29/08/2016
Betterment funding to upgrade Gundiah floodway.
The Coalition Government is improving access to Gundiah in times of flood, Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien confirmed today, with $740,000 allocated to upgrade Netherby Road, south of Gundiah. 

“A new eight-metre-wide floodway will offer increased protection from future natural disasters, improving access and allowing emergency services to respond to calls for help,” Mr O’Brien said. 

Netherby Road, also known as Old Gympie Road, connects the communities of Gundiah and Tiaro, south-west of Maryborough in the Fraser Coast region. 

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25/08/2016
New roundabout to open at Cooroy Southern Interchange on the Bruce Highway.
A new roundabout at the intersection of Myall Street and Nandroya Road, which forms part of the upgrade to the Cooroy to Curra Southern Interchange is now open.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the new roundabout was a major milestone in the delivery of the $490 million Bruce Highway, Cooroy to Curra – Section A project.

“This roundabout is a vital component of the Cooroy southern interchange upgrade, which will meet capacity and efficiency demands for long-term road freight and transport needs in the region,” Mr Chester said.

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22/08/2016

Wide Bay’s sporting champions recognised by Llew O’Brien

Wide Bay has many young people with great sporting abilities, Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien said today.

“I’m pleased to congratulate 18 sporting champions in Wide Bay who have been awarded $500 each from the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champions program,” Mr O’Brien said.

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22/08/2016
Coalition Government extends mobile phone coverage. 
The Wide Bay communities of Widgee, Kin Kin and Woolooga are benefitting from the Liberal Nationals Government investment through the Mobile Black Spots Programme to extend the mobile phone network, Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien said today.

“These communities have long fought for mobile phone coverage and I’m pleased to announce the Coalition Government has heard their call and is helping them to connect to the mobile network,” Mr O’Brien said. 

The Coalition’s Mobile Black Spot Programme supports the extension of the mobile phone network to areas where it has not been commercially viable for telecommunication operators to make those investments. 

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22/08/2016
National Broadband Network rolling out in Bells Bridge.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today said premises in Bells Bridge will soon have access to faster and more reliable nbn internet access. 

“Superfast nbn broadband is on its way to Bells Bridge, opening up a range of new opportunities for business, students, and local residents,” Mr O’Brien said. 

There are approximately 130 premises that will gain access to the nbn from the Fixed Wireless site at Bells Bridge. The nbn has advised final network designs have been completed and residents will soon see nbn subcontractors connecting the area with new high-speed broadband. 

“High-speed broadband enables more opportunities for commerce and people to connect, and the nbn will provide the platform to deliver new economic and social benefits to residents in Bells Bridge,” Mr O’Brien said.

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04/08/2016
National Broadband Network rolling out in Tuchekoi, Maaroom, and Aldershot.
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today said premises in the Fraser Coast communities of Maaroom and Aldershot, and the Mary Valley community of Tuchekoi will soon have access to faster and more reliable nbn internet access. 

“Superfast nbn broadband is on its way to Tuchekoi, Maaroom, and Aldershot, opening up a range of new opportunities for business, students, and local residents,” Mr O’Brien said.

There are approximately 800 premises that will gain access to the nbn from Fixed Wireless sites at Tuchekoi (100 premises), Maaroom (200 premises), and Aldershot (500 premises). The nbn has advised final network designs have been completed and residents will soon see nbn subcontractors connecting the area with new high-speed broadband. 

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04/08/2016
Still plenty of time to have your say in Census 2016.
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien has reassured local residents that there is still plenty of time for them to receive either a paper Census form, or a letter containing a Census login, to enable them to participate in the 2016 Census. 

“The 2016 Census takes place on Tuesday night, August 9, and is conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS),” Mr O’Brien said.

“Many people have contacted my office seeking information about the Census and have expressed concern that they have not yet received a letter containing a login to lodge their Census form online, or a paper Census form. 

“The ABS advise it is currently issuing letters and paper Census forms to all households and that the majority of Australians actually complete their form after Census night. 

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