2022 Unlock the North Canberra Delegation | Day 4

17th February 2022

Today we wrapped up our Digital Delegation with Day 4 of our mission to Canberra.  As we have done all week, we advocated with a united voice for the outcomes that will secure prosperity and opportunity for North Queensland into the future.

Our first meeting this morning was with Hon Chris Bowen, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy.  This was an important meeting, as several of our key enabling infrastructure projects like Copper String 2.0, Hells Gate Dam Pumped Hydro and support for emerging critical minerals industries are directly impacted by these portfolios.

Regional Australia stands to lead Australia through this once in a generation decarbonisation step-change, and North Queensland is particularly well placed with an abundance of renewable resources, critical minerals and world class export facilities.

Our second meeting today was with Hon Keith Pitt, Minister for Resources and Water.  Once again, this meeting was critical as resources and water are areas of strategic concern for the future security of North Queensland.  Global trends toward urbanisation are creating significant increases in demand for agricultural product from regional Australia, where we have the capacity to satisfy domestic markets and then sustain a $50 billion export industry with the surplus.

Projects like Hells Gate Dam and others along the Townsville - Mount Isa irrigation corridor are massive value-adds for the region, and need to be assessed and approved with urgency.

This week's delegation would not have been possible without the presence and advocacy power of the mayors of Townsville, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and Burdekin Shires.  More than once, ministers and advisors in Canberra commented on the strength of our united front, and how heartening it was to see a region working together for the benefit of the all the people who call it home. 

We would also like to thank the Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson MP, and Queensland Senator Susan McDonald for their assistance and persistence in arranging our meetings with government ministers this week.

We will keep you updated with progress as we continue to advocate for North Queensland in the lead up to the upcoming budget and federal election.

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