LINDSAY OPPOSED TO HOWARD GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY ON BRADFIELD WATER SCHEME

Member for Herbert Peter Lindsay’s opposition to the Bradfield water scheme showed he was out of touch with his electorate and his own party, Member for ThuringowaCraig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace said he had had overwhelming support for the scheme since the Premier announced it on Sunday.

“I have received numerous emails and personal comments from people in North Queensland applauding the scheme. It’s obvious Mr Lindsay has jumped on an opportunity to get his name in the paper without really considering his constituent’s views.

“To rule out investigating the Bradfield Scheme is extremely short-sighted and is in conflict with the rest of his party’s view.

“Federal Water Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced today that the Bradfield scheme would be considered as part of by the Commonwealth’s new water taskforce.

“At least Mr Turnbull is listening to the States and is prepared to explore all options to secure water for Queensland.

“Mr Lindsay should follow his federal colleague’s lead on this issue.

“Bob Katter and Barnaby Joyce seem to be the only federal Queensland politicians willing to stand up for the scheme.

“I congratulate Mr Katter on his stance - he has always been a fighter for North Queensland.

“It’s a shame Peter Lindsay doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude of his federal colleagues to at least consider this proposal which has been around for over 70 years.

The Bradfield Scheme was conceived in the 1930s to boost Queensland’s inland water resources.

It proposes recharging western river systems, mostly into the Flinders and Thompson rivers, from the Tully-Herbert-Burdekin rivers.

The scheme could be modified to recharge the Murray-DarlingRiver system by connecting water from the Thompson River to the headwaters of the WarregoRiver.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.