Hinchinbrook’s Share Of The State Budget

Last week while I was in Queensland Parliament, the Crisafulli Government handed down the 2025-26 State Budget. This being their first budget since taking office, it mainly focused on delivering election commitments. The Brisbane Olympics, First Home Buyers and those who rely on the State’s Health Service can be considered winners out of this year’s budget while crime prevention and policing also received a well-needed boost.

Continued funding for local roads and money to progress the Gairloch washaway project have been allocated for the Hinchinbrook Shire, as well as funding for several projects that will directly improve the liveability and recreational appeal of our district.

The Hinchinbrook Shire Council has been successful in receiving funding under the Works for Queensland Program for the following projects:
• $200,000 for shade cover installation at the Taylors Beach playground;
• $200,000 to expand the Forrest Beach foreshore walking trail, enhancing pedestrian access between the hotel and boat ramp; and
• $50,000 for planning and design works at Borello Park in Lucinda, aimed at upgrading the playground and protecting the area against future sea level rise.

The Ingham Tennis Club has had a promised $973,000 budgeted to deliver their desperately needed Stage One court refurbishment.

Port Hinchinbrook was also given a line item in the budget which states that ‘the government is: providing centrally held funding to enable delivery of options for the ongoing sustainable use of the Port Hinchinbrook Marina Site.’ After a conversation with the Deputy Premier I am confident this means a solution is being worked through that will benefit all seeking a resolution to the ongoing dredging issue.

We had hoped for a greater investment in some of our bigger priority items such as upgrading marine infrastructure at Dungeness and Forrest Beach however, that has not come to fruition this round.

Despite missing out on some crucial funding for some of the projects on our wish list, I remain confident that more funding will be made available throughout the year in the way of grants and funding opportunities for our community. The fight for Hinchinbrook’s fair share continues.

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