For too long, Far North Queensland has been overlooked when it comes to meaningful investment from the State. We’ve felt it — in our roads, in our health services, in housing, and in the support our communities and industries need to thrive.
The list of projects neglected in my region is long.
Long overdue upgrades to the Western Arterial Road. The Barron River Bridge that has been on its last leg for years. A hospital which needs investment and a safe helipad and more parking. Sporting Clubs that don’t even have a club house, a change room for females or proper lightning for night games and training. Australia’s most expensive footpath partially finished hiking trail.
There is a lot of work to do in Cairns. There are a lot of messes to clean up.
One of the key reasons I put my hand up to run for Parliament was because I could see that FNQ wasn’t getting its fair share — and I knew that had to change. That’s why I am pleased to see this year’s State Budget take a real step in the right direction.
I’m pleased to see key election commitments have been honoured. FNQ is not only seen and heard, but finally being delivered the investment, infrastructure, and respect our region has long deserved.
State Budget 2025-2026 At a Glance
What the State Budget Delivers for Far North Queensland
The Crisafulli Government’s 2025-26 Budget is delivering for FNQ — tackling the real issues our region faces and laying the foundations for long-term growth, safety, and opportunity. Here’s what the Budget delivers for Far North Queensland:
HOUSING & COST OF LIVING
✅ 561 social and community homes under construction or contracted
✅ $380M over five years to support crisis accommodation & homelessness services, including doubling Womensline and Mensline capacity
✅ $100 Back to School Boost for every child
✅ $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers to support families
✅ New community bus services for Dimbulah, Ravenshoe, and Babinda
✅ $888,000 for the North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program and a new Island Natural Disasters Mitigation Program, reducing flood risk and lowering insurance costs after the 2023 & 2025 floods
✅ $16.2M for essential asset maintenance including Kuranda Weir and Barron Gorge Power Station
SAFER COMMUNITIES
✅ $560M statewide for early intervention youth crime programs
✅ Regional Reset program for high-risk youth
✅ Youth Justice School for young people on justice orders
✅ More police recruits and frontline officers
✅ POLAIR aerial crime-fighting expansion in FNQ
✅ Upgrades to Edmonton Police Station and Cairns Watchhouse
✅ New Bamaga Fire & Emergency Services Complex ($4.9M)
✅ Cairns Fire Communications Centre replacement ($8.5M)
HEALTH & HOSPITALS
✅ $181M to expand and refurbish Cairns Hospital
✅ Additional $67M for Cairns Hospital, including a new Mental Health Unit and health innovation initiatives
✅ $19M for adolescent & young adult mental health beds in Cairns
✅ $60M for Cairns Health & Innovation Centre (Stage 1)
✅ $29M for Cairns Ambulance Operational Centre redevelopment
✅ $12.9M to refurbish Atherton Hospital
✅ $3M for E Block Pharmacy & Cancer Care at Cairns Hospital
✅ $9M to support veterans and their families
ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE
✅ A brand-new Barron River Bridge, after over 500 days of advocacy — improving safety and connectivity for thousands of locals and visitors
✅ Major upgrades to Western Arterial Road and Bruce Highway, vital for regional access and commuter safety — highlighted by flood isolation events
✅ Kuranda Range Road safety and resilience upgrades
✅ Community infrastructure upgrades to halls across Cairns northern beaches and hinterland
✅ $166M+ for the Cairns Water Security Project
✅ Common User Facility led by Ports North
TOURISM, SPORT & LEGACY PROJECTS
✅ $15.5M to expand Smithfield Mountain Bike Trail Network, supporting tourism and healthy lifestyles
✅ FNQ among first to benefit from Destination 2045 ecotourism rollout, including Wangetti Trail
✅ $6M for Games On! Manunda Sports Precinct upgrades
✅ $1.5M for Jeff Pezzutti Park youth activity space
✅ $19.2M for Great Barrier Reef Joint Field Management Program
✅ Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
✅ $24M to improve water quality for the Great Barrier Reef
✅ $49.9M over four years, with $16.4 million annually, to support the Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program
EDUCATION, CULTURE & COMMUNITY
✅ $1.4M to expand the School Savvy Program across FNQ
✅ Construction of Queensland’s first Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre
✅ Expansion of the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
✅ $44.7M over five years to boost local business productivity, including new regional startup hubs and innovation grants
✅ A new nature-based playground at Redlynch State College
✅ A nature playground at Caravonica State School
✅A shade structure for Trinity Beach State School
✅ A brand new multipurpose hall for Freshwater State School
✅ An additional $900,000 for general maintenance across schools in the electorate
This budget reflects a real commitment to Far North Queensland — to safer roads, better health care, stronger communities, and a thriving local economy. There’s still work to be done, but this is a moment to celebrate progress and continue fighting for our region’s future.
I want to sincerely thank the entire community — from the everyday residents and passionate local advocates to the emergency services personnel, dedicated health workers, and even the young people who have tirelessly championed causes like the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park and Barron River Bridge. Your voices, your efforts, and your unwavering commitment have made a real difference. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more connected Far North Queensland.
More information: www.budget.qld.gov.au
