LNP still not listening

Lawrence Springborg’s blatantly false and economically irresponsible comments regarding Abbot Point highlights just how out of touch the LNP are with Queenslanders.

Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said neither the proponents nor the resource industry were talking about delays and unlike the LNP they understand how important it was to protect Queensland’s greatest natural assets.

“The only people talking down this project are Lawrence Springborg and the LNP," Minister Lynham said.

“It shows they are intent on being as negative and destructive in Opposition as they were in government.

“Labor makes no apologies for taking the time ensure a well-researched, thorough and environmentally sound solution was reached for Abbot Point. 

Minister Lynham said that prior to the election we made a commitment to not dispose of dredged material from the Port of Abbot Point expansion into the Caley Valley wetlands and to ban sea-based dumping of capital dredge material into the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area.

“This solution shows that we stand by our commitment," he said.

“Mr Springborg claims to be a on a listening tour of Queensland. It’s a shame the LNP didn’t listen to Queenslanders during its time in office.

“If they did they would have heard the chorus of people begging them to rethink their approach to Abbot Point.

“Let’s not forget that it was only after public outcry that the disposal of the dredge spoil was moved from the reef to the Caley Valley Wetlands.

“Even then they did not listen and continued with an environmentally irresponsible solution,” Minister Lynham said.

“Mr Springborg’s numerous public comments about delays with the project must mean the LNP is still wedded to dumping in the Great Barrier Reef or on the wetlands.

“The Federal Government will be responsible for ensuring environmental approvals occur in a timely fashion and Mr Springborg’s insistence without substance that there are delays sounds like he is already making up excuses,” Minister Lynham said.

Labor’s plan for Abbot Point has been welcomed by all the players.

Adani’s Chief Executive Mr Janakaraj came out publicly and said that he welcomed the announcement as it ensures economic development proceeds in Queensland subject to robust environmental standards.

The Queensland Resource Council also came out in support saying the proponents of the Abbot Point port development, would take comfort in the government's positive approach to balancing industrial development and environmental protection that is important to our state’s economy and to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

[ENDS] 17 March 2015

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