- Health spending increased to $679 million
- $1.3 billion Big Build spend to support 3,400 jobs in 2024-25.
- $57 million for Education
New Premier Steven Miles’ first budget as Premier will hugely deliver for the Mackay-Whitsunday region, through increased investment into health, infrastructure and education thanks to the 2024-25 Queensland Budget.
The 2024-25 Queensland Budget features a nation-leading $11.218 billion in concession and rebates to provide cost-of-living relief to Queenslanders, alongside a record $107.262 billion capital program for infrastructure statewide.
The Miles Government is providing $679 million for the Mackay Hospital and Health Service to deliver even better access to healthcare.
This Budget provides an infrastructure spend of $1.3 billion for the region, including $20 million for the continued redevelopment of Moranbah Hospital to provide this community access to the care they need closer to where they live.
Other infrastructure spending includes $21.4 million in 2024-25 towards the Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1) project. Construction of the new ring road is complete, and an intersection is being built with Bald Hill Road, on completion, these projects will create a direct route between the Port of Mackay, the mines and agricultural industries surrounding the city.
$500 million in 2024-25 to deliver the 285-megawatt Lotus Creek Wind Farm near St Lawrence. This project will support decarbonisation in the region and help Queensland reach its target of 70 per cent renewables by 2032.
Premier Miles continues to invest in education and will provide $57 million to maintain, improve and upgrade schools in the region to ensure all students have access to world-class education. Including, $6.8 million to construct a new building for additional learning spaces at Moranbah State High School.
An additional $32.9 million from this Budget will be invested to expand and improve social housing in the region.
This Budget recognises the importance of tourism to local jobs and continues to boost funding for the industry, with:
- $3.5 million to provide camping facilities and continued enhancements to the Ngaro Track in the Whitsunday Islands National Park
- and $2.8 million in 2024-25 to develop the Pioneer Valley Outdoor Tourism Hub
- a two-storey facility for up to 24 guests, to be used by guides and operators for adventure and nature-based tourism experiences across the Mackay region.
As stated by the Premier Steven Miles:
“I am doing what matters for Queenslanders and delivering the largest investment into Queensland Health services, infrastructure and frontline workers in the state’s history.
“Mackay-Whitsunday is growing quickly, so my first budget as Premier is investing in local clubs, tourism attractions, critical infrastructure and services to support that growth.
“I will always put Queenslanders first and do what matters most to them.”
As stated by the Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
“The Queensland Government listens to Queenslanders and acts on the issues that matter most to them which is exactly what this Budget delivers.
“With $679 million for healthcare, we’ll hire more doctors and nurses for the region.
“Our ‘Big Build’ infrastructure spend will support around 3,400 jobs in the region.
“This investment is supporting industries and jobs of the future and building the places and spaces that Queenslanders will enjoy for generations to come.
“Our Budget continues our commitment to improve outcomes for students and teachers, we are providing $57 million towards maintaining, improving and upgrading schools.
“We are bolstering the Australian Government’s $300 electricity rebate by $1,000, meaning that Queensland households will receive $1,300 off their electricity bills over 2024-25.
“This budget was made with Queenslanders in mind, and we will do what matters most for them.”
As stated by Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert:
“Our cost of living budget will make a real difference to families in Mackay. As our community continues to grow we’re delivering the infrastructure and services to go with it.
“More beds, more services and better roads for Mackay are all part of the 2024 Queensland State Budget.
“I’m particularly proud of our continued investment in expanding the Mackay Hospital. $679 million will be delivered to ensure our community gets the world class services we deserve.”
