THE Redlands and Bayside are set to benefit from a suite of infrastructure projects, cost-of-living measures, health investments and community initiatives under the Queensland Budget.
The Crisafulli Government has highlighted several key commitments for the region, including the delivery of the Weinam Creek Car Park, the Redlands Whitewater Centre, a new Marine Centre of Excellence on Russell Island and a new MRI machine for Redland Hospital.
The Budget also includes measures aimed at easing household pressures, including a two-year freeze on bulk water prices expected to save South East Queensland families about $130, the continuation of $150 Back to School Boost payments and $200 Play On! sports vouchers.
Across the Bayside, families will also benefit from the bulk water price freeze, while the Budget includes funding for a new special school in Wynnum-Manly, providing more education choice for local families.
Health funding extends beyond the Redlands, with the expansion of Princess Alexandra Hospital set to deliver 249 new beds, additional parking and improved access to healthcare services for residents across Brisbane’s east and bayside suburbs.
Health and community investments feature strongly in the package, with funding allocated for a new MRI machine at Redland Hospital, a new RSPCA Wildlife Hospital at Capalaba, additional homelessness and crisis accommodation services, and environmental initiatives aimed at achieving Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030 through the installation of stormwater drain filters.
Major infrastructure projects earmarked for the Redlands include the long-awaited Weinam Creek Car Park for Southern Moreton Bay Islands commuters and the Redlands Whitewater Centre, which is expected to play a key role in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy.
Transport upgrades have also been funded, including improvements to the Birkdale Rd and Capalaba Central Shopping Centre intersection, the Mount Cotton Rd and Valley Way intersection, and pedestrian safety enhancements at the East Coast Rd and Cunningham St intersection on North Stradbroke Island.
The Budget also includes a $25 million investment in Ampol’s Lytton Refinery to support renewable diesel production, strengthening Queensland’s fuel security and supporting jobs in Brisbane’s industrial Bayside precinct.
The Budget supports local sporting infrastructure, with upgrades planned for Wellington Point Bowls Club, including new shade structures and synthetic playing surfaces, and improvements to Redlands Cricket Club facilities at EGW Wood Sportsground, including a new women’s changeroom and amenities block through the Games On! program.
Community safety measures include additional frontline police, expanded support services for victims of crime through the Victim Advocate Service, anti-hooning camera networks in Mount Cotton, Sheldon and Priestdale, and new youth intervention and rehabilitation programs.
Additional funding has also been allocated to improve child safety through childcare, schools and community programs, including the establishment of a new Queensland Protection Commission and a new Intelligence Hub.
Mr Crisafulli said the Budget delivered on the Government’s commitments to the Redlands Coast.
