Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan

QUEENSLAND BUDGET 2021–22

QUEENSLAND’S COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN

 Budget update

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4 QUEENSLAND'S RECOVERY

6 SAFEGUARDING OUR HEALTH

8 BACKING SMALL BUSINESS

10 MAKING IT FOR QUEENSLAND

12 BUILDING QUEENSLAND

14 GROWING OUR REGIONS

20 INVESTING IN SKILLS

22 POSITIONING FOR THE FUTURE

JUNE 2021 3 QUEENSLAND'S Queensland is the place to be. RECOVERY

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged Queenslanders like never before. Its impacts have been felt by individuals, families, businesses and communities across the state.

The Queensland Government’s Economic Faster domestic More jobs recovered Faster workforce Recovery Plan has provided a decisive Safeguarding Building economic growth than than any other state participation growth and effective response to the COVID-19 our health Queensland the rest of Australia or territory than any other state health and economic crisis. 1 Safeguarding our health and 4 Driving investment in the State fi nal demandup by 3% Employment up by 253,200 or territory We entered the pandemic in a strong jobs by keeping Queensland infrastructure that supports pandemic-ready. our recovery, resilience and since March quarter 2020. since May 2020. economic and fiscal position, which Labour force participation rate future prosperity. meant we were well placed to take early up by 4.7 percentage points action. since May 2020. We have responded to the pandemic Backing small Growing our with more than $14.2 billion of business regions initiatives, supporting Queenslanders 2 Helping small business, the 5 Helping Queensland’s regions right across the state, driving economic backbone of our economy, grow by attracting people, talent recovery and creating jobs. thrive in a changing and investment, and driving environment. sustainable economic prosperity. We were the first state to implement response measures and the first to recover all the jobs lost during the Faster consumption Faster dwelling More interstate pandemic. Employment has increased by Making it for Investing growth than the rest of investment growth migrants than 253,200 persons since May 2020, more Queensland in skills than any other state or territory. Australia than the rest of any other state 3 Growing manufacturing across 6 Ensuring Queenslanders have Queensland is the place to be. traditional and new industries, the skills they need to find Household consumption Australia or territory We are continuing to deliver on our making new products in new meaningful jobs and set up up by 3.3% since Dwelling investment Queensland welcomed 30,000 Economic Recovery Plan to help ways and creating new jobs. pathways for the future. March quarter 2020. up by 18.4% since net interstate migrants Queenslanders get back on their feet March quarter 2020. over 2020. and look for the next big opportunity. The 2021–22 Budget continues our commitment to deliver the ongoing support, stimulus and reform needed to Our Economic Recovery Plan remains drive sustainable economic growth and firmly focused on: create ongoing jobs, in line with our 6 economic recovery priority areas. ▸ Protecting our health Faster housing Faster dwelling Faster retail trade ▸ Creating jobs lending growth than approvals growth than growth than the rest the rest of Australia the rest of Australia of Australia ▸ Working together Housing lending up by 118% Approvals for construction of Real retail turnover up by 6.2% since April 2020, including up houses and apartments up by since March quarter 2020. by 96% for owner-occupier 61% since April 2020. fi rst home buyers.

4 JUNE 2021 Queensland is the place to be.

Faster domestic More jobs recovered Faster workforce economic growth than than any other state participation growth the rest of Australia or territory than any other state State fi nal demandup by 3% Employment up by 253,200 or territory since March quarter 2020. since May 2020. Labour force participation rate up by 4.7 percentage points since May 2020.

Faster consumption Faster dwelling More interstate growth than the rest of investment growth migrants than Australia than the rest of any other state Household consumption Australia or territory up by 3.3% since Dwelling investment Queensland welcomed 30,000 March quarter 2020. up by 18.4% since net interstate migrants March quarter 2020. over 2020.

Faster housing Faster dwelling Faster retail trade lending growth than approvals growth than growth than the rest the rest of Australia the rest of Australia of Australia Housing lending up by 118% Approvals for construction of Real retail turnover up by 6.2% since April 2020, including up houses and apartments up by since March quarter 2020. by 96% for owner-occupier 61% since April 2020. fi rst home buyers.

JUNE 2021 5 NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL SAFEGUARDING FOR SPRINGFIELD OUR HEALTH Through a $1 billion investment over the next decade, the Queensland Government will partner with Mater Health Services to deliver a new 174-bed public hospital in Springfield to cater for Our economic success depends on our ability to protect the health and wellbeing the rapidly growing population in the Greater Ipswich region. The of Queenslanders. expanded hospital, including an Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and Maternity services, is expected to open in 2024. CONTINUING Our eﬀ ective health response underpins the current economic OUR RECOVERY recovery. The capacity and Reﬂ ecting our commitment to safeguarding the health of Queenslanders, health resilience of our health system operating funding has increased by more than 13 per cent over 2 years – from is the key to maintaining $18.455 billion in 2019–20 to $20.885 billion in 2021–22. Queensland’s strong economic performance into the future. We will remain pandemic-ready and build our strong health and community support systems through the delivery of a range of ongoing initiatives and new measures in By safeguarding the health of the 2021–22 Budget. Queenslanders and limiting the spread of the virus, we were able to ease emergency Hospital health restrictions earlier than Building $2 billion to assist in meeting growth pressures expected, and Queensland’s across the health system. domestic economy has recovered Fund more rapidly than most other economies across the world. $480 million to continue the COVID-19 We will now leverage our success response, including the vaccination program, in managing the pandemic fever clinics, contact tracing and testing capability, to increase job opportunities COVID-19 response compliance activities, facilitation of quarantine in and maintain our capacity to government-arranged accommodation, COVID-19 safeguard the health of all contact centres, and wellness checks for people in Queenslanders. mandatory hotel quarantine.

$482.5 million to address pressures in emergency patient flow through our public More hospital hospitals, elective surgery waitlists, and to capacity support the opening of the Nambour General Hospital Redevelopment.

Support for $30 million over 4 years to boost support vulnerable services for victims of domestic, family and sexual OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR violence across the state. Queenslanders Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the This includes a $46.55 million Mental • $100 million to support the wellbeing government’s priority has been – and Health and Wellbeing Community of Queensland school students, continues to be – safeguarding the package to support localised mental including employing an additional health of all Queenslanders and building health services. 464 wellbeing professionals in state schools. Queensland Health community resilience. • $979 million for the Building Better We are protecting Queenslanders from Hospitals program, increasing capacity • $61.9 million to deliver the Shifting employs more than COVID-19 and keeping Queensland in areas of major population growth. Minds Flagship, supporting suicide prevention and crisis services. 51,000 nurses, doctors pandemic-ready. • $265 million for the Satellite • $1.3 billion COVID-19 response Hospitals program across South East and ambulance oﬃ cers, package to expand fever clinics, Queensland. increase hospital capacity, establish an increase of over 1,500 contact tracing and testing capability, since March 2020. and deliver the COVID-19 vaccination program.

6 JUNE 2021 NEW PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD Through a $1 billion investment over the next decade, the Queensland Government will partner with Mater Health Services to deliver a new 174-bed public hospital in Springfield to cater for the rapidly growing population in the Greater Ipswich region. The expanded hospital, including an Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and Maternity services, is expected to open in 2024.

OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the This includes a $46.55 million Mental • $100 million to support the wellbeing government’s priority has been – and Health and Wellbeing Community of Queensland school students, continues to be – safeguarding the package to support localised mental including employing an additional health of all Queenslanders and building health services. 464 wellbeing professionals in state schools. community resilience. • $979 million for the Building Better We are protecting Queenslanders from Hospitals program, increasing capacity • $61.9 million to deliver the Shifting COVID-19 and keeping Queensland in areas of major population growth. Minds Flagship, supporting suicide prevention and crisis services. pandemic-ready. • $265 million for the Satellite • $1.3 billion COVID-19 response Hospitals program across South East package to expand fever clinics, Queensland. increase hospital capacity, establish contact tracing and testing capability, and deliver the COVID-19 vaccination program.

JUNE 2021 7 BACKING SMALL BUSINESS

The Queensland Government is supporting small business – the backbone of our economy – to thrive in a changing environment.

CONTINUING Over 450,000 small businesses create local jobs in all regions OUR RECOVERY and sectors across the state. Queensland’s economic recovery is well underway, with a resurgence in consumer Small businesses are and business conﬁ dence across the state. particularly vulnerable to the To position Queensland’s small businesses to come back better, we are continuing impacts of extreme events our support through a range of new measures as part of the 2021–22 Budget as well and disruptions, including as the delivery of ongoing initiatives. the COVID-19 pandemic. Substantial challenges remain for small businesses reliant on $140 million to provide businesses with the international tourism, students confi dence to employ Queenslanders who have and workers. Back to Work experienced a period of unemployment and help workers facing disadvantage in the labour market. Reﬂ ecting the success of our Economic Recovery Plan and the hard work and adaptability of our local businesses, many of Business $100 million to invest in small to medium sized the state’s small businesses are Investment Fund businesses that have signifi cant growth potential. getting back on track.

$25 million in new grants programs to support Small Business small businesses at various stages, from new and Grants emerging to fast growing.

Live Music Support $7 million to extend support for the state’s live Program music venues.

$56 million to progress building and Security of construction industry fairness reforms that provide Payment Reform for eff ective, effi cient and fair processes for securing payment.

Small businesses

W. Titley & Co, a fourth-generation family employ around 915,000 business in Charters Towers, continued to support its staff and the community with a Queenslanders. COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan.

8 JUNE 2021 OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR The Queensland Government moved • $500 million in utilities bill relief for • Approximately 400 free online swiftly to provide a pipeline of support households and businesses–including courses made available for for small businesses throughout the $100 million in electricity bill rebates businesses and their employees pandemic – during the initial response for eligible small and medium sized through the Small Business Skills Hub. businesses. period and to support ongoing recovery. • Introduction of a Queensland • Substantial tax relief through payroll • Up to $196 million in Small Business Government SME procurement target tax refunds, payment holidays and COVID-19 Adaption Grants for over of 25 per cent, increasing to 30 per deferrals, exemptions from payroll tax 20,000 businesses, including a cent by 30 June 2022. for JobKeeper payments and land tax specific focus on small regional relief across 2019–20 and 2020–21. businesses. • $1 billion for concessional jobs • $21.3 million waived in liquor support loans, interest free for licensing annual fees for 2020-21. 12 months. Nearly 90 per cent of • $22.5 million to support the arts, businesses accessing these crucial culture and creative sectors, including loans were small businesses with funding for the Live Music Support fewer than 20 employees. Program.

SUPPORTING THE LIVE MUSIC SECTOR Building on our previous support, the Queensland Government is helping Queensland’s live music industry with new investment of $7 million in 2021–22 supporting the sustainability of the state’s live music venues. This funding backs Queensland-based live music venues that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19.

JUNE 2021 9 PARTNERING WITH WORLD CLASS MED TECH MAKING IT TO CREATE QUEENSLAND JOBS FOR QUEENSLAND The Queensland Government is partnering with medical technology company, Vaxxas, to produce over 300 million High-Density Micro-projection Array Patch (MAP) needle-free vaccines a year at a new facility in Northshore Hamilton. Queensland’s innovative manufacturers played a critical role in keeping our supply chains open during the COVID-19 crisis. We will continue to help our businesses and Over the next 10 years, production is expected to contribute industry make, grow and export more products to the rest of the world. $497 million to the Queensland economy and create up to 139 new, highly skilled and knowledge-intensive jobs. CONTINUING Through the pandemic, our manufacturers stepped up and OUR RECOVERY adapted to meet the challenges We are continuing to support Queensland manufacturers through the delivery of key of the health crisis, quickly ongoing initiatives and new measures as part of the 2021–22 Budget. ﬁ lling gaps in global supply chains for personal protective equipment and other essential products for our frontline $3.34 billion to support industry and workers. Queensland Jobs turbocharge-job creation, including through the Now that Queensland’s recovery Fund $2 billion Queensland Renewable Energy and is underway, we are working with Hydrogen Jobs Fund. industry to increase adoption of leading-edge technologies, develop a highly skilled workforce, and improve their Waste management access to domestic and $93.6 million to continue to grow the sector global markets. and resource while reducing Queensland’s waste. recovery

$2.6 million to promote the sustainable Queensland development of Queensland’s emerging hydrogen Hydrogen Taskforce industry.

Backing $21 million to support the establishment of Queensland a new coastal shipping service. maritime jobs OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR The Queensland Government has • $16.5 million to create Manufacturing • $10 million to further develop the supported our manufacturing sector to Skills Queensland, an independent renewable hydrogen industry in realise new opportunities. industry body, to support workers, Queensland and support projects in employers, apprentices and trainees regional Queensland. • $1 billion investment pipeline for rail in the manufacturing industry. Queensland’s manufacturing manufacturing, including • $8.5 million to establish new $600 million to manufacture 20 new • $15.5 million to boost the Made in manufacturing hubs and grants sector supports around trains in Maryborough, supporting Queensland program with a focus on programs in Mackay and on the service delivery following the opening bringing critical manufacturing back Gold Coast. 165,000 jobs each year. of Cross River Rail. to Queensland.

10 JUNE 2021 PARTNERING WITH WORLD CLASS MED TECH TO CREATE QUEENSLAND JOBS The Queensland Government is partnering with medical technology company, Vaxxas, to produce over 300 million High-Density Micro-projection Array Patch (MAP) needle-free vaccines a year at a new facility in Northshore Hamilton.

Over the next 10 years, production is expected to contribute $497 million to the Queensland economy and create up to 139 new, highly skilled and knowledge-intensive jobs.

OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR The Queensland Government has • $16.5 million to create Manufacturing • $10 million to further develop the supported our manufacturing sector to Skills Queensland, an independent renewable hydrogen industry in realise new opportunities. industry body, to support workers, Queensland and support projects in employers, apprentices and trainees regional Queensland. • $1 billion investment pipeline for rail in the manufacturing industry. manufacturing, including • $8.5 million to establish new $600 million to manufacture 20 new • $15.5 million to boost the Made in manufacturing hubs and grants trains in Maryborough, supporting Queensland program with a focus on programs in Mackay and on the service delivery following the opening bringing critical manufacturing back Gold Coast. of Cross River Rail. to Queensland.

JUNE 2021 11 OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR BUILDING The Queensland Government’s response • $200 million COVID Works for • $50 million Unite and Recover to the challenges of COVID-19 was fast and Queensland program for over Community Stimulus Package to QUEENSLAND decisive, including providing a pipeline 500 projects to build productive fast-track investment in infrastructure of major capital works to sustain the infrastructure. and community assets. economic recovery. • $172 million support for home • $400 million for road improvements, building through the First Home The Queensland Government continues to drive substantial investment in economic supporting 430 direct jobs. Owners Grant and Regional Home Building Boost. and social infrastructure to support our recovery, resilience and future prosperity. • $346 million boost for the Building Future Schools Program including for • $50 million to fast track tourism 3 new schools that will open infrastructure projects and support in 2022. tourism icons. CONTINUING We have supported employment across the state through the OUR RECOVERY delivery of our substantial capital We are continuing to support economic recovery and future growth through the DELIVERING INFRASTRUCTURE works program, supporting delivery of our existing infrastructure pipeline and through new measures our industries, regions and in the 2021–22 Budget. ACROSS QUEENSLAND communities. The Queensland Government continues to • . million for the Rookwood Weir project, Our investment and ongoing capital program over 4 years, commitment to building $52.2 billion deliver on its election commitments and support in partnership with the Australian Government delivering on the government’s $50 billion Queensland, through the Capital works infrastructure guarantee. economic recovery through the construction of • million for the Cairns Marine Precinct government’s capital works program and by facilitating major infrastructure projects across Queensland’s upgrade. private sector investment, has regions, including: long-term payoﬀ s beyond the Hospital Building $2 billion to assist in meeting growth pressures current recovery. Fund across the health system. • . billion for a roads stimulus package, in It will ensure that essential partnership with the Australian Government services and infrastructure are available across Queensland by building the schools, hospitals, $1.8 billion to boost social housing supply over bridges, roads and tunnels that New social housing 4 years, delivering 6,365 new dwellings. our growing state will need in the future. $1.4 billion for 10 new schools to open in School 2023 and 2024, as well as additional and renewed infrastructure infrastructure in Queensland’s existing state schools.

$200 million in additional funding for job Works for creating maintenance and minor infrastructure Queensland works in regional areas, bringing the total program funding to billion.

$150 million in additional funding to enable SEQ Community investment in new infrastructure and community Stimulus Program assets that create jobs in local communities.

Queensland’s capital works program is directly supporting , jobs in . Cairns Marine Precinct

12 JUNE 2021 OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR BUILDING The Queensland Government’s response • $200 million COVID Works for • $50 million Unite and Recover to the challenges of COVID-19 was fast and Queensland program for over Community Stimulus Package to QUEENSLAND decisive, including providing a pipeline 500 projects to build productive fast-track investment in infrastructure of major capital works to sustain the infrastructure. and community assets. economic recovery. • $172 million support for home • $400 million for road improvements, building through the First Home The Queensland Government continues to drive substantial investment in economic supporting 430 direct jobs. Owners Grant and Regional Home Building Boost. and social infrastructure to support our recovery, resilience and future prosperity. • $346 million boost for the Building Future Schools Program including for • $50 million to fast track tourism 3 new schools that will open infrastructure projects and support in 2022. tourism icons. CONTINUING We have supported employment across the state through the OUR RECOVERY delivery of our substantial capital We are continuing to support economic recovery and future growth through the DELIVERING INFRASTRUCTURE works program, supporting delivery of our existing infrastructure pipeline and through new measures our industries, regions and in the 2021–22 Budget. ACROSS QUEENSLAND communities. The Queensland Government continues to • . million for the Rookwood Weir project, Our investment and ongoing capital program over 4 years, commitment to building $52.2 billion deliver on its election commitments and support in partnership with the Australian Government delivering on the government’s $50 billion Queensland, through the Capital works infrastructure guarantee. economic recovery through the construction of • million for the Cairns Marine Precinct government’s capital works program and by facilitating major infrastructure projects across Queensland’s upgrade. private sector investment, has regions, including: long-term payoﬀ s beyond the Hospital Building $2 billion to assist in meeting growth pressures current recovery. Fund across the health system. • . billion for a roads stimulus package, in It will ensure that essential partnership with the Australian Government services and infrastructure are available across Queensland by building the schools, hospitals, $1.8 billion to boost social housing supply over bridges, roads and tunnels that New social housing 4 years, delivering 6,365 new dwellings. our growing state will need in the future. $1.4 billion for 10 new schools to open in School 2023 and 2024, as well as additional and renewed infrastructure infrastructure in Queensland’s existing state schools.

$200 million in additional funding for job Works for creating maintenance and minor infrastructure Queensland works in regional areas, bringing the total program funding to billion.

$150 million in additional funding to enable SEQ Community investment in new infrastructure and community Stimulus Program assets that create jobs in local communities.

Queensland’s capital works program is directly supporting , jobs in . Cairns Marine Precinct

JUNE 2021 13 GROWING OUR REGIONS

A growing Queensland economy needs strong regions that attract the people, talent and investment needed for long-term prosperity. CONTINUING Queensland is Australia’s most decentralised mainland OUR RECOVERY state, with more than half of Our commitment to supporting Queensland’s regions and building economic Queenslanders living outside of resilience continues through the delivery of a range of ongoing initiatives and new Brisbane. measures in the 2021–22 Budget. Our regions have had a mixed experience during the COVID-19 $8.987 billion for capital works in areas pandemic. Tourism areas were Regional capital outside of Greater Brisbane, representing around hit hard, while our agriculture works 61 per cent of our total capital spend and directly and mining regions helped supporting around 29,800 jobs in 2021–22. Queensland’s economy to keep going. Bruce Highway $200 million a year for priority sections of the The agriculture and mining upgrade Bruce Highway. industries, while experiencing labour disruptions, have worked for new and upgraded regional hard to maintain our supply $426 million Regional hospitals hospitals. chains and provide the raw materials needed to support the global economic recovery. $309.2 million in 2021–22 to maintain, improve and upgrade schools in regional Our tourism areas have pivoted Regional education Queensland. to meet the demands of stronger domestic tourism, but key contribution towards the Inland sectors and regions continue $200 million Freight Route (Charters Towers to Mungindi), in to feel the impacts from the Inland freight partnership with the Australian Government. disruption to international tourism. $270 million to maintain the Queensland Reef We will continue to partner with Reef water quality Water Quality program and protect Great Barrier our regions to address these Reef waters. challenges and take advantage of the opportunities presented Up to $71.4 million for the Drought Assistance by our ongoing economic and Reform Package (and a further $50 million per recovery. Drought assistance annum for 4 years for drought preparedness and emergency drought loans).

$20 million to improve disaster resilience and 2021 Queensland reduce the cost of future reconstruction of public Betterment Fund assets damaged by natural disasters, jointly funded with the Australian Government.

Public cyclone $13.8 million for maintenance of Queensland shelters public cyclone shelters. Almost 1.3 million Queenslanders work in our regions.

14 JUNE 2021 HISTORIC STATE OF ORIGIN SHOWCASES REGIONAL QUEENSLAND Securing the historic State of Origin opener for Townsville delivered a welcome boost for local businesses, injecting an estimated $7 million into the local economy and showcasing all the city has to offer as a host of world-class events.

State of Origin Game 1 2021 Queensland Country Bank Stadium Townsville – the fi rst Origin game ever played outside a capital city.

Longreach tourism business, Outback Aussie BACKING REGIONAL QUEENSLAND Tours, has employed 4 staff through Back to Work. THROUGH FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS The Queensland Government is supporting regional Queensland through additional investment in flagship programs including: • $200 million for the Works for Queensland program to support regional councils to undertake job-creating maintenance and minor infrastructure projects • $140 million over 4 years for a revitalised Back to Work program to provide eligible businesses the confidence to employ Queenslanders who have experienced a period of unemployment and help workers facing disadvantage in the labour market • $70 million over 3 years for Building our Regions (Round 6) to support local government infrastructure projects in regional Queensland, with a focus on water and sewerage infrastructure projects.

JUNE 2021 15 SECURING A SAFER BRUCE HIGHWAY ‘The Bruce’ is Queensland’s economic artery, our national highway connecting Brisbane to Cairns. The Queensland Government is committing at least $200 million a year to boost safety and upgrade priority sections of the Bruce Highway under a jointly funded $13 billion plan to build a better Bruce over the coming decade. We’ve locked in an $883 million jointly funded boost to: • build a 4-lane bypass at Tiaro, north of Gympie • prioritise upgrades between Gladstone and Proserpine • prioritise upgrades north of Townsville. Our plan will be delivered in partnership with the Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council, which brings together peak transport and industry leaders, including the RACQ and Queensland Farmers’ Federation, and soon 6 regional Queenslanders, to oversee the development of a 15-year vision and 5-year rolling action plans for Bruce Highway upgrades. We’ll take trucks oﬀ the Bruce too, rolling out a jointly funded $500 million upgrade program on the Inland Freight Route between Charters Towers and the New South Wales border. Encouraging more trucks to use the inland route will create regional jobs, improve freight productivity and make inland highways safer and more ﬂ ood resilient.

Widening works along the Bruce Highway near Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant.

16 JUNE 2021 SECURING A SAFER BRUCE HIGHWAY INVESTING IN REGIONAL HEALTH ‘The Bruce’ is Queensland’s economic artery, our national highway connecting Brisbane to Cairns. The Queensland Government is investing • $31.5 million for a purpose-built Sarina Hospital The Queensland Government is committing at least $200 million a year to boost safety and upgrade $426 million for new and upgraded regional and staff accommodation priority sections of the Bruce Highway under a jointly funded $13 billion plan to build a better Bruce over hospitals, including: • $5 million to upgrade the Proserpine Hospital the coming decade. • $116.6 million to redevelop Roma Hospital Acute Primary Care Clinic. We’ve locked in an $883 million jointly funded boost to: • $74.8 million to redevelop Atherton Hospital, The 2021–22 Budget also provides funding for • build a 4-lane bypass at Tiaro, north of Gympie including the emergency department and health facilities such as: operating theatres • prioritise upgrades between Gladstone and Proserpine • $70 million for the Building Rural and Remote • prioritise upgrades north of Townsville. • $70 million for a new mental health facility at Health Program to address aging and other Cairns Hospital health-related infrastructure at Camooweal, Our plan will be delivered in partnership with the Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council, which brings St George, Morven, Charleville and Blackwater together peak transport and industry leaders, including the RACQ and Queensland Farmers’ Federation, • $46 million to refurbish the Thursday Island and soon 6 regional Queenslanders, to oversee the development of a 15-year vision and 5-year rolling Hospital and Primary Health Care Centre • $12.5 million for the Woorabinda Multi-Purpose Health Service to increase from 4 residential action plans for Bruce Highway upgrades. • $39.6 million for the Fraser Coast Mental Health Project, including a new acute inpatient unit aged care beds to 14, and upgrade facilities We’ll take trucks oﬀ the Bruce too, rolling out a jointly funded $500 million upgrade program on the Inland at Hervey Bay Hospital and a refurbished • $12.4 million for replacement of the Windorah Freight Route between Charters Towers and the New South Wales border. sub-acute specialist older persons unit at Primary Healthcare Centre Encouraging more trucks to use the inland route will create regional jobs, improve freight productivity and Maryborough Hospital • $7.2 million for the redevelopment of Moura make inland highways safer and more ﬂ ood resilient. • $18.2 million for the Rockhampton Hospital Multi-purpose Healthcare Service. Cardiac Hybrid Theatre

Thursday Island Hospital

Widening works along the Bruce Highway near Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant.

JUNE 2021 17 SUPPORTING TOURISM AND REEFHEADING EDUCATION TheHERE Queensland Government is supporting • $10 million over 2 years for the Aviation Route Queensland tourism to rebuild better with a range Support Package, to rebuild Queensland’s of initiatives including: international aviation connectivity Or locuteat, Catilius, prehem moltore pra pondam opublium omacFiris, Caticonves in Ita• $15.9 que duciendi,million for the ocam Good nemquamquit.to Go Campaign to • $7.5 million for the Work in Paradise campaign showcase Queensland and drive demand for to address a shortage of workers for regional tourism and events tourism businesses • $10.2 million in Holiday Dollars travel vouchers • $1.1 million for the Great Barrier Reef Education to support tourism operators in Far North Experience Program to turn the reef into the Queensland, the Whitsundays, the Gold Coast state’s biggest classroom and increase bookings and Brisbane, and stimulate spending in these for local reef tour operators. regions, funded in partnership with industry

Entrada Travel Group in Cairns has seen an increase in the uptake of their travel experiences through the Holiday Dollars campaign.

18 JUNE 2021 SUPPORTING TOURISM AND INVESTING IN RENEWABLE ENERGY IN REEFHEADING EDUCATION FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND TheHERE Queensland Government is supporting • $10 million over 2 years for the Aviation Route The Queensland Government’s $40 million investment Queensland tourism to rebuild better with a range Support Package, to rebuild Queensland’s in transmission infrastructure in Far North Queensland of initiatives including: international aviation connectivity will support the construction of Neoen’s $373 million, Or locuteat, Catilius, prehem moltore pra pondam opublium omacFiris, Caticonves in 157-megawatt Kaban wind farm. Ita• $15.9 que duciendi,million for the ocam Good nemquamquit.to Go Campaign to • $7.5 million for the Work in Paradise campaign showcase Queensland and drive demand for to address a shortage of workers for regional The Kaban wind farm and associated transmission tourism and events tourism businesses infrastructure will create 250 local jobs, deliver power to • $10.2 million in Holiday Dollars travel vouchers • $1.1 million for the Great Barrier Reef Education North Queensland and keep Queensland on track to meet to support tourism operators in Far North Experience Program to turn the reef into the our 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030. Queensland, the Whitsundays, the Gold Coast state’s biggest classroom and increase bookings and Brisbane, and stimulate spending in these for local reef tour operators. regions, funded in partnership with industry

OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR The Queensland Government has provided • $17.5 million for the agriculture • 3 major road infrastructure packages: sector to build business and digital a range of support to industries and • $415 million for new shovel-ready projects that will help catalyse and drive capability and explore diversification network improvements and targeted growth in our regions. opportunities. safety upgrades, in partnership • $145 million to establish 3 • $10 million Reef Assist Program to with the Australian Government, Queensland Renewable Energy Zones deliver priority environmental projects supporting 670 direct jobs over the in southern, central and northern and create up to 200 job opportunities life of the program in Great Barrier Reef catchments. Queensland. • $400 million for new road network • $54.5 million public transport • $10 million to upscale the improvements, supporting package to support regional air, Collaborative Exploration Initiative to 430 direct jobs over the life of bus and ferry services affected by support exploration for new economy the program minerals. COVID-19. • $185 million Roads of Strategic • Investing in Virgin Australia to Importance early works package, continue as Australia’s second in partnership with the Australian national carrier. Government, supporting 180 direct jobs in regional Queensland.

JUNE 2021 19 OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR INVESTING The Queensland Government was • $150 million loan facility for • $17 million contribution towards a responsive in supporting small Queensland universities to support $23 million state of the art Renewable IN SKILLS businesses, workers and jobseekers cash flow and protect jobs. Energy Training Facility located in Brisbane. impacted by the pandemic to ensure • $20 million to commence construction they could access training and develop of the Hydrogen Training Centre of skills to support the recovery. We Excellence to expand training capacity The Queensland Government is making sure Queenslanders have the skills they also assisted education and training to 800 apprenticeships per year need to fi nd meaningful jobs and career pathways in a changing world. providers to access the funds needed to and fast track the development of support jobs across the state. the industry. CONTINUING The impacts of the pandemic have seen the demand for skills OUR RECOVERY change across our industries, We are continuing to invest in skilling Queenslanders through the ongoing delivery with reduced opportunities in of existing programs and through new measures and additional funding in the some sectors, while demand for 2021–22 Budget. other skills have increased. Our commitment to providing opportunities to participate Skilling $320 million to assist up to 15,000 in education and training disadvantaged Queenslanders each year to gain has helped keep many Queenslanders for skills, qualifi cations and experience to enter and Queenslanders, particularly our Work stay in the workforce. youth and other disadvantaged Queenslanders, engaged and connected to the labour market $100 million to help train and retrain during the pandemic. Queenslanders for in-demand jobs, including Future skills a TAFE Priority Skills Fund, Pre-Apprenticeship As we continue to recover, Support and Social Enterprises Jobs Fund. our investment in training and education will ensure Queenslanders have the skills $100 million for Equipping TAFE for our Future and capabilities to respond to TAFE infrastructure infrastructure projects to build and modernise new opportunities and meet the TAFE facilities. changing needs of employers in all regions across the state. This ongoing investment will Payroll tax rebate $31.2 million to continue the Apprentice and help maintain Queensland’s Trainee Payroll Tax Rebate for a further months. talented, highly skilled and ﬂ exible workforce, thereby making Queensland an even $21 million to continue providing Free TAFE and more attractive place for Free TAFE Free Apprenticeships to eligible Queenslanders businesses to locate, invest, aged under . grow and create jobs. SKILLING YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH Local Schools, $45 million to build and upgrade training facilities in schools across the state, including in LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL JOBS Local Jobs Queensland’s regions. The Queensland Government is investing $45 million to build and upgrade training facilities in schools across Queensland. New and upgraded training facilities and trade training centres will complement local and There are over 68,000 emerging growth industries including hydrogen, apprentices and trainees agriculture, aquaculture, manufacturing, defence across the state. maintenance and manufacturing, and aviation and aerospace.

20 JUNE 2021 OUR KEY SUPPORT SO FAR The Queensland Government was • $150 million loan facility for • $17 million contribution towards a responsive in supporting small Queensland universities to support $23 million state of the art Renewable businesses, workers and jobseekers cash flow and protect jobs. Energy Training Facility located in Brisbane. impacted by the pandemic to ensure • $20 million to commence construction they could access training and develop of the Hydrogen Training Centre of skills to support the recovery. We Excellence to expand training capacity also assisted education and training to 800 apprenticeships per year providers to access the funds needed to and fast track the development of support jobs across the state. the industry.

SKILLING YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL JOBS The Queensland Government is investing $45 million to build and upgrade training facilities in schools across Queensland. New and upgraded training facilities and trade training centres will complement local and emerging growth industries including hydrogen, agriculture, aquaculture, manufacturing, defence maintenance and manufacturing, and aviation and aerospace.

JUNE 2021 21 POSITIONING FOR THE FUTURE

Queensland is the place to be as we The 2021–22 Budget outlines a range of Queenslanders for Work and Back to continue to lead the nation’s economic measures that will boost the capacity of Work. recovery. Queensland businesses to produce and Our investment in new schools and sell goods and services to the rest of the More Australians are moving to training centres will also position world, and employ more Queenslanders. Queensland to take advantage of our Queenslanders, including our youth, for lifestyle and economy. Queensland We have established a $3.34 billion the opportunities of tomorrow. welcomed 30,000 new residents from Queensland Jobs Fund, including the Building on our strong economic other states last year. Queensland is new Industry Partnership Program to recovery, we will keep working together expected to welcome around 85,000 help industry establish and grow their with businesses, industry, unions, local people over the next 4 years – around businesses in Queensland, and the government, the not-for-profit sector and the same number as the city of new Queensland Renewable Energy and the broader Queensland community to Rockhampton. Hydrogen Jobs Fund to provide cheaper, ensure the entire state unites to keep cleaner energy to power more jobs and We will build on our success by providing protecting our health and creating jobs. more industries in Queensland. an environment in which private We will ensure Queensland continues to investment can continue to flourish and We will continue to drive ongoing be the place to be. create new jobs into the future. recovery and growth in industries such as resources, agriculture, international Our ongoing investment in education, screen and tourism, while productivity-enhancing infrastructure, new jobs will also be created in emerging skills and innovation will keep making and growth industries like defence and Queensland an attractive place for aerospace, food processing, biomedical, people to live, visit, invest and do advanced manufacturing, new economy business. minerals, and renewable energy, We will also continue to provide including hydrogen. essential services for all Queenslanders, We will help all Queenslanders, no matter where they live. including disadvantaged jobseekers, By reducing costs for business and seize the opportunities created by implementing reforms to unlock the this growth through the extension of state’s economic potential, we will drive our flagship employment and skills ongoing development of our regions and programs, including Skilling support our thriving communities.

22 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 23 For more information about the Queensland Government's COVID-19 Response, please visit covid19.qld.gov.au 21-050