Strong Plan delivers brighter future for the Ipswich region

Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2014 at 04:30 PM

Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls

The 2014-15 State Budget continues to deliver a strong plan for a brighter future for all of Queensland, including the Ipswich region.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the budget outlined the Government’s plan to secure Queensland’s finances by making the strongest and smartest choice to reduce debt.

“It carefully balances increases in education, health and community services spending, while not raising taxes or reducing services,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We are also making the strongest and smartest choice to secure our finances so we can reduce debt and reinvest funds into the schools, hospitals and infrastructure that we know our regions are going to need.

“This year’s budget includes a capital spend of more than $400 million in the Ipswich region alone.

“We’re also providing more than $47 million for local government recovery and reconstruction projects in the region, in partnership with the Federal Government.”

Mr Nicholls said the Newman Government was delivering a record $13.6 billion health budget, an increase of 6 per cent from last year.

“This includes a $7.6 million commitment to continue building a new mental health facility at Gailes,” he said.

“This year’s education budget includes an allocation of 761 additional teachers and teacher aides state-wide, as part of an $11.8 billion budget.

“We’re spending $2.4 million to help Ipswich schools prepare for the transition of Year 7 into high school next year.

“On top of that, $1 million is allocated to build new classrooms at Ipswich West Special School and $1.9 million on stage three works at Springfield Central High School.”

Mr Nicholls said the Newman Government was also investing in the economic development of the region.

“The New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) project will be a major driver of this investment.

“The budget includes $47.7 million to start the design and construction of connection works to the NGR’s service centre,” he said.

“A further $25.4 million will be spent on the expansion of the Queensland Rail City Network fleet as part of this project, including for a new maintenance centre.

“As part of our commitment to revitalise frontline services, we’re spending $1.4 million to complete the upgrade of the Laidley police station and $250,000 to commence construction of the Bundamba permanent fire and rescue station.

“The Ipswich economy will also benefit from the $57.3 million two-year allocation to recommission the Borallon Correctional Centre.”

Mr Nicholls said the 2014-15 Budget provided funding to improve community infrastructure in the greater Ipswich region. This includes:

  • $2.1 million for supported accommodation and respite service at Dinmore
  • $1 million to the Lockyer Valley Council to complete flood levee at Forest Hill
  • $850,000 to improve flood protection in Laidley through levee works.

Mr Nicholls said the budget was another step forward in the Government’s positive plan for the state.

“We are making significant progress in restoring our finances, growing a four pillar economy, revitalising frontline services and funding infrastructure projects,” he said.

“But to sustain this we must reduce debt so we can truly keep building on our strong plan for a brighter future.”

[ENDS] 3 June 2014

Media Contact – Treasurer’s Office – 3719 7200