Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

[by video link] I'd like to take this opportunity to update the House on two fantastic projects in the electorate of Herbert that will be going ahead thanks to the Building Better Regions Fund. The first will go some way towards helping curb Townsville's crime crisis and the second will support safety for swimmers at our beaches.

While the state Labor government dithers with its responsibility to change the legislation to meet community expectations, we're playing our part by supporting early intervention initiatives. That's why we're supporting YWAM Townsville with $778,500 under the BBRF to build a multipurpose youth precinct. This will include an adventure-based-learning high-ropes course and a multipurpose space and cafe. More importantly, it will become home for preventative intervention and rehabilitation programs for our youth. Congratulations to the team at YWAM for coming up with such an excellent concept.

Meanwhile, we all know what an amazing job volunteer surf lifesavers do to keep us safe on our beaches. The Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club has experienced a 58 per cent increase in membership over the past five years, but has been held back by its outdated clubhouse at Alma Bay on Magnetic Island. With the support of $160,000 from the BBRF, the club will be able to renovate and extend its facilities so that it isn't just for training activities and club events but also available for local community use.

I look forward to both projects becoming a reality in the coming months.

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