Traces of COVID-19 found in Sandgate Sewage

Traces of COVID-19 has been detected in sewage water entering the Sandgate sewage treatment plant.
 
These surveillance tests are extremely sensitive and can pick up tiny pieces of the genetic material of the virus. The results do not necessarily mean there are active cases in these regions and there are no known outbreaks or infectious cases in the area currently.
 
People who have recovered from COVID-19 can have live or dead virus in their stool for weeks after recovery. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that infectious persons were, or are still, in the area.
 
If you, your friends, your family members, anyone in the community have any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild – you should get tested.
 
This means arranging a test at one of the many public and private testing sites across Queensland and then remain in your house until you get your test results.

It's still important that we remain vigilant.

NSW Border Opening

Vulnerable Queenslanders are being urged to check their eligibility to receive the Palaszczuk Government’s electricity and gas rebates worth up to $416 per year.
 
The Palaszczuk Government is investing $212.8 million in 2020-21 as part of Queensland’s economic recovery plan to help vulnerable Queenslanders with the cost of living.
 
This past year has been tough for all Queenslanders, so I’m urging all concession card holders including pensioners, seniors and veterans in our community to contact their electricity retailer and see if they are eligible.
 
The Government estimates that there are thousands of eligible households who are not taking advantage of the assistance and we don’t want these Queenslanders to miss out.
 
Just call your electricity retailer and have your concession card details on hand, and if you’re eligible, you’ll be able to start accessing the rebate as a credit on your account.
 
Concession card status is private information which electricity providers aren’t automatically aware of, so people need to reach out and put their hand up to receive this rebate.
 
This rebate currently helps 625,000 Queenslanders but there are more people in our community who could be benefiting.

Gambling Community Benefit Fund
 

Across Queensland 693 community groups will share in $16 million in funding from the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Five organisations in the Sandgate Electorate were successful in receiving a share of more than $154,058.
 
Congratulations to:
 

 
 
These grants are helping Queensland communities get back to business and I would encourage any community organisations including sporting clubs, P&Cs and not-for-profits to apply for grants of up to $35,000 for projects that will benefit their community.
 
Round 108 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund is open for application until 28 February 2021. To view the full list of recipients from Round 106 and apply for Round 108 visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/grants.

 Alexandra Hills Tragedy
 

What happened to the young couple in Alexandra Hills is an absolute tragedy.
 
Laws were strengthened last year to make it crystal clear that offenders who pose a risk to community safety must be kept in custody.
 
The community wants answers and the Government wants answers about the events and issues leading up to this tragedy and why courts made the decisions they did.
 
There will be a multiagency review, a referral to the coroner and someone has been charged with murder.
 
And if there is more that can be done and it’s backed by evidence, it will be done.
 
It is an area the Government is constantly looking at.
 
Senior police have publicly stated that reports the offender was on bail for a large number of traffic offences are incorrect.
 
It’s important that the legal process can run its course – any other approach could jeopardise justice for Kate and Matt, their family and friends, and the wider Queensland community who are rightly hurting about this very tragic event.

COVID-19 Reminder

I ask everyone to play their part in ensuring the health and safety of one another. Maintaining the recommended 1.5m between yourself and others is an essential part of this.  

Additionally, keeping good personal hygiene is a must. Wash your hands with soap regularly and try to steer clear from touching your face, shaking hands or giving hugs.

We need to take all advice seriously and look after the vulnerable in our community.