- The 2023-24 State Budget provides billions of dollars for the region
- $849.2 million invested in the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service
- $1.9 billion invested in infrastructure, supporting about 5,200 jobs
Economic diversification, regional infrastructure, education, training and employment pathways, and housing accessibility and affordability are among the priorities for the members of the Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast Regional Community Forum who meet in Monto on Monday.
Health services are a priority for the Palaszczuk Government, which is why more than $849 million is in the 2023-24 State Budget for the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, and presentations to the forum members include HEALTHQ32, the Palaszczuk Government's 10-year vision for the future of healthcare in Queensland, announced in May.
There will be a regional-specific update on the Queensland Vocational Education and Training (VET) Strategy, which is a key action under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032.
The forum includes a bus tour showcasing the Three Moon silo art attraction which is part of the Silo Art Trail, and the locally owned and operated business DJ's Steel and Concrete.
Quote attributable to the Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast Regional Community Forum Co-Chair, State Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari:
"The Palaszczuk government is committed to supporting the communities throughout the Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast region, and I'd like to thank the forum members for their hard work, dedication and valuable contributions."
Quote attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D'Ath:
"The forum members bring great insights to the table, and work hard in between the forums, to support the Palaszczuk government's commitment to, and investment in, Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast as we work towards a brighter future for the region."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:
"The Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast region is being driven forward by the Palaszczuk government with great support from the forum members, who are committed to improving the lives of residents."
Quote attributable to Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast Forum member Angie Condon-Smith:
"The forums give us the opportunity first hand to work collaboratively with government to create possibilities to better our regions, and to display our success stories, and learn more about our community value proposition."
Investment in Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast:
- Approximately $700 million invested in renewable energy, supporting more than 500 construction jobs.
- $1.2 billion total spend for a new Bundaberg Hospital
- $40 million invested in the Hervey Bay Hospital Expansion
- $39.6 million invested in Fraser Coast Inpatient Mental Health Service
- $1.2 billion total spend for planning and pre-construction activities prior to major construction work on Paradise Dam improvement project
- $1 billion total spend on the Bruce Highway (Cooroy to Curra), in partnership with the Australian Government. Estimated to support an average of 576 direct jobs over the life of the project.
- $56.1 million to maintain, improve and upgrade schools in the Wide Bay region.
Success story:
The Butchulla Warriors' Memorial has been strongly supported by the Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast Regional Community Forum and was noted as a priority project in the Forum Action Plan. The unveiling of the memorial at Queen's Park, Maryborough took place on Saturday 22nd April 2023.
Further Background:
- The forum is co-chaired by the State Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari, and the State Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith.
- The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D'Ath and the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner are also attending.
- The Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast Regional Community Forum is one of seven to be held in regional centres across the state, with similar forums for Central Queensland, Darling Downs South West Queensland, Far North Queensland, North and North West Queensland, Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, and Western Queensland.
- This is the second meeting of the forum members in 2023, with two more Regional Community Forums scheduled throughout the year.
- The Regional Community Forums are supported by the Office for Rural and Regional Queensland.
