BUNDABERG HELPS SHAPE Q2: TOMORROW’S QUEENSLAND

Bundaberg’s Austchilli – a local business using Australian first technology to increase the shelf life and quality of goods – is an example of the innovate thinking needed for Queensland’s future, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said today.

The Deputy Premier, speaking at the Central Queensland University campus – venue for the State Government’s third-last Toward Q2 forum, lauded the innovation of Bundaberg-based company, Austchilli.

“Austchilli’s Australian first technology is increasing the shelf life of goods and maintaining quality without preservatives or heat treatment,” Mr Lucas said.

“Another showcase of Queensland smarts is Bundaberg’s Microair Avionics – a company developing, manufacturing and selling sophisticated avionics products to the world.

“Established in 1998, Microair is the nation’s only Civil Aviation Safety Authority approved avionics manufacturer with expertise in aircraft tracking and messaging systems as well as surveillance technology.

“The company has also recently moved into the manufacture of field data stations for agriculture and horticulture.”

“Bundaberg is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef but the region also has a vital role in a stronger, greener, smarter, healthier and fairer future,” Mr Lucas said.

Tonight’s Toward Q2 community forum is one of the last to be held and to date over 3000 people have participated and offered their ideas.

The Bligh Government’s Towards Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland 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 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."

Ideas submitted will be on the Q2 website www.TowardQ2.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Chelsea Toomey 0408 701 409