Bree's Barron River Bulletin

 

 

 

 

Queensland Ambulance Services' $31.9 Million New Build

It was great to welcome the Health Minister, Tim Nicholls MP, to Cairns to share some very exciting news for our region. Construction is now underway on a brand-new $31.9 million Queensland Ambulance Service Triple Zero (000) Operations Centre and Regional Office in Cairns. 

 

This purpose-built facility will support the highly skilled Emergency Call Takers and Emergency Medical Dispatchers who answer some of the most urgent calls for help in our community. Located on Anderson Street in Manunda, the new Operations Centre is expected to be operational in early 2028.

 

This must-needed investment was promised under the former government back in 2017 but was not delivered, the project stalled several times. I know how much this new build means to our first responders and I am so pleased we are delivering it and construction is now underway. This essential infrastructure is on top of the one-billion-dollar investment into our region we announced and started work on last month. Far North Queensland deserves this investment into our health system, we have been ignored for a very long time. Our government will continue to deliver key health infrastructure to our region. 

Boost to Buy Round 2 Opens Today

It was wonderful to catch up with first homeowner Jonathon and his children, Darcy and Harlo who were able to purchase their Redlynch home under the first round of Boost 2 Buy.

 

Jono and his partner Alana have been long term renters, and hard workers, but raising two children, paying high rent, and trying to save 20% for a deposit for a home would have taken them another decade. Only having to save a 2% deposit and having the government invest in a shared equity to cover the other 18% has meant this family and many others in Queensland can buy their own home. We finally have a government incentive that is for the hard working forgotten Queenslanders like Alana and Jono. 

 

The Boost to Buy scheme helps first home buyers earning less than $150,000 (single) and $225,000 (partnered), get into the market with as little as a 2% deposit. For a new property valued at $750,000, an approved applicant could receive an equity contribution of up to $225,000. The applicant's contribution would be a minimum of just $15,000. 

 

Round Two opens at 9am Tuesday 31 March, offering another 500 places, half reserved for regional Queenslanders. Together with additional measures like the extended First Home Owner Grant and Stamp Duty relief, we’re making home ownership more achievable across the state. Find out more here. 

 

 Congratulations Jono and thank you for letting us be part of your special milestone. 

 

It was great to join Local and Federal Government representatives as well as my colleague Terry James MP and Sports Minister Tim Mander MP to reveal the design of the Barlow Park upgrade. 

 

This mega upgrade will provide Cairns with a brand-new grandstand increasing seating capacity from 1,700 to 5,000, improved player facilities and amenities, enhanced accessibility throughout the venue and upgraded equipment for athletes. 

 

It is designed with tropical Cairns in mind and will ensure we are front and centre on the Green and Gold runway and for decades to come. Early works expected to begin soon after the footy season. 

 

I've teamed up with Member for Mulgrave, Terry James MP to celebrate the amazing mums in Far North Queensland. Enter to go in the draw to win a $300 Crystalbrook Collection gift voucher to use on accommodation or at one of their day spas or restaurants, as well as a gift hamper with some extra goodies to spoil mum with.

 

 

Sporting Shout Out

 

This month Freshwater Tennis Club OFFICIALLY named Court 1 and Court 3 after two of their most influential Club Life Members. Congratulations to former long term club president Barrie Lindsay and long-term life member, Ron Gallo. 

 

 

Fuel continues to be a growing concern for our residents, tourism operators, small businesses and farmers. This is something I spoke about in Parliament last week. 

 

Following a meeting of state and federal leaders on Monday, leaders have agreed to cut the fuel excise in half in a move which will save motorists 26 cents a litre for three months. I want to thank our government and the Federal government for taking action.  

 

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office if you require anything. 

 

Until next month,