Media Releases

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.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging organisations in the local government areas of Noosa, Gympie, Fraser Coast and South Burnett to consider applying for a share of $280 million for projects to assist in bushfire recovery.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has secured a new $4 million investment to upgrade headspace Gympie to a full-service centre, increasing staff and tripling the number of available appointments every month. 

A vision to put Maryborough on the international map as a centre of defence manufacturing excellence has reached a major milestone.

More students throughout Queensland will have the opportunity to become budding film directors, with Noosa Film Academy to receive $298,445 for a series of school workshops, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging organisations in the local government areas of Noosa, Gympie, Fraser Coast and South Burnett to consider applying for a share of $280 million for projects to assist in bushfire recovery.

Divine Dunnies, a quirky and uniquely Maryborough attraction planned for Maryborough’s City Hall toilet block is one step closer to being realised with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing new federal funding for the project.

A new fence at the Maryborough Bears Australian Football Club will help ensure the safety of younger players and local wildlife, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $10,000 grant for the project.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien will today unveil a new memorial at Glenwood to honour Australians who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

NAIDOC Week 2021 events are underway around Wide Bay, and organisations in Gympie, Cooroy and Maryborough have received federal funding to help celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, rich history and culture.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today officially opened the new Murgon RSL Drop-In Centre, delivering on his 2019 election commitment.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging local organisations and councils to apply for a share of $30 million in funding for community safety initiatives.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has urged the State Government to fast-track the design for a four-lane Tiaro bypass, after Queensland Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it won’t be done until the end of next year.

Wide Bay’s aviation history resources will reach new heights, with federal funding to purchase a DH82 Tiger Moth for the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.

New technology will help support the wellbeing of Maryborough men, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing funding for Maryborough Men’s Shed today.

Competitors and spectators at Maryborough Speedway will be able to enjoy motorsports from a safe, shaded location with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $15,000 grant for the Maryborough Sporting Cars Club.

As part of Men’s Health Week, 14-20 June, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging Men’s Sheds across Wide Bay to apply for funding as part of the newest round of the National Men’s Shed Development Programme (NDSP).

The Australian Government has announced up to a further $183 million towards the construction of a four-lane bypass of Tiaro on the Bruce Highway, which takes its total commitment to $268.8 million.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging people to show their appreciation for emergency services on Thank A First Responder Day – Wednesday 9 June 2021.

About 500 Noosa rugby players will be able to grow stronger skills with new training gear thanks to a $9,552 federal government grant.

Gympie Medical Transport will be able to take more clients to important medical appointments after receiving funding to purchase a third vehicle through the Stronger Communities Programme.

The Morrison Government is supporting the mental, social and physical wellbeing of Gympie men, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a grant for the Gympie Men’s Shed.

Wide Bay will remember the service and sacrifice of our Australian Defence Force personnel through two grants from the Morrison Government’s Saluting Their Service commemorative grants program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging local organisations and councils to apply for a share of $30 million in funding for community safety initiatives.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging all people in Wide Bay to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures during National Reconciliation Week 2021 from Thursday, 27 May.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today congratulated 24 local sports stars who will receive grants to help them participate in state and national competitions.

Work is about to start on the second major construction contract for the $1 billion Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra Section D upgrade.

The Covid-19 pandemic hit the arts and entertainment industry and hospitality venues hard, so an $18,000 grant to support live music at the Tewantin Noosa RSL.

A new Industry Training Hub is now open in Maryborough, connecting local senior secondary students with local employment and training opportunities.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said while there are many big numbers in the 2021-22 Budget for big spending programs designed to achieve big outcomes, the test will be is what difference is made on the ground.

Wide Bay communities still recovering from the Black Summer bushfires will soon have a fresh opportunity to apply for funding.

Wide Bay communities hit by major disasters, drought and other hazards will be supported by a new national agency dedicated to coordinating locally-led recovery and driving efforts to reduce the impacts of future large-scale disasters.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has welcomed a $114 million investment in the upcoming federal Budget to extend Telehealth services until the end of the year. 

Wide Bay’s farms and natural environment will be protected from exotic pests and diseases with a new $371 million investment to strengthen biosecurity.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien welcomed a bright future for Gympie Showgrounds, with the official opening of its new lighting system.

Despite ongoing efforts to educate road users about their role in reducing the devastating impact of road trauma, new research reveals Australians are continuing to undertake risky behaviours on the roads.

Gympie and South Burnett dairy farmers may benefit from a share of $196,763 from the Coalition Government for a project to help improve their improve on-farm natural resource management and soil health knowledge.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien has questioned why the Queensland Government hasn’t put forward a plan for a four-lane Tiaro Bypass, saying the two-lane proposal will leave taxpayers paying twice for the project.

A bronze statue commemorating local World War 2 servicemen and women will be unveiled at Goomeri today by Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien.

Drought-affected Wide Bay farmers will be given another 12 months to apply for funding to help them build much-needed infrastructure, subject to the Queensland Government’s participation in the scheme.

A new $2.2 million production line at DTM Timber in Maryborough will create local jobs and support Wide Bay’s valuable timber industry, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien officially opening the project today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien is encouraging farmers in the Burnett Mary region to diversify their farm income and improve their drought resilience as part of a new Australian Government trial.

Work is underway on the first stages of a $1.89 million bushfire-fighting technology lab at Noosa, with Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud and Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien today viewing plans for the new FireTech Laboratory.

An $18 million expansion of the Nolan Meats Pty Ltd meat processing facility in Gympie is now complete, creating new opportunities for local jobseekers, producers and the export market supply chain.