Published Friday, 03 October, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Rocky helps shape Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland: Bligh
Rockhampton: Rocky’s Own Transport’s driver Fatigue Management Program using onboard computer technology for engine and driver management is an example of the thinking guaranteeing Queensland’s future, Premier Anna Bligh told a community forum this evening.
“For a long-haul trucking operator having technology offering immediate notification of issues like speeding, overloading, violent braking and even driver fatigue, is innovative and safety-focussed,” said the Premier.
Tonight’s Toward Q2 community forum is one of 30 being held across the State. So far more than 1700 people have attended and have offered their ideas.
Forum locations have included; the Gold Coast, Strathpine, Longreach, Cairns, Emerald, Hervey Bay and Thursday Island.
In her Towards Q2 forum opening address Ms Bligh tonight, flanked by Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan, also cited another Central Queensland innovation.
“Groves Grown Tropical Fruit, on the northern outskirts of Yeppoon, is involved in sustainable mango, lychee and star fruit production.
“The Groves have implemented a 100% ground cover policy, wind break trees, run off catchment ponds, under-tree drip irrigation to minimise water usage, and total enclosure netting techniques - a non-lethal method to protect crops from flying foxes and other wildlife.
“Groves Grown Tropical Fruit has been nominated as a finalist in the 2008 Environmental Protection Agency Sustainable Industries Awards. Award winners will be announced on October 31,” she said.
In citing the innovation examples Ms Bligh highlighted that they sat well with her Towards Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland plans and priorities for the State’s future.
“Queensland has grown remarkably over recent years, but we must act now if we are to take the next leap forward,” Ms Bligh said.
“Challenges such as unhealthy lifestyles, preventable disease, population growth, and global competition have the potential to damage our quality of life.
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,” she said.
The targets by 2020 are:
Strong Queensland – 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 Queensland – 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 Queensland – 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 Queensland – 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 Queensland – 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 the Governments program of action over the next 12 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: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
“For a long-haul trucking operator having technology offering immediate notification of issues like speeding, overloading, violent braking and even driver fatigue, is innovative and safety-focussed,” said the Premier.
Tonight’s Toward Q2 community forum is one of 30 being held across the State. So far more than 1700 people have attended and have offered their ideas.
Forum locations have included; the Gold Coast, Strathpine, Longreach, Cairns, Emerald, Hervey Bay and Thursday Island.
In her Towards Q2 forum opening address Ms Bligh tonight, flanked by Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan, also cited another Central Queensland innovation.
“Groves Grown Tropical Fruit, on the northern outskirts of Yeppoon, is involved in sustainable mango, lychee and star fruit production.
“The Groves have implemented a 100% ground cover policy, wind break trees, run off catchment ponds, under-tree drip irrigation to minimise water usage, and total enclosure netting techniques - a non-lethal method to protect crops from flying foxes and other wildlife.
“Groves Grown Tropical Fruit has been nominated as a finalist in the 2008 Environmental Protection Agency Sustainable Industries Awards. Award winners will be announced on October 31,” she said.
In citing the innovation examples Ms Bligh highlighted that they sat well with her Towards Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland plans and priorities for the State’s future.
“Queensland has grown remarkably over recent years, but we must act now if we are to take the next leap forward,” Ms Bligh said.
“Challenges such as unhealthy lifestyles, preventable disease, population growth, and global competition have the potential to damage our quality of life.
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,” she said.
The targets by 2020 are:
Strong Queensland – 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 Queensland – 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 Queensland – 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 Queensland – 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 Queensland – 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 the Governments program of action over the next 12 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: Premier’s Office 3224 4500