Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, has today called out the Queensland Government’s highly touted $107 billion Big Build Infrastructure budget funding program as a monumental failure for Far North Queensland, criticising the allocation of funds and the neglect of vital regional projects.
“The Big Build is looking more like a Big Bust for Far North Queensland,” said Mr. Entsch. “While the southeast corner of the state sees the lion’s share of funding, our region continues to be overlooked. We see a parade of re-announcements and recycled promises rather than genuine investment in our region’s infrastructure.”
Critical infrastructure needs in Far North Queensland remain unmet. “Where is the new funding for the much-needed upgrades to the Kuranda Range? Where is the planning for an alternative route to the Tablelands? These issues are absolutely crucial for the safety and economic vitality of our region,” Mr. Entsch said.
Another glaring oversights in the funding program is the absence of new funding to complete the sealing of the Peninsula Development Road. “We’ve just experienced a prolonged wet season, along with impacts from Cyclone Jasper, there is no doubt the PDR will require additional funds—so where are they? The PDR is vital to the connectivity and economic development of Cape York. It’s a telling sign of where the priorities lie for the current state government,” stated Mr. Entsch.
Furthermore, the funding announced for Cairns Hospital, according to Mr. Entsch, comes a decade too late. “Our healthcare infrastructure is crying out for upgrades. When funding finally arrives, it’s too little, too late, and showcases this government’s inability to take a proactive approach to healthcare in our region.”
Recent Queensland Government budget documents reveal that the Big Build initiative will only see $1.8 billion flow to the Far North Queensland region, a mere 1.66% of the total $107.3 billion allocated for the entire state.
Mr. Entsch continued, “Far North Queensland is a regional powerhouse. Our contributions to the state’s economy are significant, and it’s high time the state government recognised this with fair funding. This smoke and mirrors show by an increasingly desperate Queensland Labor Government must end.”
With an election looming in October, Mr. Entsch emphasised the need for change. “We need a state government that genuinely invests in Far North Queensland, understands our unique challenges, and stops treating us as an afterthought. It’s time for our fair share, not just rehashed announcements and political posturing,” Mr Entsch said.
