SOUTHSIDE HELPS SHAPE Q2: TOMORROW’S QUEENSLAND

Coopers Plains information technology company Grabba International is sending a message that innovative thinking will power Queensland’s future, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said today.

The Deputy Premier, speaking at the Yeronga State High School, lauded the pioneering products of Grabba and other Southside firms.

“Grabba has targeted enterprise and government users of hand-held mobile computers, known as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and Smart Phones (with PDA features),” Mr Lucas said.

“Its products are now used in a variety of applications created by over 200 developers of software in more than 40 countries.

“Another showcase of Queensland smarts is Archerfield’s Rebul Packaging – manufacturers of high-strength custom crates used to transport valuable or heavy goods around the world.

“The Rebul pack is not only used by some of Australia’s most prestigious manufacturers, removalists, artists and galleries but was a gold award winner in the national packaging awards last year for its emphasis on product protection, cost and the environment.

“Both businesses were also finalists in the 2008 Premier of Queensland Smart Awards,” Mr Lucas added.

Member for Yeerongpilly, Simon Finn MP, was also present at the forum this evening.

“I have enjoyed listening to the ideas of the community members present tonight,” Mr Finn said.

“Some great ideas were put forward and I look forward to seeing all these ideas come together to shape our future.”

Tonight’s Toward Q2 community forum is the second last to be held and to date over 3200 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.

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“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 a program of action over the next 12 months.

“As a government we cannot reach these targets alone,” Mr Lucas said.

“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