LABOR’S State Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor, says he believes his constituents will reject the LNP push for power on the Gold Coast.

He says feedback he’s been getting over recent days suggests many voters in his electorate will be immune the “notion of change for change sake” when they head to the polls this weekend.

“I believe Campbell Newman has real trust issues and that those concerns are going to impact on his party’s performance in Southport on Saturday,” Mr Lawlor said.

“It’s been a really different campaign in a number of ways, but something is happening right now that puts plenty of doubt into the effectiveness of the LNP’s flashy Southport strategies.

“People are phoning my office and stopping me in the street to say, despite what might be happening in other parts of the state, they aren’t really ready to vote LNP this time.

“They see it as too risky a proposition.

“Whatever happens around the State, the people of the Southport electorate will make up their own minds on Saturday and I expect many will not be willing to take an unnecessary risk with their local representation,” he said.

Campbell Newman has put another $80 million on the credit card with no way of paying for his promises, Marine Infrastructure Minister Craig Wallace said.

“Mr Newman is out of control and his reckless spend-a-thon is beyond a joke,” Mr Wallace said.

“This latest unfunded proposal is on top of his $40 million plan to dredge Trinity Inlet without doing all the environmental and economic checks and balances.

“But even that would fall short with Ports North advising the cost of dredging Trinity Inlet is actually around $50 million, including $1.5 million each year for ongoing maintenance.

“He’s shamelessly throwing money he doesn’t have around trying to bribe Queenslanders for their vote.

“Today’s blowout even has a $30 million bid to buy the seat of Broadwater for his third choice candidate.

“Mr Newman wouldn’t know if he was Arthur or Martha when it comes to artificial reefs.

“The LNP says artificial reefs are ‘inadequate compensation for non fishing zones and recreational fishing bans’ but they want to build more artificial reefs.

“The Bligh Government’s marine protection measures are already seeing increased fish stocks but the LNP puts that all at risk.

“The LNP’s plan to ditch green zones in marine parks would threaten vulnerable turtle and dugong populations, ignore leading scientific research and destroy fish stocks.

“Campbell Newman is an environmental wrecker who would put Queensland’s future sustainability at risk through his reckless, ill-informed decisions.”

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This is a $30 million bid to buy the seat of Broadwater for their 3^rd choice candidate. Where is the money coming from?

Campbell Newman also fails to mention where the thousands of tonnes of dredge spoil would be dumped?

Dredging can have an impact on marine life and on fish stocks, and where you put the spoil can impact on surf beaches.   If people look at Newmans record of building bankrupt tunnels and city squares no one uses,  he could have devastating impacts on the Gold Coast lifestyle.

A Gold Coast Waterways Steering Committee made up of DERM, Department of Transport and Main Roads and Gold Coast City Council officers is already overseeing the management of the Broadwater State Govt and Council investing $1.5 million on the development of a sustainable Broadwater Masterplan (in consultation with the community) to guide the future of the waterways.

We have invested $6 million on dredging on the Gold Coast since 2009 in a $10 million sustainable program jointly funded with Council.

More than half a million cubic metres of sediment has been removed and dredged sand has been used to replenish Gold Coast beaches.

LNP plan would simply mean more red tape and delay the good progress being made.

The AMAQ’s health reform plan released today is a major embarrassment for Campbell Newman and the LNP, Health Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

“The AMAQ’s plan endorsed Labor’s reforms which will break up Queensland Health, create Local Hospital and Health Networks to run hospitals, and formalise the role of lead clinicians’ groups,” Mr Wilson said.

The AMAQ have also said that health reform should be led by a non-partisan group of experts.  Labor has already convened a Health reform Strategic Advisory Committee that is steering health reform and advising the Minister. 

The Committee is made up of non-partisan representatives of industry, health administration and clinical groups, including a Past President of the AMA.    

“The AMAQ’s policy is a major embarrassment for Campbell Newman and the LNP, who have been wrong-footed in criticising the reforms for partisan political purposes,” Mr Wilson said.

“The AMAQ have already said in this campaign that the LNP’s health policy falls far short of what is needed – one day after Campbell Newman announced his health policy, it is already unravelling. 

“The absence of any mention by the AMAQ of the LNP’s plan to further bureaucratise health by creating a board for every individual hospital is also a major embarrassment for Mark McArdle and Campbell Newman.  The LNP plan is to deliver more board members than doctors at some regional hospitals,” he said.

Mr Wilson welcomed the AMAQ’s contribution, which also spelled out a range of other initiatives that are worthy of consideration. 

“The AMAQ’s contribution is welcome, and we will give it consideration before releasing a comprehensive health policy during this campaign.

“The AMA’s key message was that health is in need of reform, and in need of more resources. In this campaign, there’s only one party offering that. 

“The fact is, every independent report in years has confirmed that the Bligh Labor Government has delivered the nation’s shortest elective surgery wait times. 

“This is not just us saying we are the best: independent national organisations like the Productivity Commission, AIHW, Commonwealth Department of Health, and COAG Reform Council have all produced glowing reports about our elective surgery wait times.  Those organisations tell the truth.” *

“The Bligh Labor Government is building more beds and new hospital facilities than any Government in Queensland’s history – the LNP released an infrastructure plan with not one new bed in it. 

“The Bligh Labor Government invests more money in health services each year than any Government in Queensland’s history – the LNP wants to slash $400 million from the health budget for the Sunshine Coast. 

“The Bligh Labor Government has already legislated to reform health by delivering control of local hospital networks back to local network boards – the LNP opposes it. 

“Only the Bligh Labor Government is committed to delivering real reform in health; and only the Bligh Labor Government has runs on the board with record health budgets,” he said.

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http://www.coagreformcouncil.gov.au/reports/healthcare.cfm#npa_es_p3

“This event is an important collaboration and I congratulate the partners – Qantas, Gold Coast Tourism, ATEC and Tourism Queensland,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Over four days, visiting suppliers and international representatives based on the Gold Coast will be learning more about the tourism products that our region is famous for,” he said.

“We know it’s famous for its beaches, surf, theme parks, shopping and nightlife so this is an opportunity to ramp up exposure of the wealth of products and services on offer.

“There’s an incredible confidence bubbling across the industry with the 2018 Commonwealth Games looming large and a range of new hotel, resort and attraction upgrades to boast about so this is a very timely gathering.

“Attendees, who promote and sell our destination to the world, will themselves get to experience some of our knock out attractions and hear from industry leaders so they will be even better equipped to sell our region to the world.

“Importantly, trade training events like this are also opportunities for delegates to experience things like Skypoint and a high tea on the 78^th floor of the Q1.

“They’ll also get to hear from Skypoint General Manager Andrew Sharry about new developments and future plans.

“There will be presentations on Gold Coast City 2018 Commonwealth Games, new tourism infrastructure like the light rail, sight inspections of places like Legends Hotel, the newly refurbished Hotel Grand Chancellor, newly completed Hilton Surfers Paradise and the Palazzo Versace.

“This workshop and familiarisation will give our inbound tourism operators a taste for the Gold Coast and even more reason to sell our region to the world.”

ATEC South Queensland Branch Manager Don Jolly said the event was an important showcase and inbound tourism operators would have an invaluable opportunity to network with members of the local tourism industry.

“This week’s workshops will update inbound tourism operators on new Gold Coast products and services and provide the local tourism industry with an important opportunity to build relationships with the people who market them,” Mr Jolly said.

“The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations and it will be on show this week.”

“In developing the program we greatly appreciate the support and sponsorship of Gold Coast suppliers, including Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa which hosted the welcome event.”

Premier Anna Bligh has pledged to deliver a detailed Master Plan for a Gold Coast Chinatown at Southport.

“This Master Plan will show us exactly what is required to deliver a Gold Coast Chinatown in the areas around Young and Davenport Streets in Southport,” said the Premier.

“We will to develop a detailed concept plan, a roadmap for implementing our vision, with a detailed budget and recommendations for the management and marketing of the new precinct by the end of 2012”

“The Bligh Government will contribute $50,000 towards the Master Plan and we would welcome Gold Coast City Council making a similar co-contribution”.

Ms Bligh said the Chinatown project would transform the streetscape, signage and lighting into a complete Chinatown experience, similar to that seen in Australia’s other major cities. 

“This could include up to three ‘Paifang’ or entrance gates, with traditional Chinese designs developed between the Gold Coast and its sister city of Beihai,” she said.

“The precinct could hold regular street markets and festivals and its lanes would be lined with lanterns that light up each evening.

“Other features put forward by proponents of the Chinatown Project include a Cultural Centre and Memorial Gardens, and we are keen to explore all of these options.”

Ms Bligh said a new Labor Government would appoint a small management committee to deliver the Master Plan, consisting of representatives from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast Tourism and the local businesses who have already formed a Gold Coast Chinatown Association.

Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor said he recognised the enormous opportunity that a Chinatown would represent for this part of the Gold Coast.

“Southport is a destination with huge potential and has always been the commercial heart of the Coast,” he said.

“The areas around Young and Davenport Streets are the ideal location for a Chinatown precinct. They already have substantial investment from Asian-owned businesses, and the concept of a Chinatown retail precinct will capture the hearts of locals and tourists alike.”

Mr Lawlor said Southport was the perfect location for the new attraction.

“A Chinatown can encourage an increase in the China Tourism market and boost the likelihood of direct flights from China to the Gold Coast,” he said.

“The proximity of the precinct to the new Gold Coast Rapid Transit station and the redeveloped Broadwater Parklands is also important.

“We are confident that the Chinatown project would attract a wide range of multicultural restaurants and retail outlets, not just from China, but from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, the Philippines and Japan.

“The idea for a Chinatown on the Gold Coast has been around for a long time, but in recent months a number of Southport business people have swung behind the concept, recognising its potential to be a key element in the revitalisation of Southport.

“I will work to ensure that those business people who have been involved in developing this concept have a central role in the management committee tasked with delivering the Master Plan.

“Bligh Government members have always prided ourselves on growing Queensland’s multicultural fabric, and a Chinatown would be a welcome addition to the Gold Coast in the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

 http://www.chinatowngoldcoast.com.au/

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Member for Southport Peter Lawlor today announced that $35.4 million for infrastructure works at Bundall Racecourse has been approved.

The works were identified in Racing Queensland Limited’s Industry Infrastructure Plan.

“This funding has been approved because support for our racing industry is a genuine priority for the Bligh Labor Government,” Mr Lawlor said.

“This approval will provide the industry with the immediate funding to be able to provide modern, high quality infrastructure and facilities.

“Magic Millions is a major event on the Queensland calendar. These upgrades to the Gold Course Turf Club will support the Magic Millions race meetings making the event even more special,” he said.

Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft said Racing Queensland would be liaising with the Gold Coast Turf Club to confirm a construction program and work commencement dates.

Ms Croft also called on the LNP to support the works and provide a guarantee that a LNP Government would not stop the works from proceeding.

“A funding agreement has been signed between the Government and Racing Queensland,” Ms Croft said.

“Campbell Newman needs to come clean and say whether he would tear this agreement up and stop the construction workers at the gate.”

Racing Minister Tim Mulherin said the funding has been provided through the Queensland Government’s $110 million Racing Industry Capital Development Scheme.

“This program will assist the Queensland Racing Industry to prosper well into the future by providing first class facilities,” Mr Mulherin said. 

“The Queensland Government is backing the future growth of the State’s racing industry.

“The Scheme is the largest single investment in the racing industry by any Government in Australia and will help to reinvigorate the industry in Queensland.”

Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said works totalling more than $7.7 million would commence mid-year at Southport Special School and neighbouring Musgrave Hill State School.

“We need to ensure Southport Special School has the facilities and capacity to accommodate a steadily growing body of students,” Mr Lawlor said.

“A brand-new two-storey building will be established on the site, comprising seven general classrooms, a new library, outside play area and bathroom facilities.

“This is a great investment for our local community.”

“Outdoor learning areas and covered walkway connections will link the new block to existing school buildings.

Mr Lawlor said works at Southport Special School provided an opportune time to address site access concerns faced by both schools.

“Associated works include a new car park, set-down area and covered multi-purpose court at Musgrave Hill State School.

“Both schools will benefit from these extensions and upgrades.

“The extra facilities and improved learning environment will be a huge benefit to students of both Southport Special School and Musgrave Hill State School, and I look forward to seeing the results of construction in the future.”

Funding for the project was included in the Department of Education and Training’s 2011-2012 capital works program.

A new Labor Government will invest $7.5 million over the next three years to provide a permanent police helicopter for the Gold Coast.

Premier Anna Bligh said the trial of a police helicopter currently underway on the coast had proven the use of the aircraft was beneficial to fighting crime in the area.

“In July last year Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke agreed the council would provide $500,000 for the trial of the helicopter.

“The Queensland Police Service provided an officer to accompany each flight as well as communications equipment to keep the helicopter connected to the police radio network,” said the Premier. 

“In the first three months of the trial, the helicopter was tasked more than 520 times on a wide range of activities including patrols of known ‘hot spots’, surveillance, traffic management, searches and drug crop identification.”

The Premier said that feedback from police was that the aircraft had proven itself to be a useful additional tool in their ongoing efforts to maintain community safety on the Gold Coast.

“That’s why a new Labor Government will provide funding for the Queensland Police Service for a permanent police helicopter to the based on the Gold Coast,” she said.

“Our $7.5 million commitment will enable the service to lease a helicopter and operate it for an average 15 hours per week.”

Ms Bligh said the aircraft will be based on the Gold Coast and the company will be responsible for the cost of a pilot; supplying dedicated aircraft maintenance; aircraft accommodation and a replacement helicopter when the main aircraft is unavailable.

“My government is committed to giving the Queensland Police Service the resources it needs to keep the community safe,” she said.

“During this term of government the number of sworn police officers in Queensland has grown by more than 600, which has taken the total number to more than 10,650.

“Thanks to the strong investment in policing by successive Labor governments, the overall rate of crime in Queensland decreased by 30 per cent between 2000/01 and 2010/11.

“We are committed to continuing the work of decreasing crime rates to ensure our state remains safe and secure.”

Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said: “This is a great boost for crime fighting on the Coast and locals will be comforted when they see the police helicopter on patrol.”

Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft said: “Clocking up more than 500 jobs in just three months has well and truly shown the worth of a police presence in the sky.” 

Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said: “This sends a message to all criminals that you can run but it’s that much harder to hide.”

Member for Albert Margaret Keech said: “From gathering intelligence to patrolling crime hot spots to hunting down criminals on the run – the helicopter is a major asset for Gold Coast police.”