Townsville Enterprise welcomes the budget released by the State Government today.
The State Budget focuses on the future whilst providing measures to ease cost of living for all Queenslanders.
Thanks to the coal royalties the Queensland Government returned a surplus budget of $12.3 billion.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith said the State Budget announced today was a balance between economic growth and easing cost of living pressures.
“The State Government confirmed its commitment to CopperString 2032 with more than $1 billion committed from Queensland’s coal royalties for this key enabling project,” Mrs Brumme-Smith said.
“CopperString is one of the most significant investments in economic infrastructure ever seen in North Queensland and works are expected to start late 2023.
“We also saw the government commit $440 million to the safety upgrades and two metre wall raising of the Burdekin Falls Dam. Water security for our region remains our top priority and we look forward to working with the government as this project progresses.
“The Flinders Highway will also receive an upgrade with $16.7 million to strengthen the pavement and widen the floodway. This road connection is vital for the supply chain of our mined minerals from the North West corridor all the way to our Port of Townsville.
“We acknowledge the government’s commitment to solving the state’s housing crisis with the increase of the Housing Investment Fund (HIF) to $2 billion as well as the tax concessions for Build-to-Rent projects with a minimum of 10 per cent affordable housing. Affordable Housing has been a key advocacy priority for our region.
“The State also committed $16.3 million to improve women’s economic security with initiatives to make it easier for women to return to the workforce as well as change career paths. This is integral to tackling the workforce challenges we are experiencing in the regions.
“From a tourism perspective, Magnetic Island Trails Network and the Museum of Tropical Queensland also received funding to improve the visitor experience.”
Townsville Enterprise will welcome the Queensland Treasurer, Hon Cameron Dick MP to Townsville on Tuesday 20 June. The Treasurer will unpack the State Budget and what it means for North Queensland.
