Last Friday, The State Government’s 2025–26 Budget announced and delivered a 20 per cent increase in funding to frontline services, aiming to bolster support for people facing homelessness in Mackay and the Whitsundays.
Billed as laying the groundwork for a fresh start, the Budget includes an additional $592 million for homelessness services across Queensland, with a strong focus on critical, on-the-ground support for the state’s most vulnerable.
It includes $380 million to deliver crisis accommodation initiatives and $208.9 million to extend the 20 per cent funding uplift to specialist homelessness services across Queensland.
In Mackay and the Whitsundays, there are multiple service providers who will benefit from the 20 per cent funding uplift, including:
• Community Accommodation and Support Agency
• Kalyan Youth Service
• Lowanna House
• St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said it was vital to invest in local frontline housing and homelessness services while work continued to boost housing supply.
“This funding gives frontline workers the certainty they need to do their job and support more people experiencing homelessness to access the support they need and to get and keep housing, while we work on longer term housing options,’’ Mr Dalton said.
“Thank you to the frontline workers in Mackay for their tireless efforts to help those who need it most, I'm proud that our government is backing them with more support.”
Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) Mackay General Manager William Stafford welcomed the funding boost.
“It’s very powerful. We get up to 180 walk-ins and calls daily from people needing help,and have daily outreach with about 65 rough sleepers in Mackay city alone,’’ Mr Stafford said.
The funding uplift is expected to help local services meet increasing demand, improve service stability, and ensure more people in the region can access safe and timely support.
The 2025–26 Budget has boosted frontline homelessness services by 20 per cent, providing vital support for vulnerable people in Mackay, the Whitsundays, and across Queensland. Pictured: Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Premier David Crisafulli. Photo supplied
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