THE FERNY REPORT

by Mark Furner M.P. State Member for Ferny Grove

Queenland Budget

To many people budgets can be dry and boring, but to me, a budget is the substance of any government’s promises. This year’s Queensland Budget shows exactly what this Palaszczuk Government believes in. There are record investments for better roads; better schools; better healthcare; stronger deterrents and diversions to tackle youth crime; a transformational investment in clean energy; and an historic repayment of public debt through a $12 billion surplus. This budget also provides cost of living relief for every Queenslander. It provides a minimum $550 cost of living relief for every household - with $1,072 for all pensioner households. This budget addresses the needs of Queensland today and invests in our growing state for tomorrow. It is not only balanced, but it also pays down government debt to save on interest repayments. All of this is possible because of Queensland’s progressive royalty scheme.

I have listed some of the highlights below.

Local Highlights

$10.418 million out of $26.413 million on local schools this year. This brings the figure the Palaszczuk Government has invested in local education infrastructure to over $65 million since 2015.

• New specialty classrooms and admin facilities for Mitchie Special School

• New Amenities Block for Ferny Hills State School (starting in term 4)

• Major renovation of F Block at Mitchie State School

• New Hall for Oakleigh State School

• Training Infrastructure for Grovely TAFE

Other Capital Works

• Completion of multi-level-carpark at Ferny Grove Railway Station

• $8 million for upgrades on Samford Road

• Hills District Community Hub Planning Grant to MBRC

Statewide Highlights

• $19 billion over 4 years to support new wind, solar, storage and transmission including $5.465 billion capital investment in 2023-24 for Queensland energy entities.

• $17.8 billion education budget – including Free Kindy for all Queensland Families

• $24.2 billion health budget including record budgets for Hospital expansions and Ambulance Services to address increased demand.

• $1.34 billion for skills, training, employment, and small business support.

• $446.4 million in whole of government funding over five years to support community safety, tackle the complex causes of youth crime and help boost police resources, including an extra $189.5 million over five years for Youth Justice.

• $571 million (500 home) expansion to Queensland’s social housing construction program and to retain and upgrade existing stock.

Coffee catch ups

Drop in to one of my regular coffee catch ups and have a chat about the things which matter to you. My shout!

• 8 July 8:30am, Priorities, 2/95 Samford Rd, Alderley.

• 1 September 8:00am, Hobby Lane 4/43 Blackwood Street, Mitchelton.

Have you visited The Little Echo yet? It’s a website that showcases our youngest citizens creative talents, check it out at www.littleecho.com.au