What’s Happening?
Federal Member for Bowman Henry Pike has criticised the Federal Budget, saying it delivers higher taxes, rising debt and little meaningful investment for the Redlands.
Mr Pike said Australians were being hit with an extra $50 billion in taxes over the next four years. That includes about $15 billion in higher personal income taxes.
He said changes would also affect housing, small businesses, farms and investments.
“At a time when families are already under enormous pressure, this Budget asks Australians to pay more while getting less in return,” Mr Pike said.
“The Government’s heavily promoted $250 tax offset barely scratches the surface when the average mortgage holder is paying around $29,000 more a year under this Labor Government.”
Mr Pike said the Budget did not offer the Redlands the local investment needed for a growing community.
“There are no major commitments for the road and transport projects our community urgently needs,” he said.
“The next stages of the Wellington Street duplication remain unfunded despite clear community demand and worsening traffic congestion across the city.”
Why It Matters?
Mr Pike said the Redlands is facing growing population pressure, worsening congestion and higher demand on local infrastructure.
He also raised concerns about the end of key local funding programs.
“The axing of programs like Local Roads and Community Infrastructure and Stronger Communities is a major blow to the Redlands,” he said.
“Those programs delivered more than $16 million for practical local projects, sporting clubs and community organisations. That funding is now gone.”
For local councils and community groups, the loss of these programs could make smaller but needed projects harder to fund.
By the Numbers
- $50 billion in additional taxes will hit Australians over the next four years, according to Mr Pike.
- $15 billion of that amount is expected to come through higher personal income taxes.
- More than $16 million had been delivered through Local Roads and Community Infrastructure and Stronger Communities programs for Redlands projects, clubs and groups.
Local Impact
Mr Pike said road funding remains a major concern for Redlands residents, especially around the next stages of the Wellington Street duplication.
He also warned that cuts to mobile infrastructure funding could affect community resilience.
The concern follows recent telecommunications outages during Cyclone Alfred.
“At the very moment communities are demanding stronger resilience and emergency connectivity, the Government is winding back support for mobile infrastructure programs,” he said.
“Reliable mobile coverage is not a luxury. During emergencies, it can be the difference between safety and isolation.”
Bay island communities were also raised in the criticism.
Mr Pike said Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Coochiemudlo and North Stradbroke Island continue to be excluded from many regional funding programs.
“Our island communities face many of the same challenges as regional Australia, yet they continue to miss out because of bureaucratic classifications rather than genuine need,” Mr Pike said.
Zoom In
Mr Pike also criticised the Budget for not addressing legal costs faced by councils responding to native title claims.
“There remains a major imbalance in native title funding, with governments funding claimants while councils and communities are left to carry the legal costs of responding,” he said.
He said this adds another pressure point for councils and communities already managing growth, infrastructure needs and local service demands.
Zoom Out
Mr Pike acknowledged some previously secured Coalition investments under the South East Queensland City Deal will continue.
These include upgrades to local sporting infrastructure and the planned Dunwich ferry terminal upgrade. Funding linked to Brisbane 2032 Olympic infrastructure will also continue.
However, he said the broader Budget does not provide a credible long-term plan for communities like the Redlands.
“Redlanders needed targeted investment in roads, infrastructure and genuine cost of living relief,” Mr Pike said.
“Instead, this Budget delivers higher taxes, fewer local programs and no serious plan for the future of growing outer suburban communities like ours.”
What To Look For Next?
Redlands funding needs are likely to remain a key local issue, especially around roads, island access and mobile resilience.
Mr Pike said he will continue pushing for local investment.
“I’ll continue fighting for practical investment that improves local infrastructure, strengthens community resilience and eases the pressure on local families.”
