General News
12 June, 2024
North West cops a mixed bag in budget, says Katter
The Member for Traeger says the budget falls short of what is required.
There is a handful of welcome news for North West residents in the state budget, says Member for Traeger Robbie Katter, who has been critical of the Miles government’s measures to appease voters in the south-east.
“Fighting for votes in Brisbane, the major parties have plunged the Queensland budget towards a forecast $3 billion deficit, by bribing Queenslanders with their own money,” the Katter’s Australia Party leader said.
“A thousand dollars off power bills attempting to con Queenslanders that power isn’t going up thanks to emissions targets and renewable energy, 50c bus tickets for Brisbane commuters, and specifically Brisbane-centric commissioners to boost nightlife, are all measures that show the true colours of the Brisbane ALP and LNP.
“So much the same, that the LNP signed up to the budget before they ever heard it.”
In better news at home, after more than a decade of lobbying, the CopperString project to connect Mount Isa to the national electricity grid is showing signs of life.
“We’ve been promised for years now that CopperString would materialise off the pages of reports and plans, and with $712 million to be spent this coming financial year, we may finally see some poles and wires in the ground,” Mr Katter said.
The MP welcomed funding for health care, but said more was required in the North West and Gulf.
“It is great to finally see some investment in our crumbling health services, but we know the job isn’t finished yet,” he said.
“Camooweal, Normanton, and Doomadgee have all seen previously announced projects started, and it’s fantastic to see announced that Charters Towers will receive $5 million for the installation of a much-needed CT scanner.”
Sporting clubs across the electorate have also received a boost, with the Cloncurry Shire grandstand receiving more than $800,000 for a re-fit.
Rugby league facilities at Alec Inch Oval in Mount Isa will get an improvement, as well the Mount Isa Amateur Netball Association’s dressing sheds as Wellington Oval.
There is also funding for Mount Isa soccer in the budget.
“Sporting clubs are the glue that holds our communities together, and it’s great to see them supported,” Mr Katter said.
The KAP leader was concerned about the absence of critical transport infrastructure upgrades, such as the Gulf crossings and Gilbert River bridge.
“We eagerly await the detail that will invariably rattle out of the complex Transport Department plans, but the fact remains that communities remain cut off for months at a time, and more freight is continuing to flow off the rail onto our maligned road network,” Mr Katter said.
Premier Steven Miles hailed the budget a success for Queensland, announcing on Tuesday a $564 million surplus, outperforming a forecast deficit of $2.182 billion.
“This is a budget that I am proud of, and that delivers for Queensland,” he said.
“It ensures our world-renowned Queensland lifestyle endures for the long term, with record investments in health, infrastructure, housing, community safety and renewable energy.”
Included in the budget is $2.8 million to continue development of the Hughenden Irrigation Project (HIPCO) while a review of the Gulf Water Plan and Regional Water Assessment are conducted in the region.
The Great Artesian Basin will also benefit under the GAB Water Security Program with $32 million over four years, subject to matching federal government funding, to cap free-flowing bores.