Published Monday, 04 June, 2007 at 08:00 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BUDGET TO FIGHT PESTS IN NATIONAL PARKS, SUGAR CANE SMUT AND BUILD RURAL DAMS
New funding will further enhance the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to manage fires, pest animals and pest plants in Queensland’s protected areas, forestry reserves and other lands managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
Premier Peter Beattie announced $2 million would be provided each year from 2007-08 to improve fire and pest management on the protected area estate.
“This is in addition to the funding for fire and pest management which is included in the overall budget for QPWS estate management,” Mr Beattie said.
“All up $ 4.5 million will be spent on pest management in 2007-08 with an additional $5.5 million on fire management,” she said.
Mr Beattie said the State Government was committed to winning the fight against pests, which had significant negative impacts on the natural and cultural values of lands managed by QPWS.
“Effective pest management requires a long-term commitment to pest management by the community, industry groups and government entities.
“QPWS has spent around $30 million over the last three years on pest and fire management.
Mr Beattie said the Budget was also committing $2.0 million in 2007-08 for an industry management and economic recovery strategy for sugarcane smut.
“What we need to secure this industry for the future is to make our sugar cane more resistant to this blight,” he said.
The Queensland Government has committed $5.98 million over three years to support the industry’s management of sugar cane smut.
“$3 million of this will be to increase the variety and availability of smut-resistant cane.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries will also commit nearly $3 million for farming systems work to reduce the likelihood of smut spreading.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh said there would be funding in the State Budget for regional water projects to ensure water security across the state.
Ms Bligh said delivering water infrastructure was critical for the continued growth of the State’s economy and quality of life for Queenslanders.
“With a growing population, the looming issue of climate change, expanding industry and agricultural sectors, and drought conditions, unprecedented demand has been placed on our water supplies right across the State,” Ms Bligh said.
‘In 2007-08, a total of $17.835 million has been allocated including $3.359 million to progress feasibility investigations and planning and $5 million for land acquisition.
The projects include:
• Rookwood Weir and Eden Bann Weir Raising ($2 million);
• Connors River Dam ($1.5 million);
• Nathan Dam ($1.976 million);
• Water for Bowen and the Bowen to Proserpine pipeline ($2.5 million); and
• $1.5 million for the Nullinga Dam, Kinchant Dam raising and the Burdekin to South East Queensland Pipeline.
‘We are also working with local councils to develop solutions. In this year’s State Budget, we are providing $189 million in council funding to boost water and sewerage infrastructure across the State,” said Ms Bligh.
“The Government is committed to securing water supplies across the State, for both the community and industry now and well into the future.”
Ends
Media enquiries: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Treasurer’s Office: 3224 6900
Premier Peter Beattie announced $2 million would be provided each year from 2007-08 to improve fire and pest management on the protected area estate.
“This is in addition to the funding for fire and pest management which is included in the overall budget for QPWS estate management,” Mr Beattie said.
“All up $ 4.5 million will be spent on pest management in 2007-08 with an additional $5.5 million on fire management,” she said.
Mr Beattie said the State Government was committed to winning the fight against pests, which had significant negative impacts on the natural and cultural values of lands managed by QPWS.
“Effective pest management requires a long-term commitment to pest management by the community, industry groups and government entities.
“QPWS has spent around $30 million over the last three years on pest and fire management.
Mr Beattie said the Budget was also committing $2.0 million in 2007-08 for an industry management and economic recovery strategy for sugarcane smut.
“What we need to secure this industry for the future is to make our sugar cane more resistant to this blight,” he said.
The Queensland Government has committed $5.98 million over three years to support the industry’s management of sugar cane smut.
“$3 million of this will be to increase the variety and availability of smut-resistant cane.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries will also commit nearly $3 million for farming systems work to reduce the likelihood of smut spreading.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh said there would be funding in the State Budget for regional water projects to ensure water security across the state.
Ms Bligh said delivering water infrastructure was critical for the continued growth of the State’s economy and quality of life for Queenslanders.
“With a growing population, the looming issue of climate change, expanding industry and agricultural sectors, and drought conditions, unprecedented demand has been placed on our water supplies right across the State,” Ms Bligh said.
‘In 2007-08, a total of $17.835 million has been allocated including $3.359 million to progress feasibility investigations and planning and $5 million for land acquisition.
The projects include:
• Rookwood Weir and Eden Bann Weir Raising ($2 million);
• Connors River Dam ($1.5 million);
• Nathan Dam ($1.976 million);
• Water for Bowen and the Bowen to Proserpine pipeline ($2.5 million); and
• $1.5 million for the Nullinga Dam, Kinchant Dam raising and the Burdekin to South East Queensland Pipeline.
‘We are also working with local councils to develop solutions. In this year’s State Budget, we are providing $189 million in council funding to boost water and sewerage infrastructure across the State,” said Ms Bligh.
“The Government is committed to securing water supplies across the State, for both the community and industry now and well into the future.”
Ends
Media enquiries: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Treasurer’s Office: 3224 6900