#FactCheck – water costs need a closer look
Joel Richters, Labor’s candidate for Southern Downs, wants to set the record straight on water prices in the local community.
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Lister and Littleproud are playing games with community over drought
The state government is spending record amounts on drought relief in Queensland… $74 million over the next four years according to this years’ budget. (more…)
Premier visits the Southern Downs
When the Premier visited the Southern Downs and Granite Belt on Thursday the hot topics were water supply and drought. (more…)
What’s after Emu Swamp?
Water security or better described as insecurity is shaping up to be the most difficult challenge that we may face this century. (more…)
Emu Swamp Dam gets kick started
The Palaszczuk Labor Government have announced $13.6 million to kick start Emu Swamp Dam which is fantastic news for the farmers on the Granite Belt.
This announcement has been anticipated after federal Labor announced they would match the federal contributions during the last election.
This announcement has been possible because of the advocacy of organisations such as Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce and Granite Belt Water.
I would like to specifically acknowledge Stephen Tancred and Amanda Harrold, whom I have met with numerous times over the last 18 months to discuss the way forward for the project.
Six weeks ago, I wrote to the Premier discussing the water crisis that is occurring on the Granite Belt and across Southern Downs. I have called for a water security summit to be held involving all levels of government to address the emergent lack of urban water for our towns.
People right across the region are doing it tough. Whether it be the need to hand feed stock, watch their crops die or seeing businesses close. Despite these difficulties the community remains determined to survive and everyone is doing their best to reduce water usage.
The Palaszczuk Labor Government have contributed $950,000 to Southern Downs Regional Council already to investigate and improve existing water infrastructure, including groundwater bores and recycled water for industrial use.
I look forward to seeing the first stages of construction taking place on Emu Swamp Dam and the local jobs that it will bring.
Council’s need to broadcast their meetings
With advances in technology we are missing an opportunity to better engage with local government, and I am advocating for their meetings to be recorded via video and broadcasted live. (more…)
Public money should never be used to sway opinion
Southern Downs Regional Council recently announced that it would engage a consultant to review the proposed de-amalgamation business case by the Granite Belt Community Association (GBCA). (more…)
Everyone enjoys a little theatre
Spy Glass is a creative production of the Stanthorpe Little Theatre Company which showcases an intertwined theatrical show of poetry and music. (more…)
Harrisia needs roadside management
Farmers are desperate to get some help with the eradication of Harrisia cactus which has invaded their land. Yet no help seems to be headed their way. (more…)
Dam open day raises questions about camping
The Inglewood community has celebrated 50 years since the opening of Coolmunda Dam which is located 13 km east of the town and provides water to the town and surrounding farming district. (more…)