The latest Groom news!
Over the past month, I’ve been busy listening and working for you, and wanted to keep you in the loop on what's happening across Groom.
I'm thrilled to share some of the key highlights:
1. Community forums in Cambooya, Meringandan and Toowoomba
Thanks to everyone who came along for a chat!
If you missed me, I'll be back at Fitzy's Toowoomba on Tuesday the 21st of November at 5:30pm. Alternatively, you can let me know which issues are important to you by completing the survey here.
If you'd like to receive updates on where I'll be next, click here!
2. Blackspot Funding
Funded under the former Coalition government, works are underway to deliver important safety upgrades at the intersection of Margaret and Mackenzie St.
These upgrades will include the introduction of traffic signals, kerb and channel works and bicycle awareness zones - a much needed improvement in such a busy school zone.
I appreciate there may be some delays and changes to traffic movements. It is important that we work to ensure safer roads and walkways. This is about getting you home, safely.
3. Advocated for local small businesses
Labor's IR legislation will drag workplaces and the economy backwards, and a continued lack of focus on productivity will only result in a continued reduction of real wages. You can watch me speak about this below.👇
If you're a local small business owner, please let me know your challenges, priorities and goals, so that I can help you get ahead. You can find my Groom Small Business Survey here.
4. Speaking against the terror of Hamas against the innocent people of Israel
In the quest for peace there is complexity. In the quest for peace there is compromise, there is negotiation and there is the need to understand each other and work together.
But at no point has Hamas engaged in the quest for peace.
There is no moral equivalence - the attacks of Hamas against Israel were horrific – targeting, killing and kidnapping babies, children and the elderly.
For humanity, I urge all parties to work toward minimising the loss of innocent lives as much as possible, to allow humanitarian support and assistance to the people, to respect international law, and for all of the hostages that Hamas is holding to be released.
But let me say this - in the strongest possible terms, I condemn the acts of terror by Hamas against the people of Israel.
5. Call Out to Unpaid Carers
Are you a parent, spouse, partner, child, sibling, loved one, or even a friend caring for someone who is ill, disabled, incapacitated or unable to care for themselves?
Do you think caring for a loved one is just part of loving that person; a duty you do without a second thought?
Are you feeling frustrated, stressed, burned out, not listened to, and don’t know where to turn to for help?
It’s a fact that many don’t see themselves as Carers, but you are!
The 2021 Census chronicles the number of persons who “provided unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, health condition or due to old age” at 2,476,306 nationally, with 17,635 in the Toowoomba Region alone.
The Darling Downs Warrior Carers Support Group (DDWCSG) – founded in June 2018 - can help you connect with fellow Carers, supports and services to assist you with your caring role and better look after yourself.
You can connect with Darling Downs Warrior Carers Support Group (DDWCSG) on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/392611138254490
As always, please let me know if I can assist you with anything.
I will keep on listening and working for our community, and continue to advocate for our region in Canberra.
Kind regards,
Garth Hamilton MP
Federal Member for Groom
