Toward Q2 - Tomorrow's Queensland

Premier Anna Bligh has announced her government’s blueprint for the future called Toward Q2 – Tomorrow’s Queensland.

The State Government has framed its 2020 vision for Queensland around five ambitions which will drive its policy agenda.  Economy, environment and lifestyle, education and skills, health and our community are areas that will be matched with targets to ensure that Queensland remains Strong, Green, Smart, Healthy and Fair as we move toward 2020.

Toward Q2 - Tomorrow’s Queensland is about protecting our unique Queensland lifestyle by planning ahead.  As a government and as a community, we need to work together to make sure that we protect those things that we value in our lives.  Lifestyle, environment and health are all very important aspects to each and every one of us. These are the areas in which we must make lifelong changes to shape a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. 

One of the key projects included in the blueprint will be the provision of 240 new kindergartens across the state by 2014.  While 97% of children now participate in a full-time prep year before Year 1, fewer children attend kindergarten in Queensland than in any other state of Australia. 

Currently, there are 53,000 children aged three and a half to four and a half in Queensland but only 29% of this age group attend a quality early education program.  That’s why we have committed to providing extra kindergartens to cater for the 12,000 children not accessing any early education services.

There are huge challenges ahead for us including climate change, population growth and the unprecedented demand for health care services.  With careful planning, there are things we can do to address these issues and that’s why we have developed the Toward Q2 vision.

The Queensland Government is keen to hear your thoughts about how we can start moving Toward Q2 – Tomorrow’s Queensland and meet the 2020 targets that have been set.  Community forums will be held across the state to explain the Toward Q2 blueprint and to seek public comment and input.  Mackay and Northern Beaches residents can learn more about Toward Q2 at the community forum on 24 September from 6pm – 8pm at Mackay North High School. Unfortunately, Whitsunday Coast residents will have now missed their chance to attend Monday's forum, though your input is still welcome through the Toward Q2 website. To view the blueprint, or have your say, just follow the links at www.towardQ2.com.au.

Everyone is welcome at the Tomorrow’s Queensland Community Forums and I look forward to hearing your views.

Strong  -  Green  -  Smart  -  Healthy  -  Fair