Cost of living relief for Bundamba households is the centrepiece of today’s 2023-24 State Budget.

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the budget delivered on the Palaszczuk Government’s continued commitment to helping household budgets through a nation-leading package to tackle the cost of living.

“We’re delivering a fair go through support to ease cost of living pressures with a $550 rebate on power bills for every Bundamba household and over $1,000 in rebates for the vulnerable and low income households,” Mr McCallum said.

“Free kindergarten for all will save families up to $4,600 a year, and we are expanding our hugely popular $150 FairPlay vouchers to include swimming lessons.”

Mr McCallum said Ipswich’s iconic Swanbank precinct would be transformed with a $54.4 million investment.

“This is a landmark move for Swanbank, which is set to become the south-east’s very first Clean Energy Hub, starting with $41.5 million to support the installation of a 250MW battery,” he said.

“We’re also investing in a turbine upgrade and other overhauls at Swanbank, and this is exactly why we can continue to keep power prices down and at the same time provide our local households with nation-leading rebates.”

Mr McCallum said he was pleased to see continued strong investment of more than $230 million in local health and education.

“The 200 bed expansion of Ipswich Hospital continues alongside a new purpose-built acute clinical service building, a new emergency department and six additional operation theatres,” he said.

“New and upgraded schools will help give our local kids the very best start in life, including Ripley Valley State Secondary College, the new Ripley Central State and Woogaroo Creek State schools, and a further $52.6 million for our new state school at Bellbird Park that is on track to open next year.

“Upgrades will also be completed at Collingwood Park State School, Riverview State School and Goodna Special School.

“The upgrade of Bundamba train station is on track with more than $14 million for this major project, and I’m particularly pleased with funding to progress the Ipswich to Springfield rail loop.

“The Palaszczuk Government has matched the Federal Albanese Government’s $3.375 million commitment to undertake the Ipswich to Springfield Rail Line Business Case, bringing the total to $7.5 million. This is in addition to the $2.5 million previously allocated.

“This is exciting news for our community and a serious commitment to a project I, along with my fellow Ipswich Labor MPs, have been fighting for.”

Mr McCallum said the budget also included record funding for services in the rapidly growing Ripley Valley.

“This includes $78.9 million for our South Ripley Satellite Hospital, $26 million for the neighbouring sub-acute facility, $7.3 million towards the new Ripley Ambulance Station and $5 million for the new Ripley Police Station,” he said.

“We also continue to deliver more essential infrastructure and unlock more land for housing with $8.5 million for works in the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area.

“This budget delivers a fair go and keeps Bundamba booming with good jobs and better services.”