Queensland Government invests in communities and digital economy
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Queensland’s Government continues to provide vital support to the state’s communities and the digital economy by investing in drought support, community transport, mobile black spots and cyber security.
As part of the state’s economic recovery plan, Minister for Communities and Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the investments were made within the State Budget.
Minister Enoch also said the investments will ensure that Queenslanders can continue to access the services and support they need.
“This includes $5.2 million in 2021-22 for the Community Drought Support Program, which forms part of the Palaszczuk Government’s annual drought support package,” Minister Enoch said.
“This funding provides support to individuals and families living in communities in drought-declared areas of the state, including flexible financial assistance such as vouchers and food hampers and support for events and activities including local agricultural shows, rodeos and sporting events.”
The Budget is said to also include a $7 million investment per year to continue the Community Transport Program for people with disability who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“The service also supports other vulnerable and socially disadvantaged Queenslanders under the age of 65 who have limited or no access to the appropriate and affordable transport,” Minister Enoch said.
“This important program provides door-to-door transport to access medical appointments, go shopping, visit friends and family and connect with their communities.”
Queensland’s Government is also committed to supporting communities as they continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The State Budget has invested in quality community services that are connected and support the social and economic inclusion and wellbeing of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
These services will also ensure that Queenslanders remain connected in the digital world.
“The pandemic highlighted the ongoing necessity for remaining connected digitally, and the growing need to enhance the digital economy, that is why the Palaszczuk Government has allocated funding in the State Budget for digital services,” Minister Enoch said.
Over $39.6 million has been approved to support service enhancements across Queensland. These service enhancements include continued call centre and online services such as the 134COVID and the Check in Qld app, the next stage support for the Digital Archives Project, and a focus on cyber security.
A further $12 million has also been committed to improving mobile coverage across the state with continued support for the Mobile Black Spot Program.
The 2021–22 State Budget include the following:
- $7 million per annum ongoing from 2021–22 for the continuation of the Community Transport Program
- $5.2 million for community drought support as part of the overall Drought Assistance and Reform Package
- $17.3 million over 5 years, $4.4 million in 2021–22 to complete the Digital Archives Program which will enable the preservation of digital government records
- Up to $12 million over 3 years for the Mobile Black Spot Program
- $11.3 million in 2021–22 to continue to deliver Smart Service Queensland’s COVID-19 response call centre and online services including quarantine compliance and wellness checks
- $11 million over 2 years for whole-of-government cyber security enhancements
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queensland communities can continue to thrive as we recover from the pandemic, and today’s Budget is an example of that commitment,” Minister Enoch said.
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
