Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson accused the State Labor Government of dishing up a “Bread and Water” Budget for Queenslanders with $4 billion underspend on infrastructure since Premier Palasczcuk came to power.
“That means every region, including the Sunshine Coast, are fighting over crumbs when they should have been putting some meat on the table to build the jobs and get our regions going.
“There's some small bright spots but overall the budget has cut so much State-wide infrastructure spending over the last 3 years and year ahead, particularly for transport,” Ms Simpson said.
“Don't be fooled by the Cross-River Rail announcement as there's less being spent by Labor in this budget on transport than last year. It's a hoax which all regions, particularly the Sunshine Coast, are paying for.”
Ms Simpson said that it was extremely disappointing there was no commitment from the State Labor Government of its 20% contribution to match the Federal Government's already committed $536 million on duplicating the Bruce Highway south of Caloundra.
There was also no commitment to the North Coast Rail Duplication which is also critically needed.
Some bright spots are:
- Coolum State High School new classrooms $3.2 million in 2017-18 (out of a $4.1 million total spend) to commence construction of additional classrooms. ·
- Coolum Police Station replacement and upgrade $100,000 in 2017-18 (out of a $2.7 million total spend) to replace and upgrade the Coolum Police Station.
- Maroochydore State High $1.18 million in 2017-18 (out of $1.612 million total spend) to build additional classrooms
- Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Initiative $600,000 in 2017-18 (out of a $1 million total spend) to continue with a project in Maroochydore which is aimed at greater security for older parent carers who can no longer look after their adult son or daughter with a disability.