Published Tuesday, 05 June, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 2:30PM 5 JUNE 2007 - BUDGET CONTINUES BUILDING QUEENSLAND
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology Robert Schwarten said today’s State Budget would continue the Beattie Government’s unprecedented record of building a better Queensland.
“The Department of Public Works is currently managing the delivery of nearly $4 billion worth of major social building infrastructure including new schools, police stations and hospital redevelopments across the State,” Mr Schwarten said.
“In the coming year, on behalf of the taxpayers, DPW will work closely with the Government’s client departments to begin the preliminary design phase of another $5 billion worth of work including the Gold Coast University Hospital, the Brisbane Supreme Court and District Court project, the new Gatton prison and the new Joint Contact Centre for Police and Smart Service Queensland.”
Mr Schwarten said nearly $34 million has been allocated in 2007-08 to the Tank Street Bridge project in Brisbane.
“This will be a pedestrian and cycle bridge which will be a city landmark and cross the Brisbane River from Tank Street to the Millennium Arts Precinct at Southbank,” he said.
“The bridge will complete a walking and cycling loop linking the city and South Bank via the Goodwill Bridge.
“It’s another example of the Queensland Government providing enjoyable and friendly pathways around inner Brisbane which also offer an alternative route for people to get to the CBD.
“More than $17 million has been provided in the 2007-08 Budget for the Boggo Road Precinct Redevelopment. The funds will help deliver key infrastructure elements such as roads, parks, landscaping and underground services to ensure the continuing growth of this dynamic inner-city area.”
The Boggo Road Urban Village Redevelopment will offer a unique mixed-use area providing residential, retail, commercial, recreational and environmental research facilities.
“Boggo Road will contribute significantly to the Smart State initiative, providing up to 60,000 square metres for eco science research,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Building our regions and enhancing community life for all Queenslanders is demonstrated in projects like the $16.5 million Rockhampton Riverbank redevelopment which will be completed this year.
“To ensure government services can be delivered to the highest standards in regional and remote areas the department will commence work on approximately $200 million worth of government accommodation projects in centres including Maroochydore, Cairns and Thursday Island.
“DPW is also project managing the construction of Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, which will be home to the National Rugby League’s Gold Coast Titans. It will be completed in time for next season.”
In another boost for the Gold Coast, approximately $15 million is in the budget for the Stage 2 extension of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“This project will deliver a world class centre with seating for up to 6,000 patrons and will double the space in the exhibition hall allowing the centre to host larger national and international events,” he said.
“The Smart State is also looking at smart initiatives in regard to the environment, particularly water and energy.
“Funding of $5 million has been allocated over the next two years to the Water Smart Buildings Program which has already had considerable success in reducing water usage in existing government buildings,” he said.
“The budget also provides $5.25 million over three years to the Government Energy Management Strategy (GEMS) which continues to research and develop new energy saving initiatives and deliver ongoing energy reduction strategies across government.
“Through the GEMS team, the Department of Public Works will also continue to maximise its purchases of renewable energy on behalf of the Queensland Government.”
The Department of Public Works is taking the lead in the delivery of information and communication technology (ICT) in the Queensland Government.
“The establishment of the Queensland Government Chief Information Office and the Queensland Government Chief Technology Office will position the government to obtain optimal benefits from future investments in ICT,” the Minister said.
“In addition, CITEC will be reorientated to become the Queensland Government’s information technology services provider.
“The 2007-08 State Budget allows the Department of Public Works to continue to be the powerhouse behind the building infrastructure that supports the Smart State,” the Minister said.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
“The Department of Public Works is currently managing the delivery of nearly $4 billion worth of major social building infrastructure including new schools, police stations and hospital redevelopments across the State,” Mr Schwarten said.
“In the coming year, on behalf of the taxpayers, DPW will work closely with the Government’s client departments to begin the preliminary design phase of another $5 billion worth of work including the Gold Coast University Hospital, the Brisbane Supreme Court and District Court project, the new Gatton prison and the new Joint Contact Centre for Police and Smart Service Queensland.”
Mr Schwarten said nearly $34 million has been allocated in 2007-08 to the Tank Street Bridge project in Brisbane.
“This will be a pedestrian and cycle bridge which will be a city landmark and cross the Brisbane River from Tank Street to the Millennium Arts Precinct at Southbank,” he said.
“The bridge will complete a walking and cycling loop linking the city and South Bank via the Goodwill Bridge.
“It’s another example of the Queensland Government providing enjoyable and friendly pathways around inner Brisbane which also offer an alternative route for people to get to the CBD.
“More than $17 million has been provided in the 2007-08 Budget for the Boggo Road Precinct Redevelopment. The funds will help deliver key infrastructure elements such as roads, parks, landscaping and underground services to ensure the continuing growth of this dynamic inner-city area.”
The Boggo Road Urban Village Redevelopment will offer a unique mixed-use area providing residential, retail, commercial, recreational and environmental research facilities.
“Boggo Road will contribute significantly to the Smart State initiative, providing up to 60,000 square metres for eco science research,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Building our regions and enhancing community life for all Queenslanders is demonstrated in projects like the $16.5 million Rockhampton Riverbank redevelopment which will be completed this year.
“To ensure government services can be delivered to the highest standards in regional and remote areas the department will commence work on approximately $200 million worth of government accommodation projects in centres including Maroochydore, Cairns and Thursday Island.
“DPW is also project managing the construction of Skilled Park on the Gold Coast, which will be home to the National Rugby League’s Gold Coast Titans. It will be completed in time for next season.”
In another boost for the Gold Coast, approximately $15 million is in the budget for the Stage 2 extension of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“This project will deliver a world class centre with seating for up to 6,000 patrons and will double the space in the exhibition hall allowing the centre to host larger national and international events,” he said.
“The Smart State is also looking at smart initiatives in regard to the environment, particularly water and energy.
“Funding of $5 million has been allocated over the next two years to the Water Smart Buildings Program which has already had considerable success in reducing water usage in existing government buildings,” he said.
“The budget also provides $5.25 million over three years to the Government Energy Management Strategy (GEMS) which continues to research and develop new energy saving initiatives and deliver ongoing energy reduction strategies across government.
“Through the GEMS team, the Department of Public Works will also continue to maximise its purchases of renewable energy on behalf of the Queensland Government.”
The Department of Public Works is taking the lead in the delivery of information and communication technology (ICT) in the Queensland Government.
“The establishment of the Queensland Government Chief Information Office and the Queensland Government Chief Technology Office will position the government to obtain optimal benefits from future investments in ICT,” the Minister said.
“In addition, CITEC will be reorientated to become the Queensland Government’s information technology services provider.
“The 2007-08 State Budget allows the Department of Public Works to continue to be the powerhouse behind the building infrastructure that supports the Smart State,” the Minister said.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832