Media | State News

Galilee Basin – Let the jobs begin

14th June 2019

The belated approval of Adani’s groundwater management plan has been welcomed by LNP Leader Deb Frecklington, who today announced her plan to drive the future development of the Galilee Basin.

“Today’s outcome is an enormous win for jobs in regional Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government betrayed regional communities by fighting against this project for four years.

“Labor’s anti-resources, anti-regions, anti-jobs agenda has held regional communities back for too long.

“The approvals process should have been finalised 18 months ago and each delay destroyed jobs.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel for thousands of regional Queenslanders whose livelihoods depend on unlocking the Galilee Basin.

“Today’s outcome will be a catalyst for our ‘Boost the Basin’ plan, which will create thousands of new jobs across the Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton regions.

“We’ll guarantee that every Queenslander gains from the Galilee Basin through new schools, hospitals and roads across the state.

“I want to thank the workers, families, businesses and community leaders who have stood up for regional Queensland and fought hard for the future of their regions.”

LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said $50 billion worth of Galilee Basin projects – which will create 15,000 new jobs – have stalled because of Labor.

“No-one believes this approval shows Labor backs regional Queensland,” Mr Mander said.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government was forced to react when their Federal colleagues were wiped out at the election, proving the only jobs they care about are their own.

“What Adani went through wasn’t an approvals process – it was an obstacle course.

“We must restore confidence in the system if we are to create more jobs.

“Instead of holding the resources industry to ransom like Labor, we will deliver a 10-year freeze on mining royalties to boost long-term investment in Queensland.

“The LNP’s plan will create jobs and get our economy back on track.”

LNP Shadow Minister for Mines and North Queensland Dale Last said generating new jobs across Central and North Queensland was crucial for regional communities.

“I have backed this project since day one,” Mr Last said.

“I want to thank regional Queenslanders who lobbied the Labor Government, because this project wouldn’t have got across the line without your support.

“The small businesses and industries that rely on the resources sector deserve confidence their government won’t politicise mining projects.

“The LNP’s ‘Boost the Basin’ plan will also overhaul Labor’s approvals process to ensure it’s not stacked against the resources sector.

“Only the LNP will restore confidence and bring back the investment and jobs that the regions are crying out for.”