HARBOUR CITY HELPS SHAPE Q2: TOMORROW’S QUEENSLAND

Gladstone: An innovative coal transfer tower devised by Gladstone’s Walz Construction’s is an ideal example of a local idea delivering a world-class outcome and guaranteeing Queensland’s future, Acting Premier Paul Lucas told a community forum this evening.

“Walz Construction has pioneered a unique method of constructing coal transfer towers - for use in the Bowen Basin – which is resulting in faster assembly times and a safer workplace during construction,” he said.

The Gladstone Toward Q2 community forum is one of thirty being held across the State. It follows last week’s forums at the Gold Coast, Strathpine and Longreach and this week in Cairns and The Gap. More than 850 people have attended the forums and offered their ideas.

In his opening address Mr Lucas tonight also drew on another Gladstone region innovation.

“Coconet International from Tannum Sands makes Coconet - a net-like object made from polyethylene that can be clipped to a coconut tree to trap falling coconuts.

“The Coconet was awarded the 2003 Australian Invention of the Year and was a finalist for 2003 Asian Invention of the Year,” he said.

“Gladstone is one of the State’s great cities and its innovators have played lead roles in the State’s industrial and economic development and we want that to continue,” Mr Lucas said.

He said that the Bligh Government’s Towards Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland document outlines the Government’s plans and priorities for the future.

“Queensland has grown remarkably over recent years, but we must act now if we are to take the next leap forward,” Mr Lucas said.

“Challenges such as unhealthy lifestyles, preventable disease, population growth, and global competition have the potential to destroy our quality of life.

Mr Lucas said the blueprint outlined specific targets for 2020 under five broad headings – strong, green, smart, healthy and fair.

“There is no doubt the targets are ambitious, but if we can do it they will improve our day-to-day lives, our community, our environment and our economy,” he 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

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%

Mr Lucas said these priorities would drive the Governments program of action over the next twelve months.

“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.”

"Q2 is the government's blueprint for the Queensland we love today - only better."

A report of all ideas submitted at the forum will be on the Q2 website, www.TowardQ2.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Acting Premier’s Office 3224 8750