Townsville Bulletin

Labor committed to delivering our city’s fair share

- CATHY O’TOOLE, Member for Herbert.

I write in response to Phillip Thompson’s letter ( TB 13/ 7). I remind the LNP candidate that it has been under his LNP Government that Townsville has received nothing from the last two Federal Budgets. As a very long term resident of this electorate I am acutely aware of the major infrastruc­ture projects that this city needs.

Social and economic growth is highly dependent upon long term water security, energy infrastruc­ture and the Townsville Port Expansion Project. These critical infrastruc­ture projects will create much needed local jobs, boost our economy and increase industry and business confidence.

However, the last two Federal Budgets have clearly demonstrat­ed that the electorate of Herbert does not feature in the Turnbull Government’s list of priorities. The LNP would rather give a $ 17 billion tax handout to the big banks than fund critical infrastruc­ture for Townsville that will create local jobs.

On the other hand I have ensured that Federal Labor has prioritise­d Townsville ahead of the big banks and the top end of town. My strong advocacy has resulted in the following commitment­s; $ 100 million for long term water security, $ 200 million for energy infrastruc­ture and $ 75 million for the Townsville Port Expansion Project. These are costed projects and yet again the LNP is being dragged to the table kicking and screaming to match vital infrastruc­ture projects, just like the funding for the Townsville Stadium.

Labor has carefully costed these commitment­s and they will be delivered under a Federal Labor Government, because we will not give a $ 17 billion hand out to the big banks; especially at a time when the Banking Royal Commission is revealing such devastatin­g behaviour by the big banks.

If Mr Thompson is serious about vital infrastruc­ture funding for Herbert he will vote Labor at the next election.

I was born, raised, educated, married and raised my family in Townsville and I am passionate about ensuring that my community gets its fair share.

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