May 4, 2016
Shadow Agriculture Minister Deb Frecklington says the $2 billion Water Infrastructure Loan facility, announced in Tuesday night’s Federal Budget, is a great program for northern Australia.
But it is now up to the State Government “to be on the front foot” to ensure Queensland projects get every opportunity for funding.
Ms Frecklington said the National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility would offer direct loans to the States to build dams, pipelines and job-creating water infrastructure projects from July 1 this year.
“The money has been allocated by the Federal Coalition Government and we need to ensure that Queensland projects get every opportunity for funding,” Ms Frecklington said.
“That means the Palaszczuk Labor government needs to be far more proactive and pro-agriculture.
“Instead of demonising farmers and trying to shutdown productive agriculture with its plan to bring back draconian vegetation laws, Premier Palaszczuk and Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson should be embracing opportunities for investment and jobs growth in agriculture.”
Mrs Frecklington said Queensland would be competing for funding with the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
“This means our State Government needs to be on front foot to get the best deal for Queensland,” she said.
“It means we need real leadership and working very closely with industry to get the best outcomes.”
Ms Frecklington also welcomed the extra funds in the Federal Budget for biosecurity ($15.9 million over four years) and rural financial counselling ($7.1 million over four years).
