Ahead of this week’s Federal Budget, the first for the new Albanese Labour Government, I wrote to the new Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, outlining my case for additional funding for the people of Logan and the Northern Gold Coast.
During this year’s Federal Election campaign, I identified a number of worthwhile community projects that were deserving of funding, pledging my commitment to help these sporting and community groups in my role as the Federal Member of Forde.
At the top of my list of commitments was $55-million dollars for an urgent upgrade of Exit 38 at Yatala North on the M1 Motorway. Tens of thousands of commercial vehicles pass through this area every day, as well thousands of commuters who live in the Ormeau area who need access to M1.
The congestion around Exit 38 is not only chronic, but can also be potentially dangerous, with long queues of cars and trucks stretching back onto the motorway which causes a hazard for other vehicles, which can be travelling at 110 km/h.
Also included, on my list of commitments was $3.6 million to finance a major upgrade for Beenleigh’s Hammel Park Sports Complex. This zone is home to many sporting organisations, including the Beenleigh Netball Association, Beenleigh Junior Rugby League FC, and Beenleigh and Districts Baseball Club.
Some of the facilities in this zone are more than 40 years, are no longer ‘fit for purpose’ and are in desperate need of replacement or an upgrade. If Governments want to encourage more people, especially youth, to play sport we need to provide the best possible conditions.
I also asked the Treasurer to include in his Budget $1 million to build a new club house for the Ormeau F.C. soccer club, and $1 million to upgrade the CCTV security network across the Logan City.
I hope the Treasurer, my parliamentary neighbour from the Federal seat of Rankin which includes areas of Logan, can find the additional Federal funds to honour these funding commitments for our local community.
