Two weeks out from the election, most of the candidates in Traeger have responded to the North West Star to our list of election questions,
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Despite having a week to respond neither the Greens nor Clive Palmer's UAP bothered to respond to our 17 questions as follows:
1) Why should the voters of Traeger put you as their number one on the ballot?
2) How do you want voters to preference down the list (ie who is your number 2, number 3 etc.)
3) What are the three biggest issues facing the electorate and how you do address them?
4) Mount Isa has suffered significant population decline from 30,000 to under 20,000 in the last two decades. How do we address this decline?
5) For the candidates who aren't ALP or LNP, which of the two major parties would you like to see form government and why?
6) Do you support the North West Qld Regional Organisation of Council's election commitments and what specifically would you do to address them?
7) How do we address the issue of expensive flights to the region?
8) What is your policy on dealing with crime, specifically youth crime?
9) How do we make housing affordable in the region and overcome the banks reluctance to give mortgages to remote postcodes?
10) would you support the concept of establishing a dedicated Department and an office of Northern and Remote Queensland to be based in a regional centre that would focus on advancing opportunities for regional development and addressing lifestyle, livability, remote housing issues and economic development?
11) Do you support the strong border stance of the premier on Covid, and how should Qld plan to emerge from the virus?
12) What's your plan to grow the regions' three main industries: mining, agriculture and tourism?
13) How do we deal with the infestation of weeds threatening our regions such as rubber vine, Prickly Acacia and Bellyache bush?
14) What should be done to improve the cost effectiveness of the Mount Isa-Townsville railway line?
15) Do you support new dams for the region and what more can be done to improve water infrastructure?
16) What are your priorities in the area of health?
17) What other issues will you be addressing if elected?
Here are the questions and answers of those who did respond in order of ballot draw; 1 James Bambrick (Labor - JB) 2 Greens (did not respond 3 (Robbie Katter KAP - RK) 4 Marnie Smith (LNP -MS) 5 UAP did not respond 6 (Craig Sriven Ind CS)
Q1 Why should the voters of Traeger put you as their number one on the ballot?
JB - I will be a strong and effective advocate for the people of Traeger as part of a strong and stable Palaszczuk Labor team. The Palaszczuk Government's strong health response to COVID-19 has kept Queenslanders safe, which means we've already started our economic recovery. I want to be part of delivering for the community and that means being part of a Labor Government that can and will get the job done, not just in the headlines.
RK - We need to send a strong message to the Brisbane-based major parties, who only gun for their own big city interests. I hope I've done enough over the three years I've served as the Member for Traeger to justify receiving voters' support rather than trying to bribe people with last-minute promises just weeks out from the election.
MS - Queensland needs a majority government. The LNP's strategy is to put Labor last to boost our chances of winning government in our own right so Queenslanders have security and stability as we navigate our way out of this economic crisis. A vote for an independent or minority party is a vote for Labor. Labor is the one legislating the Greens agenda.
CS - I have lived and worked in this electorate for just over 8 years now. I have held many positions both on the MIM lease, but more so on the town side of the railway. Previously in other areas I have worked in, the local member used to drop into our workshop and say "Good day" to the boys. Now I am unsure if that was just a local gesture or not. They wouldn't even talk politics; it was about being present and having a yarn with the local community. In the open I am a boilermaker, and even though I was in an LNP held seat, he would still come and have a yarn with me. Unfortunately, I am yet to ever witness that happen here. I have close friends in the town of Richmond, and they report that the same thing happens there. I am a single bloke who enjoys driving and likes to get involved across all industries. So, do not assume that the industrial industry is all I know, I am involved in agriculture, beef production, irrigated and dryland farming, and as per my current job, the mining industry. I have also owned two small businesses, and this has given me the opportunity to become quite well versed in the difficulties in getting a business off the ground and maintaining the business whilst going through an economic downturn. So, if you're looking for someone that will be there for you, who more than likely knows exactly what they're doing in any of the above mentioned jobs, then the real question is, why not vote for me?
Q2. How do you want voters to preference down the list (ie who is your number 2, number 3 etc.)
JB - I will be asking my supporters to Vote Bambrick 1 Scriven 2 Katter 3 Horvath 4 Smith 5 Collins 6
RK - This election, let's put Brisbane last. It is each individual's choice on how to number their ballot paper, but we recommend putting KAP first, One Nation second, minor parties and Independents next, followed by Brisbane-based LNP/ALP (pick your poison), and Greens last.
MS - 2. Phillip Collins 3. Craig Scriven
CS - I'm an independent, with no "How to vote" cards, so it is illegal for me to answer this question.
Q3. What are the three biggest issues facing the electorate and how you do address them?
JB - I have been talking to locals and they tell me that in the middle of this global pandemic they care about jobs, health and making ends meet. Under the Palaszczuk Labor Government's economic recovery plan, we will continue to keep Queenslanders safe and healthy and create jobs and grow our region.
RK - Water, power and health are the biggest issues facing the people of Traeger. The KAP will continue to prioritise the fight for water security solutions, most notably Hell's Gates Dam (revised Bradfield Scheme), Big Rocks Weir (Stage One) and HIPCo. Hell's Gates offers a hell of a lot more than any other water scheme. CopperString2.0 is a key election priority to connect the North West Minerals Province to the National Electricity Market and offer new opportunities for large-scale agricultural and renewable energy projects. Breaking down barriers for patients living in rural and regional areas is a vital health goal of mine; ensuring constituents have adequate access to healthcare is often the difference between life and death. I'm committed to bettering the health and wellbeing of residents, in particular, resolving what I call the "hidden health emergency" of chronic underfunding of dialysis services, and deliver crucial dialysis chairs to Charters Towers and Mount Isa, which is at least 15 chairs short.
MS - The economy. Queensland has the highest unemployment in the nation. It's higher than a locked down Victoria. Our region's unemployment is at 10.1 per cent. One in ten people cannot get a job. Only the LNP has a plan to supercharge the regions, and get this area working again. Certainty and security for our Ag sector. A Deb Frecklington- led LNP government will deliver the New Bradfield scheme - opening up our region to a world of opportunity. We'll establish the Queensland Dam Company to progress the Urannah Dam, Rookwood Weir, Burdekin Falls Dam upgrade and Emu Swamp Dam We will back farmers by slashing water prices for Sunwater irrigators by almost 20 per cent next year. The LNP will also introduce fair and balanced landscape management laws to replace Labor's anti-farming legislation. Boosting the Resources sector. Together with the Morrison government we'll deliver the Copper String 2.0 project, as part of the $134.7 million investment in energy projects. The LNP backs Queensland's resources industry and is committed to lowering energy prices to create jobs. Under Labor key exports from the province have plummeted by 70%. Hundreds of jobs have gone. We will ensure certainty for the resources sector, so they can get on with investing and creating jobs. We will invest $8 million for exploration to support mineral development in the North West.
CS - This electorate has more than 3 issues that affect it plainly because of its physical width. If there was a rapid downturn in mining, that would not affect the surrounding towns that rely on stock production. A drought will affect the smaller towns that rely on beef production. A classic example was the floods. Some surrounding towns are still recovering from the damage that was caused and will be for years to come. The businesses and workers in Mount Isa that I have visited and spoken with, do not seem to be put back by this at all. It is said that youth crime is an issue that needs to be addressed, but that issue I feel is more common in Mount Isa then it is in, let's say, Richmond. It is said that the cost of living expenses is high in the outback, yet a packet of cigarettes in Mount Isa is the same price as it is in Townsville. And we also say that the cost of food is high, but again, a box of Coco Pops is the same price at Woolworths here as it is in Townsville. It is said that the public health system is an issue in the outback, and on this point, I would strongly agree. We have a town that is full of Drs, yet they are all booked out for months in advance, our public health system needs to be improved. I am talking both of our medical and mental health units in the entire electorate. There have been many improvements over the last few years, with new services being offered in many hospitals, but we are still lacking other necessary services.
Q4. Mount Isa has suffered significant population decline from 30,000 to under 20,000 in the last two decades. How do we address this decline?
JB - We need employment in our region, which is why the Palaszczuk Government has committed more than half-a-billion dollars over the past five years to funding initiatives that support investment and production in the North West Minerals Province. By contrast, the LNP tried to sell off the Mt Isa line and the Townsville port, wasting $100 million preparing for asset sales. We can never forget that Campbell Newman's Assistant Minister Deb Frecklington helped cut jobs and tried to sell our assets at a time when Queensland needed them most and cuts to staff meant people had to leave our regions and head to the city. In 5 years, we have rebuilt our frontline by hiring 7,358 more nurses, 2,450 more doctors, 2,031 more health practitioners and 812 more paramedics.
RK -The first thing is making sure people have meaningful work the government can provide through stimulating industry. It's not enough to just build industry, we have to make sure locals gets access to those jobs. I strongly believe there needs to be legislation development around the FIFO workforce because there is market failure there; the mines aren't doing enough in that space.
MS - The LNP's economic plan will also support resource communities by freezing royalty rates for a decade - giving the industry the confidence it needs to invest in new job-creating resource projects. The LNP will also fix Labor's biased approvals process, which has been used to delay new projects and destroy jobs. We need to provide long term secure jobs, so our young people have a reason to stay and raise their families here.
CS - This is a common problem that all outback towns suffer from. People don't see a future in small towns. Mount Isa has a stigma attached to it. School leavers don't want to be caught up in the thought that "The only jobs here are the ones in the mines". And at some point, we need to come to the realization that there can only be so many "engineers" in one town. A politician cannot increase a town's population, they can speak on behalf of a town in their electorate, but local population loss is geared more towards the town's liveability. Sure, a politician can lobby the government for more land to be made available for new houses, but a politician cannot lobby a business to employ more staff.
Q5. For the candidates who aren't ALP or LNP, which of the two major parties would you like to see form government and why?
JB - Minor parties can't form government and make laws which is why I am running as the Labor candidate - to be part of the a government that can and will deliver.
RK - As the Member for Traeger and Leader of the KAP looking ahead to the powerful position we expect to be in come polling day, I fully appreciate the value and fortunate position of working with both major parties on particular issues to achieve real outcomes for the electorate. I'm willing to negotiate with both sides of politics, but my price is achieving ambitious goals and demands of the regional communities I, and the KAP, represent.
MS - Only the LNP has a bold plan to stimulate the economy and create a decade of secure jobs and lead Queensland out of this recession.
CS - This electorate is split between both above-mentioned parties. We have the workers of the mines and all their feed in industry, so that would make it a very Labor way of thinking, but yet we have the business owners, and let's face it, there are a lot of business owners in this electorate, so that would make it very Liberal. Then we have the stock and farming sector, so that aims more towards the National (I know this has now become part of the LNP). What ever party forms government, the person that represents us MUST be able to work with everyone involved. They will require knowledge on how each industry functions, and how their needs are best portrayed to the government.
Q6. Do you support the North West Qld Regional Organisation of Council's election commitments and what specifically would you do to address them?
JB - I have met with members of the North West Qld, the Regional Organisation of Council, and individual mayors. If elected, I will work with locals and their representative bodies on the projects that will enhance our community and create jobs.
RK - We welcome the interests and priorities of the NWQROC's ahead of this month's election, which are specifically in line with the KAP's commitments to improving the roads network, delivering major water infrastructure projects, and boosting living affordability.
MS - There are many worthwhile practical proposals in the NWQROC election document. As an LNP member I would work constructively with councils across the region to deliver real outcomes for our residents.
CS - I'd love to see a politician actually answer this with "No I don't support them". It is a given that I would support them. I have read over the statement that they issued for their last meeting. I have individual questions in relation to all the items listed and have already contacted Mayors to arrange meetings. With my background in broadacre and irrigated farming, I would like to talk more regarding this subject as there will be a lot to overcome to make the land available, while still maintaining livestock production. I do believe that this will be something that the local member will have to deal with.
Q7. How do we address the issue of expensive flights to the region?
JB - This is a massive issue for people in our region. Labor is the only party that has backed our airline industry. The Palaszczuk Government put $200 million towards a national support package to help get Virgin back in the skies. But Queenslanders can't do it alone and nor should we when the whole country benefits from having two airlines. Instead of stepping up and leading on this issue, the LNP Federal Government has totally abandoned Aussie airlines which hurts regional people the most. It can cost up to 25% more to fly on single carrier routes. If elected I will fight for more affordable air fares for our region.
RK- These are very big problems because they involve big companies that dominate the markets and governments have been too scared to take them on. The starting point is visibility on pricing, so we can at least prove to the government that we are being ripped off. The Queensland Government has announced a price-tracking tool to keep tabs on regional airfares and monitor affordability. Next, the government needs to either subsidise shuttle runs to major centres or introduce more regulated routes.
MS - This has been an issue which Labor has failed to resolve over the past five years. The LNP will work with all communities to ensure the Government subsidies are applied to benefit the most number of regional Queenslanders.
CS - I previously addressed this in the last state election, and I have addressed this many times since I first mentioned it. A very simple change to the "Corporate law act" would allow the airlines to cut their profits to their shareholders and drop prices to the customer. As the law states, "Corporate must act to the benefits of its shareholders" that simple line then makes it impossible to drop any fair. The next thing that needs to happen is a simple busines plan with the director of the regional arm of the company to show them that a simple change in their business plan will actually give their shareholders the same margin.
Q8. What is your policy on dealing with crime, specifically youth crime?
JB - The Palaszczuk Government will provide an additional 2,025 police personnel over five years and will deliver 25 mobile police beats. Unlike the commitments made by the Newman Government and the current LNP State Opposition, the additional police personnel and the associated resources to support these positions are fully funded by the Palaszczuk Government. In contrast, the LNP cut police personnel last time they were in government. The Palaszczuk government has invested more than $500 million to curb youth crime since 2017, and have contributed to a 12 percent reduction in number of youth offenders.
RK - The KAP has extensively outlined its plan for Relocation Sentencing to get youth offenders out of town and enable them to develop key life skills such as trade and agricultural work. The policy could facilitate a purpose-built, State Government-owned camp at remote location in Western Queensland to house children as they completed the alternative form of sentencing.
MS - Youth crime is a complex issue. But Labor's soft on crime, incarceration as a last resort approach is NOT WORKING. Crime is out of control around the state. We need to look at local solutions, working with community groups. We also need to make sure that criminals understand there are consequences for their actions; and often horrendous impacts on the victims of their crime. We will make sure that our police have the legislative support to do their jobs, and make our communities safe and secure places to work, live and raise a family.
CS - I took this policy to the last election; I even spoke about it before then in a very public meeting that was reported on in the NWS. We need offenders to be removed BEFORE they are caught and enter our already overloaded court system. This idea of sentencing them to be removed is already to late. Why can't the parents, grandparents or a citizen talk to the parents or guardians, and the offender and offer it to them? The issue stems further than that of the offender, it is a generational issue that will take at least 2 generations to fix. Youths are taught from a very young age that they have rights, but they are not taught that along with them rights come responsibility and accountability. Now we are on our 2nd and 3rd generation of people that don't believe that don't need to be responsible for any of their actions. I believe placing a person at a cattle station, removes them from temptation, this should be run in conjunction with elders and mentors (I am referring to all offenders, not just Indigenous offenders) is the way to get past this problem. It will not only remove the ability to offend, but it will also teach them something about responsibility, respect, and they may even become a better citizen from it. Similar has happened in other areas, and now the graduates are mentoring other wayward youth.
Q9. How do we make housing affordable in the region and overcome the banks reluctance to give mortgages to remote postcodes?
JB - We need to continue with implementing Queensland's Economic Recovery Plan which has already begun under Annastacia Palaszczuk's strong leadership, which means growing our regions, creating jobs and ensuring we get come out of this recession.
RK - The way we approach banking in this country is deeply flawed. Last month, figures showed a 11.3 per cent rise in rural debt in Queensland, to $19 billion. This is all debt with commercial banks (that are fundamentally incompatible with fostering genuine development - which is exactly what we need in rural and regional Queensland) or with the QRIDA scheme - which is a quasi government- facilitated lender that essentially offers second mortgages to a few people but never those who truly need them (for example, those who don't have good capital or immediate ability to re-pay debt). Postcode discrimination, which each and every time favours lending to people in major towns and metropolitan areas over those who are more rural, is also a real problem. The KAP has long-advocated for a government-owned Rural Development Bank to fill the gap that has been created by the current system. The KAP has also supported a plan by Queensland's peak body for the strata sector, Strata Community Association, to set up a national fund to compensate people whose property is damaged or destroyed by natural disasters.
MS - The LNP will deliver a boost to the construction industry - with our plan to cut land tax for new build to rent housing projects. Under the LNP's new scheme, land tax would be slashed by 75 per cent and exemptions on international investor taxes would be provided on eligible build-to-rent projects. The plan is expected to secure $2 billion worth of investment, create 4600 construction jobs and 4,000 new homes over the next ten years. We will work with the Morrison Government to ensure financial institutions comply with the fair lending practices outlined after the Banking Royal Commission.
CS - We can talk about housing affordability, we can talk about banks not lending money to post codes, but the banks are a business the same as any other business and have to consider the risks that are presented to them. They can only access information from the past, so for them to enforce their current lending terms, it must be what has happened to them in years gone by. Now, has that come from people in the past not meeting repayments and the banks being left short, maybe. Has that been from mining companies moving into an area and inflating the prices, eventually leading to a house price collapse? Who knows, as I cannot seem to find any information on the above statistics. We always say that we need more government housing, but by having that, doesn't that just bypass the problem of establishing population growth? If someone is able to rent a house for 1/3 of their income, it doesn't give anyone incentive to actually buy or build. Maybe a state government "rent to buy" might work, but I could see that being lost in red tape and eventually farmed out to the private sector in our current way of thinking.
Q10. Would you support the concept of establishing a dedicated Department and an office of Northern and Remote Queensland to be based in a regional centre that would focus on advancing opportunities for regional development and addressing lifestyle, livability, remote housing issues and economic development?
JB - I support good regional representation in our government, and that includes considering things like a dedicated department, regional centre staffed by locals, and other local-led initiatives.
RK- If we win balance of power this election, the KAP plans to establish a North Queensland Future Fund, financed by the State Government's $5 billion Queensland Future Fund, to identify and build major infrastructure programs in the North. It would be run by a locally-appointed board and address a wide range of issues and evaluate outcomes based on the widespread benefits to many aspects of life in rural, regional and remote communities. The KAP has also proposed a government de-centralisation scheme to relocate approximately 3,800 public service jobs to North Queensland to counter the "Brisbane-isation" of the state's workforce and hand back countless public service jobs lost in the rural and regional towns in recent years.
MS - No. Queensland does not need more bureaucracy. What this region needs is effective representation from an MP who can fight to get our fair share.
CS - Asking would I support it is again a loaded question. This is not a case of whether I would support it, it's a case of why it hasn't been done already. The MP's from the north have in the past classed themselves as a breakaway from the east. They seem to not even consider being a part of Queensland. They continually carry on that the north doesn't get anything. Yet in the last 3 terms of the Labour Government, roadworks and projects have been carried out in LNP electorates across Western Queensland. As I have said before, this all or nothing outlook that the local member continues to deliver is hurting this seat. So yes, this is something that I would fully support for this reason alone. It would not be needed though if proper communication was established between the member and the sitting government.
Q11 Do you support the strong border stance of the premier on Covid, and how should Qld plan to emerge from the virus?
JB - By listening to the advice of the Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeanette Young, our Premier has kept Queenslanders safe. That means as Queenslanders we have already started our economic recovery, especially in our regions. Our Premier has been willing to make the tough decisions, no matter how popular, and has shown strong leadership during a global pandemic.
RK - The State Government did make slight amendments but it could have been much more regionally-focused in how it treated certain areas, for instance, Julia Creek, Richmond and Boulia could have been treated differently than regional centres like Mount Isa and Townsville. I was very angry and spoke to the Minister, Queensland Resource Council and mines managers regarding how the FIFO issue was poorly dealt with by government at the start of the pandemic. However, there was subsequent action following my interaction with the peak body.
MS - Annastacia Palaszczuk said keeping borders closed would protect our economy. That's simply not true. Queensland now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation - worse than Victoria which is in lockdown. An LNP government would take into account medical expert advice, but deliver a border policy with common sense, compassion and consistency. There would not be two rules - one for the rich and famous, and one for Queensland families. Only the LNP has a plan to stimulate the economy, and lead Queensland out of this recession.
CS - I support exactly what science tells me. If it was based on the government to make judgement, we would be in the same place as America is at present. If the Premier advised the state via scientific facts, then she would be doing the correct thing. Emerging from the virus will be on a town by town basis. Maybe we could possibly make an advertising campaign, "I visited *Richmond* Covid free for 65,000,000 years" From my understanding, and what I have been told, the local industrial industry has not been affected in the same way as the cities have. Even our mining sector never slowed down. We have the same number of FIFO. And I believe the same amount of tonnage produced. The governments are already releasing campaigns for this, and even though the incoming government will have to deal with this, it is something that will need addressing when more information is made available.
Q12.What's your plan to grow the regions' three main industries: mining, agriculture and tourism?
JB - Labor's economic strategy is underpinned by traditional strengths like the resources and agricultural industries. While other sectors were under significant restrictions, our resources and agricultural sectors have helped Queensland's economy to keep going, and Queensland has plans to power up our regions. The Palaszczuk Government has entered into an agreement to support the next phase for the proposed CopperString 2.0 high voltage 1100 km transmission line to the North West Minerals province that will support over 750 FTE jobs during construction. Across North Queensland the project has the potential to deliver another 3,500 FTE jobs and an additional $154 billion in minerals production out to 2050. Into the future, Queensland's resources sector will be the source of important raw materials for economic recovery, including metallurgical coal for steel used in infrastructure and new economy minerals for renewable energy products. Growing our regions is a key plank of the Economic Recovery Plan and includes tourism. Labor has committed $50 million to fast track tourism projects and assist tourism icons.
RK - Mining: CopperString 2.0 is one of my key election priorities - to stimulate mining we need cheaper power and the North West Minerals Province needs to be connected to the National Electricity Market to make that happen. I also want to see legislation around FIFO to ensure mandates for locally-based workforces and the further enhancement of a permanent workforce and reduction of contract labour hire. Agriculture: Major water infrastructure developments including Hell's Gates Dam (revised Bradfield Scheme), Big Rocks Weir (Stage One), HIPCo (Hughenden Irrigation Project), and other projects in the region. I also support water ballots to stimulate small-scale farming, strategic road development to facilitate agricultural industries, and a rural development bank to stimulate local investment. Tourism: We need to address the massive underinvestment in key infrastructure like roads, for instance, works need to progressed on an access road to the Lawn Hill Gorge, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park to take pressure off the heavily-used road and maintain the booming tourist industry (approximately 40,000 tourists a year). Access to tourist hotspot Cobbold Gorge must also be highly maintained. Support must be prioritised for local initiatives in the tourism space.
MS - See answer to Q3
CS - Cut red tape
Q13.How do we deal with the infestation of weeds threatening our regions such as rubber vine, Prickly Acacia and Bellyache bush?
JB - Everyone in Queensland has a role to play in looking after the Australian bush. In fact, all Queenslanders have a 'general biosecurity obligation' (GBO) under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014. This means that everyone is responsible for managing biosecurity risks that are under their control and that they know about or should know about. The state Government works with local governments and natural resource management groups to identify and manage pest weeds and animals. I will continue this important work, should I be elected. The Labor Palaszcuk Government has provided the Southern Gulf Natural Resource Management with $553,000 under the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative for prickly acacia control in the Flinders River Catchment and a $2.3 million partnership with Agrifutures Australia on a biological control research program for prickly acacia and other weeds.
RK - The KAP has raised the issue of Prickly Acacia specifically with the Federal Government and warned that yearly flooding leads to explosions in seed spreading. Private landholders need to be incentivised through lease payment or land rent concessions or discounts where the landowner demonstrates they've spent money on landclearing measures to control Prickly Acacia in excess of what they pay in land rent. The idea is for the private industry to fund what the government is usually asked to fund in controlling Prickly Acacia - it offers a carrot, not a stick.
MS - A Deb Frecklington LNP Government will bolster Queensland's biosecurity and support our critical agricultural industry with additional staff for Biosecurity Queensland to take on pests, weeds and invasive diseases. The LNP will help breathe new life into the Biosecurity Queensland's tired operations and help renew its focus on what matters to farmers, not just bureaucrats in Brisbane. Pests and diseases are a threat to Queensland's economy and environment - and the LNP will work relentlessly to prevent them arriving, fight them if they're found, and support industries to recover.
CS - There are already groups that are doing this. Everything comes to government funding. For some reason, when I was on our family farm, if we had a weed problem, it was up to us to control it. We never seen any government money to help us withthe problem. I am not saying that there should not be government assistance, but maybe a farmer may need to take things into their own hands every now and then.
Q14.What should be done to improve the cost effectiveness of the Mount Isa-Townsville railway line?
JB - The Labor Government has already announced a $500 million plan to boost mineral freight exports on the Mount Isa line, and that includes maintaining and improving the line, among other things. What this money also does is further drive the shift of freight from road to rail, and helps subsidise rail access charges on the Mt Isa line. I want to be part of the team that has provided greater certainty for industries that rely on the Mt Isa line, and most importantly, will continue to generate jobs for our region.
RK - The Townsville - Mount Isa rail line (Great Northern Railway) is a key piece of infrastructure. It provides mining and agricultural producers in North West Queensland access to domestic and international markets. Rail line users have faced massive price increases and access issues. This is creating road safety and maintenance issues. Usage charges and access arrangements must encourage more rail line usage. The Queensland Competition Authority needs to implement a pricing framework that makes rail line usage a viable option for business.
MS - The LNP will ensure the appropriate level of maintenance for this line. Our economic plan will stimulate the Queensland economy - providing the best opportunities for upgrading this line.
CS - This is really a question that should be directed towards the government minister who is responsible for the matter. Again, anything that can reduce cost to the users will be supported. But it isn't until someone with the balance of power actually users that power can the member do something about it.
Q15.Do you support new dams for the region and what more can be done to improve water infrastructure?
JB - Water security is very important. Without Lake Moondarra the Industrial City of Mount Isa just would not have eventuated. Across Queensland the Palaszczuk Government has committed $1.2 billion in water infrastructure since 2017 supporting more than 2300 regional jobs. We have to be forward looking and plan for our future, nothing can happen on this continent without a plentiful supply of water.
RK - Katter's Australian Party is committed to recognising North Queensland's potential for irrigated agriculture to grow high-value crops to support industry, drought-proof the region and create jobs. We've secured $264 million in total for major water priorities Hell's Gates Dam, Big Rocks Weir and HIPCo. I recently welcomed the announcement that Charters Towers Regional Council would commence work on Big Rocks Weir as sole owner and operator, with $30 million pledged by the State Government to conduct approvals and construct the 10,000mL weir, plus the State Government's recent release of federal funds to compile the business plan of the Hughenden Irrigation development (HipCo). The KAP fully supports Hell's Gates Dam and Big Rocks Weir (Stage One) as the most logical and viable water security solution for North Queensland. Pound for pound, Hell's Gates offers a hell of a lot more than any other water storage scheme. It's fair to say that the KAP has been the main driver of near on every major water storage development in North Queensland.
MS - See answer to Q3
CS - We have plans and costings for a number of dams from the ROC. As I've said before, I have my worries about chemical use and stand off zones, the cost of water must be such to make it profitable for the farmer. If a farmer has a water cost of $2,000/ HA and a crop that is only capable of $1.500/HA, we will have some lovely full dams across the region.
Q16. What are your priorities in the area of health?
JB - Last time Deb Frecklington was in government, she and Campbell Newman sacked 4,400 health staff in Queensland. In 5 years the Palaszczuk Labor Government has rebuilt our health frontline by hiring 7,358 more nurses, 2,450 more doctors, 2,031 more health practitioners and 812 more paramedics. The LNP's policy of natural attrition means that every time a doctor, nurse, or allied health professional leaves, they won't be replaced. That means 16,500 fewer jobs in health alone, including 6,300 nurses, 1,900 doctors and 2,100 allied health professionals. In stark contrast, Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor will deliver 9,475 frontline staff, building on the thousands we have already hired to rebuild services after the LNP sacked 14,000 Queenslanders. Now, more than ever before, we cannot risk an LNP government that will tear down our world-class free public health system. It is because of our string health response, including strong action on borders, that we have been able to get on with Queensland's plan for economic recovery.
RK - As previously stated, breaking down barriers for rural patients and delivering adequate healthcare could mean the difference between life and death. My major priority is resolving the "hidden health emergency" of chronic underfunding of dialysis services, which is an acute problem that is sacrificing lives right now. I've called on both State and Federal Governments to fast-track funding to the fill the shortage of at least 15 chairs in Mount Isa, and install dialysis services in Charters Towers (which Labor has promised to do so far, but the LNP has not). I'm also calling on the State Government to commit to "market-ready" priority projects including a satellite dialysis unit, CT scanner and the refurbishment of the Eventide Aged Care Facility in Charters Towers. These form part of a $172.1 million investment, including a rebuild of the Charters Towers Hospital, which will vastly improve the quality of life for Traeger constituents, particularly in Greenvale, Pentland, Homestead, Hughenden and Richmond. The Cloncurry Hospital also desperately needs refurbishment, and that is another key issue. Another health issue I'm working hard to address is the discrepancy of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme when applied to residents outside of regional centres; for eligible PTSS patients, the value of the payment is only incurred from the hospital, which does not reflect the patient's full travel cost from home. I have contacted the Queensland Health Minister's office requesting assistance in resolving this issue to give all patients a fair go. Up in the Gulf and in the North's Indigenous communities, Rheumatic Heart Disease is wreaking havoc. This is an entirely preventable disease but we need community-led action to not only identify how badly people are being affected by the illness (as it is a largely silent until tragedy happens), but also to undertake widespread treatment and prevention actions. Pushing for whatever funding is needed from the state of federal governments to do this will be a top priority for me should I be re-elected.
MS - I've worked in health in this area. I know the system isn't working. The LNP has announced more than $500,000 to clear surgery waiting lists in this area. We have also committed to more frontline workers for our hospitals, instead of bloated bureaucracies in Brisbane.
CS - Mental heath is my number one issue that I have been championing for, for a long time. Physical health is also an issue that needs to be looked at. The Charters Towers hospital has needed an upgrade for quite some time. We have had a few upgrades in the smaller towns between the major centres, but health is always something that can be improved upon. If negotiations were put in place to have a percentage of the spending in the South West to be spent here in the North West, this problem could be a little less than it is at present. As for mental health, EVERY town needs a quiet room/house. Somewhere where someone who is in crisis can be left alone. Currently, if a person is in crisis, they are placed into the ED department under the constant view of a security guard.
Q17 What other issues will you be addressing if elected?
JB - did not respond to this question
RK - As previously stated, breaking down barriers for rural patients and delivering adequate healthcare could mean the difference between life and death. My major priority is resolving the "hidden health emergency" of chronic underfunding of dialysis services, which is an acute problem that is sacrificing lives right now. I've called on both State and Federal Governments to fast-track funding to the fill the shortage of at least 15 chairs in Mount Isa, and install dialysis services in Charters Towers (which Labor has promised to do so far, but the LNP has not). I'm also calling on the State Government to commit to "market-ready" priority projects including a satellite dialysis unit, CT scanner and the refurbishment of the Eventide Aged Care Facility in Charters Towers. These form part of a $172.1 million investment, including a rebuild of the Charters Towers Hospital, which will vastly improve the quality of life for Traeger constituents, particularly in Greenvale, Pentland, Homestead, Hughenden and Richmond. The Cloncurry Hospital also desperately needs refurbishment, and that is another key issue. Another health issue I'm working hard to address is the discrepancy of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme when applied to residents outside of regional centres; for eligible PTSS patients, the value of the payment is only incurred from the hospital, which does not reflect the patient's full travel cost from home. I have contacted the Queensland Health Minister's office requesting assistance in resolving this issue to give all patients a fair go. Up in the Gulf and in the North's Indigenous communities, Rheumatic Heart Disease is wreaking havoc. This is an entirely preventable disease but we need community-led action to not only identify how badly people are being affected by the illness (as it is a largely silent until tragedy happens), but also to undertake widespread treatment and prevention actions. Pushing for whatever funding is needed from the state of federal governments to do this will be a top priority for me should I be re-elected.
MS - Education. Every Queensland child deserves a world-class education, no matter where they live. The LNP will de-clutter the curriculum so students can get back to learning, and teachers can get back to teaching what is important. For too long Labor has been happy to lag behind the rest of Australia when it comes to educational standards. The LNP wants our children to have the best chance toget a job - and that means leaving school with the best results possible.
CS - The issues that need to be addressed are/have been brought up many times before. Unfortunately, what seems to happen all too often, is that the incumbent will not deal with them. It is understandable for someone to take a hard stand on issues, but this stance has taken away opportunities that could have happened a long time ago. I commit to this electorate and for its benefit. If any chance arrives that will be for the better of Traeger, I will grasp it. If a vote benefits any other area, I will decline it. If it's an issue that only involves other areas of the state, and will eventually better Traeger, then I will support it. My job, if elected, is to represent the electorate. It needs someone who understands that we are a very big area, we have many different forms of businesses, ranging from manufacturing, mining, farming, and fishing. We have many cultural differences across this electorate. We have towns of varying diversity, some based around mining, some based around beef production, and some that are mixed. If we have someone that does not have a grasp on all the above areas, we are going to be missing out. I make this commitment to you all, if elected, "I will be there for you"