Hanson calls for investment in dams, energy, road and rail ‘ End green cash splash’
RENEWABLE energy companies would have their coffers raided to pay for a $ 4 billion dam and water cash splash, under a proposal put forward by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson.
Dams, coal- fired power stations and more money for roads and rail are what’s needed in tonight’s Budget to get North Queensland firing again, say some of the region’s more prominent politicians.
Senator Hanson said she wanted $ 4 billion taken off green agencies such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Emissions Reduction Fund to be invested in new dams and water projects.
“We also need money to build a new coal- fired power station to give Queensland globally competitive electricity prices so it can keep manufac- turing and attract new manufacturing to the state,” she said.
Cutting “extravagant” foreign aid and redirecting the funds to those living below the poverty line and the homeless was also on her budget wishlist.
Kennedy MP Bob Katter said his two key priorities were for the Government to build a rail line to the Galilee Basin and the Hells Gates dam.
“It is so simple to me. If you give a thousand million dollars to Queensland Rail they will build the line into the Galilee. North Queensland are sick and tired of hearing about Adani,” he said.
“Hells Gates will produce 7 per cent of Australia’s petrol needs and 1 per cent of its electricity.”
Mr Katter said more should be done to assist pensioners in regional areas, including with soaring power costs and the lack of bulk- billing doctors.
LNP veteran MP for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, said he hoped to see more money for infrastructure in his area.
He said he also expected to see more funding for Medicare, which would deflect any attempt by Labor to wage another “Mediscare” campaign.
“It’s really important to ensure the continued funding for roads and other infrastructure is always maintained,” he said.
Mr Entsch said it was important to relieve cost- of- living pressures and supported the Government’s decision to axe the rise to the Medicare levy.