Advance Cairns has challenged candidates running for the upcoming Queensland Government election on March 21 to give a clear indication of the major policy decisions that will affect the future of Tropical North Queensland – right here on our website.

Elections offer the region a distinct opportunity to focus the attention of all sides of politics onto the needs of the region. Advance Cairns, the region’s peak economic development agency, welcomes the chance to advocate for increased government investment into Tropical North Queensland during this time.

Advance Cairns has identified three major infrastructure priorities for Government investment, some of which are long-term projects that we are hopeful of securing some commitments for during this election cycle.

The infrastructure priorities are:

1.    Further flood immunity for the Bruce Highway: Our sole road linkage to the south of the state was closed for an inordinate period recently due to local flooding. While we cannot hope to engineer around huge flood events, the highway immediately north of Ingham could be improved to allow access through smaller flood events and therefore be closed for shorter periods.

2.    Increased power generation in northern Queensland: The power outages we experienced earlier in the year through transmission failures highlighted the need for further electricity generation capacity in the north of the state. This generation could also be produced through renewable sources and therefore benefit the community at several levels.

3.    The established need for increased spending on cultural and sporting infrastructure: When you take into consideration the growth that this region has experienced in recent years, we have a decided lack of facilities for both cultural and sporting activities. The region has a clear need for a Regional Performing Arts Centre and a purpose-built rectangular field sporting facility.

In addition, Advance Cairns has called on all parties to address a number of key concerns for the region, including:

1.    The distinct lack of detail in the Infrastructure Plan component of the 2031 Regional Plan: The similar plan for South East Queensland has clear indications of commencement dates and budgetary spends for essential infrastructure. Our state government plan includes none of this detail.

2.    An ongoing commitment for improved health services: The region still believes it is a poor cousin to Townsville in regard to health services. TNQ residents still have to travel to other centres to receive medical procedures that could be performed in Cairns.

Advance Cairns believes firmly that it has a role of bringing these issues to the attention of all political aspirants in the upcoming state election process, and will track commitments from each local candidate and major party right here.

Here are the responses we have received to date:

March 18, 2009

Dear Mr Contarino,

I refer to the Advance Cairns press release outlining your organisation’s list of election priorities for the Cairns Region.

In your correspondence you have outlined a range of priorities to improve the Cairns region. I am pleased to be able to outline the Bligh Government’s response:

Infrastructure priorities

1.    Further flood immunity for the Bruce Highway. Our sole road linkage to the south of the state was closed for an inordinate period recently due to local flooding. While we cannot hope to engineer around huge flood events, the highway immediately north of Ingham could be improved to allow access through smaller flood events and therefore
be closed for shorter periods.

Response: The Bligh Government recognises the importance of the Bruce Highway as the key southern link for people and industry in the Cairns region. The highway is a federal road, which means the primary responsibility for its funding, upgrade and maintenance rests with the Australian Government.

Even so, I am pleased to advise that the Bligh Government has recently been working with the Rudd Government to deliver several significant upgrade projects on the Cairns¬-Townsville section of the Bruce Highway, including:

• $172.4 million upgrade of a 15.5 kilometre section of the highway at Tully. This project was opened to traffic in late 2008, around 10 months ahead of schedule, and is a full 1.5 metres higher than the old highway in one of the most flood¬-prone sections of the connection between Cairns and Townsville;
• $28 million for re-grading and elimination of floodways on the highway between Tokalon Road and Lannercost Street at Ingham. This project was opened to traffic in September 2008, three months ahead of schedule.

The Tully and Ingham projects are already delivering benefits to motorists. Before the Tully upgrade, the highway had an annual average time of closure of 54.2 hours at the Tully River, and in a 50-year flood event, the highway was closed for about 90 hours.

Following the upgrades, both the Tully and Ingham projects have been designed so the average annual closure time of the highway is 10 hours or less, with a maximum time of closure during a major 50-year flood event of less than 48 hours.

Other works completed include:

• New overtaking lanes on the highway between Victory Creek and Todd Road, north of Innisfail. This project was completed just before Christmas 2008, and has improved safety and travel times for motorists, and eased congestion on this part of the highway;
• New overtaking lanes on the highway north of Townsville, which opened to traffic in September 2008.

These projects are part of the Federally-funded $348 million Accelerated Bruce Highway Upgrade Package, which is being delivered to improve driving conditions between Cairns and Townsville.

There are also several significant projects on the Bruce Highway between Cairns and Townsville that are being delivered by the Bligh Government, in conjunction with the Rudd Government, including:

• $48 million new Mulgrave River Bridge and approaches near Gordonvale. This major project is forecast to be open to traffic next month, weather permitting, which is a full nine months ahead of schedule. The new 480-metre long bridge will stand five metres higher than the existing bridge, substantially reducing the prospect of flooding of this stretch of the highway;
• Construction of the Woodlands to Veales Road project in northern Townsville started in early March 2008 with piling work now complete for an overpass of the existing highway and rail into the northern suburb of Bushland Beach. Work is expected to be complete as early as next month;
• A major flood planning study across the Herbert River flood plain to select the best realignment of the Bruce Highway between Rutledge Street and the Cardwell Range. This includes the flooding trouble spots of Gairloch floodway, Arnot Creek and Seymour River;
• Preconstruction and design planning for the Cardwell Range realignment. Intermediate works on the Seymour River, Musgrave River and Hemmings Creek Bridges;
• The major planning study for the future development of the Southern Access Corridor into Cairns.

A re-elected Bligh Government is committed to working cooperatively with the Rudd Government to further develop the road quality of the Bruce Highway between Cairns and Townsville.

In addition to the works being carried out on the Bruce Highway, the Bligh Government recognises the importance of having an alternative route to the highway in the event of extreme weather conditions. The road between Charters Towers and Mount Garnet is made up of the Gregory Developmental Road (Charters Towers to the Lynd) and the Kennedy Developmental Road/Kennedy Highway (The Lynd to Mount Garnet), a total length of 421 km.

The Bligh Government’s plan is to widen about 90km of narrow pavement at a cost of $55 million over the current five-year Roads Implementation Program (RIP). In December 2008, the Minister for Main Roads announced an additional $10 million for accelerating the widening of a further 12km of the road between Greenvale and Herveys Range Road.
These works will considerably enhance the viability of the Gregory Development Road as a safe alternative route for motorists and industry alike. A re-elected Bligh Government is committed to continuing these enhancements.

2.    Increased power generation in northern Queensland: The power outages we experienced earlier in the year through transmission failures highlighted the need for further electricity generation capacity in the north of the state. This generation could also be produced through renewable sources and therefore benefit the community at several levels.

Response: A re-elected Bligh Government will work with the private sector to deliver power to northern Queensland in a way that stacks up financially. The Government is analysing the feasibility of the various options, and we have always enjoyed productive engagement with both Advance Cairns and Townsville Enterprise in delivering future power supply in a financially responsible way.

Building a new power station that does not stack up economically would be irresponsible and add to electricity prices for every North Queenslander, including every North Queensland business. If a power station cannot produce electricity cheaper than its competitors, it would sit idle while North Queenslanders pay for it.

In addition, cancelling Powerlink’s transmission line upgrade would cost hundreds of jobs. A re-elected Bligh Government will continue to work with proponents to put together a feasible plan for North Queensland’s future electricity needs. We have been actively engaged in approaching investors and matching future demand.

The Government has also ensured supply is bolstered. Government-owned Powerlink is investing $450 million to boost power supplies and increase security of supply to North Queensland. Origin has expanded its Mt Stuart power station by 40 per cent. If re¬elected, we will continue that work.

The Bligh Government is aware that the National Party has criticised us for doing the sums and making sure any project adds up financially. The Nationals have said they will build a power station, regardless of feasibility. To do so would be economically irresponsible and could result in higher electricity prices.

North Queenslanders deserve honesty on this issue. It simply is not responsible to spend millions of taxpayers’ dollars on a project without rigorous analysis of its costs. The Nationals don’t have a plan for a power station in the North; they have a plan for a multi-million dollar white elephant that could simply lead to higher prices for electricity consumers.

3.    The established need for increased spending on cultural and sporting infrastructure: When you take into consideration the growth that this region has experienced in recent years, we have a decided lack of facilities for both cultural and sporting activities. The region has a clear need for a Regional Performing Arts Centre and a purpose-built rectangular field sporting facility.

Response: The Bligh Government has an established track record of investing in key sporting facilities for the people in the Cairns region. Since 2004, the Government has provided almost $12 million for sporting infrastructure and development, including:

• $1.913 million to Cairns City Council to build a clubhouse, 12 International Tennis Federation standard courts including lighting and provision for temporary centre court seating at Cairns;
• $1.637 million to Cairns City Council to build an amenities facility and kiosk and upgrade existing facilities at Barlow Park;
• $660,000 to Cairns City Council to extend an existing grandstand by 1,000 seats, administration, kiosk and amenities at Barlow Park;
• $476,133 to West Cairns Bowls Club for two synthetic bowling greens and to erect a fixed shade cover incorporating lighting at Westcourt;
• $100,000 to Cairns Hockey Association Inc under the Minor Facilities Program for an amenities building, to include showers, toilets, change rooms and facilities with access for the disabled at Cairns;
• $79,341 to Cairns State High School under the Minor Facilities Program to install synthetic grass and lighting to two outdoor courts for basketball, futsal, hockey and netball; and
• $21,121 to The Cairns Junior Cricket Association Inc under the Minor Facilities Program for a cricket practice wicket and sports equipment shed to support junior players at Cairns.

A re-elected Bligh Government will continue to invest in key sporting facilities for the people of Cairns and Far North Queensland. Barlow Park is a national standard rectangular sports facility and currently, an additional purpose built rectangular field is not on the forward agenda.

However, as you may be aware, three other major projects have advanced to the second stage of the major facilities grants program. These projects include:

• $450,000 to Cairns Regional Council for new walk and bike way tracks and links for Cairns CDB to surrounding areas;
• $1.15Million to upgrade Cairns PCYC;
• $1.3 million to Cairns Hockey Association towards an international standard hockey field and facilities.

I hope this assures you that a re-elected Bligh Government will recognise the sporting needs of the people of Cairns and will continue to provide key infrastructure to ensure Cairns maintains its proud sporting tradition.

Key concerns for the region

1.    The distinct lack of detail in the Infrastructure Plan component of the 2031 Regional Plan: The similar plan for South East Queensland has clear indications of commencement dates and budgetary spends for essential infrastructure. Our state government plan includes none of this detail.

Response: The Far North Queensland (FNQ) Infrastructure Plan is a key mechanism for implementing the FNQ Regional Plan in future years. It provides opportunities to identify and report on infrastructure projects that support the Regional Plan and maintain the livability and economic growth of the region. Delivering an infrastructure plan is a key part of the Regional Plan.

The annual State budget process is the principal mechanism for identifying, prioritising and delivering infrastructure projects. It also assists the coordination of infrastructure and services owned by State agencies, Government-owned corporations, local government and the private sector. The FNQ Infrastructure Plan is linked to the State Budget 2008¬-09.

The FNQ Infrastructure Plan outlines the Bligh Government’s commitment to manage growth in the region. It represents an initial $2 billion commitment to capital works in FNQ up to 2011/12. The total economic investment on new or upgraded infrastructure will increase over time as planning and business cases are completed and as funds are made available. A re-elected Bligh Government is committed to regularly reviewing the FNQ Infrastructure Plan.
In addition, a re-elected Bligh Government is committed to delivering our record building program across Queensland. This year alone we will spend almost $17 billion – the biggest building program in the country and will protect local jobs in these uncertain economic times. In fact, this building program will create 119,000 jobs.

In contrast, Mr Springborg has said he will cut $1 billion from vital public services, which will mean 12,000 jobs lost every year. Mr Springborg’s economic spokesman Tim Nicholls has also said a Nationals Government would rather scrap projects than have a budget deficit. This would also slash jobs and projects across our state – including many in Far North Queensland.

2.    An ongoing commitment for improved health services: The region still believes it is a poor cousin to Townsville in regard to health services. TNQ residents still have to travel to other centres to receive medical procedures that could be performed in Cairns

Response: Providing sustainable, resilient health services for regional Queenslanders is a key priority for the Bligh Government. A re-elected Bligh Labor Government is committed to continuing to expand public health services in Cairns and its surrounding communities.

In December 2008, Labor created a new Ministerial Taskforce to boost medical staffing, education and training specifically in regional Queensland. We recognise one of the biggest challenges is attracting and retaining health workforces to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population. The aim of the taskforce is to build on the excellent earlier work on education and training that resulted in $145 million in new funding to support medical graduates and increase training places in hospitals throughout Queensland.

The Bligh Government recognises that as more medical graduates come on stream in the coming years, there will need to be an expansion in specialist training positions. A re-elected Government will ensure regional Queensland hospitals are well positioned to train this new generation of future specialists.

In the Cairns region we have recruited an additional 99 doctors, 393 nurses and 81 health practitioners, allied health professionals and technical staff since 2005. We have also reduced the number of patients waiting for elective surgery in Cairns Far North by 30 per cent since 2005.

Our investment in Cairns local health infrastructure in the region has been extensive with over $100 million spent, including:

• $42.5 million to redevelop and improve the Innisfail Hospital;
• $250,000 to deliver a new Cairns Hospital home dialysis training centre;
• $11 million to build new health centres – one on Warraber Island ($4.8 million) and one on Darnley Island ($6.9 million); and
• $1.8 million to build a nine chair renal unit at Mossman Hospital.

Over half a billion dollars will be spent across the Cairns region over the next three years to enhance and improve our health infrastructure, including:

• Continuing the $446 million redevelopment of Cairns Base Hospital which will createl68 additional beds and over 2,000 new jobs;
• an $11 million expansion of the emergency department;
• secure land in the south of Cairns for future health service growth;
• $12.6 million to construct a Cairns Community Health Precinct which will better integrate community based health services within Cairns CBD;
• $39 million to develop a Chronic Disease Centre on Thursday Island;
• $15.8 million for a new primary healthcare facility at Yarrabah incorporating current hospital services, community health services and Queensland Ambulance Services; ® $12.5 million to upgrade primary health care centre in Hopevale to provide public health and outreach services;
• $1.37 million and $954,000 respectively for staff accommodation at Kowanyama and Lockhart River; and
• $5.7 million for a primary health care facility at Saibai Island.

This financial year, the Bligh Government committed an additional $8 million to address future demand on the Cairns Base Hospital Emergency Department and associated activity related to emergency and renal service. Cairns residents are also receiving their share of a $50 million funding boost to the Surgery Connect initiative, which has help deliver significant reductions in elective surgery waiting times.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely,

PAUL LUCAS
Deputy Premier
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning