BUDGET 2023–24

Mackay and Whitsunday has been denied its fair share in the Queensland Budget according to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP.

Ms Camm said the Mackay/Isaac/Whitsunday region fared the worst in the state for capital investment in the annual budget, which was handed down in Queensland Parliament yesterday.

“Our Greater Whitsunday region is the least funded in all of Queensland, and our allocation of State Capital Program funding at $623.4 million is the lowest,” she said.

“The state’s royalties revenue is up from $8 billion to $15b. Given this, it is beyond insulting that a region which contributes so considerably to the state coffers would be so overlooked.”

Ms Camm said neighboring regions received almost double and triple the allocation for capital investment, with Central Queensland receiving $2b and Townsville receiving $1.1b.

“We have received no money for the Burdekin Hydro Scheme, no money for the Mackay-Bucasia Road duplication, no increase in funding for Bruce Highway flood mitigation, and there is no mention of badly needed boat ramp funding,” she said.

“In fact, not only have we been robbed of our fair share but we have actually had our piece of the pie reduced by 31% in terms of Queensland capital grants, and reduced by 31% in terms of Queensland roads funding.

“Yet again regional Queenslanders are copping the consequences of an out-of-touch Labor Government that does not understand their needs or recognise their contribution to the state.”