State budget at a glance

By Sheree Hoddinett  

Cost-of-living relief, major infrastructure projects and continued investment in community services are among the key measures set to benefit Pumicestone and the wider City of Moreton Bay under the Queensland Government's 2026-27 Budget. 

Released on June 23, this budget is about creating better services through a stronger economy, building Queensland’s future and making Queensland safer.   

Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the budget focused on delivering election commitments while addressing the issues that matter most to local families. 

“The 2026–27 Queensland Budget is about delivering on the commitments we made to Queenslanders and continuing to build a stronger future for communities like Pumicestone," Ms Doolan said. 

She said easing cost-of-living pressures remained a priority, with several initiatives designed to provide relief to households. 

“I know that cost-of-living remains the number one concern for many local families, and this budget delivers practical measures that will help ease those pressures,” Ms Doolan said.  

Among the headline measures are legislation to permanently lock in 50-cent public transport fares, a two-year freeze on Southeast Queensland bulk water prices, a $150 Back to School Boost payment and $200 Play On! sports vouchers. 

The budget also includes continued investment in major infrastructure projects across the region, with planning progressing for the long-awaited second Bribie Island Bridge. 

Ms Doolan said the project remained one of the region's most significant priorities. 

“Importantly for our community, the budget also reinforces the Crisafulli Government's commitment to delivering the new Bribie Island Bridge,” she said. “This is one of the most significant infrastructure projects our region has seen in decades and will improve safety, reliability and connectivity for residents, commuters, emergency services and visitors. After years of uncertainty, it is encouraging to see this project continuing to move forward.” 

The bridge project is part of a broader transport investment package that also includes upgrades to the Beerburrum Road, Twin View Road and English Street intersection at Elimbah. 

Community organisations are also set to benefit through funding for projects including the Bribie Island Neighbourhood Centre redevelopment, expansion of the Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club, additional support for Moreton Bay Meals on Wheels and improvements to the Bribie Island Movement and Strength Club. 

Environmental initiatives include the Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030 program, which will install new stormwater drain filters aimed at reducing litter and plastics entering Moreton Bay, while a new Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital and Education Hub at Dakabin will provide treatment and rehabilitation for injured wildlife. 

Ms Doolan said the budget recognised the needs of one of Australia's fastest-growing regions. 

“The budget also delivers record investment in housing, health and community safety,” she said. “Queensland is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation and it's essential we continue investing in the infrastructure and services needed to support that growth.” 

Community safety also receives significant funding through the budget, including continued POLAIR services for Moreton Bay, expansion of the Woodford Youth Detention Centre, additional victim support services and the GPS Tracker pilot program for high-risk domestic and family violence offenders in Caboolture. 

Across Queensland, the budget outlines a record $119 billion infrastructure program over four years, alongside investments in new hospitals, roads, schools, housingand frontline services. Premier David Crisafulli said the budget aimed to provide practical support while strengthening the state's long-term finances. 

“We are continuing to deliver a fresh start for the Moreton Bay area, addressing the crises we inherited in youth crime, health, housing and cost-of-living as well as delivering the local community initiatives we promised,” he said.  

The government said this budget delivered lower debt, no new or increased taxes and a projected return to surplus by 2029-30, while continuing investment in transport, healthcare, housing and community infrastructure. 

More than $1 billion has been added to Queensland’s social and community housing build, with a record $5.7 billion to support the 6500 homes that are currently underway and the goal of delivering 53,500 by 2044.   

Ms Doolan said she would continue advocating to ensure Pumicestone received ongoing investment as the region continued to grow. 

“As the Member for Pumicestone, my focus will always be ensuring our community receives its fair share of investment,” she said. “Whether it's advocating for better transport infrastructure, supporting local sporting clubs and community organisations, improving healthcare access or delivering safer communities, I will continue working every day to ensure local voices are heard.”