A fresh start for Mackay Whitsundays in 2025-26 Budget

Budget delivers the foundation for a fresh start for Mackay Whitsundays with investment in health, housing and community safety.
New and upgraded police facilities for Proserpine and Mackay to make Queensland safer.
Mackay Hospital expansion with at least 128 new overnight beds to restore health services when you need them.
$44.1 million to expand and improve social and community housing in Mackay Whitsundays.
$5 million to support the Whitsunday Skyway tourism project.
$23.5 million for the stage 2 Great Barrier Reef Arena upgrade at Harrup Park as part of Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program to ensure Mackay Whitsundays benefits from a lasting legacy in 2032 and beyond.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Mackay Whitsundays with investment in community safety and police facilities, social and community housing, health and infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget.

Mackay Whitsundays will also benefit from the Crisafulli Government’s $100 Back to School Boost, the $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers Program, more frontline health workers, more police on the beat and new social and community housing.

2025-26 Budget lays the foundation for the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, addressing Labor’s youth crime, health, housing and cost of living crises.

The Budget focuses on making Queensland safer, delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, driving down cost of living pressures for families, providing more free healthcare and building generational infrastructure for our growing State.

The fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan will deliver over 2,600 extra hospital beds, including 3 new hospitals and 10 major hospital expansions across Queensland.

This includes the expansion of the Mackay Base Hospital with at least 128 new overnight beds to be delivered and additional car parking spaces to be constructed for patients, carers, visitors and staff.

More health workers for Mackay Whitsundays are also being supported, with additional funding in 2025–26 to grow the workforce to 2,995 across Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

Energy infrastructure will be upgraded with a $44 million project to establish a new 66 kilovolt switchyard to provide improved network safety and reliability to the Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands communities, while a $9.8 million investment will help establish a significant industrial development at Salisbury Plains Industrial Precinct.

The Crisafulli Government is also delivering $12.5 million for critical remediation work at the heritage-listed Bowen Courthouse to support effective service delivery, and $5 million towards the Whitsunday Skyway tourism project.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Budget delivered the foundation for a fresh start for Mackay Whitsundays, just as promised.

“Today’s Budget delivers the fresh start Queensland needs and Queenslanders voted for, to address the crises in youth crime, health, housing and cost of living,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“We are delivering to restore safety where you live, health services when you need them, a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland’s future.

“This Budget delivers cost of living relief with the $100 Back to School Boost and the $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers Program, a fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan, a new nation-leading home ownership program to reduce the deposit gap, as well more police and early intervention to make Queensland safer.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the Budget delivered critical investment in generational infrastructure for Mackay.

“We promised a fresh start and that’s exactly what this Budget delivers for our Mackay community,” Mr Dalton said.

“Cricket fans will be pleased to hear that Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena Upgrade at Harrup Park is being progressed with a $23.5 million investment, as the venue prepares to host Olympic cricket.

“$1.6 million will also Mackay Netball Association to build shade protection over 4 courts.”

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the Budget delivered a major tourism boost.

“The Whitsunday Skyway receives a $5 million boost in this Budget to deliver more tourism opportunities, supporting more local jobs for our region,” Ms Camm said.

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the Budget was delivering for Mirani with upgrades to sports clubs.

“This $3.125 million investment will transform Wests Tigers into a true sporting hub for the Pioneer Valley. It’s not just about new fields and courts, it’s about giving local kids and families more opportunities to play, grow, and be proud of their club. I congratulate Kingsley Theiber and his team their vision is big, and I’ll be right there with them every step of the way,” Mr Kelly said

“This $30,000 feasibility study is a small but powerful first step to securing a safer, more accessible Sarina pool. For too long, Sarina has missed out, but this funding has already brought Council to the table. It’s a win for local families and a sign of what we can achieve when community and government work together.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Mel Wightman, 0434 391 038

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Abbot Point Rural Fire Brigade Station - $800,000 for a new rural fire brigade station at Abbot Point.
Bowen and Proserpine Pool Solar and Shade Upgrades - $750,000 to support Whitsunday Regional Council to install solar systems and new shade structures at the Bowen and Proserpine Town Pools.
Clermont State School multipurpose courts - Delivering an upgrade of the multipurpose courts.
Clermont Swimming Centre - $3.2 million to deliver an upgrade to the centre.
Collinsville Community Precinct - $14.6 million to upgrade the Collinsville community precinct.
Collinsville Men's Shed - $400,000 to expand the Collinsville Men's Shed.
Collinsville staff accommodation replacement – Upgrades for appropriate, safe, and fit-for-purpose accommodation, as part of the Hospital Rescue Plan.
Early Learning Centre Expansion in Moranbah - $1.6 million to remodel classrooms and enable 25 additional childcare places.
Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club - $50,000 for a masterplan to maximise the club’s potential.
Football Field Lighting Upgrade in Moranbah - $57,000 in 2025–26 to upgrade lighting.
Games On! Mackay Netball Association - $1.6 million to build shade protection over four courts.
Games On! Proserpine Rugby League Football Club - $75,000 towards clubhouse upgrades for Whitsunday Brahmans.
Games On! Sarina Swim Centre - $30,000 for a feasibility study for upgrades to the Sarina Swim Centre.
Games On! Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club - $3.125 million for upgrades.
Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct - $41.7 million to construct a resources centre of excellence.
Mackay Community Mental Health Refurbishment - $18.5 million to deliver a refurbishment to provide purpose-designed clinical spaces and therapy rooms.
Mackay community support centre - $5.2 million to redevelop St Vincent de Paul Society's community support centre.
Mackay Musical Comedy Players Inc - $250,000 to deliver facility upgrades.
Mackay North State High School - Delivering a new tuckshop.
Mackay police facility upgrade - $9.3 million for an upgrade.
Mackay State High School - Refurbishing the school hall, plus air-conditioning.
Mount Ossa Rural Fire Brigade Station - $800,000 for a new rural fire brigade station.
North Mackay Saints AFL Club - $450,000 to replace old and inefficient lighting at Zeolla Park in Andergrove.
Reef Joint Field Management Program - $19.2 million for joint management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Shute Harbour Boat Ramp - Delivering a new four-lane boat ramp at Shute Harbour.
Supporting Chances Mackay - $1 million funding injection to the Australian Street Aid Project.
Woodlands District Park Facilities - $1.1 million to upgrade the Woodlands District Park.