Messages
Message from the Premier
I am pleased to table this 2015–16 progress report on The Queensland Plan.
The Queensland Plan sets out the community’s shared vision for Queensland’s future. It captures our collective aspirations, priorities and values in ensuring our unique state remains a prosperous, inclusive and dynamic place to live and work. The Queensland Plan began as a dialogue between Queenslanders—including representatives of the community, business, industry, and other levels of government—and we continue that collaboration and dialogue in its implementation.
My Government is committed to working together to deliver on Queenslanders’ 30-year vision. We are committed to strengthening our economic framework to position ourselves for success in a shifting global economy. We believe in delivering quality, integrated frontline services that are available when and how they are needed by citizens. We are committed to protecting our environment and ensuring Queensland’s natural assets are safeguarded for future generations. And we are committed to supporting our communities to be safe, caring and inclusive places that look after our most vulnerable members. These objectives for the community align with The Queensland Plan’s vision and goals and frame our progress on its implementation.
Advancing Queensland’s economy underpins our shared vision for the future. While we continue to face economic challenges, we also enjoy exciting new opportunities to grow and diversify our economy. Through innovation, investment and infrastructure, we are building on our traditional strengths in agriculture, tourism and resources, and harnessing new opportunities in industries such as genomics and biofuels, to advance the economy and create jobs.
Job creation is my Government’s top priority. A diverse economy focused on knowledge-based industries supports sustainable jobs growth. That is why, this year, we have increased our investment in the Advance Queensland initiative to $405 million. Accelerating Advance Queensland will drive Queensland’s economic growth and diversity by supporting innovation in every sector. Advance Queensland is helping small businesses to innovate, encouraging investment in emerging industries, growing our regional economies through tourism and innovation capability, and investing in innovative health and education initiatives. By supporting research and innovation across the state, we are positioning Queensland to thrive in a shifting global economy.
Queensland has a vibrant and prosperous future ahead, but success cannot be achieved by government alone. That is why my Government is committed to working together with communities, industries, and regions to ensure our collective goals and aspirations are achieved and every Queenslander has an opportunity to realise their potential.
I would like to thank the members of the Ambassadors Council for their commitment to the people of Queensland and their continued advocacy for delivering on our shared vision. I look forward to working with you in the year ahead.
Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
Premier of Queensland
Minister for the Arts
Message from the Leader of the Opposition
The Queensland Plan is a plan for all Queenslanders.
This is a plan which had its genesis with one government and has continued with another. It now enjoys the support of the Queensland Opposition and our positive policies will reflect the fundamental priorities Queenslanders themselves have set.
This is the second annual report, tracking progress from vision to reality.
Formalised and legislated, The Queensland Plan’s 30-year vision was created by Queenslanders from the cities to the regions and across ages, experiences and backgrounds.
If we are to truly get Queensland moving, we must target the foundation areas set by Queenslanders in this plan: economy, infrastructure, regions, education, community, health and wellbeing, environment, people and governance.
The Queensland Opposition team is mindful of the views Queenslanders have expressed in this plan. Indeed, our policies have their roots in these aspirations.
Key foundation areas of the plan are “People” and “Economy”. Queenslanders want opportunities created for everyone through an economy that promotes diversity and forges prosperity. Our plan to Get Queensland Working is a comprehensive policy to create jobs for young Queenslanders.
Revitalising and restoring our Royalties for Regions policy is also critical to building thriving communities in our regions and building infrastructure that connects Queenslanders.
The Queensland Plan outlines the desire of Queenslanders to achieve balance in the environment. We’ve acknowledged this in our commitments to introduce a container deposit scheme, phase out single-use plastic bags and our ‘Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef’ pledge.
The hallmark of The Queensland Plan will be its continuity notwithstanding changes in government and policy—Queenslanders’ shared vision and priorities will be enduring.
I hope you will find this second report valuable in measuring the Government’s progress against the priorities Queenslanders have set.
Queenslanders have made it clear that they expect to be listened to—informing the approach my team and I take as we travel around our great state.
I encourage all Queenslanders to continue to be engaged, to make their views heard and to contribute strongly to the future direction our state.
Tim Nicholls MP
Leader of the Opposition
Shadow Minister for Arts and Major Events
Message from the Queensland Plan Ambassadors Council
It has been an honour to continue to advocate for The Queensland Plan over the last year. As Ambassadors, our role is central in bringing together community, business, industry and government to ensure The Queensland Plan continues to deliver on our collective vision for the future. We do this by actively engaging with the community and our networks to encourage participation in the implementation of The Queensland Plan, and ensuring that priority areas remain reflective of the challenges and opportunities facing the State.
The Queensland Plan captures a shared 30-year vision for Queensland. It represents the views of diverse communities, of business and industry, and of government. It identifies the priorities that will ensure Queensland continues to deliver inclusive economic growth and positive social outcomes. The Council sees a great opportunity in The Queensland Plan to not only contribute to shaping a better future for Queenslanders, but also in facilitating effective and genuine engagement with the community on what is important now and into the future.
The Queensland Plan requires a long-term perspective that extends beyond a single term of government. Bipartisan support and commitment remains crucial to realising the community’s vision. Delivering on The Queensland Plan also requires active consideration of new issues, trends and priorities for the state. The Council has a central role in ensuring The Queensland Plan remains a living document that continues to reflect community views. One of the most important ways to achieve this is through ongoing community engagement, and this remains a key priority for the Council.
The use of digital technologies and social media is an important consideration, particularly for developing meaningful connections and involvement of young people. The Council will also be looking to hold meetings in regional Queensland to connect with the challenges facing regional Queensland.
The Council would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by Acting Chair Mark Henley, who remains an active Ambassador, and former Ambassadors Jordyn Archer, Professor Ian Frazer, Joanne Grainger, Professor Peter Høj, Kathy Mac Dermott, and Margaret de Wit. All brought significant expertise, experience, and commitment to their role, and made an important contribution to establishing a foundation for future initiatives. We wish them all the best with future endeavours.
The activities and initiatives highlighted in this Annual Progress Report show the extent to which Queenslanders—across government, business, industry and the community—are working together to deliver on the goals of The Queensland Plan. The Council looks forward to engaging across communities to ensure The Queensland Plan remains firmly connected to the people of Queensland.
