Labor digs deep to help
AS THE State Member for Thuringowa, I would like to respond to Mr L. Martin ( TB, 17/ 6) regarding “Harper’s Way”.
Thank you, Mr Martin, for reading my letter and I don’t mind the proposed name.
Although it does sounds like a good idea, I, like thousands of locals, prefer Riverway Drive much better.
Clearly you have not gotten over the monumental LNP defeat from 2 ½ years ago.
Oh dear, you mention former MP Sam Cox, who did not deliver this vital road upgrade under his watch.
He even went to the trouble of hiring a billboard saying “Only the LNP can deliver Riverway Drive”.
After committing to fix the road, he completely failed.
As the then Labor candidate in 2014, the thousands of locals who I spoke to told me this vital road duplication was their No. 1 priority.
After just 12 months in, I had successfully secured $ 30 million from the State Infrastructure Fund and the Detail Design commenced.
Further to this, I initiated the formation of the Upper Ross Community Voice in February 2016 which allowed locals the opportunity to provide feedback to TMR on the Riverway Drive Duplication Project, among other local concerns.
This group continues to meet monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at 6pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre.
Feedback from the community members regarding the Riverway Drive Duplication Project was provided to the Minister for Main Roads.
I have fought for additional funding for extended project scope which will see lighting, pathways, boardwalk sections and car parking for the Loam Island Community facility, increasing the funding to $ 35 million.
Now Riverway Drive duplication is being delivered.
Having read my letter you will also know I am fighting for Stage 2 and have already sought detailed design funding for duplication from Allambie Lane through to Dunlop St.
I am genuine about delivering, just like the $ 7.2 million Herveys Range upgrade the former LNP MP did not lift a finger for, which took a Labor Member of Parliament to deliver.
Once again we see another “commitment” from the LNP in the recent announcement of $ 225 million for duplication of the Haughton pipeline.
This is in stark contrast to our $ 689 million of infrastructure for Townsville which is actually funded to address our water and electricity challenges.
This is simply too little, too late and is a mere copy of our real funding.
Townsville residents know the LNP have a track record of “commitments” and a real history of failing to deliver.
AARON HARPER, Member for Thuringowa.