Parking Bill a big win for vision-impaired

QUEENSLAND’S vision-impaired community will finally have the right to apply for a disability parking permit after the passing of a key Bill in parliament today. Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto welcomed the Bill’s passing, which came following a sustained lobbying effort from the vision-impaired community, Guide Dogs Queensland and Katter’s Australian Party. “After much delay, I […] READ MORE

Labor faces crunch time on COVID fines

THE State Labor Government will have a chance to prove they have some integrity by agreeing to refund or revoke COVID-19 fines with the tabling of an e-petition by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto next week. Mr Dametto, who started the parliamentary e-petition following public outrage that no mass gathering fines were issued by police at […] READ MORE

Jetty repairs a welcome boost for fishos

LUCINDA’S popular service jetty will continue to be enjoyed by recreational fishers for years to come as the Port of Townsville spends $1.2 million to carry out much-needed repairs. Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto welcomed the announcement today by Port officials and Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, with engineering firm CASA Projects awarded the […] READ MORE

Farmers denied a voice in Reef inquiry

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has questioned the integrity of a Federal Senate inquiry into whether there is a link between farming practices and poor water quality after planned hearings in North Queensland were cancelled. Mr Dametto said he was baffled as to why an inquiry focused on agricultural practices would not even attempt to hear […] READ MORE

Victoria passengers need mandatory quarantine

ANY passenger arriving at a Queensland airport on a flight from Victoria should be subject to a mandatory two week quarantine with no exceptions in order to safeguard the population from another COVID-19 outbreak, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto said while he understood there were justifiable reasons for people arriving back in the […] READ MORE

KAP’s anti-crime policies the only way forward

HICHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has warned the major parties to “sit up and listen” to Katter’s Australian Party’s tough, anti-crime policies with the prospect of a hung parliament likely after the upcoming State Election. Mr Dametto said any talk by either Labor or the LNP about what they would do on the issue of youth […] READ MORE

Highway upgrades must go further: Dametto

A $29.2 million safety upgrade along the Bruce Highway should be the catalyst for a broader road works program across Hinchinbrook, says local MP Nick Dametto. Mr Dametto said while he welcomed a joint Federal and State package that will upgrade a 7.3km stretch of road between Hechts Road and Easter Creek, other parts of […] READ MORE

Hospital upgrades a step closer with business case

  HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has revealed much-needed upgrades to Ingham Hospital are a step closer to reality after the finalising of key planning documents by Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS). THHS’s proposed “COVID-19 Recovery – Proposed Infrastructure Program” estimates Ingham Hospital will need $5.2 million for renal services, $3.6 million for a CT […] READ MORE

Federal housing scheme forgets regions

THE Federal Government’s new ‘HomeBuilder’ grant scheme does little to help regional families get a foot in the housing market due to narrow eligibility criteria, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. Although Mr Dametto welcomed the boost the grant will give to the building industry, he was “incredibly disappointed” the $25,000 grant did not apply to […] READ MORE

Regional housing needs Federal focus

  HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has warned the Federal Government not to abandon regional Queensland’s housing market as speculation mounts over a new grants scheme. Mr Dametto said it was imperative the Federal Government’s proposed housing stimulus package included grants to both purchase existing homes in regional areas and the ability to do renovations. “Media […] READ MORE