State budget makes inroads into City of Moreton Bay’s infrastructure needs

 Describing it as an encouraging move toward reversing decades of underinvestment in the rapidly growing region, City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery has welcomed the state government’s recent budget. 

Acknowledging the region’s size and pace of growth, Mayor Flannery said the budget delivered on a number of promises made during the 2024 state election, thanks in part to council’s successful Moreton Bay Matters advocacy campaign. Around $100 million in commitments were made during the election, with the majority now detailed in the state’s first budget under the Crisafulli Government. 

“We are pleased to see that this budget honours in detail most of those commitments and we will work with the state government on other specific projects that are part of broader funding programs to ensure they are delivered for our community,” Mayor Flannery said. 

“The $60 million commitment for the new Moreton Bay TAFE Centre of Excellence is a huge coup. We also acknowledge significant funding to proceed with the Moreton Bay Indoors Sports Centre as a venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing a lasting legacy for our residents.” 

The budget also outlines future-focused investments in essential infrastructure to meet the demands of the city’s growing population. This includes new and upgraded schools and hospitals, a new Energex substation in Petrie, upgrades to the Redcliffe police facility and progress on the long-awaited Bribie Island Bridge replacement. 

Funding has also been allocated to establish a dedicated Wildlife Hospital in the region - something council has been advocating for since 2021 to address a critical gap in the Southeast Queensland wildlife care network. 

Local community initiatives will also benefit, with $2.1 million towards upgrades at Pine Rivers PCYC and additional support for Moreton Bay Meals on Wheels - investments expected to bring long-term benefits across the community. 

However, council has raised concerns about the planned end of the SEQ Community Stimulus Program in 2027. Previous rounds of the program delivered vital infrastructure such as the Peninsula Support Hub, the Alma Road Bend upgrade in Dakabin and lighting upgrades at Langdon Park. Council is urging the state to reconsider its decision given the financial implications for local governments. 

Social housing remains a priority and council welcomes funding commitments in this area.  

“Our council has led the way on providing remissions for infrastructure charges and development applications to help fast track social housing,” Mayor Flannery said. “We are pleased to see commitments towards more social and community housing in Moreton Bay and look forward to more detailed information about what this funding will deliver.” 

Public safety and resilience have also been addressed through funding for a new SES depot in Deception Bay ($3.75 million), CCTV across the city ($250,000), a replacement rural fire brigade station at Delaney’s Creek ($1.4 million) and the inclusion of Moreton Bay in the POLAIR aerial support program. The city will also benefit from the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program. 

Council has welcomed the trial of an on-demand bus service for Bribie Island, but continues to call for greater investment in public transport across the region.  

“While Brisbane receives state funding for the Brisbane Metro and bus network and the Gold Coast has the light rail, City of Moreton Bay needs a solid investment to alleviate car use and ensure better connectivity between our city hubs,” Mayor Flannery said.  

Council looks forward to working closely with the state government to deliver the announced projects and will continue its advocacy to ensure the City of Moreton Bay receives its fair share of infrastructure funding to support its ongoing growth.