Note From Nigel

2026-27 State Budget Delivers For Mackay

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Over the past year, I've spent a lot of time out in our community – talking with families, sporting clubs, business owners, healthcare workers, volunteers and local organisations about what matters most to them.

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Again and again, people have told me they want practical action. They want cost-of-living relief. They want better healthcare. They want safer communities. They want housing solutions. And they want to see Mackay continue to grow and prosper.

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That's why I'm pleased to see the 2026-27 Queensland Budget delivering real outcomes for our region.

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At a time when many households are still feeling pressure on the family budget, this Budget provides relief you can rely on. Permanent 50 cent fares are locked in, the Back to School Boost has increased to $150 per child, Play On! sports vouchers continue, and regional Queensland families supplied by Ergon will benefit from lower electricity prices.

These measures might seem simple, but they make a real difference to family budgets right here in Mackay.

Just as importantly, this Budget delivers significant investment into our local community.

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More than $30 million has been committed towards community and social housing projects across our region. Having a safe place to call home is something every Queenslander deserves, and this investment will help support vulnerable residents while providing more housing options for our growing community.

Healthcare is another area where I've heard strong feedback from local residents.

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That's why I'm pleased to see $8.8 million committed to upgrades at the Mackay Community Health Centre. This investment will help improve access to healthcare services and ensure local families can continue receiving the support they need close to home.

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I've also been advocating strongly for better sporting infrastructure, particularly facilities that support the growing participation of women and girls in sport.

One project I'm especially proud to see funded is the new female changeroom facilities at the Mackay District Junior Rugby League playing fields.

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This $1 million project, jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council, is something the local community has been calling for. It will provide modern facilities for current and future generations of female athletes and ensure our sporting infrastructure keeps pace with the growth we're seeing across our region.

It's another example of what can happen when local voices are heard and governments work together to deliver practical outcomes.

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Beyond Mackay, this Budget continues important investments across Queensland, including new schools, hospital upgrades, more police on the beat, critical road and transport infrastructure, and record investment in social and community housing.

But my focus remains firmly on what this means for Mackay.

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For too long, many people in our community felt that Mackay wasn't getting the attention it deserved. I'm committed to changing that.

Whether it's healthcare, housing, sporting facilities, community safety or cost-of-living relief, I'll continue fighting to ensure Mackay gets its fair share and that the voices of local residents are heard in Brisbane.

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This Budget won't solve every challenge overnight, but it represents another step forward for our region and builds on the work already underway across Mackay.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their ideas, concerns and priorities with me over the past year. Your feedback helps shape the conversations I have in Parliament and the issues I continue to advocate for on behalf of our community.

As your local Member, I'll keep listening, keep advocating and keep working to deliver the outcomes that matter most to Mackay families.

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