Dawson MP backs port

DAWSON MP George Christensen has added his voice to the push to upgrade the Port of Townsville.

Mr Christensen has written to Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison asking him to redirect $ 150 million slated for the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor to fund the port project and water security.

FEDERAL Government MP George Christensen says the “time is right” to fund the Port of Townsville upgrade, as a growing chorus of North Queensland representatives back the project.

The LNP Dawson MP yesterday wrote to federal Treasurer Scott Morrison asking him to redirect $ 150 million initially slated for the Townsville Eastern Access Rail Corridor (TEARC) to support the port and fund water security.

In the letter, obtained by the Bulletin, Mr Christensen said it was clear TEARC would not be going ahead at this time and urged Mr Morrison to follow through on his commitment to spend the money elsewhere in Townsville.

“I remind you of an assurance you gave during your visit to Townsville in May, that this ($ 150 million) allocation of funds would still be made available for projects in Townsville,” he wrote.

Proponents of the $ 193 million port upgrade have called on the Federal Government to redirect $ 75 million from TEARC to the project.

The commitment would enable construction to commence by October this year as the upgrade already has a $ 75 million commitment from the State Government on top of $ 43 million from the port.

Mr Christensen said the channel widening project was a “key” development priority for the region.

“I believe that we have an obligation to assist with such funding because of the changes we instigated in re- gards to the disposal of dredge material on land,” he wrote.

“This has led to huge cost blowouts for this work and it is incumbent upon us to provide assistance.”

Mr Christensen said the remainder of the funds should be directed to a long- term water security solution for Townsville.

“The time is now right for the Coalition Government to reaffirm their commitment to key Townsville projects,” he said.

Mr Christensen‘ s support for port upgrade comes after Herbert LNP candidate Phillip Thompson wrote to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urging him to back the project.

Port of Townsville chief executive Ranee Crosby said she had held “very productive” discussions with Federal Government representatives.

The proposed upgrade would increase the width of the channel from 92m at the narrowest point to 180m, allowing access for ships over 300m.

The project is expected to create about 120 full time-equivalent jobs in Townsville during construction and generate millions of dollars for the North Queensland economy once completed.