Premier says bypass progress a highlight of first term

PREMIER Campbell Newman said to see the Toowoomba Range bypass project take a step closer to becoming a reality was a highlight of his government's first year.

PREMIER Campbell Newman said to see the Toowoomba Range bypass project take a step closer to becoming a reality was one of his government's greatest achievements since winning office.

He said the $1.6billion project was one of two major infrastructure projects, along with the multi-billion dollar Bruce Hwy upgrades, the government labelled as a priority during its first term in office.

It has been two years this week since the Liberal National Party swept into power while registering the most decisive victory in Australian political history.

Mr Newman, talking exclusively to APN Newsdesk to mark the anniversary, claimed the government had done everything it said it would do since winning office.

"We have got the economy going, created jobs and also reformed government so it is the best performing State Government," he said.

"Queensland's economy is now outperforming other states.

"We are the lead economy nationally and all sorts of statistics support that.

"Queenslanders can be very excited that this will be the engine room of the nation."

Mr Newman said the government had done all in its power to balance the books after inheriting an $80billion debt, which is costing Queenslanders $450,000 per hour in interest.

He said the conversation the government was having about asset sales is essentially about allowing the government to pay for things Queenslanders want.

"It is there, it is a reality. It is a community problem not just a government problem," he said.

"Anywhere you go in the state people are saying they need things . . . roads, bridges, hospitals, footy stadiums, convention centres and schools.

"Labor maxed out the credit card. We might have balanced the budget, but there is still this debt sitting there."

Mr Newman said there were three choices available to pay for the things Queenslanders need.

"One is to reduce services elsewhere, two is to raise taxes and charges to raise the money to pay for these things and three is to sell some assets," he said.

"If we get Queenslanders saying they are happy to look at selling assets then we would define where the money is to go to.

"There are clear things people want and need in communities across Queensland and that is what the conversation is about."

Mr Newman said he was particularly proud of how his government has turned around the ailing health system to make it one of the best performing in the nation.

He singled out Health Minister Lawrence Springborg for specific praise saying under his leadership the health system had come along in leaps and bounds despite the opposition to reform he faced along the way.

"Two years ago the health system was a shambles," he said.

"Emergency departments are now far better and elective surgery waiting lists are now the best in the nation according to the Australian Medical Association.

"The results speak for themselves and that is something we are extremely proud of.

"It was supposedly a complete basket case and the person who said that was former Premier Anna Bligh."

Originally published as Premier says bypass progress a highlight of first term