October 18, 2014
MPS Michael Trout and Gavin King are not prepared to guarantee hundreds of millions of dollars for their electorates – unlike their Townsville counterparts.
Local Government Minister and Mundingburra MP David Crisafulli has promised to secure an estimated $290 million from the proceeds of the lease of Townsville port for the electorates of Townsville’s three MPs.
He told ABC North in Townsville that 25 per cent of the port lease (estimated to be $1.16 billion) “we have guaranteed to three local members ... that we will bring home the bacon for our city”.
“No other region has that promise made. We are very proud of that and we are going to put our careers on the line.”
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| Advance Cairns chairman Trent Twomey called on MPs Michael Trout and Gavin King to also make a $290 million promise |
“If Mr Crisafulli and his mates in Townsville can give a $290 million promise why can’t our State MPs give a similar guarantee for us?’’ Mr Twomey asked.
“We continue to be short-changed by the State Government and by the Federal Government. I’m not accepting that we be short-changed any longer.’’
Mr Twomey said it was likely the $290 million would go to build Townsville’s “Saturday afternoon” football stadium.
“We need funding for a road (Bruce Highway) and hospital, used 24/7, as well as for water.’’
But Mr King said the Far North had no asset leases and they could not give a similar promise.
He said only two of eight priority projects nominated by Advance Cairns and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce of water and Bruce Highway upgrades fell under the $8.6 billion Strong Choices Future Investment Program.
He and Mr Trout were not prepared to provide a figure they would seek to fund water and road projects.
Both MPs said their first priority was approval of the $8.15 billion Aquis integrated resort.
“We are pitching for the approval of Aquis and that will stimulate the region more than anything else,’’ Mr Trout said.
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