Queensland economy: Kick Start campaign 15-point action plan
As Queensland begins the daunting task of rebuilding from the COVID-19 crisis, a 15-point action plan to kick-start the economy and generate much-needed jobs has been developed.
Future QLD
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The Courier-Mail’s Kick-Start Queensland advocacy campaign has canvassed the needs of industries as they desperately try to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is the 15-point wishlist from industry leaders across the state.
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BORDERS
Re-open borders to interstate travellers as planned on July 10 and extend intrastate travel beyond 250km for the Queensland school holidays (June 26-July 13) to inject much-needed revenue into the struggling tourism industry.
TOURISM
Identify and invest in local tourism projects to broaden the state’s appeal as a tourism destination.
BEACHES
Develop a commercial strategy for some of Queensland’s iconic beaches to allow hospitality venues to increase their footprint and revenue opportunities.
RETAIL
Consider overhauling retail trading hours across Queensland to allow shops to stay open later and bigger employers such as supermarkets and hardware stores to operate every day in regional centres.
TAXES
Review stamp duty, payroll, registration and other taxes across all major employment industries, such as property, motor dealers and hospitality to facilitate industries getting back on their feet.
ROADS AND RAIL
Prioritise and bring forward major road and rail infrastructure projects to kick-start the economy and generate employment opportunities.
HOSPITALITY
Remove Fringe Benefits Tax on meals at restaurants, pubs and clubs for businesses and sole traders to encourage them to support the hospitality industry.
MINING
Fast-track decisions on Queensland mining projects that meet environmental requirements to boost the state’s economic recovery.
GOVERNANCE
Consider the establishment of a bipartisan COVID-19 recovery committee with stakeholders from government, Opposition, business and industry leaders.
CLARITY
Develop clear and detailed guidelines for the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions so small and medium sized businesses can adequately plan ahead.
REGIONS
Ensure major projects and incentive schemes are developed for regional Queensland to generate employment in key agriculture, manufacturing and farming sectors.
CONSTRUCTION
Assess the viability of a $40,000 new homes grant in Queensland to urgently stimulate the state’s construction industry and save jobs.
STATE DEVELOPMENT
Make this the government’s engine room again, and identify new opportunities in manufacturing, innovation and Defence that will kick-start the state economy.
EDUCATION
Explore ways to help Queensland’s hard-hit universities, including capital works projects and commercialisation of research.
THE FUTURE
Start now on Queensland’s next Smart State strategy. Don’t waste this opportunity to dream big and propel Queensland into a brighter future.