Queensland has a vital role to play in the new economy says Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

TURNBULL: You face many challenges but in the history of the great state of Queensland, challenge has always been the spur to greater things.

IN THE story of our nation, the people of Queensland have always stood tall – proudly independent yet at their core, fiercely Australian.

Relaxed and congenial, the character of Queenslanders is also underpinned by a gritty resolve – a determination to secure a future for Queensland as great as the state is vast.

Queensland illustrates perfectly our nation at the crossroads between its past and its future. People quite rightly treasure all that is wonderful and unique about Queensland’s lifestyle and its proud traditions – yet the rapid change that is transforming the world is already making its mark across the state.

You are experiencing the successful transition from an economy powered by a once-in-a-generation resources investment boom to a new and more diverse 21st century economy.

Citrus growers are reaping the benefits of trade deals with China, Japan and South Korea.

The resources and energy sector will always be at the heart of the economy but Queenslanders are familiar with the cyclical nature of these industries.

Prices for our key commodities exports have fallen as new supply has come on stream both here and elsewhere. Yet volumes have grown enormously.

Queensland has responded by innovating, by being more efficient and effective in getting product to market, and by increasing market share.

And this state has so many reasons to be confident that the new economy will open up more opportunities, including more markets through freer trade with our northern neighbours. Queensland agricultural exporters – beef producers and citrus growers in particular – are already reaping the benefits of our trade deals with China, Japan and South Korea.

Our live cattle trade with Indonesia rose 37 per cent in 2014-15 compared to the previous year, and the Trans–Pacific Partnership puts Queensland exporters in an even stronger position. But no business can be competitive unless it has the infrastructure to support it.

The performance of our cities will be critical to an innovative, knowledge-based economy. If we address the challenges they face, Queensland’s enviable lifestyle will continue to attract people – and people are the most critical resource in the new economy.

The Sunshine and Gold Coasts are experiencing strong population growth. Photo: Lachie Millard

Queensland is the most decentralised of all Australian states but the urban southeast corner is expanding rapidly. Brisbane’s population is forecast to increase to 3.2 million by 2031 and the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are similarly experiencing strong population growth.

My Government’s cities agenda is focused on improving Australia’s productivity, livability and sustainability, both in the large metropolises and in the regions. Great cities attract, retain and develop our greatest asset – people – encouraging them to innovate, create jobs and support higher incomes for us all.

Smart, targeted infrastructure investment is also vital for Queensland’s rural industries delivering their produce to market.

The Australian Government is committed to projects that improve safety and reduce congestion along key stretches of Queensland roads. The Bruce Highway is one of the most dangerous highways in Australia and this shouldn’t be the case for a road so critical to the state’s livelihood. We have committed up to $6.7 billion to a 10-year, $8.5 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program from 2013-14 as part of the Infrastructure Investment Program.

The Federal Government is committed to reducing congestion on the Bruce Highway. Photo: Lachie Millard

We will also contribute up to $448 million towards the $565 million Mackay Ring Road and under the Northern Australia White Paper, a further $100 million to improve cattle supply chains through a northern Australia beef roads fund.

The $1.2 billion investment included in the white paper will also open new markets to Queensland by positioning the region as a business, trade and investment gateway. Reliable telecommunications are also vital and must be improved to connect the state’s regions.

We are investing $7.8 billion into the national rollout of the NBN this financial year; in Queensland 400,000 homes and businesses can connect to the NBN, with over 170,000 activated.

And under the first round of our mobile Black Spot program, Queensland received 68 new or upgraded base stations, with the Commonwealth contribution totalling $14.5 million.

While government can broker trade deals and solve infrastructure problems, Queensland faces natural forces that we cannot control.

Queensland is successfully diversifying its economy after the mining boom.

My Government is acutely aware that drought still affects the majority of this state. While we can’t make it rain, we can support our farmers when it doesn’t. We are committed to delivering practical support when it’s most needed to ensure farmers can take advantage of better conditions when the drought breaks. Often, the tough times create the conditions for the best new ideas to grow.

Australia has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation throughout its history, and our National Innovation and Science Agenda will help rural and city-based industries remain resilient and competitive.

You face many challenges, but in the history of the great state of Queensland, challenge has always been the spur to greater things.

Resilient, innovative, resourceful – these are the calling cards of Queenslanders, so I am confident that you will tackle these challenges head on and realise the opportunities they bring.

With my Government’s continued support, this state’s best chapter is about to be written.

Malcolm Turnbull is the Prime Minister of Australia