Shorten taps into public’s concerns Spotlight on water fears
OPPOSITION Leader Bill Shorten has singled out Townsville’s water security issues in his Budget reply.
In response to Treasurer Scott Morrison’s Budget, which was absent of any specific funding arrangements, Mr Shorten addressed the needs for numerous “local projects”
It comes after Senator Ian Macdonald defended the Budget, saying that he was not sure what it was “that people wanted us to fund”.
“When we back good local projects like a new bridge over the Shoalhaven in Nowra or better water security for Townsville…,” Mr Shorten said.
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke welcomed Mr Shorten’s comments and said she had met regularly with key stakeholders, Minister Mark Bailey and the Premier.
“It was great to hear Townsville’s water security got a mention in Bill Shorten’s Budget speech, because there was absolutely nothing for Townsville from Malcolm Turnbull,” she said. “In fact, Senator Ian Macdonald failed to secure any funding for water.”
Ms O’Rourke said she was fighting for money ahead of next month’s state Budget.
“I speak with locals every day about this,” she said.
“I have been putting our case forward very clearly to the Premier, Treasurer and Minis- ter Bailey. I know Townsville needs secure water now and into the future.
“The Palaszczuk Government is contributing funding so that the Water Taskforce can do its job and I am confident we will do whatever is needed at a state level to assist in implementing their recommendations.
“We also need the Federal Government to do their part and for Senator Macdonald to start standing up for the North in Canberra.”
Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole said she had been lobbying for water since her election.
“If you talk to people and you listen, it is not hard to find out what the most urgent needs … are,” she said.
“Talking to the relevant shadows and by providing data and background information has really paid off.”
Ms O’Toole said Mr Shorten was committed to regional Queensland, particularly North Queensland.