MP Nigel Dalton doubles down on Mackay election promises, but no time frame as 100-day-mark hits

Newly elected Mackay MP Nigel Dalton was not able to say when his election promises will be delivered despite the LNP insisting they were all “fully costed” when making them.

LNP candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton during a media conference in Mackay. Picture: Liam Kidston.

No time frame has been given yet for Nigel Dalton’s election promises as the ex-cop turned politician marks his first 100 days in government.

The pledges include a $3m grant to both the Mackay and North Mackay State High Schools for air conditioning in the school hall for the former, and new tuckshop for the latter.

Mr Dalton said as he waits to receive confirmation from top down, no delivery timeframe has been set.

The Department of Education released a statement pointing to extended holidays and being a first-term government as a reason for projects like these to take their time.

The Minister for Education, John-Paul Langbroek said he’s looking forward “to working with the Member for Mackay and the local schools to ensure this important election commitment is delivered”.

Speaking to the Daily Mercury, Mr Dalton confirmed those promises will be rolled out once the budget was released.

“I’m going to be making sure those commitments are done as soon as possible once the money is available,” he said.

Nigel Dalton announced a $800k funding commitment to the Mackay Football Park on October 10, 2024. Photo: Fergus Gregg

As the Crisafulli government’s first budget forecast predicts state debt to hit $218bn, the worst per-capita state burden of any state in the country, Mr Dalton said it was something his party was going to have to manoeuvre around.

“We are going to have to make sure we don’t go into the red any further,” he said.

“The budget is not what we thought it was going to be,” he said.

During the election, the LNP repeatedly emphasised all its promises were fully costed and budgeted, with no new taxes or increases in debts needed.

The $3.1m committed to the West Tigers Walkerston spectator facilities and a spread of grants to local sporting clubs will also be left on the waiting list.

The North Mackay Saints were promised $450,000 for lighting upgrades at Zeolla Park.

Club leaders told this masthead they were left to “chase it up” with Mr Dalton, who confirmed he is now speaking with them.

The Dolphins Soccer Club facility upgrades amounting to $250,000 as well as $800,000 for a new car park at the Mackay Football Park will have to wait for budget announcements before any further steps will be taken.

Sharon Sutherland from Mackay Netball said conversations with Mr Dalton about the promise to deliver shade cloths over the courts at a cost of $1.6m indicated it was “going to be a work in progress” but was left assured they would arrive.

Originally published as MP Nigel Dalton doubles down on Mackay election promises, but no time frame as 100-day-mark hits