NORTH DIPS OUT

The motorists of North and Far North Queensland have again been conned by a panicked Federal Government desperate to cover its tracks on years of Bruce Highway neglect.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said the only thing Federal Minister Jim Lloyd delivered to the North was hollow promises and a carbon footprint.

“Mr Lloyd’s visit to Townsville yesterday was a wanton waste of jet fuel – he went to North Queensland empty handed and left in his wake a group of angry mayors.

“They invited Jim Lloyd to the North to seek a Federal Government funding commitment to their $2 billion list of road priorities.

“All Jim Lloyd offered was more chest thumping and blame shifting.

“He failed to deliver one single cent in new money to bring the Bruce Highway between Sarina and Cairns to the same standard as motorists in Sydney and Melbourne enjoy.

“Mr Lloyd lifted off from Townsville Airport without even offering so much as a firm commitment. The mayors and motorists of North Queensland have every right to feel they’ve been fobbed off.”

Mr Lucas said the ultimate insult had been delivered by the Federal Member for Herbert, Peter Lindsay.

“Yesterday in the Townsville media Mr Lindsay was trumpeting $205 million for a Bruce Highway upgrade south of the city and a 50/50 partnership with the State Government to build the Port Access Road.

“Jim Lloyd appeared to have other ideas.

“According to local media he wasn’t prepared to give a solid commitment on when the $205 million would be delivered.

“The State Government’s money for the Townsville Port Access Road is on the table and there’s also a commitment from Federal Labor to fund it.

“Mr Lindsay has been caught out telling porkies - peddling false hope in a misguided attempt to cover his own lack of action on the Bruce Highway.

“How can the voters of Herbert believe anything Mr Lindsay says in the lead up to the Federal election?

“The simple fact of the matter is if Jim Lloyd jumps on a plane don’t hold your breath for a funding announcement,” Mr Lucas said.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 0448 184566.