Mr Wettenhall said he was particularly pleased that over $2 million had been allocated for improvements at intersections and roundabouts on the Captain Cook Highway, and for further safety improvements on the Kuranda Range Road - including widening of some tight curves and the provision of ‘Intelligent Transport Safety' initiatives.

Other local roads to benefit from budget funding at a total cost of over $700,000 include, upgrades to the Barron Gorge Rd, the elimination of floodways on the Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob and Machans Beach access roads and money towards a bridge replacement on the Redlynch Intake Rd.

Cyclists have not been forgotten, with funding for cycle initiatives on the Captain Cook Hwy, and the Stoney Creek Rd intersection (Cairns Western Arterial Rd), on top of the funding for the new Aeroglen to CBD dedicated bikeway.

School maintenance has also received a boost with over $625,000 provided for 7 local schools. "It is important that we provide the best possible learning environment for our students, and keeping on top of facilities maintenance is a key part of this" said Mr Wettenhall.

The $9.4 million for the new cruise terminal and $301,000 direct funding for Tourism Tropical North Queensland reflected the importance of tourism to the local economy. "One in five people in the Cairns area work in the tourism industry and cruise shipping is a major contributor to the tourism industry in the region with 38 international cruise vessels carrying 19,000 passengers visiting Cairns in 2007/08".

"Cairns is an attractive cruise destination and the number of cruise ship visits will continue to grow, therefore it is important to have facilities that cater for this growth and deliver significant benefits to the people of Cairns and the many tourists that visit the region each year", Mr Wettenhall said.

"It is also very important that government delivers on election promises so I am pleased to see $250,000 allocated for a new amenities block at Barron Gorge National Park, as well as increased funding to allow for purchase of land and construction of a new Neighbourhood Centre on the Marlin Coast and the construction of a new youth facility once a suitable location is found.

Mr Wettenhall also added that a range of budget measures supported the Bligh government's determination to protect the environment, especially the Great Barrier Reef, upon which so many jobs depend. Budget allocations include $4.75 million toward the upgrade of the Northern and Marlin Coast wastewater treatment plants, $450 000 to implement the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan and $7.97 million for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

"I think most people understand that state governments have to tighten their belts in tough economic times, but this budget is designed to cushion the effects of the global downturn and look after the most vulnerable people in our community."