Federal Budget 2008-09: Queensland highlights
Ministerial Statement in Queensland Parliament by Premier Anna Bligh, 14 May 2008
Last night we witnessed the delivery of the first Rudd Government Budget.
It was a Budget framed and delivered in a very difficult economic climate.
Despite this I believe it was a strong Labor budget that really delivered for working class families and those in need.
It also provided a catalyst for addressing many areas neglected and underfunded by years of inaction and indifference from the Howard Government.
For the first time in a long time we have a real commitment to infrastructure - building our state and building our nation.
The Rudd Government have committed more than $826 million in road and rail projects in Queensland.
This includes more than $63 million to get cracking early on their election commitments in areas such as the Gold Coast, Townsville, Ipswich, Rockhampton and Cairns.
I am also very pleased to see $20 billion for the Building Australia Fund, $10 billion for the Health and Hospitals Fund and $11 billion for the Education Investment Fund.
I can guarantee the Prime Minister we will be at the front of the queue looking for our fair share from each of these funds.
It will help us build tomorrow’s Queensland today.
Mr Speaker,
The detailed impacts on Queensland are still being analysed but some highlights include:
$275.2m nationally over five years to establish 31 GP Super Clinics including clinics in Bundaberg, Cairns; Gladstone; Ipswich; Redcliffe; Townsville; and Mount Isa
$176m over four years to assist regional Queensland, including:
- $10m for the Ipswich growth corridor,
- $4m for Mackay Stadium,
- $10.3m for Sunshine Coast growth corridor,
- $3.1m for Emerald Town revitalisation,
- $1m for Blackwater swimming pool,
- $1.5m for Cooktown Events Centre,
- $10m for Townsville V8 Supercars.
Capital investment in our Universities including:
- $49.5m over four years to establish a new Dental School at James Cook University,
- $5.9m for the University of Southern Queensland,
- $5.5m for Central Queensland University,
- $2.3m for the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Health initiatives including:
- $7m for a renal dialysis unit for the North Lakes Health Precinct,
- $1.3m for the Capricornia Primary Health Advanced Community Care program,
- $1.5m to upgrade the Cabanda Aged Care Facility in Rosewood.
In addition, thousands of young Queensland families will benefit from tax cuts of $6.7 billion over four years, an increase in the Child Care Tax Rebate from 30% to 50%, a $2.2 billion housing affordability package and 50% Education Tax rebate.
There are also commitments to tackle key global challenges such as urban congestion, water security and climate change.
Mr Speaker,
Kevin Rudd has delivered on his election commitments in a strong, sensible Budget.
It is clear that our good relationship with him has delivered results for Queensland.
Last updated Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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