ROBBIE Katter has slammed the State Government for its lack of urgency to commit to the future of the Gulf of Carpentaria by delaying funding to dredge the channel at the Port of Karumba.
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In Parliament on April 20, the State Member for Mount Isa asked a Question on Notice to Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham about the matter.
“Will the Minister commit to reinvesting some of the $500m the Queensland Government has received in Century Mine taxes and royalties into dredging the channel at the port of Karumba, allowing safe and reliable access for vessels and economic growth in the Gulf?,” Mr Katter asked.
Dr Lynham responded saying MMG used to fund a large portion of dredging costs and Century Mine’s closure resulted in a loss of significant business for Ports North, which runs the port.
“Ports North is currently investigating ongoing dredging requirements for the remaining cargoes and exploring various options for funding the ongoing dredging requirements,” Dr Lynham said.
“The Department of State Development has commenced concept studies into common user facilities that could increase the trade through the port, such as live cattle exports”.
Dr Lynham said this would increase economies of scale and help to make the cost of dredging more manageable.
However Mr Katter said the response showed a lack of understanding for the urgency of the issue.
“I applaud the Minister’s desire to increase trade through the Port, but there are exporters right now who are wanting to get shipments to market but are unable to do so because the channel isn’t being dredged,” he said.
“It’s simply not good enough for the government to sit on its hands and watch capacity at the Port dwindle away because of the channel depth. They are playing with people’s livelihoods by not committing to ensuring there is a safe and reliable passage for vessels out of the Port of Karumba.”
Mr Katter said MMG’s Century Mine had generated half a billion dollars to the Queensland Treasury during its 16 years of operation.
“Now it’s time for the State Government to reinvest some of that money to ensure the future viability and growth of the Port,” he said.
“The Port of Karumba is the lifeblood of the Gulf and the Queensland Government-owned corporation Ports North must ensure the facility is accessible for all users.”
