What the 2026–27 Queensland State Budget Means for Plumbing, Drainage and Gas Businesses

The Queensland Government has handed down its 2026–27 State Budget, outlining significant investments in housing, infrastructure, health, skills and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

While the Budget contains a range of cost-of-living measures for households, there are several announcements that are particularly relevant to plumbing, drainage, and gas businesses, as well as the broader construction industry.

Housing and Construction Pipeline

The Budget reinforces the Government’s commitment to increasing housing supply across Queensland, including additional investment in social and community housing and the extension of the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant for a further four years.

These initiatives are expected to support ongoing demand for residential construction and provide continued work opportunities for plumbing, drainage and gas businesses across the state.

The Government has also increased the Regional Activation Fund to $1 billion, supporting essential infrastructure such as water, sewerage, roads and power to unlock new residential and industrial developments throughout regional Queensland.

Major Infrastructure Investment

Queensland’s capital works program remains substantial, with $119.2 billion committed over the next four years.

Key investments include:

• New hospitals and major hospital expansions in Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Coomera.
• Additional education infrastructure, including new schools and upgrades.
• Transport projects including rail, road and water infrastructure.
• Continued investment in regional development and critical minerals projects.

These projects will create significant opportunities for plumbing, drainage and gas contractors, suppliers and apprentices across Queensland.

Brisbane 2032 Opportunities

Funding is now beginning to flow into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.

The Budget includes:

• $417 million in 2026–27 for Games venues.
• $348 million in 2026–27 for Athletes’ Villages.
• Additional funding for venue maintenance and upgrades leading into the Games.

For the plumbing, drainage and gas industry, Brisbane 2032 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. MPAQ will continue to engage with the Government and key stakeholders to ensure the industry is involved early in planning discussions and is well positioned to participate in upcoming projects.

Support for Apprentices and Workforce Development

One positive announcement for employers is the Government’s commitment of $19 million to assist in covering apprentice wages while apprentices attend off-site training.

This recognises the important role employers play in developing the future workforce and helps reduce some of the costs associated with employing and training apprentices.

MPAQ welcomes practical measures that support employers taking on apprentices and will continue advocating for further initiatives to address the industry’s ongoing workforce shortages.

Workforce Remains the Key Challenge

While the Budget delivers a strong pipeline of future work, workforce shortages remain the most significant challenge facing the plumbing, drainage and gas industry.

Businesses continue to report difficulties attracting and retaining apprentices and qualified tradespeople. As investment in housing, hospitals, schools and Olympic infrastructure accelerates, ensuring sufficient workforce capacity will be critical to successful project delivery.

MPAQ will continue to advocate for policies that support workforce attraction, apprenticeship completion and industry participation.

Cost Pressures Continue

Although the Budget delivers significant investment in construction and infrastructure, many plumbing, drainage and gas businesses continue to face ongoing challenges, including:

• Rising material costs.
• Increased fuel and freight expenses.
• Labour shortages.
• Cashflow pressures.
• Fixed-price contract risks.

These issues were highlighted in MPAQ’s recent industry survey and remain key advocacy priorities for the Association.