Infrastructure might have secured a number of big ticket wins in the north, but crime, resources and cost of living were also part of the state government’s promise to NQ.
$440m was set aside for a two-meter lift of the Burdekin Falls Dam, and $594m will be spent on the Copperstring transmission lines project in the 2023-2024 state budget as treasurer Cameron Dick touted his office’s bonafides on regional infrastructure spending.
While investments in the regions were sizeable, there were few surprises in store for North Queensland as the state government zeroed in on addressing the struggles of the cost of living crisis, and shoring up the state’s ailing health system.
Treasurer Cameron Dick giving his budget speech, Parliament House, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the budget’s impact would be felt in the north.
“[This budget] will deliver an unprecedented $8.2 billion in concession funding for Queenslanders which includes $1.48 billion for electricity bill support,” Mr Walker said.
“Copperstring will create good jobs and unlock billions of dollars in new critical mineral projects which is exciting for our region.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at Townsville University Hospital. Member for Mundingburra Les Walker. Picture: Evan Morgan
“We are also investing in community safety initiatives including the new Kirwan policy facility along with providing $446.4 million in whole of government funding over five years to support community safety, tackle the complex causes of youth crime and help boost police resources.”
Katter Australia Party leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter criticised the allocation of spending, saying that the distribution of resources generated through coal royalties needed to be rethought.
Member for Traeger Robbie Katter, parliament Question Time, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston
“You would be hard-pressed to find other examples throughout history of such gross economic inequity and injustice of the distribution of public wealth among the people – in Queensland regions make the money, then the southeast spends it on itself,” Mr Katter said.
If you spent this money back in the regions, you could create greater wealth-creating opportunities that set our State up for a richer and more sustainable future.”
See the full breakdown of what was spent where in the north here:
INFRASTRUCTURE
$79.2 million in 2023-24 out of a $258.2 million total spend connecting the 250 megawatt Kidston Clean Energy Hub to the national electricity grid to help meet Queensland’s renewable energy targets. The project will support up to 400 jobs and Powerlink has engaged over 20 local suppliers.
$60.7 million in 2023-24 out of a $251.2 million total spend to widen the
existing shipping channels. This will allow access for larger vessels to visit the port,
providing efficiencies and supporting future trade growth in the region.
$19.5 million in 2023-24 to continue planning and commence pre-construction activities
for the Burdekin Falls Dam improvement and raising project. As part of reinvesting
in the regions, $440 million is allocated toward improving and raising Burdekin
Falls Dam by 2 metres. This is on top of the Queensland Government’s existing $100 million
commitment.
The 1000km Copperstring project between Mount Isa and Townsville, designed to supply cheap and reliable electricity to communities and mining projects across the north west, will receive $594 million in the next financial year.
$16.1 million in 2023-24 out of a $42.7 million total spend towards strengthening pavement and widening floodway on Flinders Highway at Scrubby Creek. This investment is estimated to support an average of 75 direct jobs over the life of the project.
EDUCATION
$1 million in 2023-24 out of a $6.3 million total spend to deliver a children’s services
hub in Julia Creek to help address the demand for childcare services in McKinlay
Shire. When completed, it will be able to accommodate more children as well as
babies and school-aged children through the provision of Outside School Hours
Care.
$9 million in 2023-24 out of a $11.4 million total spend to upgrade the administration
building, including visiting specialist offices and a conference room, and to construct a
new home economics building, supporting food studies and joint school and community events. The project is supporting an average of 11 jobs across 3 years from 2021-22 to 2023-24.
HEALTH
$58.2 million in 2023-24 out of a $591.2 million total spend for a range of
enhancements at the Townsville University Hospital site, including construction of a
new clinical services building, hybrid theatre, expansion of the Outpatients Department
and the completion of a new Acute Medical Receiving Unit (Australian Government
funded).
$7 million in 2023-24 out of a $9.7 million total spend for infrastructure initiatives including
the establishment of a renal dialysis treatment service, the installation of a CT scanner
including upgrade of medical imaging services, upgrades to the Central Sterilising Services,
and the upgrade of electrical capacity to the hospital.
CRIME
$400,000 to scope and support enhanced co-ordination of youth justice, early intervention and prevention services in Mount Isa and Toowoomba.
$4.2m in cash to continue culture-based rehabilitation for young First Nations peoples in Cairns, Mount Isa and Townsville, and funding of $2.8 million over three years to deliver a fast-track sentencing pilot in four locations for 18 months to address delays in court proceedings.