State listens on flood planning

The push to make Queensland communities better protected against flooding is changing the way councils can apply for funding. Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli has called for Expressions of Interest for the first time from the state’s 77 councils for projects that will help their communities be better prepared to avoid the worst…

Greater access to ombudsman services

More Queenslanders will get support to resolve energy and water disputes after the Newman Government announced a review of the role of the Queensland Energy and Water Ombudsman. Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the review would consider expanding the scope of customer complaints the ombudsman could investigate. “This review is part of…

The largest area of Queensland ever drought declared

Emergency aid and funding will be made available to another 15 shires after 79 per cent of Queensland was declared in drought, the largest area ever recorded. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh added the southern Queensland Shires of Banana, Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gladstone, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, South…

New Biosecurity Act to better protect Queensland

Queensland’s environment and agricultural sector will be better protected after the new Biosecurity Act was passed in State Parliament today. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the new legislation rolled multiple Acts, some dating back decades, into one streamlined Act. “This legislation will provide an important safeguard for our primary industries for future…

Queensland Inspiring Women honoured by Speaker Fiona Simpson MP

Speaker Fiona Simpson presented the Queensland Inspiring Women awards at Queensland Parliament House this morning, Friday 7 March 2014, during a sold out breakfast event being held in recognition of International Women’s Day. The awards were initiated to honour women who strengthened individuals or communities in the area of business, community service, the arts, the…