Page 13 - NLN July 19

Budget Builds Bancroft

Local schools, hospitals and roads in North Lakes Deception Bay and
Burpengary East will get a major injection of funds in the 2019 State Budget.

The Budget features an increase of $789 million in funding for education and an increase of $930M
in funding for health across Queensland.
“Building better schools and hospitals has always been my priority as your local Member of
Parliament,” said Chris Whiting.
“And the Palaszczuk Government 2019 Budget delivers more crucial funds for our local schools
and hospitals.
“In Deception Bay $350,000 will go to Deception Bay North State School to improve a play area
for kids.
“In North Lakes we’re putting $320,000 into Bounty Boulevard State School to upgrade class
rooms and enclose the old assembly area.
“And there is now a $100 million fund to put air conditioning into priority schools.
“I’ll be working with local principals to put our schools onto the top of that list.
“I want to see air conditioning available to all kids in our state schools, and solar panels on the roof
to supply the electricity for that air conditioning.
“Across the State we’re putting $1.46 billion into refurbishing schools and building new schools.
That’s a 55% increase.
“We’re building a better Redcliffe Hospital with a $114 million rejuvenation over three years
underway.
“That includes an upgraded maternity ward and birthing suites.
“30 kilometres of new cabling is going in as part of a $6.8 million electricity upgrade.
“At Caboolture Hospital there’s $350 million in funding for the first stage of the redevelopment.
“That’s 130 new beds and $20M to upgrade the emergency department.
“And there will be $41 million for a new adolescent mental health unit at Prince Charles Hospital.
That will literally saves lives.
“So if you’re from North Lakes, Deception Bay or Burpengary East, you can have the confidence
that when you go into a local public hospital, you’ll be in the best hospital getting the best care.
“Across Queensland the Palaszczuk Government will invest $777 million into building and
refurbishing local hospitals.
“Local roads and transport projects being funded include the Morris Road / Deception Bay Road
intersection upgrade and the upgrade of the Uhlmann Road boat ramp,” said Chris Whiting.

The State Government will commit $5.66B this year in concessions to help Queenslanders’
household budgets.
“I want locals to go online and see if they can take up the concessions we offer for things like
electricity, rates, water, training, dental care, glasses,” said Chris Whiting MP.
The Budget will allocate more than $5.66bn in the 2019/20 financial year which is more than a
$76m increase over the Budget commitment in 2018/19.
That is the equivalent of more than $1,000 in concessions for every Queenslander. The electricity
rebate provides assistance of $341 per year towards electricity costs.
To help pensioners to live in their own homes the Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme offers a 20%
subsidy (up to a maximum of $200 per year) to lessen the impact of local government rates and
charges. The Pensioner Water Waste Subsidy Scheme provides up to $120 a year for them to
reduce water bills.
To help younger Queenslanders get started on a career or into a job, textbook and resource
allowances are available for secondary students and travel and accommodation subsidies for
apprentices.
In 2017 the Palaszczuk Government extended the eligibility for the Electricity Rebate to
Commonwealth Health Care Card (HCC) holders and asylum seekers but many are still missing
out as they have not applied for it.
“I encourage everyone to check the Smart Savings website for concessions that can make a real
difference in easing people’s financial worries,” said Chris Whiting
“It’s not just families who could benefit.
“The Smart Savings website lists all of the Government’s many concessions and rebates in one
location, making it easier for Queenslanders to find and apply for them,” Chris Whiting said.
Visit www.qld.gov.au/smartsavings

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