$838M: Jack Dempsey’s federal budget wishlist for Bundaberg

Dams, roads and flood levees are all part of a giant wishlist submitted to the Federal Government by Mayor Jack Dempsey ahead of the upcoming federal budget.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey has revealed an ambitious $838 million federal budget wishlist for the Bundaberg region.

In a letter to Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar, Mr Dempsey said $600m (which has been committed but not yet budgedted) was needed to fix Paradise Dam, $60m was needed to upgrade Bargara Road, $45m to deliver the Bundaberg East Flood Levee and $10m for the restoration of Moneys Creek catchment.

The federal budget is expected to be brought down on Tuesday March 29, 2022.

Federal member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said it was concerning Mr Dempsey believed the budget would be changed before its announcement.

“It should be of significant concern to ratepayers that the Bundaberg Mayor thinks the Federal Budget would be changed just days before it is announced simply because he issues a politically-motivated statement,” he said.

“The Mayor should be focused on explaining to local ratepayers how he intends to manage the Bundaberg Regional Council Budget to fund the commitments he has already made to the community.”

These are some of Mr Demsey’s pre-budget submissions.

Paradise Dam - $600m

Mr Demsey said in his submission that after the dam wall was reduced due to safety concerns in 2020, the business case completed by the State Government recommended the full restoration of the dam wall.

He said it required help from the Federal Government to repair the “critical piece of regional water infrastructure”.

The Federal Government earlier in 2022 committed to contributing $600m to the restoration of Paradise Dam.

Paradise Dam, Bundaberg.

Bundaberg East Flood levee - $42.5m

Expected to cost $42.5 million, Mr Dempsey described the Bundaberg East Flood Levee project as “vital for community safety” in light of the 2013 Bundaberg flood events.

He explained in the letter that the State Government and Bundaberg Council had prepared a 10-year flood action plan for the city.

While Mr Dempsey said small initiatives in the action plan had been carried out to mitigate the risk of future flooding, the major intervention needed was the Bundaberg East Flood Levee to which Mr Pitt has remained opposed. It was also the centre of a controversial exchange between Bundaberg MP Tom Smith and Mr Pitt earlier this month.

The State Government committed $42.5 million towards the construction of the levee in 2020 and, with the council, has called on the Federal Government to match that.

Kendall Flat - $8m

In order to enhance AFL and cricket facilities at Kendall flat, Mr Dempsey wanted $8 million from the federal budget.

“Kendall Flat provides a unique opportunity to continue the strong growth of AFL, cricket and general sporting participation in our region,” Mr Dempsey said in his submission.

He mentioned the council was working with AFL Queensland and Queensland Cricket to create detailed designs and costings in order to deliver the enhanced facilities.

Funding the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment - $1m

In his submission, Mr Dempsey described the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment as a “proven approach” that allows disengaged youth, aged between 12-24, in Bundaberg have the best opportunity to become engaged in education and work.

He explained in the letter more funding is required to expand the model of reducing youth unemployment in the region.

The $1 million cost would be over three years.

Restoration of Moneys Creek catchment - $10m

A top priority for Mr Dempsey is securing funding to improve water quality in the Moneys Creek catchment and lagoon.

“We need money for Moneys Creek to end decades of environmental degradation,” Mr Dempsey said in a statement.

“We need a kickstart in funding and the Billion Dollar Reef Protection Package offers a fantastic opportunity.

“It’s just a drop in the bucket to ask for $10 million as our share to protect the internationally significant Great Barrier Reef.”

He said the $10 million could be provided from the Government's Reef Protection Fund.

New Cane Rail Bridge over Burnett River - $20-$30m

Estimated to cost between $20-$30m, the next priority for Mr Dempsey is a new cane rail bridge over the Burnett River.

He highlighted in his submission while two sugar mills have closed in the Wide Bay over the last two years, the region still has a “good future in sugar production”.

He explained following the recent closure of the Bingera Mill, industry help is now needed to transport sugar cane to the closest mill at Millaquin.

In the letter, he said the solution would be a new cane rail bridge over the Burnett River at Strathdees Road, which was proposed by Bundaberg Sugar Limited.

Bundaberg Hydrogen Hub - $10m

Mr Dempsey explained in the letter that domestic hydrogen supply chain opportunities should be supported in regional areas like Bundaberg.

“The declaration and funding of Bundaberg as a federally recognised Hydrogen Hub will directly support a variety of private sector hydrogen investment opportunities currently developing in the region,” he said in this submission.

Bargara Road widening - $60m

In his submission, Mr Dempsey wanted $60 million of funding to widen Bargara Road and expand the cycle path network.

He explained the idea is to establish a cycle path linking the Bundaberg CBD with Bargara along with other coastal communities.

Mr Dempsey said Bargara Road will also need upgrades so a cycle path can be established.

He said conceptual planning has been done with Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

Coastal sewer infrastructure - $27.5m

In his letter, one of Mr Dempsey’s priorities was connecting unsewered properties in Bundaberg’s coastal corridor, expected to reach a total cost of $27.5 million.

He mentioned Bundaberg’s coastal corridor between Bargara and Elliot Heads had been growing in population.

As a result, the Bargara Wastewater Treatment Plant is nearing capacity.

He said to provide connection of the unsewered properties, the flow from the Bargara Wastewater Treatment Plant, will need to be diverted to the Rubyanna Treatment Plant by 2024.

Bargara Water Park Facility - $0.25m

Another item in Mr Dempsey’s pre-budget submission, was a Bargara water park play facility.

In the letter, he explained Bargara was a coastal holiday community in the Bundaberg region, and like other coastal communities in the state, a water park play facility would be highlight the region as a growing holiday destination.

He said Bargara was an appropriate location, but $0.25m was needed to investigate the feasibility of a water park tourism facility.

More priorities in Mr Dempsey’s pre-budget submission

Other priorities in Mr Dempsey’s submission included the Gin Gin Rail Train for $9.5m, International Rowing and Kayak Facility at Bucca for $12m, funding to enhance Moore Park Beach for $5m, Inland Rail extension connecting Port of Bundaberg for $10m, Challenger Learning Centre Bundaberg for $5m, District Disaster Management Centre for $7.5m, and Restore Federal Financial Assistance Grants for Local Government back to 1% of tax revenue for $400m (QLD).