The total royalty revenue for the state is projected to be between $2.18 billion and $2.35 billion with $167 million for land rents.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $4.8 billion investment in infrastructure was in addition to the $200 million Building Our Regions program, $180 million Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects program and the Government’s commitment to services, subsidies and salaries in regional Queensland.
"Queenslanders, no matter where they live deserve a fair go and their fair share. That's exactly what my Government is delivering. That's why I have a Treasurer from far north Queensland and Ministers from Townsville, Rockhampton and Bundaberg,” the Premier said.
Palaszczuk said Working Queensland Cabinet Meetings - held in Townsville, Mackay, Mount Isa and Rockhampton, with the next meeting in Charters Towers this week - are providing direct input on regional priorities into preparation for the next Budget due on 14 June. The full Cabinet met in Gladstone on 1 February.
"We also need Canberra to deliver in its Budget on 3 May. They have made a lot of noises about regional Queensland, but we are yet to see any solid commitments from Malcolm Turnbull," she said.
The first round of the Queensland government’s $200 million Building Our Regions program invested more than $70 million in 42 projects around Queensland, with an additional $159 million in co-contributions from Councils and other organisations.
Round 1 projects will support 700 jobs in regional Queensland.
Expressions of interest are open for Round 2 until 29 April, making available a further $70 million for critical infrastructure projects.
“We have listened to the Local Government Association of Queensland. Councils now only initially need to prepare an expression of interest,” the Premier said.
“The Department of State Development will assess these expressions of interest, short-list projects and give councils four weeks to prepare a detailed business case for their project.”
“Assessment will still be rigorous with an advisory committee of eight Directors-General will review DSD’s recommendations before they come to the Minister.”
