Page 9 - NLN Mar18

Guide Dogs New Look Unveiled Roadworks Pothole Chaos Swiftly Resolved by Get Money Back for New Energy Efficient Fridges, Research in Moreton Bay Parks
At any one time, there may be over six hundred MBRC and BMD Washing Machines and Air Cons Well-designed local parks full of stimulating and
special dogs and puppies being trained to be a During a period of wet weather at the start of Chris Whiting MP is calling on retirees and challenging experiences could inspire people of
Guide Dog in communities throughout the nation. February, a large number of potholes opened up on pensioners in Bancroft to take advantage of the new all ages to be physically active and help prevent
To help identify these special dogs, Guide Dogs the section of roadworks along Kinsellas Road West Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate and get money obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, says
Australia, along with their partner ADVANCE has unveiled a fresh in Mango Hill. back when they purchase new energy efficient QUT landscape architect Dr Debra Cushing.
new look for their iconic Guide Dog coats to make the dogs-in- Local residents and visitors struggled navigating their vehicles in washing machines, fridges and air conditioners. Dr Cushing heads a QUT transdisciplinary team of landscape
training more easily recognisable to the public. an attempt to avoid damage, which in turn caused safety issues This bill-busting rebate scheme from the Palaszczuk Government architects, urban planners, and exercise physiologists, with
The new coats feature a reflective bright orange colour for opened on January 1 and is available to Queensland residents significant experience working with children and ageing adults.
visibility and are made of a highly breathable material to keep only and limited to one rebate per household. They have joined with Moreton Bay Regional Council to undertake
the dogs cool – and looking cool – when they are working. “Taking action to help lower the cost of living is vitally important an ARC Linkage project to investigate the key components and
What’s more important though, is what they represent. to myself and all members of the Palaszczuk Government,” Chris design considerations to create appealing all-ages local parks.
When you see a Guide Dog wearing one of the new coats out Whiting said. “We know that many of our local parks in suburban areas are
in the community, it means they are on an important journey “That is why we are really keen to see this rebate scheme rolled boring and not stimulating when they could be places to
and working towards fulfilling the life-changing role of being out and taken up by as many eligible Queensland families as which people naturally gravitate and exercise, almost without
someone’s guiding eyes. possible. realising it, as well as relax and engage with their neighbours,”
They’re asking everyone in the community to look out for the “This $20 million scheme offers eligible households a rebate of
dogs wearing the new bright orange coats and give them space $200 for a 4 star rated washing machine, $250 for a 4 star rated
when working, so they can learn their important new job! fridge, $300 for a 4 star rated air conditioner.
Whether a Guide Dog is walking, sitting or sleeping in its coat or “The rebate is applicable to new appliances purchased on or
harness, it should not be patted, fed or distracted. These coats after 1 January 2018 and eacheligible household gets a rebate
also show that the dog is legally allowed to go anywhere their for one appliance.
trainer or handler can, to assist with their training. “To get the rebate, you need to save the receipt or proof of
You can do your bit by making sure Guide Dog handlers and purchase.
their dogs feel welcome, and that your pet dog is on a leash and with drivers taking longer than expected to cross the one lane “The application process for the rebate will open within the first
under control whenever you see a Guide Dog in a harness or in signalised roadwork section, meaning some drivers appeared to quarter of 2018.
one of the new bright orange training coats. have run a red light. “The rebate is not means tested but I encourage everyone to
“I thank everyone in the community in advance for helping our The Big Local team posted a public announcement on our check their eligibility at www.dews.qld.gov.au, and sign up
incredible Guide Dogs on their journey and for your ongoing @mangohillqld Facebook page, alerting followers to the road online to be notified when the application form is available,” said Dr Cushing said.
generous support as we continue to change lives.” Michael conditions. The post attracted a lot of conversation from local Chris Whiting. Dr Cushing said researchers would head to 12 Moreton Bay
Kightley, CEO Guide Dogs Queensland said. residents. To check whether your appliance meets the minimum 4 star Regional Council’s parks to observe park usage, as well as
You can help Guide Dogs Queensland provide freedom, The following morning, Councillor Julie Greer commented on energy rating to be eligible for the rebate, please use the Energy ask park users about what drew them there and which park
independence and mobility by showing your suppawt, head to the post, “Please be advised that Council has made contact with Rating Calculator or the Registration Database by visiting amenities and features they used for physical recreation.
www.guidedogsqld.com.au to find out more. BMD and they are on site this morning.” www.energyrating.gov.au – a joint government and industry “We will also target non-park users in the same areas and ask
The current project completion date is the end of March, program. them about the barriers they have to using parks and what could
however, the Construction Supervisor advises that every effort is be done to address those,” she said.
being made to complete works by end of February/early March Dr Cushing said research had shown that parks with unique
if the current weather patterns continue with his team working features such as lakes, dog parks, water, or trails were more likely
six days a week. to be used.
“Enjoyable scenery, seeing others exercise, programmed
activities, safe conditions and regular maintenance all contribute
to higher usage.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Spokesperson for Parks,
Recreation and Sport, Councillor Darren Grimwade, said the
Council was pleased to collaborate with QUT and looked forward
to the outcomes of this exciting research project.
“Moreton Bay Regional Council is continually seeking to push
the envelope and deliver fresh and imaginative playground
designs and recreational spaces which appeal to young people
of all ages and abilities across the Moreton Bay Region, which is
one of Australia’s fastest growing and most diverse urban areas,”
Cr Grimwade said.
The project will take three years to complete, culminating in
design guidelines for active intergenerational parks that can be
used across Australia.
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