The United Australia Party’s North Queensland Secretary and candidate for Leichhardt, Jen Sackley, has backed calls for locally-raised state revenue to be used on urgent infrastructure projects such as a new bridge over the McLeod River.
Ms Sackley said the Mulligan Highway causeway was in urgent need of flood proofing to ensure the lifeline to northern communities such as Cooktown remained open in times of heavy rain.
“Many locals have expressed their desire for North Queensland-raised revenue to be prioritised in the local area to fix infrastructure shortfalls,” Ms Sackley said.
“This spending would also increase local employment opportunities for people living in isolated areas.
“With the recent rains, people in Cooktown once again had their local deliveries of groceries and cold supplies delayed.
“These roads are critical to the northern communities as they are the only way in other than by expensive barge up the coast from Cairns, greatly adding to the cost of living for many.
“The United Australia Party will fight for better funding of North Queensland infrastructure projects.
“With better infrastructure comes opportunities for population and economic growth in regional areas, which would be further aided under the United Australia Party’s plan for a 20% zonal tax concession for people living more than 200km outside the state capitals.’
“Regional Australia has reached the stage where there is a chance for real change and the United Australia Party can deliver on this promise,” she said.
