News from Fiona Simpson MP

March 2018 Newsletter

Support needed for our most vulnerable

The Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre is a valuable community resource which supports the most vulnerable members of our community.
Sadly, the Labor Government has indicated that funding underpinning some of their vital Family Support programs may not be continued after June 2018 because Maroochydore does not classify as a "disadvantaged" area.

This will leave the Centre with a funding shortfall of $60,000 a year and put vulnerable families at greater risk.

Please join the campaign to fight for this essential funding to continue.
Go to https://www.fionasimpson.com.au/please-fight-for-funding-for-maroochy-neighbourhood-centre-to-continue/

Invitation to Small Business Forum - 17 April
Come and have your say about what small business needs in our area and help connect with other local entrepreneurs. Please join me and a panel of experienced business owners to ask questions, share experiences and discuss your concerns.

RSVP www.trybooking.com.au/UYER or call 5406 7100 to book your place at this FREE event.

If you are unable to attend, please submit your questions or share your concerns via email: maroochydore@parliament.qld.gov.au

Let's work together to build the Sunshine Coast's future without selling out to a casino

I'm passionate about the Sunshine Coast having a place we can all be proud of to enjoy music and entertainment as well as welcoming the world to a top-notch convention centre which creates more local jobs. The Sunshine Coast is the only major centre in Queensland that does not have one and as a result we are missing out on a valuable sector of the tourism market. That's why I have been asking Council over many year to put forward a suitable plan and funding submission so that we can deliver the infrastructure to bring economic prosperity for the region. Read More

Federal Government backs plans for fast train to the Sunshine Coast

Great news to hear of the successful Federal Government funding bid for a fast-train and regional transport business plan.

Our Federal colleagues Ted O'Brien MP and Andrew Wallace MP, have secured funding to develop a business case for the North Coast Connect project, meaning that the possibility of a 45 minute train ride from Maroochydore to Brisbane is closer to becoming a reality.
Read More

Concern over growing hospital waiting lists

I'm concerned that hospital waiting lists are blowing out again under Labor, with almost 1 in 3 patients waiting longer than the clinically recommened times.
This isn't good enough! I want to hear from you if you've been waiting longer than expected

for an appointment with a specialist or for surgery so that I can follow this up on your behalf.
If this is something that concerns you, please sign the LNP's petition to help us fight for better access to health care services. Go to https://goo.gl/swMPfQ

Labor's five new taxes will hurt everyday Queenslanders
How can the State Labor Government dream up new taxes without counting the cost on people?
In response to my Question asked in Parliament, the Treasurer admitted that no modelling had been undertaken to assess what impacts a higher land tax hike will have on small businesses. I also asked the Small Business Minister about how they’d modelled the impacts of all the taxes upon small business and she refused to answer this question. Read More

Save Neighbourhood Watch

With crime figures on the rise, knowing your neighbours and watching out for suspicious activity has never been more important. That's why I was so disappointed to hear that Labor is cutting 85% of funding from Neighbourhood Watch.

Let me know what you think about how we can keep our neighbourhoods safe from crime and sign our petition to Save Neighbourhood Watch by clicking here: https://queensland.typeform.com/to/jQWd2V

Need for stronger measures to tackle ICE epidemic

At our recent community forum, we heard from former addicts, their families, community experts and everyday Queenslanders about the impact this devastating drug is having on the Sunshine Coast community. Read More

2018 Land Valuations now released

Landowners who believe their valuation is incorrect and can provide information to support their claim, can lodge their objection online at:

https://www.qld.gov.au/landvaluation or at phone 1300 664 217 by 8 May 2018.

Land tax may be payable if the total taxable value of a landowner’s land holdings in Queensland on 30 June 2018 exceeds the threshold (excluding principal place of residence). More information about land tax and the threshold is available on the Office of State Revenue website .

Invitation to make a submission - Queensland Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce

The Queensland Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce invites individuals and organisations to make a submission by 1 June 2018. The Taskforce wants suggestions to prevent or reduce the incidence of cyberbullying, and to support those affected if a young person is cyberbullied. Submissions about young people’s experience of cyberbullying are also welcome.
Submissions can be made online at www.qld.gov.au/cyberbullyingtaskforce.