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…
DetailsEmergency 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…
DetailsMore 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…
DetailsThe 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…
DetailsSpeaker 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…
DetailsOnline tendering resources will allow small businesses to operate on a level playing field with larger enterprises for the first time, delivering on the Newman Government’s election promise to cut red tape and regulation by 20 per cent by 2018. Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the…
DetailsThe LNP Government will undertake a wide-ranging review of fisheries management in Queensland to deliver a better system for the state’s commercial and recreational fishers. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the review would fix a system that was complex, costly to administer, inconsistent and a burden on fishers. “Fishing is a vital…
DetailsState MP Fiona Simpson has taken to the floor of Parliament to support a community call to action over alcohol-fuelled violence. Ms Simpson said: “It’s time to challenge the culture that tolerates binge drinking and losing control and to take a stand against behaviour that disrespects others and threatens their safety.” Expressing her condolences to…
DetailsDownward pressure on electricity prices will be created after the Newman Government announced reforms to the Solar Bonus Scheme. As announced in 2012, the mandated 8 cent tariff paid to PV Solar owners by the network businesses Energex and Ergon will end on 30 June 2014 and retail businesses will then be responsible for offering…
DetailsConstruction activity is set to boom across the state, with insurance policy data released by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) increasing by 27 per cent in two years. Minister for Housing and Public Works, Tim Mander, said the data showed the Government was delivering on its election promise to grow construction as one…
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