Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt says the Queensland State Labor Government’s Budget has ignored the needs of regional Queenslanders, once again.

“Yesterday’s Budget has proven once more that the State Government does not care about the communities and people that live outside the South East Corner,” he said.

“They have a $2 billion Hospital Building Fund and only 17 percent of that fund has been allocated to projects. Yet it’s been revealed that Bundaberg’s new hospital won’t be a level 5 hospital?

“The State Member for Bundaberg is missing in action, why is he not demanding that funding from the Hospital Building Fund be allocated to the new hospital in Bundaberg?

Mr Pitt said a $12.5 million spend for ‘continued planning works’ for Paradise Dam proves that the State Labor Government pulled down the dam wall with no plan at all.

“Our farmers and growers are desperate for answers and a commitment from the State Government that the dam will be restored to its full capacity.

“Instead of spending money on more reports and more planning, why can’t this government commit to fixing the dam?”

Mr Pitt said it was disappointing the State Government has committed just $800,000 towards the upgrade of the Pialba-Burrum Heads Road and Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road intersection.

“This much-needed safety upgrade can start as soon the Queensland State Labor Government makes it a priority.

“The Federal Government can bring forward its funding for this safety upgrade as soon as the State is ready to start, however it’s the Queensland Government which sets its infrastructure works schedule and timeline for delivery of projects.

“The State MPs for Bundaberg and Maryborough should be fighting for every single dollar for this region and they are just sitting on their hands.”

“The State Labor Government cares more about news headlines that promote empty promises than making a difference to the people of regional Queensland.”