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Subscriber only Community groups across the Hinkler electorate will be supported by a new Coalition Government program to lower energy costs and support local jobs. Hinkler MP Keith Pitt said the Powering Communities Program will fund up to 12 projects worth a total of $67,700 in the electorate. Grants of between $5,000 and $12,000 will be available to eligible community organisations, with no co-contribution required, he said. The grant will assist groups to lower their energy bills by installing solar panels or a battery, upgrading air conditioners, hot water systems or a refrigerator with more efficient models, replacing lighting with LEDs or conducting an energy audit.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey has joined the state government in calling on the commonwealth to commit to the Bundaberg East Flood Levee. It comes as the business case for the levee has been completed and presented to the state government. However, Hinkler MP Keith Pitt says the Deputy Prime Minister s department had not yet received the report. Cr Dempsey said council was grateful the funds had been committed by the state government, but it was time for the feds to get on board by matching what was on the table. Please think of the thousands of people this impacts on a daily basis and give them peace of mind, he said.
A number of roads across Hinkler will soon be safer with more than $3m committed to road safety upgrades throughout the electorate under the Road Safety Program. The Australian Government has approved $225m for Queensland under tranche one of the $2b Road Safety Program, joining a further $64.6m to be provided by the Queensland Government. Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the $3.18 million investment would make road conditions safer for motorists and provide more local jobs. Road accidents place a major burden on our region. It impacts on our emergency services, it impacts our daily travel, and most importantly, it has an incredible impact on friends and families, Mr Pitt said.