The North West mayors have welcomed new funding for the region in the Queensland budget but say much more needs to be done.
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The nine mayors of North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) have welcomed support following the unprecedented flooding events earlier this year but point out the shortfall in fair investment the powerhouse north west region deserves.
NWQROC chair and Carpentaria Mayor Jack Bawden said North West Queensland was critical to the economic success of the state.
"(The region) can't continue to sustain its contribution with a scattered, token investment from other levels of government," Cr Bawden said.
"We need fair funding in our priority areas of roads, power, water infrastructure, telecommunications and sound policy frameworks to support local populations and business."
The NWQROC noted the budget offered good news for our region especially the $87.7 million investment in the Townsville to Mount Isa rail line and a new terminal at the Port of Townsville.
"The missing link now for the North West is the expansion of the Port of Karumba," Cr Bawden said.
The North West will also see some welcome investment in its critical roads network including targeted funding of $3 million to seal sections of the Cloncurry to Dajarra Road; $12 million for the Queensland section of Savannah Way; $11.3 million to pave and seal the remaining unsealed sections of the Hann Highway, and $4.8 million to upgrade nine intersections of the Barkly Highway (Cloncurry to Mount Isa).
There is also $50 million committed towards Townsville to Tennant Creek corridor upgrades, and $25 million towards Townsville to Roma corridor upgrades.
The NWQROC also welcomed $885 million of targeted payroll tax initiatives to support local business, $50 million for the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme, and a boost to the North West Health Board budget of $80 million, going from $702 million to $782 million.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
