QLD Budget 2016/17

[nathandavid88]

This is the most crass project I have seen yet. Blatantly bad.

Malcolm should just send the proposal to IA for full assessment.

It would come back with large red crosses all over it would be my guess.

This Brisbane Times article seems to agree, although instead of sending it to IA, Malcolm has unfortunately matched Labor's funding.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2016/100m-for-a-local-stadium-thats-not-pork-barrelling-thats-a-bold-vision-says-pm-20160613-gphs1k.html

A few lines of note from this article:

The case for the stadium seems flimsy.

According to a confidential business case submitted to the government's peak infrastructure body, the stadium will not be financially viable and will cost taxpayers half a billion dollars over 30 years.

There's no way it could deliver a positive cost-benefit ratio, Infrastructure Australia was told.

[SurfRail]

Rather than this, they'd be better off spending money investigating light rail between Townsville and Thuringowa along Ross River Rd, with a spur to JCU.  That would actually achieve something, even if it was not especially viable right now.

[ozbob]

^ yep.

Meanwhile

Couriermail --> What to expect in the State Budget

... Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe indicated the state's top priority project, CrossRiver Rail, may also receive funding, with the State hoping to attract specific dollar commitments during the Federal election.
"We are very committed to making sure the number one project on the Government's agenda in terms of infrastructure – that will change the nature of the city of Brisbane and the whole of our southeast Queensland transport network – will get the attention it needs," he said.

"We need to continue to work with other funding partners to see that happen as well.

"We'll make sure that it gets the attention it needs to progress." ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Budget to boost education, suicide prevention

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th June 2016

QLD Budget 2016 - rail

Good Morning,

Budget 2016 day. 

There is a notion going around that any further extensions to our existing rail network depend on Cross River Rail.  This is a false notion.  TMR is trying to suggest that everything has to stop until Cross River Rail is done?

Really?  What nonsense.  The State needs to keeping rolling out improvements to the transport network. No hesitation to keep rolling out roads hey? After Moreton Bay Rail Link, and the Coomera-Helensvale track amplification, there is nothing in the rail extension pipeline.

Funding for Cross River Rail will need Infrastructure Australia support as well as other approaches including but not limited to value capture & private investment, investment loans, and State funds.

We cannot just wait for the Cross River Rail dream wishing and hoping.  Extension of the Springfield Central railway to Redbank Plains South is a minor level project well within the states resources.  Similarly, works can begin on the Sunshine Coast Line to upgrade this key freight and passenger corridor.

We would like to see an indication in the budget for both of these projects to commence.  After all, if the state can invest in football stadiums with negative BCRs we are sure the state can invest in vital rail  transport infrastructure for the state with very positive BCRs ?

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Around 2.30pm this afternoon budget details should start to be known.

[#Metro]

Around 2.30pm this afternoon budget details should start to be known.

[ozbob]

 

Might be doing an interview with 9 News later today ...   

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes -->  Queensland Budget 2016: Live coverage

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Budget 2016 by the numbers

Infrastructure

$50 million for Cross River Rail including establishing delivery authority

$300 million for Priority Economic Works and Productivity Program including Ipswich motorway upgrade and M1- Gateway merge

$180 million Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program for projects including pediatrics wing at Townsville Hospital and other projects in Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Cairns, Mackay and Mount Isa

$634 million for European Train Control System for the South East Queensland rail network to ease congestion ahead of Cross River Rail

$4.4 billion building and maintaining roads including Bruce Highway upgrades

$400 million for Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

$250 million for the Gateway Motorway North

Almost $97 million for the Northern Roads Package

[ozbob]

ABC --> Queensland budget 2016: Treasurer Curtis Pitt devotes $4bn in super to cut debt, fund infrastructure

[ozbob]

$10.7 billion Capital Program in 2016-17 #qldbudget https://t.co/4IXcNGyp8q pic.twitter.com/9AZsUlE7Xx

— Curtis Pitt MP (@Curtis_Pitt_MP) June 14, 2016

[ozbob]

The budget website > http://www.budget.qld.gov.au/  is presently crashed of course ..

[kram0]

$50 mill for cross river rail....that will go far. Clearly the governemnt are not serious!!

[ozbob]

$50 mill for cross river rail....that will go far. Clearly the governemnt are not serious!!

Yope!  Hope we get a new video.  Do you think they could use Railroad Gin's fine song ' It's only a matter of time ' for the background music?

Would give it a lift ...

Here it is   

[ozbob]

Site back up.

TMR > https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/s3-media-budget/pdfs/budget+papers/bp5/bp5-dtmr-2016-17.pdf

[#Metro]

* Public Transport Users: $229.9m over four years to reduce public transport fares, plus a $50m downpayment for Brisbane's Cross River Rail

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-budget-2016-live-coverage-20160614-gpif15.html

$50 million will buy a grand total of 500m of rail. The way some outlets reported it, the money is for administrative bureaucrats? Maybe they design a new logo and animations, rent office space, and that will be the $50 million gone.

symbolic move.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th June 2016

QLD Budget 2016 - brief comment rail

Greetings,

It is very welcome to note the investment in an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) - ETCS L2 signalling system for suburban rail in the 2016/17 Queensland State Budget.

We have long advocated for this.  It is an essential upgrade - will allow a higher frequency of trains during the peak, and will link in with Cross River Rail.

We are however somewhat concerned with the lack of any progress with the Sunshine Coast Line upgrade and the extension from Springfield Central to Redbank Plains.  Both these regions are suffering serious congestion issues and rail improvements are urgently needed.

We hope that Cross River Rail is expedited from here.  This project has been in planning for the last 7 years effectively, it is time to start digging!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Reference:

9 Apr 2013: SEQ: Suburban rail network needs Automatic Train Protection too!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9832.0

[kram0]

* Public Transport Users: $229.9m over four years to reduce public transport fares, plus a $50m downpayment for Brisbane's Cross River Rail

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-budget-2016-live-coverage-20160614-gpif15.html

$50 million will buy a grand total of 500m of rail. The way some outlets reported it, the money is for administrative bureaucrats? Maybe they design a new logo and animations, rent office space, and that will be the $50 million gone.

symbolic move.

No wonder the federal government don't take them seriously.

[ozbob]

Site back up.

TMR > https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/s3-media-budget/pdfs/budget+papers/bp5/bp5-dtmr-2016-17.pdf

Patronage from the above document

Columns 2015-16 Target/Est    Est Actual      2016-17 Target/Est



Notes:

2. The term 'Tram' replaces 'Light Rail' in this measure to better differentiate the service from the term 'Rail' which, in the Service Delivery
Statement is used to refer to Heavy Rail.
3. The 2016–17 Target/Estimate for ferry patronage has improved due to a return to normal service operations, after prior year service
disruptions due to ferry terminal closures and works and associated timetable changes.
4. Patronage on regional air services has decreased due to the decline in the resource sector and a decline in overall economic conditions.

[ozbob]

GC Tram is going well 11% patronage increase ... 

More pax than ferry, hence our standing request for GC LR be added to the TransLink performance snapshot data ..

[ozbob]

Media Statements
JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Budget delivers record funding boost for roads and transport

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering record funding for road and transport projects in the 2016-17 State Budget, investing more than $20 billion over four years.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe and Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the program was the largest in five years and would support more than 15,900 jobs over the next four years.

Mr Hinchliffe said the $20.02 billion funding under the Queensland Transport and Road Investment Program (QTRIP) was a massive investment in Queensland's transport future and job creation.

"The Palaszczuk Government's investment in roads, rail, marine, public transport and active transport infrastructure will support more than 15,900 jobs over the life of the program," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"We're investing $4.38 billion in the coming 2016-17 financial year alone to advance our state and ensure we have the infrastructure to plan for future growth.

"The 2016-17 Budget delivers a better public transport system for South East Queensland and includes a $50 million funding injection for Queensland's number-one infrastructure priority project, Cross River Rail, to take the project to the next level.

"In order to prepare for Cross River Rail the Budget also delivers $634 million for stage one of the project, a new European Train Control System (ETCS), which will improve network capacity and allow more trains and commuters on our network."

Mr Bailey said the Budget included an additional $90 million over three years to the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) to upgrade and build local infrastructure regional communities.

"This program provides much needed support for local infrastructure and jobs, when jobs and job security are more important than ever," Mr Bailey said.

"This boost takes our TIDS investment to $70 million per year to upgrade road infrastructure of regional significance and support jobs throughout rural and regional Queensland."

"We're also investing $89 million for road safety programs, road accident injury rehabilitation and safety upgrades, funded through the Camera Detected Offence Program (CDOP).

"Reducing the road toll is one of our top priorities and that's why we invest this money back into targeted projects that will save Queenslanders lives."

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government's Budget showed major funding for road projects throughout Queensland.

"We're providing an additional $96.5 million towards a number of projects in Northern Queensland, including $76.9 million to upgrade the Gregory Developmental Road and Cape River Bridge and $19.6 million to contribute to sealing the Hann Highway."

Highlights:
• Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) - $20.02 billion over four years ($4.6 billion for 2016-17 year)
• Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) - an additional $90 million over three years from 2017-18
• Camera Detected Offences Program (CDOP) – $89 million for road safety programs over three years from 2016-17
• Transport and Tourism Connections program - $10 million


QTRIP Projects:
• Toowoomba Range Crossing - $1.6 billion
• Four-lane realignment of Bruce Highway from Traveston Road to Keefton Road, Gympie, Cooroy to Curra (Section C) – $384.2 million
• Townsville Ring Road - $200 million
• Ipswich Motorway (Rocklea to Darra) Stage 1 - $88.4 million towards
• Gregory Developmental Road, including Cape River Bridge - $76.9 million
• Cross River Rail Delivery Authority - $50 million
• M1 – Gateway Motorway merge upgrade (southbound lanes) – $42 million
• Hann Highway - $19.6 million
• Transport and Tourism Connections program - $10 million

[James]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-budget-2016-live-coverage-20160614-gpif15.html

$50 million will buy a grand total of 500m of rail. The way some outlets reported it, the money is for administrative bureaucrats? Maybe they design a new logo and animations, rent office space, and that will be the $50 million gone.

symbolic move.

Pathetic. Akin to paying off a $1000 loan in yearly $1 installments. Useless, SEQ's rail network shafted again.

Yet how much is being promised for the stadium with a BCR of 0.21 and a negative NPV? A stadium being built to appeal to the lowest common denominator and to appease Bob Katter in exchange for support on bills such as the lockout laws.

Queenslander!

[#Metro]

Yet how much is being promised for the stadium with a BCR of 0.21 and a negative NPV? A stadium being built to appeal to the lowest common denominator and to appease Bob Katter in exchange for support on bills such as the lockout laws.

This just makes a complete mockery of the Building Queensland / Infrastructure Australia set up. Toothless.

Projects that have rubbish BCRs and NPVs should be banned or put to ballot. It is not right when other parts go without.

[ozbob]

QLD #BUDGET: Sunshine Coast misses out on vital projects https://t.co/RdYh3cBUIA #auspol #railupgrade pic.twitter.com/hyAH5BP4aA

— Sunshine Coast Daily (@the_daily) June 14, 2016

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/6/16/lnp-turns-it-back-on-fairer-fares-for-commuters-and-cross-river-rail

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe
Thursday, June 16, 2016

LNP turns it back on Fairer Fares for commuters and Cross River Rail

The Queensland LNP's budget response failed to mention public transport, fare relief or Queensland's number on infrastructure project Cross River Rail once.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said Tim Nicholls budget reply speech confirmed the LNP are not on board with the Palaszczuk Government's Fairer Fare Package.

"The Opposition Leader's address was more than 6,200 words but never once mentioned the state's most urgent infrastructure project or fare relief for commuters," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"Tim Nicholls has turned his back on every commuter in South East Queensland.

"We know that by opposing the Government's core budget measures Tim Nicholls started his reply speech with a $7 billion black hole.

"This budget black hole hides their secret agenda of cuts and asset sales.

"Reading between the lines it is clear the LNP only have a plan to leave commuters behind and axe Fairer Fares."

Mr Hinchliffe said the LNP also dodged the opportunity to finally bring bipartisan support to Cross River Rail.

"The Palaszczuk Government has established and funded a Delivery Authority for Cross River Rail and Tim Nicholls and the LNP couldn't even be bothered to mention it once.

"The LNP are chasing the wrong bus if they think Queenslanders will accept an alternative government that doesn't have a plan for public transport.

"If the LNP were genuine about putting Queenslander's first, they'd stop being negative and get on board with cheaper fares and give Cross River Rail long overdue bipartisan support."

[Derwan]

$50 mill for cross river rail....that will go far. Clearly the governemnt are not serious!!

And your beloved LNP wouldn't even invest that much.

The Queensland LNP's budget response failed to mention public transport, fare relief or Queensland's number on infrastructure project Cross River Rail once.

In all seriousness, no decision has been made on CRR yet.  The government cannot budget for more than is required in the 16/17 financial year to get it to a point where a decision can be made.  Once a decision has been made and we have a commitment from the feds for their part, THEN we will see a serious amount included in the budget.

Yes - the current government is really dragging its heels on this.  For the "number 1 infrastructure priority" that has already gone through two iterations, the business case and request for funding should've gone to the feds long before the federal government budget.  We might've seen a real commitment during the current election campaign - but that's a bit hard now when there isn't even a business case.

The wheels of government turn ever so slowly at the best of times.  The real issue here is having to go back to the drawing board and redoing the whole process..... twice... especially when the first one was "shovel-ready" and only required adjustments so that it could be put into stages.

[ozbob]

Utter shambles ...

[Stillwater]

^^True.  No-one is going to commit to a project where the business case has not been completed.  Otherwise, how do you know what you are buying?  Successive Queensland governments have been caught out badly not doing the basics, such as business case analysis on crucial projects.  Other states have their bids in ahead of us, having completed all the necessary paperwork.  For some strange and unfathomable reason, caused by state politics, Queensland is always withdrawing its assignment homework, after having lodged it, and wanting to have a second and third go!  Good process leads to good outcomes.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland Treasurer rules out borrowing more funds for infrastructure

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland Treasurer rules out borrowing more funds for infrastructure

We're rooted!

[kram0]

Derwan, I know the LNP are far from perfect and I think all politicians are fuc$ing useless at the moment, regardless of party, they are only in it for themselves, but Anna2 and Trad would have to go down as the worst state government leaders in decades. They have no clue!!

$50 mill for cross river rail....that will go far. Clearly the governemnt are not serious!!

And your beloved LNP wouldn't even invest that much.

The Queensland LNP's budget response failed to mention public transport, fare relief or Queensland's number on infrastructure project Cross River Rail once.

In all seriousness, no decision has been made on CRR yet.  The government cannot budget for more than is required in the 16/17 financial year to get it to a point where a decision can be made.  Once a decision has been made and we have a commitment from the feds for their part, THEN we will see a serious amount included in the budget.

Yes - the current government is really dragging its heels on this.  For the "number 1 infrastructure priority" that has already gone through two iterations, the business case and request for funding should've gone to the feds long before the federal government budget.  We might've seen a real commitment during the current election campaign - but that's a bit hard now when there isn't even a business case.

The wheels of government turn ever so slowly at the best of times.  The real issue here is having to go back to the drawing board and redoing the whole process..... twice... especially when the first one was "shovel-ready" and only required adjustments so that it could be put into stages.

[#Metro]

This is the 'get out card' for Cross River Rail -- oops, no money.

I have previously presented evidence that shows there is more than enough funds locked up in assets that could be unlocked by selling, leasing or borrowing against. Don't like any of those options? Land value taxation broadening to owner-occupied land could pay for this (in exchange for removing stamp duties also).

How much will a 'betterment tax' raise? Very little IMHO. There are few stations and land value increases are already captured by Brisbane City Council through rates (which are linked to land value).

Interest rates are so low that there are tonnes of money out there looking for a place to park it.

In addition, if the BCR of Cross River Rail is above 1, there are more benefits than costs, and thus not building the project in a timely way will mean that the state is put in a worse position (though this will not show up on the state balance sheet, it will show up in private balance sheets are time wasted in traffic, increased petrol consumption etc).

[Stillwater]

Mr Hinchliffe's estimate of the general cost impost of not building CRR ..... $69 billion.  What do people want to pay - about five and a half billion dollars or $69 BILLION?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Coal price hike gives budget $2 billion boost

[ozbob]

13th December 2016

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

Revised $2 billion surplus for 2016-17 – largest in a decade

Treasurer Curtis Pitt says the expected surplus for the 2016-17 State Budget has been revised upwards to more than $2 billion – up from the $867 million estimated in June at the time of this year's State Budget.

Releasing the state's improved economic positon at the 2016-17 Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review, Mr Pitt said the $2.026 billion surplus was the largest net operating surplus since 2005-06 and followed the recent upward revision of the 2015-16 surplus from $152 million to $970 million.

"This is the Palaszczuk Government's second consecutive net operating surplus and it highlights the strengths of Queensland's diversified economy, and the challenges Queensland faces in the transition away from mining investment to broader based growth, particularly in regional areas," he said.

"Economic growth is expected to be strong in 2016-17, reflecting the ramp-up in LNG exports and is expected to be largely driven by growth in overseas exports and a return to positive growth in state final demand (SFD, a key measure of economic activity).

"Based on latest Commonwealth and state government publications as at 8 December 2016, Queensland is expected to have the fastest growing state economy in 2016-17 with 4% and 3 ½% in 2017-18."

Mr Pitt said while higher than expected revenue from export coal royalties had contributed the lion's share of the revised surplus, the Palaszczuk Government's economic plan and responsible management of the state's finances would see a continuation of the gains already made in rebuilding the state's $300 billion economy after the Newman-Nicholls Government.

"When announcing the revision of the 2015-16 surplus I said we would not be accepting higher resource royalties as the 'new normal'," Mr Pitt said.

"We will continue to drive our economic plan to protect the gains made so far while providing effective, targeted support to create jobs especially in regional Queensland and effective and targeted cost-of-living relief in a financially responsible manner."

Mr Pitt said the new support included:

    a $200 million Jobs and Regional Growth Package incorporating an extra $160 million on top of the existing $40 million Industry Attraction Program, and
    a $200 million two-year Works for Queensland program to support local councils across the state undertaking job-creating, maintenance or minor infrastructure projects.

He said cost-of-living initiatives funded through the MYFER included the government's $180 million response to the Queensland Productivity Commission's inquiry into power pricing:

    $170 million over four years to extend the existing electricity rebate to an estimated 157,000 households holding Commonwealth Health Care Cards who will save up to $330 a year from 1 January 2017 with all current recipients of the rebate retaining it,
    a $10 million package to support regional business operators by helping them better manage their power consumption with the aim of lowering their bills.

"We will be carefully monitoring revenue trends and implications in the lead-up to the State Budget next year.

"In fact while still predicting healthy surpluses across the forward estimates, the MYFER forecasts show royalty revenue up on Budget estimates but at much lower levels than we have seen from the recent rapid increase in world coal prices.

"Even prior to the MYFER revision, and despite the challenges of global economic circumstances, our economic plan has delivered higher growth, lower debt, and lower unemployment – all without the asset sales Tim Nicholls still wants to promote.

"Our economic plan is helping to further diversify Queensland's already strong, diversified, and growing economy and transition it to a post-mining boom economy.

"We have lifted business confidence, we are working with business to invest in innovative new industries and building on our traditional strengths to generate jobs now and for the future.

"The MYFER outcomes show we are on track for nation-leading economic growth and we are making the right investments in job-creating infrastructure and frontline services while recognising the needs of regions doing it tough as we transition to a post-mining boom economy," Mr Pitt said.

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

Errr ... where is the real infrastructure?

[ozbob]

13th December 2016

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

MYFER outlines $400M initiatives to step up job-creation commitment

Treasurer Curtis Pitt says the State's stronger economic performance revealed in the 2016-17 Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review means the Palaszczuk Government is stepping up job-creation efforts, especially in regional Queensland.

"While we have cut unemployment from the 6.6% rate inherited from the LNP to 6%, we have promised Queenslanders we would focus on creating jobs now and for the future, and we have ensured we will do whatever is possible and financially responsible to generate jobs in regions doing it tough," Mr Pitt said.

"We have kept that promise in the two State Budgets I have delivered so far. Job creation, especially jobs in our regions, remains the focus of our economic plan.

"Queensland's improved budget position revealed in the Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review means we can include extra initiatives for our regions to ensure we work with local businesses and local councils to deliver programs and projects that create jobs and economic opportunities."

Mr Pitt said the revised net operating surplus of $2 billion for 2016-17 outlined in the MYFER enabled the government to introduce new job creating programs:

    a $200 million Jobs and Regional Growth Package incorporating an additional $160 million in new funding on top of the existing $40 million Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Program, and
    a $200 million Works for Queensland program to support local councils across the state undertaking job-creating, maintenance or minor infrastructure projects.

Key elements of the Jobs and Regional Growth Package included:

    $170 million for a Jobs and Regional Growth Fund — including a $130 million boost to the Industry Attraction Fund — assisting private sector projects and economic development and employment opportunities in regions with high levels of unemployment,
    $20 million over two years for the new Made in Queensland program providing support to Queensland's manufacturing sector through grants supplementing industry contributions,
    Local Jobs First — $500,000 to establish roundtables with private sector stakeholders to identify barriers to employing local jobseekers,
    $300,000 to establish a statewide Youth Tourism Leaders' Network as a forum for young people working in tourism to encourage others to choose the sector as a career path,
    $600,000 for a Jobs Retention Program to develop, trial, and evaluate a pilot scheme in Cairns and Townsville for increasing employment retention rates for young people.

Mr Pitt said the $200 million Works for Queensland Program would be funded from the State Infrastructure Fund to bring jobs quickly to communities in need outside SEQ.

"The extra initiatives outlined in MYFER are aimed at providing an enhanced response to some challenging employment conditions in Queensland," he said.

"We have always said job-creation is our priority and while we have seen our unemployment rate fall we have always said there is more we must do.

"Unlike Tim Nicholls who abandoned his jobs target because he was too lazy to try, we are putting in the hard work to develop programs that deliver jobs and boost regional economies."

Mr Pitt said the new programs and funding outlined in the 2016-17 MYFER built on existing job-creation initiatives including:

    the $10.7 billion statewide capital works program for 2016-17 supporting 31,000 jobs with almost half of the funds earmarked for projects in regional Queensland,
    more than $440 million for the Accelerated Works Program to bring forward projects to stimulate economic activity in regions. By the end of 2016 an estimated 153 projects or 90% will be completed,
    the $405 million Advance Queensland Package to foster innovation and investment in jobs of the future as well as develop new jobs through innovation in our traditional strengths such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, education, and health,
    the $100 million Back to Work jobs package for regions outside SEQ offering employers grants of $10,000 for hiring an unemployed jobseeker, $15,000 for engaging a long-termed unemployed person. So far more than 800 regional Queenslanders have secured work through the scheme,
    the $20,000 Back to Work Youth Boost available to the end of February 2017 for employing a 15-24 year old,
    the doubling of the payroll tax rebate from 25% to 50% for employers hiring trainees or apprentices. Almost 3,500 businesses have so far taken advantage of concessions worth $17.8 million,
    reintroduction of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program axed by the Newman-Nicholls Government with $240 million over four years to help an estimated 32,000 jobseekers train for and secure jobs. So far the program has funded 576 community-based programs worth $90.3 million,
    the $33.5 million Advance Queensland Connecting with Asia Strategy to boost tourism, airlines services, and local jobs, and an extra $128.3 million over four years to provide funding certainty to Tourism and Events Queensland to promote our state as a destination in Australia and abroad,
    the Market-Led Proposals program to fast-track good private sector ideas has already seen the $512 million Logan Motorway Enhancement Project approved, creating 1,300 construction jobs, with more MLPs in the pipeline,
    the $40 million Business Development Fund fostering start-ups has so far seen $8 million invested in bright business and job-creating ideas.

[ozbob]

^

[SurfRail]

Good.  SPEND THE MONEY ON SOMETHING!

[ozbob]

Good.  SPEND THE MONEY ON SOMETHING!

Something substantial rather than vapour ware and vapour plans ...