By Logan Chamber of Commerce president Arwen McGregor
The 2026–27 Queensland Budget delivers essential infrastructure to support Logan’s rapid population growth, but it leaves our local business community looking for more direct economic enablement.
As our city expands, managing growth pressures requires a delicate balance of lifestyle infrastructure, community relief, and commercial incentives.
On the positive side, the State Government has made a commendable commitment to our region’s connectivity and families.
The $651 million allocation toward the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project, paired with legislated 50 cent public transport fares, provides critical relief for our commuter-heavy workforce.
Furthermore, our booming population will benefit from vital education funding, including new schools at Greater Flagstone, Holmview and Logan Reserve, alongside extensions at Corymbia and South Rock.
Enhancements to local safety, such as the Logan Police Facility Upgrade, a new Youth Justice School, and anti-hooning funding for Daisy Hill and Shailer Park, will bolster community confidence.
Combined with a $1 million investment to expand the Daisy Hill Conservation Park and household measures like the $150 Back to School Boost, local liveability is receiving a welcome buffer.
However, from a commercial perspective, the budget leaves notable gaps.
While there are statewide small business and housing activation programs, we are disappointed by the lack of Logan-specific economic development or industry measures in this year’s regional highlights.
To truly thrive, Logan needs targeted local industry incentives to drive employment, not just general statewide initiatives.
Logan is a manufacturing powerhouse in the state of Queensland, accounting for 14.9% of our region output compared to 10.6% across the state.
Furthermore, while the Faster Rail project is a massive win, it remains a shared corridor project with the Gold Coast rather than a Logan-exclusive transport package.
There is a need for connected public transport, bringing workers from the booming new suburbs to transport hubs and workplace districts.
We also note the absence of a major new Logan Hospital headline this year, a stark contrast to previous budgets.
Finally, the state’s projected $6.2 billion operating deficit and rising debt remain structural concerns that local businesses and families will ultimately feel.
Ultimately, this budget builds the schools and rails our growing community needs, but misses the mark on fueling Logan’s distinct commercial engine.
The chamber will continue advocating for targeted investment to ensure our business community can match our population’s rapid growth.
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