Greater priority assigned to capital works projects

Communities and Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt has declared capital works expenditure one of his key focus areas for 2007–08.

Fronting a parliamentary Estimates Committee hearing today, Mr Pitt said the Department of Communities and Disability Services Queensland had received substantial capital works budgets, totaling $128 million, for this financial year.

He said that while departmental staff had worked hard across the portfolio in 2006–07 to complete capital works worth more than $31 million, even greater efforts were needed in 2007–08.

“Queensland is currently in the midst of an economic boom with skilled tradespeople and suitable land sites hard to find,” Mr Pitt said.

“On top of that, the Queensland Government is embarking on a massive $14 billion infrastructure program to cater for current and future growth.

“Other government departments and private enterprise are being affected by the buoyant building market that Queensland is experiencing, which has contributed to the undersupply of tradespeople to undertake the work.

“Furthermore, land for purpose-designed buildings for people with a disability has been difficult to source, due to the general unavailability of suitable lots.

“These are some of the main factors that have influenced the scheduling of capital works expenditure.

“However, all projects are underway and at various stages of the planning, design or construction.

“I can assure everyone that any funds from 2006–07 will be carried forward to ensure these projects are completed as soon as possible within a scheduled program of works.

“I have also asked departmental staff to redouble their efforts to ensure they have the capacity to finalise all the capital works projects that are scheduled for completion this year.”

Mr Pitt said the Department of Communities spent $18 million on capital works last year while DSQ’s total expenditure on property, plant and equipment was $13.66 million.

“This expenditure has been achieved at a time when the portfolio has experienced significant budget increases each year for the past decade,” he said.

“Funding for disability services has increased about 370 per cent in the past 10 years, meaning substantial improvements to both the number of clients receiving support and the level of support being provided.

“Likewise, programs and services provided by the Department of Communities have also been expanded and enhanced.

“I am determined that these improvements are also reflected in our performance in the area of capital works.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280