CALL TO GET PM ABOARD
TURNBULL URGED TO GET BEHIND CHANNEL WIDENING PROJECT DURING VISIT TO THE CITY
PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull was urged to support the Port of Townsville’s Channel Capacity Upgrade project during a flying visit to Townsville yesterday,
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey slammed Mr Turnbull for spruiking funding for a Melbourne rail line during his visit to the city. He called on the Federal Government to match the state’s funding commitment to the project.
The Prime Minister gave a glimmer of hope, saying money could be redirected from other projects in Townsville, like the Eastern Access Rail Corridor.
Widening the channel would create jobs during construction and allow more freight through the port.
PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has come under fire from the State Government for failing to commit any funding to a vital Port of Townsville upgrade.
Mr Turnbull visited Townsville yesterday, stopping at Cotters Markets on Flinders St in the morning.
Asked whether he would support the port’s application for $ 75 million in federal funding to widen the channel, the Prime Minister said some funding may be redirected towards the channel widening project.
“We’re looking at all of these projects. Clearly, there’s the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor project – we committed substantial funds to that in the Townsville City Plan,” he said.
“There have been some questions about whether that stacks up in the business case, so it may be that we’ll have funds to apply to other purposes in Townsville.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey slammed the decision by Mr Turnbull to not match the State Government’s funding.
While in Townsville, Mr Turnbull announced progress on a rail line in Melbourne which would connect the Tullamarine Airport to the city.
“Only Malcolm Turnbull would think it was a good idea to spruik funding for Melbourne when he was in Townsville,” Mr Bailey said.
“Our $ 75 million has been on the table for some time. We need the Federal Government to give Queensland its fair share and match it.
“Townsville needs a fraction of that. We’ve asked for it but Malcolm Turnbull won’t give Queensland its fair share.”
Mr Bailey said the upgrade of the port was essential for Central and Northern Queensland businesses.
Water security is one of the Federal Government’s priorities for Townsville and Australia too, Mr Turnbull said.
“We’re absolutely committed to ensuring that we have water security right across the country, whether it’s for cities, big cities like Townsville or for agriculture,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he met with Townsville Water Security Taskforce chairman Brad Webb about water security and infrastructure.
Mr Turnbull said a study into water security by the taskforce was due in September which was an important step.
“You’ve got to make sure you get the right solution because in the water business I can tell you, you can spend a lot of money very, very quickly and you got to make sure you spend in the right way so that you get the water you need at the lowest possible cost,” Mr Turnbull said.
When asked about Mr Palmer reopening the nickel refinery, Mr Turnbull said the mining magnate had to pay what he owed before it could reopen.
“If he’s in the money again, as he says, then he should take the opportunity to pay his debts,” he said.
Bradley Wilde, of Castle Hill, said there should be support from the Federal Government for the nickel refinery once Mr Palmer pays what he owes.
“I think the government should get behind QNI and open it back up. That would generate a lot of jobs, a lot of income into the town,” Mr Wilde said.
Ray Francis, of Idalia said, we should welcome the Prime Minister to our city.
“It puts Townsville on the national stage and I think his presence here helps to do that,” he said.