Hanson to build new dams in big spend

RENEWABLE energy companies would have their coffers raided to pay for a $4 billion dam and water cash splash, under a Budget proposal put forward by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson.

Dams, coal-fired power stations and more money for roads and rail are what’s needed in tonight’s Budget to get north Queensland firing again, say some of the region’s more prominent politicians.

Senator Hanson said she wanted $4 billion taken off green agencies such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Emissions Reduction Fund to build dams and water projects.

“We also need money to build a new coal-fired power station to give Queensland globally competitive electricity prices so it can keep manufacturing and attract new manufacturing to the state,” she said.

Cutting “extravagant” foreign aid and redirecting it to those living below the poverty line and the homeless in Australia was also on her wishlist.

Kennedy MP Bob Katter said his two key priorities were a rail line to the Galilee Basin and the Hell’s Gate Dam.

“It is so simple to me. If you give a thousand million dollars to Queensland Rail they will build the line into the Galilee. North Queensland are sick and tired of hearing about Adani,” he said. “Hell’s Gate will produce 7 per cent of Australia’s petrol needs and 1 per cent of its electricity.”

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said he hoped to see more funding for infrastructure in Far North Queensland and more cash for Medicare.