Queensland State Government needs to invest in regions

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has called out Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad for her hypocritical claims in the media today that the Morrison Government is stalling on vital infrastructure.

“I can’t believe the Treasurer is trying to place the blame for delays at the feet of the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government has committed $173 million to the Hinkler electorate through the Hinkler Regional Deal, yet her government is unwilling to commit to more than a couple of roads projects.

“There are several important infrastructure projects like the Quay Street bypass and safety upgrades at Buxton on the Bruce Highway which have not received a funding commitment from the State Government in any shape or form.

“This is the same State Labor Government which dragged out the approvals process for the marine industry precinct at the Port of Bundaberg.

“This is the same State Labor Government which declared the Bundaberg State Development Area on land at the Port of Bundaberg in February 2017 and nothing has happened there since.

“This is the same State Labor Government refused to sign up to the Skilling Australians Fund which would have seen an additional 50,000 new apprentice training places in Queensland.

“Last week, for the first time, a Premier had to apologise to the Parliament for contempt. The Premier shouldn’t stop there. She should apologise to regional Queensland for ignoring the needs of the regions.

“The Queensland State Labor Government needs to start looking outside the South East corner and investing in regional areas. Our communities deserve better.”