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QLD POWER PRICES Since 2017-18 power prices in SEQ have decreased by around 20% and in Regional Queensland prices have decreased by 17%.

Public ownership of our state’s power assets and our commitment to renewable energy production have helped drive down power bills, keep jobs and support Queenslanders through the COVID-19 pandemic.

A report from the Australian Energy Market Commission has forecast electricity prices in South-East Qld will continue to decrease by 10% over the next three years, which is the largest reduction across the nation.

FAMILY AND CHILD CONNECT

The Palaszczuk Government is launching a new campaign to encourage Queensland families to reach out to Family and Child Connect to help them navigate family and parenting challenges and get the support they need to bounce back in tough times.

Launching in the lead up to Christmas, often a stressful time for families, the campaign aims to raise awareness of Family and Child Connect so Queensland families know that help is available to get life moving in the right direction again.

The state-wide campaign will run through to the end of June 2022 and recognises that families all love their children and want the best for them, but when times get tough, they may need an extra hand.

Families needing support can visit the Family and Child Connect website or call 13 FAMILY (13 32 64) for free, unlimited, and confidential advice and support.

NICKLIN COMMUNITY SURVEY

We’re lucky to live in one of the best places in Australia, and I’m keen to hear your feedback on how we can make our community even better. Head to www.robertskeltonmp.com.au/ community-survey to have your say. By filling this survey out online, you can have your voice heard and represented. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

TED O’BRIEN Member for Fairfax

Merry Christmas If living with COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that we must cherish the time we have with our friends and family. There is nothing more important after all. So, as 2021 draws to a close, the economy is recovering, families are being reunited and life is slowly returning to ‘normal’.

It’s with great optimism that we look towards 2022 and as your Federal MP, I pledge to continue my focus on delivering for our local community. While there’s always much to celebrate at Christmas time, let’s not forget that many people are also doing it tough. If each of us can reach out to someone who may be alone – an old friend, a neighbour, a distant relative – it would make the world of difference. Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill, and this year, those values take on even more importance as we face the prospect of COVID-19 restrictions continuing to affect our community.

Vaccination is the most important protection measure we have against the health, social and economic implications of further COVID-19 outbreaks. But we also must respect every person’s choice.

Looking back, it was two years ago when the devastating bushfires hit Noosa and the recovery effort is still ongoing.

The Australian Government is continuing to support the environmental recovery by committing $165,768 to Noosa & District Landcare Group for a range of projects throughout Noosa to assist with the revegetation of natural habitats and eradication of weeds to protect and conserve local flora and fauna.

Businesses in Noosa were only starting to rebound from the fires when COVID-19 hit and the best way we can support local businesses now is by shopping locally this festive season.

Whether it’s loading up your Christmas table with locally-grown produce and fresh seafood caught just off the Coast, a lastminute present from the boutique down the street, or picking up a gift voucher for dinner at a nearby restaurant, buying locally is a great way of giving back to your community.

When you support local small businesses and Aussie producers, it makes a big difference to our local economy, and it is the number one way you can back local jobs. Buying local goods and services is the best prescription for a healthy Wide Bay economy.

Best wishes for a happy Christmas and safe and prosperous New Year.

CLARE STEWART Noosa Mayor

It’s all a go as our ‘Go Noosa Transport initiatives return for the upcoming Christmas holiday period. Enjoy the ease of getting around Noosa on the Free Holiday Buses which run from December 11 to January 23. The holiday buses are such a hit that only last week Council passed a resolution to trial free buses every weekend for 18 months beginning January 24, 2022, making travel free for 150 days a year (including holiday buses) for our community. Noosa Council is the first in Qld to trial free weekend buses and it’s a huge win for our community. We are looking to finalise plans with Translink shortly so everything is ready to go on January 24 with the 18-month trial of free weekend buses.

Thanks to all those who responded to our liveability survey. We received more than 1000 responses which will drive our decision making going forward and help shape our future budget deliberations. Your voices will be heard.

Coming into Christmas it is my privilege to once again launch the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. We initiated this last year to help the most vulnerable in our community and it was met with great success. We are asking for your help once again this year. You can help make Christmas a little brighter for those doing it tough this year by donating gift cards, vouchers and presents. Charities supported include St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Youturn Youth Support, Santa’s Classy Helpers and Sunnykids. Drop off donations at Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club and Noosa Council’s Tewantin offices by December 18. Let’s bring Christmas cheer to those who need it most.

Finally, a reminder to take the online quiz and profile tool to help you better prepare for the bushfire season. Council has partnered with Victorian-based startup FireThrive and Qld tech-hub Firetech Connect to develop a behaviour change pilot program. For more information and to take the quiz please visit www.quiz. firethrive.com

As we head towards the festive season, on behalf of all Councillors and Council staff, I wish you and your families a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas period. May 2022 be a year that is filled with hope, optimism and joy for all. Stay safe, Clare.

LLEW O’BRIEN MP

Federal Member for Wide Bay Working for Noosa's Hinterland

319 Kent Street, Maryborough QLD 4650 PO Box 283 Maryborough QLD 4650 07 4121 2936 Tollfree 1300 301 968

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Llew.Obrien.MP@aph.gov.au www.llewobrien.com.au facebook.com/llewobrienLNP