Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has welcomed the Palaszczuk government’s endorsement of the LNP’s gas pipeline project at the Port of Bundaberg, but questioned where the additional $8 million would come from, and where the new project announcements are for the Bundaberg and Burnett.
Mr Bennett said he was pleased to see the Labor Government did not cut funds to the LNP’s vital gas pipeline project, but challenged the government to announce new projects for the region.
“I’m glad to see Labor agrees with our plan and policies, but it’s a shame they can’t come up with their own projects,” he said.
“I’m thankful our project is getting the support it deserves for our community, but for Labor to claim credit is hard for locals to swallow. It’s time Labor comes up with their own plan.”
Mr Bennett said taxpayers would be forced to pay more under Labor’s incompetence governance.
“After eight months into this new government, clearly without any sort of plan, we see this project now forecast to cost $19 million… where do they plan to magically pull these extra funds from?” he said.
Mr Bennett said Labor’s visit to the Bundaberg region had left people feeling let down.
“With the Member for Bundaberg so eager to be in every media shot over the weekend, all in the electorate of Burnett, I question what was actually announced for the people of Bundaberg,” he said.
“All we have seen so far is rehashed announcements already committed to by the former LNP Government.”
Mr Bennett noted the government had failed to announce projects to address traffic congestion and flood mitigation.
“The former LNP Government made a commitment to provide up to $3 million to support the Bundaberg City Council’s plan to build a new access road connecting the Bundaberg Ring Road to Kay McDuff Drive,” he said.
“This would open up new business and job opportunities by providing direct access between the ring road and the industrial area, and ease traffic congestion.
“The LNP also provided $16.5 million for 19 Betterment projects to improve flood resilience in Bundaberg and more than $25 million to improve safety at Paradise Dam.
“We haven’t heard any commitment from this Labor Government for flood mitigation in the Bundaberg region.”
Mr Bennett thanked the community for supporting the campaign to hold the Labor Government to account to ensure the gas pipeline went ahead.
ENDS.
October 19, 2015.