Touted as the budget that puts health care first with an impressive $23.6 billion dedicated to the sector, Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP said that without doubt hospitals and allied services will benefit from Tuesday’s announcement.
She is concerned, however, that many allocations for the Whitsundays are reannouncements that were already in progress.
Despite this, she is pleased that both Proserpine and Bowen hospitals will receive improved facilities with over $10 million allocated.
Ms Camm said that the extra funding will make a big difference in the Whitsundays, especially in mental health care.
“I know we have some challenges with mental health access in our region, so I welcome the funding,” she said.
“But I am disappointed to see nothing for boat ramps at Midge Point and Shute Harbour.
“There is also no new money for social or affordable housing – we are in a housing crisis at the moment and experiencing staff shortages too – it all flows on when attracting staff – what do we do if we don’t have anywhere for them to live?”
Ms Camm was also frustrated that no money was allocated for the tourism industry at a time when she believes it needs help.
“It’s very disappointing, especially on the back of COVID,” she said.
“People are now travelling and small businesses need support – it is still challenging times for them, especially with staffing shortages.”
In addition, with the budget introducing new royalty rates for the resource sector, Ms Camm fears that mining companies will need to cut-back on local community spending to afford the levees.
“Big business employs 40 per cent of the people in the private sector,” she said.
“When they have to pay those extra levees it has a flow on effect – I am worried that the money will never return to the region.”
Attending parliament throughout the week, Ms Camm said she would continue to fight for the Whitsundays and command a fair share for our region.
What Does The Budget Mean For Our Region?
Bowen Hospital - $5.2 million for construction projects to improve facilities at the Bowen Hospital site, including a new Computed Tomography Scanner.
Flagstaff Hill - $400,000 to build a conference and cultural centre at Flagstaff Hill. Part of the Building our Regions program.
Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen), Ten Mile Creek to Yeates Creek - $15 million towards safety improvements on the Bruce Highway. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
Salisbury Plains Industrial Precinct - $500,000 to help establish significant industrial developments and provide for the establishment of essential services and infrastructure corridors.
Airlie Beach Fire Station - $750,000 to commence replacement of the permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station at Airlie Beach.
Proserpine Hospital - $5 million for the refurbishment of the clinical assimilation training area, and acute primary care clinic upgrade.
Whitsunday Islands National Park - $1.8 million to extend the Ngaro walking track in the Whitsunday Islands National Park.
Urannah Dam - $650,000 to complete a detailed business case, approvals, environmental impact statements and cultural heritage and Native Title review of the Urannah Water Scheme.
Bowen State High School - $868,000 to provide new skills development and training facilities.
Strathmore Transformer Reinforcement - $3.2 million to add additional transformers at the Strathmore substation to preserve network strength in the vicinity to Strathmore.
