Clean Up Australia Day is a simple way you can take action to clean up, fix up and conserve our prized Australian environment.

In 2012 an estimated 591,400 volunteers cleaned up 16,169 tonnes at 7,363 sites right across Australia. But we can do better! So be a good sport and join the team to Clean Up Australia on Sunday, 3 March 2013 in Bonner!

Get involved by registering your own Clean Up Site or by volunteering at a site near you.

Look forward to seeing you out on Sunday 3rd March!

A combination of extremely heavy rain, high winds and creek flooding have already caused major damage across our city and we’re expecting more flooding to come over the coming days.

While Brisbane River flood levels are expected to be lower than January 2011 (2.6m in the CBD compared to 4.45m in 2011), there is no doubt that we will see serious impacts in parts of the city.

I know that there are hundreds of fallen trees, numerous fallen powerlines and significant damage to roads and parks.

Council crews are working around the clock to remove fallen trees and fill potholes, but the scale of the damage means this is unfortunately going to take time.

The best way you can help is by reporting any storm or flood damage to the Brisbane City Council via the 24 hour contact centre on 3403 8888.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

                                       Life threatening emergencies only: 000

State Emergency Service (SES): 13 25 00

Brisbane City Council Call Centre (24 Hours): 3403 8888

Road Closure Information: 13 19 40

Camp Hill Police Station: 3843 2125
Capalaba Police Station: 3433 3333
Holland Park Police Station: 3847 8633
Upper Mt Gravatt Police Station: 3364 3102
Wynnum Police Station: 3308 8122

Energex (loss of power): 13 62 62

Useful web links

Brisbane City Council: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Queensland Government: www.qld.gov.au

Bureau of Meteorology Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/qld/

FREE GREEN WASTE DISPOSAL

Council’s transfer stations will be open for free green waste tipping this weekend.

Brisbane City Council operates transfer stations at the following locations:

• 728 Tilley Road, Chandler
• 1560 Nudgee Road, Nudgee
• 360 Sherbrooke Road, Willawong
• 101 Upper Kedron Road, Ferny Grove

Transfer stations are open from 6.30am to 5.45pm every day of the year.

EVACUATION CENTRE

An evacuation centre has been opened at the Sleeman Centre for flood / storm-affected residents from across Brisbane who are unable to make alternative living arrangements.

Sleeman Centre was chosen because it has extensive facilities, its own back-up power supply, plenty of parking, as well as straight-forward access via Old Cleveland Rd and/or the Gateway Motorway.

On-site parking is available in Car Park 3.

If possible residents are asked to please bring with them:

• bedding, including sleeping bags or sheets, blankets, pillow
• two days change of clothes
• personal items and toiletries
• medications
• non-perishable food and water.

The site will accommodate pets, however pets must remain restrained and under owners supervision at all times.  Owners must provide own pet leads, cages, food, bowls and litter.

The centre will be operated by Australian Red Cross with assistance from the Zhu Chi Foundation, with staff on hand to assist residents.

For assistance or further information, phone Brisbane City Council on 3403 8888 or visit Council’s website at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Ross Vasta, Member for Bonner said the release of the Coalition’s plan for Australia would be welcomed throughout Bonner.

“Our Plan – Real Solutions for all Australians” was released by the Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott on Sunday and explains the direction, values and policy priorities of the next Coalition Government.

“Every day between now and the next election, I will be talking with residents throughout Bonner about our plan to build a strong and prosperous economy and a safe and secure Australia”, said Ross Vasta.

“This plan will resonate with families, small business owners, young people and older Australians because the plan is based on what Australians have told us about their lives, their families and their hopes for the future.

“It’s a positive plan that will deliver more jobs, higher wages and better services for Australian families, while reducing cost of living pressures. It will immediately take the pressure of families and business by scrapping Labor’s carbon tax.

Ross Vasta said the document is the Coalition’s positive plan to build a strong and prosperous economy and a safe and secure Australia.

“It’s the plan that will allow Australians to once again get ahead and plan their futures with confidence.

“I encourage residents to download a copy of Our Plan from www.realsolutions.org.au as it details how a Coalition government will build a stronger, more productive and diverse economy through lower taxes, more efficient government and more productive businesses.

“We know that building a stronger, more productive and diverse 5-Pillar economy is the foundation of building a strong Australia. 

“This is the plan that will provide hope to Australians from all walks of life – it’s a plan that will create one million new jobs within five years and two million new jobs within a decade.”

Ross Vasta said he was looking forward to talking to parents, small business owners, older Australians and students about the plan over the coming months.

 

Grants Forum

With Special Guest Speaker, State Minister for National Parks, Sports, Recreation and Racing, The Honourable. Steve Dickson

An information forum with know-how presenters on:

 Federal, State and Council Grants available

 Special tips to help promote your group

 Explaining the application process

 Opportunity to network with other sporting and community groups

When: 6.00 pm – 8.00pm, Monday 11th March 2013

Where: Carina Leagues Club,

401 Stanley Road, Carina

RSVP: Essential by COB 5pm Monday 4 March 2013

to chatsworth@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone 3398 4777

Ross Vasta, Member for Bonner said Australia Day is a day to count our blessings and to reflect on our achievements as a nation.

 

“I love Australia Day.  The citizenship ceremonies, community celebrations and backyard BBQs make it one of the best days of the year”, said Ross Vasta

 

“It’s a day when we can be thankful about our past and hopeful about our future.  My goal this year is to work to deliver the hope, reward and opportunity that all Australians deserve.”

 

Ross Vasta said the recent bushfires were a reminder that we are at our best as a community when we look out for each other.

 

“Australia is always at its best when we share our successes, and support and encourage each other as Australians. 

 

“All of our community organisations from our sporting clubs and environmental groups to our emergency services volunteers, are reminders of everything good about our country and its people.”

 

Ross Vasta said his hope for Australia on this Australia Day is for even better Australia Days in the years ahead.

 

“We can always build a better Australia.  I want to help build an Australia that is strong and prosperous and safe and secure.

 

“Happy Australia Day Bonner”.