PITT DELIVERS SURPLUS NO CASH FOR TRAMS

HEALTH, education and security for the Commonwealth Games are the key Gold Coast priorities delivered in yesterday’s State Budget.

Money was allocated to ensure the Cross River Rail project is completed by 2022, cutting travel time for Coast rail commuters to Brisbane, but there was no commitment to planning for the third stage of the light rail.

Gold Coast health services will receive an extra $107 million to help address the huge demands on hospital emergency departments.

It was Treasurer Curtis Pitt’s third and last State Budget before the election, expected this year.

Among the papers was previously announced money for extra lanes on the M1 between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes, due for completion in December 2019; funds to complete the connection of the light rail to Helensvale; and cash for the current project to widen Bundall Rd.

The 2017-18 Budget also includes $57.6 million towards construction of the Games village, $28.9 million to expand and improve social housing and $44 million for 30 counter-terrorism officers, which will help security during the 2018 Games. Mr Pitt brought down a $146 million surplus, reduced “dramatically” by natural disasters, including March’s Cyclone Debbie.

“This $146 million surplus and forecast surpluses across the forward estimates have been achieved through a measured, responsible approach to the State’s finances,” he said. “The Budget maintains surplus in each and every year of the forward estimates while delivering funding to support jobs, build infrastructure and deliver essential health and education services.”

Mr Pitt used his Budget speech to talk up the 2018 Games and what it would mean for Queensland.

“We are just 10 months away from one of the biggest sporting events in the world – the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“Of the $657 million in construction contracts for the venues and Games village, around 90 per cent of the value has been awarded to southeast Queensland businesses.”

Money to fight the epidemics of methamphetamine and domestic violence were also allocated. The Government will provide $32.3 million over four years for policing and $8.9 million each year for an additional 30 counter-terrorism and 20 police officers for “priority areas”.