Messages

Message from the Premier

I am pleased to table this report on the progress to implement The Queensland Plan during the 2014–15 financial year.

The Queensland Plan is everyone’s plan. It is our shared vision for the future and requires genuine grassroots collaboration to implement.

The State Government is committed to improving Queenslanders’ way of life and positioning Queensland for the future. Our objectives for the community will focus government activity towards creating jobs and a diverse economy, delivering quality frontline services, protecting the environment, and building safe, caring and connected communities; and are aligned with The Queensland Plan’s vision and goals.

Queensland has reached a pivotal point in its development. We are in a transition phase. Our traditional economic drivers – agriculture and mining – are suffering from the worst drought on record and a cyclical downturn in commodity prices. While we will build on our traditional strengths, it is imperative we diversify into emerging high-growth sectors. Our relationships with industry, federal and local governments will continue to be vital.

Looking forward to 2015–16, initiatives and activities that will support The Queensland Plan’s implementation include:

• implementing the Advance Queensland initiative
• delivering the State Infrastructure Plan, which covers transport, water, recreation, education and health, safety, energy, housing and digital infrastructure, and provides a new strategic direction for the planning, investment and delivery of infrastructure in Queensland
• providing funding for the Building our Regions Regional Infrastructure Fund for local governments
• delivering Advancing Education: An action plan for education in Queensland today.

In particular, the Advance Queensland initiative is at the heart of our future prosperity. It sets the scene for a future Queensland – today. Advance Queensland is helping to create jobs now and for the future, drive productivity improvements, and harness innovation. In addition, Working Queensland will establish Jobs Queensland and continue the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

Our future is bright and everyone has a role to play. The State Government is committed to listening to the ideas of Queenslanders, and we are determined to chart a consultative way forward in achieving our collective goals.

Finally, I would like to thank the members of the Ambassadors Council for their commitment to the people of Queensland and their advocacy of the importance of preparing for the future.

I look forward to working with you in 2015–16.

Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
Premier of Queensland
Minister for the Arts

Message from the Leader of the Opposition

Just over a year ago, Queenslanders themselves mapped out a 30-year vision for our great state.

Over 80,000 people took part in an exciting and visionary project that broke down old barriers and created new opportunities when it came to shaping and delivering on the long-term goals and aspirations of Queenslanders themselves.

Determined to unleash the full potential of all Queensland, people of all generations, all communities and all backgrounds came together to shape the future of our State. That vision became formally recognised as The Queensland Plan.

Ensuring the momentum, passion and commitment stayed alive, our State Parliament then moved to enshrine The Queensland Plan in law; ensured it would be overseen by an independent Ambassadors Council; and ensured progress would be reported annually to Queenslanders themselves.

This report is the first ‘report card’ on that progress: it’s an important milestone.

The success of The Queensland Plan will always be dependent on it being able to stand the test of time and stand the test of changes in government. The Plan’s success rests in a bipartisan approach from all levels of government; and its success rests with an independent Ambassadors Council representing Queenslanders in holding government to account, and in driving and reporting on progress.

There was the inevitable initial cynicism that such a plan could be truly bipartisan.

However the State Opposition welcomes feedback that the current State Government is committed to seeing The Queensland Plan come to fruition. Just as we saw the bipartisan adoption of important recommendations such as the Not Now, Not Ever report into domestic and family violence, so too do Queenslanders want and expect a bipartisan approach to the many economic, social and environmental challenges and opportunities that Queensland faces.

Our state is supremely rich in both talent and resources; and we are supremely rich in our pride and passion, and how we can translate that into a brighter future for all Queenslanders.

That is why it is important to echo the sentiment of the original drivers of The Queensland Plan who called on future governments, whoever leads them, to honour the commitment and to keep the faith with the aspirations that Queenslanders themselves voiced as a part of this important vision.

Your State Opposition team stands at the ready to honour and fulfil that commitment.

We are committed to driving a strong and confident economy that doesn’t only create employment diversity and opportunities in all parts of the State, but also allows us to deliver on the health, education and environmental aspirations in The Queensland Plan. Your State Opposition team is committed to an ongoing policy framework that recognises that people are our greatest asset; that communities are our heartland; and that regions are our economic engine-room.

We are proud to be amongst the guardians of The Queensland Plan; and we are proud that this is a plan and vision put together by Queenslanders themselves.

Lawrence Springborg MP
Leader of the Opposition

Message from the Queensland Plan Ambassadors Council

It was both an honour and a pleasure to have been appointed as Ambassadors for The Queensland Plan in 2014. As Ambassadors, we are charged with the responsibility to be an active voice for the Queensland community in preparing the State for future challenges and opportunities.

The Queensland Plan is a 30-year vision.  It offers a significant opportunity for the community to collectively shape the way current and future generations will live, work and care for our people and environment.  Such a vision requires a long-term commitment well beyond a term of government. Successful implementation requires governments of the day to commit to, resource and actively promote The Queensland Plan. The Council is committed to an apolitical approach and encourages ongoing bipartisan support to undertake our role with authentic and meaningful engagement.

The Queensland Plan was developed by Queenslanders for Queensland. With more than 80,000 people contributing to the process from across the state, it is important the Council promotes diversity, including a broad range of regions, business and industry sectors, community groups, government and young people.  Continuing to capture a range of views will be essential for working together to deliver on the Plan’s vision.

The Council considers one of our main objectives is to support the community, business and industry to identify and implement actions that will contribute to Queensland’s vision.  Through meetings held in August and November 2014, the Council confirmed the values which underpinned the success of the Plan’s engagement process provided a strong platform to support the Council’s ongoing work.  The Council’s focus was on:

• collaboration between business, industry, community and government
• engendering a sense of empowerment for individuals
• encouraging communities to care for one another.

The Council acknowledges Ambassadors can best advocate for The Queensland Plan through our expertise and networks. We seek to steward engagement and promote Queensland stories that showcase how a long‑term vision can be activated daily in local communities.

The Council would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the commitment and contribution made by former Ambassadors, Mr Andrew Chesterman, former Chair, and Ms Laura Tyler, who brought significant insight and valued expertise to Council activities.  We wish them both well in their future endeavours.

The Council looks forward to a strong commitment from the Queensland Government to work with local councils, business and industry groups and the community to build a stronger and more inclusive Queensland.