AIRSTRIP MONEY
MAYOR Jenny Hill has defended Townsville City Council’s decision to partly fund Adani’s airstrip following widespread backlash across social media.
Since Thursday’s announcement hundreds of people have taken to Facebook and Twitter to question why the council used ratepayers’ money to fund a multinational project.
The council put about $ 18.5 million towards the airstrip, with Rockhampton Regional Council matching their funding.
Cr Hill said while there were “consistent naysayers” the vast majority of people were supportive.
“They’re saying ‘ yes, we want the jobs’,” she said.
“There’s no doubt that this will bring $ 90 million minimum into our community as well as the 1200 jobs during the construction and the 900 jobs afterwards.”
Cr Hill said it was not unusual for local governments to invest in jobs.
“For example we attracted Sun Metals to Townsville with land,” she said.
“This is really about investment attraction.
“This is about attracting jobs to the region and the reality is we do get a return from the investment that will more than cover the funds we put in.”
Cr Hill said there was a stigma surrounding Adani.
“Some people, including ( Dawson MP) George Christensen, have stated there’s an element of racism being driven out of places like Sydney and Melbourne,” she said.
“We know there are other mines looking to begin operation.
“After investing into Sun Metals, that brought about 600 jobs.
“We will be investing in the battery plant to get that up and running. “This is no different.” Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Rains said the move by the council was “absol- utely” worthwhile. “It’s, fabulous, fantastic news,” Ms Rains said.
“The town has been doing tough, that’s no secret.”
Ms Rains said to finally receive confirmation that Townsville would share in the fly- in fly- out hub was a huge vote of confidence to the community.
“I don’t understand where the negativity is coming from,” she said.
“This is a huge positive, there’s no down side to this.
“This will contribute to the boost that we need.”
Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole said while she supported FIFO, she had spoken to numerous people who were disappointed that ratepayers’ money had been spent.
“I can very clearly understand the ratepayers’ position,” Ms O’Toole said.
“What people are saying to me is they’re not opposed to the jobs but they don’t see why we should be giving ratepayers’ money to a multinational.” EDITORIAL: PAGE 20 it