Labor focused on growth and job creation

Queensland’s Labor State Government continues to chart a course for growth amid challenging economic conditions, Treasurer Curtis Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said the CCIQ Pulse Survey of Business Conditions for the March Quarter highlighted the importance of Labor’s positive economic agenda.

The CCIQ report identifies a number of challenges and opportunities for Queensland as Treasurer Pitt prepares to hand down his first budget on July 14.

“The latest CCIQ Pulse Survey singles out drought and the Federal budget’s consistent negative impact on consumer confidence as factors in the challenges we face,” Mr Pitt said.

“But there’s no denying the upside for Queensland, which remains on track to record stronger economic growth next financial year.

“This is a fact that’s been acknowledged by respected independent economic forecaster Deloitte Access Economics who has upped its growth forecast from 3.6% to 4.3% in 2015-16.”

Mr Pitt said the Palaszczuk Government was pressing ahead with a series of major projects including:

• Toowoomba Second Range Crossing ($1.6+ billion);
• Government Wireless Network ($457.3 million – net present value);
• New Generation Rollingstock ($4.4 billion);
• Queensland Schools ($1.38 billion);
• Queens Wharf/Integrated Resort Development (multi-billion dollar); and
• Commonwealth Games venues (three new venues and upgrades to eight existing venues).

“We’ve also approved a range of important job-generating projects in the property sector, including:

• Yeerongpilly Green, 250 jobs and $850m.
• Pacific View Estate on the Gold Coast – 3,500 homes and 2,700 new jobs;
• The Beaudesert Bypass, to help unlock new industrial jobs at the Bromelton State Development Area; and
• Coomera Interchange (Exit 54) on the Pacific Motorway, which will ensure a new $1 billion commercial and retail precinct goes ahead at Coomera Town Centre.

"Since taking office the Premier and myself have undertaken to engage with business and industry leaders at every opportunity,” Mr Pitt said.

"On each occasion we have received an endorsement of Labor’s willingness to engage and listen in terms of delivering our plan to promote economic growth.

“Labor has a real economic development agenda that will put Queensland on course for long-term, sustainable growth and we want to work with business and industry every step of the way to achieve that.”

ENDS

Media contact Treasurer’s Office: Martin Philip 0427 919 548