Media Releases

Drought-affected communities across the Wide Bay-Burnett region will receive Australian Government support in their battle to control pest animals and weeds.

The mental wellbeing of Fraser Coast students will be given a boost with the release of the Little Blue Book.

Work will begin this month on a $1 million wildlife protection project to improve fencing on the Bruce Highway between the Cooroy southern interchange and Sankeys Road.

Statement from Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien on COVIDSafe app – Privacy Amendment (Public Health Contact Information) Bill 2020

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging people to access the additional mental health and wellbeing services on offer during the COVID-19 pandemic to help them get through uncertain times.

Applications are now open for Wide Bay community groups, local councils and non-government organisations to share in $1.8 million in flexible funding grants to support recovery from last year’s devastating Queensland bushfires.

Applications are now open for youths and veterans in Maryborough, Gympie and the Cooloola Coast for the regional youth vocational education and training Commonwealth Scholarships Program.

Charities and community organisations in Wide Bay will receive immediate funding to help them continue to support local people in the wake of the coronavirus economic downturn, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Funding is now available for innovative programs and technology to help drive road safety, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is urging Australians with chronic health conditions not to neglect their regular health care, but continue to consult with their usual doctors.

Federal funding is available to help native plants and invertebrate species bounce back from the recent bushfires, with the opening of applications for the $12 million second tranche of the Morrison Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery grants program.

Like most Australians, I have attended many Anzac Day services throughout my life, and this Anzac Day is so different to any other that has been before.

People in Wratten’s Forest will have improved mobile phone coverage under Round 5 of the Coalition Government’s highly successful $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Road maintenance in the South Burnett, Noosa and Cherbourg will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

Mature-aged workers in Wide Bay can now access funded training more easily and quickly to help them find work, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Ex-service personnel in Maryborough, Gympie and the Cooloola Coast can access Australian Government funded scholarships worth up to $5,000 per year to help them re-enter the civilian workforce, under a program to be delivered by apprenticeship services agency BUSY At Work.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has welcomed the re-launch of the Australian Government’s My Skills website, which will now focus on delivering online training, increasing education options for people in regional areas.

A new $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy program to help keep businesses open and employees in jobs has been launched by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

More financial assistance is now available for individuals, retirees, families, sole traders and businesses in Wide Bay with stage two of the Coalition Government’s economic assistance plan to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus and help build a bridge to recovery.

Support is available to small and medium-sized businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak through the Coalition Government’s business hotline.

Applications are now open for funding to upgrade bridges and freight roads under Round 5 of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is urging people to support local businesses and help keep Australians in jobs, as the Coalition Government rolls out its stimulus package.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has welcomed a $17.6 billion economic plan to keep Australians in jobs, keep businesses trading, and support households and the Australian economy as the world deals with challenges posed by the spread of coronavirus.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien today announced more than $28,000 in Liberal and Nationals Government funding to help make Murgon a stronger, more vibrant community.

Community groups at Kilkivan and Goomeri will share $30,000 in Liberal and Nationals Government funding for projects to improve local amenities and the natural environment, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

About 900,000 Australians will see an increase to their fortnightly social security payments following the Liberal and Nationals Government’s decision to reduce deeming rates, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has welcomed the official opening of Tin Can Bay Community and Men’s Shed today, sealing the delivery of another election commitment.

Two Noosa environmental groups will share $32,226 in Liberal and Nationals Government grants to ensure their community’s stunning natural environment is protected into the future.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien today announced $40,000 in grants from the Liberal and Nationals Government to enrich the lives of people with disabilities in Noosa communities.

Three community organisations will help build a healthier and safer Noosa region, after receiving funding from the Liberals and Nationals Government.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is calling on local communities to showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history during this year’s NAIDOC Week.

Residents in Maryborough received a major road safety boost today with the Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announcing $215,500 will be invested in two projects under the 2020-21 Black Spot Program.

Residents in Gympie received a major road safety boost today with Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announcing $755,500 will be invested to upgrade Cedar Pocket Road and Gap Road at Cedar Pocket under the 2020-21 Black Spot Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging students in schools throughout Wide Bay to test their spelling skills by taking part in the inaugural Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging eligible community organisations to apply for funding from the Liberal and Nationals Government 2020-21 Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

A Wide Bay business is helping to protect communities from fire threats, with assistance from a $497,500 grant announced by Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien.

Arts and culture organisations in Wide Bay are invited to apply for a share of more than $500,000 for arts projects at festivals and significant one-off community celebrations.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien today announced 11 Wide Bay sports stars will receive grants of $550 to $750 to help them participate in state and national competitions.

Llew O’Brien, Federal Member for Wide Bay is calling on local students, teachers and school leaders to join a national movement to stand up to bullies.

Maryborough Rifle Range will today celebrate its official re-opening after an eight-year closure.

The new and improved Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club is officially open, boosting local jobs and helping the Noosa community to swim, surf and socialise in safety.

Applications will open next week for a share of $10 million in funding to bring tourists back to bushfire-affected communities including Noosa, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety, Scott Buchholz visited Roadcraft Driver Education facility in Gympie this week, alongside Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien to get the ‘101’ on defensive driving.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has welcomed a $14 million Community Recovery Package to support the mental health and resilience of Queensland communities affected by the bushfires last year, including Noosa.

Dorothea Mackellar’s 1908 poem My Country reminds us of the extremes of the Australian climate, but the start to 2020 with the combined impact of the prolonged drought, and destructive bushfires spread across Australia has truly tested the mettle of our nation.

In a demonstration of their commitment to creating a powerful community support system, the Maryborough Suicide Prevention Network will launch their 2020 action plan for mental health on Thursday, 23 January.

Four Wide Bay organisations have received grants of up to $20,000 as part of a $9 million national initiative to help businesses transition to the NDIS.

More than $4.2 million in funding is available to help ex-service organisations deliver essential advice and advocacy for veterans, war widows, serving defence force members, and their loved ones.

Wide Bay community groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

The bushfire-hit Noosa community will be able to rebuild vital infrastructure sooner with an initial and immediate $1 million grant from the Liberal and Nationals Government.

Wide Bay community, sporting and service groups should lodge an expression of interest soon for an opportunity to benefit from federal funding to support their local volunteers.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has welcomed Noosa’s inclusion in a $6 million tourism recovery package after the Southern Queensland spring bush fires.

The festive season is a time of peace and goodwill, and I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone in the Wide Bay for a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

People with disabilities and the elderly will have better access to swimming lessons at Maryborough Aquatic Centre, through the Coalition Government’s Community Swimming Grants Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging people in Wide Bay to have their say on how to stay safe online, with consultation opening on a proposed new Online Safety Act.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging local community, sporting and service groups to lodge an expression of interest for federal funding to support their local volunteers.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has urged Wide Bay’s drought-affected communities to act fast to benefit from the latest $200 million round of the Building Better Regions Fund.

Final designs will be displayed this week for major works on the eagerly awaited final section of the Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra upgrade.

Local road maintenance in the Wide Bay electorate will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has welcomed a new action plan to combat unwanted telephone calls by working with the telecommunications industry to stop scammers from operating over phone networks.

People with cystic fibrosis now have access to life-changing medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), saving them and their families up to $250,000 a year.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien today announced 21 Wide Bay sports stars will receive grants of $550 to $750 to help them participate in state and national competitions.

More Maryborough people with disabilities will be able to enjoy the physical, social and emotional benefits of horse-riding through a $68,000 Liberal and Nationals Government grant.

The Rheinmetall NIOA Maryborough office was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today.

A new Family Central facility offering important services to people with disabilities and their families is delivering real benefits to Noosa communities through a $71,000 Liberal and Nationals Government grant.

New apprentices are signing up at 22 Wide Bay businesses, with the Morrison Government offering regional and rural businesses a wage subsidy to take on eligible new staff.

The Federal Government has mobilised its Department of Human Services Mobile Service Centres Desert Rose and Golden Wattle to assist people on the ground in bushfire hit areas in Queensland and New South Wales.

Gympie, Kilkivan, Maryborough and Noosa Men’s Sheds in Wide Bay will share in almost $15,000 to support men’s health and wellbeing, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

If you have ideas to improve heavy vehicle safety in Wide Bay, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien encourages you to apply for funding through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging local organisations to apply for a share in the Driving Social Inclusion through Sport and Physical Activity grants program.

On Monday, November 11, Australians will pause to observe Remembrance Day with a minute’s silence to remember our service men and women who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Farmers and landcare groups now have the opportunity to bring their clever sustainability ideas to reality, with grants of up to $50,000 under the Smart Farms Small Grants program.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien have joined forces, yet again, to slam Federal Labor’s excuses as to why the Queensland Labor Government hasn’t signed up to the Hinkler Regional Deal.

Six scholarships will be available to international and domestic students to study in Wide Bay next year, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

The people worst-hit by the Queensland bushfires will be given an extra hand with the activation of additional support payments available in the Noosa local government area.

Show societies in Wide Bay are encouraged to apply for Australian Government Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program (AgShows) funding to upgrade, maintain, buy or build new showground infrastructure and attractions.

Llew O’Brien MP for Wide Bay is encouraging local preschools to apply to run the Morrison Government’s play-based program that teaches young Australians a foreign language.

Wide Bay will be better prepared to manage significant animal biosecurity threats, such as African swine fever (ASF), through a new comprehensive online field guide of emergency animal diseases targeting all vets.

Today is National headspace Day, which puts the issue of young Australians’ mental health in the spotlight.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien will officially open the Maryborough RSL’s Memorial Garden murals, painted by local artist Robbyn Gergos.

Poona residents and holiday-makers will now have better mobile phone coverage to make calls, browse the internet and stay in contact with family and friends.

Cheaper medicine is on the way for more than 500,000 patients from today, with price reductions for common scripts and new medicines added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), in some cases saving over $100,000 per patient.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien is encouraging local community groups to apply for new swimming grants to enable or improve opportunities for people with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds to enjoy this great Aussie past-time.

Communities in the South Burnett will have greater access to drought assistance, thanks to a Liberal-National Government package worth nearly $100 million

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging schools in Wide Bay to apply for up to $20,000 in funding for projects to benefit their students’ learning experience.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging female coaches, officials and administrators to develop their leadership skills with the Australian Government’s 2020 Women Leaders in Sport program.

A new series of toolkits is now available to help parents and educators improve student outcomes, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Tough new farm trespass laws will protect Australia’s farmers from the unlawful actions of animal activists, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Disaster assistance has been extended to help cover the costs of fighting the fires in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced this afternoon.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has announced the successful applicants from Round 1, 2019-20 of the Coalition Government’s popular Local Sporting Champions program.