No Stadium under Federal LNP Government

North Queensland has been left short-changed in the Federal Government’s 2016-17 Budget, with the Turnbull Government refusing to commit funding to the Townsville Stadium, despite overwhelming community support.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the Federal budget was proof that the Townsville region had been poorly represented in Canberra and Queensland was losing out to southern states.

“The Stadium Business Case was presented to the Turnbull Government on 14 December last year, and was left on their desks, gathering dust for almost five months – only to be forgotten about at budget time,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“With the downward turn in the resource sector and the closure of the Queensland Nickel Refinery, there has never been a more important time for the Federal Government to invest in infrastructure in the Townsville region.

“We know a project of this size will create hundreds of jobs during construction and after completion, and will attract more domestic and international visitors to Townsville by revitalizing the CBD.

“It is disappointing that the Turnbull Government has completely disregarded the overwhelming community support for this important project, and the significant opportunities it will create.

“We have a federal member who has refused to fight for a vital piece of infrastructure for our city, and now a budget with no funding for a stadium, once again seeing the Abbott-Turnbull Government turn its back on our city.

“This budget is just another example of the LNP arrogance we have come to know, and proof that the Federal Government is not serious about North Queensland, jobs or regional growth.

Mrs O’Rourke said despite the Federal Governments lack of support, the Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million commitment towards the stadium stood firm.

“This Government is working hard to deliver new jobs and create valuable infrastructure for the future, and we recognise the need for jobs in the Townsville region,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“A new stadium will mean Townsville can host bigger events, draw more visitors from across the State, and create more jobs and opportunities for growth.

“We will continue to work closely with the Townsville City Council, the National Rugby League and rugby league fraternity, as well as the community to make this project a reality.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten pledged to match the $100 million commitment if Labor wins government at this year’s election.

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7184