The Member for Whitsunday is calling on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to deliver for the Mackay-Whitsunday region in the upcoming Queensland Budget.

“The region needs critical infrastructure upgrades and investment to meet the demands of growth.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government must deliver the following priority projects:

• Mackay-Bucasia Road Upgrades

Bring forward the $750,000 planned feasibility study from 2023/34 and fast track investment in significant road upgrades and duplication as growth requires the upgrades now. Upgrades to Blacks Beach Road and Mackay Bucasia Roads to facilitate safe cycling, pedestrian access. 

• Shute Harbour Boat Ramp

Ensuring adequate car parking and safe pontoon access for 4 lanes to accommodate the growing demand for access for recreational fishing.

• Hamilton Plains

Deliver the final road plans and match funding from the Federal Government to this flood-proofing.  

• Urannah Dam

With the recent announcement from the Federal Budget outlining the establishment of the National Water Grid Fund, I have written to the Queensland Minister for Regional Development to advocate to the Government to progress the funding application. I have also written to the Deputy Prime Minister regarding the importance of this project.

• Whitsunday Sky Way

Commit to funding that was a Labor Government election promise. Fast track approvals to ensure private investment can have confidence in the project timeframes.    

• Conway National Park Circuit

Provide walking track upgrades and amenities to facilitate land-based experience and mountain biking trails.  

• Habana Community Disaster Resilience Project

Commit to funding the final stage of the Habana Community Hall Project.

• Northern Beaches Community Hub

Implementation of youth, health and community services including new mother services and mental health support.  

• VMR Whitsunday

Investment of $250,000 is required to upgrade the facility to operate as a disaster coordination centre.

• Public Transport for Regional and Rural

Better access to public transport across the Whitsunday electorate including in the Northern Beaches, Proserpine, Cannonvale and Dingo Beach/Hydeaway Bay.  

• Social and Community Housing

Allocated increased investment in housing stock across social and community housing for Mackay and the Whitsundays.

• School Facility Upgrades

Provide funding to upgrade school facilities in at Eimeo, Bucasia and Cannonvale to meet the demands of growth. 

“I have written to all the Queensland Ministers relevant for these projects to advocate for the region and highlight the need for allocated funding in the upcoming Budget.

“The Mackay and Whitsunday region cannot be left behind by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.