The Hon. Curtis Pitt, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment spoke at the Queensland Media Club’s pre-budget event yesterday. The Treasurer affirmed that the State Government’s top priority will be to create jobs.
PlantMiner was at yesterday’s event which was presented by the Civil Construction Federation, and here are some snippets of the Treasurer’s pre-budget address:
$75 million for the Port of Townsville
The Queensland Government has promised $75 million for the Townsville Channel Capacity Upgrade (TCCU) project which will create up to 120 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs for the region during construction.
Cyclone Debbie and associated flooding to impact the upcoming budget
Mr Pitt stated during his speech that Cyclone Debbie and associated flooding have caused major damage to the region, which he admitted will cost approximately $1.1 billion from the budget. More that 118,000 people assisted through Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme.
Swanbank E Power Station
The State Government is also planning to re-start operations at Stanwell Corporation’s 385MW Swanbank E gas-fired power station, which will increase supply as well as reduce volatility in the State’s wholesale market.
The Queensland Budget is due to be released in the coming weeks.