Tourism Minister calls on the Feds for Great Keppel funding

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has today called on the Federal LNP to match Queensland Labor’s $25 million investment in Great Keppel Island.

Ms Jones said she had applied for $25 million in federal funding for Great Keppel Island through the Regional Growth Fund to contribute to connecting power and water to the island.

“We’re doing the heavy lifting when it comes to connecting power and water on Great Keppel Island but the fact of the matter is we can’t do everything on our own,” Ms Jones said.

“The LNP Federal Member Michelle Landry has been vocal about how important the island is in boosting tourism to the Capricorn Coast.

“But she’s done nothing to help or promote Great Keppel.

“It’s high time she showed some leadership and put her money where her mouth is.

“And if Deb Frecklington really cares about Queenslanders she’ll lobby her mates in Canberra to do the same.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Palaszczuk Government recognised Great Keppel Island had great potential as a tourism destination but said the Capricorn Coast had been repeatedly overlooked by the Federal LNP.

“We’re committed to ensuring Great Keppel Island realises its potential as a gem for tourism here in Queensland,” she said.

“That’s why during the election we committed $25 million towards providing grid power and water to the island.

“We’re already part way through a feasibility study that will inform us about the best way to achieve this.

“This week Tower Holdings also started demolition on the island.

“Michelle Landry is happy to talk the talk when it comes to Great Keppel but it’s high time she committed some real dollars to this project.”

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447