New free independent building industry review process

A free, independent system to review decisions made by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission has been established, in a significant reform to the building industry. Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said that previously, home owners, builders, contractors and certifiers could only appeal the building industry regulator’s decisions in the Queensland Civil…

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Plan to print 3D kidney tissue using Qld expertise

It sounds like something out of science fiction but a US company is planning to produce kidney tissues using a 3D printer. And there’s a Queensland connection. Minister for Science and Innovation Ian Walker said mini-kidney tissue would be printed by America’s 3D bio-printing company Organovo following an agreement signed with the University of Queensland’s…

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New offset legislation delivers for Queensland’s environment

Queensland’s environment will be the big winner after the new Environmental Offsets Bill was passed in parliament fulfilling another election commitment by the Newman Government. Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection, Andrew Powell, said the new legislation gives the government the opportunity to focus investment on frontline corridors with high environmental value. “This means for…

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Get out, Get Active

Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, and aqua aerobics will be more accessible to Queensland women in a new initiative to fuse fitness and fun and encourage them to Get Out and Get Active. Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the Queensland Government would contribute up to $20,000 towards the delivery of community-based activities in a partnership…

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Queensland Government defines rail corridor policy

Landholders and the resources sector have a more certain investment future following the release of a clear Queensland Government policy on Galilee Basin rail corridors. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney told State Parliament that the Government had cemented its policy that only two rail corridors were necessary out…

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Queensland Government defines rail corridor policy

Landholders and the resources sector have a more certain investment future following the release of a clear Queensland Government policy on Galilee Basin rail corridors. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney told State Parliament that the Government had cemented its policy that only two rail corridors were necessary out…

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Obi Obi Zipline zipping ahead

The proposed Obi Obi Gorge zipline canopy tour is another step closer with the Queensland Government confirming the selection of a preferred proponent to move to the next stage of developing the project. Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said Australian Zip Line Canopy Tours has been invited…

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Cultural Precinct Plan consultation extended

Queenslanders will have one month longer to let the State Government know what they think about a plan to update Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct. Arts Minister Ian Walker said the official consultation period would now extend to Friday 27 June from the original 30 May deadline. “Every Queenslander should have a chance to let us know…

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Have your say on motorcycle road rule changes

Easing congestion on our roads and making it easier for motorcyclists to ride are the main purposes behind a new discussion paper for Queenslanders to have their say on. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said including lane filtering in the road rules was one of the proposed changes in the Motorcycle discussion paper,…

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Construction industry payments now fairer

Resolving payment disputes in Queensland’s construction industry will be easier and more transparent under changes introduced to Parliament. Minister for Housing and Public Works Minister Tim Mander said the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act was created in 2004 to give builders and contractors an alternative way to resolve construction payment disputes, but the industry…

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