CASH FOR TRAMS, HEALTH
THE State Government will give Gold Coast Health an extra $103 million and pledge more money for Stage 3 of the light rail in tomorrow’s budget.
Treasurer Jackie Trad’s first budget will include $1.5 billion for the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service as she spruiks a record $18.3 billion investment in health across the state.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the budget reflected the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to providing quality health services across Queensland.
“No matter where you live on the Gold Coast, you will have access to high-quality healthcare,” he said.
After spending $233.5 million on completing Stage 2 of the light rail this financial year, the Coast’s road and transport budget will be slashed from $307 million to $94.3 million.
Within the budget is the remaining $2 million needed to complete the $10 million detailed business case for Stage 3A of the light rail.
The study started in August last year and is expected to be completed late this year.
Griffith University Associate Professor Cities Research Institute Matthew Burke said the case study was crucial to lock in funding to build rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.
“Infrastructure Australia will look over this business case with a magnifying glass and report back to the Federal Government about what bang for their buck they get compared to infrastructure projects from around Australia,” he said.
“Stage one and two of the light rail have been a big success story, a boring success story for many but we can see the positive affect it has had.”
Treasurer Trad said: “The Palaszczuk Government backed light rail on the Gold Coast through our investment in Stage 2.
“It’s now time to look at the next stage and what opportunities we can further open up for the region.”
More than $70 million – up from $18.6 million this year – has been put aside next financial year to continue the widening of the M1 from Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes.
Two other projects, costing $22.3 million, include restoring Gold Coast Springbrook Rd and Lamington National Park Rd after they were destroyed by Cyclone Debbie.
Spending on school infrastructure will increase $8 million from $32 million this year.
This includes $9.5 million towards the construction of the new secondary school at Coomera and Pimpama, $7.3 million for 14 learning areas at Helensvale State High School and $9.2 million for two new buildings at Pimpama State Secondary College.
About $2.4 million will be spent next financial year on the already announced new police facility at Arundel.