That's a wrap on 2023!
As we approach the end of 2023, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year we’ve had in the Groom electorate.
While it hasn't always been easy, with crime rising, cost of living out of control, severe storms and fire - we should reflect on the overwhelming positivity and of course, our luck as Australians.
It has been an absolute pleasure to get on the road and meet so many new people and see many familiar faces across the region. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who took the time to invite me into their homes and businesses, join me for a chat at one of our mobile offices, community forums, or politics in the pub nights!
1. Community driven solutions to tackle youth crime
Crime in our community continues to be a concern raised with me regularly.
I continue to advocate on this issue and have taken community-driven solutions to the Parliament, to fight for stronger laws and sensible legislation.
Following consultations with local community groups, I introduced our Private Member’s Bill to address social media as a recruitment tool and teamed up with Lee Faulkner from Triple M to ensure that community members felt safe by offering company to anyone who felt vulnerable walking alone in our CBD.
2. Helping community with the North South Transport Corridor
Following an intense, sustained campaign by residents against the State Government’s ill-planned Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor, the proposal was scrapped.
I want to thank each and every resident that fought back against the Government’s lack of consultation, and had their say. Whether you attended one of the community meetings, hosted a sign in your yard, signed the petition, wrote a letter. I was pleased to stand with you and support you.
It shows what we can achieve as a community when we work together and I would also reflect on the hard work of our State MP's, Trevor Watts and Pat Weir.
Now, it is time to turn attention to securing the transport solutions that work for our community.
Please, if you are interested in putting forward alternatives, let me know at: https://www.garthhamilton.com.au/get-in-touch/transport-solutions-for-toowoomba/
3. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price Voice Forum
Over 1400 residents from Toowoomba and surrounds came together to rally behind Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as she shared her perspective on The Voice proposal.
Thank you to the many members of our community who got involved, joined the conversation, and stood up for a fair Australia.
While the entire referendum was divisive, locally we were respectful and we are focused on being one Australia.
4. Groom's Gifts
Thank you to everyone who has been involved with the Groom's Gifts initiative! 🎁🎄
We had thousands of entries, with participants supporting local small businesses this Christmas. Congratulations to our winners:
- Grand prize: $200 VISA Gift card - Lorraine Crothers
- Fuel Voucher from Zimms Corner - Paul Morris
- Facial of your choice from Toowoomba Body Sculpting - Helen Price
- Yeti drinkware set from the Weber Store - Kay Stephens
- Confectionary Hamper from Pittsworth Confectionary - Lisa Sevander
- 1/18 Atom RTR 4WD Electric RC Monster Truck from Wings Over the Downs Hobbies - Daryl Rossow
- $100 Voucher from Precious Time Fabric and Quilts - Chris Lavallee
- Crystal bowl from Toowoomba Antiques and Collectibles - Lucinda Burton
This initiative is an exceptional demonstration of the strength of our community in supporting one another.
5. Toowoomba Sports Ground Community Forum
It was fantastic to see so many East Toowoomba residents come out to have their say on the proposed redevelopment of Clive Berghofer Stadium.
To date, the government has failed to answer some very basic questions and we need greater oversight for the infrastructure, sporting and legacy opportunities of the Olympic games.
It is crucial that such significant projects are shaped by the insights and needs of the community and I will make sure your voices are heard.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have further thoughts, concerns, or questions.
5. Groom's future, Greater together survey
As your local Federal Member, I need your thoughts to make sure I get the priorities right for our community. That’s why I’m undertaking an ambitious plan to put together a bold, community led vision for the Toowoomba Region.
The future belongs to all of us, so we all deserve a say.
Thank you to the many local residents who took the time to complete my survey in the first phase of consultation.
The top 5 local issues raised were:
5. Standing up for our region
I'll continue to do in 2024, what I did in 2023: listen, work for you and fight for our fair share.
I am working to tackle crime and get stronger laws. There needs to be action on cost of living and helping families. I am fighting for better outcomes from local Black Spot projects, to resecure funding for safety upgrades on the New England Highway, to get Inland Rail to Toowoomba, get on with the business case for passenger rail, improve Olympics spending and projects, get Railway Parklands moving and continue to undertake investment in local health and aged care services.
2024 will be a big year for our community.
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
