According to the latest figures produced by the Queensland Government, the Mackay region has beaten south-east Queensland in receiving its share of state government infrastructure spending.
Data from the Queensland Budget papers and the Queensland Government Statistician's Office shows 56 per cent more per capita is being spent by the state government on infrastructure and capital works in the Mackay region, compared to its counterparts in South East Queensland.
In fact, infrastructure spending in the Mackay Region has been higher than in SEQ for the last five financial years.
The figures show that in the last available financial year (2021-22), for every person in the Mackay region, the state government has spent $3,603 on local infrastructure and capital works, compared to $2,307 per person in South East Queensland.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert pointed to an extensive range of projects that have been delivered for Mackay in recent years, proving the Mackay region is receiving its fair share of funding.
“We’ve had massive projects like the Mackay Ring Road, Walkerston Bypass and Peak Downs Highway upgrades, as well as new hospitals in Sarina and Moranbah, an extension to the Mackay Base Hospital going ahead, the works to the Great Barrier Reef arena and much more,” Ms Gilbert stated.
“The data is clear - we are receiving more funding for projects in our region per person than those in SEQ - and we have done so for a long time.
“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to secure for Mackay. And I’m happy to say that will continue under this government.
“People are saying: ‘Let’s go to Mackay because it’s the best place to be’,” Ms Gilbert said.
Ms Gilbert debunked the rumours that Mackay gets less than its fair share in funding, saying: “The LNP like to talk a tough game about us receiving less than our southern counterparts saying we are missing out but it’s simply not the case.”
In 2021, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner made headlines complaining that the Queensland Government was spending too much in regional Queensland, arguing Brisbane was being shortchanged.
“He must be feeling the pinch, because he knows that per capita, more money is being spent on each individual up here in the region compared to down there in Brisbane,” Ms Gilbert added.
Ms Gilbert is looking forward to the results of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project, with a potential cash injection of around $12 billion making the spend per capita even more abundant.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert showing the latest financial figures. Photo credit: Sinead Porter
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