Turnbull’s own “on the ground knowledge is the best” approach needed in Qld: Bligh

5 April 2007

Queensland Deputy Premier Anna Bligh has called on Federal Water Minister Malcolm Turnbull to adopt his own “on the spot” funding philosophies and fund the Commonwealth’s share of the $1.7 billion Western Corridor Recycled Water Project.

Mr Turnbull on ABC Radio today said “gritty, practical, on-the-ground information” was what used by the Premier Minister to develop the $10 billion Murray River response that was announced in January .

“We are seeking $408 million based on solid costings and still Mr Turnbull refuses to pay the Commonwealth’s fair share,” said Ms Bligh - the State’s Infrastructure Minister.

“We have done all the hard yards and provided him with research and necessary data and he remains defiant.

“But if we were to adopt his very own criteria of letting people on the spot make the decisions we would have had his support long ago.

“Kevin Rudd and Labor have committed to our project and yet Mr Howard and Mr Turnbull seem to have written off South East Queensland.

“I was stunned this morning to hear the former merchant banker say: “The financial people can make sure the sums add up, but, you know, as to forming a judgement as to whether a particular system of piping is going to deliver the water savings promise, that has ultimately got to be a decision for water experts, hydrologists, engineers.”

“Hello .. we have done both and still he plays politics and says no,” said Ms Bligh.

“They (Turnbull and Howard) don’t need a business case for their projects but place unreasonable demands on Queensland.

“Just get on with it and fund your fair share of our vital drought-proofing project in the fastest growing area of the nation,” she said.

Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900