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Subscriber only Two community leaders from across the political aisle have demanded action to fix skyrocketing rents in Mackay Whitsundays as affordable housing dwindles. This week, Labor candidate for Dawson Shane Hamilton and Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm put forward their ideas on what is needed to solve the region s housing crisis. Mr Hamilton spruiked Labor leader Anthony Albanese s promised $130m for crisis housing for women escaping domestic violence and veterans who have hit hard times, delivered from a $10bn social housing fund, if the party wins the next election. The centrepiece of Labor s plan is a $10bn Housing Australia Future Fund .
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Despite a âMelbourne Cup fieldâ of hopeful politicians putting their hands up to replace George Christensen, the Dawson MP says it could take âmonthsâ before a new LNP candidate is selected.
Mr Christensen said he was personally aware of several people who intended to nominate as the partyâs pick for the seat of Dawson in the federal election.
He said nominations were still open for others to come forward.
âI suspect, as in most cases, nominations are opened to see who comes forward,â the Dawson MP said.
âThey will then go through a vetting process by the party headquarters.
She said the crime had impacted her family financially and emotionally.
âThereâs so many consequences from these crimes,â she said.
âFor us, itâs immeasurable. The material things can be replaced, but that loss of productivity within the business â the psychological effects on our children.
âIm paranoid now. Iâd never leave the house without my handbag.
âWeâve got deadbolts on all the doors now.â Mackay business owner Kylee Stanton.
Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm said the state governmentâs new youth justice reforms, which passed through parliament last week, did not go far enough.
âI have been receiving a number of calls and letters across the electorate from people who arenât feeling safe in their homes, who are frustrated that this legislation does not go far enough,â Ms Camm said.
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There are no plans for a new primary school in the Northern Beaches or a new high school in Airlie Beach-Cannonvale, despite data showing both are needed in the future.
Queensland Schools Planning Reference Committee mapping conducted in June last year found one new primary school may be required between 2021 and 2031 in the Northern Beaches.
It also found a further primary school may be required between 2031 and 2041 for the Northern Beaches and one new high school may be needed between 2021 and 2031 in Airlie Beach-Cannonvale.
Despite this, in a response to a question on notice from Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm, Education Minister Grace Grace said there were “no plans for a new primary school in Blacks Beach or a new high school in Cannonvale at this time”.