State Budget’s future-focused billion-dollar jobs initiatives

The Palaszczuk Government has delivered a budget that ensures local jobs continue to be created and industry is supported.

Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Minister Steven Miles said the $3.34 billion Queensland Jobs Fund and the signature $1 billion Works for Queensland program were initiatives aimed squarely at Queensland’s future.

“The Queensland Jobs Fund and this Budget are about encouraging investment in Queensland that creates jobs and supports industries,” Mr Miles said.

“Our world-class health response has provided us with an opportunity to attract and create jobs, grow our traditional industries and attract new industries to Queensland.

“Within the Fund, $2 billion is dedicated to creating renewable energy and hydrogen jobs through the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.

“This investment will create jobs and support our government-owned businesses to expand ownership of commercial renewable energy and hydrogen projects, along with supporting infrastructure, to deliver on our 50 per cent renewable target by 2030.

“The Queensland Jobs Fund also sees a new $350 million Industry Partnership Program and along with existing programs will support job-creating industries like advanced manufacturing, hydrogen, biofutures, biomedical, defence, aerospace, space, resource recovery and mining equipment, technology and services (METS).

“It will deliver cross-sectoral opportunities that unlock growth in multiple industries or supply chains and have a broad impact on the economy.

“The first $20 million will go towards the development of a new Translational Manufacturing Institute at the existing Translational Research Institute.

“This will create high-skilled jobs in Queensland and could lead to the development of life saving vaccines.

“This Budget delivers on the next stage of Queensland’s economic recovery plan.”

Mr Miles said the 2021-22 State Budget included funding to address land supply challenges.

“People and businesses are moving to Queensland in droves because they know it is one of the safest places in the world to live, work and raise a family,” Mr Miles said.

“Earlier this year I asked the State Planner to work with Economic Development Queensland to establish a Growth Areas Team, to proactively address land supply challenges.  

“This Budget includes $10.5 million from the Building Acceleration Fund to support the delivery of trunk infrastructure at the Growth Areas Team’s first pilot site, a Caboolture West neighbourhood. 

“The Building Acceleration Fund is also supporting the construction of new roads including opening up approximately 1700 residential lots plus retail development at Bahrs Scrub and funding to unlock the next phase of Yarrabilba.”

Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the Palaszczuk Government’s Budget delivers on support for local governments and jobs in our regions.

“Through our signature $1 billion Works for Queensland program, the 65 councils outside the South East corner are benefiting enormously through building and maintaining community infrastructure, and the creation of local jobs,” Ms Boyd said.

“The latest round of Works for Queensland includes funding for an Olympic standard 50 metre swimming pool in Bundaberg, construction of a BMX pump track in Hervey Bay, a new nature-themed playground at Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and a new national level skate park in Townsville.

“The 2021-24 round of Works for Queensland will help deliver 333 projects, which the councils estimate will create or support more than 3600 jobs.

“These are real projects that will improve liability in regional community and support local jobs.”

Ms Boyd said the hugely successful Building our Regions program is helping councils deliver infrastructure projects, including water infrastructure, with more than $348.3 million already approved.

“Including programs such as the $120 million Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program, the $200 million COVID Works for Queensland program, and the $200 million South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, we have committed more than $2 billion in capital funding to our local councils,” she said.

“All of this is ensuring improved liveability, stronger local economies and more jobs in every Queensland community.”

ENDS

Media contact: Amy Hunter 0423 651 484