Queensland’s rural communities and services are set to benefit from the 2010-11 state budget.
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said services in the electorate would share in $160,000 in funding to attract and retain skilled labour to the region.
“The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) has delivered a budget to provide rural communities with the resources they need to strengthen their economies,” he said.
“This budget will provide local training and enhance community engagement and skills development for regional Far North Queensland festivals.
“The Bligh Government is delivering on its promise to build strong and economically sustainable communities across rural and remote Queensland.
“The 2010-11 State Budget commits more than 57% of the building program for regions outside of Brisbane.
“These regions of Queensland will also share in the benefits of more than $7 million in funding for services and industry.
“This budget will enhance the relationships between rural and urban areas, as well as help build the networks they need to attract and retain skilled workers.
“It also delivers funding of $1.88M for the Queensland Regional Development Initiative program.
“This program assists regional and remote area development organisations to promote regional economic development activities and strengthen industry.”
Mr Pitt said the DEEDI budget also provided more good news for the electorate.
“Funding of $631,000 has been allocated to the Queensland Manufacturing Institute, which will benefit the manufacturing industry from Central Queensland to the far north,” he said.
“This funding will help the manufacturing industry implement world class practices and technologies.
“DEEDI has also provided $1.53 million to assist with the state’s aquaculture, fish stocking schemes and for the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
“$3 million in payments will be made to primary producers to help them manage their livestock resource during drought and to assist in the restoration after drought.
“The budget also included a $1 million investment in the pest management offensive to detect and eradicate new pests and reduce the impacts of widespread pests.”
Mr Pitt said the timber regions of Queensland will share in $906,000 to promote investment in the establishment of hardwood plantations.
“This will also be used to fund an industry development officer to promote the growth of the emerging timber plantation sector,” he said.
“The funding will also be used for research, development and value adding projects in the timber industry.
“DEEDI has provided an annual grant of $2.85 million in Research and Development to the Queensland Sugar Industry.
“The BSES carries out various R&D projects including best practice nutrient management and adoption of an optional season length for increased industry profitability.”
The Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the 2010-11 state budget would assist the local community to develop vital services and help attract and retain skilled workers.
“The Bligh Government has been supporting the excellent work of a number regional businesses and community organisations throughout Queensland,” he said.
“We are working very hard to create economic growth and prosperity for regional Queensland.
“The State Government is committed to supporting regional Queensland and have a number of initiatives in place like the QRDI designed to encourage economic growth, create jobs and support local business.”
“This budget will benefit community organisations, businesses and the agricultural industry in the Mulgrave electorate.
“It will also enhance the liveability of the electorate in providing a boost to vital services, which will help attract and retain skilled workers.”
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