State Development diversifying economy to create jobs

Diversifying Queensland’s economy will continue to be a key driver for new jobs and economic growth, as the Palaszczuk Government focuses firmly on advancing priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing and biofutures.

Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said the Department’s 2016-17 Annual Report, which was tabled today, showed the Palaszczuk Government had boosted the major projects pipeline and attracted new industries and successful companies to Queensland.

“More than $413 million of private sector investment alone was leveraged through State Development’s industry facilitation program,” Dr Lynham said.

“Initiatives such as the Biofutures Acceleration Program, a key part of the Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap, is attracting the development of commercial-scale biorefineries to Queensland, with six projects already in train including projects at Dalby, Bundaberg and Atherton, which will support investment that could generate more than 330 jobs,” Dr Lynham said.

“Growing the economy and creating jobs is the Palaszczuk Government’s number one priority and the Department of State Development has remained focussed on that objective,’’ Dr Lynham said.

Other major achievements of the 2016/17 report included:

• Investing $225 million through the Building our Regions program, which is generating 1762 jobs through 174 projects in 62 council areas.
• The appointment of Watpac as managing contractor for the $250 million North Queensland Stadium in Townsville creating regional business and employment opportunities with more than 750 jobs expected during design and construction.
• Negotiation of an agreement for a new $50 million biorefinery in Mackay, which is expected to deliver up to 115 jobs and attract significant investment and further jobs in the region under the $130 million Jobs and Regional growth Fund.
• The handover and commencement of construction for the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Integrated Resort Development.
• The completion of all Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games competition venues well ahead of the Games, under budget and creating 1000 jobs.
• Approval by the Coordinator-General of three major projects - the $1.19 billion Nathan Dam and pipelines project, the $500 million Coopers Gap Wind Farm and the $495 million Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project.

The Department of State Development’s Annual Report is available online at

http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/corporate-publications/annual-report.html

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Media enquiries: David Potter 0428 411 617