$160 million Bush Boost

• $50 million Backing Business in the Bush Fund established to help businesses expand and relocate to the regions
• An additional $30 million Backing Bush Communities Fund for workforce training and invasive species management and community projects
• An additional $79.1 million for a new mental health facility in Rockhampton
• $5 million to rollout clinical trials for a new ground-breaking Alzheimer’s therapy to the regions
• 2,000 new digital devices for students in regional and remote Queensland

The Queensland Premier has announced $160 million in new funding for regional Queensland at the Courier Mail Bush Summit, held today in Rockhampton.

A new $50 million Backing Business in the Bush Fund will help businesses expand, relocate to the regions, and adapt as Queensland competes for export markets.

It will help business to improve national and international competitiveness through productivity improvements, increase private sector investment, and support businesses and industries to further adapt to economic change with increased employment and upskilling opportunities.

A separate $30 million Backing Bush Communities Fund includes $10 million for local councils to fund community projects that will benefit locals and visitors alike.

Councils and community organisations based outside of South-East Queensland will be able to apply for grants of $50,000.

This will improve the accessibility and amenity of local infrastructure including parks, recreation and water supply facilities, or support experiences like music trails and festivals.

It also includes $8 million for workforce training initiatives and invasive species threats, and will also fund industry training programs by Queensland Farmers’ Federation and AgForce.

A new ground-breaking treatment for Alzheimer’s, which uses ultrasound technology to stimulate the brain, is receiving $5 million to expand clinical trials into the regions through a partnership with the Queensland Brain Institute.

Students in regional areas will also benefit with the announcement of 2,000 digital devices for students in regional and remote Queensland, provided in partnership with not-for-profit LiteHaus International.

Mental health services in and around Rockhampton will be significantly boosted with a brand new $91.9 million, 31 bed mental health facility to replace the existing mental health unit.

Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“We will always back people living in the regions, and today’s funding announcements show our commitment to the communities living in the outback.

“Our Government will continue to support regional economies to grow and diversify.

“These new funds will encourage growth in the regions, help bring in new private investment, bolster existing businesses, and help future-proof the workforce. 

“Our most recent budget provides a record $89 billion investment in roads, schools, hospitals and infrastructure – 65 per cent of which is being spent in regional Queensland this year.”

Quotes attributable to the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:

“Regional Queensland contributes so much to the wealth and prosperity of our state through industries including mining, agriculture and tourism.

“One in every four jobs in regional Queensland relies on exports, so our Government will do everything we can to expand and diversify Queensland’s ability to sell to the world.

“These funds demonstrate our unwavering commitment.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring Queenslanders have access to the best healthcare available, regardless of where they live.

“The new mental health facility will ensure Rockhampton and surrounding areas have access to more beds and vital support services they require close to home.

“We know regional areas are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges and by increasing our commitment to services in Rocky we can ensure this community has access to the support and services they expect and deserve.”

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

“The latest AgTrends data shows Queensland’s agriculture and fisheries sector has hit a record $23.44 billion in value and in recognition of this contribution, The Premier is once again backing in the bush.

“We’ll continue to partner with AgForce and Queensland Farmers Federation on industry development and to build a stronger agriculture workforce so that this world class sector continues to thrive.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rouke:

“The Palaszczuk Government is focused on delivering a pipeline of infrastructure projects across the regions, along with the frontline services our communities need to continue to thrive.”

Businesses can find out more information: www.treasury.qld.gov.au/investment/

 ENDS