Federal Member for Groom

Second Range Crossing

Ian is committed to keep pursuing the Second Range Crossing project.

He said the time has come for Labor to provide answers about the future of the Toowoomba Bypass instead of treating Darling Downs motorists like second class citizens.

"Prior to the election the Second Range Crossing was noticeably absent from Labor's roads plan for South East Queensland.

"While the Coalition was committed to spending $700 million, with more to follow, on the road as part of a comprehensive transport plan for South East Queensland, as far as Labor was concerned Toowoomba didn't even rate a mention.

"Since I was first elected to parliament I have fought to make the Toowoomba Bypass a reality and I don't intend to walk away from the project now.

"Labor must make their position clear and either commit to building the Second Range Crossing or, if not, explain to the people of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs why they should miss out on this vital piece of infrastructure."

LPG Vehicle Scheme

The LPG Vehicle Scheme provides assistance to people who wish to convert their private motor vehicles to LPG. A tax-free grant of $2000 will be available for the LPG conversion of a new or used non-business motor vehicle.

A grant of $1000 will be provided for any new LPG-dedicated or dual-fuel vehicles for non-business use. To be eligible for either of these grants, the vehicle must: • Be for private use; • Be any passenger or light-commercial vehicle less than 3.5 tonnes GVM; • Be registered in the state of residence of the claimant; and • Not be subject to a novated lease or salary-sacrifice arrangement.

This scheme has been widely embraced and I recently had the pleasure of announcing it had reached more than $100 million in conversion payments. There are now more than 52,000 vehicle that have either been converted to LPG or fitted with tanks when they're brand new. The Australian Government will run this programme for eight years and it's not capped, so anyone who wants to convert to LPG within that timeframe will be eligible for a rebate.

Forms can be obtained from all Medicare and Centrelink offices. For more information phone the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46 or visit www.ausindustry.gov.au.

Inland Rail Link

There's a great deal of support on the Darling Downs for an inland rail link that would allow the transportation of freight from Melbourne to Brisbane.

Recently, the Australian Government took the next step in planning this link and has commissioned a $15 million study that will look at the best route for the railway.

It will show exactly where the line with go and how much it will cost.

This is a first step that can be followed with a further planning and approval process before detailed engineering and design work can begin.