Queensland Government defines rail corridor policy

Landholders and the resources sector have a more certain investment future following the release of a clear Queensland Government policy on Galilee Basin rail corridors. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney told State Parliament that the Government had cemented its policy that only two rail corridors were necessary out…

Obi Obi Zipline zipping ahead

The proposed Obi Obi Gorge zipline canopy tour is another step closer with the Queensland Government confirming the selection of a preferred proponent to move to the next stage of developing the project. Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said Australian Zip Line Canopy Tours has been invited…

Cultural Precinct Plan consultation extended

Queenslanders will have one month longer to let the State Government know what they think about a plan to update Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct. Arts Minister Ian Walker said the official consultation period would now extend to Friday 27 June from the original 30 May deadline. “Every Queenslander should have a chance to let us know…

Have your say on motorcycle road rule changes

Easing congestion on our roads and making it easier for motorcyclists to ride are the main purposes behind a new discussion paper for Queenslanders to have their say on. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said including lane filtering in the road rules was one of the proposed changes in the Motorcycle discussion paper,…

Construction industry payments now fairer

Resolving payment disputes in Queensland’s construction industry will be easier and more transparent under changes introduced to Parliament. Minister for Housing and Public Works Minister Tim Mander said the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act was created in 2004 to give builders and contractors an alternative way to resolve construction payment disputes, but the industry…

Red tape reforms boost Queensland economy

Significant savings are on the way for Queensland’s construction, resources and tourism industries thanks to red tape busting reforms to the QLeave scheme, passed in Parliament last night. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said they delivered on the Government’s election promises to supercharge the economy and revitalise frontline services. “Both workers and businesses…

Science seeks solution to gender imbalance

More than double the number of boys than girls is studying physics, information technology, technology and maths C in Queensland according to new information. Science and Innovation Minister Ian Walker said it was important to address the gender imbalance which was far greater in some instances, with only 26 per cent of Year 11 Physics…

Queensland child protection reforms passed

The Queensland Government is delivering on its commitment to making Queensland the safest place to raise a child with reforms recommended by the Child Protection Commission of Inquiry passed in Parliament today. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the Government was following the Commission’s roadmap to build an effective and sustainable child protection…

Closing go card loophole saves $200,000 a year

Honest public transport users will benefit from savings of more than $200,000 per year after changes were made to the refundable deposit on adult go cards. In May 2013, the refundable deposit on adult go cards was increased from $5 to $10 to close a loophole that saw people deliberately running the balance below $5…

Forgotten bonds redirected to help needy families

Queensland residential tenants and rental property owners are being urged to check if they are one of more than 42,500 people who have forgotten to get their bond refund. Housing Minister Tim Mander said the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) was holding $9.35 million in forgotten bonds that had accumulated over the past 25 years. “I…