On Air – 7.30am, Wednesday, 20 January 2021
What’s in store for 2021?
- 2021 is a new year, and as a nation we will move into a new phase.
- 2020 was a tough year for everybody.
- Last year saw the creation of several programs to support people through the worst of it.
- Prior to 2020, there was no Jobkeeper, Jobmaker, no 50% apprentice wage subsidy, no HomeBuilder Grant
- In 2021, the Morrison Government moves to a new effort in rebuilding our economy.
- The next phase we hope will getting back to some true sense of normality, allowing us to gather as we previously did.
- Beyond our Economic Recovery, we still have many issues to address this year.
- Improving our region’s water security, building on Toowoomba Region’s reputation as a regional capital and a hub for health, education and professional services.
- As a Region, we also are preparing for the next major infrastructure in our region – Inland Rail.
About Garth Hamilton MP
- 2021 is also a year, when our Region will learn more about my priorities.
- One thing they will learn is that I like building
- My first job was as a concretor, pushing a wheelbarrow.
- I paid my way through University working for my Dad, a builder.
- I became a Mining Engineer and travelled the world building.
- I bring this to my career as a local member.
- Australian miners operate under the world’s best Quality, safety and environmental standards whilst still presenting a highly profitable investment option.
- In part this is due to our readiness to champion new technologies and push the development of future technologies.
- Prior to entering politics I led research in the mining industry with a Cooperative Research Centre, CRC ORE.
- The new technologies that have been advanced by that organisation have been enthusiastically supported by the industry with companies such as Hatch and Orica committing to commercialise research undertaken there.
- Big miners such as BHP Billiton, Newcrest and Anglo American have partnered with CRC ORE because they know that these Australian technologies have the power to reduce both water and energy consumption thus reducing the cost and the carbon footprint of their operations.
- This is an example of government accelerating the process of technology uptake by bringing together researchers with end users in an environment that demands performance and cost efficiency.
- We cannot underestimate the role that technology will play in addressing the future challenges faced by industry and households alike.
- I will be looking at every opportunity to put in place the infrastructure that helps the growth of our region.
- I bring to the parliament a keen interest in foreign policy
- that has grown during my time overseas, in countries aligned to our values and not.
- I view Australia, more and more, as having a significant role to play in the world.
- We are a western nation in all but geography and our future success lies not in becoming more politically akin to our neighbours but in continuing to provide them with a unique proposition.
Stronger Communities
- I am encouraging community groups to update their details through my office, and express their interest in the Stronger Communities Programme.
- Eligible community groups in the Groom electorate are being urged to apply for a share in $150,000 of Australian Government funding, under the latest round of the popular Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).
- The Liberal National Government would provide funding to support up to 20 local community groups, with projects such as extensions of existing buildings, air-conditioning, kitchen upgrades, new equipment, vehicles and trailers.
- Grants would range from $2,500 to $20,000 and he called on local groups to get in touch with his office to obtain an Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
- Time and time again community groups here in group prove themselves to be the beating heart of the region.
- “In flood, fire, drought our community groups rise to the occasion and support those in need with a tough time or in advocating for a better region, from the SES and RFS to QCWA Rotary.
- It has been a tough couple of years for community organisations. The SCP is about invigorating communities and supporting our local economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- These grants will put funding toward vital community infrastructure projects that will enable people to come together after a year of being apart and build a more vibrant Groom.
- This special round, grant funding will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs except for local government bodies, where grant funding will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
- Under Round 6 of the Stronger Communities Programme, each federal electorate has received $150,000 to allocate towards successful projects, as part of a $22.65 million investment nationwide. For guidelines and additional information, see: www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme.
Building Better Regions
- I’m urging Council and the community to apply for funding from the Morrison Governments fifth round of the Building Better Regions Fund which is now open.
- This is another example of the Liberal National Governments support for regional Australia and communities such as Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
- I look forward to working with the Toowoomba Regional Council, community groups and other eligible entities on prospective projects.
- The BBRF provides an opportunity to drive economic growth, build stronger regions and in this particular round, improve regional tourism infrastructure to support the growth of that industry into the future.
- This round will see local communities share in $200 million.
- Releasing the program guidelines last December meant prospective applicants could begin preparing their submissions.
- The Australian Government is now welcoming those submissions, ready to support community investments such as local events and strategic regional plans as well as infrastructure projects which will provide lasting benefits to regional and remote areas.
- This round will see $100 million for tourism-related infrastructure, while maintaining $100 million for broader community infrastructure.
- Applications are now open and can be submitted through the online portal at www.business.gov.au/bbrf.
- If potential applicants have any questions regarding eligibility or the delivery of the program, they can contact the AusIndustry Business Grants Hub on 13 28 46 to discuss their individual circumstances.
- Prospective applicants are also encouraged to contact their local Regional Development Australia (RDA) committee to discuss their application. More information including contact details for your local RDA can be found at www.rda.gov.au.
- Applications close on 5 March 2021, with successful applicants expected to be announced in mid-2021.
Upgraded Driver Reviver sites
- Owners of Driver Reviver locations across the nation can now apply for a share of $7.3 million in Australian Government funding to upgrade their lifesaving rest sites and deliver new sites.
- Driver Reviver sites are critical places for drivers and road users to pull over, stop and have much-needed break, particularly on long journeys in regional areas.
- The impacts of road crashes are permanent, and they are gut-wrenching, that is why it is critical we keep road safety front of mind and Driver Reviver does just that.
- I call on Driver Reviver site owners and potential operators to come forward, check out the guidelines for Round 2 of the Driver Reviver Upgrade Program and make an application, this funding will allow those long awaited upgrades and the installation of new equipment to become a reality.
- Rural road crashes account for more than 65% of the Australian road toll and the rate of serious road-related injury among residents in rural areas is nearly twice that of those in major cities.
- We know Toowoomba City and the greater region is a key link for freight and passenger vehicles, linking major capitals and regional centres – Toowoomba is where the Gore Highway, Warrego Highway and New England Highway meet.
- Driver fatigue had been identified as one of the ‘Fatal Five’ road safety factors that contribute to road trauma, being a factor in up to 30 per cent of all deaths and severe injuries on our roads.
- Driver Reviver sites are critical in tackling driver fatigue to make our roads safer, which is why I am proud to be part of a Government that continues to invest in the program
- We have now committed a total of $8 million under the Driver Reviver Upgrade Program and $1.2 million is already out the door through the Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund.
- Round 2 of the Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program is a targeted competitive grant round with applications closing 25 February 2021.
- Further information, including application guidelines and submissions, is available at www.grants.gov.au.
- For more information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au
Harvest Trail Services expanded
- The Morrison Government is encouraging Australians to take up seasonal work opportunities in regional areas, as part of a collaboration trial to support the horticulture industry.
- The Harvest Trail Services, which have been expanded into 16 regions, will help ensure growers in major horticulture areas have access to the workers they need to get the crop from paddock to plate.
- The $1 million funding boost to the Harvest Trail Services Industry Collaboration Trial will support five organisations.
- This trial is about supporting industry to meet their employment demands, to develop new ways to encourage Australians to take up opportunities in the horticulture sector.
- The funding opportunities range from pre-employment projects, mentoring, training, development of videos, engagement with school leavers, and social media campaigns.
- From 1 November 2020, relocation assistance is available to people who relocate to harvest and regional areas to take up short-term agricultural work, including Australians who are not receiving income support and those with the right to work in Australia.
- Those relocating to take up short-term agricultural work may be eligible to receive up to $6,000 if they are an Australian worker; or $2,000 if they are visa holders with general work rights in Australia, not restricted to an employer or a type of work.
- The trial will test-run different ways to promote harvest work to Australian job seekers.
- As part of Harvest Trail Services, we have provided additional funds to a number of growers groups for them to develop innovative approaches to promote new opportunities in the horticulture sector.
- The organisations selected are:
- Fruit Growers Victoria Limited
- Northern Territory Farmers Association Incorporated
- GrowCom
- Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Cooperative Limited
- AUSVEG Limited.
- More details on the Harvest Trail can be found at https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest
- For more information about Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job visit: https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest/workers/relocation-assistance
