Oasis funding timing skirmish

THE $5 million in Federal Government funding promised to Townsville’s premier defence support hub is locked in, the Veterans Minister has assured, but bureaucratic rigmarole means timing remains uncertain.

It comes a week after the Government’s commitment to The Oasis Townsville was thrown into question, sparking a war of words between Herbert MP Phillip Thompson and Mundingburra MP Coralee O’rourke.

Veterans and Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester, in a letter to Mr Thompson a few days ago, said he understood funding certainty from the Government was “critical” to the current planning scope of Oasis.

“I am writing to assure those involved in this project that the $5 million committed to The Oasis during the federal election will be provided to support this capital investment,” he said. “Timing is dependent on relevant legislative and budget processes required to implement this announcement.”

Mr Chester (pictured above) said this included the passing of the Federal Government’s 2019 Budget, which he anticipated would be done in and The September. No definitive timeline for when the money will be released has been outlined, although Mr Chester has said the money would be invested over a period of three years.

The Oasis hopes to provide 24-hour welfare support and employment transition services to serving and EX-ADF personnel and their families in Townsville.

It is envisaged The Oasis would be open by Anzac Day 2020.

The State Government has fully funded the project to date, with a total of $4.3 million for design and construction and $1.8 million to secure land.