Published Friday, 12 December, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BLIGH WELCOMES NATION BUILDING PACKAGE
Premier Anna Bligh said today that Queensland’s share of the Federal Government’s $4.7 billion nation building package is a shot in the arm for the State economy.
“The Federal package is the cream on the top of Queensland’s $17 billion infrastructure building program which protects jobs and keeps the economy moving,” Ms Bligh said.
“Treasurer Andrew Fraser and I worked overtime to protect our building program to ensure we keep the motor running, and the Federal Government’s announcements today will boost our efforts.
“However, I will be keeping the Prime Minister to his word that this is a down payment, and I will be looking for a bigger slice of the pie for Queensland in the next round.”
Ms Bligh welcomed news that the Federal Government will accelerate key building projects in Queensland. This includes work on the Ipswich Motorway from Dinmore to Goodna, the Pacific Motorway from Springwood South to Daisy Hill, and the Bruce Highway – Douglas Arterial.
In addition, the Federal Government announced a $1.2 billion national rail freight infrastructure program. This means Queensland will see $55.8 million for the Queensland border to Acacia Ridge track upgrade, which is part of the national freight network.
Queensland also received $93.2 million, as a share of $500 million of capital expenditure to improve teaching and learning spaces at universities across Australia.
This includes Queensland University of Technology ($23.2 million), The University of Queensland ($22.7 million), Griffith University ($19.3 million), James Cook University ($8 million), University of South Queensland ($8 million), Central Queensland University ($6.4 million), University of Sunshine Coast ($3.3m Bond University ($2.4 million).
There is also another $47.2 million from the Education Investment Fund.
“I note the predictable whingeing from the Opposition and have to say that the Liberal National Party’s Shadow Minister for Infrastructure is woefully ignorant,” Ms Bligh said.
“She is dead wrong when she claims that our ‘infrastructure wish list’ has been snubbed.
“Our list of infrastructure priorities relates to an entirely different fund – the Infrastructure Australia Fund – which won’t be decided until early next year.”
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 45000
“The Federal package is the cream on the top of Queensland’s $17 billion infrastructure building program which protects jobs and keeps the economy moving,” Ms Bligh said.
“Treasurer Andrew Fraser and I worked overtime to protect our building program to ensure we keep the motor running, and the Federal Government’s announcements today will boost our efforts.
“However, I will be keeping the Prime Minister to his word that this is a down payment, and I will be looking for a bigger slice of the pie for Queensland in the next round.”
Ms Bligh welcomed news that the Federal Government will accelerate key building projects in Queensland. This includes work on the Ipswich Motorway from Dinmore to Goodna, the Pacific Motorway from Springwood South to Daisy Hill, and the Bruce Highway – Douglas Arterial.
In addition, the Federal Government announced a $1.2 billion national rail freight infrastructure program. This means Queensland will see $55.8 million for the Queensland border to Acacia Ridge track upgrade, which is part of the national freight network.
Queensland also received $93.2 million, as a share of $500 million of capital expenditure to improve teaching and learning spaces at universities across Australia.
This includes Queensland University of Technology ($23.2 million), The University of Queensland ($22.7 million), Griffith University ($19.3 million), James Cook University ($8 million), University of South Queensland ($8 million), Central Queensland University ($6.4 million), University of Sunshine Coast ($3.3m Bond University ($2.4 million).
There is also another $47.2 million from the Education Investment Fund.
“I note the predictable whingeing from the Opposition and have to say that the Liberal National Party’s Shadow Minister for Infrastructure is woefully ignorant,” Ms Bligh said.
“She is dead wrong when she claims that our ‘infrastructure wish list’ has been snubbed.
“Our list of infrastructure priorities relates to an entirely different fund – the Infrastructure Australia Fund – which won’t be decided until early next year.”
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 45000