All LNP, Labor promises to Mackay, Whitsunday electorate in Queensland State Election 2024
There’s a huge disparity between the two major parties when it comes to Mackay-Whitsundays. See where the money will go.
QLD Votes
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Votes. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An elected Labor government would spend close to $200m more in the Mackay-Whitsunday region compared to the LNP, when all the local promises are accounted for.
But the LNP has promised to spread around more smaller amounts of funding to local sport and community clubs as Labor bets big on a new satellite hospital and significant upgrades to the Peak Downs Highway.
And in good news for Mackay, some important projects will be funded regardless of who wins.
Labor would spend $269m in total across our region, and the LNP $90m in total — based on specific, costed election commitments in the Mackay and Whitsunday electorates.
It does not include money promised broadly over Queensland.
We’ve compiled all the promises in a simple list so you can cast your vote based on what matters most to you.
What’s been promised by both parties
The Great Barrier Reef Arena stage two - $23.5m
To deliver stage two of the Great Barrier Arena at Harrup Park both the LNP and Labor have committed to kicking in $23.5m.
That money puts Mackay on the front foot for securing an Olympic cricket game in 2032.
Australian Street Aid Project (Chances) - $1m
Both Labor and the LNP will deliver $1m in funding to Mackay homelessness support service Chances to ensure they can maintain their ongoing operations.
Mackay Hockey Association - LNP: $800k, Labor: $1.6m
The Mackay Hockey Association will receive $800k towards building their new indoor hockey facility if the LNP win, whereas Labor has pledged $1.5m, which would cover the full cost of the project and allow the association to spend the remaining amount elsewhere.
Peak Downs Highway and coal roads - LNP: $20m, Labor: $157m
Labor has pledged $157m to Bowen Basin roads, the majority going to the Peak Downs Highway and remaining funds to Dysart-Middlemount Rd, funded from coal royalties.
The LNP has not matched Labor’s commitment, and instead pledged $100m to non-specific country roads across Queensland, with just $20m promised to the Peak Downs Highway.
What Labor has promised
Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro
Labor would continue with building the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro scheme in the Pioneer Valley, currently in the study phase.
The financial cost of the project is unclear, along with how much money would be spent in Mackay.
The LNP will cancel the project regardless of the success of the environmental or business cases, instead wanting to build other smaller projects across Queensland.
When asked about where these smaller facilities would be built, LNP leader David Crisafulli was unable to answer.
Mackay Satellite Hospital - $78.3m
Labor has pledged to deliver a satellite hospital in Mackay to ease pressure on the hospital system and offer free, walk-in treatment from 8am-10pm for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries.
The Mackay Satellite Hospital would be delivered by through a $78.3m investment, funded by borrowings.
The LNP have not matched this commitment, but LNP member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said she would welcome any new health investment in her electorate.
The Resources Centre of Excellence stage two - $5m
Labor pledged to fund stage two development for the RCOE, delivering a new mineral processing lab and industrial tenancies at the council owned testing site.
The LNP has not matched this commitment.
BB Print Stadium - $3.2m
Addressing one of the Mackay council election priorities, Labor committed $3.2m to upgrading the BB Print Stadium.
The home of the Mackay cutters, the commitment will go to upgrading the carpark and adding a footpath connection along Leisure St.
Six bulk-billing GP clinics
As part of Premier Steven Mile’s commitment of 50 bulk-billing GP clinics to Queensland, Mackay-Whitsunday will receive six of these clinics from a $365m statewide investment.
Because the amount being specifically spent in our region is unclear, it has not been included in the total figure.
Total value of Labor commitments - $269m
What the LNP has promised
Mackay-Bucasia Rd - $20m
The LNP have promised to kick in $20m to easing congestion on the Mackay-Bucasia Rd.
The Mackay mayor and CEO welcomed this commitment as a starting point, but said the road needs $200m, not $20m.
Labor has not pledged any funding to the Mackay-Bucasia Rd, but said the road does need more funding than $20m and the department of Transportation and Main Roads is working on a study to see where funding will be most urgent.
Mackay State High School and Mackay North State High School - $3m
The LNP would spend $3m between Mackay State High School and Mackay North State High School, adding airconditioning in the school hall for the former, and a new tuck shop for the latter.
Labor has not matched this commitment, but would spend $1.4bn on free school lunches for all state school kids that wanted them.
Wests Tigers Walkerston - $3.1m
The LNP funding would go toward the completion of the first stage of Wests’ $20m four-stage ‘master plan’, with the focus of stage 1 expanding changing and spectating facilities.
Sport and Community Clubs
On top of their commitment to the Great Barrier Reef Arena, the LNP have also made a number of smaller commitments to Mackay-Whitsunday sporting and community clubs including:
- $500k for Northern Beaches Bowls Club to install shade sails on the bowling green.
- $75k for a kitchen at Proserpine Rugby League Club.
- $1.6m for Mackay netball to install shade on its courts.
- $800k for the Mackay Football Park to build a new car park.
- $250k for Dolphins Soccer Club for facility upgrades.
- $100k to the Airlie Beach Bowls Club to install solar.
- $75k to Whitsunday Brahmans RLFC towards their clubhouse upgrades.
- $50k to Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club for master planning the club’s expansion.
- $250k to Mackay Musical Comedy Players Inc. to upgrade facilities to include a rehearsal space.
- $450k for North Mackay Saints AFL to upgrade lighting at Zeolla Park.
Shute Harbour boat ramp and car park - $10m
Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm has pledged $10m to replace cyclone-damaged recreational facilities at Shute Harbour if the LNP wins government.
The investment will deliver a four-lane floating ramp and 130 car parks.
Whitsunday Skyway Project - $5m
If elected to government the LNP has pledged to kick in $5m to help get the Whitsunday Skyway Project off the ground.
The project, first estimated to cost $86m aims to bring new tourists to the Whitsundays and potentially deliver $25m in revenue each year.
Total value of LNP commitments - $91m
Tear down this fence! Voters ‘misled’ on fire station that never was
The future of a prime government-owned block at Hervey Bay is uncertain as the city’s new MP claims Labor told voters a fire station furphy while the State Opposition insists it’s not to blame.
‘Cooking the books’: Labor fires back at Cross River Rail $17bn budget blowout
Labor has lashed out at the state government claiming it is “cooking the books” after a revelation the Cross River Rail would cost more than $17bn and not be operational until 2029.