- Premier Steven Miles first budget as Queensland Premier has delivered a major uplift to food relief for vulnerable Queenslanders.
- Foodbank Queensland will receive over $2.8 million to expand operations to Townsville and Brisbane.
- It's part of almost $9 million invested in food relief as part of the 2024 Miles Labor Government State Budget
Premier Steven Miles has today joined Foodbank Queensland to announce a major uplift in funding to the organisation, to do what matters for vulnerable Queenslanders experiencing food insecurity.
The 2024 State Budget delivers over $2.8 million to Foodbank Queensland over four years to establish distribution in Townsville, and expand their operations in Brisbane.
It builds on $1.1 million in ongoing funding provided by the Miles Labor Government to Foodbank Queensland each year.
The new $2.8 million is a result of investigations into ways the organisation could expand its reach and service delivery in Regional Queensland.
Because of the Miles Labor Government, Foodbank will be able to establish a second warehouse in Brisbane to allow a greater quantity of food to be stored and distributed.
This will enable millions of additional kilograms of food to be distributed, and provide greater accessibility and equitability for member organisations, including an increased range of food items for smaller organisations.
It will also give Foodbank Queensland greater capacity to better respond to disasters and severe weather events, and to supply more food year-round into regional and remote communities.
Funding will also be used to establish a much-needed food distribution point in Townsville.
The need for additional food relief in North Queensland is increasing significantly because of unprecedented cost-of-living pressures.
A food distribution point will increase the availability of food to member organisations in Townsville and surrounds and provide a regular supply of food items into these communities, helping to address growing food insecurity issues in the region.
The $2.8 million for Foodbank Queensland is part of almost $9 million the government will provide for critical food relief, including towards OzHarvest, SecondBite and Meals on Wheels.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
"As grocery prices soar, we are seeing more Queenslanders rely on the services of important organisations like Foodbank.
"That's why I'm making sure they have the tools to do what they do best – help Queenslanders in need.
"My first budget delivers $2.8 million in extra funding for a bigger, better Foodbank in South East Queensland.
"And, Foodbank will be able to establish operations in Townsville so regional Queenslanders can benefit.
"This builds on our ongoing $1.1 million commitment to Foodbank in recognition of the life changing work they do each and every day."
As stated by Minister for Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts Leeanne Enoch:
"This government is investing in the organisations helping Queenslanders when, and where, they need help the most.
"This investment of almost $9 million is going to have a positive impact on families and individuals doing it tough.
"Our budget is focused on easing the burden on Queenslanders as we live through an unprecedented cost-of-living pressures.
"Foodbank Queensland provides a vital service feeding Queenslanders, and when disaster strikes, Foodbank lifts even more providing much needed supplies to those that are displaced from their homes."
As stated by Member for Bulimba, Di Farmer MP:
"Local families are doing it tough and it's important that we support them through the unprecedented cost-of-living pressures with policies and programs designed to take the financial burden off Queenslanders.
"Families shouldn't have to choose between paying bills and buying food."
Quotes attributed to Jess Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank Queensland:
"We are thrilled that the Queensland Government has prioritised support for a second food distribution facility in Brisbane and a new distribution point in Townsville. This investment in expanding our facilities will enable us to assist more Queenslanders in need. The rising cost-of-living has significantly increased the number of Members, schools and communities requiring food relief.
"Our highly efficient team has managed to operate within our current facility for some time, but with the growing needs of Queenslanders, we can no longer support everyone who requires help. This funding will enable us to expand across Queensland, allowing us to increase our distribution to 18 million kilograms of food per year once finalised.
"Amid the current cost-of-living crisis, the demand for food relief in Queensland has reached unprecedented levels. We are thrilled that the State Budget has prioritised support for food relief services, and we know that Queenslanders in need will greatly benefit from this additional support."
