Strong Plan delivers brighter future for Mackay region

The 2014-15 State Budget continues to deliver a strong plan for a brighter future for all of Queensland, including the Mackay 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 $450 million in the Mackay region alone.

“Almost $20 million is being provided for local government recovery and reconstruction projects in the region in partnership with the Federal Government.”

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

“The Mackay region will benefit from a $29.4 million commitment to complete the Mackay Base Hospital redevelopment, while Collinsville will receive $1.2 million to complete the construction of a replacement ambulance station,” he said.

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

“We’re spending $5.2 million to help schools in the Mackay region prepare for the transition of Year 7 into high school next year.

“The Mackay Northern Beaches High School will also benefit from an $8.5 million allocation to complete the stage two upgrade of the school.”

Mr Nicholls said the Newman Government was investing in the Mackay region’s roads network.

“The budget includes $6.5 million to upgrade sections of the Bowen Developmental Road and $4.3 million for the upgrading of bridges on Sandy Creek Road,” he said.

“We’re investing in the future of the region by protecting one of its great assets, with $8.4 million provided for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Field Management Program.

“In total the Government is spending $55 million on the Reef Water Quality Program.

“Local primary producers will benefit from a range of programs, including $900,000 to target pest and weeds and $170,000 to assist irrigators improve farm water management and establish irrigation information systems.

“We’re also delivering on our commitment to revitalise frontline services.

“Not only are we boosting the number of police state-wide by 267, but we’re providing $1 million to deliver a replacement water catamaran at Whitsunday.”

The 2014-15 Budget will deliver $12.9 million worth of projects in the Isaac, Mackay and Whitsunday Regional Council areas under the Royalties for the Regions 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