Hinchinbrook's 2025–26 Budget Priorities

As we near the end of the financial year many of us will be waiting intently to see what funding will be allocated for Hinchinbrook in the 2025–26 Queensland State Budget. Last month, I wrote to Treasurer, David  Janetzki with a list of key priorities for our electorate. I’ve kept this budget submission focused on projects that are fully costed and are only waiting for funding to advance. These are costed projects that have gone through the necessary planning, approvals, and community consultation. This year I am calling for funding for marine infrastructure, roads, and flood resilience projects to improve the liability of our region.

The $12 million Dungeness Breakwater and Dredging Project is ready to be funded. With all the environmental approvals now locked in, it’s time for the Government to commit funding for construction. This project would restore safe marine access by dredging the mouth of Enterprise Channel and building a rock wall to retain the dredge spoil and restore the historical spit. We’re also asking for funds for the relocation of the Cassady Beach boat ramp at Forrest Beach to the mouth of the creek, as well as continuing the fight for a long-term dredging solution at Port Hinchinbrook. Encouragingly, with Economic Development Queensland now involved, we’ve seen positive momentum at Port Hinchinbrook and have promising meetings scheduled to occur over the coming parliamentary sitting weeks.

Road infrastructure is important in Hinchinbrook, that’s why this year’s submission calls for $20 million to upgrade Woolcock street through Townsville’s northern suburbs and funding for essential trunk infrastructure that would help unlock over 3,000 new home blocks in the suburb of Mount Low. I’ve also advocated for upgrades to the Ingham electrical substation to make it flood-resilient.

None of these requests are excessive but were forgotten under the previous Labor Government. I, along with our local Mayors will be eagerly awaiting to see if these important projects can advance under a Crisafulli Government.

Contributed with thanks to Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.

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