Federal election 2022: $200m boost to Central Qld spending spree

With both Labor and the Coalition announcing infrastructure projects, Central Queensland’s share of the election cash splash has increased by $200 million.

Central Queensland’s share of the election campaign cash splash has grown by over $200 million, with both Labor and the Coalition announcing infrastructure-focused projects for the region.

Labor’s focus today is the seat of Flynn, where the party will announce a package of “targeted” works for a stretch of the Bruce Highway between Gladstone and Rockhampton.

Deputy Prime Minister, Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Barnaby Joyce announced a $10 million upgrade to Rockhampton Airport in the seat of Capricornia.

The Gladstone-based seat of Flynn is on Labor’s list of target electorates, though people within the party have noted the LNP’s 8.66 per cent margin may be too big to overcome.

But in a sign the Nationals part of the LNP is taking no chances in its Central Queensland stronghold seats, Mr Joyce has spent a week campaigning in the seats of Flynn, Capricornia and Dawson.

This has included promises of $10 million to upgrade Rockhampton Airport, $2.5 million to upgrade the Boyne Tannum Sharks Football Club, and $1.9 million for a satellite telehealth oncology clinic in Gladstone.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce with Scott Buchholz, Andrew Wilcox (Nationals Candidate for Dawson) and Michelle Laundry (Member for Capricornia)

Federal Labor, which has pumped at least $35 million worth of promises into the seat of Flynn already, will today announce a $200 million road infrastructure package for the Bruce Highway.

Opposition infrastructure spokeswoman Catherine King revealed the funding would help build new passing and dual lanes, new overtaking lanes and other improvements, including on the Gavial-Gracemere link of the Bruce Highway.

An Albanese Labor Government will build a better Bruce Highway with a targeted package of works to deliver essential upgrades in Central Queensland.

The funding announcement by Mr Joyce for Rockhampton Airport involved a $10 million upgrade in a bid to “incentivise airlines to increase commercial flights” and “provide more bargaining power to attract other airlines and open up new routes”.

Building an extra apron at the airport, according to the Government, would also allow large defence aircraft to land during military exercises without disrupting usual business and provide extra parking space for large water bombers during bushfires.

Originally published as Federal election 2022: $200m boost to Central Qld spending spree