Premier's journal - August 2008
Making Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people
In recent years our government has faced some tough decisions in relation to health - and we have acted.
We are undertaking Australia's largest health infrastructure program, delivering more elective surgery centres, looking at the merits of an 'opt-out' system for organ donation, and building new hospitals in our regions.
We have also made great strides in reforming and improving our health system through a $10 billion Health Action Plan.
But the job of building a world-class health system isn't finished and while we will continue to roll out the Action Plan over the next two years, I'm not content to simply continue along a set course established three years ago. We need to look over the horizon.
I've joined with the Health Minister to launch Advancing Health Action, a document that will set a platform for further renewal. It lays out our bold vision to build on the early gains made so far through our Action Plan and claim the mantle as Australia's Healthiest People.
To address another critical health issue, I've also launched a discussion paper calling for Queenslanders' views on whether there should be restrictions on junk food advertising on children's television.
As a parent I know all too well the 'pester power' junk food ads can cause, making it very difficult for mums and dads to say no.
We've already done a lot of work in this area. But it's not enough and we can no longer ignore the influence TV has over our children's food choices.
Both of these health initiatives are helping to address critical health issues facing our state. I want to see Queenslanders become Australia's healthiest people by leading healthier lifestyles and receiving better health care.
$1 million up for grabs for healthy Queensland communities
After seeing how well Queensland fared in the Olympics - taking home a majority of Australia’s medals - I believe we should have the healthiest people in the nation.
When it comes to chronic health problems, however, Queensland isn’t doing so well. Did you know that more than 4300 Queenslanders die prematurely from preventable chronic diseases every year? Or that diabetes is expected to become the single biggest cause of illness and early death in 15 years' time?
As a state we could do much better.
That’s why I’m asking all Queensland towns, schools and workplaces to take up a healthy challenge of competing against each other to be named Queensland’s healthiest.
The inaugural state-wide Healthiest Community Awards will be launched in October and will give winning towns, a share in a $1 million state government grant to build "healthy" infrastructure. A new swimming pool, basketball court, a bike and walking path – think of what your community could do with a share in $1 million.
Schools and workplaces are encouraged to join the challenge, competing for their share in a prize pool of $500,000 and $100,000 respectively.
Towns compete to be Queensland’s healthiest community
Saving the koalas in South-East Queensland
The koala is Queensland's official faunal emblem.
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Premier Anna Bligh with her dog Zeddy.
Despite Queensland having tough planning controls to protect koala habitat, a recent report details a disturbing 45% decline in koala population.
The report, prepared by the state government and three south-east councils, shows that loss of trees, dog attacks and cars are the biggest threats to koalas.
I am really concerned about this - a population decline of this size means we are at real risk of losing the koala population in South-East Queensland within 20 years.
We have to take some tough action and I have established a high-level taskforce to provide advice to government on what that action should be.
The taskforce will consider a number of measures including:
- protecting key koala habitat from further development
- road funding to provide more koala crossings and signage to warn drivers to slow down
- banning dogs in new developments that are seen as vital movement paths for koalas
- mandating that only koala-friendly fences, with gaps to allow ease of movement through yards, can be installed around new houses
- ban on clearing habitat trees in new development areas.
These are tough issues, and I know there has already been a lot of debate about it - particularly in relation to dogs.
Let me make it clear - the government is not considering a blanket ban on dogs. As a dog owner, I know how important pets are to the family and this is not about taking away from that.
But we do need to do better in protecting the iconic and unique koala species. I have no doubt there will be tough issues to tackle and tough decisions to be made, but it is the only option we have to avoid losing these beautiful marsupials from our backyard.
Q150 celebrations heading your way in 2009
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The restored Q150 steam train pulls into Roma Street station.
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Premier Anna Bligh takes the traditional wooden staff from train driver Brian Brischke.
In 2009, our state celebrates Queensland’s 150th anniversary year of separation from New South Wales.
It’ll be a great year for all Queenslanders as we celebrate our people, our places and our stories.
Over the twelve months of our 150th birthday, no matter where you live in Queensland, I want you to feel as though the celebrations have come to your part of our great state.
The Q150 train and Q150 shed are two ways we’re taking the birthday party to every part of Queensland. The restored Q150 steam train will travel through 30 cities and towns throughout 2009. I’ve had the privilege of riding on the train and it was great fun. I know railway buffs right across Queensland will be coming out to see the train and be part of the celebrations.
The train will bring outstanding Queensland talent into the towns to perform and be part of local community celebrations. And in this time of climate change, it’s important to note the train’s carbon emissions will be fully offset. We’ll plant 150 trees in every place the train visits. Those trees will be part of the lasting legacy of Queensland’s 150th.
As the train moves around the state, we’ll be using the tradition of handing over a wooden staff - train drivers of old used these wooden staffs to indicate they had right of way on the track. At each stop, school students will pass the staff from one group to the next, like a baton relay, and tell their community’s stories.
As well as the steam train, we’ll have the Q150 shed. It’s a neatly transportable, traditional Queensland shed, which will go to 14 cities and towns. During the day, the shed will be used for workshops for schools, young people and community groups. At night, the shed will feature music performances from Queensland’s talented local artists.
Q150 will be a great time for all Queenslanders. Whether you live on Thursday Island or in Toowoomba, in Wallangarra or Weipa, in Bourke or Burleigh Heads, together we can celebrate everything that makes living in Queensland great.
Last updated Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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