Spending will be boosted in Queensland's regional areas as the Palaszczuk government delivers on election promises made in crucial seats.
Trains are to be manufactured in Maryborough, a jail will be expanded in central Queensland, a wind farm built in Warwick and a football stadium upgrade carried out in Rockhampton.
Almost 60 per cent of the capital program in the 2020/21 state budget, handed down on Tuesday, will be delivered outside the Greater Brisbane area.
The spend in the sunshine state's north follows election promises made in key battleground seats during the 2020 election campaign, especially Townsville.
Some $30 million has been set aside for a new police station in the Townsville region and $14.2m for an advanced manufacturing and hydrogen energy centre.
Plans are under way to build trains in Maryborough again, with a $600m spend for 20 new trains.
An additional $40m will be spent on the Great Barrier Reef, including $10m for a program targeting endangered species habitat and dune rehabilitation.
Significant upgrades to the Bruce Highway are planned as part of a jointly funded $12.6 billion project, while $1.6b has been set aside for the Toowoomba Bypass and $497m for the Mackay Ring Road.
In the far north, $9.2m will go toward a 94-kilometre walking and biking trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, and $6.3m is to be spent on the Proserpine Entertainment Centre to assist the community in the recovery from Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
Among the big spends for central Queensland is $48.5m toward expanding the Capricornia Correctional Centre by 398 beds, and a $25m commitment for the redevelopment of the Browne Park Football Stadium in Rockhampton.
Queenslanders living on the Darling Downs will get a new fire station at Charlton and a wind farm near Warwick.
As much of Queensland's economy ground to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, mining and agriculture in the regions did not pause.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said that while the sectors did not stop, they suffered due to the global downturn.
"They have kept going which is more than can be said for many parts of the world," Mr Dick said.
The volume and value of coal exports fell and the sector's future is uncertain as Australia's relationship with China plunges to an all-time low.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said ongoing trade tension was causing concern within the industry.
"What the mining companies are saying to me ... the last thing they want to see are mines closed in Queensland that could have an impact on Queensland jobs," she said.
Agricultural exports were down eight per cent in 2019/20 and are expected to fall further this financial year as graziers take advantage of a wet summer to restock cattle numbers.
While LNG export volumes increased, value was down due to a fall in the global oil price, in a trend that is expected to continue.
With international tourism stopping entirely, this year's budget includes $5m in grants to help regional operators redesign their businesses.
Australian Associated Press
