The state government has unveiled it’s coronavirus recovery plan in parliament this morning, which focuses heavily on building the infrastructure we need for the future, and fast tracking construction projects.
It’s no doubt welcome news for construction companies on the Gold Coast, amidst new data from Urbis which shows our building sector has already recorded a $350 million drop in new project investments.
The Palaszczuk Government has this morning announced a ‘comprehensive and far-reaching suite of economic initiatives’ in partnership with the private sector.
The first stage, The Queensland Economic Recovery Strategy: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs, hopes to aid our coronavirus recovery by backing Queensland jobs.
The strategy includes:
- A rock solid determination to maintain infrastructure investment at more than $50 billion over the next four years, despite the financial challenge of supporting Queensland through the pandemic;
- A $400 million Accelerated Works Program to deliver new road, bridge and pavement sealing works across the state;
- A further $200 million in 2020-21 for a Works for Queensland program to support jobs and fund productive building projects; and
- An $11.25 million expansion of the Household Resilience Program in cyclone affected areas.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says it’s carefully implemented approach, which will hopefully ensure we continue to protect our health while backing Queensland jobs.
“The package of measures I am announcing today focuses on building the infrastructure we need for the future and accelerating construction projects to protect jobs now.
“We will also help local governments to deliver projects in their communities. These infrastructure commitments are statewide and will help regional Queensland,” the Premier said.
The state government will also contribute $10 million as a support package to for international students, and to help safeguard Queensland’s global education brand.
It’s also committed to additional support for small business, by making another $100 million available in support, including Small Business Adaption Grants of up to $10,000. That’s on top of the $1 billion of job supporting business loans already announced.
$20 million will be committed for free online training which includes training in safety and hygiene standards to keep COVID-19 contained.
A further $14.8 million will be committed to support project development of the CopperString 2.0 project that will connect the North West Minerals Province with the national electricity market; and $20 million will be put towards construction of a Queensland Apprenticeships Centre in renewable hydrogen at Beenleigh.
The Premier said the package of measures built on $6 billion in support already committed to manage the health response, support Queensland businesses and families and protect local jobs.
“In recent weeks we have been listening to business and industry and the clear message is that Government investment needs to be directed at investment that will grow and diversify our economy into the future.
“The announcements I am making today are a direct result of engagement with industry representatives including from small business, manufacturing, tourism, mining, agriculture, hospitality, construction, housing and property.
“On the road ahead, a close partnership between the public and private sectors is absolutely vital to success.
“So I will establish a Queensland Industry Recovery Panel to ensure ongoing direct engagement with industry peak bodies.
“This is an economic framework that will create jobs by focusing on what we are good at – and by making more products here in Queensland.
“Our number one priority is backing Queensland jobs and doing it in a way that ensures we protect the good work to date that has helped us keep people healthy during the COVID19
“Queenslanders have united, we have worked together to flatten the curve and save lives, and we can take pride in the effort to stare down this invisible foe.
“We will emerge stronger, because that is what we do,” the Premier said.
The state government has also committed $50 million to the tourism industry, which is tipped to significantly help the Gold Coast.
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