Bowman MP Henry Pike criticises budget cuts for hospital, mobile network

The federal budget failed to add funding for the Redland Hospital expansion and curbed allocations for mobile phone infrastructure hit hard by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Bowman MP Henry Pike says the 2025/26 federal budget failed to hand out more funding for the Redland Hospital stage 2 expansion and cut funding to mobile network programs.

The 2025/26 federal budget failed to deliver on key initiatives for the bayside electorate of Bowman with gaps in funding for disaster recovery, mobile infrastructure, and the Redland Hospital expansion.

A glaring omission in Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ fourth budget was funding for mobile infrastructure.

Bowman MP Henry Pike said funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program was being cut back while money allocated to the Peri-Urban Mobile Program was cut.

Mr Pike said although the budget allocated $1.2 billion for national disaster recovery following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, more money was needed for Redland islands.

Cyclone Alfred wiped out phone networks across Bowman.

“Cyclone Alfred exposed serious weaknesses in our mobile networks and the glaring need for more investment,” he said.

“But instead of investing in greater resilience and coverage, the Budget phases out the Mobile Black Spot Program and cuts funding to the Peri-Urban Mobile Program.

“I’m pushing to have these programs reinstated so our community isn’t left in the dark when it matters most.”

Mr Pike said he was disappointed that disaster funding did not go further and he was pushing for a Business Recovery Grant for businesses to clean-up after the cyclone and a Community Recovery Fund to help pay for rebuilding vital facilities.

These initiatives have been used in past disasters, and our community deserves the same level of support. This appropriation does not include these needed initiatives.

The budget also failed to allocate funding for the much-needed Stage 2 expansion of Redland Hospital.

Bowman MP Henry Pike says Redland Hospital missed out on expansion funding commitments.

The previous federal government had committed $30 million for Stage 1, which will provide 37 new inpatient beds and a new intensive care unit.

However, Mr Pike said as Bowman’s population grows rapidly, Stage 2 was essential to meet future healthcare demands.

“This omission raises concerns about the region’s ability to provide adequate healthcare for the growing community.”

Key local infrastructure projects were also left without new funding.

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which had funded more than $15.6 million in local projects, was axed.

The program supported initiatives such as pedestrian safety upgrades, new playgrounds, and drainage improvements.

The Stronger Communities Program, which has provided $1.35 million for local sporting organisations over the past nine years, will also be discontinued.

Mr Pike said there had been a partial victory with $337 million in funding for commitments under the SEQ City Deal, which includes upgrades to the Dunwich ferry terminal and sports field lighting.

“While it’s a welcome start, it falls far short of what’s required to meet the Redlands’ infrastructure demands.”

Transport and housing projects also missed out with no allocation for the expansion of the Brisbane Metro to include the crucial Carindale to Capalaba corridor.

However, the Kinross Estate will receive a long-overdue investment through the Housing Support Program, which will fund improvements such as new roundabouts, footpaths, and drainage.

Originally published as Bowman MP Henry Pike criticises budget cuts for hospital, mobile network