North Queensland State Budget Announced

The Queensland Budget 2026–27 outlines a range of initiatives set to support communities in the Hinchinbrook region.

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Locally, the Hinchinbrook Health Service will benefit from the delivery of a new CT scanner, improving access to vital diagnostic imaging closer to home and reducing the need for residents to travel for essential healthcare. Road and transport upgrades across North Queensland continue to be prioritised, including ongoing Bruce Highway improvements designed to improve safety, reliability and travel times for regional communities.

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This snapshot covers specific and wider affecting Hinchinbrook state budget announcements. A more expanded overview can be found here at budget.qld.gov.au/budget-papers/#budget-overview

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Specific Regional Area Targets

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Foundation for Homes: Hinchinbrook Trunk Infrastructure Projects 1 & 2

Constructing sewer pump stations and rising mains to support residential developments in Toobanna ($6.3 million over three years) and Ingham ($1.6 million over three years). Part of the Residential Activation Fund delivered in partnership with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Visitor Facilities At Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park

Upgrading the camping area in Girringun National Park ($3 million in 2026-27).

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Bruce Highway (Ingham-Innisfail), Gairloch Floodway To Ripple Creek

Improving resilience on the Bruce Highway (Ingham-Innisfail), Gairloch Floodway to Ripple Creek. Part of the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program, delivered in partnership with the Federal Government.

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New CT Scanners

Delivering new CT scanners to the Ingham Health Service to provide easier access to vital diagnostic imaging services closer to home. Part of the Statewide MRI and CT Expansion.

Mount Spec Road Reconstruction Works

Undertaking reconstruction works on Mount Spec Road, under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in partnership with the Federal Government.

Crime Targets

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More Police On The Frontline

Recruiting more police to grow our frontline.

Circuit Breaker Sentencing

Delivering new court-ordered remote rehabilitation-focused detention for youth offenders to break the cycle of crime and make Queensland safer.

Expanding The Dvconnect Womensline And Mensline

Expanding the capacity of statewide Domestic Family Violence helplines with a new North Queensland Hub for greater immediate response ($31.3 million over four years)

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Proven Initiatives Early Intervention Programs

Delivering community-led, results-driven early intervention programs with a proven track record of success, to turn youth away from crime and make Queensland safer.

Staying On Track

Reducing repeat crime with intensive 12-month rehabilitation programs after detention to keep youth on the right path.

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Domestic And Family Violence Electronic Monitoring

Helping protect victims of domestic and family violence with an electronic monitoring pilot program for high-risk domestic and family violence offenders.

Fixing The DNA Debacle

Continuing to deliver faster justice for victims by clearing the backlog at the DNA Lab and bolstering Director of Public Prosecutions resources to get cases to court quicker.

Family & Housing Targets

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Supercharged Solar For Renters

Driving down renters’ power bills for more than 6,500 households with solar rebates, saving around $700 a year. Eligible landlords can receive a rebate of up to $3,500 to install solar on rental properties.

More Social & Community Housing

Expanding and improving social and community housing with 328 homes in North Queensland in construction or under contract, towards the target of 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.

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Boost To Buy

Delivering the Boost to Buy home ownership scheme, supporting up to 2,000 first home buyers.

First Home Owner Grant

Supporting first home buyers to buy or build a new home with boosted $30,000 grants to get into the market sooner.

Frontline Housing And Homelessness Services

Delivering housing and homelessness services to vulnerable Queenslanders across North Queensland to assist them to secure longer-term housing and access other specialist support services including temporary accommodation, outreach and connection to broader community services.

$150 Back To School Boost

Better relief you can rely on with a 50% increase to the Back to School Boost, with $150 for every primary school student.

Healthy Kindy Kids

Expanding the Healthy Kindy Kids program statewide, with free vision, hearing and speech development checks for children in kindergarten, giving them the best chance to be ready for school.

Keeping Our Kids Safe

Boosting the safety of children in childcare, schools and the community with $450 million to progress recommendations from the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry, as well as establish a new Queensland Protection Commission and a first-of-its-kind Intelligence Hub.

Wider State Targets

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CopperString

Delivering a record investment in CopperString, including progressing early works, design, approvals and procurement to connect the North West Minerals Province to the national electricity grid. Part of the Queensland Energy Roadmap.

Protecting The Great Barrier Reef

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations with $330.5 million over five years to deliver practical, on-the-ground action to improve water quality and protect Reef ecosystems now and into the future.

Queensland Fuel Security Plan

Fast-tracking the Taroom Trough Development Plan and investing in new refining and storage capability on Queensland soil.

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