Queensland State Budget 2015-16

[ozbob]

Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Jackie Trad
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Big transport budget to deliver better, safer roads and generate jobs

More than $18.8 billion will be invested in Queensland's overall transport infrastructure in the next four years under Queensland Transport and Road Investment Program (QTRIP) - the state's program of planned works.

QTRIP outlines planned spending on roads, rail, marine, public transport and active transport infrastructure and will sustain almost 15,000 jobs over the same period, at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the 2015-16 State Budget outlined a plan to improve transport infrastructure and invest in Queensland's future.

"The Palaszczuk Government is investing in our state's roads and public transport network to reduce congestion and improve safety, services and infrastructure for all Queenslanders," Ms Trad said.

Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said investment in the roads, road safety and maritime component of QTRIP totalled $14.9 billion.

"In a vast state like Queensland, motorists rely on a safe and reliable road network, particularly in regional areas where roads are the lifeblood of many communities," he said.

"We have significantly increased the 50:50 state/local government Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme funding by $60 million over two years, and brought it forward by a year to provide much needed support for local infrastructure and jobs."

Mr Bailey said QTRIP also included the Palaszczuk Government's boatie election commitment to extend the Marine Infrastructure Fund by an additional $30 million over the next three years to support small marine projects such as boat ramps, pontoons and jetties.

Road project highlights for the 2015-16 State Budget delivered under QTRIP include:

• $175.9 million in joint funding to widen the Gateway Motorway North to six lanes all the way between Nudgee and Bracken Ridge for a total cost of $1.2 billion
• $172.1 million in joint funding towards the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing – a bypass route to the north of the city from the Warrego Highway at Helidon to the Gore Highway for a total cost of $1.6 billion
• $113.1 million in joint funding towards the duplication of the Bruce Highway from Cooroy to Curra from Cooroy Southern Interchange to Sankey's Road (Section A) for a total cost of $490 million
• $33.4 million in joint funding to continue building a new elevated crossing on the Bruce Highway across the Yeppen Floodplain, south of Rockhampton, for a total cost of $170 million
• $40 million in State funds over two years to deliver the Western Roads Upgrade Program, comprising 14 regional priority road projects across western Queensland
• $12.9 million in joint funding towards the replacement of timber bridges on the Peak Downs Highway, between Nebo and Mackay for a total cost of around $70 million

Public transport project highlights for the 2015-16 State Budget delivered under QTRIP include:

• $568.4 million to continue rail network improvements, including building a third track between Lawnton and Petrie stations, commencing the duplication of the Gold Coast line between Coomera and Helensvale station
• $304.6 million for 75 new trains, including new maintenance and stabling facilities by December 2018
• $136.8 million in 2015-16 to complete the construction of the Moreton Bay Rail Link, at a total cost of $988 million
Further significant programs to be delivered under QTRIP include:
• $635 million in joint funding over five years to upgrade of the Warrego Highway between Toowoomba and Miles
• more than $500 million in joint funding over two years for targeted road safety projects across Queensland
• $260.5 million in joint funding over five years for the Cape York Region Package, to upgrade key roads and other infrastructure to better connect communities in the Cape
• $160.7 million in State funding over three years for the Gold Coast package of road works, in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games
Other key Budget features include:
• $12 million to install flashing lights at an extra 300 Queensland school zones over the next three years and for ongoing maintenance
• $3 million to spruce up scenic lookouts on the state's road network.
"The Palaszczuk Government recognises the importance of a safe and reliable road network and our planned investment will deliver on our election promises and ensure that safety continues to be maintained on the state's roads," Mr Bailey said

[verbatim9]

Treasurer taking questions re Budget until 2030 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154211669614988&id=72924719987&refid=17&_ft_=top_level_post_id.10154211669614988

[BrizCommuter]

What is Brizcommuter's verdict of the State Budget?

A load pf bollox (related to PT). No blog post, too busy changing nappies!

[Fares_Fair]

Comment on ABC News's post


Jeffrey Addison

Treasurer, I note that rail duplication to the Sunshine Coast is the biggest loser in the 2015 Queensland budget, Gold Coast gets the lion share once more with the Coomera to Helensvale duplication. Given Peter Wellington's balance of power and Speakership and his claims to be fighting for rail duplication, is this a falure on his part to achieve for his electorate?

Like · 1 · Edit · 1 hour ago



Curtis Pitt

Hi Jeffrey - I know Mr Wellington like all local MPs has put his best foot forward in terms of his priorities for his electorate. This Budget delivers $10 million for the Nambour Station upgrade as well as further work to assess the Sunshine Coast Rail Upgrade to improve disability access. And of course there's money in the Budget to progress the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Like · Report · 1 hour ago


Aaron Stitz

So a fancy station but no extra capacity

Unlike · 4 · Report · 1 hour ago


Jeffrey Addison

Thank you Treasurer, for the record the Nambour Station DDA Upgrade was worth $3.3m when it was stopped by the LNP in 2012.

[Fares_Fair]

Jeffrey Addison

The Labor party started building rail duplication from Caboolture to Beerburrum in 2006 and promised it to Landsborough by mid-2012. All work stopped suddenly in April 2009, 24 days after Labor won the election and the LNP won the seat of Glass House where the works were occurring. Why does political payback exist and why are the needs of the community abandoned when the need is well documented in a plethora of Govt reports? Will you commit to this critical work that impacts on freight all the way up to Cairns?

Like · 2 · Reply · Edit · 1 hour ago


Jeffrey Addison

Treasurer, Why was the Sunshine Coast line rail upgrade ignored in the 2015 Qld State Budget?

Like · 1 · Reply · Edit · 1 hour ago


1 reply


Jeffrey Addison

Treasurer, I note that rail duplication to the Sunshine Coast is the biggest loser in the 2015 Queensland budget, Gold Coast gets the lion share once more with the Coomera to Helensvale duplication. Given Peter Wellington's balance of power and Speakership and his claims to be fighting for rail duplication, is this a falure on his part to achieve for his electorate?

Like · 1 · Reply · Edit · 1 hour ago


3 replies


Jeffrey Addison

Treasurer, Will transport fares rise as a result of the 2015 Qld budget and if so by how much?

Unlike · 1 · Reply · Edit · 1 hour ago

[Stillwater]

Why would the SG spend money 'assessing the SCL duplication for disability access' ... no sense.  Why spend money making stations DDA compliant when they will be bypassed eventually by the duplicated track?  Does this mean duplication is a considerable way off? 

If the new plans are going to be checked over for DDA compliance, why wasn't DDA planning included in the first place?  (Inefficiency.)  If the state is to spend $10m on Nambour when the project was originally costed at $3.3m, is that not a 'wasted' $6.7m?  How are delays on the SCL 'saving' money?

[James]

The budget is a total and utter failure in terms of actual investment in PT. Just more continuation of upgrades (Coomera - Helensvale, DDA compliance etc.) funded and already started by the LNP or other levels of government in most cases.

I will believe bus and fare reform when I see a cheaper go card fare when I touch off or the bus frequency past my local stop improves.

On an unrelated note, some of the budgeting undertaken is very creative accounting to say the least.
- Not contributing to the defined superannuation benefit plan for 5 years will just lead to a deficit in the DBO which will eventually have to be re-funded by the state at a later date, or is thanks to a higher level of saving being undertaken in past budgets. Not really 'saving money'.
- Shifting the debt of GOCs from government to the corporation itself is like shifting your debts from yourself to your significant other. They're not in your name, but you'll still be paying them one way or another.
- Somehow income has decreased, expenditure has increased, yet we have a larger surplus than the 'debt and deficit it evil' LNP predicted.

Hardly a surprising budget, though, for a party which was elected on a platform of doing nothing.

[verbatim9]

Does anyone know if revenue from the fare box met 2014-15 budget forecasts or if its going to meet 2015-16 forecasts ?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland Budget 2015: What Southeast Queensland's biggest councils received

Tuesday's state budget provided money for existing projects in fast-growing Southeast Queensland and maintained the status quo, however the tight finances choked any new infrastructure projects.

New infrastructure projects will have to wait until 2016-17 ...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-budget-2015-what-southeast-queenslands-biggest-councils-received-20150714-giccu9.html#ixzz3ft3IjqLz

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th July 2015

Queensland Budget 2015

Good Morning,

It is essential that stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail proceeds.  This can be achieved through other innovative funding options.

The upgrade of the Sunshine Coast Rail line is now critical. Doing nothing is not an option.  Forcing more and more onto roads is just wrecking the roads and costing the community dearly in run-away costs as trauma, congestion and physical damage to roads escalates.

A 'smarter Government' would immediately reset priorities.

This years budget fails to deliver the projects needed to avoid transport failure in SEQ.

Cross River Rail remains a dream.  As a consequence focus now must be directed on to bus network reform for Brisbane , and improved signalling systems (automatic train protection) for our suburban rail network.

Bus network reform can deliver huge gains in coverage, frequency and drive patronage increases.  What is the problem?  Sheer incompetence and lack of real will to actually deliver for our community?

It is becoming desperate.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Treasurer Pitt pulls $10bn new debt plan from first Budget with little impact on core election promises

[Jonno]

The money is available just needs to be prioritised.  6 lane upgrade to gateway will only increase traffic.  It could build a lot of PT infrastructure for one.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Pitt complimented on 'no suprises' Budget

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 16th July 2015 page 15

Budget fails to address public transport issues

[ozbob]

Courier Mail 17th July 2015 page 14

Blast over inaction on transport

PUBLIC transport advocates have accused the State Government of giving up on getting Queenslanders out of cars and on to buses and trains.

The lack of any funding in this week's Budget for vital infrastructure projects has pushed the southeast region a year closer to transport crisis, RAIL Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said.

And despite an official ALP policy to lift public transport use, patronage targets outlined in the Budget papers for 2015-16 are actually lower than those set for this year.

"They have thrown in the towel on patronage,'' Mr Dow said.

This week's Budget contained no state allocation towards public transport initiatives, without which southeast Queensland faces a congestion crisis within five years, costing the state economy $3 billion a year by 2020.

Proof:

http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/documents/bp5-tmr-2015-16.pdf

Department of Transport and Main   Target/Est.2014-15 Est.        Actual           2015-16 Target/Est.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th July 2015

Queensland Budget 2015 - thrown in the towel?

Greetings,

Article from today's Courier Mail:

Courier Mail 17th July 2015 page 14

Blast over inaction on transport

Quote

    PUBLIC transport advocates have accused the State Government of giving up on getting Queenslanders out of cars and on to buses and trains.

    The lack of any funding in this week's Budget for vital infrastructure projects has pushed the southeast region a year closer to transport crisis, RAIL Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said.

    And despite an official ALP policy to lift public transport use, patronage targets outlined in the Budget papers for 2015-16 are actually lower than those set for this year.

    "They have thrown in the towel on patronage,'' Mr Dow said.

    This week's Budget contained no state allocation towards public transport initiatives, without which southeast Queensland faces a congestion crisis within five years, costing the state economy $3 billion a year by 2020.

Proof, see below.

There was a glimmer of hope in the budget papers. It is to do with the fare review that has been on the Labor Queensland policy platform since October 2014.

We note a committment to a fare review for SEQ fares, we wait for more details.

http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/documents/bp5-tmr-2015-16.pdf

Quote

    2015-16 service area highlights

    The department will build on its 2014-15 achievements and continue its focus on delivering the Government's
    commitments for the people of Queensland, with 2015-16 highlights under this service area to include:

    undertaking a fare review of passenger transport services on the TransLink network in south-east Queensland

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration

admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


Patronage Targets

http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/documents/bp5-tmr-2015-16.pdf

Department of Transport and Main                           Target/Est.2014-15 Est.        Actual                  2015-16 Target/Est.

[#Metro]

Yep. The whole strategy is to build nothing for three years (can't afford to build anything anyway with the budget given no sales, no leases, no borrowings and no new taxes) and sheet the blame home to Tony Abbott by getting him to reject red herring funding requests.

It's working.

I wonder how much of the bus patronage drop is BCC buses?

[ozbob]

I am not throwing in the towel, I am fighting on!!

[#Metro]

There is a way out. Light Rail levy, as a percentage of land value.

Gold Coast has had the highest growth rate in land values — market to reap rewards
http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/realestate/gold-coast-has-had-the-highest-growth-rate-in-land-values-market-to-reap-rewards/story-fnjdgobq-1227251932699

Valuer-General Neil Bray said generally values increased in the coastal area but were static in suburbs west of the Pacific Motorway.

I wonder why, because the tram is along the coast!

Broadbeach Waters and Surfers Paradise registered growth of 20 per cent or more.

The levy could be 0.2% of the property value, something in that ballpark. The further away the lower the land value is. So a property that has $300 000 land-only value would pay something like $600. It could be even lower than this.

Some people may balk at that, but you must remember, building LRT is conceptually the same as throwing a sack full of taxpayer dollars over the front fence of nearby properties. When the land is sold, those people are going to pocket 100% of the benefits of LRT, it is not unreasonable to ask for some of that money back.

[SurfRail]

I say again - this has absolutely no legs politically and makes us look uninformed.

What we should be pressing for is for the City Transport Improvement Levy to be:
- increased
- have a larger proportion quarantined for public and active transport
- be a differential charge like base rates depending on what type of property it is and the land value, not just a flat $117 per title.

[Gazza]

Is the land tax thing one of those things that LD just keeps copypasting over and over?

I think doing a transport Levy as a differential tax makes sense.... Could isolate it based upon the level of service, so a property in Southport pays more than one up at Maudsland.

[techblitz]

just double the frickin cti levy.....especially along the strip....gold coast beach values are about to boom once again....overseas investor/melbourne-sydney boomers who sold off thier inner city houses now have a lot of spare cash to retire on....and the gold coast will be on their "idealic list"......so if property prices skyrocket...so should the levy....there are many set to profit nicely from this boom.....this increase needs to be acted on now so the council can profit as well...

[Stillwater]

Translink been neutered.  Neil Scales must make for a lonely figure as he wanders up and down George Street, searching the drains for his lost goolies.

[red dragin]

Translink been neutered.  Neil Scales must make for a lonely figure as he wanders up and down George Street, searching the drains for his lost goolies.

[ozbob]

TransLink is now a shell, subservient to a powerful roads machine, with an active Minister Mark Bailey.

There is no way they can push the case for public transport properly under the present structure. 

[Stillwater]

In the current climate, unfortunately, the bigger councils are going to have to step to the fore -- something they will be reluctant to do for fear of creating a precedent.  They are going to have to do the planning for light rail routes etc and engage with private developers (allowing for high rise and medium-high density along the routes) and negotiate a betterment tax regime -- then go to the state government with a full-fledged PT proposal.

[#Metro]

just double the frickin cti levy.....especially along the strip....gold coast beach values are about to boom once again....overseas investor/melbourne-sydney boomers who sold off thier inner city houses now have a lot of spare cash to retire on....and the gold coast will be on their "idealic list"......so if property prices skyrocket...so should the levy....there are many set to profit nicely from this boom.....this increase needs to be acted on now so the council can profit as well...

Agreed.

Land in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise had land value increases of 20%. The proposal is for around 0.1% - 0.2% of land value.
http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/realestate/gold-coast-has-had-the-highest-growth-rate-in-land-values-market-to-reap-rewards/story-fnjdgobq-1227251932699


Developers move to claim sites along light rail line as tram boosts CBD land values
http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/developers-move-to-claim-sites-along-light-rail-line-as-tram-boosts-cbd-land-values/story-fnj94j0t-1227214137771

DEVELOPMENT along the Southport stretch of the Gold Coast light rail system is set to surge into overdrive, with projects planned for two prime CBD sites.

Knight Frank Gold Coast boss Mark Witheriff said the nearer land was to the 13km tram system the more its value increased. Mayor

Tom Tate said there was more than $5 billion of investment in the pipeline for Southport.

[ozbob]

Media Release
Treasurer, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

First Palaszczuk Budget - A Better Way For Queensland

Treasurer Curtis Pitt welcomed the vote of confidence from Queensland's MP's, as the Palaszczuk Government's first Budget passed through the Parliament.

"It's a responsible, measured Budget and I welcome the Parliament's endorsement of our plan to deliver essential infrastructure and services in education and health," Mr Pitt said.

"I am proud to have handed down a budget that not only delivers a surplus across the forward estimates and reduces debt, it does so without selling our state owned assets.

"Labor promised Queenslanders a better way to encourage economic growth without selling our assets or mass sackings and we have delivered that blueprint.

"This Budget sends a clear signal that Queensland is open for business and that the Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job of delivering job opportunities and new projects across Queensland.

"We are delivering jobs – with a new $500 million Statewide Schools and Hospitals Fund that will refurbish facilities and employ painters, carpenters, tilers and floorers, electricians, plasterers, plumbers and other trades.

"We are also delivering jobs for the future – with a new $180 million Advance Queensland package for innovation partnerships, support for Start-ups and SMEs, and a Business Development Fund.

"We are delivering infrastructure – with a $10 billion capital program across the state to support 27,500 jobs.

"We're spending more than $2 billion in Brisbane backed up by infrastructure investment the length and breadth of Queensland because, unlike the LNP, Labor knows the value of Queensland's regions.

"We've committed more than $1 billion to the Gold Coast and Logan, $1.1 billion in the Darling Downs, invested $484 million in Ipswich, spent nearly $1.5 billion in Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast, committed nearly $600 million to the Wide Bay, over $800 million to the outback, allocated $900 million in Fitzroy, $350 million to Mackay, invested $540 million to Townsville and more than $440 in the Far North. A commitment I can't wait to get back home to sell in the tropics.

"That's why this Budget has been well received by so many sectors of the Queensland economy, with business, industry, community groups and unions on a unity ticket in backing our responsible, measured approach.

"Evidence shows the market is already responding to the positive Palaszczuk agenda – the latest ABS figures show unemployment down from the 7% highs of the LNP to 6.3% on trend and 6.1% seasonally adjusted last month.

"There have been 23,100 full-time jobs created since the Palaszczuk Government won office – 190 jobs created each day. Contrast that with the LNP's reckless policies which lost Queensland six full-time jobs every day they were in power.

"Retail trade is up, dwelling investment is up and the value of Queensland's overseas merchandise exports rose nearly 20% in the May quarter 2015.

"We're bringing forward $200 million in Building our Regions funding, for local Councils and local projects, with the first $100 million to be provided this year, a year ahead of schedule."

Mr Pitt said he was proud that his Budget included:

    875 new teachers
    Up to 1000 additional nurse graduates per year
    400 new Nurse Navigators
    266 Police
    75 new Paramedics

"But I know we can do better and we can work harder for Queenslanders, especially in working to drive down unemployment and deliver more jobs and infrastructure," Mr Pitt said.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th July 2015

Re: Queensland Budget 2015 - thrown in the towel?

Good Morning,

Public transport is languishing.  A committment to a fare review is yet to be translated into action.  We were hopeful that with the an election of a so called ' pro-public transport' Government things would occur in line with their policy platform. Unemployed in Queensland still remain without concession fares despite this being part of the Labor Queensland policy platform since October 2014.  Queensland is the only state that does not give concession fares to the unemployed.  This is a vicious double whammy in SEQ with one of the worlds most expensive and abysmal fare structures. Punters continue to be forced to run the fare evasion gauntlet.

TransLink is but an under-resourced shell - subservient to a powerful roads machine, with an active Minister Mark Bailey.  TransLink seem to be unable push the case for public transport properly under the present structure.   They do not reply in a timely manner to requests.  The feedback from the public is but a circus of failure. Frustration is building to levels I have never seen before.  BCC continue to ride rough shod over the so called public transport agency - TransLink, and continue to entrench bad bus network design as gospel.

Urgent action is needed, not vague promises.

TransLink must be given the resources, the authority and the structure, with a dedicated Minister, to drive the  necessary improvements.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

17th July 2015

Queensland Budget 2015 - thrown in the towel?

Greetings,

Article from today's Courier Mail:

Courier Mail 17th July 2015 page 14

Blast over inaction on transport

Quote

    PUBLIC transport advocates have accused the State Government of giving up on getting Queenslanders out of cars and on to buses and trains.

    The lack of any funding in this week's Budget for vital infrastructure projects has pushed the southeast region a year closer to transport crisis, RAIL Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said.

    And despite an official ALP policy to lift public transport use, patronage targets outlined in the Budget papers for 2015-16 are actually lower than those set for this year.

    "They have thrown in the towel on patronage,'' Mr Dow said.

    This week's Budget contained no state allocation towards public transport initiatives, without which southeast Queensland faces a congestion crisis within five years, costing the state economy $3 billion a year by 2020.

Proof, see below.

There was a glimmer of hope in the budget papers. It is to do with the fare review that has been on the Labor Queensland policy platform since October 2014.

We note a committment to a fare review for SEQ fares, we wait for more details.

http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/documents/bp5-tmr-2015-16.pdf

Quote

    2015-16 service area highlights

    The department will build on its 2014-15 achievements and continue its focus on delivering the Government's
    commitments for the people of Queensland, with 2015-16 highlights under this service area to include:

    undertaking a fare review of passenger transport services on the TransLink network in south-east Queensland

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration

admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


Patronage Targets

http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/documents/bp5-tmr-2015-16.pdf

Department of Transport and Main                           Target/Est.2014-15 Est.        Actual                  2015-16 Target/Est.

[ozbob]

22nd July 2015

Media Release
Treasurer, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Pitt hits the road on statewide Budget tour

Treasurer Curtis Pitt has launched a statewide tour of Queensland to sell the highlights of the Palaszczuk Government's first State Budget.

Mr Pitt said the tour commencing today would include Mount Isa, Cairns, Townsville and Mackay this week, and other locations in coming weeks.

"Our first State Budget is a positive budget for rural and regional Queensland and a budget for jobs, growth and investment," he said.

"It's all about jobs now, and jobs for the future.

"I'm hitting the road this week to get out there and sell the benefits of this Budget to Queenslanders.

"It's a Budget that invests in science, technology, innovation and infrastructure, with a capital works spend of $10.1 billion in 2015-16.

"This includes a $4.8 billion infrastructure spend in rural and regional Queensland.

"We're also kickstarting investment in the regions with our $200 million Building Our Regions initiative to support jobs and build infrastructure.

"The Budget includes $500 million for school and hospital maintenance as part of a works program that will support local tradies and suppliers throughout Queensland."

Mr Pitt said the Budget included record funding for health and education, along with a $1.6 billion jobs package.

"There's also $100 million to protect the reef for future generations, and $400 million in guaranteed funding for tourism and events in the next four years.

"We haven't forgotten vulnerable Queenslanders either, with an extra $223 million for pensioner concessions and $31.3 million more to tackle domestic violence.

"The State Budget will build confidence, jobs and growth in communities throughout Queensland.

"I'll be visiting these communities in coming weeks to meet with locals and explain what the Budget means for them.

"The Premier and my other Cabinet colleagues will also be travelling the State to sell the benefits of the Budget in the weeks ahead."