State Budget Delivers For Burdekin

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has delivered more than half a billion dollars worth of projects and services for the Burdekin electorate via the Crisafulli government’s first budget.

Focussed on the key issues directly affecting local communities, Mr Last said essential services and infrastructure saw increased funding and election commitments were ‘fully honoured’.

“Across the Burdekin electorate, almost $600M in projects and services have been supported in this budget including every single election commitment,” Mr Last said.  “This year’s budget delivers on the priorities that Queenslanders supported at the last election while laying the foundation for long term budget repair.”

“Projects such as the installation of a CT Scanner at the Ayr Hospital and upgrades at Burdekin Netball are now backed with full funding.  Funds allocated for land to house the new fire station in Ayr means the project can kick into gear to deliver a modern station and relocate emergency services staff away from potentially carcinogenic chemicals.”

“The budget also locks in previously announced projects including upgrades to the Bruce Highway, increased social housing and improved resources for our Police.  Funding has also been confirmed for programs to tackle youth crime and to boost the number of healthcare workers across the state.”

“Confirmed funding for the infrastructure and services that we rely on means progress on the issues that matter to us locally and across the region.  The expansion of the Townsville University Hospital, for example, means faster access to high-level medical care in our time of need and the Crime Prevention School will help to prevent crime right across North Queensland, including in the Burdekin.”

Mr Last said the budget would add to previously announced plans and programs to support the Burdekin’s key industries and provide funding to local government for several important projects.

“The Burdekin’s economy relies on the sugar industry and the expenditure announced in the budget will provide support to the sugar industry and, therefore, the district as a whole,” he said.  “A 15% discount on irrigation water and works to address rising groundwater are among short and longer-term measures to back agriculture.”

“The cost of irrigating is one of the largest costs that farmers face and, for years now, we have seen prices increase based on a whole range of factors.  The budget funds a regional water assessment and other programs to get to address the underlying issues contributing to those cost increases and provide certainty for farmers.”

“While the budget is responsible and is built on respecting taxpayers’ money, it delivers on our commitments and allows us to continue to deliver the services and infrastructure families access every day; including by partnering with councils across the state.”

“In the Burdekin LGA, the Works for Queensland program will see council deliver almost $1.8M in projects.  That funding will deliver projects across the district including upgrades at pools in both Home Hill and Ayr.”

“This is a budget that invests in a stronger, more productive economy that will benefit all Queenslanders.”

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