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:
Health and Ambulance Services:
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$4m in 2018/19 out of a $5m total spend to purchase and install a new CT scanner at Mareeba Hospital
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$400,000 in 2018/19 out of a $1.8m total spend to construct a replacement Ambulance Station in Mareeba to provide a purpose-built facility to support the growing demand for services in this region.
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Staff Accommodation - $1.5m
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Endoscopy Services - $3.8m
Environment, the Great Barrier Reef, Science and the Arts:
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$3,300 in 2018/19 to deliver the First 5 Forever family literacy initiative. Library allocations are made at the local government level – Mareeba LGA.
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$127,000 in 2018/19 to supply library resources to public libraries. Library allocations are made at the local government level – Mareeba LGA.
Police and Corrective Services:
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Government is providing $1m in 2018/19 (total of $3m over 2 years) to upgrade the water treatment plant at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre.
Education:
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$740,000 has been set aside to begin a $4.6 million construction of additional classrooms at Mareeba State School.
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$420,000 of $450,000 for refurbishment of Block G at Mareeba State School.
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$420,000 of $450,000 for refurbishment of Block H at Mareeba State School.
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$920,000 of $5,750,000 for master planning of renewal/growth project for teaching spaces and external areas at Mareeba State School.
Child Safety, Youth and Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence:
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$1,079,064 as part of a $4,354,682 commitment over four years to provide out-of-home care placement services to ensure children and young people in need of protection are supported and safe in Mareeba.
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$1,582,465 as part of a $6,368,248 commitment over four years to provide family support services to work with vulnerable families to help improve parenting skills and give parents the support they need to prevent problems from escalating to crisis point in Mareeba.
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$126,318 as part of a $510,664 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 Mareeba.
Communities, Disability Services and Seniors:
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$126,183 as part of a $504,732 commitment over four years to provide programs to increase the ability for individuals and community groups to participate positively in their community Neighbourhood Centre at Mareeba.
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$1,013,290 in 2018/19 to assist persons under 65 or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person aged under 50, with a disability. As clients transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Mareeba and the Tablelands.
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$813,347 in 2018/19 to assist people with a disability and their families to access the support and services they need as they move through the different stages of their life. As clients transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme in the Tablelands.
Transport and Main Roads:
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$236,000 in 2018/19 to continue planning the Mareeba bypass, at a total cost of $580,000.
Local Government, Multicultural Affairs and Racing:
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$1,049,905 as part of a $1,499,864 commitment over two financial years to supply, install and commission a new water main on Byrnes Street, Mareeba
Natural Resources, Mines and Energy:
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$714,000 in 2018/19 for the annual program of works to repair, maintain, renew and enhance existing water infrastructure assets and water supply schemes for Mareeba irrigation.
State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning:
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$790,106 from the Building our Regions program, to install a new rising main on Kenneally Road and upgraded pumps to increase sewer capacity and facilitate residential development in Mareeba’s master-planned community.
ENDS
Media contact: Cook Electorate Office – 4223 1100
