Labor pledges port cash

FEDERAL Labor has attacked the Coalition’s lack of infrastructure delivery in North Queensland as it announced a $ 75 million pledge to help widen the Townsville port channel.

Meanwhile, the Coalition’s Federal Resources and Northern Australia Minister Matt Canavan says a third of 15 projects under due diligence by the Government’s infrastruc- ture fund are in Queensland, and that the Queensland Government only formally requested funding for the port channel a fortnight ago.

“A full business case has not yet been provided,” Senator Canavan said. “Nonetheless, we are looking closely at this project. We want to see Townsville go ahead. We are committed to Townsville’s growth, including through expansion of its port capacity.

“But to see Townsville real- ly kick some goals, we need big projects, big projects like the Adani coal mine and other mines in the Galilee Basin.”

Mr Shorten visited Townsville yesterday, saying the port was “absolutely essential” for the success of the city as an economic hub of North Queensland. But any federal funding under Labor would only occur if it wins government in an election not due until mid next year, meaning any start under Labor would still be years away. The State Government has committed $ 75 million and the port $ 43 million towards the $ 193 million project.

Labor’s trade spokesman Jason Clare said the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility was an “abject failure”.

“It was announced 1014 days ago and they still haven’t funded one project in North Queensland,” Mr Clare said.

“The real tragedy with NAIF is that there are bucket loads of great projects that could be funded in North Queensland right now.

“The Genex (pumpedhydro) project is just one example. It should be funded.”

Senator Canavan said Labor was “playing catch- up” with its promise to fund widening of the channel when the Coalition had already committed $ 150 million “in real money” for the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor.

He said the Coalition was considering a funding application for widening the channel into the port.

“Bill Shorten won’t support opening up the Galilee Basin with projects like the Adani mine because the Greens dictate his policies on resource development,” Senator Canavan said.

“Bill Shorten may promise big cheques but he can’t promise jobs for North Queensland because the Greens won’t let him.”