A snapshot of what has been allocated for North Queensland in the 2025/26 State Budget

The state government has splashed cash on crime measures in this year’s budget – but there are still gaping holes in detention measures in NQ.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli (left) congratulates Treasurer David Janetzki after he delivered his first state budget at Parliament House in Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

A Crime Prevention School is set to be established in Townsville to help get at-risk kids back on the right path, but there seems to be no solve in sight for the city’s detention centre, which is bursting at the seams.

This month, the Townsville Bulletin lifted the lid on staff shortages and capacity issues at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre leading to young offenders getting shorter sentences.

While the LNP has invested heavily in crime-related measures including funding for POLAIR to operate and $11.5m for the new Kirwan police station, the government’s only plans for a new centre remains at Woodford.

This comes after they put the breaks on a new facility in Cairns.

The LNP is moving forward with Labor’s plans to upgrade the Townsville Correctional Centre – which was previously met with concern from staff due to workforce shortages at the prison.

The government has earmarked $140m for major works, with $931m forecast for the future of the upgrades.

POLAIR will continue to operate in Townsville and Cairns, with the government allocating $67.9m for aerial crime-fighting capability in the two cities over the next nine years.

Earlier this month, Police Minister Dan Purdie revealed that a second helicopter would be based in Townsville.

“We are delivering frontline police with support and resources they need to do their jobs, while also upgrading the watch-house in Townsville,” said Townsville MP Adam Baillie.

“The budget is also increasing education support to reduce youth crime with the establishment of a Crime Prevention School in Townsville, to get at risk kids back on the right path.”

Also listed were election commitments from Thuringowa MP Natalie Marr including a $1.1m for an upgrade Mundingburra State School security fence to ‘keep local kids safe’, $30m for the Angus Smith Drive upgrade, $1.5m for the Ross River bikeway and footpath upgrade, $750,000 for a new public toilet block at Aplins Weir Park and $375,000 for the Hermit Park Tigers AFL Club grounds and clubhouse upgrades.

“I’m proud to announce my election promises will be delivered under the 2025/26 budget, including investment in our children, with upgrades at Kirwan State School and Thuringowa State High School,” Ms Marr said.

“Greenwood Sporting Precinct and Jabiru Park will also receive much needed upgrades.”

Money has also been allocated for airconditioning at Thuringowa State School’s hall.

In the regions $60,000 has been allocated to the Cungulla Recreational Fishing and Social Club and $2.1m for upgrades to the Home Hill Swimming Pool including a new water filtration system and heating.

For the Bruce Highway, $4.5m has been allocated for stretch between Bowen and Ayr as part of the Burdekin River Bridge rehabilitation and a further $667,000 for ‘Northern’ parts of the Bruce

$30m has been set aside in this year’s budget for stage two of the Upper Ross Road duplication to four lanes from Allambie Lane to Dunlop Street.

The Hughenden Showgrounds will receive $650,000 for a new announcers’ box and upgrade to the surface, kitchen, bar and multifuncation area.

In the Hinchinbrook, the Forrest Beach Walking Track will receive a $200,000 boost for expansion from the hotel to the boat ramp, as well as $200,000 for playground shades at Taylors Beach.

To help councils in North and Far North Queensland, $888,000 was allocated for the North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program to “reduce their disaster risk and assist in reducing the growth of insurance costs for residents, businesses and the community.”

Originally published as A snapshot of what has been allocated for North Queensland in the 2025/26 State Budget