QUEENSLAND ONE NATION TO INVEST CROSS RIVER RAIL BILLIONS INTO VISIONARY PROJECTS THAT ARE NEEDED NOW
Queensland One Nation Leader, Steve Dickson MP says the statement by Infrastructure Australia that the Labor Government’s $5.4 billion cross-river rail project in Brisbane is not needed until at least the mid-2030’s, demands an immediate redistribution of those funds.
Mr Dickson said, “One Nation wants that money properly invested in projects that can benefit all Queenslanders.
“One Nation has a vision for this State and today I announce some specific projects One Nation will champion in the next Parliament.
“Both the ALP and LNP voted for the Cross River Rail project in this year’s budget so they both believe the $5.4 billion is there. We will redistribute it. It is not new funding.
“One Nation will put $1.5 billion into a new 1000mw power station in North Queensland. It would be located next to a coal mine to reduce transport costs.
“We will put $1.95 billion into building dams, weirs and raising dam walls in North Queensland to harvest the abundant water for farming and industry which currently runs out to sea. This will provide water security for numerous Queensland towns and cities including Townsville and Rockhampton.
“One Nation is also committed to $700 million in funding for the Borumba Dam. This project will drought-proof south-east Queensland and will be linked into the existing water grid.
“The Beerburrum to Nambour rail line must be duplicated immediately and One Nation has plans to put $850 million into funding the project.
“This project has been on hold for far too long, and excuses are no longer acceptable. One Nation will build it.”
Mr Dickson said he was calling on the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to match this funding on a dollar for dollar basis.
“The Prime Minister talks about coal-fired power stations and building new dams. Now is the time for him to put his money where his mouth is.
“Another project to be funded by One Nation includes $400 Million for upgrading the Mount Lindsay highway.”
Mr Dickson added, “Each year the energy producers pay a dividend of $1.3 billion which goes into Consolidated Revenue, for governments to spend as they like. One Nation will put that dividend back into the producers, so they can cut power prices in Queensland by approximately 20 percent.
“I don’t think the major parties, the ALP and LNP, realise how serious an issue the cost of power is in the community. It has reached the stage where people are being forced to use candles because they cannot afford electricity. Businesses are also suffering because of huge cost increases forcing them to lay off staff.
“As for how to replace this ‘dividend’, One Nation will ensure that Government procurement of goods and services is better managed.
“I believe the Queensland Government currently pays about 20 percent more than it needs to on every contract it lets. We will end the preferred providers system and open the scheme to all businesses wanting to deal with the government. Competition is what drives down prices and a saving of 20 percent equates to billions of dollars.
“One Nation is serious when it says people before politics. We need Queensland to again be a leader in Australia.”
“We will decentralise Government departments and offices to many parts of Queensland, such as the Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, etc.
“Our vision for Queensland is not centred on Brisbane like the joined at the hip twins, the LNP and ALP. We see the wider picture, and so do the electors,” he said.
“Given the Federal Liberal Party’s current vulnerability in the polls in Queensland, I would expect the Prime Minister to back these projects wholeheartedly.
“I expect all Queensland LNP members to lobby Canberra to ensure Mr Turnbull commits the required funding”, Mr Dickson said.
