Strong Plan delivers brighter future for Fitzroy region

The 2014-15 State Budget continues to deliver a strong plan for a brighter future for all of Queensland, including the Fitzroy region.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the budget outlined the Government’s plan to secure Queensland’s finances by making the strongest and smartest choice to reduce debt.

“It carefully balances increases in education, health and community services spending, while not raising taxes or reducing services,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We are also making the strongest and smartest choice to secure our finances so we can reduce debt and reinvest funds into the schools, hospitals and infrastructure that we know our regions are going to need.

“This year’s budget includes a capital spend of more than $650 million in the Fitzroy region alone.”

“More than $105 million is being provided for local government recovery and reconstruction projects in the region, in partnership with the Federal Government.”

Mr Nicholls said the Queensland Government was delivering a record $13.6 billion health budget, an increase of 6 per cent from last year.

“The Fitzroy region will benefit from a $13.6 million commitment to complete construction of the Rockhampton Hospital Expansion,” he said.

“Rockhampton residents will also benefit from $12 million for the development of a new intensive care unit.

“We’re also providing $5 million for a rooftop helipad at Rockhampton Hospital, saving valuable time for critically ill patients.

“We’re allocating 761 additional teachers and teacher aides state-wide as part of the $11.8 billion education budget.

“In Gladstone, we’re spending $3 million to prepare Gladstone State High School for the transition of Year 7 into high school next year.”

Mr Nicholls said the Queensland Government was also investing in the economic development of the Fitzroy region.

“This budget includes $50 million for the $90.5 million expansion of the RG Tanna Coal Terminal in Gladstone.

“We’re providing almost $1.8 million to establish the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership to report on and improve the health of Gladstone Harbour.

“We’re also improving the local roads network, with $47 million provided for the elevated crossing of the Bruce Highway across the Yeppen floodplain, in partnership with the Federal Government.”

Mr Nicholls said the 2014-15 Budget also built on the Government’s promises to grow a four pillar economy and revitalise frontline services.

“Rockhampton police will benefit from a $700,000 commitment to complete the upgrade of CCTV at the Rockhampton Watch House.

“As part of our commitment to local tourism, this year we’re providing $500,000 for the upgrade of the Carnarvon Information Centre, $450,000 for the Curtis Island Road and Fireline upgrade and $300,000 to improve facilities at Upper Stony Creek in Byflield State Forest.

“We’re spending $13 million in 2014-15 to deliver an environmental impact statement for the development of outer channels for the region and a marine facility at Boyne River.

“This budget also includes $61.8 million for a range of important local projects in the Banana and Livingston Shires, the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire and the Central Highlands, Gladstone and Rockhampton Regional Council areas as part of the Royalties for the Region program.”

Mr Nicholls said the budget was another step forward in the Government’s positive plan for the state.

“We are making significant progress in restoring our finances, growing a four pillar economy, revitalising frontline services and funding infrastructure projects,” he said.

“But to sustain this we must reduce debt so we can truly keep building on our strong plan for a brighter future.”

[ENDS] 3 June 2014

Media Contact – Treasurer’s Office 07 3719 7200