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Media Releases My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast. Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.
Lawlor braces himself for hectic year ahead |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jan 17 2005 |
| Media Releases >> |
State Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor, says he's looking forward to 'an even more productive 2005' after signing off on a year which saw over a quarter of a million dollars allocated to community organisations within his electorate.
Mr Lawlor said seventeen (17) Southport not-for-profit groups shared in $227,566 worth of grants from the State Government's Gambling Community Benefit Fund, during 2004.
The Fund has proved a bonanza for the community organisations that have shared in a massive $1.8 million from the source since Mr Lawlor's election in 2001.
"The funding has been utilised by the groups for a variety of uses, ranging from purchasing vehicles and office equipment to upgrading sporting areas and playgrounds," Mr Lawlor said.
"Nominating groups, assisting them with the application process and then seeing the money allocated is one of the enormously gratifying aspects of this job," he said.
Assessing the work of his office over the past twelve months, Mr Lawlor cited the decision to demolish the old Southport Police Station and build a new $3.9 million state-of-the-art facility in its place as 'a true highlight'.
He said he was thrilled with the decision, having made strong representations on the need for a new station.
"I look forward to the new station taking shape," Mr Lawlor said.
"It should be opened by the start of 2006 and will house about one hundred (100) officers and staff in a modern building that meets the operational needs of police and the growing Gold Coast community."
The 2004-05 State Government budget contributed $1.9 million to start construction of the new facility.
Southport secured a sizeable portion of funds from the 2004-05 State Budget across many other departments and agencies.
Included was more than $10 million of new funding for health services - part of a record $5.3 billion State health budget.
The initiatives this money will fund will ensure a continued first-rate health system for the Gold Coast area.
Also committed were $4.659 million for the refurbishment of public housing and $2.67 million to community organisations in the Southport electorate under the Home and Community Care program
Other pleasing Southport developments during 2004 included record building figures and investment activity, a number of major roads improvements and increased roads funding and public transport upgrades between Pacific Fair and Harbour Town.
$900,000 also went towards the planned duplication of Frank Street from Robert Street to Stevens Street, including the Loders Creek Bridge widening.
This is part of a $15 million commitment to this project during the term of this government.
There was also unprecedented schools' funding.
"Six Southport state schools shared in $245,999 worth of State Government technology grants to further equip students for the information age," Mr Lawlor said.
Schools that received grants included the Arundel State School, Keebra Park State High School, Musgrave Hill State School, Southport State High School, Southport State School and The Kumbari Avenue School.
And Mr Lawlor said he was pleased to be able to close the year by assisting The Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) distribute over $10,000 worth of food, clothing and toys in its inaugural Christmas Appeal.
The gifts went to some of the Gold Coast's less recognised charities, including Food Aid, Set Free Care, Pregnancy and Family Support, Life Christian Church Coombabah and the Kalwun Development Corporation.
"All in all, 2004 was a very busy year, but there is much more to do.
"The area is growing each day, the population is booming and the huge demands on government and community infrastructure are not about to let up.
"We're already working to make sure we not only keep pace, but exceed expectation in every area of our responsibility," Mr Lawlor said. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 11:00 PM
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