General News
24 June, 2025
State budget brings regional benefits
THE LNP’s first Queensland budget in 14 years has, as promised, focused on the big ticket items of health, crime and housing.
At a regional level, the budget has reconfirmed a number of initiatives, such as building a new Barron River Bridge, Bruce Highway upgrades, and localised funding of $1.9 million for the Mareeba Shire’s refurbishment of sewer manholes.
Atherton Hospital was also in its sights with the announcement of $12.9 million to refurbish the ward block with ancillary spaces and staff and patient amenities.
The Government has also pledged more than $18 million over four years to fund local government priority projects including: $9.3 million for improvements to playgrounds, toilet blocks and car parking facilities; $5.7 million to improve infrastructure for local communities including upgrades to town halls and other community infrastructure; and $3 million for CCTV and security cameras in local communities.
For those wondering what might help their hip pockets, the plus side included relief to families with $100 for every primary school student, and $200 sport vouchers for all students to take part in one sport per year.
Bus fares will remain at 50 cents, and the electricity rebate scheme for seniors, pensioners and concession card holders will increase by $14 to $386 with the government restoring annual indexation.
On the flip side, the previous Labor government’s 20% discount on car registration ends in September, as will the $1000 energy rebate.
The budget will also increase all government fees and charges on 1 July by 3.4 per cent, including driver’s licences.
The region will also benefit from statewide initiatives such as the creation of four crime prevention schools for at-risk youths ($50 million), with one slated for Townsville, and $40 million for two new youth justice schools to divert youths on youth justice orders; 1,600 new police recruits supported by $290.3 million in upgrades to police stations, facilities and beats; and $147.9 million for state-of-the-art police equipment including Taser 10s, Tactical First Aid Kits, handheld radios, body cameras and ballistic plates replacements.
On the housing front, the government is introducing the $165 million Boost to Buy scheme for home buyers.
The scheme offers an equity contribution of up to 30% for new homes and 25% for existing homes, valued at up to $1 million. Eligibility includes single-income buyers earning up to $150,000 and $225,000 for double-income earners. The scheme is capped with 1,000 spots available from 1 July.
In addition, the Home Buyer Grants have been boosted to $30,000 until June 2026. The Government has also abolished stamp duty on new homes for first-home buyers.
In an Australian first, a $1 billion Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee program has been developed to help developers secure a funding stream for new housing projects.
Healthwise, the Budget allocated more than $33 billion for the public health system next financial year, which includes an investment of more than $18 billion in health infrastructure over the next five financial years. This includes adding 2,600 extra hospital beds, three new hospitals, 10 hospital expansions and more regional health services.
Other key areas impacting the region include:
$817.2 million Primary Industries Budget to help leverage $30 billion in Queensland primary production output by 2030.
Budget will boost biosecurity with $60.9 million for more biosecurity officers, invasive species management including varroa mite, and $24 million for fire ant eradication.
$51.9 million for farm and drought resilience programs.
The Queensland Future Timber Plan to ensure Queensland has the timber to build one million homes by 2044.
More than $1 billion for tourism over the next four years, kickstarting the delivery of Destination 2045.
$130 million to divert landfill and boost recycling rates in Queensland.
