Dametto tells Feds, State: ‘Show me the money’

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has vowed to hold the incoming Federal Coalition Government to account over their election funding promises for key projects in North Queensland.

HINCHINBROOK MP Nick Dametto has vowed there will be “hell to pay” if the incoming Federal Coalition Government does not deliver on a raft of big spending election promises for the North.

Up to $1.5 million to dredge Hinchinbrook Channel, support for the proposed North Queensland Bio-Energy plant and $7 million towards the DriveIt NQ’s motorsport precinct near Townsville will be on Mr Dametto’s hit list to ensure they are delivered for the region.

“It’s time for the Coalition to cough up the cash on their election promises,” he said.

“Each of these projects are vital to progress the North and I will be relentless in my pursuit of them. I would urge the Coalition to fast track investment in each of these projects in order to give our region the economic boost we need.

“If they don’t, they can kiss any chance of future re-election goodbye.”

Mr Dametto said he would be writing to State Development Minister Cameron Dick about the Coalition’s promise of up to $1.5 million to dredge Hinchinbrook Channel and the need for the State Government to also pitch in with funding to ensure all-tidal access is restored to One Mile Creek in Cardwell.

“$1.5 million is a good start for this project which will re-ignite Cardwell’s ailing economy. However, it’s time for the State to step up with their side of the funding equation and I’ll be making that clear in my letter. I’ll also be seeking clarity over a funding delivery timeframe in a separate letter to the incoming Federal infrastructure minister,” he said.

“DriveIt is of course another one I’ll be following up. There’s now a total of $12 million in Federal funding that has been pledged within the last two years but it still falls short of the $23.3 million needed to build, which is where the State comes in. But I want to make sure the Coalition follows through with their commitment as well.”

Mr Dametto said Federal Agricultural Minister David Littleproud had also made “a lot of noise” about Ingham’s proposed bio-energy plant during a visit to the town last month.

“The Minister was quoted as saying “he would work with North Queensland Bio Energy to find Government programs they can use”. I take that as a commitment to get funding for this project and will be holding him to that,” he said.

“If both the Federal and State governments are serious about creating a biofuel industry in the North, then it’s time for them to put their money where their mouth is.

“Together with my Katter’s Australian Party colleagues Traeger MP Robbie Katter and Hill MP Shane Knuth, I will not stop fighting to see these projects realised for the benefit of all North Queenslanders.”