JOBS TOP LIST Parties lay out ballot battle plan
Power and water. As a young family we want to reduce the cost of living, especially at a time we are keeping the aircons on. I work in the coal industry and I think there needs to be a mix of coal- based power and renewables. Crime. I have read about the curfews and I like that idea. We definitely need something done because they are running amok and most of them are under 18. We have had a lot of friends who’ve had cars stolen. Crime has affected us the most. I feel like we can’t walk the streets, even The Strand. Having a baby and a pram I feel like an easy target. SUPPORT for the Carmichael coal mine, jobs, energy and water should dominate the political agenda during the State Government election campaign.
That’s the message from the North’s federal politicians.
LNP’s Townsville- based Senator Ian Macdonald said he had real concerns the ALP would not support one of the most important job creating and economy building projects, the Carmichael coal mine, if it gained a majority in the upcoming election.
“If Labor has a majority in Queensland, I fear for the project. The Deputy Premier ( Jackie Trad) doesn’t support Adani, Federal Labor don’t support Adani.
“Real jobs and economic growth will not happen without Adani,” he said.
Senator Macdonald said job growth would happen when energy prices were reduced.
ALP MP for Herbert Cathy O’Toole said the outcome of the state election would be critical for future growth and diversity of the Townsville community.
The federal Labor MP listed a defence hub for the city, water security and a funding commitment for a hydropower station as priorities.
“I want to see a defence and veterans community hub in the city,” she said.
Ms O’Toole said water security was the No. 1 issue for the people of Townsville.
“That is why the Federal Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten, and I committed $ 100 million to further support the State Government’s $ 225 million water infrastructure commitment,” she said.
“I’d also like to see a funding commitment for a hydropower station. This will complement Federal Labor’s commitment of $ 200 million towards a hydropower on the Burdekin Falls Dam.”
Ms O’Toole said other priorities included a plan for youth employment, including traineeships and apprentices and policies that support Townsville Health and Hospital Services.
LNP Member for Dawson George Christensen said one of the key priorities for North Queensland was a clean coalfired power station to drive down power prices.
“The State Labor Government wants to deny the obvious but even a report they commissioned in February found that a new clean coalfired power station would be profitable,” the federal MP said. “They won’t say so because they continue to kowtow to the Greens to win city seats.”
Mr Christensen also called for support for the Adani Carmichael coal mine and investment in roads, port and water infrastructure. TOWNSVILLE ENTERPRISE, TOWNSVILLE CITY, BURDEKIN SHIRE, CHARTERS TOWERS REGIONAL, HINCHINBROOK AND PALM ISLAND COUNCILS Critical infrastructure Lower energy prices Water security for North Queensland Port city
Channel capacity upgrade project
Mount Isa to Townsville rail connection
Townsville State Development Area Destination development
Townsville Entertainment and Exhibition Centre Museum of Underwater Art Drive It State of Origin bid Townsville Concert Hall Innovation and new industries
Townsville North Queensland — Defence Industries Development Agenda
Lithium- ion battery plant Australian Tropical Biosecurity Network
Reinstatement of economic development funding
Palm Island Retail and Business Precinct TOWNSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Amendments to the Queensland Procurement Policy to increase regional participation
Open support for the mining industry Review of payroll tax Support for Drive IT NQ Decentralisation of state departments SENATOR IAN MACDONALD ( LNP) Water security Lowering the cost of energy through a coal- fired gas station
Support for Carmichael mine HERBERT MP CATHY O’TOOLE ( LABOR)
Defence and veterans community hub
Long- term vision for water security for Townsville
Funding commitment for a hydropower station Youth employment Policies that support Townsville Hospital and Heath Service
No sale of income- generating publicly owned assets DAWSON MP GEORGE CHRISTENSEN ( LNP)
Support for Carmichael coal project Rail, ports and roads investment Water security Job creation