November Community Update from Fiona Simpson

Are you waiting longer than expected for surgery?

One of the most rewarding parts of my job as a Member of Parliament is being able to help people get timely access to medical treatment. I was delighted to help Mt Coolum resident Michael Roch get his sight restored, after waiting 3 years to get his cataracts removed.

I contacted the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service on his behalf and was able to get his case reviewed and reprioritised. Click here to read more.

Work progressing well on our new runway at Sunshine Coast Airport

Work is well underway on the new airport runway with sand dredging and pumping now complete prior to the start of turtle nesting season. I was excited to see for myself how this 450 hectare site is being transformed with over 1.3 million cubic meters of sand laying the foundation for our new runway, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2020. Click here to read more.

Petition calling for better Coast bus services

About 8,000 people are moving to our region every year but we're making 120,000 fewer bus trips than five years ago. This needs to change if we are to avoid crippling congestion.

I'm asking the Palaszczuk Government to deliver a proper integrated transport system that allows people to travel where they need to go, when they need to go there, with better connections to train services.

Click here to sign the e-petition

Enter the draw to win a Baby Weber BBQ

I'm keen to get your feedback on local issues. Please complete my online community survey and go in the draw to win a Baby Weber BBQ.

Click here to complete the survey

Sports funding boost for local clubs

Congratulations to the following clubs in my electorate who have won Get Going Clubs grants to purchase much-needed equipment and training support:

Marcoola Surf Life Saving Club $6,000 for nipper boards;

Mooloolaba Bowls Club $6,315 for junior bowls, mats and jacks;

Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club $6750 for beach matting, a defibrillator, training equipment; and coaching accreditation

Mudjimba Surf Life Saving Club $4,545 to conduct training and assessment certification;

Stella FC $7,500 for shade and football equipment;

Sunshine Coast Volleyball $6,900 for volleyball nets and first aid accreditation;

Sunshine Coast Table Tennis Club $7,323 for a table tennis robot and bats.

November listening posts

Come and say G’day to me when I’m out and about at community listening posts and pick up a re-usable shopping bag.

Wednesday 29 November
8.30am – 9.15am at Banjos Bakery, near Woolworths, Sunshine Plaza
3.00pm- 4.00pm near Coles in Venning St, Mooloolaba

Fighting for a fair share of infrastructure spending

I am calling on the Premier to provide funding for key infrastructure projects on the Sunshine Coast to cut congestion and improve road safety. Click here to read more.

Click here to join my petition

NDIS information session
Over 40 participants joined Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie and myself at a forum we hosted to learn about new employment and business opportunities the National Insurance Disability Scheme (NDIS) will bring. Click here to read more.

LNP's plan for tougher child killer laws

This month LNP leader Deb Frecklington vowed to introduce Australia's toughest punishment for child killers if the LNP wins the next state election. After the killer of toddler Mason Jett Lee was jailed for nine years - with a non-parole period of just six years, the LNP is determined to bring penalties into line with community expectations.　Click here to read more.

Helping the Maroochydore Cricket Club stay cool this summer.

If you would like to apply for a sponsored marquee for your club or charity, please contact my office.

With Ted O’Brien & Cr Hungerford at the new eternal flame memorial at Cotton Tree which was lit on 10 November, the eve of the 100 year centenary of WW1 armistice.

Community information, grants and awards

Donate a gift and support kids in care this Christmas - Drop off a gift to my office (9 First Avenue, Maroochydore) before 7 December 2018 or donate online via the GIVIT website.

Container Refund Scheme – started 1^st November 2018.　You can now deposit your used glass, plastic and aluminium drink containers at a number of locations across the Sunshine Coast including Bloomhill, 25 First Avenue.

The Small Business Entrepreneur Grants Program is now open for applications. The Grants of up to $5,000 are to help new small businesses to get off to a better start with access to planning, coaching and training. Closes 13 December.

Seven News Young Achiever Awards - Encouraging and promoting the achievements of young people. Nominations close 3 Dec.

Petition - Disability Parking Permits - Support people with vision impairment. Closes 4 Dec.

Get Ready for Storm Season – Have you got a 'What If" plan?

Open Doors to Renting Reform - Have Your say on Qld's residential tenancy laws. Closes 30 Nov.