Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said while today’s State Budget finally had a financial commitment to the new Bundaberg Hospital, it failed to address rising costs of living and slugged new taxes on the business sector.

“The State Government has wasted no time in bringing in a new tiered system for coal royalty rates, despite the Treasurer promising no new or increased taxes during the 2020 election,” he said.

“Businesses with a payroll of more than $10 million will pay a mental health levy and at the same time, the Palaszczuk Government will rake in almost $1 billion in dividends from the state-owned electricity generators, which you may as well call an electricity tax.

“Just last week there were concerns about blackouts and electricity costs are on the rise, yet the State Government is happy to take the dividends instead of making power more affordable.

“Rather than commit funding to new projects in the region, the State Government has regurgitated funding announcements, for example the $103 million upgrade on the Bruce Highway at Saltwater Creek – it is already underway!

“Initiatives at the Port of Bundaberg listed includes the multi-use conveyor which has been funded 100 percent by the Federal Government, the State has not contributed to it at all.

“Only $30.1 million has been allocated in the coming financial year for early works to restore Paradise Dam, so just how long will it take to bring the dam back to its full capacity?

“A $44 million upgrade at the intersection of Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road was announced in May 2021, yet the State Government has only allocated $2.7 million in 2022-23 to this project.

“The Federal Government has its share of funding ready to go but the State Government is not prioritising this project.

“The State Government needs to do more than just announce funding – they need to start building the new hospital, roads and restore Paradise Dam.”