Listening. Working for you!
Getting back into the new year, I’ve been busy listening and working for you to address the issues that matter most to our community, and turn our conversations into action.
I’m thrilled to share some of the key highlights so far👇
1. Proud of our Country, Proud of our Flag
Thank you to everyone who came together on Australia Day and attended some of our fantastic local events!
It was great to get on the road to attend events in Toowoomba, Oakey, Jondaryan and Cambooya, and see so many people embracing our shared identity and celebrating our great nation.
We distributed over 1200 ‘Proud of our Country, Proud of our Flag’ bumper stickers, a symbol of our collective spirit and a reminder that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.
2. Supporting our local community groups
Our local community groups dedicate so much time and hard work supporting our region, and I am committed to ensuring that our amazing volunteers have the resources needed to continue their invaluable efforts.
It was fantastic to catch up with some of our local groups to celebrate a number of grants secured under the Stronger Communities Programme, and hear how these funds are assisting their organisations.
Thank you to all of our volunteers for the amazing work you do!
3. Bull & Barley Charity Pig Races
It was great to get behind the BBQ at the Bull & Barley Charity Pig Races!
Thank you to everyone who joined us in support of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, to the incredible volunteers, and of course, to pub owner Abby McHugh for facilitating this amazing event.
4. Support for Nuclear Energy
With the price of electricity skyrocketing and the cost-of-living crisis worsening, an increasing number of people are considering nuclear energy as an alternative.
Thank you to the many local residents who took the time to complete the 'Groom's future, Greater together' survey in the first phase of consultation.
Overwhelmingly, people in our community are supportive of considering nuclear power in the future energy mix, with 69% of respondents indicating they would like to see the ban on nuclear energy removed.
5. Toowoomba Sports Ground Submissions
The State and Federal Government’s botched approach to Olympic infrastructure is now under review.
Here in Toowoomba, they have ignored local priorities, haven’t considered impacts, refused to consult and provided no details.
I’ll be putting forward a submission, including the feedback I’ve received from the local community, seeking more consultation to find the right solution for our city.
Please join me in having your say by sending an email to venuereviewfeedback@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au
6. Hope Horizons
Toowoomba is a place that makes things happen and there is no better example of that than Hope Horizons.
It was fantastic to meet with the brilliant Jo Capp, for a site tour of the newly opened Jenny Black Cancer Wellness Centre.
So much hard work and community support has gone into creating a beautiful space for person-centred care and long-term management, to diminish the impacts of cancer. A fantastic achievement of our local community.
7. Pittsworth NAB
Despite recording a profit of $7.7 billion dollars last year, NAB has decided to close their branch in Pittsworth.
This closure is yet another example of a large corporation with the wrong priorities, and NAB's rhetoric on thinking locally and supporting community does not align with their actions.
Talking to locals over the past few weeks, it is clear that this will have significant impacts on Pittsworth residents and business owners.
Tell NAB to keep the branch open by signing my petition here.
8. Passenger Rail
The Toowoomba Region is growing, and as a regional powerhouse there needs to be better connections to Brisbane to ensure future growth and access to services.
We know the business case for passenger rail between Toowoomba and Brisbane is finished but the government refuses to tell us what it says.
Good news or bad news, we deserve to know - and I'll continue to push for those answers.
9. Bringing the office to you!
Thank you to everyone who stopped for a chat at my recent Clifford Gardens and Betros Bros mobile offices.
If you missed me, please let me know what issues are important to you at https://www.garthhamilton.com.au/get-in-touch/survey/, I am always listening.
2024 will be a big year for our community.
This week, I'm back in Canberra, advocating for our region.
As always, please let me know if I can assist you with anything.
Kind regards,
Garth Hamilton MP
Federal Member for Groom
