- Delivering world-class services for North Queensland, including $1.8 billion for the Torres and Cape and Cairns Hinterland Hospital
- Productivity-enhancing infrastructure and capital works totaling $1.8 billion in 2024-25
- Funding of $96 million to maintain, improve and upgrade local schools in Queensland's north.
Cairns and Far North Queensland are set to benefit from a Budget boost to health, education and community safety priorities.
The 2024-25 Queensland Budget which features nation-leading $11.218 billion in concession and rebates to provide cost-of-living relief to Queenslanders, alongside a record $107.262 billion capital program for infrastructure statewide.
In Cairns, the Queensland government is investing $77 million on allocated projects for critical infrastructure, supporting 500 jobs.
The Budget also includes record investment to boost health services for Cairns investing $474.8 million in Cairns health infrastructure. These works will deliver 100 extra hospital beds and support more than 1,220 construction jobs.
The 2024-25 Budget is continuing to deliver frontline services with a focus on community safety, with a significant upgrade to Cairns police facility to deliver safe and secure community, supporting 59 jobs.
Since 2015 the Queensland Government has 297 extra doctors and 680 nurses.
Addressing record population increase across the state, Budget allocates $259.8 million in 2024-25 to expand and improve social housing for the most vulnerable in the region.
As stated by the Premier Steven Miles:
"I am doing matters for Queenslanders, with major funding for households, health and infrastructure to support our growing state.
"In Cairns and the Far North, that means more investment in water security, Cairns Health and Innovation Centre, a new hospital for Cooktown and more upgraded roads and infrastructure across the region."
As stated by the Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
"We know that health services across the state are under pressure, which is why we're increasing Cairns' health budget by more than ten per cent, one of the largest uplifts in history.
"Since the start of 2023, we've enabled 5,290 fee-free TAFE courses for locals seeking to train, retrain or upskill in priority industries.
"And we're proud to have helped 2,626 Cairns homeowners with $43.9 million in First Home Owner Grant from July 2016 to March 2024."
As stated by Tourism and Sport Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy:
"Cairns is a big winner in our budget bonanza.
"This is a cost-of-living budget, it helps pay the bills, and provides for our water security, healthcare system, schools and community safety.
"It supports our booming cruise ship visitation and funds the expansion of Cairns Marine Precinct."
As stated by Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:
"Cairns health infrastructure gets a record spend with 100 extra hospital beds and supports more than 1,220 construction jobs, as well as more doctors and nurses.
"We will see more police on the frontline, a dedicated police helicopter and a significant upgrade to the Cairns police facility.
"I'm delighted to see funds for the duplication of Cairns West Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway."
As stated by Member for Cook Cynthia Lui:
"I've been fighting for people on Cape York and I'm so proud we're building a new $200m Cooktown Hospital.
"I'm also pleased to see $6.7 million in the budget this year for the construction of the Coen Art Centre. This centre will add to the cultural tourism experiences for visitors making the pilgrimage up to the Tip.
As stated by Speaker of Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt:
"This year's budget includes $87.5 million in a total $195 million toward the Cairns Water Security project, to help Council deliver the critical water security the region needs.
"It includes a new water intake at the Mulgrave River, a new water treatment plant and water reservoirs at Gordonvale.
"This isn't just an infrastructure project – it's a cost of living project which is driving down rates and water bills thanks to the Queensland Government.
"I'm proud to be part of a team in FNQ that is delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs."
Other North Queensland Budget investments include:
- $15 million in 2024-25 out of $300 million total spend towards duplication of Cairns West Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway
- $10 million in 2024-25 out of $12 million total spend towards Channel dredging at the Port of Cairns to improve navigation for larger cruise ships
- $37 million in 2024-25 out of $360 million total spend towards the Cairns Marine Precinct – Common User Facility project to facilitate increased marine maintenance, repair and overhaul services capabilities
- $14.8 million in 2024-25 out of $16 million total spend to expand TAFE Queensland Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
- $8.3 million in 2024-25 out of $63.9 million total spend to support research, development and extension on land management practices that improve Reef water quality as well as productivity
- $6.7 million in 2024-25 out of $8.2 million total spend for the construction of the Coen Art Centre.
