Ross Vasta MP Federal Member for Bonner
OzFish pays tribute to The Queen
Our local OzFish Chapter has an incredible 320 registered volunteers who help restore habitats for Australia’s and the World’s fish populations. Whilst the majority of their work takes place ‘in the water,’ the team at OzFish are passionate about ensuring land around our waterways are also restored. That is why it was great to attend their federally funded tree planting event honouring The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I was proud to secure a $20,000 grant for this event with trees being planted at the Port of Brisbane. Whilst it is tragic the Queen has passed her legacy and passion for the environment will live on through the many tree planting projects across the Commonwealth.
Supporting Our Veterans
It is undeniable that the Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch is an integral part of local community. I was delighted to announce this iconic ex-service organisation (ESOs) was awarded over $20,000 of Federal Government funding through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program. This funding will help the Manly-Lota RSL Sub-Branch continue to provide critical advocacy services on behalf of local veterans and their families. I will continue to work hard to ensure our local veterans receive the funding, support, and services they need and deserve.
On Friday the 11 th of November, I would also like to encourage you to attend a local Remembrance Day Service:
• Manly-Lota RSL – Manly Memorial Park: 10:30am start
• Bayside National Servicemen’s Association – Darling Point: 7am start
• Wynnum RSL: 10:30am arrival, for a 10:45am start
Vasta’s Tunnel Vision
Did you know that 98% of container freight leaving the Port of Brisbane is transported by truck? This is contributing to increased traffic congestion, pollution, and the degradation of our roads. If we want to expand the Port’s capacity, create new jobs, and better protect our lifestyle and environment, our current practice for freight transport isn’t working. A recent Federal Government report into the final connection of the Inland Rail to the Port of Brisbane, highlighted a tunnel as the best solution. I am working with the new Federal Government and private enterprise to make this tunnel a reality. This would be a game changer for South-East Queensland as it would create the transport hub of the nation, resulting in 1200 new jobs per year! It would also contribute billions of dollars to our local economy and provide incredible opportunities for local businesses to expand. To put it simply, this is a nation-building project that would leave a profound impact for generations to come. I look forward to updating you on the next chapter of my ‘Tunnel Vision,’ as I continue to meet with key stakeholders in the coming months.
