Premier Statement: Qld Seniors to share in national concession roll out: Bligh

[ozbob]

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
31/12/2008

Qld Seniors to share in national concession roll out: Bligh

Queensland Seniors are set to share in a national transport concessions initiative and Queensland - as the nation's premier destination - is also set to be a timely winner, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

As many as three million Seniors around Australia will be able to access new transport concessions when they travel interstate under a program beginning tomorrow.

Queensland Seniors already have access to the concession within the State.

"This is most welcome at a time of need for our tourism industry and it is another good reason to visit Queensland.

"It is also another incentive to attract grey nomads across the Tweed," she said.

The Australian Government has offered almost $50 million over four years to State and Territory Governments to provide concessions to Seniors Card holders using public transport services outside their home state.

Premier Anna Bligh said that the discount will be honoured in Queensland on public transport across the State.

The current Seniors discounts on Queensland's Traveltrain (long-distance train) services remains in place.

In short the new arrangements mean seniors travelling interstate can now access cheaper fares on local transport in their destination city.

For example a Victorian Seniors Card holder travelling to Brisbane will be able to access seniors' fares on public transport across the State.

In return Queensland Seniors who travel to interstate will receive concession fares.

"Given we are the nation's premier destination I expect that Queensland will receive a timely injection of interstate visitors.

"This is well timed to have more affordable seniors travel within Australia. It will help our tourism regions and businesses," she said.

These new arrangements roll out from 1 January 2009.

==============================================================