Queensland's strong budget and economy are the foundations for smart growth. Strategic investments in infrastructure, efficient management of the State's assets and sound financial management are essential to ensure economic growth delivers the wealth to drive investment in new industries, services and innovation.
A booming economy: Queensland Treasury forecasts that the State's economic growth for 2006-07 will be 4.25 per cent, exceeding growth in the rest of Australia for the 11th consecutive year.
Faster jobs growth: In 2004-05, employment in Queensland increased by 5.6 per cent, more than double the 2.4 per cent growth recorded for the rest of Australia. Rapid employment growth has also delivered an unemployment rate of 4.5 per cent, the lowest rate since the 1970s.
The largest infrastructure program of any state: On a per person basis, Queensland has the largest public capital works program of any state in Australia. In 2006-07, Queensland Government expenditure on infrastructure is projected to be almost $4 billion. This includes investment in both hard and soft infrastructure in areas such as transport, information technologies and education to ensure strong foundations for the Smart State.
