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17307 vehicles flag potential fatality in Nerang
FEARS of a potential fatality at the Nerang Connection Road merge have been dismissed by the Main Roads Minister despite findings 17307 vehicles used the dangerous road daily, said Gaven MP Alex Douglas.
Dr Douglas said he asked the Minister to take action after residents reported many near-misses with both vehicles and pedestrians at the merge near Nerang Skate Park and Boat Ramp.
"I asked the Minister to undertake a walking audit of the merge point as it is a busy pedestrian area close to the Skate Park, Boat Ramp and local shops, but the Minister deemed it unnecessary," said Dr Douglas.
"The merge is dangerous due to the design as it prohibits vehicles from clearly seeing one another, which are often travelling at speeds over 60kph and with young pedestrians crossing the road in front of them.
"The Minister seems to think we should wait for a serious accident to occur before taking action but this staggering figure should flag immediate action before it's too late...more and vote in poll
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Illegal timetables force poverty-line conditions for bus drivers
WORKING conditions forcing bus drivers to work 12 hour days with no access to bathrooms is promoting the current Surfside Buses payment dispute, said Gaven MP Alex Douglas, today.
Dr Douglas, who tabled a petition of 1783 signatures in Parliament in May 2010 calling for fairer working conditions for bus drivers, said the Bligh Government refused to update 15 year-old timetables which could not be driven according to the law.
"If it is not bad enough that our local bus drivers are miserably paid the Bligh Government refuses to update the timetables to reflect our increased traffic congestion, which is forcing bus drivers to run hours overtime without a toilet break," said Dr Douglas.
"Our bus drivers are the front line service providers of public transport and their fight for better conditions should be taken up by the Bligh government who continues run old timetables.
"Not only are Gold Coasters sick of being treated like second rate citizens, we all need a public transport system that reflects a 2011 demographic not a 1995 one...more and make a comment | |
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Carrara residents muted over development as Games Bid approaches
PRELIMINARY drilling and geotechnical works have begun on the new Carrara Entertainment and Sporting Precinct site despite no consultation with local residents, said Gaven MP, Alex Douglas.
Dr Douglas said $60 million was allocated to the project in the latest budget but the Sports Minister refused to answer his questions regarding a timeframe for consultation with residents.*
"The Sports Minister blatantly refused to answer my question in Parliament as to when residents would be consulted over the Carrara Sporting and Entertainment development and mocked residents with his response," he said.
"Stakeholders don't deserve to be ignored and as the Commonwealth Games Bid announcement rapidly approaches and with Christmas just around the corner, residents deserve to be heard...more and make a comment | |
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Health Minister avoids answers on Gold Coast bed numbers
Gaven MP Alex Douglas has slammed the State government after they refused to confirm whether the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) would open 130 beds short of their original promise.
Dr Douglas said the Health Minister avoided answering his Question on Notice in Parliament as to whether the GCUH would open with 620 or 750 beds.
"If the GCUH opens 130 beds short, this means 20 per cent will be without a bed or sharing with another patient," said Dr Douglas.
"No medical or non-medical stakeholder I have spoken with agrees with the Minister and his 'expert service planners' that state 750 beds will be enough to meet demand in years to come...more | |
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Seeking answers on old dental equipment at Nerang Clinic
Dr Douglas has asked the Health Minister in State Parliament a question on notice if there are plans to update equipment and when equipment was last updated.
His question was prompted by recent complaints to his office about the use of outdated equipment at the clinic.
"One elderly lady told me she had an appointment to have her teeth filled, but left the clinic drenched in water from head to waist because of faulty, outdated equipment," he said.
"My constituent told me that during three attempts to have her teeth filled water sprayed in her eyes, went down the front and gathered on a paper towel across her neck and front, and finally during the third attempt, sprayed over her shoulder and down her back.
"Clearly the staff are dong their best under very trying circumstances and I in no way detract from the work of the clinic staff...make a comment | |
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ECONOMIC UPDATE | |
RBA HOME LOAN RATE -7.8 %
RBA CASH RATE - 4.75%
CPI - 1.0 % |
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COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD |
Meet Alex at Nerang Markets this Sunday
Lavelle Street Markets
Sun 2nd October
9am-10am
Pacific Pines State School Fete
10th Anniversary
15 October 2011
11am-4pm
Pink Ribbon Day Lunch
Nerang RSL
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ENERGEX POWER INTERRUPTIONS |
ENERGEX is commencing the installation of new electrical equipment on parts of the existing overhead electricity network that currently supplies more than 2,000 customers in Nerang, Gilston and Carrara over the next few weeks. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of November 2011.
To ensure public safety, traffic management officers will be employed throughout the work areas and control measures such as safety barriers and signage will be in place to direct motorists and pedestrians where appropriate.
Residents and businesses may experience power interruptions during construction. ENERGEX will provide affected customers with a minimum of two business days notice prior to an electricity interruption...
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NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY 2011 |
Dr Alex Douglas MP participated in a police vigil at Coomera last night and a service at St Augustine's Church, Coolangatta today to mark the National Police Remembrance Day.
"What was common to all those attending was the sense of common purpose, the real belief that only united we succeed as a community and how grateful we all must be for those who gave their lives in the service of others," he said.
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