Petition to help protect lives of cyclists
Friday, 10 May 2013 08:55
The recent trial of a truck driver who had been accused of causing the death of a cyclist on busy Moggill Road highlighted the dangers when cyclists and motorists travel close to each other when overtaking.
I am therefore pleased to sponsor an e-petition calling for motorists to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between their vehicle and a cyclist whilst overtaking.
The petition allows for an exception within 30 metres of an intersection.
The lead petitioner is David Sharp. David is, like me, a keen cyclist himself and is Director of Safe Cycling Australia. David provided the wording for the petition and I am happy to support it.
As worded on the petition, such a measure will strengthen current laws with respect to cyclists. This proposal, by providing clear boundaries, will better serve the interests of motorists and cyclists alike.
The death of young cyclist and talented musician Richard Pollett was a tragedy and we should do everything possible to ensure all road users are able to share the roads as safely as possible.”
Current regulations specify that overtaking vehicles must overtake at a sufficient distance to avoid a collision, but it is easy to underestimate what a safe distance is when overtaking a bicycle."
Specifying a minimum distance would provide greater certainty and a margin of safety for both cyclists and motorists.
You can sign the petition at the Queensland Parliament website by clicking here.
The closing date for the petition is 28 October 2013.
Queensland signs up to NDIS
Wednesday, 08 May 2013 16:36
When I talked to people about the NDIS last year, I mentioned the saying that the measure of a society is how it cares for its most vulnerable.
So I am delighted that today Queensland has signed an agreement with the Commonwealth Government committing Queensland to the National Disability Scheme.
This is very good news for people living with a disability as well as their families and carers.
When the former Labor Government left office, we inherited the lowest disability spend per capita of any State in Australia.
The Newman government has been determined to ensure that Queenslanders with a disability get the support and assistance they deserve.
This is why last year the State Government announced an extra $868 million in funding for disability services. This laid the foundation for today’s agreement.
The scheme will revolutionise the way services and care are accessed and will see the largest ever boost to disability funding in Queensland.
It is one of the biggest single increases in disability funding this country has ever seen.
The NDIS will provide all eligible Queenslanders with access to a scheme that guarantees lifetime coverage for the costs of reasonable and necessary disability care and support.
No major changes for Moggill bus services
Wednesday, 24 April 2013 07:58
The Brisbane City Council has now released its bus review for public consultation, and the good news for Moggill residents is that there are no major changes proposed for local bus services.
I am particularly pleased to see the 444 and 443 services will not be changed after fighting so hard to see them retained.
The main change for our area appears to be the 435, the Upper Brookfield section of which the Council proposes to replace with a Personalised Public Transport (PPT) service between Upper Brookfield and Kenmore Village. The operating times for this PPT will be announced after community consultation. They propose that services which currently finish at Upper Brookfield will instead terminate at Kailua St.
Importantly, the 435 will continue to service Brookfield Village as it currently does.
You can view the all of the proposed changes online at the Council's website by clicking here.
Council's bus network review is now open for public consultation and residents have until Monday 20 May 2013 to submit feedback.
The Council will then consider all community responses before submitting the review to the State Government on 1st of June.
Bellbowrie Police Beat welcomes new officer
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 17:33
Senior Constable Leesa Richardson is well-known to many residents particularly in Bellbowrie, Moggill and surrounding areas. As Officer in Charge of Bellbowrie Police Beat, Leesa has been a fixture in the community for the past few years.
Many of us were distressed to hear that Leesa was leaving Bellbowrie but wish her well as she takes on a new role in Western Queensland.
The Bellbowrie Police Beat has been an important part of our community since it opened in 2007 and its role has become even more important as the area has developed and new businesses such as the tavern have opened up. I have made strong representation to the Police Minister that this service should in no way be downgraded.
I am pleased that a new police officer has already taken up duty to replace Leesa and the Bellbowrie Police Beat is still open for business.
Welcome to Senior Constable Lachlan Scott-Preimonas who started policing duties at the Bellbowrie Police Beat this week. Lachlan lives in the Bellbowrie Police Beat area and is very keen to take up this role. He has worked within the Indooroopilly Division since 2008 and has some experience already at the Bellbowrie Police Beat having relieved there on some occasions when Leesa has been on leave.
The telephone contacts for the beat office will remain the same. The Police Beat office can be contacted on 3202 7355 or mobile 0428 983 877.
Pinjarra Hills ambulance station
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 11:03
Last month I attended the official opening of the new ambulance station at Vyner Street, Pinjarra Hills and I thought people might appreciate knowing a bit more about this facility
In the first month of operation, Pinjarra Hills paramedics responded to more than 150 cases in the area.
One third of these cases were classified as life-threatening emergencies.
The building has provision for four ambulance vehicles, a clinical practice area, a fully equipped kitchen and day room for paramedics.
The current ambulance fleet consists of two Mercedes Sprinter ambulances and the station is staffed by an officer-in-charge and four full-time paramedics.
The service is also closely supported by the dedicated people of the Bellbowrie First Responder Group.
As Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Russell Bowles said at the opening ceremony, the worth of an ambulance station was not in the building itself but is measured by the skill and commitment of those who work beneath its roof.
Whilst the location for this station was not my ideal choice, the local community can rest assured that in their time of need, they will be receiving the finest quality service from ambulance personnel, responding from one of Queensland’s newest stations.
I am confident that this station will meet the needs of the community and deliver nothing short of the best in terms of efficient response.
There is no doubt from the high number of cases already attended that these paramedics will remain very busy in the months and years to come.
Bruce Flegg and Minister for Police and Community Safety Hon Jack Dempsey opening the Pinjarra Hills Ambulance Station
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