Southport Budget
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jun 10 2008
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Mr LAWLOR (Southport—ALP) (12.39 pm):

Firstly, I would like to commence by making a few general comments about the budget, and particularly the contributions of some of the opposition members. Their consistent theme was to harp on about what they consider to be extensive borrowing, a lack of fiscal responsibility and so on. Of course, they ignored the fact that the borrowings are to be spent on infrastructure. On the one hand, the opposition members demand more infrastructure but no more borrowings. I contrast the fiscal responsibility of the Bligh government with the irresponsible decision by the coalition when it was last in government to sell Suncorp and blow the proceeds on
recurrent expenditure. That money has now gone. What do we have to show for the sale of Suncorp? Exactly nothing. That is the sort of economic management we could expect if ever the ‘Pineapple Party’
reach the Treasury benches. It was also disappointing to hear the member for Robina go on about the fact that Gold Coast infrastructure should have been put in place sooner, that the Gold Coast has been neglected and so on. Of course, the Beattie government had to build the convention centre for the Gold Coast, the most popular tourist destination in Australia. Members should ask the Titans supporters what they think about Skilled Park stadium. Obviously, the reason the coalition now has only three seats out of nine seats on the Gold Coast is the neglect by the coalition of the Gold Coast for decades. We are now catching up
with infrastructure on the Gold Coast, but 50 years of neglect by the coalition takes quite a time to overcome. Thanks to the Beattie government and now the Bligh government, we are well on our way. It
is disappointing to see that we do not have the support of those coalition members who represent the Gold Coast.

Economic growth in Queensland is forecast to strengthen to 4¼ per cent in 2008-09, outstripping the nation for the 13th year in a row. With Queensland’s jobs growth again outpacing that of the nation, the unemployment rate is estimated to fall to a 34-year low of 3¾ per cent in the 2008-09 year and to remain at that level during that time, taking it below the national rate for the fifth consecutive year. A general government operating surplus of $809 million is forecast for 2008-09. The state’s net worth is budgeted to grow from $123 billion as at 30 June 2008 to over $140 billion by 30 June 2012, reflecting Queensland’s position of holding the strongest balance sheet in the nation. Interest expenses in the general government sector are budgeted at just 1.5 per cent of revenue for 2008-09—hardly an excessive burden for an expanding state such as Queensland.

Queensland maintains its competitive tax status with taxpayers in the other states and territories paying an average of $270 more per tax year than Queenslanders in 2008-09. This budget provides tax
relief to make housing more affordable. From 1 July 2008, the home and first home transfer duty concession thresholds will be increased from $320,000 to $350,000. The first home concession threshold will be further increased from 1 September so that no transfer duty will be payable on a first home valued up to half a million dollars. Mortgage duty will be abolished in full from 1 July 2008— another saving to those who are taking out home loans. There are also land tax benefits, including specific measures to benefit Queensland’s elderly, such as exempting aged-care facilities. While already having the nation’s lowest payroll tax rate, further relief will benefit 6,800 businesses in Queensland.

The area of the south coast, which is the Gold Coast plus the area out towards Jimboomba, Beaudesert and Rathdowney, might be one of Queensland’s smallest regions but with a population growth rate 50 per cent higher than the state’s average, the south coast region is fast becoming one of the largest urban masses in Australia, covering an area of 4,261 square kilometres, or 0.2 per cent of the state. The region is home to 14 per cent of Queensland’s total population. More than 591 Queenslanders now call the south coast region home. That is 3.3 per cent more than the year before. The area’s subtropical climate, internationally renowned surf beaches, theme parks and marine playgrounds, major world-class sporting events and a cosmopolitan lifestyle make the region sought after for its quality, unique environment, and enviable and sustainable lifestyle. Add to that the diverse and vibrant economy of the area, which is close to the businesses and career opportunities of the state’s
south-east corner, and members can see why more and more people are choosing this region in which to work, live and play. The Queensland government recognises the role that Queensland’s south coast region has played in increasing our state’s prosperity and sustaining its economic and social growth.

At the heart of the budget, as it relates to the electorate of Southport, are allocations for a fire station redevelopment, health funding, a new block for a key state school, a multimillion-dollar Main Roads package, further commitment to the redevelopment of the Broadwater Parklands, and long-range commitments to child safety and community services. This budget features a record allocation for health and a record capital works program to meet the demands of our state. The first Bligh government state budget recognises the Southport electorate as one of south-east Queensland’s critical growth areas, with important funding to address key infrastructure projects. It is no secret that the Gold Coast is attracting thousands of new arrivals every year as part of Queensland’s
population increase of more than 1,000 people per week. The budget recognises that the area is at the front line of the government’s commitment to address Queensland’s population growth by putting in
place the best infrastructure at this juncture in Queensland’s history.

There is no excuse for lagging behind and we continue to grow at a rate that has never been experienced before. The Bligh government delivers the dollars to keep pace with that growth. The funding package for Southport includes a commitment of $103.7 million for the Gold Coast University Hospital; $1.6 million earmarked for a home economics block at Southport State High School, which will ultimately cost $2.5 million; and a $3 million redevelopment of the Southport Fire Station, with $2.73 million allocated this financial year. The Gold Coast City Council will receive an additional $2 million for the redevelopment of the Southport Broadwater Parklands, a commitment to celebrate Queensland’s 150th birthday via the Legacy Infrastructure Program, which was announced last year. That would make a total contribution to that project of $18 million.

In accordance with the ruling of the Speaker, I seek leave to have the remainder of my speech incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.


Additional funding for the Southport electorate includes:

Arts

• $4,000 for the Frame by Frame photographic exhibition

Child Safety

• $811,000 to Lifeline Community Care Harrison House to provide a residential care service providing five places for young
people aged 12-15

• $215,000 to the Abused Child Trust to provide a sexual abuse counselling service

• $211,000 to The Family Interaction Program to provide a family intervention service

Communities

• $907,000 to provide counselling, referral, court access and support services for women and children affected by domestic violence

• $514,000 to provide intensive support services designed to improve the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children

• Allocations of $470,000, $327,000, $325,000, $311,000 and $286,000 to support young people, families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

• $65,000 to develop specialised programs which enhance the safety and wellbeing of women and children at risk

• $43,000 to provide support services for older people to improve the safety and wellbeing of the elderly

Health

• $430,000 for the Sexual Assault Support and Prevention Program

Disability Services

• $5.76 million to increase the availability of Home and Community Care services to support frail aged and younger people with a disability

• $1.84 million to assist adults with a disability to live and participate in their community

• $1.11 million to provide post-school options for young adults with a disability and their families

• $458,000 to provide for short term and limited respite support for families, carers and people with a disability

• $445,000 for promotion, prevention and early intervention strategies for people with moderate to severe mental illness

Trade and Regional Development

• $4 million to Griffith University for Stage Two of the Expansion of the Institute for Glycomics

• $125,000 for the Gold Coast Innovation Centre to provide the infrastructure, expertise and contacts to assist and support
up to four technology start-up companies

Education

• $47,000 for wheelchair access and equipment at Kumbari Avenue School

• $12,000 for maintenance at Musgrave Hill State School

Energy

• $7.69 million to increase substation capacity by installing a third transformer in Southport

Main Roads

• $3 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project to continue planning and land acquisitionsbetween Stapylton and Nerang for the Intra-Regional Transport Corridor

• $20 million to continue duplication of the Gold Coast Highway from two to four lanes between Government Road and Robert Street, Labrador

• $5.3 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project this year to complete concept planning between the Gold Coast Highway and Southport-Nerang Road, on the Labrador—Carrara Road

• $250,000 for intersection improvements at the Arundel Drive and Gold Coast Highway intersection, Arundel

• $9 million to continue widening the Smith Street Connection Road to six lanes between the Pacific Motorway and High

Street

• $2.59 million under the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Project for planning and land acquisition between Minnie Street and Queen Street on the Southport to Nerang Road

• $600,000 for intersection improvements at the North Street and Marine Parade intersection, Southport

• $150,000 for improvements at Benowa Road and Ferry Road intersection, Southport

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