Backing jobs for Logan is the focus of the Palaszczuk Government's 2019-20 Budget.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad told the M1 Business Leaders Budget Lunch at Waterford today that the Budget would deliver job-generating infrastructure and continue to build frontline services for Logan.
"This is a budget that will invest almost $500 million in infrastructure for Logan and support an estimated 1,500 local jobs in the region," Ms Trad said.
"We understand that as one of the fastest growing urban areas in Australia, Logan relies on and thrives on small business.
"That's why the Palaszczuk Government has increased the payroll tax-free threshold to $1.3 million.
"An estimated 500 small businesses in the Logan region will benefit from the Palaszczuk Government's $885 million Payroll Tax Package to help them take on new workers and grow.
"Since the Palaszczuk Government's election in 2015, around 207,000 new jobs have been created for Queenslanders including 30,400 in Logan and we're determined to see that continue."
Ms Trad said the Palaszczuk Government had worked hard to restore the frontline services that had been slashed by the previous LNP Government.
"We're investing a whopping $2.6 billion in health for Logan in addition to the 387 extra nurses now working in the Logan region since 2015 and 74 additional doctors," Ms Trad said.
"The restoration of frontline services has also seen 413 new teachers and 114 teacher aides, plus in this Budget we have allocated $82.4 million to maintain and improve Logan schools."
Member for Waterford and Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the Budget would provide additional funding to secure the $461 million expansion of Logan Hospital.
"The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on healthcare for our community with $27 million in new critical hospital infrastructure including new maternity services to meet demand now and into the future," Ms Fentiman said.
"We're backing skills for Queenslanders with $33.3 million for Skilling Queenslanders for Work with $4.5 million in Back to Work payments already sent to local Logan businesses who have taken on an unemployed job seeker.
"In addition to the Palaszczuk Government's $885 million Payroll Tax Package, we're continuing our investment in the Apprentice and Trainee Payroll tax rebate, which has so far invested $6.3 million to give the young Queenslanders the best possible start for their futures.
"We are delivering on our election promises with $1.5 billion to upgrade 8 kilometres of the motorway from Daisy Hill to Eight Mile Plains in partnership with the Federal Government and the Pacific Motorway's Gateway Merge.
"We're also making good on our pledge for $45.7 million for a wider and safer Mount Lindsay Highway."
Member for Macalister Melissa McMahon said the Palaszczuk Government would continue to kick goals for Logan sport.
"Delivering on our election promise, the Underwood Sports Park will score $9 million for a multi-use community precinct transformation in partnership with Logan City Council," Ms McMahon said.
"The Palaszczuk Government is taking a mark for women's sport with $266,000 for new facilities at the Jimboomba Redbacks AFL Club.
"And, we're delivering on our election commitment for new education facilities at Yarrabilba with $51 million locked in to open the new secondary school next year."
Other significant projects include:
- $8.1 million to refurbish Springwood State High School
- $4 million for new learning areas at Marsden State High School
- $5.6 million for new learning areas at Beenleigh Special School
- $3.2 million for new learning areas at Eagleby State School
- $4 million toward the Woodridge Youth Step Up Step Down Mental Health Facility
- $2.5 million for the Logan Day Program Adolescent Extended Treatment Facility
- $2.3 million for the promised Greenbank Park and Ride facility
- $7 million for the upgrade of Beenleigh Courthouse
- $1.2 million toward a new ambulance station at Yarrabilba
- $800,000 to get started on a replacement police facility at Beaudesert
- $1.7 million toward a QFES Facility at Rathdowney
"The Palaszczuk Government's Budget for Logan invests in the jobs, community infrastructure and the frontline services the growing Logan region needs," Ms Trad said.
