IN THE 2025/26 State Budget, there was good news, missing pieces, as well as a few questions raised. Positives this year included nearly half a billion confirmed funds for the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project and construction timelines for the Pomona pedestrian crossing and the new Noosa River boating infrastructure, with construction set to commence in 2026/27 and 2027/28, respectively.
In contrast, the Tewantin Bypass construction commencement date in 2028/29 made no sense, given the $8.5m we achieved last year to fast-track planning for this, as well $30m for construction from the new government. Hence, we requested and held a meeting with Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Noosa Council to understand why, after Stage one was completed in 2021, the next stages have taken so long to plan and design. We appreciate the commitment to commence and thank the Minister for TMR for their efforts; however, three years away to start construction is not a fast track. We will update in the coming weeks.
The lack of construction funding for the Advanced Manufacturing Hub for Sunshine Beach State High School is disappointing, given that we have students missing out on essential certification for careers in industries lacking staff.
As well, there was no fairer funding deal for palliative care hospices, like Katie Rose Cottage, and we will continue fighting for the government to assist further with nursing costs. Questions surround funding allocated for a new Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority, as this has never been raised as something Noosa sought, and the Safe Night Precinct, which, from our understanding, was not applied for either. With unclear Budget Papers that require a major overhaul, we look forward to this year’s Estimates to get some answers to our queries. For more information, visit https://www.sandybolton.com/budget-2025-26-summary.
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