Greens call for vision as well as discipline in today's budget

The Bligh government has not only taken the Queensland economy from boom to bust in the course of 12 months but it has also failed Queenslanders who want to make the most of new economic development opportunities the Queensland Greens said as Treasurer, Andrew Fraser, prepares today's state budget.
 
Queensland Greens campaigner Drew Hutton said his party was hoping for vision as well as fiscal discipline from Mr Fraser.
 
"The Treasurer will have to walk a tightrope between cutting back on unnecessary government expenses and maintaining infrastructure programs that are not only job creating but also lead us toward a low-carbon economy," Mr Hutton said.
 
"Instead of environmentally destructive white elephants like the Traveston Crossing Dam and tunnels and freeways to attract more cars on to the roads, let's have investment in public transport and renewable energy.
 
"While we have large tunnel borers in town, let's put them onto bringing forward the proposed but still very distant Metro rail system for Brisbane.
 
"Instead of more coal mines and bigger coal ports let's see Mr Fraser announce the introduction of a gross feed-in tariff that will give a huge boost to the state's renewable energy industry and a program for increasing wind and geothermal power in particular.
 
"Then we'll see the jobs roll out and the state poised to make the most of the 21st century's economic opportunities."
 
For further information:  Drew Hutton 0428 487 110