Massive opportunity at Port of Bundaberg
Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said there is a massive opportunity for the region to develop the Port of Bundaberg in the 2017 Budget.
“Contrary to some media reports that stated Bundaberg has missed out, there is $10 billion on the table for rail infrastructure.
“State and local governments need to be on the front foot to investigate the possibility of developing the inland rail through to the Bundaberg Port, which could be developed as a container facility,” Mr Pitt said.
The Government is establishing a $10 billion National Rail Program to fund rail projects that will improve regional rail services to better connect our communities.
The program will allow the Government to partner with State Governments to plan and deliver key rail infrastructure projects.
“While weâve been talking about additional opportunities at the Port of Bundaberg Iâm calling on the State and Local Government to fight for the significant expansion which will result in jobs.”
Also announced in last nightâs Budget was the establishment of a Regional Growth Fund.
The fund will include $272.2 million to provide grants of $10 million or more for major transformational projects which support long term economic growth and create jobs in Australiaâs regions.
“The Government is investing in regional Australia by delivering infrastructure that will drive economic growth and secure more and better paying jobs,” he said.
Mr Pitt plans to meet with State and Local Government representatives when he gets back from Canberra to gauge their interest in this opportunity.