Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has called out the Labor Government in State Parliament for playing political games around the Hinkler Regional Deal.
It follows a ‘no show’ from the State Minister at the signing of the regional deal last week.
Mr Bennett said the Minister’s failure to turn up to the signing was a slap in the face.
“This signing was happening at around the same time as the city deals were being signed in Brisbane,” he said.
“This is an extraordinary example of political arrogance and contempt. City deals got signed in Brisbane, but there is nothing for the regions.
“For years this project was discussed.
“Our communities understood that a quarter of a billion dollars was on the table for the region—an important economic driver—if all three levels of government worked together.
“Sadly, this latest stunt from Labor was just another example of how they will stop at nothing to attempt to gain political favour and advantage, at the expense of the people in our region.”
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said the Member for Maryborough’s actions were inexcusable.
“Mr Saunders got on board calling it a dud deal and saying he was left out,” he said.
“However the Member for Maryborough’s electorate includes the areas of Burrum Heads, Toogoom, Howard, Torbanlea, Aldershot, Nikenbah, which are all within the regional deal geographic boundaries.
“His lack of support is even more disturbing following the announcement of the $7.7 million extension of Urraween Road (from where it stops currently) through to Boundary Road project, to ease pressure on Boat Harbour Drive. This project affects many in the Maryborough Electorate.”
Mr Bennett said it’s vital everyone knows the damage Mr Saunders caused to his own electorate.
“Mr Saunders let a lot of his constituents down last week, all because of nasty political games being played by the Palaszczuk Government,” he said.
“While I must thank our Federal Hinkler MP Keith Pitt for continuing to fight against the failures and funding shortfalls of the state Labor government.
“Thank God for the federal coalition government. It sure is doing the heavy lifting alongside the local government in our region.”
To watch Mr Bennett’s speech visit http://tv.parliament.qld.gov.au/?reference=0Mba20190402_155029
03/04/19