Bryson Head MP

Since being elected, I have worked hard to ensure Callide’s priorities are heard in Brisbane and I am pleased to see many of our communities receiving support in this Budget.

• Progressing planning to widen the Mundubbera–Durong Road to two lanes
• Record investment in the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme, including an increase from 34 cents to 45 cents per kilometre
• Continued support for maternity and the return of birthing services in Biloela, progressing future upgrades through a Hospital Rescue Plan business case
• $6 million this year to complete the $17.2 million Moura Multipurpose Healthcare Service and aged care expansion
• Gladstone Hospital expansion delivering additional beds and treatment spaces for Central Queensland patients
• $11.15 million towards progressing Cooranga Weir
• $59.8 million for the Paradise Dam Improvement Project in 2026-27
• More than $360 million invested in energy projects across the electorate – including our coal fired power stations
• Lower power prices for Ergon customers across regional Queensland
• Continued payroll tax relief for apprentices and trainees, supporting local businesses and jobs

This Budget is delivering practical cost-of-living relief through lower power prices, a bigger $150 Back to School Boost, no new or increased taxes, and additional support for regional patients through improvements to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

As part of the Government’s Energy Roadmap, regional households will see power prices reduce by around 7 per cent and small businesses by around 8 per cent from 1 July. 

“Regional Queensland deserves its fair share of investment, and I will continue fighting to ensure our communities receive the infrastructure, services and opportunities they need to grow and prosper.”

This region has secured important investments in roads, water infrastructure and community projects that will support economic growth and improve connectivity across the region.

Highlights include:

• Mundubbera–Durong Road – planning to widen the road to two lanes
• Cooranga Weir progression – $11.15 million
• Bruce Highway – critical safety upgrades through the $9 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program
• Paradise Dam Improvement Project – $59.8 million in 2026-27
• Burnett Highway (Binjour Bowls Club) safety improvements – $813,000
• Biggenden wastewater and sewerage infrastructure upgrades – $620,000
• Mundubbera State College undercover sporting area – $775,000
• Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail bridge upgrades
• New pathways, streetscape improvements and water infrastructure projects across the North Burnett

One of the many projects I have fought hard for since being elected is the Mundubbera-Durong Road. This Budget progresses planning to widen the road to two lanes, an important step towards improving safety, supporting future road train access and delivering better connectivity for communities across our region.

The Budget delivers major investment in healthcare, energy, water security and community infrastructure across the Banana Shire and surrounding communities.

Highlights include:

• Calliope State School drop and go road safety upgrades
• Continued support for maternity and the return of birthing services at Biloela Hospital
• Moura Aged Care Extension project completion – $6 million in 2026-27
• Bruce Highway – critical safety upgrades through the $9 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program
• Progressing the business case for Biloela Hospital redevelopments
• Callide Power Station maintenance investments – $81.8 million
• Gladstone Hospital modular expansion delivering additional beds
• Theodore Recreation Grounds lighting upgrades – $125,000
• Biloela Pool accessibility facilities – $25,000
• Drainage rehabilitation works at Wowan – $33,000
• $1.64 million towards Injune Road sealing project (Taroom)

These investments support local jobs, strengthen healthcare services and continue delivering essential infrastructure for local communities.

The Western Downs continues to play a vital role in Queensland’s economy and energy sector, and this Budget backs that contribution.

Highlights include:

• Bell State School multipurpose court refurbishment
• Kogan Creek Power Station overhauls and projects – $113.8 million
• Kogan Creek Mine developments and refurbishment – $4.3 million
• Brigalow Gas Peaking Plant development – $78.6 million
• Chinchilla and Jandowae Hospitals – business case progression
• Bell Rural Fire Brigade Station development
• Miles State School accessibility refurbishments – $514,000
• Taroom Trough Development Plan through the Queensland Fuel Security Plan
• Wandoan State School P-10 – amenities refurbishment

This Budget also delivers practical support for families right across Callide. 

Key measures include:

• Lower power prices for Ergon customers
• $150 Back to School Boost
• $200 Play On vouchers 
• No new or increased taxes
• Improved Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme
• Payroll tax relief for apprentices and trainees

For many regional families, the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme is essential. This Budget increases the fuel subsidy by more than 32 per cent, from 34 cents to 45 cents per kilometre, while investing in system improvements to deliver faster reimbursements.

These changes will make a real difference to families who regularly travel long distances for specialist treatment.