FEDS TAKING COASTERS FOR GRANTED

LET’S set the record straight.

We’re investing more in the Gold Coast than any government in history.

We kicked in more for the light rail, invested $1.5 billion to deliver the Commonwealth Games and another $1 billion in last week’s budget to upgrade the M1.

The Federal LNP have invested nothing in the local tourism industry.

There’s nothing stopping Stuart Robert from sinking HMAS Darwin off the Coast.

They own the ship and they have the funds. But instead of getting on with the job, Stuart Robert would rather pass the buck to the State Government and to council.

I’m more than happy to chip in for a dive site on the Gold Coast but I won’t allow taxpayers to be ripped off by the Federal Government.

I’ve made it clear to Stuart Robert that he must provide me with detailed costings before I commit any funds. He refuses.

Instead, he wants me to submit an expression of interest without any costings — essentially writing a blank cheque and handing it over to the Federal Government.

This is proof that Mr Robert is more interested in using this issue for publicity ahead of the upcoming federal election.

I will never shy away from investing in the Gold Coast.

The Mayor knows this — that’s why he constantly turns to the State Government to do the heavy lifting for the Coast.

I don’t blame him. If it were left to the Federal Government alone, we wouldn’t see any major works on the M1 for another five years.

The LNP hold every federal seat on the Coast but have delivered no tourism infrastructure on the Gold Coast.

It seems to me that this is just another example of Stuart Robert and the Turnbull Government taking Gold Coasters for granted.

So Stu, how much are you willing to kick in to sink HMAS Darwin off the Coast?