Barton says Budget delivers for Broadwater

by Verity Barton MP on 13 Sep 2012 Member for Broadwater on Queensland's Gold Coast, Verity Barton has called yesterday’s Budget by the Newman government a win for the Broadwater community and families.

'The government has had to make some tough decisions to get Queensland back on track,' Miss Barton said.

'These decisions had to be made to right the wrongs of the former Labor Government and to ensure our Budget gets back in the black. The actions of our government have meant that families won’t have to bear the brunt of increased charges and taxes to pay for Labor’s debt and deficit legacy.

'I fought hard for funds to deepen the Broadwater and I’m pleased to announce I’ve been able to secure $3.5 million towards the project which is due for completion by June 2016. The Broadwater was neglected for far too long by Labor and I’m pleased to be able to deliver for our community. Local experts and waterways users finally have autonomy and control something that has been sorely lacking for years.

'I’ve also been able to secure $2.68 million for the Runaway Bay Sport and Leadership Excellence Centre for new classrooms and facilities renewal. The Sports Centre is a great institution in the Broadwater electorate and I’m pleased to be able to deliver for the centre.

'State Schools in the Broadwater Electorate will benefit from the Newman Government’s $200 million Advancing Our Schools Maintenance Fund. The community will soon reap the benefits of $1.1 million to establish the Major and Organised Crime Squad on the Gold Coast incorporating an Illegal Firearms Team and the allocation of $18 million over four years towards police helicopter services.

'Families will benefit from an $80 rebate on their water bill as well as our commitment to freeze the standard electricity tariff and freeze car registration fees.

'The Newman Government has also delivered for commuters with regular public transport users rewarded with free travel on the Translink network after nine journeys and Labor’s hefty projected public transport fare increases halved.

'The Gold Coast community at large will also benefit from $20 million to implement a Tourism Investment Strategy and $20.5 million to progress planning for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast will see a further $207.4 million

put towards the new Gold Coast University Hospital and $278.8 million towards the Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project.
'The Budget will encourage long term job and economic growth across the four pillars of the Queensland economy and will ensure cost of living remains low for families in the Broadwater electorate. This is about delivering for Queensland now and into the future,' she said.