This year's State Budget backed jobs, infrastructure and services in Cairns and the Far North, Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said today.
Ms Trad is in Cairns talking about the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to the region today, where she will deliver a special post Budget address to local business and community leaders at an Advance Cairns function.
"Regional Queensland communities like Cairns are a vital part of our economic success story," Ms Trad said.
"When our regions do well, the whole of Queensland does well.
"That's why this Budget is unashamedly focused on backing jobs and delivering the infrastructure and services that our regional communities need."
"The Palaszczuk Government is investing almost a billion dollars in infrastructure for Cairns and the Far North this coming year which will support an estimated 3,300 local jobs."
"We've also been working hard to restore essential frontline services cut under the previous LNP Government – that means 417 extra nurses, 196 extra doctors, 289 extra teachers and 77 extra teacher aides delivered for this region since 2015.
"We also know that small and medium sized businesses are the life blood of regional communities.
"That's why we are investing in an $885 million payroll tax incentive package which increases the threshold and includes a regional discount.
"This initiative is estimated to benefit around 600 business in Far North Queensland and we hope it will encourage growth and further employment."
Other highlights of the 2019-20 State Budget include:
- $1.2 billion in health investment in the Far North Queensland region
- Almost $60 million in to maintain and improve local schools
- $6.4 billion (jointly funded with the federal Government) Bruce Highway upgrade program
- More than $228 million for remote Indigenous housing
- More than $24 million for the Reef Water Quality Program
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford welcomed the extra funding in this year's budget, saying that it proves the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to delivering key infrastructure and creating jobs for the people of Queensland.
"There are so many great projects in the pipeline, particularly for transport. The Smithfield Bypass and Bruce Highway upgrades will be a big win for local motorists," he said.
"Building the roads and rail networks we need supports Queensland job today and a strong economy of the future".
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said she's glad that remote Indigenous housing is still being funded by the State Government, despite the Federal Government's withdrawal from the program.
"This is good news for those rural and remote communities who need our help. The budget is delivering $228.3 million to support better housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote and discrete communities, many of which exist in Far North Queensland.
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said he was pleased to see the Palaszczuk Government was investing heavily in transport and infrastructure across the far north.
"The upgrades particularly to the south of Cairns will greatly benefit motorists who commute to and from the city for work," he said.
"Local workers and small businesses will benefit from the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program and projects like the $481 million Cairns Southern Access Corridor – Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale duplication" Mr Pitt said.
Member for Cairns Michael Healy approved of the Government's choice to maintain large investments in regional health.
"I know my local community will benefit from an additional $900,000 to upgrade the Cairns ambulance station and operations centre, on top of the millions we've received for the Cairns hospital," he said.
"This budget is great news for the people of Far North Queensland."
