What The 2026 State Budget Delivers for Far North Queensland

Yesterday the Queensland State Budget was delivered, and I wanted to share what it means for our communities across Far North Queensland.

Unlike the Federal Labor Government, the former Labor Government here in Queensland and local council, we are not introducing new taxes, and we are not increasing taxes.

In fact, we’ve gone the other way.

We’ve abolished the patient’s tax, taking pressure off GP clinics, and making it easier for families to see a doctor. And we’ve removed stamp duty for first home buyers, breaking down one of the biggest barriers to home ownership.

Because aspiration should be rewarded.

I believe that this is a budget for the regions. We know the Capital will always have more investment, however it’s wonderful to see record investment in the regions.

Here’s a breakdown of the key initiatives.

Electricity: Power prices will fall between 7 to 10 per cent for typical households and businesses. Vulnerable households will also receive an indexed $399 electricity rebate.

Transport: 50 cent bus fares remain permanent and will be enshrined in law.

Cost-of-living Measures: Parents will get a $150 Back to School Boost for primary students and $200 Play On! sports vouchers. Regional Patients travelling for health care will get an increased fuel subsidy of 45 cents a kilometre.

New Detention Centre & Expanded Jail: We know crime is a huge issue and that we need more space to send criminals to. The Woodford Youth Detention Centre continues to progress, with the facility set to include 112 beds across two campuses. The first campus is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027. Our government is investing $2.387 billion to increase adult prison capacity at the Arthur Gorrie, Townsville Correctional Centres and across the system.

Delivering the Cairns Airport Bus Service: improving transport options for locals and visitors alike. I want to thank everyone who shared their feedback on this project. I am so proud to see it included in the budget.

The Ryan Weare Park Pathway Project: This is a very long-awaited local project – the shared path connecting Ryan Weare Park to Brinsmead. This investment will provide a safe, dedicated walking and cycling connection between Redlynch, Freshwater and Brinsmead.

Cairns Western Arterial Road (CWAR): This road is long overdue and will help improve traffic flow and support our region’s growth once complete. Please don’t listen to the misinformation from Labor, the Cairns Western Arterial Road and the Barron River Bridge is in the 2026 Budget. As the contract has not yet been awarded, no project cost is included in QTRIP. Unlike the previous Labor approach, we do not go to market with a predetermined figure. Instead, this Government takes the project to market and invites competitive bids from industry, ensuring value for money for Queensland. Funding for the project has been allocated within the budget, and the final cost will be confirmed once a contractor has been appointed. This road will be fast tracked for delivery and complete by the 2032 Olympics.

Road Upgrades: Kuranda Range safety and resilience upgrades post Jasper Works, Kennedy Highway upgrades, and the brand new Barron River bridge, Captain Cook Highway disaster recovery reconstruction works and lots more. Click here to see all the road projects committed to QTRIPonline2026 | Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2026-27 to 2029-30

Upgrades to local schools: Nine schools across Barron River including Redlynch State College, Freshwater State School and Kuranda District State College and a further eight schools across Cairns are receiving important investment to upgrade and modernise their facilities. This includes a new Performing Arts Centre at Whitfield State School and a new multipurpose hall and computer laboratory for Freshwater State School. These investments are about making sure our students have access to modern, high-quality learning environments that support their education, creativity and future success.

Record Investment in Health: Record $1 Billion investment into the Cairns Hospital, the Queensland Ambulance Service (000) call centre and Cairns Hospital Transit Lounge expansion.

Barlow Park Upgrades: Upgrading the stadium to support regional events, broader sporting participation, and the delivery of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Cairns Convention Centre Capital Upgrades: To replace plant equipment and make upgrades to the facility.

Investment in Crime: POLAIR Helicopter funding to keep eyes in the sky and the Cairns Courthouse is getting a $19.3 Million upgrade to provide better safety and support to victims. We are also further investing in the Youth Justice School Ohana, Regional Reset program funding, and more police on the ground than ever before.

New Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Green Island: supporting Jenny and the team who do an incredible job rescuing and rehabilitating turtles.

Tourism: Connecting Queensland Fund Supporting Cairns Airport to attract more flights into our region. Smithfield Mountain Bike Park upgrades, Wangetti Trail Stage 2 and more.

Community Hall Upgrades: Major upgrades to the Machans Beach Community Hall, Stratford Bowls Club, and investment into upgrades to the Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Kuranda and Koah Community Halls. We know after Jasper how important these halls were, and they all deserve investment.

This Budget is about strengthening the foundations of the fresh start we’re delivering and making sure Far North Queensland continues to get its fair share.

There’s much more to unpack from this Budget, and I’ll have more to say in the coming days, weeks and months.

I’m committed to continuing to deliver for Far North Queensland and ensuring our region remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.