the first three months - The Premier of Queensland

THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT
THE FIRST
THREE
MONTHS
A BETTER WAY FOR QUEENSLAND
The
Premier’s
A message from Annastacia,
Message
Premier
of Queensland
When my government assumed office
in February, I made my commitments
to Queensland clear. My government
is focused on creating jobs for
Queenslanders - restoring services,
building our economy and reintroducing
fairness, transparency and accountability
to our State.
new measures to protect our Great Barrier
Reef, restored the important Skilling
Queenslanders for Work program which
creates thousands of jobs and have provided
more resources to our police. Additionally,
we’ve increased funding for health services
and we are lending a helping hand to our
farmers and regional Queenslanders.
As Premier, along with my Ministry, I am
determined to honour those commitments
and govern for all Queenslanders.
My government is getting on with the job, and
I am proud of the achievements outlined in
this publication.
I am determined to show Queenslanders
there is a better way.
Already, over the course of the first
three months of my government, we
have accomplished a significant raft
of achievements. Our government has
introduced critical new laws restoring
transparency in government to political
donations. We’ve established landmark
Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND AND
MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
Image courtesy of the Arts Queensland
Contents
1
Integrity and Accountability
2
Jobs and Economy
3
Frontline Services
4
Protecting the Environment
5
Community Services
6
Regional Queensland
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Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland, Damon Smith
BACK TO
CONTENTS
01
Integrity and
Accountability
01
02
03
04
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
DONATION
ACCOUNTABILITY
REFORM
The Palaszczuk Government passed important legislation to
improve the transparency of political donations. The new laws
mean donations of $1000 or more must now be declared, reversing
the laws of the former LNP government, where donations of up to
$12,800 did not need to be declared.
SELECTION OF
DIRECTORS-GENERAL
ON MERIT
The government is determined senior appointments are made
on merit. In March, the positions of 18 Directors-General were
advertised. The successful applicants for these roles will be
determined by an independent selection panel, free from political
influence. Merit selection is an important cornerstone of
Westminster-style government.
INVESTIGATION OF THE
GREYHOUND RACING
INDUSTRY
The government announced a Commission of Inquiry into
Queensland’s Greyhound Racing Industry following the shocking
revelations of live baiting. The Government has provided
Commissioner Alan MacSporran QC with powers to summon
witnesses and produce documentation in response to the
allegations.
OPEN AND
ACCOUNTABLE CCC
RECRUITMENT
The government established an open and accountable recruitment
process for the Chair and CEO of the Crime and Corruption
Commission. The positions were first advertised in major newspapers
and online on 14 March 2015.
Photography credit: Jason H. - Lime.net.au
05
06
07
8
REMOVAL OF
UNFAIR VOTER ID
LAWS
Legislation has been passed
to remove the unfair and
unnecessary voter laws which
demanded voters produce
ID. These laws threatened to
disadvantage Queenslanders,
especially those from vulnerable
backgrounds.
COMMISSION OF
INQUIRY INTO
ORGANISED CRIME
08
09
A Commission of Inquiry into
organised crime, headed by
respected criminal lawyer
Michael Byrne QC has been
established. The Commission
of Inquiry is due to report to the
Government on its findings by 30
October 2015.
RESTORING
POWERS TO THE
SPEAKER
The government has introduced
legislation to restore the
independence of the Speaker,
allowing the Speaker
the autonomy to run the
Parliamentary Service.
10
LIMIT MPs’ SALARY
INCREASES TO THE
PUBLIC SERVICE
Legislation has been introduced
to link future salary increases
for Members of Parliament to
public sector employees. This
will ensure that MPs’ salaries
are fair.
AXED
PERFORMANCE
BONUSES
The government has axed a
bonus system for senior public
servants which was introduced
by the former LNP government.
The policy allowed DirectorsGeneral to qualify for bonuses of
up to 15% and in 2013-14, they
were eligible for $1.2 million
in performance bonuses, with
$641,000 paid out. The bonuses
will no longer be paid, with
that money redirected back to
frontline services.
RETURNING
LABOUR DAY TO
MAY
The Palaszczuk Government
has announced that the LNP’s
arrogant decision to shift
Labour Day to October has been
reversed and from next year will
return it to its rightful, historical
place in the calendar in May.
This will coincide with the 125th
anniversary of the Shearer’s
Strike, one of Australia’s earliest
and most important industrial
disputes.
11
12
REVIEW APPROVAL
OF ACLAND STAGE 3
EXPANSION
The government has
commenced a review of the
approval for Acland Stage 3
expansion, with a focus on
the EIS and the application
processes.
REDUCED
CABINET
SIZE
The Palaszczuk Government
reduced the size of Cabinet from
19 to 14 Ministers. The number
of Assistant Ministers was also
reduced from 12 to one. This
move will save an estimated
$27 million over the term of the
government. This money will be
reinvested in frontline services.
The new amendments will fortify the autonomy
of the Speaker and provide an important
element of the separation of the powers of
government and the legislature - one of the
few such remaining in modern parliaments.
DR DAVID SOLOMON AM
Chair, Queensland Committee of the
Accountability Round Table
9
Photography credit: Ben Vos
BACK TO
CONTENTS
02
Jobs and
Economy
01
02
03
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
SKILLING
QUEENSLANDERS
FOR WORK
Up to 8000 Queensland job seekers are set to benefit after Premier
Annastacia Palaszczuk announced $60 million would be allocated
to deliver a revamped Skilling Queenslanders for Work program in
2015-2016. This critical program, which trains Queenslanders for
work and delivers jobs, was axed by the former LNP government.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work delivers $240 million over four
years and will support up to 32,000 job seekers.
WORKPLACE
HEALTH AND SAFETY
REFORMS
The Palaszczuk Government is reinstating the rights of WHS entry
permit holders to gain immediate access to a workplace to inquire
into a suspected contravention and the power of health and safety
representatives (HSRs) to direct workers to cease unsafe work. In
addition, changes to improve electrical safety in Queensland are
planned, including re-instating the Electrical Safety Commissioner
and two electrical safety committees for Electrical Education and
Electrical Equipment.
TAX REBATE ON
APPRENTICE AND
TRAINEE WAGES
Legislation has been introduced and funding of $45 million has
been allocated for a 25% payroll tax rebate on apprentice and
trainee wages. The government is determined to give more young
Queenslanders the opportunity to join the workforce as apprentices
and trainees.
Photography credit: Ben Vos
04
THE
YEERONGPILLY
GREEN SITE
The government has appointed
the preferred developer for
the $850 million Yeerongpilly
Green Transport Orientated
Development. The government
will deliver about $30 million
of community amenities
throughout the development,
including 1.8 hectares of
parkland and open space.
05
06
APPROVAL OF
PACIFIC VIEW
ESTATE
Approval has been given for Pacific
View Estate at Worongary on the
Gold Coast. This development
will create more than 2,700 jobs
during construction and has the
potential to contribute $3.2 billion
to Queensland’s economy. About
3,500 new homes will be delivered
for Queensland families.
ABBOT POINT
EXPANSION WITHOUT
TAXPAYER COST
07
COOMERA
INTERCHANGE
UPGRADE
The upgrade of the Coomera
Interchange (Exit 54) on the
Pacific Motorway has been
announced ensuring a new
commercial and retail precinct
goes ahead at Coomera Town
Centre. The upgrade is to be
jointly funded between the
Queensland Government, the
developers of the Coomera
Town Centre and the Federal
Government.
08
COMMONWEALTH
GAMES
LEADERSHIP
By appointing a senior Minister
to the Tourism portfolio and
establishing a new Tourism and
Commonwealth Games Cabinet
Committee, the Palaszczuk
Government has implemented
a new level of leadership for
tourism, the Gold Coast 2018
Commonwealth Games and
the Embracing 2018 legacy
program. This will ensure
Queenslanders capitalise
on jobs, investment and new
tourism opportunities.
No taxpayer funds will be used
for dredging or disposal of
dredging at Abbot Point.
Delivering targeted training to suit the needs of
Queensland business is critical in developing a
strong economy. Collaborative initiatives such as
[Skilling Queenslanders for Work] not only have
the potential to support productivity and growth for
industry but also offer individuals, especially the
young and long term unemployed, an opportunity
to secure their own futures through training and
the attainment of meaningful qualifications.
RECENT ECONOMIC DATA SHOWS
_ Queensland topped business confidence of any Australian state in April (NAB Monthly
Business Survey);
_ Queensland recorded the strongest real retail growth of any mainland state in March
quarter at 1.9 per cent after poor results during 2014 (ABS);
_ Dwelling approvals rose 3.0 per cent in March - up 26 per cent on the same time last
year (ABS)
_ Merchandise exports were up 10.8 per cent to $11.4 billion in March quarter - twice
the two decade average (ABS)
_ 5,300 full-time jobs were added in April, our sixth successive month of full-time
employment growth (ABS)
_ Investment commitments for the construction of new dwellings increased in March
quarter to the highest level since February 2008 - up $625 million (ABS)
_ Investor housing finance for the purchase of existing dwellings for rent or resale
totalled $4 billion in March quarter 2015 (ABS)
JEMINA DUNN, Director
Australian Industry Group Queensland
12
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
13
Photography credit: Ben Vos
09
10
TOOWOOMBA
SECOND RANGE
CROSSING
The government has
reconfirmed that the joint
Commonwealth-Queensland
Toowoomba Second Range
Crossing project will proceed
and has shortlisted three
consortia to bid for the
tender.
MT ISA COPPER
SMELTER AND
COPPER REFINERY
Legislation has been
introduced in State Parliament
to facilitate the necessary
environmental approvals for
the continued operation of
Mount Isa copper smelter,
supporting almost 1000 jobs
in Mount Isa and Townsville.
Extending the life of Glencore’s
Mount Isa copper smelter to
2020 will also extend the life
of the company’s Townsville
copper refinery.
14
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
11
12
13
APPROVAL OF
MOUNT EMERALD
WIND FARM
The Palaszczuk Government
has approved Queensland’s
largest wind farm, which has
the potential to power 75,000
homes a year and create up
to 200 construction jobs on
the Atherton Tablelands.
FUNDING FOR
BEAUDESERT
BYPASS
14
CUTTING RED
TAPE FOR SMALL
BUSINESS
Working with the Chamber
of Commerce and Industry
Queensland, the Palaszczuk
Government has selected industry
representatives for the Red Tape
Reduction Advisory Council.
By working with industry, the
Palaszczuk Government will make
it easier for small to medium
businesses to thrive in Queensland.
15
ESTABLISHED
BUILDING
QUEENSLAND
The Palaszczuk Government
has established Building
Queensland within the
Department of Infrastructure,
Local Government and
Planning to provide
independent expert advice to
government on infrastructure
priorities, and appointed an
interim CEO. Legislation will be
introduced to formally establish
Building Queensland as an
independent entity.
Up to $26 million has been
invested to deliver the Beaudesert
Town Centre Bypass. The
bypass is critical to the ongoing
development of the Bromelton
State Development Area, and
will support Scenic Rim Regional
Council’s planned revitalisation of
the Beaudesert Town Centre.
SKILLING YOUNG
QUEENSLANDERS
FOR THE FUTURE
The government has created the
$8 million School Collaboration
and Innovation Fund for
Queensland high schools to
support innovative education
programs that promote science,
technology, engineering
and maths, providing young
Queenslanders with the skills they
need for the future.
The Queensland resources industry has given
a tentative tick to the early performance of the
Palaszczuk Government as it reports marginal
improvements [in the] industry’s performance
and some success in lowering the sector’s cost
base.
THE AUSTRALIAN
May 2015
15
Photography credit: Ben Vos
BACK TO
CONTENTS
03
Frontline
Services
01
02
03
04
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
NEW
POLICE
OFFICERS
Seventy-one new constables were sworn into the Queensland Police
Service and have taken up postings in Brisbane, Logan, the Gold and
Sunshine Coasts, Cairns, Mareeba, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Gympie,
Mackay, Sarina, the Whitsundays, Burpengary, Gatton, Toowoomba
and Warwick.
EAR, NOSE AND
THROAT WAITING
LISTS
$30 million has been injected to address waiting lists for outpatient
appointments for children and adults suffering from ear, nose
and throat complaints. This funding will assist the 114,000
Queenslanders that have been found to be waiting longer than
clinically recommended for specialist outpatient appointments.
MORE
TEACHERS IN
OUR SCHOOLS
The Palaszczuk Government has acted to boost teacher numbers by
restoring fair teacher allocations. Under these arrangements, schools
will be entitled to more teaching hours. This will be strengthened by the
additional 2,500 teachers we will deliver from 2016.
GUIDANCE
OFFICERS IN STATE
HIGH SCHOOLS
The government has developed a framework to allocate 45 full-time
equivalent guidance officers in schools to ensure that every state
high school with more than 500 students has an officer available to
provide support and advice for their students.
Photography credit: Ben Vos
05
06
DOMESTIC AND
FAMILY VIOLENCE
SUPPORT FUNDING
The government has provided
$17 million to target gaps in
domestic violence services,
recognising the link between
domestic and family violence
and the risk of entering the child
protection system, addressing
a key recommendation of the
Carmody Report.
BOOSTING POLICE
DRUG TESTING
CAPACITY
Queensland Police roadside
drug testing capacity has
been boosted with numbers
expanding from 51 officers to
291.
07
08
09
SEVEN NEW
POLICE DOGS FOR
QUEENSLAND
Seven new police dogs will be
trained from the QPS Academy in
Oxley, boosting the capacity of the
police to remove illicit drugs from
the community.
NEW
CUSTODIAL
OFFICERS
Woodford and Brisbane
Correctional Centres have
received 23 new Custodial
Officers.
ADDRESSING
LONG WAIT
LISTS
The government has made $30
million immediately available to
Queensland Health and Hospital
Services (HHS) to address the
‘waiting list for the waiting list’
where the LNP had 114,000
Queenslanders waiting in line.
The model establishes a clinic that will see
specialists, audiologists, speech therapists and
vestibular physiotherapy staff working together
to ensure patients can receive the appropriate
treatment much sooner.
18
BRETT BRICKNELL
Executive Director
Logan Bayside Health Network
19
Photography credit: Michael Marston
As the statewide 24/7 frontline crisis
response to domestic and family violence for
Queensland, DVConnect manages a heavy
demand for assistance from across the
state. Our service experienced a sudden 35%
increase in demand for help from October last
year and we sought and received the financial
support from the Government that we needed
to meet this demand. DVConnect is very
grateful for such a significant financial boost
to allow us to keep the increased staffing level
and the ability to meet the increased urgent
client needs.
DIANE MANGAN
CEO DVConnect
20
10
11
12
ELECTRICITY
PUBLIC
INQUIRY
The government has announced
the creation of the Queensland
Productivity Commission to
promote productivity growth in
the State. Its first inquiry is into
rising electricity prices.
13
REGIONAL POWER
PRICES TO REMAIN
SUBSIDISED
A new delegation has been
signed for the Queensland
Competition Authority for setting
2015/16 electricity prices which
requires QCA to consider the
uniform tariff policy in its price
determination.
14
NDIS
LAUNCH
SITE
The government has
Commonwealth Government
agreement for an NDIS launch
site in Queensland. Under
the former LNP government,
Queensland was the only
jurisdiction in Australia not to
fund a trial site.
15
EXTENDED
PALLIATIVE CARE
SERVICES
$1.8 million has been provided
over three years so that
the palliative care helpline
PalAssist, operated by the
Cancer Council Queensland, will
operate 24 hours a day 7 days a
week.
NQ INTENSIVE
YOUTH MENTAL
HEALTH SERVICES
The government announced a
new youth residential facility
for Townsville. Expansion will
include two four-bed youth
residential rehabilitation
facilities that will support up to
eight young people living with a
serious mental health illness.
BOOST TO
DVCONNECT
FUNDING
An extra $1.5 million to
DVConnect telephone support
service to help them meet
increased demand.
21
Photography credit: Ben Vos
BACK TO
CONTENTS
04
Protecting the
Environment
01
02
03
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
FIRST MINISTER FOR
THE GREAT BARRIER
REEF
Highlighting the importance the government attaches to protecting
and preserving our environment, for the first time a designated
Minister for the Great Barrier Reef has been appointed. The
appointment of a designated Minister for the Reef is an indication of
the priority the government places on reef protection.
OFFICE OF THE
GREAT BARRIER
REEF
The government established an Office of the Great Barrier
Reef, responsible for overseeing implementation of the
government’s reef management strategies and programs.
One of the first tasks for the Office will be to support the new
Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Taskforce to provide advice
on the best possible approach to meeting the government’s
ambitious water quality targets for the reef. The taskforce, to
be chaired by Queensland’s Chief Scientist, Dr Geoff Garrett, is
expertise-based and will harness a wide range of knowledge
and experience.
REVIEW OF
BIOSECURITY
CAPABILITY
A review of Queensland’s biosecurity capability has been announced
following a 26% reduction in the biosecurity workforce under the
former LNP Government and in the wake of the detection of Panama
Disease in North Queensland.
Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland, Darren Jew
04
STRONG
RESPONSE TO
PANAMA DISEASE
The government is committed
to supporting Queensland’s
banana industry as it faces
the threat of Panama Disease
in North Queensland. The
government, in partnership
with industry, established
the Queensland Government
Panama Disease Taskforce
to provide a comprehensive
response to this issue. The
government has provided
$2 million to help support
Queensland’s $600 million
banana industry and more
than $300,000 to the Australian
Banana Growers’ Council to
support special biosecurity
advisors.
05
24
TROPICAL CYCLONE
MARCIA NATIONAL
PARKS RECOVERY
Following Tropical Cyclone
Marcia in mid-March which
impacted 77 national parks, the
Queensland Parks and Wildlife
Service rangers worked hard
to ensure that all camping
areas were open and available
for the Easter school holiday
period. Recovery efforts have
progressed to ensure all parks
have re-opened with only three
having partial closures in place
for damaged infrastructure.
06
07
CLIMATE CHANGE
BACK ON STATE’S
AGENDA
The government has re-engaged
with the serious issue of climate
change. The government has
reconnected with mainstream
science on the causes and
consequences of climate
change. Queensland has joined
other States and territories in
presenting a united position to
the Federal Government on post
2020 greenhouse gas emissions
reduction targets. Climate change
is a significant long-term threat
to the Queensland economy,
communities and ecosystems, as
well as to the health of the Great
Barrier Reef.
TOWNSVILLE
PORT DUST
MANAGEMENT
The State Government’s
health and science experts
have provided assessments of
contaminated dust at a number
of locations in Townsville. As
a result, additional air quality
monitoring is being undertaken
and the port operator and port
users will continue to focus on
practices aimed at reducing
dust emissions and delivering
continued improvements in air
quality.
25
08
09
RE-ENGAGING
CONSERVATION
GROUPS
The government has reengaged with environment
and conservation groups, with
the Environment Minister
reconvening a key roundtable
with key environment sector
groups and non-government
organisations to ensure
consultation and collaboration
occurs on policy and program
work.
PROTECTION OF
CALEY VALLEY
WETLANDS
Dumping of dredge spoil in
Caley Valley Wetlands has been
banned. Instead dumping will
take place at the T2 Site at
Abbot Point.
10
11
PROTECTION
OF MOOLOOLAH
LOGGING AREA
The government has confirmed
that the Mooloolah Logging Area
in the Beerwah State Forest
on the Sunshine Coast which
had been earmarked by the
former government for a trail
bike facility, will be protected
from future commercial or
recreational motorised use in
recognition of its significant
natural resource values.
PURCHASE
OF KOALA
HABITAT
The government has finalised
the purchase of 31,500 hectares
of land for $12.5 million to
protect and restore koala habitat
in areas where the animals
are under threat. Under the
latest habitat acquisitions, 11
properties have been secured
in south east and central
Queensland locations.
This shows the Government is listening to people
who care about the Reef and the important coastal
wetlands, that are precious habitats and act as
filters to protect the Reef. The new Queensland
Government is to be commended for following
through on its election promise to rule out
dumping on the wetlands...
26
LOUISE MATTHIESSON
WWF-Australia
27
Photography credit: Ben Vos
BACK TO
CONTENTS
05
Community
Services
01
02
03
04
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
ADDITIONAL
FUNDS TO PYJAMA
FOUNDATION
The government has provided a further $880,000 over three years for
the Pyjama Foundation support program for children in care.
BOOST TO HEART
FOUNDATION
WALKING PROGRAM
Funding of $1.1 million has been provided over four years for the
Heart Foundation Walking Group program. Currently there are
around 5,000 walkers in 280 programs. Through this restored
funding, the Heart Foundation can start new programs and
recruit more walkers. Coronary heart disease and stroke rates in
Queensland are 8 - 9% higher than national rates.
ADDITIONAL
MULTICULTURAL
SUPPORT
Additional funding has been provided for Community Action for
Multicultural Society (CAMS) workers in Rockhampton and Mt Isa,
and to provide a multicultural worker working with Muslim women
across Queensland on social inclusion. This brings the total number
of workers to 22 across the state.
FUNDING FOR THE
QUEENSLAND LITERARY
AWARDS
The government has restored funding for the Queensland Literary
Awards. After being axed as one of the first acts of the former LNP
government, funding for the Literary Awards has been reinstated to
celebrate and acknowledge outstanding Queensland and Australian
writers.
Photography credit: Ben Vos
05
06
The government announced
Queensland Fire and Emergency
Services will partner with Deaf
Services Queensland to run a
series of fire safety campaigns
targeting the deaf community.
08
APPOINTMENT
OF MINISTER FOR
SENIORS
The government has appointed
a Cabinet Minister for Seniors.
This is to recognise the
importance of our seniors and
the valuable role they play in our
communities.
07
30
DEAF SERVICES
QUEENSLAND
PARTNERSHIP
SAFER ROADS,
SAFER QUEENSLAND
FORUM
Following the tragic Easter
road toll, the Government
convened the Safer Roads, Safer
Queensland Forum, bringing
stakeholders together to
discuss ways to reduce the road
toll.
09
NEW
ALZHEIMER’S ID
BRACELETS
The government has partnered
with Alzheimer’s Australia
(QLD) to launch an initiative to
help ensure Queenslanders
living with dementia are more
easily identified should they go
missing.
NEW ANTI-VIOLENCE
CAMPAIGN ‘OI, IT’S
YOUR CHOICE!’
The government is partnering
with former NRL star Petero
Civoniceva to reduce violent
assaults across Queensland as
part of a campaign developed by
Moreton District police and set
to be rolled out statewide.
31
Photography credit: Ben Vos
10
11
PROJECT
BOOYAH
EXTENSION
The government has expanded
the Project Booyah program to
give at-risk youth a chance to gain
skills and employment. So far this
year, 50 young people from the
Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns,
Logan and Capalaba are already
taking part and from July, a further
80 young people from regions
such as Mt Isa, Toowoomba and
Redcliffe will get involved.
12
FUNDING
FOR DEADLY
CHOICES
The government has provided
$300,000 each year for three
years to support Deadly Choices,
a partnership between the
Institute for Urban Indigenous
Health and the Brisbane
Broncos. The program will be
extended for the first time to
Cape York, Mt Isa, Central Qld,
Wide Bay, Mackay and Far South
West.
‘KNOW YOUR
COMMUNITY’
PROGRAM
“Know Your Community”
Program has been launched
to help provide easy-to-obtain
statistical data for Queensland’s
Indigenous Communities.
The appointment of a Minister for Seniors
acknowledges the important contribution
seniors have made and continue to make to our
community. Our population is ageing and have
diverse needs. We welcome the opportunity to
work with the Minister to develop policies and
programs to meet the priority needs of older
people throughout Queensland.
32
MARK TUCKER-EVANS
Chief Executive, Council of the
Ageing Queensland
33
Photography credit: Ben Vos
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CONTENTS
06
Regional
Queensland
01
02
03
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
INQUIRY INTO
THE GRANTHAM
FLOOD
A Commission of Inquiry has been established to investigate the tragic
2011 Grantham floods which claimed the lives of 12 people and left
50 families homeless. The Commission will be headed by respected
QC Walter Sofronoff and will take submissions from those who lived
through the tragedy.
PROGRESS
ON MACKAY
RING ROAD
The government has appointed AECOM as the detailed design
consultant for the Mackay Ring Road. Detailed design for this
joint Commonwealth/State project is expected to take two years.
Construction should begin in 2017 and take about two and a half
years to complete. Local residents, businesses and visitors to
Mackay will be the beneficiaries of a better, more efficient road
network.
ETHANOL MANDATE
AND BIOFUELS
DISCUSSION PAPER
Legislation will be introduced to require ethanol in fuels and the
government will release a discussion paper to expand Queensland’s
biofuels and bio-manufacturing industries.
Photography credit: Ben Vos
04
05
06
AUSTRALIAN
TROPICAL
HERBARIUM
The government is providing
$5.524 million over 10 years as
part of the agreement with James
Cook University (JCU), the CSIRO
and the Australian Government’s
Department of the Environment
to develop the Australian Tropical
Herbarium.
07
UPGRADE TO
TOWNSVILLE
SPORTS RESERVE
$1.2 million will be provided to
support much-needed track
upgrades at the Townsville
Sports Reserve.
ANGELLALA
CREEK
BRIDGE
$10 million has been allocated
to build the new Angellala Creek
Bridge on the Mitchell Highway
near Charleville. The funding to
restore the bridge - which was
destroyed in an explosion in 2014
- will create 24 jobs.
08
WILD
DOG
MANAGEMENT
The government has committed
an additional $5 million to
tackle the problems caused by
the escalating numbers of wild
dogs in rural Queensland. Wild
dog numbers have increased,
wreaking havoc for Queensland
farmers.
SCHOOLS OF
DISTANCE
EDUCATION
An extra $250,000 has been
allocated to Queensland’s
Schools of Distance Education.
This funding through the Rural
and Remote Education Access
Program is to relieve financial
pressures on drought-affected
families in remote areas.
We are heartened by today’s joint announcement
from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Treasurer
Curtis Pitt, Energy Minister Mark Bailey and
Environment Minister Steven Miles, and look
forward to working further with them on how
best to expand ethanol production and use for the
benefit of agriculture, the environment and the
greater Queensland economy.
WAYNE NEWTON
President - AgForce Grains
36
37
Photography credit: Ben Vos
Photography credit: Ben Vos
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS
MAY 2015