Burnett residents are encouraged to get involved and have their say about the State’s debt reduction strategy as part of the Strong Choices discussion. 
The interactive People’s Budget website tool is the next step in continuing the conversation with Queenslanders on the Strong Choices we face to secure our future and pay down the $80 billion in debt accumulated over the last ten years.
This interactive tool, an Australian-first, makes the Budget accessible and gives people a real understanding of the issues facing our state, highlighting exactly how our current $4 billion a year interest bill could be put to better use.
In just 24 hours after its launch, the Strong Choices website saw over 45,000 visitors, and with more than 80 per cent of these people participating in the People’s Budget submission it’s clear that Queenslanders are keen to get involved and have their views on future priorities heard.
Our Government has big plans to build the social and economic infrastructure necessary for Queensland’s growing population, like roads, hospitals, dams, schools and railway lines.
But to turn those plans into reality, we first have to deal with a State debt accumulated over the last ten years of mismanagement and waste from the previous Labor Government.
To pay down debt, Queenslanders face three choices – significantly increased taxes, reduced services or the sale or lease of some assets.
I urge constituents make a submission and design your own debt reduction strategy and deliver the results to the Queensland Government
The Government will take into account submissions when formulating a Draft Strong Choices Plan to be tabled in Queensland Parliament at the next State Budget, on June 3, 2014.
Queenslanders have until Monday 19 May to go online at www.StrongChoices.qld.gov.au, to use the People’s Budget tool and make a submission.
Additionally, registrations for community and online forums are still open for people who would like to take part. Register at www.treasury.qld.gov.au/communityforums.