As your local MP, I have been completely focussed on getting things done and I am proud of what has been achieved so far. I give you a commitment that I will continue to work hard on delivering real outcomes for our community, continue supporting our schools and community organisations and treating every member of our community with respect. With your support on March 24 I will continue working hard for you and our community.
"Getting It Done"
"Getting It Done"
Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, Federal Member for Griffith speaks about Steve Kilburn
“Steve is a strong voice for this community, fighting for better public transportation and improved health services for residents.
There’s no doubt that Steve works hard for Chatsworth, regularly driving for Carina Meals on Wheels, hosting mobile offices and supporting local community groups across the Electorate. He has also helped to deliver the new police base at Carina.
Having served close to thirty years in the Australian Navy and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Steve is a terrific representative for the community and is dedicated to serving the residents of Chatsworth.”
There’s no doubt that Steve works hard for Chatsworth, regularly driving for Carina Meals on Wheels, hosting mobile offices and supporting local community groups across the Electorate. He has also helped to deliver the new police base at Carina.
Having served close to thirty years in the Australian Navy and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Steve is a terrific representative for the community and is dedicated to serving the residents of Chatsworth.”
HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM THE CHATSWORTH ELECTORATE OFFICE
It's been a thoroughly rewarding year working to make sure that our local community is a great place to live, learn, work and play. I certainly look forward to representing the residents of the Chatsworth electorate well in to the future. I have accomplished a lot as your Member of Parliament and together we can do so much more.
A Christmas Message from Steve Kilburn MP, 2011
STEVE'S BUDGET SPEECH:
Hansard Thursday, 16 June 2011
APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT) BILL; APPROPRIATION BILL; COMMUNITY AMBULANCE COVER LEVY REPEAL AND REVENUE AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL
Mr KILBURN (Chatsworth—ALP) (9.18 pm): I rise today to speak in support of the Appropriation Bill and in particular to talk about issues that directly affect the Chatsworth electorate. In bringing down this budget, the Treasurer has needed to balance a number of difficult and complex financial issues. We are all aware of the massive personal and financial costs that the summer of disasters inflicted upon the state of Queensland. Although the residents of my electorate were not directly affected by floodwater, the financial costs of these floods and Cyclone Yasi will need to be borne by all Queenslanders.
The rebuilding of our state is expected to cost the Queensland government $1.8 billion out of a total cost of $6.7 billion. However, this commitment to rebuilding our schools, parks, roads and rail networks, supporting small business and primary producers and not-for-profit organisations is only one side of the financial equation. On top of this cost and massive outlay there has also been a reduction in revenue caused by the disruption that the disasters caused to the mining and general business community.
The amount of GST allocation from the federal government for this year is the same as it was in 2007. We all know that since then costs have increased significantly. Increased costs with reduced incomes means that hard decisions and choices need to be made. I am pleased that this government did not take the easy way out and cut services and building programs, but instead continued our program of rebuilding and renewal. I am pleased that this budget contains $50,000 for a Men’s Shed at the Clem Jones Centre at Carina. I have been lobbying very hard for this funding. I strongly believe in the Men’s Shed concept. For many years local residents George Hickey and Mal Wier have been running a Men’s Shed under their own home. The popularity of this Men’s Shed has meant it has quickly outgrown the space available. This new facility will be a perfect fit with the Clem Jones Centre and will allow the users of the Men’s Shed to work closely with the other 17 sport and social clubs that currently operate out of the Clem Jones Centre site.
I am absolutely committed to improving educational outcomes for the Chatsworth electorate. I am proud of this Labor government’s education reform program which has included the introduction of prep, the funding of kindergarten programs in long day care centres, a commitment to building new kindergartens and upgrading and modernising our schools. In fact, this budget continues the government’s commitment to education. I was recently very pleased to open the newly refurbished Tingalpa State School. The school has undergone a total transformation thanks to $6.7 million funded under the State Schools of Tomorrow program.
This budget continues the work with $1.1 million to build a kindergarten at Gumdale State School. Gumdale is a rapidly growing area in my electorate. This kindergarten will be a welcome addition for the many families moving into the area. I am also happy to have been able to obtain $50,000 in funding for the Mayfield State School to provide shading to complement the fantastic new hall and library built as part of the federal government’s BER program.
This budget also contains $35,000 for five separate maintenance projects at Belmont; $7,000 for an important project at Carina State School; as well as $15,000 for set-down facilities at St Martin’s Catholic Primary School as part of a $50,000 program which will increase the safety of students using that school. There is $18,000 for the construction of pedestrian crossings and facilities at Carina State School. While this is great news, I know that there is always more to do. I am aware of the concerns of parents regarding the rapid growth of Gumdale State School. I can assure the residents of that area that I am working hard to ensure that Education Queensland plans for this growth and we deliver the infrastructure when needed.
This government has led a revolution in early childhood education. This budget continues that process. The new kindergarten at Gumdale and $1.2 million for the recently completed improvements at the C&K kindy at Carina State School which, has doubled in size, has added increased kindergarten capacity in the Chatsworth area. However, many families with both parents working need to use long-day- care facilities which is why this government has developed a program of delivering structured kindergarten programs in long-day-care centres. This budget has allocated $67,000 to the ABC Developmental Learning Centre in Carindale; $38,000 for the King of the Castle Childcare, Kindergarten and Preschool; $31,000 for Kindy Kapers Early Learning Centre at Wakerley; and $56,000 for Carina Heights Child Care and Development. I congratulate each of these centres for developing and recently being accredited to run kindergarten programs. This will get our children off to a flying start.
This budget also provides the funding to commence the transition of year 7 to high school. This is another important part of this government’s commitment to improving education outcomes for Queensland children and families. I am constantly amazed by the great work being done in our schools, the commitment of our teachers and staff and I will continue to work hard to support all the schools in my electorate.
I am also pleased that this budget has recognised the need to provide some relief from cost-of-living increases, particularly for those on low or fixed incomes. I have been lobbying hard to have cost-of-living pressures recognised. I am happy that we are boosting the pensioners local government rate subsidy by 11 per cent to $200 per annum. There is also an increase in the pensioners and seniors electricity subsidy to $230 and an increase in the pensioners water subsidy to $120. This government will also remove the ambulance levy which will remove $113 per year from every household electricity bill. This government has also capped water increase charges which will save another $120,000 a year. The budget also allocates an extra $60 million to extend the ClimateSmart Home Service which can deliver savings of up to $480 per annum. I encourage every resident in the Chatsworth electorate to take advantage of this fantastic program.
I am delighted that after many years of seeing funding for the new Carina Police Station in the budget papers, I can now announce that work has commenced on the site. The site has been levelled and workers are on site. I look forward to seeing the opening of the new station later in the year.
I know that there are many builders and tradies living in the Chatsworth electorate. I am very happy with the $140 million Queensland Building Boost program. This program will provide $10,000 to anyone who signs a contract to build a house from 1 August until February 2012. When people buy or sell an existing home there are very few people who directly benefit from that transaction. However, by encouraging people to build new homes—up to 14,000 of them throughout the state—we will be creating jobs for thousands of people who work in the construction industry. This means more jobs and more training places for our school leavers through traineeships and apprenticeships. This program means that first home buyers will now be eligible for up to $17,000 upfront when they sign a contract for a new home. Added to the removal of stamp duty and mortgage duty from homes under $500,000, this is a great boost to young people trying to break into the housing market.
At a state level, this budget delivers a $15 billion capital works program that will support 93,000 jobs building roads, schools, kindergartens, police, fire and ambulance stations; a $11.7 billion Health budget building hospitals across the state and providing doctors, nurses and medical services; $10.3 billion in Education to continue the education revolution that has been happening throughout Queensland; and $104.5 million to help more than 24,000 Queensland job seekers into work with the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
This budget aims to balance many competing interests in a complex economic environment. Building for the future comes with a cost, but not building will eventually cost us more. It balances the need to manage government borrowing with a need to deliver services and build infrastructure to ensure Queensland is ready for the challenges of the future.
I listened very carefully to the budget reply by the member for Clayfield to see whether the LNP understands the challenges that face governments as they work through these competing interests. The speech demonstrated that the opposition has failed to grasp the difficult choices that must be made when in government. The former mayor this morning said that he would like to be in a position to not have to have payroll tax. I am sure we all would. However, that would remove 31 per cent of the state’s total taxation revenue, a total of $3.26 billion, from the budget. It sounds good in theory, but it means one of two things: increasing the debt or reducing services. The $3.2 billion is nearly the total cost of the police and emergency services in Queensland.
The great revelation from the shadow Treasurer’s speech today is that it will freeze tariff 11 while leaving the price of other tariffs to the QCA. Once again it sounds great in theory, but does not actually deliver anything. The cost of building the network has not changed so all that will happen is that the cost of the other tariffs will rise to cover the costs or money will need to be taken from elsewhere in the budget. Earlier today we found where that money might be taken from. It will be taken from money allocated for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. I notice that the member for Kawana is on the speaking list later on. I look forward to him guaranteeing on the record tonight that the LNP will not steal any of the money and will commit the full $2.07 billion that has been allocated by this government for the hospital.
Over the last two years I have listened to the LNP making statements about the need to build more and then saying the government needs to cut spending. There is no free way to build infrastructure, but it is important that it is built. The opposition promises to cut expenditure and yet day after day it makes promises that cost more. It complains about a blow-out to bureaucracy, but then says it will not cut the Public Service. It will repay debt but not sell assets or cut expenditure. The public can see straight through this charade. I call on the opposition today to stop trying to please everyone, do the hard work that is required, make some tough decisions and produce some costed policies so that the people of my electorate can see what it really stands for and make an informed choice.
No-one likes paying tax. Most of us would prefer not to have debt. But sometimes debt is necessary to build future prosperity. Families borrow money to build or buy homes. Businesses borrow money to develop and expand. The Queensland government has borrowed money to build for the future.
I believe that the people of Queensland understand that we have an obligation to build for the future, to continue to improve the delivery of government services, to provide more support for people with a disability, to provide the best educational outcomes that we can, to build hospitals to cater for our ageing population, to continue to improve our road network and public transport infrastructure, to assist communities affected by natural disasters, to build a resilient community and to continue to develop world- leading police and emergency services, whilst protecting the environment. That is what governments should do and it is exactly what we are doing.
The government debt repayments are approximately nine per cent of revenue. I am sure that most of the people in my electorate pay far more than nine per cent of their income on their mortgage, so this level of debt is not unmanageable and the infrastructure that will be provided by it is crucial for our future prosperity. I am proud to represent the people of Chatsworth in this government and I will continue to work hard to achieve outcomes for my community. I commend this bill to the House.
Mr KILBURN (Chatsworth—ALP) (9.18 pm): I rise today to speak in support of the Appropriation Bill and in particular to talk about issues that directly affect the Chatsworth electorate. In bringing down this budget, the Treasurer has needed to balance a number of difficult and complex financial issues. We are all aware of the massive personal and financial costs that the summer of disasters inflicted upon the state of Queensland. Although the residents of my electorate were not directly affected by floodwater, the financial costs of these floods and Cyclone Yasi will need to be borne by all Queenslanders.
The rebuilding of our state is expected to cost the Queensland government $1.8 billion out of a total cost of $6.7 billion. However, this commitment to rebuilding our schools, parks, roads and rail networks, supporting small business and primary producers and not-for-profit organisations is only one side of the financial equation. On top of this cost and massive outlay there has also been a reduction in revenue caused by the disruption that the disasters caused to the mining and general business community.
The amount of GST allocation from the federal government for this year is the same as it was in 2007. We all know that since then costs have increased significantly. Increased costs with reduced incomes means that hard decisions and choices need to be made. I am pleased that this government did not take the easy way out and cut services and building programs, but instead continued our program of rebuilding and renewal. I am pleased that this budget contains $50,000 for a Men’s Shed at the Clem Jones Centre at Carina. I have been lobbying very hard for this funding. I strongly believe in the Men’s Shed concept. For many years local residents George Hickey and Mal Wier have been running a Men’s Shed under their own home. The popularity of this Men’s Shed has meant it has quickly outgrown the space available. This new facility will be a perfect fit with the Clem Jones Centre and will allow the users of the Men’s Shed to work closely with the other 17 sport and social clubs that currently operate out of the Clem Jones Centre site.
I am absolutely committed to improving educational outcomes for the Chatsworth electorate. I am proud of this Labor government’s education reform program which has included the introduction of prep, the funding of kindergarten programs in long day care centres, a commitment to building new kindergartens and upgrading and modernising our schools. In fact, this budget continues the government’s commitment to education. I was recently very pleased to open the newly refurbished Tingalpa State School. The school has undergone a total transformation thanks to $6.7 million funded under the State Schools of Tomorrow program.
This budget continues the work with $1.1 million to build a kindergarten at Gumdale State School. Gumdale is a rapidly growing area in my electorate. This kindergarten will be a welcome addition for the many families moving into the area. I am also happy to have been able to obtain $50,000 in funding for the Mayfield State School to provide shading to complement the fantastic new hall and library built as part of the federal government’s BER program.
This budget also contains $35,000 for five separate maintenance projects at Belmont; $7,000 for an important project at Carina State School; as well as $15,000 for set-down facilities at St Martin’s Catholic Primary School as part of a $50,000 program which will increase the safety of students using that school. There is $18,000 for the construction of pedestrian crossings and facilities at Carina State School. While this is great news, I know that there is always more to do. I am aware of the concerns of parents regarding the rapid growth of Gumdale State School. I can assure the residents of that area that I am working hard to ensure that Education Queensland plans for this growth and we deliver the infrastructure when needed.
This government has led a revolution in early childhood education. This budget continues that process. The new kindergarten at Gumdale and $1.2 million for the recently completed improvements at the C&K kindy at Carina State School which, has doubled in size, has added increased kindergarten capacity in the Chatsworth area. However, many families with both parents working need to use long-day- care facilities which is why this government has developed a program of delivering structured kindergarten programs in long-day-care centres. This budget has allocated $67,000 to the ABC Developmental Learning Centre in Carindale; $38,000 for the King of the Castle Childcare, Kindergarten and Preschool; $31,000 for Kindy Kapers Early Learning Centre at Wakerley; and $56,000 for Carina Heights Child Care and Development. I congratulate each of these centres for developing and recently being accredited to run kindergarten programs. This will get our children off to a flying start.
This budget also provides the funding to commence the transition of year 7 to high school. This is another important part of this government’s commitment to improving education outcomes for Queensland children and families. I am constantly amazed by the great work being done in our schools, the commitment of our teachers and staff and I will continue to work hard to support all the schools in my electorate.
I am also pleased that this budget has recognised the need to provide some relief from cost-of-living increases, particularly for those on low or fixed incomes. I have been lobbying hard to have cost-of-living pressures recognised. I am happy that we are boosting the pensioners local government rate subsidy by 11 per cent to $200 per annum. There is also an increase in the pensioners and seniors electricity subsidy to $230 and an increase in the pensioners water subsidy to $120. This government will also remove the ambulance levy which will remove $113 per year from every household electricity bill. This government has also capped water increase charges which will save another $120,000 a year. The budget also allocates an extra $60 million to extend the ClimateSmart Home Service which can deliver savings of up to $480 per annum. I encourage every resident in the Chatsworth electorate to take advantage of this fantastic program.
I am delighted that after many years of seeing funding for the new Carina Police Station in the budget papers, I can now announce that work has commenced on the site. The site has been levelled and workers are on site. I look forward to seeing the opening of the new station later in the year.
I know that there are many builders and tradies living in the Chatsworth electorate. I am very happy with the $140 million Queensland Building Boost program. This program will provide $10,000 to anyone who signs a contract to build a house from 1 August until February 2012. When people buy or sell an existing home there are very few people who directly benefit from that transaction. However, by encouraging people to build new homes—up to 14,000 of them throughout the state—we will be creating jobs for thousands of people who work in the construction industry. This means more jobs and more training places for our school leavers through traineeships and apprenticeships. This program means that first home buyers will now be eligible for up to $17,000 upfront when they sign a contract for a new home. Added to the removal of stamp duty and mortgage duty from homes under $500,000, this is a great boost to young people trying to break into the housing market.
At a state level, this budget delivers a $15 billion capital works program that will support 93,000 jobs building roads, schools, kindergartens, police, fire and ambulance stations; a $11.7 billion Health budget building hospitals across the state and providing doctors, nurses and medical services; $10.3 billion in Education to continue the education revolution that has been happening throughout Queensland; and $104.5 million to help more than 24,000 Queensland job seekers into work with the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
This budget aims to balance many competing interests in a complex economic environment. Building for the future comes with a cost, but not building will eventually cost us more. It balances the need to manage government borrowing with a need to deliver services and build infrastructure to ensure Queensland is ready for the challenges of the future.
I listened very carefully to the budget reply by the member for Clayfield to see whether the LNP understands the challenges that face governments as they work through these competing interests. The speech demonstrated that the opposition has failed to grasp the difficult choices that must be made when in government. The former mayor this morning said that he would like to be in a position to not have to have payroll tax. I am sure we all would. However, that would remove 31 per cent of the state’s total taxation revenue, a total of $3.26 billion, from the budget. It sounds good in theory, but it means one of two things: increasing the debt or reducing services. The $3.2 billion is nearly the total cost of the police and emergency services in Queensland.
The great revelation from the shadow Treasurer’s speech today is that it will freeze tariff 11 while leaving the price of other tariffs to the QCA. Once again it sounds great in theory, but does not actually deliver anything. The cost of building the network has not changed so all that will happen is that the cost of the other tariffs will rise to cover the costs or money will need to be taken from elsewhere in the budget. Earlier today we found where that money might be taken from. It will be taken from money allocated for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. I notice that the member for Kawana is on the speaking list later on. I look forward to him guaranteeing on the record tonight that the LNP will not steal any of the money and will commit the full $2.07 billion that has been allocated by this government for the hospital.
Over the last two years I have listened to the LNP making statements about the need to build more and then saying the government needs to cut spending. There is no free way to build infrastructure, but it is important that it is built. The opposition promises to cut expenditure and yet day after day it makes promises that cost more. It complains about a blow-out to bureaucracy, but then says it will not cut the Public Service. It will repay debt but not sell assets or cut expenditure. The public can see straight through this charade. I call on the opposition today to stop trying to please everyone, do the hard work that is required, make some tough decisions and produce some costed policies so that the people of my electorate can see what it really stands for and make an informed choice.
No-one likes paying tax. Most of us would prefer not to have debt. But sometimes debt is necessary to build future prosperity. Families borrow money to build or buy homes. Businesses borrow money to develop and expand. The Queensland government has borrowed money to build for the future.
I believe that the people of Queensland understand that we have an obligation to build for the future, to continue to improve the delivery of government services, to provide more support for people with a disability, to provide the best educational outcomes that we can, to build hospitals to cater for our ageing population, to continue to improve our road network and public transport infrastructure, to assist communities affected by natural disasters, to build a resilient community and to continue to develop world- leading police and emergency services, whilst protecting the environment. That is what governments should do and it is exactly what we are doing.
The government debt repayments are approximately nine per cent of revenue. I am sure that most of the people in my electorate pay far more than nine per cent of their income on their mortgage, so this level of debt is not unmanageable and the infrastructure that will be provided by it is crucial for our future prosperity. I am proud to represent the people of Chatsworth in this government and I will continue to work hard to achieve outcomes for my community. I commend this bill to the House.
Click on the images below to enlarge the Budget 2011-12 Highlights
December 2010
Dear Chatsworth Resident
It has been 20 months since I was elected to represent you and I have been working hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for you and our community.
My top priority is always to attend to the needs of local constituents and my office is extremely busy providing information to residents, supporting not-for-profit organisations and dealing with the numerous requests for assistance that we receive each day from individuals, families, groups and organisations. I have regularly been out meeting as many people as possible at mobile offices, numerous events, meetings and public forums. I am eager to continue meeting and talking with as many people as possible, so if you would like to discuss an issue with me or wish to have a meeting please ring my office on 3398 4777 to make a convenient time.
Representing the Chatsworth community in Parliament is another important part of my role as your M.P. I am a member of the Parliamentary Law, Justice and Safety Committee that delivered the report into Alcohol Fuelled Violence as well as a number of other reports. I make many speeches in Parliament about local issues such as public transport, local schools, sports, the environment, seniors issues and the numerous great and notable things being done by local residents and community groups. I have also made a number of speeches debating government Bills. All of these speeches can be viewed via my website.
A great deal has been achieved in the 20 months since the last election; however, the job is by no means complete as I continue to work on issues to arrive at positive outcomes. The Carina Police Station tender has been released and will close on the 19th January 2011. I am expecting an announcement of the successful contractor by the end of January. The Gateway Upgrade project has been completed with both bridges now open providing 12 lanes across the river. This project has significantly improved travel to the Airport and I will continue to lobby for improved noise barriers for residents along the Gateway.
I have been working closely with local schools and I was able to negotiate with Carina Leagues Club to donate $2,000.00 to Mayfield, Carina, Whites Hill, St Martins and Belmont schools to enable students to develop sustainable gardens. I successfully lobbied the Government to obtain $850,000 to upgrade science laboratories at Whites Hill State College and worked hard to get significant maintenance work at Camp Hill SS. I am working closely with the Education Department and Gumdale State School Principal to plan for future enrolment growth whilst maintaining adequate outdoor play areas. San Sisto College has recently received $600,000 for new classrooms, Tingalpa State School has been rebuilt and refurbished as part of the State Schools of Tomorrow program and all schools are benefiting from either a new hall or library. I ensured that funding was delivered to commence Kindergarten programs at four long day care centres as well as $1.2 million to double the size of the C&K Kindergarten at Carina State School. I have invited representatives from each school P&C to Parliament early next year to develop relationships that will assist with delivering improvements to all schools in the electorate. I am very committed to working with students, teachers, staff and P&Cs to deliver the best possible outcomes for our schools and our young people.
I have supported many grant applications for local sporting groups, which has led to significant improvements to sporting facilities as well as providing three coordinators' positions to assist various sports groups throughout the electorate. Upgrades of sporting and competition facilities at the Sleeman Sporting Complex and the Clem Jones Centre have created world-class facilities for locals and visiting sportspeople alike from both within Australia and internationally.
I have sponsored many community events and groups including Meals on Wheels, Carina Senior Citizens, Belmont School/Salvation Army Carols, Camp Hill Fit for Kids, Carina Juniors Rugby League and Lawn Bowls tournaments and many others. I work closely with the South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues relevant to small/medium enterprises and have partnered with a number of local businesses to conduct regular fund raising events throughout the year. Some of the recipients of my fundraising include Scouts, Kindergartens, Damini Women’s Group, Senior Citizens, B4C, Meals on Wheels and various other education, ethnic and sporting groups.
I have been working with local catchment and landcare groups to protect important wildlife corridors in the Carindale area and I have lobbied the relevant Ministers to ensure that we protect our unique natural bushland and wildlife as we cater for the increased population in the south east.
The South East Busway to Mains Street Coorparoo will soon be complete improving the commute into the city. I have successfully lobbied for extra bus services and Go Card sales and top up facilities throughout the electorate. I will continue to press for improved services particularly in the Wakerley/ Gumdale area. I have requested that Translink urgently improve connections between Gumdale, Wakerley and Belmont to the Carindale Interchange and the Sleeman Centre Park & Ride and this process will be diligently followed up.
I have been speaking to Government Ministers about cost of living pressures, particularly for Seniors, and have been holding forums throughout the electorate to provide information about the range of Government rebates and assistance for struggling households. The new combined Seniors/Go Card provides significant benefits such as free travel on public transport after the first 2 trips on any day. If you would like more information on Government programs that may be able to assist you please contact my office, look at links on my website or look at the Every Dollar Counts website at: http://www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/community/concessions/
The Chatsworth electorate covers the suburbs of Camp Hill, Carina, Carina Heights, Carindale, Belmont, Chandler, Gumdale, Wakerley, Tingalpa, Ransome and Capalaba West. I would love to hear from you if you would like to discuss any issues with me or if you need any assistance with State Government issues and services. My website contains all the latest news and information around the Chatsworth electorat and I hope that you will continue to visit it regularly in the coming year.
I have enjoyed representing you throughout 2010 and I look forward to working for you in 2011.
Kind regards
STEVE KILBURN MP
State Member for Chatsworth
Dear Chatsworth Resident
It has been 20 months since I was elected to represent you and I have been working hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for you and our community.
My top priority is always to attend to the needs of local constituents and my office is extremely busy providing information to residents, supporting not-for-profit organisations and dealing with the numerous requests for assistance that we receive each day from individuals, families, groups and organisations. I have regularly been out meeting as many people as possible at mobile offices, numerous events, meetings and public forums. I am eager to continue meeting and talking with as many people as possible, so if you would like to discuss an issue with me or wish to have a meeting please ring my office on 3398 4777 to make a convenient time.
Representing the Chatsworth community in Parliament is another important part of my role as your M.P. I am a member of the Parliamentary Law, Justice and Safety Committee that delivered the report into Alcohol Fuelled Violence as well as a number of other reports. I make many speeches in Parliament about local issues such as public transport, local schools, sports, the environment, seniors issues and the numerous great and notable things being done by local residents and community groups. I have also made a number of speeches debating government Bills. All of these speeches can be viewed via my website.
A great deal has been achieved in the 20 months since the last election; however, the job is by no means complete as I continue to work on issues to arrive at positive outcomes. The Carina Police Station tender has been released and will close on the 19th January 2011. I am expecting an announcement of the successful contractor by the end of January. The Gateway Upgrade project has been completed with both bridges now open providing 12 lanes across the river. This project has significantly improved travel to the Airport and I will continue to lobby for improved noise barriers for residents along the Gateway.
I have been working closely with local schools and I was able to negotiate with Carina Leagues Club to donate $2,000.00 to Mayfield, Carina, Whites Hill, St Martins and Belmont schools to enable students to develop sustainable gardens. I successfully lobbied the Government to obtain $850,000 to upgrade science laboratories at Whites Hill State College and worked hard to get significant maintenance work at Camp Hill SS. I am working closely with the Education Department and Gumdale State School Principal to plan for future enrolment growth whilst maintaining adequate outdoor play areas. San Sisto College has recently received $600,000 for new classrooms, Tingalpa State School has been rebuilt and refurbished as part of the State Schools of Tomorrow program and all schools are benefiting from either a new hall or library. I ensured that funding was delivered to commence Kindergarten programs at four long day care centres as well as $1.2 million to double the size of the C&K Kindergarten at Carina State School. I have invited representatives from each school P&C to Parliament early next year to develop relationships that will assist with delivering improvements to all schools in the electorate. I am very committed to working with students, teachers, staff and P&Cs to deliver the best possible outcomes for our schools and our young people.
I have supported many grant applications for local sporting groups, which has led to significant improvements to sporting facilities as well as providing three coordinators' positions to assist various sports groups throughout the electorate. Upgrades of sporting and competition facilities at the Sleeman Sporting Complex and the Clem Jones Centre have created world-class facilities for locals and visiting sportspeople alike from both within Australia and internationally.
I have sponsored many community events and groups including Meals on Wheels, Carina Senior Citizens, Belmont School/Salvation Army Carols, Camp Hill Fit for Kids, Carina Juniors Rugby League and Lawn Bowls tournaments and many others. I work closely with the South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues relevant to small/medium enterprises and have partnered with a number of local businesses to conduct regular fund raising events throughout the year. Some of the recipients of my fundraising include Scouts, Kindergartens, Damini Women’s Group, Senior Citizens, B4C, Meals on Wheels and various other education, ethnic and sporting groups.
I have been working with local catchment and landcare groups to protect important wildlife corridors in the Carindale area and I have lobbied the relevant Ministers to ensure that we protect our unique natural bushland and wildlife as we cater for the increased population in the south east.
The South East Busway to Mains Street Coorparoo will soon be complete improving the commute into the city. I have successfully lobbied for extra bus services and Go Card sales and top up facilities throughout the electorate. I will continue to press for improved services particularly in the Wakerley/ Gumdale area. I have requested that Translink urgently improve connections between Gumdale, Wakerley and Belmont to the Carindale Interchange and the Sleeman Centre Park & Ride and this process will be diligently followed up.
I have been speaking to Government Ministers about cost of living pressures, particularly for Seniors, and have been holding forums throughout the electorate to provide information about the range of Government rebates and assistance for struggling households. The new combined Seniors/Go Card provides significant benefits such as free travel on public transport after the first 2 trips on any day. If you would like more information on Government programs that may be able to assist you please contact my office, look at links on my website or look at the Every Dollar Counts website at: http://www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/community/concessions/
The Chatsworth electorate covers the suburbs of Camp Hill, Carina, Carina Heights, Carindale, Belmont, Chandler, Gumdale, Wakerley, Tingalpa, Ransome and Capalaba West. I would love to hear from you if you would like to discuss any issues with me or if you need any assistance with State Government issues and services. My website contains all the latest news and information around the Chatsworth electorat and I hope that you will continue to visit it regularly in the coming year.
I have enjoyed representing you throughout 2010 and I look forward to working for you in 2011.
Kind regards
STEVE KILBURN MP
State Member for Chatsworth
QUEENSLAND LABOR WEBSITE:
QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT WEBSITE:
Follow me on facebook: Steve Kilburn
Follow me on Twitter: @SteveKilburn
Authorised by Steve Kilburn
Unit 1, Millennium Business Centre, Millennium Blvd, Carindale Q 4152