Page 4 - NLN May 19
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Tartan Track a Go for Deception Bay Dogs and Meter Readers: Finding a Solution to
Luke Howarth MP has announced $1.5M to build a Keep Both Happy!
tartan running track in Deception Bay. If your meter reader can’t get to the box to read
The announcement comes after Luke Howarth your meter because of your dog, the Government
MP, Deception Bay Little Athletics President Adam has now got a solution to keep everyone happy.
White and the local community rallied together to petition for Energex has launched a new, improved online
the funding. service for customers who want to do self-meter reads.
Luke Howarth MP confirmed “this funding is not an election “Your dog can be great for security or as a companion to the
commitment - it’s locked in funding and a massive win for our family, but sometimes they can be a real problem for the man
community”. or woman needing to read your electricity meter,” said Chris
“I’ve been working hard to make this happen for Deception Bay Whiting MP.
because there will be so many benefits. “There were 71 injuries to meter readers from dog bites, and
“This is great news for local tourism, local schools, our rising and 199 other incidents and close-calls between July 2017 and
future sport stars from all around the region and of course the October 2018.
Deception Bay Little Athletics community. “And we know estimated meter read dates can be a source of
“When built, this will be the only community-managed tartan frustration for customers.
track in our region, with the closest being about an hour’s drive “So our solution is that if a meter reader visited your property
away.” and access to your meter was restricted or unavailable, you can
Luke Howarth MP is calling on the State Government and now login and submit your own read online that same day.
Moreton Bay Regional Council to invest a further $1M into the “Once the reading has been validated, the network business will
project to pay for fencing, nets and other facilities to support pass it on to the customer’s electricity retailer,” said Chris Whiting.
the track. While self-meter reads have long been an option for authorised
customers in remote areas or on properties where meter access
is challenging, online services will now be available to any
account-holder who receives an estimated read or wants to
avoid an estimate.
Customers wanting to submit self-meter reads can log onto
www.energex.com.au/selfmeterread and register for the service.
OLD PETRIE TOWN
more than just a market Half of Guide Dog Handlers Refused Entry or Service
According to a new national user survey, 1 in 2
Guide Dog handlers are still being refused access to
businesses and transport services when accompanied
by their Guide Dogs.
Guide Dogs Queensland Chief Executive Officer Michael Kightley
said public education and greater accountability by service
providers to educate their staff is key to making a positive change.
“Some handlers continue to face barriers when going about their
daily lives – it’s time-consuming, frustrating and embarrassing for
the individual involved, especially when in company,” Mr Kightley
said.
In Queensland, a Guide Dog in harness or in a recognised training
coat is legally allowed to enter all publicly accessible places and
transport services. It is an offence under the Guide, Hearing and
Assistance Dogs Act 2009 to deny or charge a fee for entry.
