THE FERNY REPORT

by Mark Furner M.P. State Member for Ferny Grove

Queensland Government Bans ‘Fake Fines’

I am pleased to report the Palaszczuk Government is closing a loophole which allows the release of vehicle registration information to private parking operators and their legal representatives. A number of constituents have alerted me to this corporate scam and my office has been following this up for a number of months now. The Palaszczuk Government previously closed a similar loophole used by the tow truck industry and I am pleased to say that we are standing up for people’s rights again.

From Monday, 20 February, these companies will no longer be able to rip people off through the misuse of registration information, including names and addresses, in order to issue people with their ‘fake fines’.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will be conducting a thorough review of the registration regulation, including consultation with the intention of progressing amendments later in 2023 to restrict information releases through legislation.

People who have done nothing wrong have been bullied into paying fines of $88 just for going to a restaurant or doing a bit of shopping. From 20 February, this will stop.

I look forward to seeing the regulations being updated later this year.

Coffee Catch Up

I will be holding my next coffee catch up at Pepper n Salt Café at Keperra Great Western on Saturday 18 March from 8am. Please drop in and have a cuppa and a chat about the things which matter to you. The coffee is on me!

A Sizzling Sign On Day

On Sunday 29th January, Arana Netball opened the season with their annual sign on day. This year, the club welcomed new players with a sausage sizzle sponsored by Arana Sports that were a great success. A big thanks goes out to Kellie, Jenna and Darren for feeding everyone on the day.

This season Arana Netball Club takes to the court with 18 teams, - a great growth for their club. One of the most exciting areas of growth is in their opens division with an increase in mum's returning to the game. Keep your eyes peeled for what 2023 has in store for this fabulous local club!

One of the best parts of my job is being able to recognise the often unsung contributions to our community by some of our local champions. Robert Huis has been selflessly helping his neighbours for decades. He had no idea one of his neighbours had contacted my office and asked me to recognise his years of service. Unsurprisingly, Robert was keen to tell me that he didn’t think the recognition was warranted and that there were others who he felt had done much more.

People like Robert are the real reason we live in a great society. Thank you, Robert!

from your State Member for Everton TIM

2023 in Everton is off to a flying start!

Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 5th March –Starting at Teralba Park 4pm-5:30pm

I am again calling for volunteers to come and participate in this great effort to keep our local community and environment clean. I hope to see many of you down at Teralba Park in the afternoon of the 5th to help keep this wonderful part of our community free of rubbish! You can register for the event here: https:// www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/ timmandercomau/teralba-park--everton-park-osbourne-road-side

Neighbour Day

I am so pleased to announce our Neighbour Day and Easter Egg Hunt with Hicks Real Estate is back on again on Sunday 2nd April at Teralba Park, Pullen

Road, Everton Park from 9am-11:30am. There will be food stalls and a coffee van to keep adults happy while children hunt for Easter Eggs. Plenty of activities and games will keep the young ones occupied as well as information and activity stalls provided by our local community groups.

Australia Day – Citizenship Awards

This is one of my favourite events on our calendar, welcoming new Australian citizens and I am proud to be included in these important ceremonies.

All Welcome At The Ferny Grove Garden Club

The next meeting of the Ferny Grove Garden Club will be on Friday, 31st March at 1pm in St Matthew’s Church Hall, Church Road, Mitchelton. A past president of the club, and a member of the Floral Art Society of Qld, will give a floral art demonstration. All are welcome from experienced gardeners willing to share their knowledge; new gardeners just venturing into gardening and wanting some advice and direction; non-gardeners who are interested in horticulture; anyone who loves beautiful plants. For more information call Elizabeth on 07 3851 0568