Over the past 18 months I have been quietly sharing my nation-building infrastructure vision for Bonner –Tunnel Vision.

With an aim to think big in a time when we need to boost our economy, create jobs and create projects that meet the Prime Minister’s Infrastructure Vision for Australia, this ticks all the boxes.

While I have been sharing this vision on the quiet so far in my electorate, my advocacy has been unabating in Canberra. Tunnel Vision provides an alternative, win-win solution to the problems currently facing the Port of Brisbane – Inland Rail connection.

The Inland Rail project – currently under construction – will connect Melbourne to Brisbane; however, current plans have it terminating at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.

This means freight earmarked for the Port of Brisbane must be trucked in on existing roads unless a dedicated Inland Rail link is constructed.

Located in the northern part of the Bonner electorate, Port of Brisbane currently sees more than 98 per cent of freight trucked in by road.

In 2018, this equated to more than four million trucks and is forecast to increase to more than 13 million trucks by 2050.

Building a dedicated rail connection to the Port of Brisbane is estimated to take up to 2.4 million trucks off Brisbane’s roads by 2035.

The Coalition Government allocated $20 million to develop a concept plan to connect the Port of Brisbane to the Inland Rail via a new rail connection as currently, any freight rail is sharing existing passenger rail.

Tunnel Vision proposes to go a step further on this concept and deliver a dedicated rail connection via an underground tunnel.

By taking the rail connection underground, we will not only take pressure off the region’s roads and existing rail networks which are already at capacity, we can deliver better social and environmental means of transporting freight out of Brisbane and across the east coast of Australia.

From reduced air pollution, less greenhouse gas emissions, less noise pollution, less water pollution as a result of run-off from roads, and reducing heavy truck movements, we can improve the amenity and liveability of Brisbane’s southern and bayside suburbs.

A joint Federal and State Government Port of Brisbane Strategic Rail Access Study into this rail connection has been completed and I have been privy to its outcome, however it has not yet been publicly released by the Queensland Government.

This study has been sitting in a draw of a Queensland Government MP, to the detriment of our community. Holding up this study’s release resulted in the Senate Inquiry into Inland Rail being unaware of its existence until I spoke personally with Senator Susan McDonald.

Indeed, our government had been working towards a solution to connect the port and rail, which has currently been politicised as a “planning failure” by the Federal opposition.

I am heartened by the outcome of this study, and I am working with the Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher to have it publicly released by the State so we can progress Tunnel Vision.

This project also has the full support of Queensland’s MP’s and Senators who have earmarked it under our Team Queensland infrastructure priorities to the Prime Minister.

I believe a dedicated underground rail connection is a viable solution to the traffic chaos we would see if there is nothing done to deliver a dedicated connection between the Port of Brisbane and Inland Rail.

With an underground rail connection, we will take 13 million trucks of south east Queensland roads, which will not only ease congestion issues, but prevent heavy deterioration of these roads.

The project is estimated to create 1200 new jobs per year between now and 2045 through both construction and operational phases, and reduce emissions from freight as well as pollution from coal transport.

An added benefit would see Port of Brisbane operating amongst World’s Best Practice for freight transport and create a faster route to transport goods between Brisbane and Melbourne.

The benefits of Tunnel Vision are extensive, and I am very pleased to be able to share this vision with you.

Ross Vasta

Federal Member for Bonner

Sunday Mail – Queensland’s Missing Link

Exclusive published Sunday, February 14

STUDENTS in Bonner can learn more about veteran service and Australian wartime history by asking the question, ‘what does commemoration look like in our community?’

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said students could enter the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards and honour the service and sacrifice of Australians from the First World War to modern day conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“Australia has a rich military history and the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards are an opportunity for students in Bonner to learn more about our contribution over the years and how we now commemorate as a community,” Mr Vasta said.

“2020 meant the cancellation of many Anzac Day services and we saw communities adapt and find different ways to commemorate.

“The theme centres on the importance of commemorations and asks students to look at how society and commemorations have changed over time.

“The Awards also help ensure our future generations grow up with a recognition and respect for the sacrifice of all who have served in the protection of our country and way of life.

“I encourage all schools across Bonner to take part in this competition and I look forward to seeing what students come up with.”

The national winner’s school will receive $5000, a trophy and a certificate.

There will also be state and territory winners, with the schools receiving $3000 and a certificate.

Winners in the special categories will receive $2000 and a certificate.

Entries for the Awards are now open and will close on Wednesday, 30 June 2021.

For more information, including on award categories, judging, criteria and how to apply visit the Anzac Portal website.

The Morrison Government has launched a $5 million campaign across national advertising, TV and event sponsorships to encourage Australians to book a holiday in Australia this year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the advertising blitz was about promoting domestic holidays to support our local tourism jobs and businesses.

“The campaign will feature Australian destinations, tourism products and experiences from every state and territory in national advertising, TV program and event sponsorships, publisher created content and in-program editorial integration,” Mr Vasta said.

“Everyone deserves to take a break this year and it doesn’t matter if you book a holiday down the road or on the other side of the country, you’ll be supporting Australian businesses and workers.”

Mr Vasta said JobKeeper saved tourist businesses like Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island in Bonner, however, with the school holidays over and wage subsidies wrapping up, it was still important to back our local businesses.

“You can always enjoy a day trip or long weekend away to take a break and keep supporting Australia’s tourism industry,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our tourism industry is so important because it supports more than 666,000 local jobs and every dollar spent on an Australian holiday this year will help our tourism sector.

“When you do book your holiday this year, go to one of Bonner’s local travel agents to help support them because they’re also doing it tough because of COVID-19.”

With the sixth round of the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities grant program now open, this round will be particularly important in supporting Australia’s economic recovery.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the program had successfully supported dozens of projects in his electorate, with community groups contributing equal share or in-kind funding.

“However, for this special round, the grant funding for each project will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, except for local governing bodies,” Mr Vasta said.

“Grant requests must be between $2500 and $20,000 and projects completed by December 31, 2021.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program provided each electorate with $150,000 to fund small capital projects that improve local community participation.

“This could be anything from fitting out community centres, to upgrading sporting club equipment, purchasing emergency service equipment or adding disability access as just some examples,” Mr Vasta said.

“If your sporting club, school or community organisation has a project in mind, I encourage you to get in touch with my office to submit an expression of interest.”

Applications open January 19, 2021 and close March 15, 2021.

For more information email ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au  or visit www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme

Are you the king or queen of the summer barbecue at your place? If so, enter your best barbecue secret and go in the draw to win a Bonner Barbecue prize pack this Australia Day.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was looking for the best barbecue tips and recipes in celebration of Australia Day.

“Australia Day this year will be a day for us all to reflect on the events of 2020, respect the selfless sacrifice of frontline workers and celebrate the promise of a brighter 2021,” Mr Vasta said.

“I want to help kick off those celebrations with a barbecue prize pack for your Aussie Day event.”

Mr Vasta said Australia Day was always about coming together with family, friends and our local community to celebrate our nation’s place in the world.

“Whether its at the beach, the park or your own backyard, celebrating Australia Day with a barbie has become tradition for most of us,” Mr Vasta said.

“I know a lot of families have had a tough year and enjoying an Aussie Day barbecue by winning a Bonner Barbecue pack could brighten up your public holiday even more.

“So if you’d like a barbecue meat pack from one of Bonner’s local butchers, jump onto my website and enter for the chance to win one of three delicious BBQ packs.”

Entries close January 22 and the winners will receive their Bonner Barbecue prize prior to Australia Day.

Visit www.rossvasta.com.au for more information.

I rise today to share the news of the completed all-abilities senior playground for students in years 4 to 6 at Wishart State School. This playground has been part of the school’s vision over the last 20 years and has been made possible thanks to $350,000 in funding by the Morrison government. It is a playground which will be enjoyed by the school community for years to come.

Since announcing the funding, I have been following the upgrades closely and have made regular visits to the site. The school undertook an extensive consultation process to make sure staff, students and parents could all have a say in the designs. In fact, some of the designs prepared by year 6 students have been incorporated. The consultation process was a fundamental step in ensuring all senior students were considered, including specialty equipment for those with special needs.

This month I visited the school once again to see the completed playground and to catch up with the principal, Yolanda Tognini. Ms Tognini has been overwhelmed by how pleased the students, staff and parents are with the new playground. It’s already making an incredible difference to the entire school community, and they are grateful for the government’s contribution.

Over the past few years, Wishart State School has seen enrolment numbers increase by hundreds, and this new playground will support the students’ experience as it continues to grow. Our government continues to back local schools, enabling real improvements, just like those to the Wishart State School.