Strong plan delivers for agriculture and resource pillars

The 2014-15 State Budget builds on the government’s strong plan for Queensland and will deliver a brighter future for the agriculture and resource sectors.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said today’s budget outlines the Government’s plan for securing our finances by making the strongest and smartest choice to reduce debt, so we can sustainably invest in the infrastructure Queensland will need in future.

“Our Government pledged to grow and support agriculture and resources as a vital part of Queensland’s four pillar economy,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The 2014-15 Budget delivers on this commitment with a strong investment in both sectors,providing $450 million for Natural Resources and Mines.”

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said funds had been allocated to natural resources groups for investment in improving, restoring and protecting land, waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.

“We are continuing to work to strike a balance between economic development and the responsible management of our land, water and environmental values,” Mr Cripps said.

“Through this Budget, we have invested $16 million to fund Queensland’s 14 regional Natural Resource Management bodies to protect and preserve our precious land, water and reef resources.

“We’re providing $3 million to complete the delivery of the $15 million ex Tropical Cyclone On-farm Productivity and Riparian Recovery Program to support landholders still recovering from the impacts of the cyclone.

“The 2014-15 Budget also delivers $3.9 million in leasehold land rent rebates and water licence fee waivers to support landholders suffering financial hardship in drought declared shires.”

The 2014-15 Budget also provides funding for:

• $3.8 million for the Coal Seam Gas Compliance Unit to further boost compliance monitoring of Queensland’s CSG industry and community engagement
• $5 million to expand the purpose-built Zillmere Core Library site to preserve economically and scientifically valuable core rock samples acquired from company and government exploration drilling
• $6 million for the Abandoned Mines Land Program to manage legacy remediation and environmental issues at abandoned mine sites on State land.

“Today’s budget delivers on the Government’s commitment to grow a four-pillar economy by driving investment, growth and jobs in our agricultural and resources sectors,” he said.

“We are open for business and we are in the business of growing this state for future generations.”

[ENDS] 3 June 2014

Media contact: Kate Haddan 0418 373 516 or Eleisha Rogers 0413 375 088