‘Stability First’ As State Budget Released

The 2026 State Budget was handed down on Tuesday, with the Queensland Government focusing on stability amid global uncertainty while laying the foundations for the state's future growth and prosperity.

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Delivered by Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, the budget aims to ease cost-of-living pressures while delivering record investment in health services.

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said the Queensland Budget has delivered significant investment for the Whitsundays, welcoming the budget and saying it provides tangible benefits for local families, businesses and communities.

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“The Treasurer has just handed down the Government’s second Budget and there is great news for Mackay and the Whitsundays,” Ms Camm said.

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Among the headline announcements is increased investment in health services with a major expansion of Mackay Base Hospital announced.

There will be at least 128 additional overnight beds under the Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan and the budget also funds growth in the hospital workforce, increasing staffing levels to almost 3,000 full-time equivalent health workers across the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

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Road users across the region are also set to benefit from increased infrastructure spending.  

The Budget locks in Queensland’s historic 80:20 funding agreement with the Federal Government to deliver $9 billion in Bruce Highway upgrades, including projects aimed at improving safety, flood resilience and freight efficiency along one of Australia’s most important transport corridors.

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Ms Camm said the Government remained committed to working towards long-term solutions for the flood-prone Goorganga Plains section of the Bruce Highway, an issue that regularly disrupts tourism, freight movements and supply chains during severe weather events.

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“Continued investment in the Bruce Highway and progress on the Goorganga Plains project is critical for our region,” Ms Camm said.

The Budget also includes continued investment in frontline policing and community safety measures, supporting the Government’s broader focus on reducing crime and improving community confidence across regional Queensland.

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“Local leaders have long argued that regional Queensland deserves infrastructure investment that matches its contribution to the state’s economy,” said Ms Camm.

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“This year’s Budget responds to that call, with significant funding directed towards healthcare, safer roads and stronger frontline services that will benefit local families, businesses and communities for years to come.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the Budget delivered practical investments that would strengthen the Bowen community while providing relief for families facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.  

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“This Budget is about delivering for local families and ensuring our communities have the infrastructure and services they need now and into the future,” Mr Last said.  

“Reliable services are essential for our region. These investments will ensure local residents, growers and businesses can continue to access safe, secure and reliable services.”  

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“We know families are still feeling the pressure of higher household costs,” Mr Last said.  

“That’s why we’re continuing to deliver targeted relief while also investing in the services and infrastructure our communities rely on every day.”

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State Wide Snapshot

• Making Queensland Safer with more police, stronger laws, early intervention and rehabilitation.  

• Fuel Security Plan with Taroom Trough fast-tracked, new refineries and more local fuel storage.  

• 3 new and 10 expanded hospitals with more free healthcare than ever before.  

• 7% decrease in Ergon power prices for families under the Energy Roadmap Price Drop.  

• Bruce Highway upgrades and new road and rail projects to get you home sooner and safer.  

• 22 new schools and 4 new TAFE Centres of Excellence for a growing State, with a $150 Back to School Boost for primary school students.

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Whitsunday Budget Highlights

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Whitsunday Skyway At Airlie Beach

Supporting construction of the tourist Skyway in Airlie Beach with $5 million over two years.  

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Shute Harbour boat ramp

Investing in a new four-lane boat ramp at Shute Harbour. Part of the Safer Roads, Better Transport Initiative.  

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Proserpine Replacement Police Facility

Replacement of the police facility in Proserpine to support frontline policing services and enhance community safety.

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Rural Fire Brigade Stations

A replacement rural fire brigade station at Abbot Point to support fire and emergency services to the community.

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Generational Infrastructure Upgrades

Restoration of the heritage-listed Bowen Courthouse and replacement of the Bowen Wharf.  

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Local Sports Club Upgrades

Investing in local club facility improvements for Airlie Beach Bowls Club, Bowen Seagulls Rugby League Club, and Whitsunday Brahmans RLFC.  

Residential Activation Fund

Delivering essential infrastructure and utility connections to support residential development in Bowen South, Cannonvale and Proserpine.

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More social and community housing

Expanding and improving social and community housing across the Mackay Whitsundays region, with 121 homes in construction or under contract.

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