Emma McBryde
There were no real surprises in the list of big ticket items from the 2023-2024 State Budget for the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast region.
There will however be relief for many to see $100 million in ink in the 2023-2024 State Budget for the Rockhampton Ring Road out of a $1.065 billion total spend, including funding in the forward estimates for early works. It will be delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
The controversial Rockhampton to Yeppoon Road upgrade will receive $19.5 million in 2023-24 out of a $85.4 million total spend, under Australian Government review. It is being delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
The Mount Morgan Pipeline will receive $10.8 million in 2023-24 out of a $40.4 million total spend to construct a pipeline to provide a reliable water supply for the community and support future growth and development.
The Great Keppel Island Rejuvenation Pilot $9.2 million in 2023-24 out of a $30 million total spend to deliver common-user infrastructure to stimulate tourism development on Great Keppel Island and throughout the region. The project involves the installation of approximately 13.5km of power, water and telecommunications infrastructure via submarine connections from Emu Park across Keppel Bay to GKI.
The Rockhampton Hospital will receive $2.7 million in 2023-24 out of a $35.8 million total spend for the delivery of a cardiac hybrid theatre and the refurbishment and expansion of the mental health ward.
Beef 2024 will receive $1 million in 2023-24 to support Beef Australia to deliver Beef TV production and distribution; marketing; cultural and First nations programs; and entertainment for Beef 2024, as part of the Regional Tourism Recovery Program.
The North Rockhampton Ambulance Station $11 million in 2023-24 out of a $12.2 million total spend for the replacement of the existing ambulance station to support the delivery of pre-hospital ambulance responses services.
The Hall State School will receive $10 million in 2023-24 out of a $12.6 million total spend to deliver a new hall facility.
The Rockhampton Special School $8.8 million in 2023-24 out of a $9.5 million total spend to construct a new building for additional learning spaces.
The Mount Morgan Aquatic Centre Project $1 million in 2023-24 out of a $4.5 million total spend to redevelop the existing Mount Morgan Pool with a modern aquatic centre.
Wind farm investments in Central Queensland received a boost in $208 million in 2023-24 out of a $1.113 billion total spend for CS Energy to invest in wind farms in Central Queensland, as part of the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.