Hanson push for dredging

PORT users have made their case for a scaled-up Trinity Inlet dredging program at a meeting in Cairns with Senator Pauline Hanson’s chief of staff.

The One Nation leader received an immediate briefing following the meeting between the Cairns Port Development group and the party’s political playmaker James Ashby.

Sen Hanson outlined three areas needing state and federal government support – altering the World Heritage boundary hugging Cairns’ coastline, giving Cairns priority port or strategic port status and increasing the current dredging program.

“What’s become obvious from our meetings is that the State Government blame the Federal Government and viceversa over where dredge spoil should be placed in order to deepen the current port facilities and operate as a modern port,” she said.

Sen Hanson said she would make requests next week to meet Senator Matt Canavan to find out if Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility funds could be used to permanently base a dredge out of Cairns.

“Today’s talks also focused on a joint agreement amongst attendees that Cairns and Far North Queensland needs its own dredge and I agree,” she said.

“We took this idea to the recent Queensland state election with broad support, however it’s time I explore NAIF funding options and request a meeting with the government”.

Sen Hanson said she would attempt to schedule a meeting with Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad on the issue.

editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost