An unprecedented $18.2 billion infrastructure investment will support 127,000 jobs as the Bligh Government builds Queensland’s path out of the economic downturn.
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said Queensland has set the benchmark for infrastructure investment in Australia over the last decade, and now is not the time to cut back.
“In the toughest economic climate since the Great Depression, we have taken tough decisions to keep our building program because it means jobs for Queenslanders,” Mr Fraser said.
“When private investment stops, it’s the role of the government to create jobs and stimulate local economies.
“With unemployment on the rise, the Bligh Government will do everything it can to provide job opportunities for Queenslanders.
“It has not been easy to maintain this level of investment, but the Bligh Government is committed to putting jobs first.”
Mr Fraser said continued population pressures meant Queensland had to build the infrastructure of tomorrow, today.
“As well as short to medium-term job-generation benefits, our building program puts in place the infrastructure needed to cater for Queensland’s growth.
“Whether it be roads, hospitals, schools, police and emergency services facilities, or social housing, this Government is building the infrastructure that will see Queensland ride out of the global recession in a position of strength.”
The record $18.2 billion program in this Budget means more than $2 million every hour of every day is being invested in building Queensland.
Mr Fraser said the Bligh Government would spend $2083 for each Queenslander on the 2009-10 building program – more than every other State and Territory in the country.
“This is 65% more than the average of other states, which sits at $1265 per capita, and 20% above next-placed Western Australia, which is spending $1732 per head,” he said.
“This is not just a recent phenomena.
“During the past decade, Queensland’s average expenditure on capital works has been $1021 per person, while the average of the other states has been $582.”
Mr Fraser said key social infrastructure projects would continue full steam ahead.
Health - $1.296 billion
“The Bligh Government’s $1.296 billion health capital works program will see further planning and development of three new tertiary hospitals, major redevelopments of five regional hospitals, and an $80 million investment for an Academic and Research Centre at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.”
The investment in key hospital projects in 2009-10:
- $268.4 million towards construction of the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH), the Gold Coast University Hospital and the Sunshine Coast University hospital precinct
- $80 million to build a research centre at the QCH
- $221.8 million towards redeveloping the Cairns, Mackay, Townsville, Rockhampton and Mount Isa hospitals
- $31 million towards upgrades of the emergency departments at Ipswich, Caboolture and Toowoomba hospitals, as well as a dedicated paediatric emergency department at the Prince Charles Hospital.
Education - $1.84 billion
“A $1.84 billion investment in education infrastructure will deliver new and improved facilities to help better educate Queensland kids.”
The investment in key education projects in 2009-10:
- A package of seven schools delivered by public private partnership for growth areas
- $149 million to construct a replacement school at Amberley
- $100 million to replace and enhance exiting school facilities
- $301 million to continue the $1 billion Tomorrow’s Schools program
The Government will also oversee the delivery of $1.168 billion as part of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution initiative.
Transport and roads - $7.3 billion
“A growing population means more traffic – we need better roads and a more efficient public transport network. In 2009-10, the Bligh Government will spend $7.3 billion on vital road and transport infrastructure projects.”
The investment in key transport and roads projects in 2009-10:
- $135 million towards the Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project
- $171.8 million towards the Northern Busway
- $138.2 million towards the Eastern Busway
- $780 million on the Ipswich Motorway
- $259 million to continue the construction of the second Gateway Bridge
- $236 million towards the section of the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra
- $119.7 million towards the Centenary Highway duplication
- $47.3 million towards the Townsville Port Access Road
- $360 million upgrading rail infrastructure on the Citytrain network and $155.1 million on new trains
Water - $1.122 billion
“Despite recent rainfall in the south-east, continuing work on vital water assets is essential to providing water security into the future.”
The investment in key water projects in 2009-10:
- $211.5 million towards the Northern Pipeline Interconnector Stage 2
- $121 million towards the 38km Toowoomba pipeline
- $171 million towards the Wyaralong Dam
- $120 million for the Hinze Dam Stage 3 project
Energy - $3.2 billion
“$3.2 billion will be invested in the state’s electricity assets, to keep pace with the demand placed on the system by a growing population and the increased use of lifestyle appliances such as air conditioners.”
Media contact (Treasurer’s office): 3224 6361 or 3224 5982
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