Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The year 2024 is almost over, and, looking back on the year that's been, one of the biggest highlights for Wide Bay, and one that will save lives, is the long-awaited opening of the Gympie Bypass. The new 26-kilometre corridor completes the Cooroy to Curra four-lane upgrade and transforms one of the deadliest sections of the Bruce Highway into one of the safest. But there is still much to do, and we need to extend that four-lane divided highway north of Curra to Maryborough. I'll be working with the new LNP state government to get cracking on the Tiaro Bypass and everything in between.

2024 has been a tough year for Wide Bay's community service and sporting groups, with rising costs having an impact on their capacity to deliver programs and services which so many people rely on. With the Labor government slashing the funding and opportunities for not-for-profit organisations, programs like the volunteer grants are vital. The volunteer grants program supports the work volunteers undertake in the community, providing funding for equipment and training to make their work easier, safer and more enjoyable.

Local organisations like the Gympie and Pomona and District Meals on Wheels, Gympie Medical Transport and the Volunteer Coast Guard at Tin Can Bay received grants to provide fuel reimbursements for their volunteers, who use their own vehicles to help others. The Proud Marys, Curra Country Club, Murgon Mustangs Junior Rugby League and the South Burnett PCYC used their funds to train and upskill their volunteers and conduct child safety background checks. The Cherbourg Ration Shed used their grant to purchase sewing and craft equipment to create artwork that continues to tell the story of life in Cherbourg under the Aboriginal protection act. Riding for the Disabled Maryborough are building a ramp for their riders to use when mounting and dismounting. The Baddow Scout Group bought a branded marquee, and the Gympie Pistol Club purchased a ride-on mower. A number of organisations—like the Cooroora Historical Society, the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum, the Noosa District Basketball Association, the Creative Country Association, Kandanga Cemetery, the Widgee District Hall & Recreation Association, the Bauple Band Hall, Maryborough Regional Arts Council, Friends of Amamoor and the Maryborough Speedway—used their grants to purchase furniture, computers, tools, and safety and maintenance equipment to support the great work that they do for the community.

The volunteers and staff at the Wide Bay RSL sub-branch also do an incredible job supporting veterans and their families. I congratulate the Murgon and Gympie sub-branches on receiving funding from the Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program during 2024. The Murgon veterans drop-in centre, which was funded as an election commitment of mine in 2019, is upgrading its outdoor area, which will be great for those who utilise the facility. The Gympie RSL sub-branch are using their funding to provide free and/or low-cost physical exercise activities for the veterans community.

This is just a snapshot of some of the many activities that have occurred in Wide Bay, and it goes to show that even small amounts of money can make a big difference. I thank Wide Bay's volunteers for all their efforts and wish them all the very best, a merry Christmas and a happy 2025.