Premier Anna Bligh today will launch the Queensland Regionalisation Strategy (see Bligh plugs Downs future), but the ultimate success of the Strategy may depend on the impacts of the carbon tax on our regional economies. Many regional businesses remain concerned about the application of the carbon tax to their operations and whether they are eligible for assistance. For example:

• the Yabulu nickel refinery near Townsville awaits advice from the Commonwealth Government on whether its carbon tax bill is $1.5 million or up to $10 million (Refineries facing uncertain future)
• Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers chairman Geoff Chivers is worried about the impact of the carbon tax on horticulture (Farmers fear impact of carbon tax)

Regional Queensland appears highly exposed to the impacts of the carbon tax, which may significantly compromise the Government’s Regionalisation Strategy.