Published Wednesday, 13 June, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT POURS MONEY INTO FNQ
Minister for State Development John Mickel has defended the Queensland Government’s economic development record in the Far North
“In the last two years alone, the Department of State Development has committed more than $7.5 million to Cairns and the Far North,” Mr Mickel said.
“A huge range of economic players have been supported. Small businesses in all sorts of sectors have grown and key new industries such as aviation have been supported while established industries like sugar have been able to innovate.”
Mr Mickel said that Cyclone Larry funding had provided in excess of $3 million to help local businesses rebound from the disaster.
In addition, the Queensland Government has provided funding for a number of Cairns-based regional development organisations since 1998, including Balkanu in the Cape which develops economic opportunities for local indigenous people, and CREDC.
“Unfortunately we have now had cause to terminate funding to CREDC which had been funded from 1998 to 2005 at a rate of $250,000 per annum for its establishment and ongoing operation.
It was pleasing to see CREDC take up the initially take up the challenge and provide relevant economic development services particularly in the area of clusters.
“In 2005 we negotiated an agreement with CREDC to be based on very specific deliverables aligned with government’s economic priorities and a measurable benefit to the local economy.
“CREDC has been unable to transition to a project funding model to the satisfaction of the Queensland Government.
“The continuation of funding in perpetuity not linked to well defined deliverables for the Cairns and North Queensland economy would be questionable use of tax payers money.
“Cairns and the Far North will not suffer a funding withdrawal because of the State Government’s decision to terminate CREDC’s grant, quite the reverse, I can assure the people of Cairns annual funding of $250,000 per annum will be provided and remain tied to the region.
“I would prefer to make future monies available to organisations and businesses that can meet that challenge and work in true partnership with the Queensland Government to grow the local economy for the benefit of all.”
The Minister said the Cairns State Development Centre plays a pivotal role in this support.
“The Cairns SDC office is highly regarded by the community. Its services are popular and well supported to say the least,” Mr Mickel said.
“During the last year alone,1000 small to medium sized businesses have attended its workshops. It also provided 1400 one-on-one consultations with clients and developed 32 new exporters.”
Minister Mickel will be in Cairns on 27 June 2007 to launch the Centres of Enterprise initiative which will provide a framework to further target and enhance the Queensland Governments assistance to Cairns and North Queensland.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
13 June, 2007
“In the last two years alone, the Department of State Development has committed more than $7.5 million to Cairns and the Far North,” Mr Mickel said.
“A huge range of economic players have been supported. Small businesses in all sorts of sectors have grown and key new industries such as aviation have been supported while established industries like sugar have been able to innovate.”
Mr Mickel said that Cyclone Larry funding had provided in excess of $3 million to help local businesses rebound from the disaster.
In addition, the Queensland Government has provided funding for a number of Cairns-based regional development organisations since 1998, including Balkanu in the Cape which develops economic opportunities for local indigenous people, and CREDC.
“Unfortunately we have now had cause to terminate funding to CREDC which had been funded from 1998 to 2005 at a rate of $250,000 per annum for its establishment and ongoing operation.
It was pleasing to see CREDC take up the initially take up the challenge and provide relevant economic development services particularly in the area of clusters.
“In 2005 we negotiated an agreement with CREDC to be based on very specific deliverables aligned with government’s economic priorities and a measurable benefit to the local economy.
“CREDC has been unable to transition to a project funding model to the satisfaction of the Queensland Government.
“The continuation of funding in perpetuity not linked to well defined deliverables for the Cairns and North Queensland economy would be questionable use of tax payers money.
“Cairns and the Far North will not suffer a funding withdrawal because of the State Government’s decision to terminate CREDC’s grant, quite the reverse, I can assure the people of Cairns annual funding of $250,000 per annum will be provided and remain tied to the region.
“I would prefer to make future monies available to organisations and businesses that can meet that challenge and work in true partnership with the Queensland Government to grow the local economy for the benefit of all.”
The Minister said the Cairns State Development Centre plays a pivotal role in this support.
“The Cairns SDC office is highly regarded by the community. Its services are popular and well supported to say the least,” Mr Mickel said.
“During the last year alone,1000 small to medium sized businesses have attended its workshops. It also provided 1400 one-on-one consultations with clients and developed 32 new exporters.”
Minister Mickel will be in Cairns on 27 June 2007 to launch the Centres of Enterprise initiative which will provide a framework to further target and enhance the Queensland Governments assistance to Cairns and North Queensland.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
13 June, 2007