Water fix still best done here

IT IS encouraging to see that all parties involved in delivering Townsville’s water security are on the same page with regard to the desire for the maximum amount of work to be completed by local contractors and local workers.

But the news today that the pipeline to be manufactured to deliver our precious water might be delayed will be disappointing to many in the community.

Perhaps locals won’t mind waiting a further six months for a water security solution to be delivered to ensure the project is carried out by local companies.

After 30 years of government inaction, perhaps they will decide another six months will not hurt much more.

Local steelmaking firms will probably have to pool their resources and work together on the project as its size would overwhelm most local businesses if they took on the work alone.

This collaborative approach will ensure more of the $ 215 million committed by the State Labor Government finds its way into Townsville pay packets.

It is encouraging that there is activity around the water project occurring.

For decades, Townsville has watched as residents’ and leaders’ concerns have been ignored by successive governments.

It is now hoped that these problems can be ironed out quickly to deliver water security for our city as soon as possible.

Majors failing us on debate

LAST night’s Sky News/ People’s Forum was exciting to watch and the leaders were put under serious pressure by the Brisbane audience.

Townsville issues were raised often as, clearly, the leaders of the three major contenders in this election realise the North is where their fate will be set come next Saturday’s poll.

As such, it is disappointing that Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and LNP leader Tim Nicholls have not yet committed to a debate in Townsville next Wednesday.

Robbie Katter has committed. Steve Dickson has committed. Now it’s time for the major party leaders to commit as well.