Latest news with #MeghanScanlon
News.com.au
9 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
$33 million disappears from Gold Coast road upgrades and improvements list
Millions of dollars in funding for road upgrades across the Gold Coast have disappeared from the state budget, casting doubt over ten transport projects. More than $33 million is no longer listed in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) released by the state government this week. The annual document provides a detailed breakdown of projects to be delivered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the funding allocations over the coming years. At least ten previously funded Gold Coast projects now appear to have no money budgeted to deliver them in the latest QTRIP covering 2025-26 to 2028-29. Instead, the transport projects are listed as still in the planning phase or have been placed on hold to be delivered at a later date. Gaven MP Meghan Scanlon said she feared the lack of transparency over the funding amounts could mean the projects won't be delivered at all. 'Its been a long-standing tradition from both sides of politics to provide that long-term funding breakdown so Queenslanders can openly see how much money has been allocated,' Ms Scanlon said. 'That's all been swept under the rug, it's kept secret, I suspect because the transport minister made some bold claims that he now can't deliver.' Among the funding amounts that have vanished from QTRIP are: $1.9M to upgrade pedestrian facilities at the Broadbeach Rd and Carrara Rd (Ross St) intersection, Nerang. $1.16M for intersection improvements on Hope Island Rd (Oxley Dr) and Sunbird Ave, Paradise Point. $12.29M for bus infrastructure upgrades on Burleigh Connection Rd and Varsity Lakes Train station. $6M for upgrades on Currumbin Creek Rd and Bienvenue Dr. $1.64M for intersection upgrades on Currumbin Creek Rd and Stewart Rd. $5M for intersection upgrades at Burleigh Rd and Markeri St, Southport. $1.48M intersection improvements at Nerang Rd, Minnie St and Anne St, Southport. $800K for planning on upgrades to Burleigh Rd, Southport. $1.41M for intersection improvements Burleigh Rd and Slayter Ave, Southport. $2.03M for safety improvements on Nerang Rd and Ashmore Rd, Ashmore. Last week the LNP flagged changes to the way QTRIP is published in what Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said would 'restore respect' for taxpayers' money. 'This is about ending the waste and restoring fiscal discipline to make every dollar stretch further for Queenslanders,' Minister Mickelberg said. 'Labor routinely announced project cost allocations before the market had a chance to competitively tender – locking in big prices and locking out better value.' However Ms Scanlon accused the LNP of failing to be 'transparent' about the changes. 'The problem is, if it's now secret, I think the LNP should come out, be open and transparent with Queenslanders about where this money is,' she said. 'They went to the election saying they were going to be transparent, saying they were going to be a government with integrity. We have seen the complete opposite almost every day from the Crisafulli government.' The Bulletin asked the Transport Minister's office why the previous funding commitments for the Gold Coast projects had disappeared and how they would still be delivered by the government. A spokeswoman for the Minister said: 'All projects are either in planning or about to start procurement. Once the contract has been awarded the full project costs will be disclosed within QTRIP with all the other contracted projects.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence holds 14th annual awards ceremony
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence held its 14th annual First 100 Plus ceremony in Downtown Hartford Friday. The event recognizes those making a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence. 'This work can be difficult, and it can you feel like you've made progress one day, and then gone backwards the next day,' President of CCADV Meghan Scanlon said. Domestic violence victims get added layer of protection in Connecticut It's a painful yet rewarding line of work for those like Jodi Baloga, who is the director of community services at Family Centered Services of Connecticut. 'There's very high highs and there's very low lows and it's very draining at times and it's very wonderful to be celebrating the great things going on in the community,' Baloga told News 8. Baloga was one of 100 people, from lawyers to police officers, honored by the CCADV for their part in making a difference in the lives of survivors. 'If it's one person that I've made a difference for, that's good enough for me,' Baloga said. Advocates at the event say this year there have already been a handful of domestic violence-related deaths, some of which involve children. Last week, 12-year-old Branford boy Anthony Esposito was killed by his father during a domestic dispute with a baseball bat. Former physician and state representative and Dr. William Petit, with the Petit Family Foundation, is working to raise awareness about domestic violence, with a focus on educating men. 'You've gotta start very young because we have dating violence occurring very young, as young as junior highs and high schools, and sometimes people are doing what they see at home,' he told News 8. Dr. Petit was among those recognized for their contributions to the cause. If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
