The State budget was released on Tuesday evening and Treasurer Cameron Dick said the $12.3 billion surplus is the largest surplus delivered by any state government this year.
One of the biggest influencing factors were coal mining royalties which brought in an impressive $15.9 billion, far exceeding the predicted $5.9 billion.
A big focus of this years’ budget was the immediate relief for cost-of-living pressures with over 2.2 million Queensland households receiving at least $550 off their power in the coming financial year.
The government has also announced a record breaking spend on infrastructure, with $89 billion spread over a range of projects which include the Big Build Program which will see the construction of significant energy infrastructure over the next four years.
In addition, there is $751 million for a new housing program.
While the budget looks positive from a state level, the breakdown of investment within the Whitsunday and Mackay region is mainly centred around schools, hospitals, and preannounced projects.
This is the view of Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP who says she is disappointed to see a disproportionate amount of funding given to the region.
Mackay and Whitsundays only received $623.4 million in $20.321 billion Capital Program compared to Townsville that received $1.180 billion and Central Queensland that received $2.003 billion.
The sparsely populated Outback Queensland was the only other region to receive similar, at $675.8 million.
“Given the state government mining royalties that have increased by $8 billion, I am disappointed to see no funding returned to the region that creates that wealth,” she said.
“We have the smallest budget contribution, by region and this is the last budget before next year’s election budget, and I would have liked to have seen better.”
“It’s great to see they have announced free kindy but how are they going to deliver on that when we are struggling to find a skilled workforce and enough placements for kids?”
Ms Camm is also frustrated that infrastructure projects such as Hamilton Plains flood protection strategies have been completely missed in the budget.
“There is nothing for Hamilton Plains and no major road projects in our region at all,” she said.
“We are just not seen as a region that this government is willing to invest in.”
“There is a blatant disregard for the population growth we are seeing in regional Queensland, but I will continue to advocate for our fair share.”
Whitsunday Islands National Park - Ngaro walking track upgrade
$3.9 million out of a $5.7 million total spend to extend the Ngaro Walking Track in the Whitsunday Islands National Park. Part of the $10.1 million investment in Ecotourism and World Heritage Areas, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
Airlie Beach replacement permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station
$2.3 million out of a $8.9 million total spend to continue replacement of the permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station at Airlie Beach.
Proserpine Hospital
$4.4 million out of a $7.9 million total spend for the delivery of renal services, the refurbishment of the clinical assimilation training area, clinical assessment rooms, management office space and upgrade to the acute primary care clinic. The investments aim to meet the rising demand for healthcare in the region and ensure residents have access to a range of health services closer to home. Part of the Rural and Regional Renal Program.
Cannonvale-Jubilee Pocket 66 kilovolt reinforcement
$10.4 million out of a $30.4 million total spend to establish a new 66 kilovolt switchyard to provide improved network safety and reliability to the Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands communities.
Proserpine State High School
$808,000 to construct additional specialist classrooms.
Proserpine State School
$500,000 to upgrade an existing amenities block.
Collinsville Golf Clubhouse transformation
$50,000 out of a $452,210 total spend to upgrade the Collinsville Golf Club's clubhouse. The project will refurbish the bathroom facilities, install accessible pathways and doors, and a playground. Part of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.
Collinsville Football Clubhouse
$300,000 out of a $370,000 total spend to refurbish Collinsville Football Clubhouse to provide a more attractive location for clubs to meet and events to be held, supporting community engagement. Part of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.
Bowen Hospital
$637,060 out of a $11.9 million total spend for works improving patient flow and primary health care, co-location of the allied health services, refurbishment of existing wards and 2 new renal chairs.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP says our region has been short-changed by the budget. Photo supplied
The Ngaro walking track upgrade receives $3.9 million
Local firies set to get new home with $2.3 million for new fire station in Airlie Beach
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