Published Monday, 08 September, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
PREMIER UNVEILS VISION FOR QUEENSLAND: TOWARDS Q2
Premier Anna Bligh today unveiled her blueprint for growing the Queensland economy over the next ten years and beyond.
Ms Bligh said the watershed document – Towards Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland – outlined her Government’s plans and priorities for the future.
She said a quantum leap in early childhood education was one of the key planks of her plan.
“Queensland has grown remarkably over the past ten years but we must act now if we are to take the next leap forward,” Ms Bligh said.
“Challenges such as climate change, unhealthy lifestyles, preventable disease, population growth, and global competition have the potential to destroy our quality of life.
“Towards Q2 is my plan to beat the challenges and seize the opportunities.”
Ms Bligh said the blueprint outlined ten specific targets for 2020 under five broad headings – strong, green, smart, healthy and fair.
She said her Government would toll out initiatives to help meet the targets starting with a significant education announcement (attached).
“There is no doubt the targets we have set are ambitious and tough but if we can do it they will improve our day-to-day lives, our community, our environment and our economy,” she said.
“The targets by 2020 are:
Strong – Creating a diverse economy powered by bright ideas
• Building Australia’s strongest economy with infrastructure that anticipates growth
• Increasing by 50% the proportion of Queensland businesses undertaking R&D
Green – Protecting our lifestyle and environment
• Cutting Queenslanders carbon footprint by one third with reduced car and electricity use
• Protecting 50% more land for nature conservation and public recreation
-2-
Smart – Delivering world class education and training
• All children to have access to quality early childhood education so they are ready for school
• Three out of four Queenslanders to hold trade, training or tertiary qualifications
Healthy – Making Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people
• Cut obesity, smoking, heavy drinking and unsafe sun exposure by one third
• Reduce public hospital waiting lists to the shortest in Australia
Fair – Supporting caring communities
• Halve the proportion of Queensland children living in households without a working parent
• Increase the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities by 50%
Ms Bligh said these priorities would drive her Governments program of action over the next twelve months.
“We will hold 30 public forums on Q2 with the first one on the Gold Coast next week,” she said.
“I want to consult with Queenslanders and get their views and ideas so they can play their part in shaping our future.
“As a Government we cannot reach these targets alone.
“Everyone will need to play their part in goals such as leading healthier lifestyles and reducing our carbon footprint.”
Ms Bligh said she had only been Premier for 12 months but her record to date showed her determination to work for Queensland’s future.
“Initiatives such as fluoridation, water recycling, prep year and tax reform will make a real difference to Queenslanders’ quality of life,” she said.
“However we cannot stand still - leadership demands action.
“Q2 is my blueprint for the Queensland we love today – only better.”
8 September, 2008
Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Ms Bligh said the watershed document – Towards Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland – outlined her Government’s plans and priorities for the future.
She said a quantum leap in early childhood education was one of the key planks of her plan.
“Queensland has grown remarkably over the past ten years but we must act now if we are to take the next leap forward,” Ms Bligh said.
“Challenges such as climate change, unhealthy lifestyles, preventable disease, population growth, and global competition have the potential to destroy our quality of life.
“Towards Q2 is my plan to beat the challenges and seize the opportunities.”
Ms Bligh said the blueprint outlined ten specific targets for 2020 under five broad headings – strong, green, smart, healthy and fair.
She said her Government would toll out initiatives to help meet the targets starting with a significant education announcement (attached).
“There is no doubt the targets we have set are ambitious and tough but if we can do it they will improve our day-to-day lives, our community, our environment and our economy,” she said.
“The targets by 2020 are:
Strong – Creating a diverse economy powered by bright ideas
• Building Australia’s strongest economy with infrastructure that anticipates growth
• Increasing by 50% the proportion of Queensland businesses undertaking R&D
Green – Protecting our lifestyle and environment
• Cutting Queenslanders carbon footprint by one third with reduced car and electricity use
• Protecting 50% more land for nature conservation and public recreation
-2-
Smart – Delivering world class education and training
• All children to have access to quality early childhood education so they are ready for school
• Three out of four Queenslanders to hold trade, training or tertiary qualifications
Healthy – Making Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people
• Cut obesity, smoking, heavy drinking and unsafe sun exposure by one third
• Reduce public hospital waiting lists to the shortest in Australia
Fair – Supporting caring communities
• Halve the proportion of Queensland children living in households without a working parent
• Increase the proportion of Queenslanders involved in their communities by 50%
Ms Bligh said these priorities would drive her Governments program of action over the next twelve months.
“We will hold 30 public forums on Q2 with the first one on the Gold Coast next week,” she said.
“I want to consult with Queenslanders and get their views and ideas so they can play their part in shaping our future.
“As a Government we cannot reach these targets alone.
“Everyone will need to play their part in goals such as leading healthier lifestyles and reducing our carbon footprint.”
Ms Bligh said she had only been Premier for 12 months but her record to date showed her determination to work for Queensland’s future.
“Initiatives such as fluoridation, water recycling, prep year and tax reform will make a real difference to Queenslanders’ quality of life,” she said.
“However we cannot stand still - leadership demands action.
“Q2 is my blueprint for the Queensland we love today – only better.”
8 September, 2008
Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500