QUEENSLAND Premier Steven Miles has released his first budget, saying the Sunshine Coast is set to reap the rewards of new spending in health, education and infrastructure.
The 2024-25 Queensland Budget features a $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.
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.
Dr Miles said he would continue to invest in education by providing $65 million to maintain, improve and upgrade schools.
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 High School.
Dr Miles said 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.
“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 Premier said.
“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.”
Caloundra MP Jason Hunt said investment in healthcare, education and infrastructure projects 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,” Mr Hunt said.
“I am proud to be a part of the Miles Government who always delivers for Caloundra.”
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.