News
1 July, 2025
Millions for our regions
MORETON Bay and Somerset have benefited from multi-million dollar investments in the State Government’s 2025/26 budget, after both councils extensively campaigned for funding during the October election.
Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, and Somerset Mayor, Jason Wendt, both welcomed the budget commitments, but added more funding is necessary to meet community needs.
“Our Council took every opportunity during the state and federal elections to advocate for our residents,” Cr Wendt said.
“The State Government is to be thanked for its investment in the Brisbane Valley Highway, however this investment is only a start.
“Road safety is our community’s number one priority and Council looks forward to working towards a long-term commitment and improvement program for the Brisbane Valley Highway.”
While welcoming the State’s trial for an on-demand bus service at Bribie Island, Cr Flannery also noted the city needs “a serious commitment” towards public transport.
“While Brisbane receives State funding for the Brisbane Metro and bus network, and the Gold Coast has the light rail, City of Moreton Bay needs a solid investment to alleviate car use and ensure better connectivity between our city hubs,” he said.
Cr Flannery also specifically urged the State review funding for the SEQ Community Stimulus Program, which is finishing in 2027.
“This saw a previous investment in projects like the Peninsula Support Hub, the Alma Road Bend Upgrade in Dakabin and Langdon Park Sports Field Lighting Renewal,” Cr Flannery said.
“We urge the State to review this decision that has serious financial implications for local councils.”
Premier David Crisafulli said the budget delivered the foundation for a fresh start for Moreton Bay, just as promised.
“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,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“This Budget delivers cost of living relief, 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 Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the budget was about listening to what Pumicestone needs, and “taking action to build a brighter, stronger future” for the region.
“We’re delivering a new Bribie Island Bridge as part of our plan for Queensland’s future and implementing urgent solutions to address the breakthrough on Bribie Island, as well as supporting local initiatives such as the Bribie Island Strength and Movement Club and the redevelopment of Bribie Island Neighbourhood Centre,” Ms Doolan said.
“It lays the foundation for a fresh start.”
Member for Glass House and Minister for Tourism and Environment, Andrew Powell, said the new budget is “bringing real progress for the southern end of the Glass House electorate”.
“This budget is about keeping promises - and delivering them. Every commitment made during the campaign is now fully funded, costed, and being implemented,” he said.
“Mount Mee Road, ranked third in RACQ’s ‘Unroadworthy Roads Survey 2024’, has long posed a danger to locals and tourists,” he said.
“This budget allocates $1 million to begin a comprehensive design study - an essential step toward making this road safer and more reliable.”
“In Woodford, we’re getting started on the infrastructure needed to deliver Years 11 and 12 at Woodford State School - something I’ve advocated for over many years.
This will provide greater opportunities for local students without the need to travel long distances for high school.”
“To support emergency response efforts, $140,000 has been set aside for new digital fire signage across the electorate. These will deliver real-time alerts and reduce pressure on our frontline responders.”
Mr Powell also emphasised the various cost-of-living relief measures being implemented: permanent 50c public transport fares, $200 Play On! Vouchers, giving Kindy Kids free health checks, and a $100 Back to School Boost for primary students.
However, Labor Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, said the new budget is “bad” for the people of the Morayfield electorate.
“It’s deceptive, dodgy, and dismissive of local needs,” he said.
“Despite the massive new housing developments in Morayfield South and Caboolture West, not one cent has been budgeted for new schools in these areas.
“Nothing for new bus routes, zero for a new fire station, and zilch for getting on with the new Bruce Highway Western Alternative arterial road.
“They’ve even deleted the planning for the Morayfield Road Stage 2 upgrade project from the Transport Infrastructure Plan.”
Mr Ryan noted the $367 million allocated to redevelop the Caboolture Hospital is “rebranding” and “deceptive”.
“This is not a new project. This is just the current redevelopment which everyone knows is almost finished after years of construction,” he said.
“To top it all off there is the massive cost blowout of the Bribie Island Bridge in our neighbouring electorate of Pumicestone (...) by up to $300 million.”
Mr Ryan also criticised the change of cost of living relief measures, such as last year’s energy rebate and the price of car registrations going up.
Member for Nanango and Attorney General, Deb Frecklington, said the 2025 budget announcements will deliver real outcomes for the Somerset region.
“These projects are not just investments in infrastructure—they are investments in the people and potential of our region,” she said.
“From better roads to stronger emergency services and improved recreational spaces, this Budget backs Somerset and puts our region firmly back on the priority list.”
“The 2025 Budget proves that the State Government is listening to regional Queensland and getting on with the job.”
