Queensland State Budget 2012

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> LNP Government's inaugural Budget to include extra $800 million for Queensland Health

[ozbob]

Extract article: THE BUDGET OUR WISH LIST
Sunday Mail 9th September 2012 page 35

SHELLY STONE
PENSIONERS

AUSTRALIAN PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUATES LEAGUE QUEENSLAND POLICY CO-ORDINATOR

"Fares have increased 45 per cent in the past three years.  Translink as 1,2,Free Campaign in which seniors with a go card must make two journeys (with at least an hour between them) before the rest of the travel that day can be free.  The removal of a condition, whether it be the "two journeys" or "one hour between journeys" before pensioners/seniors could take advantage of the free travel would help combat the costs, as well as any inconvenience due to waiting the hour.  The Patient Travel Subsidy assists patients who are required to travel long distances for medical treatment.  The subsidy consists of a travel subsidy (15c per kilometre) and accommodation subsidy ($30) per night. The subsidy has not been increased for nearly 30 years and as such is inadequate when accommodation costs are taken into account.  The average accommodation costs in Brisbane are at least $130 per night."

[ozbob]

Give seniors/pensioners free travel off peak/weekends/public holidays. This is inline with most other states.

Pay normal concession fares in peak, with a two journey cap.

[somebody]

Full fare AM peak <ducks>

[ozbob]

Full fare AM peak <ducks>

[ozbob]

I would like to see all health care card holders afforded concession PT travel in this years budget.

Queensland is the only state or Territory that does not do this.  Meanies ...

[ozbob]

http://fairerqld.com.au/public-transport-concessions-for-low-income-earners/

Public transport concessions for low income earners

Jul 13, 2012
QCOSS

Public transport concessions for low income earners

A new report, Addressing concentrations of disadvantage: policy, practice and literature review from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute explores the literature investigating the drivers, outcomes and ways of addressing the concentration of social disadvantage in Australia. The authors draw attention to the way that poverty is 'increasingly concentrated in the middle-ring suburbs of our major cities' and how people in the middle and outer suburbs are vulnerable to 'transport poverty'.

The literature suggests that households in middle (and outer) ring suburbs are more reliant on car use than households in the inner zones of major cities which have greater access to public transport, walking and cycling. A significant issue for low-income households living in middle and outer ring suburbs is the lower availability and higher cost of public transport. With lower population densities, middle-ring suburbs have less public transport infrastructure and a lower frequency of services. This situation is exacerbated by the greater distance between work and housing, which serves to increase transport costs for people in these areas (see also Dodson and Sipe 2006 for more information).

This issue is a particular problem for job seekers on income support payments, such as Newstart, who may rely on public transport as the means of attending job interviews and training and may be disadvantaged in attending work because of a lack of transport options. Moreover, Queensland is the only state or territory that does not provide public transport concessions to unemployed people.

Part of the solution to this pernicious problem is providing public transport concessions to all Health Care Card holders.

[somebody]

I would like to see all health care card holders afforded concession PT travel in this years budget.

Queensland is the only state or Territory that does not do this.  Meanies ...

I agree.

[#Metro]

Funny how people who don't need the concession get it (commuters with jobs) but the people who need it most don't get it (hcc holders). Perverse...

[ozbob]

Yes, we have the weirdest fare system in the nation by a long shot.

I would not be surprised to hear of an increase in the off peak fare discount either in the budget.  It was a CRR Review Panel recommendation.

Might be an attempt to offset the increase of 7.5% planned for January 2013, say off peak 40% (although 30% more likely).

[ozbob]

If something is not done with the fares in the budget, I really do expect some serious political grief moving forward.

But is this a clue?

===========

Taxi fares have gone up 2.39 + 2.27 + 4.4 + 2.07 = 11.13% over 4 years.

Public transport fares 65% over the same period

... Mr Emerson said the Government was committed to lowering the cost of living for families and "this will be reflected in the budget on Tuesday" ...

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/taxi-fares-in-queensland-to-increase-at-start-of-school-holidays/story-e6freoof-1226468067733

[ozbob]

Extract article: THE BUDGET OUR WISH LIST
Sunday Mail 9th September 2012 page 35

SHELLY STONE
PENSIONERS

AUSTRALIAN PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUATES LEAGUE QUEENSLAND POLICY CO-ORDINATOR

"Fares have increased 45 per cent in the past three years.  Translink as 1,2,Free Campaign in which seniors with a go card must make two journeys (with at least an hour between them) before the rest of the travel that day can be free.  The removal of a condition, whether it be the "two journeys" or "one hour between journeys" before pensioners/seniors could take advantage of the free travel would help combat the costs, as well as any inconvenience due to waiting the hour.  The Patient Travel Subsidy assists patients who are required to travel long distances for medical treatment.  The subsidy consists of a travel subsidy (15c per kilometre) and accommodation subsidy ($30) per night. The subsidy has not been increased for nearly 30 years and as such is inadequate when accommodation costs are taken into account.  The average accommodation costs in Brisbane are at least $130 per night."

Just heard on radio news that the Minister for Health has announced that the travel subsidy will go to 30c per kilometre and the accommodation subsidy will be increased to $60 per night ...

[ozbob]

 Minister for Health
The Honourable Lawrence Springborg

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme doubled

Premier Campbell Newman and Health Minister Lawrence Springborg have announced the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) will double for Queenslanders living in rural and remote areas, fulfilling another election commitment.

Premier Newman said this meant patients who had to travel long distances to see medical specialists now had more assistance than ever.

"We have committed $106 million over four years to ensure Queenslanders have greater access to the medical care they need," Mr Newman said.

"We are doubling the accommodation subsidy from $30 to $60 per night per person and the mileage subsidy from 15 cents to 30 cents per kilometre.

"This is the first time since 1987 that the accommodation subsidy has been increased.

"The previous Labor government increased the petrol mileage subsidy by just 5 cents per kilometre in 2007, but this increase truly helps patients who have to drive long distances."

The PTSS provides financial support for public and private patients to access specialist health services that are more than 50km away from their closest public hospital, with patients from regional, rural and remote locations the main users of the Scheme.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the Queensland Government had acted quickly to improve affordable access to health services for rural and regional Queenslanders.

"This much needed boost will help ease the financial burden and stress of travelling to access health services," Mr Springborg said.

"This is part of this government's commitment to revitalising front line services."

The announcement was made at the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland ESA Village and CEO Mr Bill Petch praised the initiative.

"Today's announcement will significantly increase the Foundation's ability to improve outcomes for patients," Mr Petch said.

"It will alleviate accommodation costs and allow the Foundation to further invest funds into research and finding cures and better treatments for patients.

"Every year the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland provides more than 40,000 nights of free accommodation, which removes the financial burden and offers patients peace of mind during very traumatic circumstances.

"This increase in the PTSS makes an enormous difference to our bottom line; it means accessing more funds which go directly to supporting blood cancer patients throughout Queensland.

"Our free accommodation program is second to none, and we applaud Queensland Health for recognising the need to increase this vital subsidy scheme."

[ENDS] 9 September, 2012

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Premier Campbell Newman says Queenslanders should brace for 'exciting' Budget

Premier Campbell Newman says Queenslanders should brace for 'exciting' Budget

    by: Steven Wardill
    From: The Courier-Mail
    September 10, 2012 12:00AM

CAMPBELL Newman has insisted Queenslanders should brace for an "exciting" Budget.

While cuts to the public service and programs have dominated for months, Mr Newman yesterday said tomorrow's Budget would reveal the positive impact on the state.

"Yes, there are some tough decisions coming out of this Budget but it is going to be an exciting Budget to get the state back on track," he said.

"Having made these tough decisions, I think people will see that the Government is then able to rev up the economy in a very positive way and also put money we have been saving back into the important frontline areas."

Newman calls time out on $7000 handout

The LNP Government's inaugural Budget has some bad news for first-home buyers purchasing established properties, with the stripping of the long-running $7000 grant.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the Newman Government will replace the grant with a $15,000 handout to first-time buyers purchasing newly-constructed properties.

The controversial decision, to be unveiled in Tuesday's Budget, will outrage the real estate sector but be lauded by the struggling construction industry.

First-time buyers will be given until October 11 to sign contracts before the permanent demise of the $7000 grant, which was originally introduced by former prime minister John Howard to offset the cost of the GST.

The $15,000 grant will be available from September 12 for properties valued at up to $750,000.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the grant was a better-targeted response to previous attempts to stimulate the construction sector.

"The grant does not have an expiry date, which means it will give confidence to the construction and property sectors over the long term," he said.

"The First Home Owner Construction Grant is yet another component of our positive plan for this vital sector of the economy, which creates jobs for Queenslanders."

The decision to eliminate the $7000 grant, which cost taxpayers about $117 million a year, is also likely to hand the Government significant savings.

The former Bligh government attempted a similar construction sector stimulus with $10,000 for all buyers, but it did little to attract buyers in the depressed market.

However, the industry argues the so-called building boost had little chance of success while the $7000 grant for existing homes continued.

"All (the $7000 grant) served to do was increase the value of established property by about that same measure," UDIA president Matthew Wallace said.

The move comes as the first-home sector of the market has shown signs of improvement. Office of State Revenue figures show 5413 grants were handed out in the June quarter, compared with 4005 in the corresponding quarter in 2011.

Budget to double health subsidies

Mr Newman announced the doubling of the patient accommodation subsidy to $60 a night and the mileage subsidy to 30 cents/km from January 1, making good on an LNP election commitment, and will cost $106 million over four years.

The subsidy boost will be part of an $800 million increase in the overall health budget.

However, the Queensland Nurses Union was anything but excited, saying the 7 per cent Budget increase was effectively a cut given some health costs grew by double digit figures.

"This is not growth, it's not keeping up with demand," QTU secretary Beth Mohle said.

However, Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Labor and the unions lived in a "cocoon" where they thought throwing money at health was the only option.

Former premier Anna Bligh warned the new Government's cuts would have an adverse impact on the rest of the economy and described Peter Costello's Commission of Audit into the state's finances a "political exercise".

"We've made, in Australian politics, an absolute bogey man out of debt," she told the ABC.

"If you look at the infrastructure that makes the city of Brisbane, the Port of Gladstone, the communities of north Queensland run, almost, without exception, they were built with some degree of debt."

Mr Newman said Queensland had a debt to revenue ration of 150 per cent compared with 80 per cent elsewhere.

"The person who achieved that is Anna Bligh with the support of Andrew Fraser, unfortunately," he said.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> RoadTek loses out as state projects go to private sector

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman

Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls
10/09/2012

Budget boon for first home owners and construction industry

Queensland first home buyers and the construction industry will benefit from the Newman Government's first State Budget, which more than doubles the grant for new first home buyers.

Premier Campbell Newman said first home buyers would receive $15,000 - up from $7,000 - when purchasing a newly constructed home or property off the plan, under the re-shaped First Home Owner Construction Grant (formerly First Home Owner Grant).

"This great initiative will entice more people into the property market and make home ownership more affordable," Mr Newman said.

"This is now the most generous ongoing first home owner grant in Australia.

"We want to see more Queenslanders buying their first home and this grant will certainly give home buyers a great head start," he said.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the First Home Owner Construction Grant would also provide a much needed confidence boost to the construction sector.

"The property and construct ion sector is one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy, and one the Newman Government is supporting through real and direct action," Mr Nicholls said.

"We've already wiped up to $7,000 off the cost of buying the family home by reinstating the principal place of residence transfer duty concession.

"The First Home Owner Construction Grant is another component of our positive plan for this vital sector, which creates jobs for Queenslanders."

Mr Newman said the Government had responded to industry concerns in making changes to the original First Home Owner Grant.

"The Master Builders Association has lobbied on behalf of the sector for changes to the grant and the Government has responded in a constructive way," he said.

"This First Home Owner Construction Grant will provide a targeted and sustainable injection of confidence to the construction sector.

"The previous Labor government's Building Boost scheme was a short-term sugar hit which benefited property investors outside of Queensland.

"The Government's First Home Owner Construction Grant will help more Queenslanders buy their first home and provide a much needed lift to Queensland's property and construction industry."

[ENDS] 10 September 2012

Facts- FHOCG

• The Newman Government's First Home Owner Construction Grant is worth $15,000
• The FHOCG is for first home buyers who are buying a newly constructed or off-the-plan property
• The FHOCG replaces the First Home Owner Grant which was $7,000
• Those first home buyers who are about to purchase an existing dwelling will have until October 11 to finalise their contract (to be eligible for $7000 grant)
• First home buyers signing contracts for new properties before September 12 will receive $7000 and thos e signing on or after September 12 will receive $15,000
• The program will be administered within existing arrangements in the Treasury department
• Major banks and financial institutions will continue to advertise the FHOCG in their loan marketing material, reducing the cost for taxpayers

The following eligibility criteria still apply:
• It must become your principal place of residence within one year of taking ownership.
• It must be your principle place of residence for at least six months.
• You must not dispose of all or part of the property within one year after you start to occupy the residence as your home.
• The property must be bought or built at a value under $750,000

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

[#Metro]

I've never really understood what the purpose of these grants were, other than to buy votes.

(a) Many first home buyers would be buying their first home anyway, regardless of grant
(b) The grant itself is rather small - approximately 3% of the actual home construction cost
(c) It is welfare to those who don't really need it
(d) There are a huge number of homeless people, crisis accommodation etc waiting - I don't see them getting $7000 grants
(e) It is public money being spent on private good - would it be OK for the government to offer first car loans, first dishwasher etc?
(f) Builders and homeowners are just going to raise the price by the same amount as the grant! Pushing house prices up!

[Golliwog]

So this is changing this to a construction industry focused grant. How many first time home owners want to live out in the suburbs in areas that are typically public transport poor? Suburbs like Upper Kedron fit this, with narrow twisty streets with no local shops or services. The closest set of shops is the Coles at Ferny Grove or the Woolies at Keperra. The only bus route is the 367 which hasn't had the route changed since before half the suburb existed. I'm confused why people wonder why PT uptake is so low in places like this and why massive park and rides like the one at Ferny Grove station exist.

[somebody]

Do we know what time tomorrow this is to be handed down?

[ozbob]

Journalist lock up from 9am, I think kicks off in parliament at around 2.30pm ....

[Fares_Fair]

Journalist lock up from 9am, I think kicks off in parliament at around 2.30pm ....

Yes, 2:30pm is budget speech.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Newman Government's inaugural Budget to unveil escalating mining royalty rates in surplus aim

[ozbob]

Watch the Queensland Budget speech LIVE on couriermail.com.au from 2.30pm

Also can viewed on the Queensland Parliament website --> http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/

Journalist lock up from 9am, I think kicks off in parliament at around 2.30pm ....

Yes, 2:30pm is budget speech.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Budget to reveal job cuts, debt path

[Golliwog]

Channel 7 also has a news special at 2.30pm which I assume is their budget coverage.

Watch the Queensland Budget speech LIVE on couriermail.com.au from 2.30pm

Also can viewed on the Queensland Parliament website --> http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/

Journalist lock up from 9am, I think kicks off in parliament at around 2.30pm ....

Yes, 2:30pm is budget speech.

[ozbob]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/lnp-governments-first-state-budget-reveals-800m-cost-for-sacking-14000-public-servants/story-e6freon6-1226471826144

BUDGET'S KEY POINTS

- Projected deficit of $10.678 billion in 2012-13 with plans to return to fiscal surplus of $652m by 2014-15

- $800 million for redundancy payments

- 14,000 full time equivalent jobs cut from public service

- Increase in coal royalty rates to generate an extra $1.6 billion over four years

- Unemployment tipped to rise above 6 per cent during financial year

- Minimum payroll tax threshold lifted

MEASURES

- $80 water rebate for southeast Queensland households

- $7000 first home buyer grant scrapped and replaced with $15,000 first home construction grant

- Top stamp duty threshold to increase to $1m but rate to also rise to 5.75 per cent

- $200m over two years for state school maintenance

- $495 million "Royalties to Regions" program to help fund infrastructure in regional communities

- $146.9 million over four years for 1,100 new police

- $26m over four years for extra respite services for people with disabilities aged between 16 and 25 and their carers

- $15 million trial to help elderly parents struggling to look after children with disabilities

- $97.7m to boost the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme

- $12m extra to fund 40,000 public specialist outpatient services

- $20 million allocated to encourage more tourists to Queensland

- $20.9 million to prepare for the Commonwealth Games

- $42 million towards the creation of an Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine at James Cook University

- More than 1000 additional public housing rental units to be produced

- $4.8 million for research to develop Queensland as the food bowl of Asia

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland Health takes brunt of redundancies

... This does not include job losses at Queensland Rail, where only an estimated savings figure of $117 million by 2014-15 is shown in the budget papers. Queensland Rail staff will be told this afternoon about the number of jobs to be cut ...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-health-takes-brunt-of-redundancies-20120911-25pom.html#ixzz268IHfJvZ

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Coal-fired bid to get budget back in black

[ozbob]

Twitter

1m Robyn Ironside Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider

Every household to get $80 water rebate. That's about it for the carrots. #qldbudget

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/full-list-of-queensland-public-service-redundancies/story-e6freon6-1226471881372

... Meanwhile, Queensland Rail staff have just been told of job cuts numbering 500 across corporate and support areas, and 45 in the executive level.

Under the changes designed to save $350 million over the next four years, the CEO level will be trimmed from 12 people to seven, and the number of general managers slashed from 65 to 25.

The cuts will reduce the Queensland Rail workforce from about 7000 to 6500 and be coupled with "a more efficient delivery of services" to achieve projected savings.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson has previously spoken out about the corporation's "bloated bureaucracy" citing growth of 68 per cent in communication and marketing, 122 per cent in the finance area and 66 per cent in strategy and corporate services.

Transport and Main Roads staff are also today being told whether their jobs are safe as the department wipes 1450 from its payroll.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> LIST: Job cuts by portfolio

A full list of the redundancies announced in today's 2012-2013 Queensland Budget by portfolio:

Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Multicultural Affairs

    Redundancies: 15
    Staff remaining: 363
    Staff as at June 30: 381

Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry

    Redundancies: 450
    Staff remaining: 1948
    Staff as at June 30: 2617

Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

    Redundancies: 385
    Staff remaining: 6045
    Staff as at June 30: 6908

Community Safety

    Redundancies: 345
    Staff remaining: 10,579
    Staff as at June 30: 11,004

Education, Training and Employment

    Redundancies: 405
    Staff remaining: 66,204
    Staff as at June 30: 66,725

Energy and Water Supply

    Redundancies: 135
    Staff remaining: 273
    Staff as at June 30: 298

Environment and Heritage Protection

    Redundancies: 220
    Staff remaining: 1117
    Staff as at June 30: 1336

Health

    Redundancies: 4140
    Staff remaining: 66,100
    Staff as at June 30: 66,725

Housing and Public Works

    Redundancies: 1425
    Staff remaining: 3989
    Staff as at June 30: 5448

Justice and Attorney General

    Redundancies: 510
    Staff remaining: 4715
    Staff as at June 30: 6103

Local Government

    Redundancies: 15
    Staff remaining: 105
    Staff as at June 30: 120

National Parks

    Redundancies: 130
    Staff remaining: 1329
    Staff as at June 30: 1382

Natural Resources and Mines

    Redundancies: 360
    Staff remaining: 2444
    Staff as at June 30: 2756

Police

    Redundancies: 215
    Staff remaining: 14,978
    Staff as at June 30: 14,677

Premier and Cabinet (includes ministerial and opposition offices)

    Redundancies: 45
    Staff remaining: 621
    Staff as at June 30: 646

Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts

    Redundancies: 110
    Staff remaining: 1895
    Staff as at June 30: unprovided

State Development, Infrastructure and Planning

    Redundancies: 145
    Staff remaining: 800
    Staff as at June 30: 995

Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games

    Redundancies: 15
    Staff remaining: 107
    Staff as at June 30: 123

Transport and Main Roads

    Redundancies: 1450
    Staff remaining: 7360
    Staff as at June 30: 9166

Treasury and Trade

    Redundancies: 85
    Staff remaining: 1094
    Staff as at June 30: 1127

[ozbob]

The Treasurer mentioned the projected fare increases of 7.5% in 2013 and 2014 as further proof of reducing the cost of living pressures.

This will become a major political battlefield.

What will be interesting is what the present QConnect systems fare increases will be ...

[ozbob]

Indeed, if coal continues to slide, ¿Habla usted español?   

[somebody]

and after all this there is still a $10,000,000,000 gap between money going into govt and money going out.

God help us if the world goes into a real recession in the next 2-3 years.

That is the most stunning part.

2010-11 = $2bn
2011-12 = $4bn

http://www.urbanalyst.com/in-the-news/queensland/636-queensland-budget-2011-12-released.html

Something does not compute.

[colinw]

Indeed, if coal continues to slide, ¿Habla usted español?   

¡¡Si, señor ozbob!!

At least Spain has a lasting legacy of fine infrastructure to show for their excessive Government spending.

[beauyboy]

·$415.6 million for the Bruce Highway

This makes my blood boil . That would fund the upgrade of the railline between landsborough & beeribum

Donald

[colinw]

From the Budget Paper 3 - Capital Outlays by Entity

TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS

In 2012-13, total capital purchases for the Transport and Main Roads portfolio is
$6.218 billion and total capital grants is $140.8 million. This expenditure includes the
Department of Transport and Main Roads, TransLink Transit Authority, RoadTek,
Queensland Rail Limited, Far North Queensland Ports Corporation Limited,
Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation
Limited, and Port of Townsville Limited.

Department of Transport and Main Roads

The Queensland Government is committed to delivering a transport infrastructure
program that supports Queensland's growing population. In 2012-13, capital
purchases totals $4.915 billion, comprising critical investment in infrastructure.

Program Highlights (Property, Plant and Equipment)

• $1.978 billion for capital recovery and reconstruction works on the road network
  resulting from natural disaster events throughout the State since 2010.
• $278.8 million to continue the construction of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit
  System, a light rail project from Southport to Broadbeach, at a total estimated
  cost of $1.296 billion which is jointly Australian, Queensland and local
  government funded and will be delivered as a public private partnership.
• $104.3 million to continue the upgrade of Port Connect, which will duplicate the
  existing two-lane motorway and construct a three kilometre extension from the
  Gateway Motorway to Pritchard Street, at a total estimated cost of $385 million.
• $66 million to commence construction of the Moreton Bay Rail Link, a
  dual-track passenger rail line from Petrie to Kippa-Ring, at a total estimated cost
  of $1.147 billion which is jointly Australian, Queensland and local government
  funded.
• $60.6 million to complete the upgrade of the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra)
  from Sankeys Road to Traveston Road (Section B), at a total estimated cost of
  $513 million, which is jointly Australian and Queensland Government funded.
• $59.1 million to continue the upgrade of the Bruce Highway (Innisfail to Cairns),
  on the southern approach to Cairns, at a total estimated cost of $150.2 million,
  which is funded by the Australian Government.
• $20 million to continue the extension of the South-East Busway from Eight Mile
  Plains Bus Station to Priestdale Road, Eight Mile Plains, at a total estimated cost
  of $35.8 million.
• $17 million as part of the $65 million commitment over four years for the
  Wardell Street and Samford Road intersection improvements.
• $12.5 million as part of the $50 million commitments over four years for
  construction of the new marine infrastructure, such as boat ramps, pontoons,
  fishing platforms and other infrastructure.
• $10 million as part of the $200 million commitment over the next four years for
  additional works on the Bruce Highway. This is part of the State Government's
  $1 billion commitment over the next ten years to "Fix the Bruce Highway",
  subject to matching extra commitment from the Australian Government over and
  above its current level of investment.
• $0.5 million for the intersection and roundabout upgrades at Port Road and
  Cook Highway in Port Douglas.

Program Highlights (Capital Grants)

• $31.8 million for transport infrastructure development grants to local
  governments for upgrades to local government controlled roads.
• $42.5 million as part of the $124 million commitment to fund 50 percent (in
  partnership with Brisbane City Council) of the upgrade of key rail crossings at
  Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road, Geebung.
• $22.7 million to introduce upgraded vehicles into school bus fleets across
  Queensland.
• $16.4 million to for the development of regional cycle networks in south-east
  Queensland.
• $12.1 million to reduce the number of crashes on Queensland roads by targeting
  the locations where crashes are occurring, funded from the Australian
  Government Black Spot program.
• $1.5 million as part of the $7.5 million capital grant commitment over four years
  for the installation of school zone safety signs to improve the visability of speed
  limit signs in in school zones.

TransLink Transit Authority

In 2012-13, TransLink's capital expenditure totals $55.1 million for public transport
infrastructure improvements throughout Queensland.

Program Highlights (Property, Plant and Equipment)

$36.5 million in 2012-13 is provided to continue the TransLink Station Upgrade
Program to improve current bus stations and build additional bus station
infrastructure. This includes the continued construction and development of:

• The Gap Park 'n' Ride - $6.5 million
• Capalaba Park 'n' Ride - $5.8 million
• North Lakes Bus Station - $5.2 million.

Queensland Rail Limited

Queensland Rail Limited is allocating $826.5 million for capital outlays in 2012-13.

Program Highlights (Property, Plant and Equipment)

$357.4 million is provided to deliver new and upgraded existing rollingstock across
Queensland, including:

• $121.5 million for the New Generation Rollingstock
• $92.4 million for the Sunlander Rollingstock replacement
• $47.1 million for Citytrain Rollingstock
• $24.5 million for additional Citytrain Rollingstock
• $14.4 million for Disability Discrimination Act compliance rail infrastructure
  projects.

A further $355.7 million is provided for capital infrastructure upgrade programs,
including:

• $183.9 million to continue construction of a 9.5 kilometre new dual rail track on
  the Springfield Line, from Richlands to Springfield, at a total estimated cost of
  $384.9 million
• $55 million for upgraded platforms, track infrastructure improvements and other
  works, as part of the Rail Capacity Upgrade project, at a total estimated cost of
  $90 million
• $14 million to undertake works on the Mount Isa line, including priority works
  such as replacing sleepers and constructing a new passing loop, at a total
  estimated cost of $28 million
• $11.2 million to complete construction of the 2.6 kilometre track duplication
  from Keperra to Ferny Grove, including an upgrade of Ferny Grove Station, at a
  total estimated cost of $85 million
• $7.3 million towards construction of a third track from Lawton to Petrie, at a total
  estimated cost of $168.6 million.

[colinw]

Indeed, if coal continues to slide, ¿Habla usted español?   

¡¡Si, señor ozbob!!

At least Spain has a lasting legacy of fine infrastructure to show for their excessive Government spending.

Yeah but usually happens when the country goes pear shaped, so does maintainence on its infrastructure, worse case it follows other countries gone truely peared shaped and the service ceases or reduced to nothing more than slow speed rail due to lack of money for spare parts and people to fix. For now cost to use will have to rise and the numbers who can afford to use it will decline. Based on the current rising levels of borrowings Spain is facing, the real cost of providing these HSR etc will rise dramatically.

My Spanish carpooler tells me some of that money and "fine infrastructure" built on borrowed money also includes 3 international airports, that have never been opened.

My parents just came back from Ireland and did a bus tour there, the driver was very quick to point out office buildings and the like, paid for by the EU, empty. They treat all this borrowed money EU structures as a ongoing black humored reminder of the deep poo their country is in.

I actually work for the Spanish division of my UK headquartered employer, and have spent a lot of time in Madrid over the last 2 years.

They are nowhere near the point of letting infrastructure run down, although the legacy of the building boom failing is plain to see (incomplete subdivisions, empty estates, that sort of thing).

From the look of it, they had the mother of all residential & commercial property price bubbles, funded by a lot of really non-viable loans. Now it is payback time!

The Spanish rail sector is doing very nicely on export earnings at present. One of the few success stories in the country, although my colleagues over there are justifiably nervous about us Aussies coming in & learning their technology then extending it for the Chinese, etc., markets and also for heavy haul/mining.

[somebody]

GCC indicated it would stop buying water, Newman threw it back and said we have a contract, take or pay $20k/day.

Twat.  We wanted the water here.