Early analysis of the Queensland Budget 2025-26 shows some moderate cost of living measures, and a major focus on housing, health, community safety, child protection, and infrastructure for the Olympics.
Exploring direct investment into Neighbourhood and Community Centres, NCQ’s Sector Development Lead in Research and Policy, Chris Mundy, found the budget essentially maintains previous budget commitments to the Neighbourhood Centre Initiative, with the following expected investment highlighted:
• $4.3 million to complete the construction of a new Neighbourhood Centre in Rockhampton (total $6.4 million)
• $4.7 million for redevelopment of Bribie Island Neighbourhood Centre
• $23.3 million for new and replacement neighbourhood centres throughout Queensland and for upgrades to existing Neighbourhood Centres
Election commitments above the former government’s existing budget items have been costed into this budget which includes:
• $400,000 for an additional youth support worker for Nerang Neighbourhood Centre
• $240,000 for Support Beyond Barriers program at Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre
• $1.8 million towards Community Gro Garbutt Youth Hub
• $2 million towards a new Goondiwindi Neighbourhood Centre site
• $3milion for new Neighbourhood Centre at Moggill
• $660,000 for additional resourcing at Laidley Community Centre and Lockyer Community Centres
• $450,000 for a Community Connect Worker at Logan East Community Neighbourhood Centres (LECNA)
While funding for re-establishing Wynnum Community Place is not explicitly mentioned, we’re aware negotiations around the contract for this Centre is underway.
The budget also makes note of:“More than $6.4 million in 2025–26 (including $5.7 million internally allocated) to continue to help Queenslanders in difficult circumstances, including $2.2 million to restore funding for the Queensland Financial Resilience Program, $3.5 million to restore funding arrangements for emergency relief providers and $700,000 to restore funding support for the school breakfast programs delivered by non-government organisations in areas experiencing hardship across Queensland”
Due to $5.7 million coming from internal Department budgets, rather than allocation for additional funding, what this means for Neighbourhood Centre ER funding is uncertain at this point in time. It appears that the QFRP program with our partners at Good Shepherd Australia will be continued in some form.
You can view all state budget papers via this link.
This is the early analysis, and we will provide additional information as we analyse further. NCQ attended the QCOSS budget breakfast with the Treasurer and has been in touch with every state MP about our budget submission and the Sector Impact Report. We will continue to advocate for the sector and the community.