Media Releases

Wide Bay school-leavers can apply now for a scholarship worth up to $18,000 to support their tertiary education in 2022.

Two Wide Bay beaches have been named in the top 20 Australian beaches for 2022, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien welcoming the announcement.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed a $5.4 million Liberals and Nationals Government investment in projects to improve price and market transparency in Perishable Agricultural Goods (PAG) supply chains.

A $20 million investment by the Federal Government, matched dollar for dollar by state and territory governments, will help farmers to manage and eradicate problematic pests and weeds.

On Australia Day this year, it’s time to focus on unity, freedom, and bringing our communities back together.

Bruce Highway motorists will benefit from safer and faster travel at Tinana with the completion of new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie and Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today met with cane growers in Maryborough to discuss federal assistance to help Wide Bay-Burnett primary producers get back on their feet following the devastating floods.

Extraordinary assistance grants of up to $50,000 are now available for primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations affected by the recent floods in the Wide Bay-Burnett region to help communities get back on their feet.

The Liberal and Nationals Government’s Cultural, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism program provides community museums, galleries and historical societies with grants of up to $3,000 to help them grow cultural tourism and preserve Australia’s heritage.

Major upgrades to the Sunshine Butterflies disability support facility will be supported by a $135,000 funding injection from the Federal Government, paving the way for more locals to use the service.

Noosa Arts and Crafts Association will receive a digital boost, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $5,000 grant for new technology.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging local show societies to apply for a share of $21 million through round two of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.

More Wide Bay residents in the South Burnett and Cherbourg who have been hit hard by the current flooding can now apply for financial support from the Liberal and Nationals Government.

Personal Hardship Assistance is now available to support residents of 13 localities within the Fraser Coast and Gympie Regional Council areas, including Maryborough, impacted by the devastating heavy rainfall and flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth from 7 – 10 January 2022.

A range of disaster assistance measures are now available in the Fraser Coast, Gympie, South Burnett and Cherbourg council areas, following the devastating heavy rainfall and flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth from 7 – 10 January 2022.

From Tuesday January 11, 2022, eligible Queenslanders in Gympie, the Fraser Coast and Bundaberg local government areas impacted by the current flooding event can apply for special financial support from the Australian Government.

The Liberal and Nationals Government has committed $1.5 million to fund an extension to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, expanding access to end of life and palliative care services for people in Noosa and on the Sunshine Coast.

Christmas is a very special time of year when family and friends gather to reflect on the year that was and plan for the year ahead.

Councils within Wide Bay can now apply for a share of $150 million for upgrades to unsealed roads with applications open for the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging local organisations to apply for grants of up to $150,000 for projects to support the wellbeing and mental health of veterans.

As Australia’s arts and entertainment sector continues to recover from COVID-19, Gympie Music Muster will go from strength to strength with a $1 million grant through the Morrison Government’s $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

A concept design for the Tiaro Bypass has now been completed, which shows how a new four-lane section of the Bruce Highway east of Tiaro could look.

The Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in the future of Wide Bay with a further $250 million in funding available under the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Works start today to improve safety along a three-kilometre section of the Bruce Highway at Gootchie, including upgrades to three intersections.

Community groups in Gympie, the Cooloola Coast and Mary Valley will share in grants of $33,618 as Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien recognises the valuable work of Wide Bay’s volunteers.

GP practices in Gympie and Maryborough will have more options for hiring and a larger pool of doctors to recruit from, following changes to the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification system.

Bridge piling has now started on the last of the three new interchanges as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Cooroy to Curra, Section D (C2CD) project.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed a parliamentary inquiry that will put big tech under the microscope as it examines toxic material on social media platforms and the dangers this poses to the well-being of Australians.

Up to $20 million is available for innovative research that addresses priority knowledge gaps in soil health and soil management as a part of the ‘Soil Science Challenge’.

Applications are now open for a further $50 million for priority flood mitigation infrastructure projects across the country, and Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging Wide Bay councils to apply.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed strong action by the Liberal and Nationals Government to shut down scam text messages and block them at their source.

From 1 December 2021, people in Wide Bay with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) will have access to a new treatment option on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) – cutting the cost of life-saving drug Venclexta from more than $88,000 per course to as low as $6.60.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging local organisations to apply for grants for suicide prevention projects, to help reduce Australia’s suicide rate towards zero.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed a $22.4 million investment by the Liberal and National Government over five years to establish a Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed the Liberal and National Government’s world-leading reforms to help protect Australians and business owners from online trolls

Wide Bay local governments have received a share of $4.7 million to deliver services and infrastructure, through the Liberal and National Government’s Financial Assistance Grants program.

Wide Bay local governments have received a share of $4.7 million to deliver services and infrastructure, through the Liberal and National Government’s Financial Assistance Grants program.

Noosa’s precious native flora and fauna will be supported to recover from the Black Summer bushfires, with Noosa & District Landcare Group to receive $165,768 for three priority projects.

A $60,000 federal grant for displays will bring Murgon’s fossil museum a step closer to completion.

A new Optus tower at Cootharaba will boost connectivity for 642 homes and businesses, supporting increased demand during peak tourism season and improving essential communications when natural disasters strike.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed new figures that show the highest number of Australians in trade apprentices on record.

New funding will support tertiary students moving to the Wide Bay area for study, through the Australian Government’s Destination Australia program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is urging local councils, community organisations and not-for-profit groups to get their projects lined up now for the $150 million first round of the Preparing Australian Communities Program – Local ahead of the opening of applications on December 10.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging local schools, community groups and workplaces to celebrate International Day of People with Disability on 3 December this year.

A new 10-year plan will bring better care and support for people living with all forms of diabetes.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed changes to Australia’s cervical screening tests that make sample collection less invasive and more convenient for women.

Wide Bay councils will soon get their share of $1 billion flowing to local governments nationwide to improve local road networks and deliver priority community infrastructure projects.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives 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 Thursday, November 11.

Gympie and Murgon RSL Sub-Branches will share more than $17,000 through the Coalition Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program to further support local veterans and their families.

Works have started on a safety upgrade for the Bunya Highway and Silverleaf Road intersection at Murgon.

The National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse (2021-2030) announced today, will provide vital protection and support for Australia’s young people.

Students from regional areas who started university this year could still apply for a scholarship worth up to $18,000.

The Liberal and Nationals Government is now providing people in violent relationships access to support of up to $5,000 to help them establish a life free of violence.

The spotlight is on Gympie’s future growth, with a $51,622 Building Better Regions Fund grant for additional lighting at Gympie Showgrounds.

Community safety in Gympie will receive a boost, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing $500,000 to deliver more than 100 CCTV cameras.

The growing community of Kia Ora will benefit from a new toilet and shower block at Kia Ora Pony Club, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $35,000 grant for the project.

A new shower and toilet block at Goomeri Showgrounds will create local jobs and provide an amenities facility that can be used by the community and visitors for decades to come with $93,500 through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

The railway museum at Murgon Men’s Shed will be a step closer to completion with $33,000 for a steel shed through the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

The first major upgrade to the main jetty at Kingfisher Bay on K’gari (Fraser Island) since it was built in 1989 will improve access to the island for locals and boost employment and tourism opportunities.

A new LED lighting system will help slash electricity bills, creating a brighter future for Poona’s community hall, with funding through the Powering Communities Program. 

A $50,000 Morrison Government investment will help identify new opportunities for job creation and economic growth in key Noosa locations.

Fans of the fast-growing sport pickleball will soon enjoy Australia’s first all-weather dedicated pickleball courts at Noosa, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $248,900 grant towards the project.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today welcomed the approval of funding for 18 local road and infrastructure upgrade projects, supporting jobs for 175 contractors and 75 council staff.

Maryborough’s Brolga Theatre is now more accessible during popular events, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien officially opening its $780,000 car park upgrade.

Farmers in Queensland’s Burnett-Mary region can now apply for the Australian Government’s $22.3 million Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot.

Construction has kicked off on upgrades to improve the safety along the Wide Bay Highway.

Works are wrapping up on a major safety improvement at the intersection of the Bruce and Wide Bay highways.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed expanded support to help apprentices finish their training, through the $716 million Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program.

A federal grant will give Pomona and District Community House a new lease on life, and another grant will help Cooroy’s Uniforms 4 Kids turn worn-out uniforms into beautiful clothes for disadvantaged children.

A new UHF repeater will help keep Double Island Point locals and visitors in touch with vital services and improve communication on the popular stretch of beach.

Two restored carriages will be lifted into place to form a railway display at the Murgon Men’s Shed, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $15,000 grant for the project.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today announced a $1 million road safety boost to fix three black spots in Maryborough and Gympie.

Tewantin Noosa Bowls Club will receive a bright new upgrade, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $10,000 grant through the Stronger Communities Programme.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging Wide Bay individuals and organisations to apply for a share of $13 million for activities to assist farmers and land managers improve their understanding and management of their soil.

Friday 3 September 2021 marks 120 years since the Australian National Flag was first officially flown at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building in 1901, and it’s an important milestone to acknowledge as we reflect on the importance of our foremost national emblem.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Llew O’Brien has welcomed a new exceptional circumstances review process for the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification system.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging school leavers and people starting new careers to consider apprenticeships, with record funding available for trainee programs.

The largest crane on the east coast of Australia will be used to lift 48 massive concrete bridge girders into place for a new bridge on the Bruce Highway over Tin Can Bay Road, as part of the $1 billion Cooroy to Curra Section D Gympie bypass project.

The Australian Government is investing $6.64 million in new projects to make the Wide Bay Highway, Tin Can Bay Road, and Kin Kin Road safer.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging manufacturers in Wide Bay to apply for a share of $800 million in federal funding for major job-creating projects.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging drivers on the Bruce Highway to be alert to changed traffic conditions as part of the $1 billion Cooroy to Curra Section D Gympie bypass.

Saturday, August 7 2021, marks Aged Care Employee Day, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien paying tribute to the extraordinary contribution of aged care employees across Wide Bay.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today congratulated 43 Wide Bay sports stars who will receive grants to help them participate in state and national competitions.
 

Students at 17 Wide Bay schools are enjoying new equipment and resources through the Coalition Government’s $30.2 million Local Schools Community Fund.

Flood Road at East Deep Creek will be temporarily closed to traffic as construction progresses on the $1 billion Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra Section D upgrade.

The number of car parks at the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre in Maryborough will almost double to 237 spaces, with a $780,000 upgrade through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Wide Bay residents whose hours of work have been impacted by the current coronavirus lockdown in Noosa and other declared Queensland LGAs will be able to claim COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

An extra 13 aged care bed allocations will help Gympie seniors receive care while staying a part of their community, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce has joined Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart to mark completion of Noosa Heads’ Langura Street upgrade, which will improve safety and traffic access through this high traffic area.

Work is ramping up to deliver a $103 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway near Aldershot, with two new bridges to be built at Saltwater Creek and Deadmans Gully.