Feds don’t even fill the glass half-full

Vital water projects worth more than $130 million have been cold-shouldered by the Turnbull Government, with just two of seven needing funds supported in this week’s Budget.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Queensland was dudded, receiving just $14.6 million out of the approximately $70 million sought for projects from the Atherton Tablelands to Caboolture.

“Local communities, Sunwater and industry have backed these seven projects, but not Mr Turnbull,” Dr Lynham said.

“It’s great news for irrigators on the Tablelands and near Emerald, with $11.6 million for an upgrade to the Mareeba-Dimbulah water supply scheme, and $3 million for the Nogoa Mackenzie scheme.

“Sadly, there are many more Queenslanders who will be disappointed: cane producers on the Fraser Coast, irrigators wanting to expand in the Lower Burdekin, and farmers there who are trying to beat salt water intrusion.

“Irrigators in the Moreton Bay region, and residents and businesses at Theodore have all been let down by the Turnbull Government, squibbing when it comes to funding vital water projects.”

Tuesday’s Federal Budget provided $11.6m for a channel modernisation project to provide supply to irrigators in the Mareeba-Dimbulah area in the Far North, and $3 million for a similar project near Emerald.

Queensland had sought more than $70 million for seven projects from the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund - but five have been rejected.

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Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314