June 8, 2026

A Word With Wayde Wayde Chiesa MP, Member for Hinchinbrook

Wayde Chiesa MP and Premier David Crissafuli celebrating Queensland Day with students. Photo credit: David Crissafulli MP office

Last week, the Crisafulli Government announced that regional households will see electricity prices fall by up to 6.9 per cent, while small businesses will see reductions of up to 8.1 per cent. These are some of the largest drops in regional Queensland in a decade.  

This is welcome news for households and small businesses across regional Queensland, with power prices set to fall from 1 July.  Importantly, Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki, has directed Ergon Energy to pass these savings on in full to regional Queenslanders. That matters because families and small businesses deserve to see real relief on their bills, not just headlines.

This follows years of rising costs, with power bills having increased by 28.7 per cent in a single year under the former Labor Government. By contrast, the Crisafulli Government’s Energy Roadmap takes a balanced approach: improving what we have, while building what we need for the future.

Of course, we know many people across the region are still doing it tough. Farmers, in particular, continue to face higher fuel, fertiliser and input costs. Lower electricity prices will not solve every pressure, but they are an important step in the right direction.

Over recent weeks, I have had the great opportunity to visit a number of schools across the electorate, including St Peter’s School Halifax, Gilroy Santa Maria College, North Shore State High School and Ingham State High School. Spending time with students is always one of the most enjoyable parts of my role. Their confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm for the future should give us all great optimism.

I was also pleased to attend the Ingham Catholic Debutante Ball. It was wonderful to see so many young people celebrating an important milestone surrounded by proud parents, families and friends. Events like these reflect the strong community spirit and traditions that remain such an important part of life in our region.

As Queensland Day was celebrated last weekend, it was a timely reminder of what makes our State so special. For me, it is our people. From farmers and small business owners to teachers, parents, students and volunteers, I continue to be reminded why Hinchinbrook is such a wonderful place to call home.

Most importantly, after meeting so many young people across our community in recent weeks, I am more confident than ever that the future of Hinchinbrook is in very good hands.