Landmark regional planning legislation introduced

Regional Queenslanders will benefit from clearer, common sense planning for growth under the new Regional Planning Interests Bill introduced into State Parliament this week.Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Planning and Infrastructure Jeff Seeney said the Regional Planning Interests Bill 2013 demonstrated the Newman Government’s practical approach to land use planning across Queensland’s regions.“This…

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Distraction topping road safety messages

More than 34 per cent of Queenslanders have said the mobile phone and distractions are their biggest safety concern, while taking part in the Newman Government’s new Join the Drive campaign. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said Queenslanders have just three more days to join more than 250 possible TV stars and share…

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Newman Government closing in on criminal gangs

More industries that have been infected by criminal gangs will be cleaned up under further reforms to be introduced in Parliament today. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the licensing regime, that was put in place to tackle criminal motorcycle gangs’ grip on the tattoo industry, would be expanded to make Queensland safer.…

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Affordable housing scheme going strong

Low income families in Queensland have received some welcome relief with more than 4,000 affordable dwellings built since the Newman Government was elected. Housing Minister Tim Mander said it brought the total number of properties delivered under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) to more than 6,000. “The Newman Government promised to revitalise frontline services…

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Red tape in schools slashed

Senseless bureaucracy in Queensland schools will be a thing of the past, with the Newman Government today releasing the Red Tape Reduction Booklet to support its moves to streamline administration. Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the online booklet provided a comprehensive list of actions the department was taking to reduce the burden…

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Call for public input on OP changes

Queenslanders are invited to have their say on the state’s senior assessment processes and the OP (Overall Position) tertiary entrance program, giving them a direct role in revitalising frontline education services. Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the online survey was a chance for parents and students to rate the system and for…

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SES awards ceremony acknowledges State’s finest

State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers from the north coast and south-west Queensland received top accolades at the SES Week State Awards Ceremony today. Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said the awards highlight the important work of frontline services, which the Newman Government promised to revitalise. “A selection of SES volunteers from across…

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Time to discuss Lakes Cooloolabin and Wappa

Sunshine Coast residents have been invited to have their say, as part of the most extensive review of recreation in South East Queensland dams and catchments ever undertaken. Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the discussion paper about Lakes Cooloolabin and Wappa would identify ways that future generations could also enjoy them. “This…

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