Time for the State Government to step up and stump up

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has launched a petition calling on the Queensland State Labor Government to put its money where its mouth is and commit new funding for new projects under the Hinkler Regional Deal.

“The Federal Government has committed $173 million to the Hinkler Regional Deal for vital infrastructure and job creating projects and is working closely with the Fraser Coast Regional Council and Bundaberg Regional Council,” Mr Pitt said.

“Meanwhile, the Queensland State Labor Government continues to ignore the residents that live here and in the regions. They Deputy Premier signed a City Deal for South East Queensland but won’t commit here.

“When will she stop treating the residents of regional Queensland like second-class citizens?

“If the Deputy Premier wants to be a part of the Hinkler Regional Deal what new funding will the State Government commit to new projects?

“The Queensland State Labor Government had the opportunity to sign up to the Hinkler Regional Deal back in March but withdrew support 24 hours beforehand.

“The Federal Government is committed to delivering all of the Hinkler Regional Deal projects. The funding is in the 2019-20 Budget and we are getting on with the job of providing vital infrastructure and job creating projects.”

To sign the petition head to: https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/time-for-the-state-government-to-step-up-and-stump-up.html

The Hinkler Regional Deal projects funded by the Coalition Government are:

• $40 million for the redevelopment of the Hervey Bay CBD
• $32 million Quay Street bypass to remove heavy vehicles and commuter traffic from this area
• $24 million to flood-proof Torbanlea Pialba Road
• $15 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service Aeromedical Training Centre
• $10 million for a multi-use conveyer at the Port of Bundaberg
• $10 million safety upgrade for the Buxton Road intersection on the Bruce Highway
• $9.2 million redevelopment of Hervey Bay Airport
• $8 million for an upgrade of Bargara Road/Princess Street
• $7.7 million to extend Urraween Road through to Boundary Road in Hervey Bay
• $7 million for a palliative care facility at Hervey Bay
• $5 million AgTech Precinct
• $4 million for overtaking lanes on the Isis Highway between Bundaberg and Childers
• $750,000 pre-feasibility study for Port of Bundaberg outer harbour