LNP fails Townsville again by not funding Port

The future of the Townville Port expansion is under threat after Federal Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher revealed the Turnbull Government wouldn’t be kicking in their share for the channel widening project, which has already received $75 million in funding from the Palaszczuk Government.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Mr Fletcher had let the cat out of the bag and outlined the Federal Government’s reluctance to fund this much needed project.

“The Port of Townsville Channel Widening Project is a fundamental part of the economic future of Townsville and North Qld as well as the Townsville City Deal.

“Unless the channel into Townsville Port is widened, more and more of the increasingly common larger ships will simply bypass Townsville for Brisbane adding to the cost of many goods for all North Queenslanders. 

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government made a $75 million commitment in June last year to get on with the Channel Widening project and why Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten pledged to match our funding commitment if elected.

“It seems as though only the Labor Party is serious about providing for North Queensland and funding this project.”

Mr Bailey said he was yet to see any funding from the Turnbull Government for the Port and any offer of a loan is a kick in the teeth to the very successful operators of the facility. 

“The Federal Government hasn’t even responded to a letter we wrote to them two months ago asking them to commit to the future of Townsville Port,” Mr Bailey said.

“The NAIF has not delivered a single dollar to Queensland infrastructure in its three years of operation and is only a loan facility, not a capital fund.

“It is very concerning to see the LNP putting the Townsville Port on the backburner like this.”

ENDS

Media: Brock Taylor 0427 018 178