Actions beat rhetoric
FOR almost two years, Water for Townsville Action Group ( WFTAG) has been lobbying all parties at all three levels of government to commit funding for Townsville’s long- term water security.
The problem has been known for decades. Incumbents and candidates from every party have had free access to our research and met with us to discuss our proposals.
All but one local. Senator Ian Macdonald has been a WFTAG member from early on and has been tagged in many posts but showed no interest in our large group’s concerns and solutions.
Now, when the time to bow out gracefully has come, the advice he offers publicly is for his government to run a negative campaign attacking the current leader of the opposition to secure the seat of Herbert.
For the senator’s 28 years of representation, Townsville’s water woes have steadily worsened despite his acute awareness of the impact on the city.
The City Deal initiative is a signed intergovernmental pledge to improve on past practices and governance.
To date, for water security, the only funding to flow has been from the State for stage 1 of the new pipeline.
When will politicians realise that they do not decide who wins government? Voters do. Negative campaigns do not win people over.
We are tired of the backstabbing, mud slinging and petty name calling tactics. The lead- up to an election sees the gutter stuff in full flight.
In a Bulletin article this week the Senator uses the word “I” 19 times. Me, my, our and us also feature prominently. The missing words are policy, constituents, taxpayers, accountability, funding and action.
Critical infrastructure funding should not be harnessed to cyclic election campaigns and desperate cash splashes. If that’s the game to be played, Townsville voters know what will win Herbert in what appears to be an early election date.
Stop blaming, naming and shaming each other. Just deliver our long overdue water security.
The campaign pledge to match the $ 225 million state grant for stage 2 of the pipeline to Clare, to be built without delay, will play a significant role in deciding the next MP for the marginal seat of Herbert. DR LINDA ASHTON, Kelso, WFTAG Convener.