The Queensland Treasurer, Tim Nichols has brought down a 2013-14 budget which aims for a return to operating surplus in 2013-14 and a surplus of $652 million in 2014-15.

 

The budget promises to stabilise debt at $81.7 billion instead of $86.3 billion in 2014-15.

 

Major funding commitments include:

• $200 million over two years to providing funding of up to $160,000 to state school P&C’s to assist in maintenance;
• $495 million over four years for the Royalties for the Regions program to ensure families and communities in resource regions share in the economic dividends of mining activities through improved community infrastructure and roads ;
• $1 billion over 10 years to upgrade the Bruce Highway focusing on improved safety and flood immunity, subject to cost sharing agreement with the Federal Government ;
• $20 million Tourism Investment Strategy focussing on key emerging markets ;
• $146.9 million over four years to deliver an additional 1,100 new police officers;

a $15,000 First Home Owner Construction Grant to revitalise construction sector