State Member for Pine Rivers
Welcome back to school
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome students back from the summer break, particularly those beginning their ‘milestone’ schooling years.
Moving from prep to Year 1 is no doubt an exciting step for those students, and I’m sure those Year 8s beginning high school are filled with anticipation.

I’d like to particularly welcome our prep students – those at the very beginning of their school days.
I hope it marks the start of a rewarding path to learning.
New Property Securities Register
On 30 January 2012, a national scheme governing all types of security interests over personal property commenced.
In Queensland this will replace the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS), which lists security interests held over vehicles and boats; Bills of Sale Register, which lists security interests held over all other forms of personal property, including manufacturing equipment, cattle and crops of sugar cane; Register of Cooperative Charges, which includes security interests held over plant and equipment owned by cooperatives.
The aim of the new national Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is to consolidate security registers currently operated by the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments into a single register.  This reform will eliminate duplicated effort and cost in searching multiple registers. Access and service delivery will also be improved for both the financiers seeking to register an interest and the public who access the register.
The new national register will be operated by the Commonwealth Government's Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia.
When purchasing a motor vehicle or boat instead of doing a search on REVS, you will contact the PPSR.  A single search will provide national information, so you will be able to find out whether there is any debt or other interest on the vehicle or boat anywhere in Australia.  You will need to know the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle or the Hull Identification Number (HIN) of the boat to run a search on the PPSR.
There will be fees involved in using the PPSR. For example, an online search of the register will cost $3.70.
For further information about the operation of PPSR the website is http://www.ppsr.gov.au/ or you can direct your enquiries to the Personal Property Securities Branch by Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Phone: 1300 007 777.
Building Boost Grant Extended
Following industry demand and significant momentum in applications in recent weeks, the Bligh Government will extend the $10,000 Queensland Building boost for a further three months.  The Grant will be available until 30 April 2012.
As an existing home owner buying or building a new house, townhouse or unit under $600,000, you may be eligible to receive the Queensland Government’s $10,000 Building Boost Grant.  As an investor buying or building a new house, townhouse or unit under $600,000 in value, you may be eligible to receive the Queensland Government’s $10,000 Building Boost Grant.  The boost can be obtained for more than one eligible investment property you purchase.
Additional information and application forms can be obtained from http://boost.treasury.qld.gov.au/
Further enquiries can be directed to the Office of State Revenue via:
Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by Phone 1300 300 734- Mon to Fri, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Gambling Community Benefit Fund Grants
More than $178,000 worth of Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants would be delivered to community groups to provide essential services within the Pine Rivers Electorate.
I am extremely happy to announce that almost $40,000 is being granted to the Dayboro Scout Group, the Dayboro and District Junior Rugby Club and the Dayboro District Historical Society Inc to fund purchase of essential equipment.
Travelling in the Wet
All road users are urged to follow advice provided on road closures and load restrictions, drive safely to match the conditions, and obey road signs and speed limits.  While flood waters cover the road, road closures are essential for the safety of motorists.  Sometimes road closures are extended after the water recedes due to damage caused by debris or flood waters.
Before leaving on your trip plan your route and check for road closures by visiting http://www.131940.qld.gov.au/.
Keep an eye out for changed road conditions, especially loose debris from surrounding vegetation and river banks.
Never cross flooded roads or bridges.  Do not cross affected or closed roads until the authorities have declared it re-opened.
Because you need to concentrate more when driving in wet conditions, plan regular breaks, especially on longer journeys.
Do not ignore “Road Closed” sign.  They have been placed there for your safety and you could receive a fine for not complying.
Carolyn.