Current Issues

Local Council Amalgamations

The Local Government Reform Commission has recently submitted it's recommendations to Premier Peter Beattie. These recommendations include a proposal to amalgamate Pine Rivers Shire Council with Caboolture Shire Council and Redcliffe City Council. For more information on this and other recommendations click here.

The Power To Choose The Power You Use

Queensland residents and small businesses now have the opportunity to compare offers from different energy companies and make a choice about where you buy your electricity and natural gas. For more information click here to visit The Power To Choose website.

Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation Study

The State Government is undertaking a detailed study into the future transport needs of western Brisbane. The Department of Main Roads has now established a webpage for residents interested in finding out the latest news on the Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation Study. Just click here. Further information can also be found here.

New Licensing Laws for Young Drivers in Queensland

Young drivers aged 17 to 24 are at least two and a half times more likely to die as a result of a road crash than other motorists. That's why from 1 July 2007 the Queensland Government is introducing new laws to change the licensing system for young drivers.

Learner Licence holders under the age of 25 will be required to gain 100 hours of supervised on-road driving experience and will be restricted from using a mobile phone (including hands-free functions and blue tooth accessories) while driving, and their supervisor and passengers will be banned from using mobile phones on loudspeaker functions.

Under the new legislation there will also be 2 stages involved in a Provisional Licence. These stages include restrictions on mobile phone use; the number of passengers the driver may travel with; and restrictions on high powered vehicles.

For more information on this new legislation and how it will effect you and your family click here to visit Queensland Transport's Website or phone 1300 793 284

Party Hard - Party Safe

Everyone would be distressed with the loss of young lives through violence at parties.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is working hard to make the party season as enjoyable and safe for young people and their parents. There is a lot of useful information on their website.

Everyone enjoys going to or hosting a party. For young people it is certainly a part of growing up and celebrating special occasions with your friends. While most parties are fun for everyone involved, intoxicated guests or gatecrashers can sometimes ruin the occasion.

The QPS website provides some ideas to assist in holding successful, enjoyable and safe parties for everyone concerned including parents, hosts and guests. There is also a Party Safe Registration Form that can be downloaded from the Police website so that party hosts can register their party with the local police. Registering your party will provide the police with details they need to know if they are called to your party to deal with an incident.
Always remember that if things are getting out of hand and the safety of people is at risk dial 000.
Click here to access the Queensland Police Service "Party Safe" page.