Regional Budget Statement

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Dalby Esk Gatton Toowoomba Laidley Boonah Warwick Goondiwindi Apple picking, Moonlight Orchard, Stanthorpe Stanthorpe Texas Queensland State Budget 2007–08

Darling Downs and West Moreton

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ƒ $118.3 million to complete and commission the $1.16 billion Kogan Creek Power Station

The 2007-08 State Budget reinforces our Government’s ƒ $19.8 million to redevelop and upgrade commitment to investing in infrastructure and providing hospitals in the region, including upgrading services to support the State’s strong economy and maximise the medical ward at Toowoomba Hospital the quality of life of all Queenslanders. This Regional Budget Statement highlights the Darling Downs ƒ $18 million for improvements to the New and West Moreton region’s contribution to the State’s dynamic England Highway between Toowoomba and economy and presents the Government’s key investments in Crows Nest the region for the next fi nancial year. The Budget maintains the State’s strong fi scal position and will ƒ $7.8 million to continue developing the underpin continued economic growth substantially above the Centre for Advanced Animal Science in Gatton national average as well as maintaining low unemployment. $2 million towards the cost of redeveloping The Government’s economic achievements have provided the ƒ platform for this year’s record $14 billion capital budget. Clive Berghofer Stadium in Toowoomba This investment focuses on the Government’s key infrastructure $1.4 million to replace Oakey Ambulance priorities of water, transport, energy, health and education. ƒ To ensure all Queenslanders can share in the State’s economic Station prosperity, more than 50% of the capital investment is allocated $181,000 for the Dalby Business District outside Brisbane. ƒ Revitalisation Project The Budget also ensures continued high quality service provision in all Queensland regions, with key commitments to ƒ $6.6 million for upgrading sections of the human capital development, health care, community safety, Roma-Taroom Road. the environment, community services and jobs creation.

Peter Beattie MP Anna Bligh MP Premier and Minister for Trade Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure

Queensland
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4UBUF Darling Downs and West Moreton A key centre in Queensland’s expanding wine industry, the Darling Downs and West Moreton region covers almost 6% of the State and is home to 282,298 Queenslanders. Livestock, broadacre crops and horticulture, as well as commerce, education, tourism, oil, gas and minerals join the wine industry in the region’s diverse economic base.

As a Government, we recognise the valuable contribution of the Darling Downs and West Moreton region to the Smart State’s economy. With over 50% of the budgeted infrastructure investment outside Brisbane, this Regional Budget Statement for the Darling Downs and West Moreton highlights the Government’s commitment to the region and its people. Improving health care and strengthening services to the community An investment in healthy lifestyles is an investment in our future. System reform is underway to provide safe, sustainable and accountable services to give Queenslanders access to the best possible treatment and care. Across the State, the Government will provide: • $215.4 million to improve recruitment, retention and preparation of the health workforce • $25.4 million to meet the increasing costs of aeromedical and inter-facility transfers and retrievals • $20.1 million to enhance the clinical education A record investment in economic and training of new doctors and nurses. In 2007-08, spending on healthy living, health care, and social infrastructure hospitals and other infrastructure in the Darling Downs and West Moreton region will include: With a growing population and the In addition to the Water Grid, the • $19.8 million to redevelop and upgrade worst drought in recorded history, strong State financial position hospitals in the region, including upgrading the South East Queensland is facing achieved by the Government has medical ward at Toowoomba Hospital unprecedented challenges. The enabled us to commit to other • $1.4 million to replace Oakey Ambulance 2007-08 Budget signals the major infrastructure including Station. Government’s commitment to $691 million allocated to continue The Darling Downs and West Moreton region will sustainable economic development the Gateway Arterial Upgrade Project, also benefit from increased funding of almost $50 with a record capital works budget for $179.7 million (with the Australian million for the Queensland Ambulance Service to Queensland of over $14 billion. Government) to continue the Tugun meet growing demand for services. This includes Bypass and $133.7 million for works funding for an additional 250 ambulance officers More than half of this capital program on the Sunshine Motorway. will be spent in South East Queensland and the upgrade of critical ambulance equipment and facilities across the State, and is on top of the on major infrastructure for better Redevelopments and upgrades are more than 220 extra staff employed in 2006-07. transport, energy and water supply as continuing at key hospitals across well as better social infrastructure for the south east, including The Prince all residents of the region. Charles, Gold Coast and Toowoomba Polocrosse World Cup, Warwick Hospitals. The centrepiece of our commitment to the south east is our $9 billion Water Grid. The Water Grid connects Queensland capital program the major bulk water sources in South East Queensland and comprises the 2003-04 to 2007-08 Western Corridor Recycled Water 16,000 Project (the largest in the Southern 14,000 Hemisphere), the Gold Coast 12,000 10,000 Desalination Plant at Tugun, the 8,000 Traveston and Wyaralong Dams, 400 6,000 kilometres of pipeline including the 4,000 Southern Regional Water Pipeline, 2,000 the Northern and Eastern Pipeline 0 interconnectors and several other Queensland capital program ($million) Queensland capital significant water projects. 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 Financial year

Includes purchases of non-financial assets and capital grants by the State Non-Financial Public Sector, Sources: ABS 5512.0 and Queensland Treasury. Image courtesy of www.sportingimages.com.au Agricultural production Our investment in Darling Downs and West This will include building four new value ($ million), Darling Downs, Moreton’s contribution to the Smart State Early Years Centres around the State. 1991-92 to 2004-05 will also include: $12.2 million will also be provided to establish early childhood education and care 2,500 • $68.6 million for vocational education services through acquiring and refurbishing 2,000 and training six decommissioned pre-school sites. 1,500 • $7.8 million to continue developing the 1,000 Centre for Advanced Animal Science in In 2007-08, other initiatives in the Darling 500 Gatton Downs and West Moreton region include: 0 • $6.1 million for a specialist block and • $2.5 million to support homeless and amenities at Lockyer District State High at-risk people Value ($ million) Value 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 School* • $1.9 million for community support and Financial year • $1.5 million for a four-space general youth development services. Note: This graph is based on data for the Darling learning area block at Fernvale State Community safety will also be enhanced Downs Statistical Division and not the Darling Downs School* through a major funding boost to the State’s and West Moreton region. Source: ABS, Agriculture, Queensland (unpublished data). • a share in an additional $1.25 million police service. An extra 200 officers will for the Queensland Music Festival to be employed in 2007-08 across the State, which will bring the total number of sworn The Government is continuing its support for expand its program to more regional officers employed in Queensland to 9,928 frail older people, people with a disability centres, including Toowoomba and by October 2008. This again meets our and their carers with commitments in the Jimbour election commitment to maintain police Darling Downs and West Moreton region • $450,000 for an additional amenities numbers at or above the national average including: block at Minden State School.* police-to-population ratio. • $11.6 million for the Home and * The Australian Government may also contribute to these projects. The Government is providing funding for Community Care initiative to provide services and infrastructure to enhance personal care, home maintenance community safety in the Darling Downs and and modification, meals, respite care, Protecting our children and West Moreton region in 2007-08, including transport and community-based nursing enhancing community safety $3.45 million for preliminary development services for frail older people and Strong, healthy young lives today mean of a prison precinct near Gatton. young people with moderate-to-severe safe, supportive communities tomorrow. disabilities Funding for emergency services initiatives Although significant progress has been in the Darling Downs and West Moreton • $9.2 million to support people with a made to reform Queensland’s child region includes: disability and their families through a protection system, it remains a key priority range of programs • $950,000 to replace Goondiwindi and of this Government. Highfields Auxiliary Fire Stations • $1.5 million for accommodation We are continuing the most significant specifically tailored to meet the needs of • $500,000 to redevelop Toowoomba’s reform agenda in Queensland’s child people with a disability. Kitchener Road Fire Station. protection history with a record operating We are providing ongoing housing and budget of $551.3 million, triple the amount Managing urban growth and housing-related services to support low- spent before the Crime and Misconduct income families and individuals in the Commission Inquiry, and a $36.4 million building Queensland’s regions Darling Downs and West Moreton region in State-wide capital program which includes As part of Australia’s fastest growing area, 2007-08, including $12.8 million for public $1.2 million for developing a residential the Darling Downs and West Moreton housing, community, crisis, transitional and care facility to address placement needs on region depends on planned, integrated long-term housing needs. the Darling Downs. infrastructure, water and transport networks Initiatives to encourage healthy, active The Darling Downs and West Moreton to achieve sustainable economic and urban individuals and communities in the region region will also benefit from a State-wide growth. include: allocation of $49.2 million over four years In 2007-08, our commitments to Darling • $2 million towards the cost of for additional front-line staff. Downs and West Moreton’s growth include: redeveloping Clive Berghofer Stadium In 2007-08, $7.55 million will be • $118.3 million to complete and • $136,000 to construct Stage 3 of the provided across Queensland to continue commission the $1.16 billion Kogan Highfields Outdoor Sports Centre. to implement the Early Years Strategy to Creek Power Station enhance services and support for children • $40.1 million to construct a new power Realising the Smart State up to eight years old and their families for transmission line between Middle Ridge through education, skills community-based early childhood services. and Greenbank Substations • $18 million for improvements to the New and innovation Participation in post-secondary education, England Highway between Toowoomba Queensland is already enjoying a strong apprenticeships & traineeships and Crows Nest national and international reputation 1999-00 to 2005-06 • $10.6 million for improvements to for education, skills and innovation. We Apprenticeships Traineeships Trendline are maintaining our enviable economic 3,500 Ruthven Street in Toowoomba climate, prosperity and quality of life by 3,000 • $6.6 million for upgrading sections of making a serious commitment to education, 2,500 the Roma-Taroom Road innovation and skills. 2,000 • $1.6 million for safety-enhancing To equip teachers for modern teaching 1,500 stabilisation of the Toowoomba Range environments, the Government will invest 1,000 railway line and new railway signalling $70 million over four years to provide State 500 equipment at Toowoomba school and TAFE teachers with computers. 0 • $1.25 million for the Arts and Cultural Funding will start with $10 million in Centre in Gatton Shire (under the Q150 Persons 2007-08 and increase to $20 million per 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 program) year thereafter. Financial year • $181,000 for the Dalby Business District Source: DETA, Apprenticeships and traineeships, Revitalisation Project. (unpublished data). Protecting the environment Jondaryan Woolshed, Jondaryan for a sustainable future To safeguard our heritage for future generations, the region will share in $18 million across the State for acquiring rainforest and green land to enhance biodiversity. The region will benefit from the following State-wide initiatives: • $81 million for the South East Queensland Home WaterWise Rebate Scheme to help residents install water- saving devices in their homes • $20 million in additional funding for the Vegetation Management Structural Adjustment Package • $18 million to complete water resource planning across the State • $1.5 million to encourage irrigators to adopt more efficient water use practices. In the Darling Downs and West Moreton region, we are also committing $3.2 million for the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality – a joint Australian and Queensland Government commitment to Image courtesy of Tourism Queesland secure reliable water supplies for homes, industry and the environment. In 2007-08, the region’s primary government in the last 100 years and will industries will benefit from State-wide deliver a more efficient and financially Growing a diverse economy commitments of: sustainable system of local government and creating jobs • $160 million for industry development for all Queensland communities. A healthy, diverse economy like and trade services We are committed to delivering a Queensland’s needs a skilled workforce. • $82.5 million for Biosecurity Queensland government for everybody, no matter where they live in Queensland. In 2007, Our record low unemployment raises the • $31.2 million for fisheries management. challenge of shortages of skilled labour. our 100th Community Cabinet was held in Delivering responsive Atherton, continuing the commitment we In 2007-08, the State Government will gave in 1998 to community consultation Queensland continue to implement the government and taking government to the people. Over Skills Plan , a $1 billion strategy to respond the years, around 50,000 people have taken to skills shortages across the State. Governments exist to deliver services, and a responsive government improves services advantage of this opportunity. In 2007-08, We are matching the supply of skilled labour by delivering on its commitments and Queenslanders will again be able to stay to industry’s and the economy’s needs involving people in decision making. in touch with their Government through in the Darling Downs and West Moreton regular Community Cabinet functions and region with $3.96 million for the Skilling The State Government has committed Ministerial Regional Community Forums. Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist $12 million to implement the first stage 728 Queenslanders who are disadvantaged of the Local Government Reform Program. in the labour market. This is the most historic reform of local

million four-year program to provide State The most significant reforms to Services for people school and TAFE teachers with computers. Queensland’s child protection system are continuing in 2007-08 with the largest- and communities Health system reform and service ever operating budget of $551.3 million. improvements will be resourced with Housing assistance will reach $719 million The Government’s investment in human $7.45 billion in 2007-08 including $602.8 in 2007-08. capital and social services is improving million for better clinical training for the access to quality education, health care, health workforce and electronic information mental health, child safety, disability, sharing between service providers. Critical and public housing services throughout hospital and building works have been Queensland. allocated an additional $371 million over four years. Almost $50 million extra has Up to 192 additional teachers and been allocated to meet the growing demand teacher aides will be funded in 2007-08 for ambulance services across the State. to meet State school enrolment growth. An education and training capital works Over $528 million over four years will program of $562.8 million will enhance be directed at improving mental health learning environments for Queensland services. A greater investment of students. The transformation of the State’s $374 million over four years follows last vocational training system continues with year’s commitment of $128 million over a $118 million allocation. $10 million will four years for expanding and modernising be provided in 2007-08 to commence a $70 services to people with a disability. Budget Highlights 2007–08

Budget summary Delivering on our priorities

Strong economic growth maintains Improving health care and strengthening services to the community low unemployment • $528.8 million over four years to improve hospital and community- • Queensland’s economic growth is based mental health services in Queensland. forecast to remain strong at 5% in • Increased recurrent funding of almost $50 million for the Queensland 2007-08 and exceed growth in the Ambulance Service to meet growing demand for services. This includes rest of Australia for the 12th funding for an additional 250 ambulance officers and the upgrade of consecutive year. critical ambulance equipment and facilities across the State, and is on • Employment growth is expected top of the more than 220 extra staff employed in 2006-07. to exceed the rest of Australia in • A housing assistance package of $719.3 million in 2007-08. 2006-07 and 2007-08 at 4¾% • An additional $237.4 million in recurrent funding and $136.7 million and 3% respectively. in capital funding over four years to enhance disability services. • As a result, Queensland’s year-average unemployment rate Realising the Smart State through education, skills and innovation is forecast to fall to a 33-year low of 4% in the current financial year and • Funding for up to 192 additional teachers and teacher aides to meet remain there in 2007-08. state school enrolment growth. • An education and training capital works program of $562.8 million in Strong finances 2007-08 to help provide quality learning environments for Queensland state school and TAFE students. • The expected 2006-07 operating result of $2.393 billion reflects • $10 million to commence a $70 million four-year program to provide the strength of the economy and state school and TAFE teachers with computers. investment markets. • A General Government operating Protecting our children and enhancing community safety surplus of $268 million is forecast • Additional recurrent funding of $58.7 million and capital funding in 2007-08. of $13.6 million will be invested over four years to enhance child • Moderate surpluses over the protection services. forward estimates reflect • An additional 200 sworn police positions across the State will bring implementation of election the total number of sworn officers to 9,928 by October 2008 – above commitments and other service the national average police-to-population ratio. enhancements across key service delivery agencies, as well as costs Managing urban growth and building Queensland’s regions associated with the Government’s • Estimated capital spending is more than $14 billion in 2007-08, an significant capital investment. increase of 15.6% on estimated actual 2006-07 outlays. Over 50% of this will be spent outside Brisbane. This spending will support some Competitive taxes 101,000 full-time jobs in Queensland. • Queensland maintains its competitive • The Government will invest $2.5 billion in water infrastructure in tax status, with taxpayers in other 2007-08, including $354.9 million to progress two new dams in South states and territories to pay an average East Queensland and $1.18 billion to continue designing and building of $131 more state tax each than the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project. Queenslanders in 2007-08. With the Fuel Subsidy Scheme in place, Protecting the environment for a sustainable future Queensland taxpayers are on average $257 per capita better off than • Up to $100.8 million in 2007-08 for the WaterWise rebate schemes taxpayers in other states and territories. to help Queenslanders make their homes and gardens more water efficient. • The Government continues its commitment to ongoing reform of the Growing a diverse economy and creating jobs State tax system, with net tax cuts of $49 million in 2007-08 as a result of • Capital funding of $300 million towards clean coal technologies, Budget measures. These include a including funding for a feasibility study into the use of advanced land tax relief package from 1 July carbon capture and storage technology to achieve near-zero electricity 2007 and a 50% cut to mortgage generation emissions. duty from 1 January 2008. Vehicle • A $100 million extension to the Innovation Building Fund for registration duty will move to a infrastructure to support strategic research and development. cylinder-based model from 1 January 2008.

Front cover image courtesy of Tourism Queensland Queensland State Budget 2007–08 Government services in your region

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Smart Service Queensland Preparatory Year enquiries Queensland Water Commission 13 HEALTH For information on all other Telephone 1300 650 220 Telephone 1300 789 906 Telephone 13 43 25 84 Government services call 13 13 04 Facsimile 3247 3988 www.qld.gov.au

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