Queensland Budget sets Sunshine Coast up for success

• Sunshine Coast health spending increased to $1.8 billion
• $1.3 billion Big Build spend to support 3,500 jobs in 2024-25.
• $65 million for Education.

The Sunshine Coast is set to reap the rewards of new Premier Steven Miles’ first budget in the top job, with more investments in health, education and infrastructure.

The 2024-25 Queensland Budget features a nation-leading $11.218 billion in concession and rebates to provide cost-of-living relief to  Queenslanders, alongside a record $107.262 billion capital program for infrastructure statewide.

The Miles Government is providing a $1.8 billion investment for the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service to deliver even better access to healthcare across the region.

The Budget also increases infrastructure spending of $1.3 billion, including $71.4 million in 2024-25 to commence construction on the Lake Macdonald Dam improvement project, which will strengthen the dam’s foundation and ensure it meets modern engineering standards and continues to operate safely during extreme weather events.

Premier Miles is continuing to invest in education and will provide $65 million to maintain, improve and upgrade schools to ensure all students have access to world class education.

This includes $15.7 million for  the construction of the new Palmview State Secondary College, $7.3 million for a new hall facility at Yandina State School, and $5.6 million for a new performing arts centre at Burnside State Highschool.

The Budget recognises the importance of tourism to local jobs and is continuing to support the industry, including $20.1 million to upgrade the Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre and to build a new Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre.

Quotes attributable to the Premier Steven Miles:

“I am doing what matters for Queenslanders and delivering the largest investment into Queensland Health services, infrastructure and frontline workers in the state’s history.

“The Sunshine Coast is one of our fastest growing regions and in my first budget as Premier, I am investing in local clubs, tourism attractions, critical infrastructure and services to support that growth.

“I will always put Queenslanders first and do what matters most to them.”

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“The Queensland Government listens to Queenslanders and acts on the issues that matter most to them which is exactly what this Budget delivers.

“With $1.8 billion for healthcare, we’ll hire more doctors and nurses for the region, adding to the 1,484 extra nurses, 474 extra doctors and 109 extra ambulance officers our government has delivered since 2015.

"Our ‘Big Build’ infrastructure spend will support around 3,500 jobs in the region.

“This investment is supporting industries and jobs of the future and building the places and spaces that Queenslanders will enjoy for generations to come.

“Our Budget continues our commitment to improve outcomes for students and teachers, we are providing $65 million towards maintaining, improving and upgrading schools.

“We are bolstering the Australian Government electricity bill relief by $1,000, meaning that Queensland households will receive a $1,300 credit on their electricity bills.

“This budget was made with Queenslanders in mind, and we will do what matters most for them.”

Quotes attributable to Caloundra MP Jason Hunt:

“I’ve lived in Caloundra for decades and I always knew it was the greatest place in the world.”

“This Miles Government Budget is delivering more for the Sunshine Coast making it an even better place to live.”

“We are seeing local investment in healthcare, education and infrastructure projects which are delivering local jobs and better services for Caloundra and the Sunny Coast.”

“That is what Labor Governments do – invest in our frontline workers and infrastructure to deliver better outcomes for Queenslanders”

“I am proud to be a part of the Miles Government who always delivers for Caloundra.”

Quotes attributable to Rob Skelton, Member for Nicklin

“Our new Premier Steven Miles’ first budget is proudly doing what matters for Nicklin by delivering the jobs and infrastructure the Sunshine Coast needs.

“This Budget will see a massive investment in jobs, health and education across the Sunshine Coast – all part of the Miles Government’s Big Build.

“We’ve got funding for a new performing arts facility at Burnside State High School, a new hall at Yandina State School, two new school tuckshops and six new school playgrounds.

“Under the LNP, our region was taken for granted. If David Crisafulli and the LNP get into government, you can bet they’ll take our region for granted again and cut the infrastructure and jobs Labor has invested for Nicklin’s future.”

Further information:

Other Sunshine Coast investments include:

• $3.1 million in 2024-25 to complete the new police facility at Caloundra South.
• $15.6 million in 2024-25 towards widening the existing pavement on Glass House Mountains Road (Steve Irwin Way)
• $1.4 million in 2024-25 to establish new Youth Co-Responder teams on the Sunshine Coast.
• $30.8 million in 2024-25 to expand and improve social housing. Social housing provides safe, secure, and sustainable homes to some of the most vulnerable people in Queensland.
• $197,029 in 2024-25 out of a $218,921 total spend to upgrade lighting to support Australian football at Pomona.
• $25.4 million in 2024-25 out of a $37.3 million total spend for planning and development of Stage 2 Coolum Eco Industrial Park, to provide industrial land supply and support economic development on the Sunshine Coast.
• $217,000 in 2024-25 out of a $350,000 total spend to construct amenities to support surf lifesaving at Buddina.
• $2.3 million in 2024-25 out of a $8.5 million total spend to complete the new permanent fire and rescue station at Caloundra South.
• $3.3 million in 2024-25 out of a $16.4 million total spend to rebuild the existing Maleny Substation to support the continued provision of safe and reliable electricity to the surrounding community.
• $217,000 in 2024-25 out of a $350,000 total spend to upgrade amenities to support football at Maleny.
• $115 million in 2024-25 out of a $1.004 billion total spend towards Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1).
• $2 million in 2024-25 out of a $11.2 million total spend towards the Third Avenue extension and a new intersection on Nicklin Way.
• $2.5 million in 2024-25 out of a $10 million total spend to commence replacement of the permanent fire and rescue station at Beerwah.
• $48.2 million in 2024-25 for delivery of recovery and betterment projects to local government assets impacted by disaster events between 2020 and 2024 in the Sunshine Coast region, jointly funded under the State and Australian Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

ENDS