With the Queensland 2025/26 State Budget handed down on 24 June 2025, funding is now flowing into key programs designed to support small businesses, strengthen regional industries, ease cost-of-living pressures and build long-term resilience across the state.

As we move through the 2025/26 financial year, these investments are actively shaping delivery on the ground. Below is a snapshot of where the focus is and what this means for Queenslanders right now.

Backing small and family business

Queensland is continuing to strengthen its small business ecosystem through targeted support services and easier access to government assistance.

More than $16.8 million over three years is being invested into the Small Business Support Network, expanding access to financial counselling and business coaching. At the same time, the Business Concierge service is being rolled out with $10.3 million over four years to simplify how small businesses and individuals connect with government programs and support.

Skills development is also a major focus, with new TAFE Centres of Excellence now underway in Rockhampton, Moreton Bay and Caloundra, alongside a Marine Centre of Excellence in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. These initiatives are supported by $201.1 million over four years, complemented by $79.1 million for the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing program.

Growing Queensland’s primary industries

Investment in productivity, resilience and protection of primary industries is now being delivered across multiple fronts.

This includes a $30 million commitment over four years to the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation fund, supporting advanced agricultural research and innovation. Drought resilience measures are being strengthened through $51.9 million over four years, while biosecurity capability is expanding with $60.9 million over five years and the deployment of 100 additional frontline biosecurity staff across regional Queensland.

Tourism and events

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Queensland’s economic strategy, with funding now flowing through Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future.

An additional $446 million over four years is supporting aviation attraction, major events, new tourism product development and enhanced capacity for Tourism and Events Queensland. This brings the state’s total tourism investment to more than $1 billion over four years, reinforcing Queensland’s position as a leading destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Safety where you live and work

Support for safer communities includes $40 million over three years through the Secure Communities Partnership Program, helping small businesses invest in crime prevention and security measures.

Significant funding is also strengthening victim support services, including $275 million in 2025/26 for financial assistance, $50 million for a new Victims Advocate Service, and ongoing investment in community response and liaison services to help victims navigate the justice system.

Cost of living relief

Cost-of-living measures are now in effect across education, energy and workforce participation.

This includes the $100 Back to School Boost for primary students, supported by $188.6 million over four years, and a new $20 million Returning to Work package aimed at removing barriers for women re-entering the workforce.

Energy relief measures include up to $3,500 in solar rebates for renters under the Supercharged Solar for Renters Program, along with an increased Electricity Rebate of $386 for vulnerable households in 2025–26. Additional funding is supporting financial resilience programs, emergency relief providers and free apprenticeships for under-25s in priority trades.

Housing delivery and affordability

Housing supply and affordability remain a major priority as delivery ramps up across multiple initiatives.

The new Boost to Buy scheme is helping Queenslanders bridge deposit gaps with $165 million over two years. Large-scale housing enablement is being driven through the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, with at least half of this investment directed to regional Queensland. The First Home Owner Grant has also been temporarily increased to $30,000 to support new builds.

Creative industries and screen

Queensland’s creative sector continues to benefit from increased funding in 2025/26, including $38.2 million for screen industry attraction and development. Regional arts are also receiving renewed support, with $9.4 million restoring funding for the Regional Arts Services Network and key regional festivals to drive cultural tourism outcomes.

Disaster resilience and recovery

Long-term resilience is being strengthened through ongoing investment in disaster mitigation and betterment infrastructure.

This includes $40 million per year ongoing for the Queensland Betterment Fund, alongside $280 million over four years from Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements efficiencies to support high-priority resilience and risk reduction projects across the state.