RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES SLASHED UNDER SPRINGBORG’S LATEST PROMISE

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace today said the National Party’s promised three per cent budget cut would be a major blow for landowners, graziers, irrigators and rural and regional residents across Queensland.

Mr Wallace said: "Lawrence Springborg and the National Party’s proposal to slash public sector funding would cut important services provided by the Department of Natural Resources and Water and cause much frustration for our regional communities, graziers, irrigators, and for landowners across the state."

Mr Wallace said Mr Springborg’s three per cent productivity dividend across government would result in a massive 12,000 job loss in Queensland and the cutting of vital services.

"Natural Resources and Water staff around Queensland are the backbone of the department," Mr Wallace said.

"Those very people whose jobs would be slashed if the Leader of the Opposition had his way and "front-ended" these so-called "de-necessary" roles."

Mr Wallace said close to 2500 NRW staff members were involved in frontline service delivery to the people of Queensland.

To pay for Mr Springborg’s productivity dividend, the Department of Natural Resources and Water would have to either :

• make "de-necessary" more than 200 NRW staff providing frontline services that assist rural leaseholders renewing leases or landholders seeking vegetation permits in one year alone

or

• cut operational spending by $18 million a year.

"Cutbacks of this scope will severely impact service delivery," Mr Wallace said.

"It will create delays for Queensland industries who invest in our economy and create hundreds of jobs for Queenslanders and threaten service delivery for homeowners looking to finalise the purchase of their new home.

"Natural Resources and Water staff provide essential services for Queenslanders. For example, staff in our Titles Office from July last year have, so far, checked and processed over 9,500 titles applications – guaranteeing the security of every person’s freehold land.

"Natural Resources and Water staff from July last year have also processed over 1,700 permit applications for vegetation clearing.

"These permits ensure both the urban and rural sector have the ability to manage rural properties and provide essential infrastructure for all Queenslanders. Without these staff, services for the community would be severely impacted.

"If Mr Springborg and the Nationals have their way the future of our state will be at risk."

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3694.