VIEW News

School Safety

With the new school year well and truly underway, I urge motorists to take extra care around schools.

Figures show that there were around 10,000 fines handed out to Queensland motorists in 2007-08 for speeding in a school zone. This is an unacceptable number of infringements in an environment where one mistake can literally be fatal.

With that in mind, I strongly support plans put forward by the LNP to install signs with flashing lights on roads around schools to warn motorists to slow down and take extra care.

Any area where cars are mixed with children is an environment where disaster can potentially strike at any moment, and this LNP policy recognises that fact and adds another layer of protection for our children.

Support for Australia

I wish to extend my thanks for all those who took part in Australia Day celebrations and gave their support to celebrations and functions held on this important day.

It was great to be able to present the Fisher Community Australia Day Awards at Kawana Waters on Australia Day.

These awards are now in their 11th year and could not have been the success that they were without the generous sponsorship of Nick and Karen Struik of Caloundra Cinemas and also Coles Caloundra which made a significant donation toward the afternoon tea.

I remind readers to keep on the look out for those in the community who are making a contribution to their fellow citizens on a voluntary and unpaid basis and I encourage them to consider nominating them for a Fisher Australia Day Award 2011.

Nomination forms are available form my office. It’s never too early to think about the awards for next year and any early nominations will be kept on file.

Office Re-location

I wish to remind constituents that my office is up and running at Kawana Waters.

The new contract details are: Cartwright Centre, Cnr Nicklin Way and Point Cartwright Drive, Buddina, Queensland 4575 (Postal address: PO Box 1224 Buddina, 4575). The new phone is: 07 – 5444 4888, while the local call number for those within the Electorate of Fisher boundaries will remain as 1300 301 981.

The fax number is: 07 – 5452 6655. My email address remains the same: peter.slipper.mp@aph.gov.au

Veterans Funds

I was glad to be able to recently highlight some recent funds allocated to various veterans groups around the electorate.

Grants totalling $21,550 for the support of veterans in the Electorate of Fisher were allocated in recent months..

The men and women of our defence forces make considerable personal sacrifices for Australia, and these funds help to recognise that service and also go toward facilities and programmes that support them on their return.

The funds have been allocated to: Beerwah/Peachester RSL Sub-branch - $850 from the Saluting their Service Programme to assist with holding an event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba and other actions in the Vietnam War; Glasshouse Country RSL Sub-branch - $18,400 from the Veteran and Community Grants Programme to purchase new tables and chairs for the dining area; Glasshouse Country RSL Sub-branch - $540 from the Saluting their Service Programme to help install a plaque in Anzac Avenue, Beerburrum, in memory of local residents killed in World War I and the purchase of three hand-held flagpoles for use by school children in commemorative ceremonies; and, Queensland RSL Bowls Association, Sunshine Coast zone - $2120 from the Veteran and Community Grants programme for the purchase of a computer and related equipment to produce a newsletter.

Congratulations to the recipients and commendations for their efforts for the community.