STATE MEMBER FOR LYTTON
Cost of Living Relief for the Bayside
The cost of living is a significant issue affecting Baysiders and families across the country.
In response, the Queensland government has announced measures and initiatives to relieve the financial pressure on individuals and families.
These include a Rental Security Subsidy to pay a portion of rent directly to the property manager for up to 12 months, limiting rent increases to once a year, and cost-of-living relief for pensioners and seniors covering bills such as electricity, water, local government rates, and even providing a free pair of basic prescription glasses every two years.
Additionally, there is support for households such as cheaper learner licences, discounted public transport fares for children and students, rental bond loans, and fee-free TAFE available for eligible Queenslanders.
Emergency relief programs are also available to provide financial and material support to those in financial crisis, and several charities offer support to Queenslanders in need.
The Queensland Government has also announced a further electricity rebate for households next financial year, which will be higher than last year’s $175 rebate.
For more information on cost of living relief, please visit my website or contact my office.
Vaping Inquiry Officially Commenced
I’m travelling with the Health and Environment Committee this week as we conduct an inquiry into e-cigarette usage in Queensland.
The Health and Environment Committee (the committee) are inquiring into and reporting to the Legislative Assembly by 31 August 2023 on reducing rates of e-cigarette use in Queensland.
In undertaking the inquiry, the committee will consider:
- The current status in Queensland relating to the:
- prevalence of e-cigarette use, particularly amongst children and young people;
- risks of vaping harmful chemicals, including nicotine, to individuals, communities, and the health system; and
- approaches being taken in Queensland schools and other settings relevant to children and young people to discourage uptake and use of e-cigarettes.
- Opportunities to increase:
- awareness of the harmful effects of e-cigarette use (with and without nicotine) to an individual’s health, and the effectiveness of preventative activities; and
- accessibility and effectiveness of services and programs to prevent uptake and continuing use of e-cigarettes.
- Consideration of waste management and environmental impacts of e-cigarette products.
- A jurisdictional analysis of other e-cigarette use inquiries, legislative frameworks, policies and preventative activities (including their effectiveness in reducing e‑cigarette use).
Submissions are still open for the Vaping – An Inquiry into reducing E-Cigarette use in QLD. I encourage you to make a submission by visiting my website.
New Ambulance Delivered to the Bayside
I was pleased to officially hand over the keys for a new Ambulance at Wynnum Ambulance Station recently.
The vehicle is a top-of-the-line Mercedes Sprinter 419, funded through a commitment of $246,000 as part of the 2021-22 Vehicle Build Program.
The new ambulance is an exciting addition to our Bayside’s emergency services. Equipped with the latest medical equipment, it is sure to enhance our emergency response capabilities and provide Baysiders with better and faster medical assistance when they need it the most.
This is also an important investment in the safety and well-being of Lytton residents. It is a reminder of how crucial it is to invest in emergency services and infrastructure, especially in communities like ours.
The delivery of the new ambulance fills me with hope and confidence that Baysiders are in good hands in case of a medical emergency. I look forward to the positive impact this new ambulance will have on our Bayside.
Wynnum Fire and Rescue Station Receives New Fire Truck
A new, locally manufactured fire truck has officially been delivered to the Wynnum Fire and Rescue Station!
I recently had the pleasure of attending the handover of the truck, which is dedicated to the memory of Firefighter Jeffrey Bruce Penfold, who lost his life in the line of duty in 2001.
The new truck is a welcome addition to the Wynnum Fire and Rescue Station, and is worth approximately $1.2 million with an operational lifespan of approximately 15 years.
It’s fitted with a 3,000-litre water tank, and will be critical in boosting the emergency response to industrial incidents.
This state-of-the-art firefighting truck was also built just down the road at local body manufacturer Liquip Sales, at Pinkenba, supporting good local jobs for the community.
Our dedicated crews deserve the very best equipment, and this new appliance will support the day-to-day needs of the Wynnum team, while importantly, it will also assist in the emergency response for industrial incidents.
You’re Invited: Bayside DV Candlelight Vigil
May is Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Awareness month. This year our Bayside DV Candlelight Vigil will be on Thursday, 4 May 2023 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Pandanus Beach, Wynnum.
I encourage Baysiders of all ages to attend and to have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and survivors of DFV as together, we gather in solidarity by the light of hundreds of candles to send a clear message: that DFV in families and homes will never be tolerated.
It is my pleasure to invite Baysiders to attend this significant Bayside event and take a stand against DFV.
For more information or to register your attendance, please visit my website.
PO Box 719, Wynnum QLD 4178
(07) 3915 1100
[email protected]
www.joanpease.com