the industry’s expansion are properly addressed from the ground up.”

Feedback and suggestions about the role and functions of the commission must be made in writing directly to the Chairman and ideally limited to two to three pages with the author’s name and contact details clearly marked.

The Chairman of the GasFields Commission is also taking expressions of interest from people who wish to nominate to become a commissioner.

Commissioners need to be available at least one day each month, with potential for out-of-session work commitments.

Skills sought from interested persons include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• land management and landholder negotiations
• land valuation
• CSG industry operations
• community development
• legal experience with CSG issues
• financial and business sector experience.

To register your interest in becoming a commissioner, submit a resume (marked confidential) either by email or post. Submissions close Friday 25 May 2012.

Email GasFieldsCommission@qld.gov.au or mail submissions to the Chairman, GasFields Commission, PO Box 102, Toowoomba, 4350, Queensland.

For more information visit www.csg-lng.industry.qld.gov.au

Queensland Minister for Police and Community Safety Jack Dempsey

New Firefighters Hit Ground Running As Busy Season Approaches

Victor P Taffa

At a ceremony in Brisbane this morning, 28 firefighter recruits graduated from their training just in time for winter, traditionally the busiest time of year for house fires.

Minister for Police and Community Safety Jack Dempsey said 12 people died in house fires in Queensland last winter, making it vital to have the most highly trained firefighters on the job protecting the community.

“Last winter, our firefighters attended 544 house fires in Queensland and this winter will again brace them for what is typically a very busy time of year.” Mr. Dempsey said.

Mr. Dempsey said while firefighters were committed to saving homes and lives, it was also the responsibility of the public to take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

“The men and women of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) do all they can to keep our homes and families safe, so it only makes sense we do all we can to avoid a situation where firefighters need to come to our aid.” Mr. Dempsey said.

“Being prepared can be as simple as having heaters and electric blankets checked by a qualified electrician when they are unpacked each winter and never leaving these appliances unattended.”

“Last winter, around 30 % of house fires started in the kitchen, with the most common cause being cooking equipment left unattended or misused.”

“This figure shows us just how potentially dangerous the kitchen can be if we aren’t thinking about fire safety.”

“To help avoid a disaster, all kitchens should have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket installed and appliances should be switched off when not in use.”

Mr. Dempsey said no matter what time of year, it was never too late to formulate and practice a fire evacuation plan and to regularly check smoke alarms.

“The most important message of all is to ensure your home is fitted with working smoke alarms which are tested regularly.” Mr. Dempsey said.

“A working smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death in a house fire.”

The QFRS offers a free home fire safety visit.

To book your Safehome visit, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit www.fire.qld.gov.au

Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for State Development Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for Infrastructure Jeff Seeney

Queensland Minister for Planning Jeff Seeney

Koala Listing Means More Roadblocks And Green Tape

Victor P Taffa

The Federal Government’s decision to list Queensland’s koalas as ‘vulnerable’ will duplicate green tape and block much-needed development to support the state’s growth.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the protection was an unnecessary duplication to the LNP’s election promise to protect koalas through habitat acquisition, research and rehabilitation.

“This move by the Federal Environment Minister simply adds another layer of bureaucracy to development and does nothing further to protect koalas.” Mr. Seeney said.

“The State Government already requires developers to carry out environmental impact assessments as part of the approvals process and koala protection is already guaranteed in that process.”

“The assessment outlines a development’s impact on the flora and fauna and there are comprehensive State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SRPR) to protect koala habitats.”

“This Commonwealth regulation is just an additional bureaucratic hoop everyone will have to jump through if they plan to develop in a koala area and does nothing for the koalas.”

“It hinders development and inhibits growth. It makes development a lengthy and costly process for all involved.”

Mr. Seeney said the move highlighted the Federal Government’s failure to take into account the best interests of the states and territories.

“This should have been a collaborative effort between the Federal and State Governments.” Mr. Seeney said.

“The State Government will always ensure koala populations are protected and habitats are maintained. That is absolutely guaranteed.”

“To put it simply, the Federal Environment Minister’s policy is unnecessary green tape and bureaucracy.”

The LNP’s policy to protect Queensland’s koalas includes a $22.5 Million commitment to acquire koala habitat with a focus on habitat connectivity and $4 Million for research into koala diseases and preventable cause of death, injury and illness, and koala rescue and rehabilitation services.

Queensland Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Queensland Minister for Main Roads Scott Emerson

Real Time Trial For Brisbane’s CityGlider Buses

Victor P Taffa

The Queensland Government’s rollout of its real-time information system trial is coming soon to one of Brisbane’s most popular bus routes.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the real-time passenger information system would give customers an accurate arrival and departure time on the popular CityGlider route.

“I’m pleased that TransLink has been able to expand its trial to include the 20 buses that service the CityGlider route, between Teneriffe and Newstead.” Mr. Emerson said

“This addition to a Logan City trial, to commence soon will come at no extra cost and will ensure real-time information can be trialled within the CBD.”

“Customers will be able to see exactly when the next bus is coming using a web-based mobile phone or tablet.”

“There will also be on-board information to identify the next stop as well as other handy passenger information.” Mr. Emerson said.

“This trial will require each bus to be fitted with a GPS tracking dev ice and other equipment that allows the bus to compare its current location to its planned location.”

“The bus then releases this information to the central real-time system which calculates and sends the expected time of arrival the on-bus displays, mobile devices and TransLink website.” Mr. Emerson said.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk welcomed the decision, adding that Brisbane City Council had been pushing for the technology to be installed on the city’s buses for some time.

“I’m committed to delivering an extra 360 buses this term on top of the 500 my team delivered last term in a bid to make Brisbane’s bus fleet more reliable and comfortable.” Cr. Quirk said.

“I believe this technology trial is a big step forward towards improving the reliability of Brisbane’s public transport network. That is why my team has been lobbying for its installation and I’m pleased the new LNP State Government has listened.”

German transport company INIT was chosen to install the real-time system for TransLink.

INIT has installed similar real-time systems at more than 400 sites across the world including Dubai, Vancouver in Canada, Dublin, Bavaria and soon in South East Queensland.

The real-time system will also be trialled on 125 buses in the Clark’s Logan City Bus Service fleet, including the high-frequency route 555 between Logan City and the Brisbane CBD.

Display and GPS equipment will be installed on the CityGlider services from August.

Queensland Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek

Minister Congratulates Slacks Creek State School On Official Opening Of Multi-Purpose Hall

Victor P Taffa

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek today congratulated staff and students at Slacks Creek State School, in Logan, on the official opening of their new multi-purpose hall.

Mr. Langbroek said the State Government, through the Department of Education, Training and Employment, was managing the implementation of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) program in Queensland state schools.

“I’m sure the new multi-purpose hall will prove valuable and become a much-used asset for the teachers as well as the current and upcoming students of Slacks Creek State School.” Mr. Langbroek said.

“The Newman Government is committed to ensuring our children are given the best resources for their journey through our education system and providing facilities that will help arm Queensland kids with the skills they need to become our future workers.”

Mr. Langbroek said he was committed to making a difference by supporting teachers and principals in the classroom.

“These federally-funded projects will help provide a greater environment for teaching and learning.” Mr. Langbroek said.

“Our LNP Government is looking forward to working with Queensland schools, principals, and parents to ensure every child receives the best education possible.” Mr. Langbroek said.

Slacks Creek State School received $2 Million under Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) element of BER for the multi-purpose hall. Minor refurbishments at the school were funded through an additional $125,000 under the National School Pride (NSP) element. 

Queensland Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Queensland Minister for Main Roads Scott Emerson

Train Crossing Gamble Not Worth The Risk

Victor P Taffa

The Queensland Government has warned it is only a matter of time until a pedestrian dies ignoring the protection at level crossings in South East Queensland.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said he was shocked to see recent footage highlighting the deplorable behaviour which is occurring nearly every day across the rail network.

“Every crossing throughout the city network has boom gates and flashing lights, which are there for the protection of pedestrians.” Mr. Emerson said.

“The alarming reality is that some pedestrians are not getting the message and are continuing to take on trains whether it’s by pushing through the pedestrian gates, or racing a train as the boom gates are lowering.”

“I was horrified to see one example, captured by CCTV cameras at Deagon station, when students foolishly risked their lives at the level crossing, resulting in a very near miss.”

“These children avoided a collision by seconds, when they pushed through pedestrian gates and rushed across the tracks in front of a train travelling at approximately 65 km/h.”Mr. Emerson said.

Queensland Rail CEO Jim Benstead said train drivers and station staff had raised concerns about the number of people not following the rules around train stations.

“These are examples of what Queensland Rail train drivers and guards are seeing more and more often – pedestrians racing across train tracks and playing Russian roulette with their lives.” Mr. Benstead said.

“We’ve had enough with pedestrians telling us they know better, they know the timetable and they can predict when it’s safe to cross.”

In another incident at Wulkuraka, near Ipswich, a young man kicked open the pedestrian gate in an attempt to cross the tracks. Luckily the man and the two pedestrians who followed him were only scared, not killed, avoiding a collision by just seconds.

On-train footage from an incident at Albion where a person ran across the tracks in front of a train, shows just how long it takes for a train to stop once the emergency brakes are applied.

In 2011, there were 472 near miss incidents at level crossings predominantly in the south east corner.

Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie

Queensland Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie

Appointment To The Queensland Court Of Appeal

Victor P Taffa

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie MP is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Robert (Bob) Gotterson QC as a justice of the Queensland Court of Appeal.

The selection was approved by Her Excellency the Governor and fills the vacancy left by the retirement of the Honourable Justice Richard Chesterman last week.

Mr. Gotterson was called to the Queensland Bar in 1975 and was appointed as one of Her Majesty’s Counsel in 1988. He is a former President of the Bar Association of Queensland, the Australian Bar Association and the Law Council of Australia.

“The Government is pleased that such a distinguished and eminent barrister has accepted appointment to the Court of Appeal.” Mr. Bleijie said.

“I congratulate Justice Gotterson and wish him all the best in his judicial career.”

In recommending this nomination to the Governor, the Attorney-General consulted the President of the Bar Association of Queensland and the President of the Law Society of Queensland.

The Attorney-General also consulted the Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal.

The appointment was approved by the Executive Council today.

Justice Gotterson’s Commission takes effect on 27 April 2012.