Media Releases

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today that four community groups in Murgon received funding from the Australian Government’s 2023-24 Volunteer Grant Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today that the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard at Tin Can Bay has received $2,000 from the Australian Government’s Volunteer Grant Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging everyone in Wide Bay to honour those who have served our nation, by wearing a poppy and paying their respects at 11am on Remembrance Day, this Monday, November 11.

The Albanese Labor Government has snubbed Queensland’s defence industry in a blow to local Maryborough jobs and manufacturing.

Queensland had their say at the polls on Saturday, ushering in a new era and a new government focused on a fresh start and bringing accountability and transparency back to state politics.

In April 2018 I joined with former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack MP, the Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt, the Editor of the Gympie Times Shelley Strachan, and my good mate and former Queensland Police Service Forensic Crash Investigator Steve Webb in Gympie to commit $800 million to the 26km Gympie bypass that today is now open to traffic.

The updated 2024 guide to the Age Pension, including payment rates, assets tests and conditions, is now available from the office of the Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien visited community groups in Gympie and the Mary Valley today to congratulate them on obtaining an Australian Government Volunteer Grant.

Community groups in Maryborough have received funding from the Australian Government to purchase equipment and provide support for their volunteers, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Several volunteer groups in the Noosa region have been awarded funding from the Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants Program, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Several not-for-profit sporting, service, and community groups in Maryborough have been awarded funding from the Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants Program, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

In preparation for the opening of the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Cooroy to Curra, Section D (Gympie bypass) later this year, night works will be undertaken at both the northern and southern ends of the existing Bruce Highway, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has advised today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging all Australians to fly the Australian Flag high with pride on Australian National Flag Day on Tuesday 3 September 2024.

The Gympie and Murgon RSL Sub-Branches have received funding from the Australian Government to support regional veterans and their families.

Night works will be undertaken on the Bruce Highway on Sunday 30 June 2024, as construction continues to progress the completion of the $1 billion Gympie Bypass, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has advised today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has highlighted the fact that the drivers most at risk of a motor vehicle crash are those who are in their first 6 to 12 months behind the wheel, making 17 to 24 year olds one of the most at risk groups on the road.

The Gympie Pistol Club has received a $3,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Volunteers Grants Program for the purchase of a rider mower to support the venue maintenance work done by their volunteers, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Farmers and families have rallied against Labor’s secretive plans for the Borumba Pumped Hydro project, with fears it will destroy prime agricultural land, pristine rainforest and animal habitat in the Kilkivan area.

Work on the Gympie bypass (Cooroy to Curra Section D) is approaching completion with the Department of Transport and Main Roads giving the project an expected opening date of late 2024.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Australian farmers to fight Labor’s fresh food tax, which will hurt families and farmers amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Twenty-two volunteer organisations across Wide Bay will receive a cash boost in May to support the vital role they play in our communities.

The cost of living will surge, and groceries will become even more expensive as a result of Labor’s fresh food tax, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien warned today.

As work continues to progress on the Cooroy to Curra Section D (Gympie Bypass) project, night construction will take place at Kybong along the current highway, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has advised.

April 25 is a day of reflection for Australia.

It is a day when we pause to remember the fallen and to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of our first ANZACS, and of every man and woman who has worn the uniform and served our nation.

The looming shutdown of the 3G mobile network has raised concerns about potential impacts on access to Triple Zero and emergency services, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is taking part in a new fitness challenge next month, when four of the Sunshine Coast’s MP’s will be battling it out to reach 1 MILLION MOVES over 21 days.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien congratulated local sporting stars who will receive grants to support their participation in state, national, and international competitions.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said it was clear that Queensland needed a change of State Government if we want to see real action on the four lane Tiaro bypass.

Labor’s proposed legislation for a new fresh food tax has been introduced in Parliament, in a move that will increase the cost of living and hurt families and farmers in Wide Bay.

More than 45,000 people in Wide Bay will benefit from a boost to their social security payments from 20 March, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien advised today.

Tucked away behind the Maryborough War Memorial, a small monument commemorates the service of the Nashos, the 314,000 young Australians who were called up for compulsory military service between 1951 and 1972.

Motorists on the Bruce Highway may experience detours and minor delays in March with night works scheduled to take place to progress the construction of the $1 billion Gympie bypass, known as Section D.

Borumba Pumped Hydro and its associated transmission lines pose a threat to communities, private property, vulnerable and endangered species, natural habitat, and vegetation in Wide Bay.

The Albanese Government’s decision to scrap the Bridges Renewal Program will have a direct and devastating impact on the safety, economic growth, and prosperity of the Wide Bay electorate.

On the 26th of January 2024 we mark Australia Day, a day where we acknowledge our country’s past, recognise our achievements, and look forward to the future.

As construction on the new Gympie interchange progresses, finishing works are scheduled for Gympie Connection Road between 13 and 18 January 2024.

As 2023 draws to a close I wish everyone a safe and joyous festive season with family and friends.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien today congratulated local sports stars who will receive grants to help them participate in state, national, and international competitions.

The Rainbow Beach Community Information and Resource Association and the Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed have received funding from the Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants program to support the efforts of their volunteers and make their work easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Community and service groups in the South Burnett in receipt of funding from the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities and Volunteer Grants Programs were presented with certificates by Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien recently.

Community and service groups, and a local primary school in Gympie have received funding from the Federal Government to purchase equipment and provide support for their volunteers.

Community, sporting, and service groups from Noosa in receipt of funding from the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities and Volunteer Grants Programs, were presented with certificates by Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien recently.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging everyone in Wide Bay to honour those who have served our nation, by wearing a poppy and paying their respects at 11am on Remembrance Day, this Saturday, November 11.

Maryborough Airport’s significant contribution to Australia’s World War II efforts has been highlighted by the creation of 24 memorial panels dedicated to the 569 men who trained at the RAAF Station Maryborough, and then lost their lives in the service of their country during World War II.

The Australian Red Cross in Maryborough has received a $1,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants program to provide first aid and CPR training for their volunteers.

The Australian Volunteer Coastguard at Boonooroo has received two Australian Government grants to upgrade their base building and to maintain and repair their rescue vehicle.

The dedicated volunteers at Riding for the Disabled have received funding support from the Australian Government’s 2022-23 Volunteer Grants Program, enabling them to offset some of the costs incurred in their work supporting people with a disability.

Soccer players in Tinana have new aluminium goalposts on the main field at their home ground on Gympie Road, thanks to a $2,995 grant from Round 8 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

The residents of Glenwood will have access to lifesaving defibrillators at three different locations in their rural community thanks to a $12,000 grant from Round 8 of the former Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, has released a School Leavers’ Guide for year 12 students as they prepare for life after high school.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging Vietnam veterans to apply for the Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration that acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Over the last month Wide Bay’s Community Survey 2023 has been distributed to letterboxes throughout the electorate as a way for residents to let Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien know their views on a range of policy issues that come before the Australian Parliament.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has advised there will be further works in progress during September and October as the Gympie bypass (Section D) edges closer to its proposed completion date of late 2024.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien today congratulated local sports stars who will receive grants to help them participate in state and national competitions.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien is inviting all local residents to participate in a big survey being distributed to all households in the Federal electorate of Wide Bay from this weekend.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging all Australians to fly the Australian Flag high with pride on Australian National Flag Day on Sunday 3 September 2023.

Construction is progressing on the Cooroy to Curra, Section D (Gympie bypass) project, and work on the Curra interchange is underway to connect the new four lane Bruce Highway with the existing two lanes at Curra.

Maryborough’s rich aviation history has been given a boost thanks to two Federal Government grants, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Federal Member for wide Bay Llew O’Brien has congratulated John Barounis on his selection as the LNP candidate for the state seat of Maryborough.

Farmers have rallied against reckless renewables outside Queensland Parliament House, urging Labor to rethink its plans to destroy prime agricultural land and pristine rainforest and animal habitat throughout Queensland.

Australia is a diverse country that welcomes people of all faiths, and Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging local groups to apply for funding to ensure people can practise their beliefs free from violence and discrimination.

Labor’s planned misinformation laws should not be imposed on residents in Wide Bay or on any Australian.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is inviting local volunteer groups to apply for funding from this year’s Australian Government Volunteer Grants Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today announced the Australian Government will fund a $1.5 million extension to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice at Doonan to improve access to end of life and palliative care services for people in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

Community organisations and councils in Wide Bay are being encouraged to apply for grants to build and improve community infrastructure to enhance the liveability of our community.

The recent announcement that the Petrie Gardens aged care facility at Tiaro will close on 1 August 2023 has come as a shock to the Fraser Coast community.

As work progresses on the $1 billion Gympie Bypass, two new 85 metre concrete bridges will be constructed to carry the realignment of the Bruce Highway over Randwick Road at East Deep Creek.

Pomona Meals On Wheels has been awarded $5,000 under the latest round of Volunteer Grants funding, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has announced today.

The Cooroora Historical Society will safeguard the Noosa Museum’s extensive collection of photographs, documents and artifacts, thanks to a $3,700 grant from Round 8 of the Stronger Communities Program, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Improvements to the Pomona Rotunda War Memorial will bring renewed emphasis to the war time service and sacrifice of local men and women, with the installation of a memorial seat and plaque funded by the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

Australian Defence Force personnel and first responders suffering from PTSD will benefit from a $3,000 grant to a local charity that supports the rescue, rehoming, and training of unwanted dogs, Llew O’Brien, Federal Member for Wide Bay announced today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is inviting defence force veterans who served overseas in Australia’s Defence Forces from the Second World War on, and those who served on the home front during the Second World War, to apply for a Certificate of Appreciation from the Australian Government.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is advising that as the $1 billion Gympie bypass progresses, there will be further night works to deliver and install the concrete girders required to construct two new 100 metre two lane bridges over Upper Curra Creek, and a 60 metre bridge to carry Bradys Road over the new highway.

As works continue on the $1 billion Gympie bypass, Gympie Connection Road will be closed in two stages to allow further construction of the new Gympie interchange.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the State and Federal Labor Government’s secret cancellation of an $18 million grant for a water storage project in Maryborough will reduce agricultural production and turn off investment.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien today congratulated local sports stars who will receive grants to help them participate in state and national competitions.

The Albanese Labor Government’s first full year Budget breaks its election promise to deliver a better future for all Australians.

Motorists on the Bruce Highway may experience detours and minor delays in May with night works scheduled to take place to progress the construction of the $1 billion Gympie bypass.

As we pause today on the 25th of April to remember the fallen, I encourage everyone to reflect on the sacrifices made by our first Anzacs, and the courage of Australia’s service personnel who have served in the defence of our nation, and in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions around the globe.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging telecommunication companies to extend mobile phone coverage and improve communication networks in Wide Bay through the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

In a media release on 14 March the Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey claimed that the four lane Tiaro bypass is on track all because a design study has started – but in the eyes of our Wide Bay community, this vital project is already woefully behind.

More than 45,000 people in Wide Bay will benefit from a boost to their social security payments from 20 March, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien advised today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is inviting defence force veterans who served overseas in Australia’s Defence Forces from the Second World War on, and those who served on the home front during the Second World War, to apply for a Certificate of Appreciation from the Australian Government.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is calling on eligible organisations to submit Expressions of Interest for Round 8 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

There will be more nightworks on the $1 billion Gympie bypass during February while the construction of two new bridges takes place.

The Queensland and Federal Labor Governments have finally confirmed that the much needed four lane Tiaro bypass will not be prioritised and the timeline has slipped further, with an Australian Government report confirming that more than half of the Australian Government’s $268.8 million contribution to the project’s total $336 million budget will not be spent until at least 2026-27 or beyond.

Local councils throughout Wide Bay are still waiting on the Albanese Labor Government to release their funding allocations under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien today congratulated local sports stars who will receive grants to help them participate in state and national competitions.

On the 26th of January 2023 we mark Australia Day, a day where we acknowledge our country’s past, recognise our achievements, and look forward to the future.

As works continue on the $1 billion Gympie bypass, temporary road closures and detours will be in place at two bridge sites in 2023.