State Budget 2008–09 State-wide Highlights Key priorities of the 2008-09 Budget are congestion management, housing affordability, Wide Bay-Burnett delivering on the Health Action Plan and Regional Budget Statement strengthened community services.  Tax savings of up to $9,500 for fi rst homebuyers  Full abolition of mortgage duty from 1 July 2008  Record 17% increase in health spending  Increased rebates and tax breaks for older Queenslanders  200 new police offi cers  250 new ambulance offi cers and 145 new vehicles  270 new teachers  $100 million boost for school maintenance over two years through the Tomorrow’s Schools initiative  $20 million for ClimateSmart Home Services  $20 million increase region to develop community Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland Tourism of courtesy Image sport and recreation facilities Queensland is experiencing the most sustained It increases services to the regions and  $5.9 million boost to period of economic and population growth in its delivers vital long-term social and economic support front-line child history. infrastructure for the benefi t protection workers of all Queenslanders. In shaping the 2008-09 Budget, the Government has A centrepiece of this chosen to build tomorrow’s Budget is tax cuts to help Queensland today. Queenslanders purchase their fi rst home. Wide Bay-Burnett The State’s prosperity is generating unprecedented Queensland’s success is demand for housing, built on the success of our healthcare, schools, regions, from the fast-paced transport, other essential expansion of the south-east services and vital corner to the agricultural infrastructure throughout Queensland’s regions. heartlands, the booming hubs of mining activity Bundaberg and the vibrant growth of coastal areas. The Budget delivers massive injections of Hervey Bay funding to our public hospitals and healthcare This document sets out the Government’s Maryborough system. It funds the biggest capital works investment commitment to address the changing program in the State’s history. needs of the Wide Bay-Burnett region. Gympie

Anna Bligh MP Andrew Fraser MP Premier Treasurer

Queensland the Smart State Queensland State Budget 2008–09 - - - Wide Bay-Burnett - - - - Regional Budget Statement The national Census telling it like it is

Every fi ve years the Census provides a snapshot of Covering an area of Australian society. It measures many 52,377 square kilometres characteristics including our age and or around 3% of the State, birthplace, language spoken Wide Bay-Burnett is home and religion, if we need assistance to to 6.6% of Queensland’s perform everyday activities or to participate total population. Almost 1 in community life and the work we do (paid or unpaid) 276,000 Queenslanders and how we get there. now call our region home – that’s 2.4% more than What did the 2006 Census reveal about your community? the year before2. Take a look below for a snapshot of life in the Wide Bay- Boasting national Burnett region. parks, pristine beaches, a range of tourism, The work we do Engineers, nurses, carers, sales representatives, urban and regional planners, educational, sporting, electricians, boat repairers – Wide Bay-Burnett residents work in a diverse range of jobs. Census data shows 12.7% of people living in the Wide Bay-Burnett region are cultural, leisure, arts employed in the retail trade industry, while the healthcare and social assistance industry and recreation facilities accounts for 11.1%. Agriculture, forestry and fi shing (10.3%) manufacturing (9.8%), and construction (9%) are the other major employment industries in this growing region. and opportunities, this growing region is sought Our qualifications Strong population growthBeyondBeyo nind the school Wide qualific Bay-Burnettations Beyond school qualifications after for its unique region has brought with% of it personsp anersons increase 15 years in the anandd number over % of persons 15 years and over environment and enviable of skilled workers. Justwith over a non-school 50%1 of people qualific livingation in with a non-school qualification 2 our region now hold ‘beyond7700 ’ school qualifi cations – 60 and sustainable lifestyle. a 12.5 percentage point increase60 compared to 1996 Census results (see graph). Of these qualifi cations, 50 Add to this a diverse and 50

15.4% are degree or higher,t 11% are advanced diploma 40 40 vibrant economy that’s or diploma and 43.6% are certifi cate level. Just over 30 30% of Wide Bay-Burnett30 residents who identifi ed with Per cent cen Per cent Per close to the business having a ‘beyond’ school20 qualifi cation did not indicate 20 the level of education received.1100 10 and career opportunities 0 0 How much we earn1996 20012001 20062006 1996 2001 2006 of the State’s south- Yeearar Year We’ve certainly noticed an increase in the cost of living east corner and you can over the years, and as it rises so too does our income. At the time of the 1996 Census, the median weekly household income for the Wide see why more and more Bay-Burnett region was $438. In 2006 the median weekly income for households in our region was $621 – that’s almost 42% more than we earned 10 years earlier3. people are choosing this region in which to work, 1 Aged 15 years and over with a usual residence in the Wide Bay-Burnett region at the time of the 2006 Census. 2 ‘Beyond’ school qualifi cation referred to as non-school qualifi cations in Census data. live and play. 3 Based on 2006 Census data. The Queensland Household projections Government recognises Families come in all shapes and sizes and Wide Bay-Burnett the role Wide Bay-Burnett between now and 2026 we can expectWide Household composition Bay-Burnett to see a lot more of them. But what type has played in increasing of family will occupy most Queensland % 2006 2016 2026 our State’s prosperity and homes? For the last decade most 40 Queensland households have consisted sustaining its economic of couples with children. However 35 household projections forecast that, over 30 and social growth. the next decade and beyond, the make- up of homes throughout our State will 25 This Regional Budget dramatically change. 20 Statement highlights Throughout our State an ageing 15 population, declining fertility rates among the Government’s younger couples, and baby boomers 10 becoming ‘empty nesters’ will result in the 5 commitment to the region number of couples without children and lone person households taking over as the 0 and its people. most common types. Couple Couple Single Lone Other family family parent person Take a look to the right to see how no children family 1 Population data as at 30 June 2007, Australian Bureau of households in the Wide Bay-Burnett children Statistics, Regional Population Growth (cat no 3218.0). region are likely to change between now Source: Data are based on medium series projections and 2 Population data as at 30 June 2006, Australian Bureau of and 2026. are sourced from Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Statistics, Regional Population Growth (cat no 3218.0). Population, Information and Forecasting Unit, Household projections Queensland Local Government Areas 2007. • $86.1 million to develop coal resources at Kunioon to supply Tarong • $48.1 million for new substations at Woolooga, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.

Regional development Regional development is at the heart of Queensland’s economic future and the Government is laying the foundation for future economic growth and prosperity for all Queenslanders by responding to the growth needs of the region. Water management is a critical issue for Queensland and the Government is making historic levels of investment in essential water and sewerage infrastructure to meet the needs of Queensland communities. In 2008-09, the Government will invest in the following initiatives to improve the reliability and supply of water services in the Wide Bay- Burnett region: • $2.5 million for the Burgowan raw water main project Holden Maryborough Technology Challenge An educational experience out of the ordinary. Students of all ages and from all over Queensland can put the pedal to the • $2.3 million to upgrade the Borumba dam metal at one of Queensland’s premier youth events. Human-powered vehicles, dragsters, pushcarts, solar cars and boats – spillway there’s something for racing enthusiasts of all kinds at this event. • $800,000 for the Blackbutt Sewerage Photograph supplied courtesy of the Fraser Coast Regional Council Regional Coast the Fraser of courtesy supplied Photograph Scheme Effl uent Re-Use project. Healthy individuals and communities • $1.7 million to deliver community support The Government will also commit to a range services We are committed to improving and sustaining of other key infrastructure investments in the the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders • $1.6 million for short-term and time-limited region including: by investing in infrastructure and services respite support for families of people with a • $630,000 for the Childers Sludge that will strengthen our public health system, disability Management project promote healthier lifestyles and enhance • $1.3 million over four years to establish • $380,000 to complete the Sandy Hook confi dence and safety in our communities. additional out-of-home care placements for () new four-lane boat ramp As part of the Government’s continued children in care • $1 million to redevelop the Hervey Bay • $296,000 of $546,000 for a new two-lane commitment to meet the growing needs of the boat ramp at Gatakers Landing community, in 2008-09 spending on health Neighbourhood Centre. and emergency services infrastructure in the • $127,000 to reconstruct a four-lane boat Wide Bay-Burnett region will include: ramp at Queen Street on the north bank of the Burnett River at Bundaberg. • $6.7 million towards a $41.1 million Building infrastructure expansion of Bundaberg Hospital Planning and delivering the infrastructure needed to provide essential and effi cient • $2 million to increase mental health bed services to our rapidly growing communities Economic growth capacity at Bundaberg – now and in the future – is one of our Queensland’s economic growth is supported • $1 million of the $17.5 million over three key priorities. For many regions, growing by rising productivity and increasing labour years to improve oral health facilities at populations have resulted in higher demand for force participation. The Government remains Bundaberg and Hervey Bay energy. The Government’s commitment to the committed to expanding the productive • replacement and refurbishment of health Wide Bay-Burnett region in 2008-09 to secure capacity of the Queensland economy through facilities at Biggenden and Mount Perry as and enhance the reliability of energy supply in initiatives that develop infrastructure, promote part of the $35.5 million (over three years) 2008-09 includes education and training, and facilitate research Rural Enhancement Program. • $121.6 million for maintenance and and innovation. Initiatives in Wide Bay-Burnett to enhance improvements to the Tarong and Tarong In 2008-09, the Government will continue to community safety through police and North power stations maximise workforce participation opportunities emergency services infrastructure projects in the Wide Bay-Burnett region by investing: Unemployment rate(a) include: • $47.1 million to provide over 3.5 million Wide Bay-Burnett1994-95 to 2006-07 • $3.1 million to construct the $8 million hours of vocational education and training, replacement 24-hour police station and 18.0 including $800,000 to provide additional watchhouse at trades training places in the region as part 16.0 • $1.3 million of the $2 million to replace the of the Queensland Skills Plan ambulance station at Murgon. 14.0 • $4.7 million to provide employment and training assistance for 471 people. The Government will continue its support 12.0 for those in our community who are most Other initiatives to stimulate economic growth vulnerable with commitments for the Wide Bay- 10.0 in the region include: Burnett region in 2008-09 including: 8.0 • $34.5 million to continue construction on the Bundaberg Ring Road • $17.6 million for the Home and Community 6.0 Care initiative

Unemployment rate (%) rate Unemployment • $24 million to widen the Bruce Highway in • $10.9 million to support people with a 4.0 Gympie to four lanes between Kidgell Street disability through a range of programs 2.0 and Pine Street • $2.2 million over four years to establish new 0.0 • $10.7 million to widen the Maryborough- residential care facilities to accommodate Hervey Bay Road between north of young people with complex and extreme Dundowran and the Pialba-Burrum Heads behaviours Road, south of Pialba 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 • $2.2 million to complete an innovative Financial year • $8 million to duplicate the Maryborough- housing project in Maryborough for people Hervey Bay Road from two to four lanes

with intellectual disabilities with high (a) Data based on un-smoothed series. between Torbanlea Turnoff and Dundowran support needs Source: DEEWR, Small Area Labour Markets – Australia. Road, south of Pialba • $6.1 million to widen the Maryborough- • $800,000 State-wide for initiatives Participation in post-secondary education, Hervey Bay Road, between Torbanlea turnoff to enhance Indigenous agribusiness apprenticeships and traineeships and McNally Street development 2000-01 to 2006-07 • $6 million to construct a bridge across the • $600,000 for the Safe Haven initiative in Burnett River to the Port of Bundaberg. Cherbourg for young people affected by Apprenticeships Traineeships Trendline family and domestic violence in Indigenous communities 3,000 Closing the gap with Indigenous • the employment of four Indigenous 2,500 communities Employment and Training Support Offi cers to support trainees and maximise 2,000 The , in partnership employment opportunities for Indigenous 1,500 with the Australian Government, is committed job seekers. to closing the gap between Indigenous and Persons 1,000 non-Indigenous Australians through innovative programs such as $3.6 million in grants to Housing affordability 500 42 Community Justice Groups to empower 0 Indigenous communities to tackle social and The Government is committed to improving justice issues. housing affordability for those Queenslanders hardest hit by the current economic

The Government is also investing in the environment. 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 health, safety and wellbeing of Indigenous Financial year communities through a range of measures In addition to the substantial tax relief to be including: introduced by the Government in 2008-09 for fi rst home buyers, low-income families and Source: DETA, Apprenticeships and traineeships, (unpublished data). • $3.9 million for the Aboriginal and Torres individuals in the Wide Bay-Burnett region Strait Islander Housing Rental Program to will receive housing services and support in build, purchase or upgrade homes and 2008-09 in the form of: Managing climate change and purchase land for future homes • $14.2 million to construct, purchase and protecting the environment • $1.8 million in grants to build, upgrade and upgrade public housing and to purchase The Government is committed to minimising maintain homes in Aboriginal and Torres land for future public housing involving harm to the environment by using and Strait Islander communities purchasing or completing 38 homes and promoting modern and effective environmental commencing the construction of a further management techniques. In Wide Bay-Burnett, 30 homes this commitment will include: • $4 million for community housing programs • $788,000 for the Cooloola Great Walk and services to address crisis and long-term • $355,000 to replace the amenities block at housing needs. the Waddy Point campground, Great Sandy National Park • $354,000 to replace the waste treatment Education and early childhood system at the Waddy Point Ranger Base, development Great Sandy National Park. Giving every child every chance to learn in the In 2008-09 the Government has allocated best possible environment is a priority for the $30 million for new climate change initiatives Government. This is refl ected in our 2008-09 from the proceeds of Queensland Climate commitment to the Wide Bay-Burnett region Change Fund. The fi rst major initiative of an additional $4.2 million for maintenance of the Climate Change Fund will be the programs and in excess of $3.8 million in ClimateSmart Home Service which will provide capital works investment in schools, including: Queenslanders with tools to monitor and reduce their energy use to deliver savings • $2 million over two years to redevelop Helping Queenslanders in household electricity costs and reduce the former preschool as an early greenhouse gas emissions. under financial pressure childhood education and care facility With household budgets under increasing • $930,000 for a music block at Yarrilee State stress from rising interest rates, higher rents School and mounting grocery and fuel prices, the • $300,000 to complete additional amenities Government is committed to taking the at St Helens State School pressure off Queensland families. • $200,000 for additional amenities at Each year the Government offers relief to Bundaberg North State High School many Queenslanders through discounts, rebates and subsidies to help improve their • $200,000 for additional amenities at Gin access to, and meet the cost of, a range Gin State High School Wide Bay-Burnettof services including discounted rail and • $115,000 to subsidise an outdoor learning taxi fares, reduced car registration costs, space at Gayndah State School. exemption from the community ambulance levy and cheaper electricity bills. In 2008-09 these concessions are estimated to have a Prevention and early intervention total value of around $1 billion. The Queensland Government is focused on However the Queensland Government developing and supporting prevention and recognises more and more families early intervention strategies or initiatives are ‘doing it tough’ and is acting on its that are targeted to disadvantaged areas, commitment to help Queenslanders make individuals and/or population groups. ends meet. In the Wide Bay-Burnett region the Government On top of the existing concessions, will commit: the 2008-09 State Budget sees the implementation of a major housing • $1.2 million for youth development services affordability strategy that will provide relief to build independent living skills for Queenslanders who are buying or renting • $900,000 to support families, including their homes. early intervention programs to improve the The Government will also spend safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children Bundaberg Ring Road $570 million in 2008-09 in further relief and their families The Queensland Government remains committed to as it tackles the rising cost of fuel by • $800,000 over four years for a Family stimulating economic growth in the Wide Bay-Burnett ensuring all Queenslanders receive the full Intervention Service which will strengthen region through a range of infrastructure investments. In 2008-09 $34.5 million will help construct the Bundaberg 8.354 cents per litre fuel subsidy. child protection services by providing direct Ring Road.

support to families in their own home. Roads Main of Department the Queensland of courtesy supplied Photograph Queensland State Budget Highlights 2008–09

Budget Delivering for summary Queensland

Strong economic growth maintains record The 2008-09 State Budget delivers a low unemployment massive boost to health, with a record Budget allocation of $8.352 billion. • Economic growth in Queensland is forecast to strengthen to 4¼% in 2008-09, outstripping the nation for the 13th year in a The Budget funds new hospitals and row. upgrades at locations across the State. Areas of increasing demand • With jobs growth again outpacing the nation, the such as emergency departments and unemployment rate is estimated to fall to a 34-year low of birthing services are a key focus. 3¾% in 2007-08 and remain there in 2008-09, taking it below the national rate for the fi fth consecutive year. There is a $100 million boost to school maintenance to deliver a record program for the next two Strong fi nances years – part of the $6 billion Budget allocation to the Department of • A General Government operating surplus of $809 million is Education and Training. This funding forecast in 2008-09. includes 270 new teachers and teacher aides to meet enrolment • The State’s net worth is budgeted to grow from $123 billion at growth and 4,250 additional trade 30 June 2008 to over $140 billion by 30 June 2012 – refl ecting training places to help address skills Queensland’s position of holding the strongest balance sheet shortages. in the nation. To boost front-line services, • Interest expenses in the General Government sector is 200 new police and 250 new budgeted at just 1.5% of revenue in 2008-09. ambulance offi cers are funded. The Budget also provides for 145 new ambulance vehicles as part of a Competitive taxes record emergency services allocation. • Queensland maintains its competitive tax status, with taxpayers in other states and territories to pay an average of A new $20 million ClimateSmart $274 more state tax each than Queenslanders in 2008-09. Home Service will assist Queensland households to meet the challenges of • The 2008-09 Budget provides tax relief to make housing more climate change. affordable. From 1 July 2008, the home and fi rst home transfer duty concession thresholds will be increased from $320,000 to An increase in the electricity rebate $350,000. The fi rst home concession threshold will be further and other tax breaks will assist older increased from 1 September so that no transfer duty will be Queenslanders. payable on a fi rst home valued up to $500,000. Wide Bay-BurnettWith tax cuts to assist Queenslanders • Mortgage duty will be abolished in full from 1 July 2008 – break into home ownership, this is a another saving to those taking out home loans. Budget focussed on the future and • There are also land tax cuts, including specifi c measures to delivering the front-line services a benefi t Queensland’s elderly such as exempting aged-care growing state needs. facilities. • While already having the nation’s lowest pay-roll tax rate, further relief will benefi t 6,800 businesses in Queensland. Government services in Wide Bay-Burnett

Agnes Water Kilkivan Murgon QGAP QGAP QGAP 3 Captain Cook Drive 26 Bligh Street 48 Stephens Street West Agnes Water QLD 4677 Kilkivan QLD 4600 Murgon QLD 4605 E-Mail [email protected] E-Mail [email protected] E-Mail Telephone 4902 1555 Telephone 5484 1068 [email protected] Facsimile 4902 1599 Facsimile 5484 1390 Telephone 4168 1801 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 9am to Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.30am Facsimile 4168 1669 4.30pm to 4.30pm Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 9am to 4.30pm Blackbutt Kingaroy QGAP Department of Natural Resources Pialba (Hervey Bay) 69 Hart Street and Water Department of Tourism, Regional Blackbutt QLD 4306 Shop 2 16 Alford Street Development and Industry E-Mail [email protected] Kingaroy QLD 4610 Brenden Hansen Building Telephone 4163 0030 Telephone 4160 4200 50-54 Main Street Pialba QLD 4655 Facsimile 4163 0436 Facsimile 4162 4450 Telephone 4125 9270 Opening Hours: Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.30am Monday to Friday – 9am to 3.30 to 4.30pm Facsimile 4125 9279 Closed lunch 12 - 1pm Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.30am Maryborough to 4.30pm Bundaberg Department of Tourism, Regional Department of Communities – Development and Industry Wide Bay-Burnett Regional Office 319 – 325 Kent Street Level 1 Maryborough QLD 4650 Other services 46 Quay Street Telephone 4121 1780 Smart Service Queensland Bundaberg QLD 4670 Facsimile 4123 1874 For information on all other Government Telephone 4151 9748 services call 13 13 04 www.qld.gov.au Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.30am Facsimile 4151 9750 to 5pm State Emergency Service Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.30am to 5pm Monto Telephone 132 500 Queensland Water Bundaberg QGAP 53 Newton Street Commission Department of Tourism, Regional Monto QLD 4630 Telephone 1300 789 906 Development and Industry Telephone 4166 1350 13 HEALTH 205 Bourbong Street Facsimile 4166 1047 Bundaberg QLD 4670 Telephone 13 43 25 84 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 9.00am Telephone 4151 9700 to 4.30pm Facsimile 4151 9711 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.30am Mundubbera to 5pm QGAP Eidsvold 51 Lyons Street Mundubbera QLD 4626 Wide Bay-BurnettQGAP E-Mail [email protected] 32 Moreton Street Telephone 4165 5444 Eidsvold QLD 4627 Facsimile 4165 4810 E-Mail [email protected] Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.30am Telephone 4165 1063 to 5pm (Wed open 9.30am) Facsimile 4165 1486 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8.30am to 4.00pm

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