I thought that it was appropriate for the concert to be opened by perfomers from Dayboro State School doing their rain dance and finishing with here comes the sun, it was really delightful.

It was a pleasure to meet so many of the local residents that came to support the fundraising appeal, Heather Foord and Luke Mellers did an excellent job in keeping the night rolling and encouraging people to spend their money. Congratulations to Dr Paul Inglis and the entire organising committee, they did a fabulous job and I know that everyone appreciated their efforts on the night.
Premier establishes Commission of Inquiry into flood disaster
Premier Anna Bligh has launched a statewide independent Commission of Inquiry to forensically examine Queensland's unprecedented flood disaster.
The Commission will be headed by widely respected Queensland Justice Cate Holmes with Deputy Commissioners Jim O'Sullivan, a former Queensland Police Commissioner and Phil Cummins, an international expert on dams.
The Commission of Inquiry, will deliver an interim report in August 2011, and its final report by January 2012.
The inquiry would have the powers of a Royal Commission, would take public submissions from across Queensland and would make recommendations in its interim report for future wet seasons.
The inquiry's wide ranging powers will include the power to summon witness, compel production of documents and issue search warrants.
To make a submission visit: www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 309 634. Submissions close on 11 March 2011.  Terms of Reference are on the website.
Minister for Sport visits flood affected clubs
Several sporting venues suffered damage during the floods – Dayboro Bowls Club, Dayboro Little Athletics, Dayboro Soccer, Dayboro Tennis and the Pine Rivers Swans AFL.  The Sports Minister, Hon Phil Reeves, personally asked to visit some clubs so he could ascertain the level of loss and damage and to offer his personal support.  His visit was very much appreciated and we look forward to the assistance that the state can provide through the increased grants and through the help of peak sporting bodies.
New pool safety laws delayed due to natural disasters
The enforcement of new pool safety laws will be delayed for six months for rental properties in the aftermath of the floods and Cyclone Yasi.
Under legislation introduced on 1 December 2010, all dwellings with a non shared pool must have a valid pool safety certificate before a rental agreement can be entered into.
There are fears the new measures could cause delays as the demand for rental properties increases in the aftermath of the current crisis.
People with extensive damage to their homes need to be re-housed until they can move back in, and we need to accommodate people who are assisting in the recovery efforts.
Under the exemption, pool owners may lease their property without a valid pool safety certificate provided they first give to the tenant a notice alerting the tenant to the fact that the pool may not comply with pool safety laws and may pose a risk to young children.
The Government introduced amendments into Parliament during the first sitting week as part of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Bill 2011 and they are expected to operate retrospectively from 8 January 2011 for a period of six months.
Nominations open for great Queenslanders
The Queensland Greats is a prestigious awards program which honours Queenslanders whose long term or lifetime achievements have played a significant role in the history and development of Queensland.
I encourage Queenslanders to nominate a friend, colleague, family member, community leader, or institution that they believe has made a significant contribution to Queensland.
The 2011 Queensland Greats will be announced during Queensland Week celebrations, 4 - 13 June 2011.  Nomination forms are available online at: www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au or by calling 3405 5215. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 18 March 2011.
Watch Parliament online at any time
Dayboro residents will be able to watch their Parliament online at any time with the launch of a "broadcast on demand" service.
The broadcast on demand service will allow anyone with internet access to watch the proceedings of the Queensland Parliament at their convenience.
The new broadcast on demand system will allow people the ability to replay any speech, statement or question that they wish at a time that suits them.
At present, it is only possible to watch or listen to the proceedings of Parliament live online.  There hasn't been the ability to go online and view a speech or statement by an MP after the event.
The live audio and audio visual broadcasts over the internet will remain in place with the new broadcast on demand system to operate in addition to these services.
Broadcast on demand will be easily accessible through the front page of the Queensland Parliament's website, www.parliament.qld.gov.au .
Parliament's online record of proceedings (Hansard) will contain a camera icon in the left margin alongside the start of each Member's speech or statement and at the commencement of Question Time.  By clicking on this icon anyone with Internet access will at anytime be able to watch a video replay of what was said in the House.