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Media Statements

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts

Tuesday, 16 June, 2009

State Budget invests almost $1.6 Billion in Community Safety

The Bligh Government's $1.57 billion allocation for Emergency and Corrective Services includes more ambulance officers and equipment and a jobs-generating building program.

Handing down the 2009-10 State Budget, Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the Government had made tough decisions to ensure key services weren't affected.

"The global recession means we have been forced to make some tough choices in this Budget, but cutting back on key services is not an option," Mr Fraser said.

Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the Budget included funding for more ambulance officers, more ambulances, and better facilities and equipment.

The Budget includes:

  • $199 million towards the $445 million expansion and redevelopment of the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, near Mareeba
  • $164 million towards the new $485 million correctional centre at Gatton
  • Funding for 150 new ambulances
  • Funding for nine new or refurbished fire stations and 20 new or redeveloped ambulance facilities, and
  • Funding for improvements to the emergency operations centre at Kedron.

"The Lotus Glen and Gatton projects will create hundreds of jobs during construction as well as more than 300 new jobs in the centres once they are up and running. In these tough times, keeping Queenslanders in jobs is a top priority," Mr Roberts said.

For frontline services like ambulance and firefighting, the Budget also includes $103 million for new ambulance and fire facilities.

This Budget fulfils our commitment to supporting our local volunteering heroes in the SES and rural fire fighting service. It includes:
  • $4.4 million for firefighting equipment
  • $1.2 million to fund more SES vehicles, flood boats and trailers
  • $4.8 million commitment over four years to enhance safety for rural firefighter volunteers, including fire -reflective curtains.

Mr Roberts said the Budget would also fulfil the Bligh Government's election commitment to donate a twin-engine EC135 helicopter, valued at $6 million, to Surf Lifesaving Queensland (SLSQ), as well as a further $400,000 annually to SLSQ for ongoing operating costs.

Media contact: Minister's office - (07) 3239 0199



Last updated: 26 June 2009