The Queensland Government has unveiled its 2023–24 Budget, which it claims prioritises the well-being of Queenslanders by addressing the cost of living and delivering enhanced services in crucial areas such as health, housing, and community safety.
With progressive royalties and soaring coal prices, the government plans to reinvest its earnings in sectors that benefit all Queenslanders. The health sector will witness a significant 9.6 per cent increase in spending, in an effort to improve access to quality healthcare services.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the investment in health focuses on improving frontline health services. The government has committed $764 million to reducing ambulance ramping and improving access to emergency departments.
Around $224.5 million is being invested in addressing surgery and specialist clinic backlogs.
To tackle the rising cost of living, the government is providing $8.2 billion in concessions to Queensland families and businesses. Measures include a Cost-of-Living Rebate on electricity bills, amounting to $550 for all households and $700 for vulnerable households.
One cost-of-living initiative includes free kindy for all Queensland households.
Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, said “From 1 January 2024, every little Queenslander will get free kindy, regardless of if they attend a stand-alone community kindy or do kindy at a long day care.
“It will save families around $4,600 a year, easing national cost-of-living pressures.
“And it'll give every little Queenslander the best start in life.”
However, the budget didn’t appear to provide much relief to working couples or families with primary or high school aged children.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has labelled Labor’s Budget smoke and mirrors to distract Queenslanders from the cost-of-living pressures they are currently facing.
The budget's centerpiece, the Big Build initiative, will drive infrastructure development with a total capital investment of around $19 billion over the next four years. This includes investment in transport infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ms Landry said the only ‘Big Build’ Capricornia will see is $1.208 billion in renewable energy projects which will decimate agricultural land and destroy native vegetation thriving with fauna.
“A staggering $1 billion has been allocated to the ecological disaster waiting to happen, that is the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Scheme. If their plans align, the stunning Eungella and Pioneer Valley will be set for destruction by 2026-27
“The sheer hypocrisy of this government to claim the resources sector is decimating land, yet we see they are more than willing to wipe out native vegetation and prime agricultural land to meet their net zero targets,” Ms Landry said.
Mackay’s Ring Road, the Port Access and Walkerston Bypass infrastructure projects were among those in the region allocated funds for significant connection projects over the next four years, however the Northern Beaches continues to be ignored with no mention of the Mackay Bucasia Road.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said, “The commitment to delivering safe and connected road and transport infrastructure reflects the government's adaptability to the ever-changing construction and job market dynamics."
However, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, was unimpressed with the level of uncertainty many aspects of the budget have brought to locals, and pointed out that the major projects listed were ones that had been previously announced.
“No major road projects in our region have been announced and the fact that Mackay Bucasia Road is not included - it's a blatant disregard for the population growth in our region,” Ms Camm said.
"I live there, and I will continue to advocate for funding.”
Major Roading Highlights
Mackay Whitsunday District: $769 million program estimated to support an average of 700 direct jobs over the four-year program. Major investments include:
● $497.4 million Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1), including works between the intersection of the Mackay Ring Road and Bald Hill Road
● $350 million Mackay Port Access, Bruce Highway to Mackay - Slade Point Road, construct new two lane road
● $187.4 million towards Walkerston Bypass
● $56.5 million Bruce Highway, Emu Creek to Drays Road, various locations, widen formation
● $31.4 million Bruce Highway, Bowen Connection Road to Champion Street intersection, widen pavement
● $23 million Bruce Highway, Jumper Creek, upgrade flood immunity
● $21 million Proserpine - Shute Harbour Road, Hamilton Plains, upgrade flood immunity
● $15 million Bruce Highway (Mackay - Proserpine), Goorganga Plains, plan and preserve
● $12 million Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen), Bowen Connection Road, improve intersection
● $12 million Peak Downs Highway (Clermont - Nebo), Millennium Coal Mine to Carbourough Coal Mine, construct overtaking lanes
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