Premier's journal - June 2009
Leading the nation on energy-efficient air-conditioning
On 1 September 2009, Queensland will become the first state in Australia to ban the sale and installation of inefficient air-conditioning units.
This is more than just a saving for the environment.
It is a saving for households who will only be able to buy air-conditioners that are energy efficient.
Everyone will benefit because every time an air-conditioning unit is installed, it costs our network around $5,000 in new infrastructure. The more efficient we make them, the less cost to the network and to the consumer.
This is an important initiative to build a greener future for Queensland. To do that, the change has to start at home.
For the love of community
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Premier Anna Bligh with Suncorp Queenslander of the Year, Sergeant Jim Bellos.
One of the best parts of my job is meeting so many Queenslanders throughout the state who are achieving amazing things in their communities.
Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting one such Queenslander - Suncorp Queenslander of the Year, Police Sergeant Jim Bellos.
Sergeant Bellos works as a Regional Cross-Cultural Liaison Officer in an area where over 150 different languages are spoken and over 130 different faiths are practised.
The challenge in such communities is how to build trust and understanding between the communities and the police.
Of all the approaches tried, it was sport that proved to be a winner.
The award-winning youth sporting program ‘For the Love of the Game’, has brought together 6000 young people from diverse backgrounds.
Through playing sports, respect and trust has grown, while youth crime rates in the area have decreased.
Congratulations again to Sergeant Bellos, and to the Suncorp Youth Queenslander of the Year, Chinese youth community spokesperson, Mr Chiu-Hing Chan, and to domestic and family violence expert, Ms Heather Nancarrow, who received the Community Spirit Award.
Together with all the nominees, you are all fantastic role models and your fellow Queenslanders are incredibly proud of you.
A Gold Coaster who has done us proud
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'Samantha Stosur - 2009 French Open'
Image courtesy of Tennis Queensland.
Overnight, Queenslander Samantha Stosur became the first Australian in 12 years to play a French Open semi-final.
Stosur, from the Gold Coast, pushed seventh seed Svetlana Kuznetsova to three sets after a strong second set win. Kuznetsova fought back and took the third set, winning 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.
I would like to congratulate Sam on a fantastic tournament and her climb into the top 20 world tennis rankings.
We look forward to watching her in action at Wimbledon.
Premier praises Maroons' State of Origin win
Last night was a great night for Queenslanders.
Our Maroons hung on for a thrilling 28 -18 win in Melbourne – a convincing ten point margin as I had predicted on Twitter.
Victory aside, full credit goes to the young Blues team who fought back from 24-6.
As always it was an exciting game with its controversial moments, but in the end Billy Moore's Queenslander spirit prevailed.
On behalf of all loyal Queenslanders I extend congratulations to Darren Lockyer, coach Mal Meninga and all the team.
An Origin series win this year would be the icing on our 150th birthday cake.
Bring on Games 2 and 3!
2009 Gold Coast Marathon on track for record turn-out
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Premier Anna Bligh with Gold Coast Airport Marathon Junior Ambassador Tara Panayis (centre) and her sisters Cassie (left) and Jadie (right).
It was great to be at North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club on Thursday, 28th of May to officially launch this year's Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
I am a big fan of the event and have already started training to participate in the Half Marathon again this year.
Entries are up on last year's record turn-out of 21,000 and we're expecting increases in entrants from interstate and overseas - great news for the Queensland tourism industry!
But encouragingly, we're also seeing a surge in the number of team entries this year, with more and more businesses taking steps to promote healthy and active workplaces.
With the busy lives we all lead, it can help to set a goal for your health and fitness routine, and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a great event to work towards.
I also want acknowledge three inspiring charity fundraisers who joined me at the launch – 15-year-old Gold Coast student Lauren Head organising a team for Transplant Australia, Brisbane marathon debutant Michelle Greenhalgh running for Cancer Council Queensland and Gold Coast Airport Marathon Junior Ambassador Tara Panayis raising money for the children's ward at Gold Coast Hospital.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is on Sunday, 5 July. Hope to see you there!
To enter or for information visit www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au
Last updated Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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