Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk fends off criticism over economy
Annastacia Palaszczuk insists she has an economic plan to guide the state’s struggling economy through COVID-19, amid criticism her Government needs long-term planning.
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Annastacia Palaszczuk has insisted she has an economic plan to guide the state’s struggling economy through COVID-19, amid harsh criticism her Government needs long-term planning.
While spruiking the plan yesterday, the Premier announced the Government would throw $145 million at the renewables sector to entice investors and attract industry.
She also announced $46.5 million for mental health support and treatment, conceding the pandemic was taking its toll on everyone.
“Prior to COVID, Queensland’s economy was growing faster than the national average and my government had delivered five consecutive budget surpluses,” the Premier said.
“That strong economic position prior to COVID-19 positioned Queensland with the fiscal capacity to act quickly.”
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Treasurer Cameron Dick also spruiked the Government’s Capital Program 2020 Update, flagging a $13.9 billion infrastructure investment.
But The Property Council of Australia claimed it was disappointing the plan largely reaffirmed the Government’s existing commitments.
“To successfully rebuild from COVID-19 the government needs to implement ambitious objectives to ensure that Queensland is positioned to attract private capital and grow out of the COVID-19 crisis,” the body said.
Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington claimed the Premier had failed to outline an economic plan “or give any hope to the 234,000 Queenslanders who are out of work”.
“Business as usual is not an option when Queensland is in recession and has the highest unemployment rate in the nation,” she said.
“After five years, Labor still has no vision or economic plan for Queensland.
“The contrast with the LNP’s economic plan for secure jobs through infrastructure stimulus, no new taxes and nation-building water infrastructure program could not be clearer.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the $145 million for renewables would help unlock three new Queensland renewable energy corridors across north, central and south west Queensland.
“We will map out areas within Queensland for investment in renewables – solar and wind – by supporting the delivery of transmission infrastructure,” she said.
The Premier said there was potential for up to five renewable energy zones from Cairns down to Townsville and west to Barcaldine.
Across central Queensland, there is potential for projects in the Fitzroy and Wide Bay, while in the south west, the Darling Downs renewable energy zone will meet demand from agricultural production and has the potential to help supply New South Wales.
“These renewable energy zones will supportPowerlink to invest further funding and CleanCo to increase their publicly owned renewable generation capacity todeliver energy security,” the Premier said.
Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said the funding would support planning and co-ordinated development of transmission network infrastructure and storage for use by generation projects, battery storage providers and large businesses.
“The government is seeking to encourage considered commercial co-investment in the right areas with shared benefits, rather than piecemeal connections to the grid,” he said.
“This infrastructure will be commercial public and private co-investment rather than system-driven expansion of the regulated asset base, and not subject to Government regulated returns.
“The next step will be seeking expressions from interest from potential partners, including the Commonwealth, in upgrading transmission and storage with the aim of fast-tracking shovel-ready projects.”