O AKEY HIGH SCHOOL INVESTITURE

More bridges across the Toowoomba Region could soon be upgraded or replaced after the federal government invested $40 million into the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP).

In a boost for the freight industry, the Government will inject an additional $10 million each year for the next four years into the BRP, increasing annual funding to $95 million. Projects eligible for funding include replacing and widening bridges, strengthening existing structures, and upgrading floodways to bridges. Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton said with more than 85 per cent of projects funded under the BRP located in regional Australia, this additional funding will further improve our roads across the region and our communities connected. “Upgrading bridges will improve the road and freight network across the Toowoomba Region, ensuring businesses can continue to safely and efficiently move their goods to where they need to be,” Mr Hamilton said. “The Bridges Renewal Program has already had a significant impact locally, including upgrades to Tummaville Bridge and the Mally Road Culvert replacement. “This additional funding will also deliver an important short-term economic boost, supporting local jobs and providing opportunities for local suppliers. “I look forward to working with local groups to help secure funding for new projects that will benefit businesses, locals and tourists visiting our region, now and into the future.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the extra funding would support more projects and jobs while boosting regional industries. “To make our country as strong as possible as quickly as possible we must support the growth of the industries that drive our economy,” Mr Joyce said. “The Nationals and Liberals recognise that many of these industries are in regional Australia, including the mining and agricultural exporting businesses that help pay for the services all Australians rely on. “Building new bridges and upgrading existing structures will strengthen

Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton.

our freight network and ensure valuable commodities continue flowing to international and domestic buyers. “Our additional funding commitment will strengthen regional businesses and our economy, create local jobs, and improve safety for freight drivers and regional communities.” Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said that the additional funding would assist

Emu Creek Dam back in focus

Toowoomba Regional Council moved a motion yesterday to ensure Emu Creek Dam is firmly on the State Government’s radar as an option for future water.

communities to stay connected and improve regional infrastructure. “Accepting applications on an ongoing basis means state, territory and local governments can plan and submit their best-quality projects as and when they are needed,” he said. The Government’s additional $40 million investment in the Bridges Renewal Program brings our total commitment under this program to nearly $900 million. For more information and to apply, visit https:// investment.infrastructure. gov.au/resources/brp-hvspp/ index.aspx.

80s Dance Party

This Saturday 19th March jam out to live 80s music at Toowoomba’s Powerhouse. It starts at 7.30pm and will feature local bands. For more information visit the Facebook event page or call 0402 456 857.

Look at Me While I’m Talking to You: a play about teenage rebellion.

Celebrate Youth Week on April 1st by attending a free online event hosted by Arts Central Queensland, meeting the cast and crew and viewing digital theatre. You can register for tickets on eventbrite via their Facebook event page.

Need to talk?

PCYC Oakey Connect service is available for local young people. To connect or refer, phone or SMS Kat on 0459 836 335. Youth Connect Toowoomba

YouthConnectTRC Email: youthconnect@tr.qld.gov.au Kids Help Line 1800 551 800

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With the State Government undertaking work on a Regional Water Assessment, Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said it was vital Emu Creek Dam was considered as part of this assessment. “The potential creation of a dam on the seasonal Emu Creek within the catchment of Wivenhoe Dam has been raised at Council before however has never been fully explored,” Mayor Antonio said. “We’re fortunate to be in a position where our three dams are now full, however we can’t become complacent and need to continue planning for the future. “Building a new dam can often take 15 years, if not longer, so it’s crucial we do the necessary preparation now to cater for the ongoing growth of the Toowoomba Region. “Emu Creek Dam would give us greater water security, boosting our urban water supply, as well as be a possible water source for irrigators throughout the Region. “In addition to this, a new dam in this location would have flood mitigation benefits through the withholding of water from Wivenhoe Dam in extreme rainfall events, to the benefit of the downstream communities. “To ensure this location is considered, we’re seeking clarification from the State Government of progress in the Regional Water Assessment and assurance that all efforts are being made to achieve early completion and publication of the outcomes.” Mayor Antonio said he will be writing to the Minister for Water Glenn Butcher to communicate our resolution to ensure Emu Creek Dam is considered by the State Government as part of the Regional Water Assessment.”

Oakey Golf Club Results

There have been no golf competitions at Oakey this past week as the course was closed due to the recent flooding.

Members are hoping that if there is no more significant rainfall this week, the course will be open for golf on Saturday 19th March. The men’s foursomes which were gazetted for the 20th March will be postponed till a later date. Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th March the members will play an 18 hole Stableford. - Marlene Deans Secretary

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Urgent help needed!

Flood Relief Appeal

Your support is urgently needed to assist thousands of

Thisrecordeventhasseenhomesdestroyed,possessions washed away, lives put on hold and even tragedies

Please help by donating to The Oakey Champion/

Your donation is gratefully accepted and will bedirectedtowhereitismostneededinthose

The Oakey Champion

QCPA

Meatstock is coming to Toowoomba

Queensland Press joins forces with Vinnies

Meatstock will be held in Toowoomba on the 8th and 9th April.

After a two-year hiatus, the barbecue festival Meatstock will be coming to the Toowoomba Showgrounds. Meatstock is gearing up to give attendees the best instalment yet, providing camping, food, activities and music for barbecue and country aficionados. In true Meatstock style, Toowoomba Showgrounds will be jam packed with some of the worlds most prestigious BBQ Pitmasters, mouth watering food trucks, expo stores and a wonderland of beer gardens. If this isn’t enough, Meatstock will be debuting the PBR Bullriding team at the event, so you can cheer on the rails and watch some extreme sport! For the first time, Meatstock will bring you a 100 per cent Australian country music line-up to

Photo from a previous Meatstock festival. - Photos Jay Beaumont

set the mood. Featured will be Lee Kernaghan, Brad Cox, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes, Shane Nicholson, Felicity Urquhard and Josh Cunningham, Jake Davey, Sammy White, Camille Trail, Cass Hopetoun and

Do you have any stories or tips for our newsroom?

Submit them to our journalist Chloe via email at

editorial@oakeychampion.com.au

LUNCH 11.30am to 2.00pm | DINNER 5.30pm to 8.00pm

For Bookings Phone 4961 3190

NEW MENU OUT NOW!

Oakey’s Favourite Bistro

The Queensland Country Press Association (QCPA), along with your local newspaper, The Oakey Champion, has joined forces with Vinnies Queensland to support thousands of Queenslanders affected by the recent floods.

Where Great Mates Meet Where Great Mates Meet St Monica’s leaders buddy up with preps

Each year the year 6 leaders buddy up with a prep student who they make feel welcome at the school through weekly activities both in and outside the classroom. Year 6 Leaders spending lunch time engaging with their prep buddies.

This record event has Country Press Association seen homes destroyed, and their community, as we possessions washed away, work together to help floodlives put on hold and even impacted Queenslanders tragedies. rebuild their lives.” Queensland Country “All funds raised Press Association through our Flood Appeal president Carlo Portella will provide immediate said Queenslanders have and long-term support to always come together to people in need – no matter help one another, no matter how long someone’s what the crises. recovery journey takes, “Whether it is floods, we’ll be there to lend a bushfires or cyclones, help is always at hand,” Mr Portella said. “I encourage all Queenslanders to try to help those less fortunate by contributing to the St Vincent de Paul Society Flood Appeal. “The devastating floods in south-east Queensland and New South Wales have seen many people left devastated and in great need of our help. “A simple monetary donation, no matter how small, will help put the lives of those affected on the path to recovery.” Vinnies Queensland ? CEO Kevin Mercer said, “We welcome the support from the Queensland President of QCPA Carl Portella. - Photo, Queensland Country Press Association

A Year 6 Leaders playing with prep students on the swings.

helping hand.” Please show your support by donating to the QCPA/Vinnies Flood Relief Appeal at: https://bit. ly/vinniesqldfloodappeal Donations will close on 30th April, 2022. For any details contact the Secretary, Queensland Country Press Association at admin@qcpa.com.au or on mobile 0439 377 525. Blake Dantier. Meatstock will be offering on site camping and RV sites. Ticketing options will range from full weekend passes with camping to single day passes with plenty of parking available. If you feel like seeing the The Professional Bull Riders go buck wild, you can grab an upgraded ticket to watch the rodeo kick off each afternoon. For all ticketing and event information, visit www.meatstock.com.au.

FREE

Seniors Meals from

$15

Come in and try! Famous Salad Bar Still Available

FRIDAY NIGHT KARAOKE

8:00pm

Campbell Street OAKEY PH 4692 0900

FRIDAY: Social Fishing & Club Raffles 7:00pm SATURDAY: Community Chest 1.30pm in Aid of Oakey Junior Rugby League SUNDAY: Publicans FREE Raffles 12 -1.30pm

Raffles

Once a week, the year 6 leaders spend an afternoon with their prep buddies doing arts and crafts and other fun activities. Year 6 Teacher Kaylene Keleher said the year 6 students absolutely love the buddy program. She said it teaches them responsibility and the afternoon session is something that they look forward to each week. Ms Keleher said all of the year 6 students this year have obtained a leadership role and are additionally all house leaders as well. With a full year planned ahead, the students recently ventured out to Dalby for the Words Out West Readers and Writers Festival. St Monica’s Catholic Primary School has an Open Day coming up on Wednesday 23rd March in preparation for 2023 enrollments. To stay up-to-date with upcoming activities happening at the school, visit the Facebook page or website at https://www. oakey.catholic.edu.au/.

The Tavern