By Wide Bay Mp Llew O’brien
I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone in the Noosa region for a safe and merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
This year has been a difficult one for everyone as a result of the pandemic, and while Australia has risen to the challenges of tackling COVID-19 better than most countries, we must acknowledge our nation’s recovery will be a slow and sometimes painful process.
I am thankful to everyone in Noosa who showed common sense and decency in helping stop the spread of COVID-19, and particularly our medical professionals and aged care workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to keep us and our vulnerable elderly safe.
As we move into 2021, there are many reasons we can be optimistic about a brighter year ahead.
Locally, the final stage of the Peregian Beach Digital Hub will take shape, with $2,073,100 provided by the Morrison Government for Stage 3 of the Rufous Street Masterplan Development.
Noosa’s tourism industry is already bouncing back rapidly with the opening of borders, and Tourism Noosa has received $12,728 in Australian Government funding for an Industry Leadership Program that will help rebuild the sector.
In a win for the environment and tourism, the Federal and State Governments are jointly investing $1.6 million to improve and create new links within Noosa’s hinterland trails network to aid in the region’s economic recovery from bushfires and the pandemic.
The Morrison Government is also working with the Noosa Council to replace local bridges with $450,000 allocated to replace the timber Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge and $755,437 to replace the timber Lawnville Road Bridge. These infrastructure projects will create and support local jobs at a time when they are needed most.
The future is also looking bright for the Noosa Show, with a $85,675 grant through the Morrison Government’s Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program to revitalise the main arena of the Pomona Showgrounds, and a further $34,985 is being delivered to ensure the Noosa Show goes on next year.
There is significant work being done to ensure a COVID-19 vaccine can be rolled out safely next year, with enough doses to ensure everyone who wishes to receive a vaccination can do so.
While COVID restrictions are being eased, the threat of the pandemic has not entirely dissipated, and this Christmas may be unlike others we have celebrated in the past. I would encourage everyone to reach out in person or by telephone to those who may be lonely or isolated.
I hope everyone is able to celebrate a peaceful and safe Christmas, and wish all in Wide Bay a happier and healthier year in 2021.
