Premier's journal - February 2009
National Day of Mourning on Sunday 22 February
While many Queenslanders are going through tough times with the recent floods, we have all been affected by the tragic events in Victoria.
Queensland's Day of Mourning event is being held this Sunday at South Bank to give everyone a chance to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives in the bushfires.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a single yellow or white flower for a community display of condolence, or purchase a flower at the event with all proceeds going to the bushfire appeal. There will be free bus and train travel to South Bank between 8am and 2pm, and a live telecast of Melbourne's National Day of Mourning ceremony at Rod Laver Arena.
On Sunday I will be in Melbourne representing Queensland at the national event. Let's send a strong message of support from Queensland to everyone in Victoria who is suffering from this tragedy.
Premier's thoughts with victims of North Queensland floods and Victoria bushfires
Muslim Business Network President Dr Mahomed Hanief Khatree and colleagues handing over a $10,000 cheque to Premier Anna Bligh and Health Minister Stephen Robertson. The money will go towards the bushfire relief effort.
The start of 2009 has brought much heartache to families in North Queensland and in Victoria - both suffering some of the worst natural disasters we've seen.
My thoughts and condolences are with all the communities and families that have suffered loss at the hands of flood or fire.
During my visit to Ingham last Friday I saw first-hand the enormous damage that has been done - around 3000 homes affected - but I also saw the Queensland spirit alive and well.
The local councils and State Emergency Services teams are doing an exceptional job on the ground, as are the tireless volunteers. I met a local high school teacher who was volunteering with the SES to get his community back on its feet and a local Pastor wading through floodwaters to comfort those in needs. These are the true heroes of the recovery effort.
The Victorian fires have taken an extraordinary toll and the loss of life and property has shocked the country.
Queensland stands ready to assist. Despite much of our state being devastated by floods, the two disasters are very different and resources like fire engines, fire fighting personnel and medical assistance is at the ready.
In the midst of the global financial crisis, the burden of these disasters is magnified.
I urge Queenslanders to dig deep to help our Queensland and Victorian neighbours rebuild their lives during this extremely tough time.
Protecting Queensland jobs
The Queensland Government is investing $17 billion in our building program to help secure jobs and keep our economy moving.
The global financial crisis is hitting Queensland hard.
And while the crisis is not of our making, like the rest of the world we have to deal with its consequences.
Queensland jobs are my number 1 priority in 2009. As Premier, it is my job to provide as much certainty as possible – which is why the Queensland Government is investing $17 billion in our building program this year. This investment is about securing jobs and keeping our economy moving.
Last month, while visiting Moranbah North Mine, I announced a number of Bowen Basin projects worth $27 million that we were bringing forward to secure and create around 188 new full-time jobs.
We have acted quickly to establish Rapid Response teams in key regions including Mackay, Emerald, Rockhampton/Gladstone, Mount Isa, Townsville and Cairns. They are on the ground to offer personal, one-on-one support to displaced workers and their families. A Flying Squad of government representatives is also on constant stand-by to travel anywhere in the state to assist.
I have also asked some of the best minds in industry to work with the government and help us provide rapid response solutions to counter the effects of the financial crisis. The 16-member Jobs Squad includes high-calibre people like ANZ Chief Economist Saul Eslake, former Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon and Bank of Queensland CEO David Liddy.
These are tough times. But Queensland is in a strong position to face it, and my government is tackling it head on.
Last updated Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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