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Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has welcomed news that construction is set to begin on the former LNP government’s Bundaberg Port gas pipeline project.

This time last year Mr Bennett launched a campaign, ‘Hands off our gas pipeline’, to ensure the newly elected Labor Government would approve the LNP’s project.

Mr Bennett said the community-led campaign was created last year following concerns that the project was in doubt after the member for Bundaberg made public comments that a decision was yet to be made on the gas pipeline.

“It was disappointing that there were delays getting the gas pipeline off the ground after the then newly elected Labor decided to play politics with such a crucial project for our region,” Mr Bennett said.

“For almost two decades, Labor ignored and neglected regional Queensland, and I wasn’t about to sit by and watch Labor pull this important project from underneath our community.”

Mr Bennett said the gas pipeline was critical to the future of Bundaberg and the surrounding district and would play a major role in boosting the local economy and creating jobs.

“The former LNP Government was determined to unlock the economic potential of the Bundaberg and Burnett region, and this pipeline delivers on that commitment,” he said.

“At the end of the day, Labor has seen common sense and construction will commence after Easter, which is wonderful news for our community and will generate local construction jobs and create business opportunities through investment in infrastructure.”

ENDS.

March 15, 2016