Strong Plan delivers brighter future for Wide Bay region

The 2014-15 State Budget continues to deliver a strong plan for a brighter future for all of Queensland, including the Wide Bay 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 almost $720 million in the Wide Bay region alone.

“More than $250 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 Wide Bay region will benefit from the $7.5 million provided to complete the new oral health facility at Bundaberg and $6.4 million to continue building the oral health facility at Hervey Bay,” he said.

“This year’s budget also includes $500,000 for the replacement ambulance station at Bundaberg.

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

“We’re also investing $14 million to ensure schools in the Wide Bay region are prepared for the transition of Year 7 into high school starting next year.”

Mr Nicholls said the 2014-15 Budget provided for 267 new police officers across the state.

“We said we’d revitalise frontline services and we’re delivering on that promise by making sure our police officers have the resources to effectively do their jobs.

“We’re investing $2.9 million to commence the upgrade of the Kingaroy Police Station and $300,000 to complete the installation of CCTV cameras at the Bundaberg Watch House.

“We’re also providing $1 million to commence construction of the replacement permanent fire and rescue station at Bundaberg.”

Mr Nicholls said the Queensland Government was investing heavily in Wide Bay’s economic capacity.

“We’re improving the roads network with funding allocated for a range of projects, including the Bundaberg-Gin Gin Road, the Isis Highway at Childers, the rehabilitation of the Kennedy Bridge near Bundaberg and Woongool Road near Maryborough,” he said.

“We’re also spending $11 million in 2014-15 as part of the more than $200 million commitment to build new tilt trains through Downer at Maryborough.

“The Government is also delivering on our promise to build a four pillar economy.

“This budget includes $450,000 for the improvement of facilities at Mon Repos Visitor Centre and a $650,000 upgrade of Inskip Point amenities, as part of our commitment to regional tourism.”

The budget also includes a range of projects to build and enhance local communities in Wide Bay, including;

• More than $400,000 to South Burnett Regional Council to complete the upgrade of the Gordonbrook Water Treatment Plant
• $118,000 to Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council to complete the improved lighting and security project and to upgrade flood drainage
• Almost $800,000 to build supported accommodation at Maryborough

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.”

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Media Contact – Treasurer’s Office 07 3719 7200