Member for Cook Cynthia Lui has praised the 2018-19 State Budget as it delivers on the Palaszczuk Government’s election commitments and pumps millions of dollars into the regional economy.
“We are honouring our election commitments and investing heavily in health and education, building on the significant projects delivered since 2015.”
“I am particularly pleased to see millions of dollars in health investment. No matter where you live, people deserve to have the best health services.”
“The 2018-19 State Budget also shows the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to developing long-term infrastructure, boosting the economy and creating jobs.”
Budget Highlights:
Environment, the Great Barrier Reef, Science and the Arts
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The Government is providing $34,000 in 2018-19 to deliver the First 5 Forever family literacy initiative. Library allocations are made at the local government level. Cook, Douglas, Torres and Weipa LGAs.
Education and Industrial Relations
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$685,000 allocated across 47 schools in the Cook electorate for minor works in schools throughout the 2018-19 financial year.
State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
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$1 million in 2018-19 as part of a $2 million project to develop a feasibility study to investigate the viability of providing embedded electricity generation solutions to the Daintree region. Part of the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
Transport and Main Roads
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$1 million in 2018-19 to commence the construction of a new two-lane boat ramp at Newell Beach, at a total cost of $4 million.
Environment, the Great Barrier Reef, Science and the Arts
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$65,000 in 2018-19 out of a $260,000 total spend to support the operational expenses of Queensland Conservation Council and regional conservation groups. Part of the Non-Government Conservation Funding Program.
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The Government is providing $32,949 in 2018-19 as part of $118,267 over three years to individuals and community groups the ability to address climate change and conserve Queensland's natural and built environment.
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The Government is providing $155,000 in 2018-19 to supply library resources to public libraries. Library allocations are made at the local government level- Cook, Douglas, Torres and Weipa LGAs.
Child Safety, Youth and Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
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$100,359 as part of a $403,633 commitment over four years to provide domestic and family violence services to improve the safety and wellbeing of victims and their children, particularly those in high risk situations in Douglas.
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$95,793 as part of a $387,267 commitment over four years to provide support for young people at risk of disconnection, focusing service delivery efforts on building their connections to their families and the community in Douglas.
Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
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$300,000 in 2018-19 to contribute towards the cost of a new animal refuge and boarding facility in Far North Queensland.
Health and Ambulance Services
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Grant funding is $83,874 as part of a $249,477 commitment over 3 years to provide support for people with mental illness exiting a QH facility in Douglas.
Communities, Disability Services and Seniors
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$236,816 as part of a $947,264 commitment over four years to provide programs to increase the ability for individuals and community groups to participate positively in their community Neighbourhood Centres at Mossman and Port Douglas.
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$12,414 as part of a $49,656 commitment over four years to provide support to vulnerable individuals and assist them to get their lives back on track for a Financial and Material Assistance service at Mossman.
Innovation and Tourism Industry Development
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$15m to be spend in 2018-19 of $25m to establish a Reef Resort Rejuvenation Fund to deliver infrastructure for eligible Great Barrier Reef islands. The fund will prioritise projects focused on greening, cleaning and growing. Regional initiative
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
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$4 million in 2018-19 to upgrade Queensland Government and community-owned services infrastructure at Mossman Gorge. Joint project with the Federal Government. Total state spend is $750,000.
ENDS
Media contact: Cook Electorate Office – 4223 1100
