THE FIRST THREE MONTHS - A BETTER WAY FOR QUEENSLAND
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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 new measures to protect our Great Barrier
in February, I made my commitments Reef, restored the important Skilling
to Queensland clear. My government Queenslanders for Work program which
is focused on creating jobs for creates thousands of jobs and have provided
Queenslanders - restoring services, more resources to our police. Additionally,
building our economy and reintroducing we’ve increased funding for health services
fairness, transparency and accountability and we are lending a helping hand to our
to our State. farmers and regional Queenslanders.
As Premier, along with my Ministry, I am My government is getting on with the job, and
determined to honour those commitments I am proud of the achievements outlined in
and govern for all Queenslanders. 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 Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
have accomplished a significant raft PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND AND
of achievements. Our government has MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
introduced critical new laws restoring
transparency in government to political
donations. We’ve established landmark
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 DONATION
ACCOUNTABILITY
01
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.
Integrity and 02 SELECTION OF
DIRECTORS-GENERAL
ON MERIT
Accountability
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.
03 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.
04 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.
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Jason H. - Lime.net.au
05 08 11
REMOVAL OF LIMIT MPs’ SALARY REVIEW APPROVAL
UNFAIR VOTER ID INCREASES TO THE OF ACLAND STAGE 3
LAWS PUBLIC SERVICE EXPANSION
Legislation has been passed Legislation has been introduced The government has
to remove the unfair and to link future salary increases commenced a review of the
unnecessary voter laws which for Members of Parliament to approval for Acland Stage 3
demanded voters produce public sector employees. This expansion, with a focus on
ID. These laws threatened to will ensure that MPs’ salaries the EIS and the application
disadvantage Queenslanders, are fair. processes.
09
especially those from vulnerable
12
backgrounds.
AXED REDUCED
06
PERFORMANCE CABINET
COMMISSION OF BONUSES SIZE
INQUIRY INTO
The government has axed a
ORGANISED CRIME bonus system for senior public
The Palaszczuk Government
reduced the size of Cabinet from
servants which was introduced
A Commission of Inquiry into 19 to 14 Ministers. The number
by the former LNP government.
organised crime, headed by of Assistant Ministers was also
The policy allowed Directors-
respected criminal lawyer reduced from 12 to one. This
General to qualify for bonuses of
Michael Byrne QC has been move will save an estimated
up to 15% and in 2013-14, they
established. The Commission $27 million over the term of the
were eligible for $1.2 million
of Inquiry is due to report to the government. This money will be
in performance bonuses, with
Government on its findings by 30 reinvested in frontline services.
$641,000 paid out. The bonuses
October 2015. will no longer be paid, with
that money redirected back to
07
frontline services.
RESTORING
10
POWERS TO THE RETURNING
SPEAKER LABOUR DAY TO The new amendments will fortify the autonomy
The government has introduced MAY
legislation to restore the of the Speaker and provide an important
independence of the Speaker,
allowing the Speaker
The Palaszczuk Government
has announced that the LNP’s element of the separation of the powers of
the autonomy to run the
Parliamentary Service.
arrogant decision to shift
Labour Day to October has been government and the legislature - one of the
reversed and from next year will
return it to its rightful, historical
few such remaining in modern parliaments.
place in the calendar in May.
This will coincide with the 125th DR DAVID SOLOMON AM
anniversary of the Shearer’s Chair, Queensland Committee of the
Strike, one of Australia’s earliest
Accountability Round Table
and most important industrial
disputes.
8 9
Photography credit: Ben Vos
BACK TO
CONTENTS
01 SKILLING
QUEENSLANDERS
02
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
Jobs and
years and will support up to 32,000 job seekers.
02 WORKPLACE
Economy
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.
03 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.
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos
04 05 07 08
THE APPROVAL OF COOMERA COMMONWEALTH
YEERONGPILLY PACIFIC VIEW INTERCHANGE GAMES
GREEN SITE ESTATE UPGRADE LEADERSHIP
The government has appointed Approval has been given for Pacific The upgrade of the Coomera By appointing a senior Minister
the preferred developer for View Estate at Worongary on the Interchange (Exit 54) on the to the Tourism portfolio and
the $850 million Yeerongpilly Gold Coast. This development Pacific Motorway has been establishing a new Tourism and
Green Transport Orientated will create more than 2,700 jobs announced ensuring a new Commonwealth Games Cabinet
Development. The government during construction and has the commercial and retail precinct Committee, the Palaszczuk
will deliver about $30 million potential to contribute $3.2 billion goes ahead at Coomera Town Government has implemented
of community amenities to Queensland’s economy. About Centre. The upgrade is to be a new level of leadership for
throughout the development, 3,500 new homes will be delivered jointly funded between the tourism, the Gold Coast 2018
including 1.8 hectares of for Queensland families. Queensland Government, the Commonwealth Games and
06
parkland and open space. developers of the Coomera the Embracing 2018 legacy
Town Centre and the Federal program. This will ensure
ABBOT POINT Government. Queenslanders capitalise
EXPANSION WITHOUT on jobs, investment and new
tourism opportunities.
TAXPAYER COST
No taxpayer funds will be used
for dredging or disposal of
dredging at Abbot Point.
RECENT ECONOMIC DATA SHOWS
Delivering targeted training to suit the needs of _ Queensland topped business confidence of any Australian state in April (NAB Monthly
Business Survey);
Queensland business is critical in developing a _ 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);
strong economy. Collaborative initiatives such as _ Dwelling approvals rose 3.0 per cent in March - up 26 per cent on the same time last
[Skilling Queenslanders for Work] not only have year (ABS)
_ Merchandise exports were up 10.8 per cent to $11.4 billion in March quarter - twice
the potential to support productivity and growth for the two decade average (ABS)
industry but also offer individuals, especially the _ 5,300 full-time jobs were added in April, our sixth successive month of full-time
employment growth (ABS)
young and long term unemployed, an opportunity _ Investment commitments for the construction of new dwellings increased in March
to secure their own futures through training and 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
the attainment of meaningful qualifications. totalled $4 billion in March quarter 2015 (ABS)
JEMINA DUNN, Director
Australian Industry Group Queensland
12 13
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos
09 11 14 15
TOOWOOMBA APPROVAL OF CUTTING RED ESTABLISHED
SECOND RANGE MOUNT EMERALD TAPE FOR SMALL BUILDING
CROSSING WIND FARM BUSINESS QUEENSLAND
The government has The Palaszczuk Government Working with the Chamber The Palaszczuk Government
reconfirmed that the joint has approved Queensland’s of Commerce and Industry has established Building
Commonwealth-Queensland largest wind farm, which has Queensland, the Palaszczuk Queensland within the
Toowoomba Second Range the potential to power 75,000 Government has selected industry Department of Infrastructure,
Crossing project will proceed homes a year and create up representatives for the Red Tape Local Government and
and has shortlisted three to 200 construction jobs on Reduction Advisory Council. Planning to provide
consortia to bid for the the Atherton Tablelands. By working with industry, the independent expert advice to
Palaszczuk Government will make
12
tender. government on infrastructure
10
it easier for small to medium priorities, and appointed an
FUNDING FOR businesses to thrive in Queensland. interim CEO. Legislation will be
MT ISA COPPER
BEAUDESERT introduced to formally establish
SMELTER AND Building Queensland as an
BYPASS
COPPER REFINERY independent entity.
Up to $26 million has been
Legislation has been invested to deliver the Beaudesert
introduced in State Parliament Town Centre Bypass. The
to facilitate the necessary bypass is critical to the ongoing
environmental approvals for development of the Bromelton
the continued operation of State Development Area, and
Mount Isa copper smelter, will support Scenic Rim Regional
supporting almost 1000 jobs Council’s planned revitalisation of
in Mount Isa and Townsville. the Beaudesert Town Centre.
Extending the life of Glencore’s
13
Mount Isa copper smelter to
2020 will also extend the life SKILLING YOUNG The Queensland resources industry has given
of the company’s Townsville QUEENSLANDERS a tentative tick to the early performance of the
copper refinery.
FOR THE FUTURE
Palaszczuk Government as it reports marginal
The government has created the
$8 million School Collaboration
improvements [in the] industry’s performance
and Innovation Fund for
Queensland high schools to
and some success in lowering the sector’s cost
support innovative education base.
programs that promote science,
THE AUSTRALIAN
technology, engineering
May 2015
and maths, providing young
Queenslanders with the skills they
need for the future.
14 15
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos
BACK TO
CONTENTS
01 NEW
POLICE
03
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.
Frontline 02 EAR, NOSE AND
THROAT WAITING
LISTS
Services
$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.
03 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.
04 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.
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos
05 07
DOMESTIC AND SEVEN NEW
FAMILY VIOLENCE POLICE DOGS FOR
SUPPORT FUNDING QUEENSLAND
The government has provided Seven new police dogs will be
$17 million to target gaps in trained from the QPS Academy in
domestic violence services, Oxley, boosting the capacity of the
recognising the link between police to remove illicit drugs from
domestic and family violence the community.
08
and the risk of entering the child
protection system, addressing NEW
a key recommendation of the
Carmody Report. CUSTODIAL
06
OFFICERS
BOOSTING POLICE
Woodford and Brisbane
DRUG TESTING Correctional Centres have
CAPACITY received 23 new Custodial
Officers.
09
Queensland Police roadside
drug testing capacity has ADDRESSING
been boosted with numbers
expanding from 51 officers to
LONG WAIT
291. 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.
BRETT BRICKNELL
Executive Director
Logan Bayside Health Network
18 19
Photography credit: Michael Marston10
As the statewide 24/7 frontline crisis ELECTRICITY
PUBLIC
response to domestic and family violence for INQUIRY
Queensland, DVConnect manages a heavy
13
The government has announced
demand for assistance from across the the creation of the Queensland EXTENDED
Productivity Commission to
state. Our service experienced a sudden 35% promote productivity growth in
PALLIATIVE CARE
the State. Its first inquiry is into SERVICES
increase in demand for help from October last rising electricity prices.
11
year and we sought and received the financial $1.8 million has been provided
over three years so that
REGIONAL POWER
support from the Government that we needed PRICES TO REMAIN
the palliative care helpline
PalAssist, operated by the
to meet this demand. DVConnect is very SUBSIDISED
Cancer Council Queensland, will
operate 24 hours a day 7 days a
grateful for such a significant financial boost A new delegation has been
week.
to allow us to keep the increased staffing level signed for the Queensland
14
Competition Authority for setting
and the ability to meet the increased urgent 2015/16 electricity prices which NQ INTENSIVE
requires QCA to consider the
YOUTH MENTAL
client needs. uniform tariff policy in its price
determination. HEALTH SERVICES
12
DIANE MANGAN
CEO DVConnect The government announced a
NDIS new youth residential facility
LAUNCH for Townsville. Expansion will
include two four-bed youth
SITE residential rehabilitation
facilities that will support up to
The government has eight young people living with a
Commonwealth Government serious mental health illness.
agreement for an NDIS launch
15
site in Queensland. Under
the former LNP government, BOOST TO
Queensland was the only
jurisdiction in Australia not to DVCONNECT
fund a trial site. FUNDING
An extra $1.5 million to
DVConnect telephone support
service to help them meet
increased demand.
20 21
Photography credit: Ben VosBACK TO
CONTENTS
01 FIRST MINISTER FOR
THE GREAT BARRIER
04
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.
Protecting the 02 OFFICE OF THE
GREAT BARRIER
REEF
Environment
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.
03 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.
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland, Darren Jew04 06
STRONG CLIMATE CHANGE
RESPONSE TO BACK ON STATE’S
PANAMA DISEASE AGENDA
The government is committed The government has re-engaged
to supporting Queensland’s with the serious issue of climate
banana industry as it faces change. The government has
the threat of Panama Disease reconnected with mainstream
in North Queensland. The science on the causes and
government, in partnership consequences of climate
with industry, established change. Queensland has joined
the Queensland Government other States and territories in
Panama Disease Taskforce presenting a united position to
to provide a comprehensive the Federal Government on post
response to this issue. The 2020 greenhouse gas emissions
government has provided reduction targets. Climate change
$2 million to help support is a significant long-term threat
Queensland’s $600 million to the Queensland economy,
banana industry and more communities and ecosystems, as
than $300,000 to the Australian well as to the health of the Great
Banana Growers’ Council to Barrier Reef.
support special biosecurity
advisors.
05 07
TROPICAL CYCLONE TOWNSVILLE
MARCIA NATIONAL PORT DUST
PARKS RECOVERY MANAGEMENT
Following Tropical Cyclone The State Government’s
Marcia in mid-March which health and science experts
impacted 77 national parks, the have provided assessments of
Queensland Parks and Wildlife contaminated dust at a number
Service rangers worked hard of locations in Townsville. As
to ensure that all camping a result, additional air quality
areas were open and available monitoring is being undertaken
for the Easter school holiday and the port operator and port
period. Recovery efforts have users will continue to focus on
progressed to ensure all parks practices aimed at reducing
have re-opened with only three dust emissions and delivering
having partial closures in place continued improvements in air
for damaged infrastructure. quality.
24 2508 10
RE-ENGAGING PROTECTION
CONSERVATION OF MOOLOOLAH
GROUPS LOGGING AREA
The government has re- The government has confirmed
engaged with environment that the Mooloolah Logging Area
and conservation groups, with in the Beerwah State Forest
the Environment Minister on the Sunshine Coast which
reconvening a key roundtable had been earmarked by the
with key environment sector former government for a trail
groups and non-government bike facility, will be protected
organisations to ensure from future commercial or
consultation and collaboration recreational motorised use in
occurs on policy and program recognition of its significant
work. natural resource values.
09 11
PROTECTION OF PURCHASE
CALEY VALLEY OF KOALA
WETLANDS HABITAT
Dumping of dredge spoil in The government has finalised
Caley Valley Wetlands has been the purchase of 31,500 hectares
banned. Instead dumping will of land for $12.5 million to
take place at the T2 Site at protect and restore koala habitat
Abbot Point. 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...
LOUISE MATTHIESSON
WWF-Australia
26 27
Photography credit: Ben VosBACK TO
CONTENTS
01 ADDITIONAL
FUNDS TO PYJAMA
05
FOUNDATION
The government has provided a further $880,000 over three years for
the Pyjama Foundation support program for children in care.
02 BOOST TO HEART
FOUNDATION
WALKING PROGRAM
Community 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
Services
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.
03 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.
04 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.
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos05
DEAF SERVICES
QUEENSLAND
PARTNERSHIP
The government announced
Queensland Fire and Emergency
08
Services will partner with Deaf
Services Queensland to run a NEW
series of fire safety campaigns
targeting the deaf community.
ALZHEIMER’S ID
BRACELETS
06
The government has partnered
with Alzheimer’s Australia
APPOINTMENT (QLD) to launch an initiative to
OF MINISTER FOR help ensure Queenslanders
living with dementia are more
SENIORS easily identified should they go
missing.
The government has appointed
a Cabinet Minister for Seniors.
This is to recognise the
09
importance of our seniors and
the valuable role they play in our NEW ANTI-VIOLENCE
communities.
CAMPAIGN ‘OI, IT’S
YOUR CHOICE!’
07
SAFER ROADS, The government is partnering
with former NRL star Petero
SAFER QUEENSLAND Civoniceva to reduce violent
FORUM assaults across Queensland as
part of a campaign developed by
Following the tragic Easter Moreton District police and set
road toll, the Government to be rolled out statewide.
convened the Safer Roads, Safer
Queensland Forum, bringing
stakeholders together to
discuss ways to reduce the road
toll.
30 31
Photography credit: Ben Vos10 12
PROJECT FUNDING
BOOYAH FOR DEADLY
EXTENSION CHOICES
The government has expanded The government has provided
the Project Booyah program to $300,000 each year for three
give at-risk youth a chance to gain years to support Deadly Choices,
skills and employment. So far this a partnership between the
year, 50 young people from the Institute for Urban Indigenous
Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Health and the Brisbane
Logan and Capalaba are already Broncos. The program will be
taking part and from July, a further extended for the first time to
80 young people from regions Cape York, Mt Isa, Central Qld,
such as Mt Isa, Toowoomba and Wide Bay, Mackay and Far South
Redcliffe will get involved. West.
11
‘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.
MARK TUCKER-EVANS
Chief Executive, Council of the
32 Ageing Queensland
33
Photography credit: Ben VosBACK TO
CONTENTS
01 INQUIRY INTO
THE GRANTHAM
06
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.
Regional 02 PROGRESS
ON MACKAY
RING ROAD
Queensland
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.
03 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.
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS Photography credit: Ben Vos04
AUSTRALIAN
TROPICAL
HERBARIUM
07
The government is providing
$5.524 million over 10 years as
part of the agreement with James
WILD
Cook University (JCU), the CSIRO DOG
and the Australian Government’s
Department of the Environment
MANAGEMENT
to develop the Australian Tropical
The government has committed
Herbarium.
an additional $5 million to
05
tackle the problems caused by
UPGRADE TO the escalating numbers of wild
dogs in rural Queensland. Wild
TOWNSVILLE dog numbers have increased,
SPORTS RESERVE wreaking havoc for Queensland
farmers.
$1.2 million will be provided to
08
support much-needed track
upgrades at the Townsville SCHOOLS OF
Sports Reserve.
DISTANCE
06
EDUCATION
ANGELLALA
CREEK An extra $250,000 has been
BRIDGE allocated to Queensland’s
Schools of Distance Education.
We are heartened by today’s joint announcement
$10 million has been allocated
This funding through the Rural from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Treasurer
and Remote Education Access
to build the new Angellala Creek
Bridge on the Mitchell Highway
Program is to relieve financial Curtis Pitt, Energy Minister Mark Bailey and
pressures on drought-affected
near Charleville. The funding to
restore the bridge - which was
families in remote areas. Environment Minister Steven Miles, and look
destroyed in an explosion in 2014 forward to working further with them on how
- will create 24 jobs.
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 VosPhotography credit: Ben Vos
THE PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT THE FIRST THREE MONTHS MAY 2015
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