Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne has spent the week in Queensland Parliament examining the State Budget, while also celebrating NAIDOC Week, supporting community consultation in Rosewood and recognising local achievements across the electorate.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Ms Bourne said Budget Estimates Week provides an important opportunity for the Opposition to closely examine government spending.
“We get to dig into the detail of where taxpayers’ money is being spent and whether the government is delivering on what it’s promised,” she said.
Among the issues raised during estimates were reductions in funding for domestic and family violence services and government advertising expenditure.
Ms Bourne questioned the value of large promotional campaigns, including roadside billboards highlighting government projects.
“I understand governments need to get important messages out, particularly around health and road safety,” she said.
“But spending millions promoting government projects raises the question of whether that money could be better spent directly supporting communities.”
She pointed to a billboard promoting upgrades to the Marburg SES as an example.
“I absolutely support the upgrades, but it does make you wonder how much the billboard cost and whether that money could have gone directly to the SES.”
Celebrating NAIDOC Week
Closer to home, Ms Bourne joined several NAIDOC Week events across the electorate, including celebrations at Tulmur Place and a ceremony at Ripley Police Station.
She said hearing a Welcome to Country delivered by Aunty Cheryl was one of the highlights of the week.
“It was one of the most beautiful Welcome to Country ceremonies I’ve heard,” she said.
Ms Bourne is also looking forward to upcoming NAIDOC celebrations at Leichhardt State School, praising the school’s commitment to teaching Indigenous language and culture.
Community Invited to Shape Rosewood’s Future
Residents are also being encouraged to help shape the future of Rosewood through Ipswich City Council’s Shaping Rosewood Place Plan consultation.
Ms Bourne recently attended a community session at the Rosewood Library alongside local councillors and community representatives.
With significant population growth expected in the area, she said now is the time for residents to voice their priorities.
“It’s really important that people make a comment on what they want their town to look like,” she said.
Among the issues she believes deserve attention are improved disability access, upgrades to John Street and the future of the Rosewood Swimming Pool.
“The pool has reached its use-by date,” she said.
“I’d love to see investment that allows it to become a heated facility so it’s available for the community all year round.”
Additional consultation sessions will be held at the Rosewood Library and Rosewood Showgrounds, giving locals further opportunities to provide feedback.
Celebrating Education and Inclusion
Ms Bourne also attended West Moreton Anglican College’s Founders Day, marking the school’s 33rd anniversary.
She praised the school for recognising long-serving staff members and acknowledged the contribution of Principal Andrew Peach.
“It’s an amazing school that’s continuing to grow, and Andrew Peach is definitely an amazing principal,” she said.
The celebrations also included recognition of student leaders, some of whom will visit Parliament in coming weeks.
Ms Bourne finished the week by attending Focal Community Services’ Together We Rise Talent Show, describing the performances as an inspiring reminder of the importance of inclusion.
“When you watch those amazing young people perform, it really brings you back to what’s important in life,” she said.
She also congratulated Focal Community Services on its recent merger with Achieve Australia, saying the partnership would help secure the future of disability support services across the Ipswich region.
0 Comments