Tambo Mill Opening

It was fantastic to attend the opening of the recently upgraded Tambo Sawmill last month.

It was great to see both State and Federal Government grants go to such a worthy project, which has been a long-term priority for the region.

This project creating sustainable long-term jobs in the town, increased enrolments at the Tambo State School and rental vacancy rates being next to nil, with flow-on effects throughout the community.

Sawmill operators Jason and Bob Sladden pictured with Blackall-Tambo Mayor, Andrew Martin, Federal Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud, and the Member for Gregory, Lachlan Millar, at the sawmill opening.

Tambo Show

It was also great to attend the annual Tambo Stock Show which signals the beginning of the show circuit for the Gregory Electorate.  Country shows are an age old institution that celebrates the unique culture of rural communities, and the 2018 show was one of the best. 

Walking around, I saw the talent and skills that flourishes throughout Western Queensland.  The pride within the community, knowing the show rests on the shoulders of volunteers, hardworking diligent people who put in hours and hours of work behind the scenes to make an event like this happen.

Congratulations to all the competitors, exhibitions, stall holders and the Show Committee for another great event! 

Vegetation Management

This month saw Labor’s unfair changers to the Vegetation Management Act 1999 pass through Queensland Parliament.  Labor rushed through the committee process, despite a lack of science and more than 700 detailed submissions made by farmers and graziers in opposition to the bill.

Hundreds of farmers and graziers from all over Queensland convened on the steps of Parliament during the Parliamentary debate to oppose the new laws.  I was proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these hard-working farmers and graziers who are fighting for a sustainable future for agriculture.

We may have lost this battle, but the fight is far from over.  I will continue to advocate for fair vegetation management laws that produce good environment, social and economic outcomes.