Bundaberg Mayor and MPs react to our share of the state budget

Bundaberg’s mayor and MPs have all weighed in on how the region fared in Tuesday’s state budget.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith, Burnett MP Stephen Bennett and Mayor Jack Dempsey have reacted to how Bundaberg fared in the State Budget.

Bundaberg’s state MPs and Mayor have all reacted to Tuesday’s state budget which was handed down by Treasurer Cameron Dick.

The budget splashed cash into many local projects such as $1.6m for Bundaberg Tafe’s Agriculture and Horticulture Centre and $2.7m towards the construction and improved facilities at the Bundaberg Hospital.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said for Bundaberg, the budget was investing in health services, road infrastructure and supporting job creation.

“As part of a $1.9 billion package, this government is delivering $5 million to support the construction of affordable housing and create jobs right here in Bundaberg,” he said.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith.

“There is $2 million allocated to improving facilities at the existing Bundaberg Base Hospital as well as $15 million for land acquisition at the site of the new Bundaberg Hospital.

“This is a very exciting next big step towards delivering our new hospital, as we get closer to seeing the business case for the new hospital which will be delivered to the government by the end of the year.

“Our schools importantly will receive $3.66 million for works projects and ongoing maintenance to ensure our students are well supported throughout their education.”

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett welcomed commitments for local projects such as the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Lady Elliot Island and powerline upgrades in Childers.

“Locally I welcome commitments to projects like the development of a commercial kitchen fit out at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre,” he said.

“Another $500 thousand has been committed, but let’s not forget that this kitchen should have always been included and finished in the initial build, especially following an $18 million budget blowout.

“While it is great to see Lady Elliot Island thrive with a $170 thousand dollar commitment and $30 million to upgrade ageing power lines in Childers.”

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.

However Mr Bennett said the budget overall was “extremely concerning”.

“Sadly, this labor government has failed to set out a clear pathway to address spending and debt.

“This budget proves that the state labor government pulled down the Paradise Dam wall with no plan at all.

“Instead of actually fixing the Dam, the Palaszczuk government is doing what they do best; spending more money on reports, talkfests and plans with $12.5 for ‘continued planning works’.

“Why can’t they commit to fixing their biggest infrastructure fail in our nation’s history?

“I welcome the purchase of the land for the new hospital but it doesn’t hide the fact that the Queensland Government has in fact reduced Capital Expenditure for new hospitals statewide.

“All they’ve done is thrown a net over business-as-usual building costs and called it a “Building Fund.”

“In the past financial year they spent $1.473 billion on Health CapEx.

“This financial year, they’re planning to spend $1.351 billion on Health CapEx.”

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was “great to see” a budget line to purchase new land for a new hospital.

Cr Dempsey also said he accepted the Health Minister’s statement regarding “level 5” being an administrative term.

“The new hospital has to provide services that are level 4, 5, 6 or whatever to minimise the need for travel and patient transfers to Brisbane,” he said.

“Seeing a Budget line entry is very reassuring. I look forward to working constructively with the government as the consultation phase ramps up.”

Mayor Jack Dempsey.

Cr Dempsey also welcomed a $300 million commitment for a Path to Treaty Fund as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to achieve reconciliations with our first nations people.

He said he also hoped the region would get its “fair share” of the $1.8 billion over four years to increase the supply of social housing and upgrade existing social housing.

Cr Dempsey said he was also keen to see the government facilitate private sector investment in hydrogen initiatives at the Bundaberg State Development Area through the bio-hub.

He said the budget was a “good budget” overall.

“It was good to see $409,000 put aside for a security fence at Bundaberg South State School, which appears to be nearing completion,” he said

“I noticed the budget continues the rollout of Mobile Police Beats and encourage the Minister to talk with the Police Commissioner about having one of these in the Bundaberg Region.

Overall, it’s a good budget in challenging times and it’s positive there’s a surplus forecast in 2024-25.”

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt also weighed in on Tuesday’s budget claiming the needs of regional Queenslanders had been ignored.

“Tuesday’s budget has proven once more that the State Government does not care about the communities and people that live outside the South East Corner,” he said.

“They have a $2 billion Hospital Building Fund and only 17 per cent of that fund has been allocated to projects. Yet it’s been revealed that Bundaberg’s new hospital won’t be a level 5 hospital?”

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Pitt said a $12.5 million spend for ‘continued planning works’ for Paradise Dam proves that the state Labor government pulled down the dam wall with no plan at all.

“Our farmers and growers are desperate for answers and a commitment from the State Government that the dam will be restored to its full capacity,” he said.

“Instead of spending money on more reports and more planning, why can’t this government commit to fixing the dam?”

Originally published as Bundaberg Mayor and MPs react to our share of the state budget