Regional Community Forums focused on Queensland’s big budget

• 2023 Regional Community Forums driving change across the State
• Focus on local issues, health and hospitals, energy and jobs
• Regional Queensland benefitting from record $12.3 billion State Budget surplus

The first Regional Community Forums since the 2023-24 State Budget announcement take place on Monday and will continue the Palaszczuk Government’s supercharged support for Queensland’s regions.

Forum members in seven regions will facilitate discussions on the priorities for their communities, including jobs, health and hospitals, and training and skilling options, including an opportunity to discuss the vision for the future of our healthcare system.

The Palaszczuk Government’s 2023 State Budget, which included a record surplus of $12.3 billion, underpins continued investment in regional Queensland.

The $89 billion four-year Big Build capital program will directly support 58,000 jobs in 2023-24, providing productivity-enhancing infrastructure across all regions.  

More than 65 per cent of capital investment, or $13.3 billion in the next financial year, will be outside Brisbane, supporting approximately 38,500 jobs.

The State Budget provides $19 billion over four years to support the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which is transforming the Queensland economy, especially in the regions.

The Budget also delivers record funding of more than $25.7 billion to drive a strong health care system to ensure Queenslanders receive the right care at the right time, no matter where they live.

This builds on HEALTHQ32, the Palaszczuk Government’s 10-year vision for the future of healthcare in Queensland to deliver a dynamic and responsive health system providing world-class healthcare to all Queenslanders. 

The Regional Community Forum members will discuss how the State Budget is delivering health investment in their region, and what HEALTHQ32 means for their communities.

The Regional Community Forums are also an opportunity to discuss the Queensland Vocational Education and Training (VET) Strategy, which is a key action under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032.

The seven Regional Community Forums will be held in regional centres including:

• Gladstone (Central Queensland)
• Roma (Darling Downs South West region)
• Mareeba (Far North Queensland)
• Moranbah (Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region)
• Thuringowa (North and North West Queensland)
• Muttaburra (Western Queensland)
• Monto (Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast region)

The forum members are participating in the sixth of eight events over two years.   

Quotes attributable to the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“This year’s record State Budget is thanks to regional Queensland and our progressive coal royalties.

“That’s why we can deliver for all Queenslanders through the Big Build, our landmark Energy and Jobs Plan, better healthcare and hospitals, and improved training opportunities.

“I am committed to leading a government that listens to Queenslanders, and the regional community forums are another avenue to touch base with communities far and wide.

“On behalf of our government, I thank forum members for taking the time to provide their feedback, insights and advice once again.” 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher:

“It is important that the voices of regional Queenslanders are heard because they know what makes their region tick.

“The forum members continue to provide valuable knowledge of what matters most so that the Palaszczuk government can continue to deliver for regional Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

“The Palaszczuk government continues to deliver for Queenslanders because we take the time to listen to what rural and regional Queenslanders have to say.

“We are committed to increasing good job opportunities, building our health services, developing our energy sector, growing our agriculture and fisheries sector and supporting regional Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to Western Queensland Regional Community Forum member Rachel Bock:

“Being a member of the regional forums is a great way to help influence government decision-making with locally workable solutions.

“It is a great opportunity to assist Members of Parliament develop genuine connections to really get a sense of each unique community, its businesses and its people, which is invaluable when trying to get the region’s voice heard.”

For more information about the Regional Community Forums, visit Advancing Queensland’s Regions

ENDS

Media contact: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570