Major funding for South, West and Central Queensland in 2008-09 budget

June 3

South, Central and Western Queensland have received massive funding boosts to infrastructure, health, education and emergency services in the Bligh government’s first budget, handed down today.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser handed down his first budget which featured a record allocation for Health and a record capital works program to meet the demands of our growing state.

Mr Fraser said the 2008-09 budget focused specifically on housing affordability, health and infrastructure.

‘’The Budget has record funding allocations for health and capital expenditure and other key front line service delivery areas,’’ Mr Fraser said.

‘’We have recognised that these areas need funding, not only in the south-east but in our regional and rural communities also.’’

Darling Downs

Mr Fraser said health and ambulance services on the Darling Downs have received funding boosts in the 2008-09 State Budget.

“I’m pleased to announce an allocation of $950,000 for community-based care services at Toowoomba Hospital, and a $502,000 upgrade to the outpatient, emergency and maternity departments at Dalby,” Mr Fraser said.

“A further $945,000 has been allocated to replace the existing ambulance station at Oakey with a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

“These commitments will improve services in the Darling Downs region, providing better health care and better patient outcomes.”

Funding highlights for the Darling Downs include:

Local Government

• $1.65 million to the Dalby Regional Council towards water infrastructure for the Coal Seam Methane project

Roads

More than $30 million in road projects and maintenance. These projects include:

• $10.67 million to widen the New England Highway and realign the highway at the Pechey Range between John Street, Crows Nest and Millard Road, 6km south of Crows Nest.
• $10 million to continue widening and sealing the New England Highway between Munro Road and Pioneer Road, south of Crows Nest



Education

• $115,00 for school maintenance across the Darling Downs.

Lockyer

Treasurer Fraser said the state government was committed to the future of the Lockyer electorate, which would benefit from the construction of a new learning facility at Greenbank State School.

“Our kids are our number one asset,” Mr Fraser said.

“This Budget allocation of $2.8 million for a new General Area Learning Block at Greenbank State School will allow local students to have access to modern facilities.

“The Bligh government has also committed to a thorough maintenance scheme, which will greatly benefit many schools in the Beaudesert region.”

Mr Fraser said motorists in the Lockyer electorate would start seeing the benefits on their highways, with $10.8 million in road funding this year.

‘’We are committed to improving and maintaining Queensland’s road network, particularly in rural and regional areas,’’ he said.


Funding highlights for the Lockyer electorate include:

Local Government

• $1.5 million to the Lockyer Valley Regional Council for construction of an Arts and Cultural Centre at Gatton as part of Queensland's 150th Legacy Infrastructure Program
• $300,000 this year to the Lockyer Valley Regional Council towards the development of the Gatton to University of Queensland Cycleway.
• $63,000 to the Lockyer Valley Regional Council to upgrade the Gatton CCTV Surveillance System.

Roads

$10.8 million in road upgrades and improvements.
These projects include:
• $2.55 million to complete widening, repairing and strengthening on the Haigslea - Amberley Road
• $1.87 million to complete the replacement of the bridge at Ma Ma Creek, on the Gatton - Clifton Road. This project is funded as part of the Regional Bridge Renewal Program.
• $1.09 million to complete the replacement of the bridge at Dry Creek, on the Gatton - Clifton Road. This project is funded as part of the Regional Bridge Renewal Program.

Corrections

• $196.66 million for the first stage of development of the South East Queensland Correctional Precinct, Gatton.

Disabilities

• $1.13 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability in the community

Education

• $2.8 million for a General Area Learning Block at Greenbank State School
• $55,000 this year for maintenance at Lockyer District State High School.
• $15,000 this year for maintenance at Laidley State High School.
• $23,000 this year for maintenance at Laidley District State School.
• $6,000 this year for maintenance at Tarampa State School.
• $6,000 this year for maintenance at Peak Crossing State School.
• $4,000 this year for maintenance at Grandchester State School.


Warrego


Emergency Services, roads and education are some of the big ticket items for the Warrego electorate in the Bligh Government’s first state Budget, Treasurer Fraser said.

“I’m happy to say to the community of Warrego, that the Ambulance station refurbishment will take place after the Budget delivered over $800,000 for the upgrade of the Mitchelton station.

Mr Fraser said that a further $400,000 would be spent on a replacement auxiliary fire and rescue station at Bolonne.

“The ambulance and fire stations will provide the safety the community of Warrego expect,’’ he said.

Mr Fraser said $362,000 would be spent on air conditioning replacement and electrical upgrades at the Cunnamulla State School.

“Education remains a core issue with the Bligh Government and with that in mind, over $600,000 for improvements to the community’s various schools” Mr Fraser said.

Mr Fraser said that $20 million in road projects, maintainence and improvements would also be spent in the Warrego electorate in the 2008-09 budget.

Other funding highlights for Warrego include:

Roads
$20 million in road projects and improvements. These projects include:

? $5.04 million to continue paving and sealing, on the Roma - Taroom Road between 0 and 64.9km, north-east of Roma
? $1.25 million this year to continue widening and sealing, on the Carnarvon Highway (Injune - Rolleston) between 21.10 and 29.60km, north of Injune
? $1.05 million this year for miscellaneous works, on the Moonie Highway (Dalby - St George) between Finch Creek and Westmar.

Child Safety

? $1.2 million for residential care places for children with complex to extreme needs in the Darling Downs region

Local Government

? $225,000 to the Dalby Regional Council to Revitalise Chinchilla Town CBD
? $200,000 to the Dalby Regional Council for development of the Cyprus Pine Interpretative Centre as part of Queensland's 150th Legacy Infrastructure Program.
? $158,000 to the Roma Regional Council for Stage two of the Surat RSL Community Centre Upgrade Project.
? $150,000 to the Balonne Shire Council for the St George Effluent Reuse Scheme
? $143,000 to the Roma Regional Council for Mitchell Streetscape Revitalisation

Education

? $107,000 for maintenance at Moonie State School.
? $40,000 for maintenance at Thallon State School.
? $36,000 for a air conditioning replacement and electrical upgrade at Bollon
State School
? $362,000 for a air conditioning replacement and electrical upgrade at Cunnamulla State School.
? $30,000 for maintenance at Roma State College - Senior Campus.
? $25,000 for maintenance at Roma State College - Junior Campus.
? $20,000 for maintenance at Cunnamulla State School.
? $15,000 for maintenance at Roma State College - Junior Campus.

Gregory

Police stations in Longreach and Charleville will undergo major works thanks to funding announced in today’s budget.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser said over $500,000 would be spent refurbishing the Longreach station, while $4.54 million will be spent on the replacement station at Charleville.

“Queenslanders deserve a first-class police service, and this Government is committed to providing officers with the best resources available,” Mr Fraser said.

“These stations will be modern, state-of-the-art facilities. The State Government is committed to building tomorrow’s Queensland today.”

Mr Fraser said more than $52 million in roads funding would ensure a safer and more efficient road network in the Gregory electorate.

“We are planning for and managing growth in regional Queensland by spending record amounts on roads and road infrastructure.”

Funding highlights in the Gregory electorate include:

Roads

Over $52 million in road projects and improvements. These projects include:

• $7.45 million to complete replacement of the bridges and approaches at Ward River and Woolshed Gully, west of Charleville, on the Diamantina Developmental Road (Charleville - Quilpie)
• $6.32 million this year to reconstruct pavement between Meteor Creek north and Three Chain Road, on the Dawson Highway (Rolleston - Springsure), 15km west of Rolleston
• $5 million to complete recycling pavement, on the Hospital Road section of the Gregory Highway (Emerald - Clermont)
• $2.8 million this year for paving and sealing, on the Diamantina Developmental Road (Bedourie - Boulia), 17.83km north of Bedourie.
• $2.09 million to complete widening, repairing and strengthening on the Capricorn Highway (Duaringa - Emerald), 10km east of Emerald

Health

• $436,000 to construct the Blackall Private Practice Clinic
• $86,000 for the Sexual Assault Support and Prevention Program

Local Government

• $1.4 million to the Longreach Regional Council for Longreach Airport runway extensions as part of Queensland's 150th Legacy Infrastructure Program.
• $1 million to the Central Highlands Regional Council towards upgrade works at Emerald Airport
• $986,000 to the Barcaldine Regional Council for a permanent Memorial to the Tree of Knowledge as part of Queensland's 150th Legacy Infrastructure Program




Sport and Recreation

• $500,000 in 2008-09 to the Longreach Shire Council to redevelop the Longreach Aquatic Centre incorporatinga heated 25 metre pool

Education

• $183,000 for air conditioning replacement and electrical upgrade at Barcaldine State School - Senior Campus
• $30,000 this year for maintenance at Arcadia Valley State School.
• $13,000 this year for maintenance at Emerald State School.
• $13,000 this year for maintenance at Longreach State High School.
• $9,000 this year for maintenance at Emerald State High School.
• $8,000 this year for maintenance at Longreach State School.

Beaudesert

Emergency Services was the big winner for the Beaudesert region in today’s State Budget, Treasurer Andrew Fraser said.

Mr Fraser said $1.67 million would be spent building a replacement ambulance station at Tamborine Mountain.

“The Bligh Government is committed to improving frontline services, and a new station will provide a modern, state-of-the-art facility for our hardworking, high-quality paramedics.”

Mr Fraser said water remained a key issue for the Bligh Government.

“Funds in this State Budget have been set aside for the commencement of construction at the Wyaralong Dam.

“The Bligh Government is committed to securing water resources now and into the future.”

Roads

$7.4 million in road projects and improvements. These projects:

• $1.97 million to complete construction of a bridge and approaches at Wallace Creek, on Boonah - Rathdowney Road. This project is funded as part of the Regional Bridge Renewal Program.
• $1.5 million to continue construction of a bridge and its approaches between Albert River and Yore Road, on the Waterford - Tamborine Road. This project is funded as part of the Regional Bridge Renewal Program.
• $1.25 million this year to complete improvements at the Beechmont Road and Beaudesert - Nerang Road intersection, near Witheren. Funded from the Queensland government's Safer Roads Sooner Program.






Ambulance

• $1.67 million for a replacement ambulance station for the Tamborine Mountain area.

Water

• $89.49 million for continued environmental impact assessment and commencement of construction of the Wyaralong Dam.

Disabilities

• $3.17 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability in the community


Southern Downs

Treasurer Andrew Fraser said more than $15 million would be spent improving and maintaining roads in the Southern Downs electorate.

‘’The Bligh government has put its money where its mouth is,’’ he said.

We are committed to making roads on the Southern Downs safer, sooner. And this funding will help us do that.’’

Mr Fraser also revealed that Goondiwindi’s auxiliary fire station would be relocated and replaced at a cost of $664,000.

“Queensland’s auxiliary firefighters do a great job protecting people and property from the hazards of fire,” Mr Fraser said.

“The Goondiwindi crew will now be able to conduct operations from a newer, modern headquarters, improving staff conditions and their greater capacity to handle the workload.”

Other funding highlights for the Southern Downs include:

Roads

$15.5 million will be spent on several key road projects, improvements and maintenance. These include:


• $3.73 million to complete widening and overlaying on the Millmerran - Inglewood Road between 0 and 68.68km
• $692,000 this year to commence widening and overlaying, on the Cunningham Highway (Warwick - Inglewood) between 50.00 and 65.00km, west of Warwick
• $2.5 million this year to commence construction of a pedestrian bridge at St Mary's Primary School, Palmerin Street, on the Cunningham Highway (Ipswich - Warwick)
• $1.84 million to continue replacement of bridge and approaches at Oaky Creek, on the Inglewood - Texas Road. This project is funded as part of the Regional Bridge Renewal Program.
• $1.1 million to continue widening and sealing, on the Cunningham Highway (Warwick - Inglewood) between 87.50 and 106.80km.
• $1.04 million to continue widening, repairing and strengthening, on the Leichhardt Highway (Miles - Goondiwindi) between 196.00 and 204.00km, north of Goondiwindi.
• $1 million this year for widening of shoulder, on the Barwon Highway (Goondiwindi - Talwood) between 0 and 85.00km, west of Toobeah. Funded from the Queensland government's Safer Roads Sooner Program.

Disabilities

• $1.12 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability in the community

Education

• $300,000 this year for additional amenities at Glen Aplin State School.
• $28,000 this year for maintenance at Goondiwindi State School.
• $14,000 this year for maintenance at Thulimbah State School.
• $10,000 this year for maintenance at Glennie Heights State School.
• $10,000 this year for maintenance at Tannymorel State School.


Nanango


Almost $17 million will be spent on roads in the Nanango electorate this financial year, Treasurer Andrew Fraser said.

Mr Fraser said the Bligh government had made infrastructure a priority in Nanango.

‘’A total of $6.14 million will be spent to complete widening, repairing and strengthening between Villeneuve Road and Arnolds Road North, on the D'Aguilar Highway, east of Kilcoy.

‘’Another $3.4 million will be spent on widening, repairing and strengthening the area between Lewington Road and D'Aguilar Highway on the Mt Mee Road.

‘’And $1.07 million to complete sealing shoulders on Wivenhoe-Somerset Road at a total estimated cost of $1.16 Million.






Roads

$16.8 million will be spent on Nanango Roads. Other highlights of this maintenance and upgrade work includes:

• $1.34 million to complete replacement of the bridge at Sandy Creek, 1km south of Nanango, on the D'Aguilar Highway (Yarraman - Kingaroy).
• $936,000 to complete realignment to two lanes at Campbells Pocket Road, on Mt Mee Road.
• $732,000 to complete improvements at the Kingaroy - Barker's Creek Road and Tessman's Road intersection, Kingaroy.
• $615,000 to continue sealing shoulders at Toogoolawah section of Brisbane Valley Highway, south of Esk, at a total estimated cost of $1.07 million.


Disability Services

• $1.39 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability in the community


Education

• $355,000 for replacement amenities at Kilcoy State High School.
• $42,000 for a multi purpose area - stage 2 at Benarkin State School
• $35,000 for maintenance at Nanango State High School.
• $17,000 for maintenance at Patrick Estate State School.
• $23,000 for maintenance at Taabinga State School.
• $7,000 for maintenance at Nanango State School.


Environmental Protection

• $57,000 this year to construct barbecues at the Gantry Day Use Area in the Mount Mee Forest Reserve.
• $50,000 this year to construct upgrades to the Bunya Mountains Coleman Boundary fence in the Bunya Mountains National Park.


Treasurers Office Media Contact: (07) 3224 5982