Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced her vision for the future of Queensland at the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) luncheon in Brisbane on September 8.
Some elements of the Q2 Vision – billed as a next phase of the Smart State strategy – surprised business but were broadly welcomed. Knowing the subtext of decisions being made in Q2 can prove valuable for business planning. Here is a digest of the Premier’s CEDA presentation.
To meet the challenges on the horizon we need a futurespective. We need to take the next leap forward – to put Queensland out in front.
Rapid growth: By 2030 Queensland will be the second largest State in Australia – staying ahead of that growth and holding onto the Queensland we love is the test.
Accelerating climate change: If we don’t start making changes now to the way we live, some of our sensitive ecosystems will be lost and life as we know could be put at risk.
Unhealthy lifestyles: Unless we change our lifestyles this generation of children may be the first in history to die younger than their parents.
Increasing global competition: Unless we boost our innovation and skill levels we will be left behind in the global race for new knowledge and that all important competitive edge.
Entrenched disadvantage: Despite our prosperity, too many Queensland families are struggling and the futures of too many children, are at risk.
Towards Q2, Tomorrow’s Queensland is the next phase of Queensland’s transformation – a modern, growing, progressive State, well prepared and ready for anything. Q2 builds on the progress we’ve made with the Smart State Strategy and expands upon it. We’ve identified five big ambitions and set 10 critical targets for Tomorrow’s Queensland.
STRONG QLD ECONOMY
Our first ambition is to be a Strong Queensland – we want a diverse economy powered by bright ideas.
Our first target is to be Australia’s strongest economy with infrastructure that anticipates growth. This means continuing to invest in infrastructure and having the courage to borrow if necessary.
It means driving competitive tax arrangements and keeping our regulatory burden in check. It means having confidence in our economy. The emergence of whole new industries, like LNG gives me that confidence.
BOOST R&D, INNOVATION
Our second target is to increase by 50 percent the number of Queensland businesses undertaking R&D (research and development) or innovation.
My commitment earlier this year to move the focus of our Smart State Strategy ‘from Bricks to Brains’ – from buildings to people – indicates my belief in the value of investing in human capital.
As a Government we are more determined than ever to invest in the best R&D by the most brilliant people. We are equally determined to provide incentives and encouragement to businesses who do the same.
Our second ambition is to be a Green Queensland – a State where we understand the value of our remarkable environment and work to protect the lifestyle we love.
Our first target is to cut by one third, Queenslanders’ carbon footprint with reduced electricity and car use.
Our second target is to protect 50 percent more land for nature conservation and recreation.
HEALTHY QUEENSLAND
Our third ambition is to be a Healthy Queensland – to make Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people.
Our first target is to cut by one third obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, and unsafe sun exposure.
Our second target is to have the shortest public hospital waiting times in Australia.
SMART QUEENSLAND
Our fourth ambition is for a Smart Queensland – with world class education and training.
Our first target is to provide all Queensland children with access to quality early childhood education that gets them ready for school. Over the next five years we will provide an extra 240 kindergartens at a cost of up to $300million.
Our second target is for three out of every four Queenslanders to hold a trade, training or tertiary qualification.
FAIR QUEENSLAND
Our final ambition is for a Fair Queensland : We want safe and more caring communities.
Our first target: To halve the proportion of Queensland children living in households without a working parent. Our final target: Increase by 50 percent the proportion of Queenslanders’ involvement in their community as volunteers.
In conclusion – Q2 Tomorrow’s Queensland – strong, green, smart, healthy and fair. ♦
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