CEO Column - December

12th December 2017

A word from Townsville Enterprise CEO, Patricia O’Callaghan...

Congratulations to the Premier and the Labor Party on retaining Government in Queensland after an extremely close State Election, particularly within our local electorates. I would like to acknowledge Coralee O'Rourke, Scott Stewart and Aaron Harper for securing a number of election commitments for the region. I also wish to congratulate the LNP’s Dale Last for retaining his seat in the Burdekin and KAP’s Robbie Katter, in the new seat of Traeger, and Nick Dametto who now holds the seat of Hinchinbrook.

Acknowledgement to Minister O’Rourke on securing a third portfolio in Communities, however it is disappointing to see the Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland position dissolved. A lack of regional representation across economic and job creating portfolios is a real concern and Townsville Enterprise will be engaging with Minister O’Rourke next week to work through this new structure.
During the election, Labor announced a commitment towards the development of Defence industries in North Queensland. This is a key priority that Townsville Enterprise has been working towards for 18 months and is a great outcome for our community. Townsville Enterprise engaged with inaugural North Queensland Defence Advisory Board Chair, former Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy and Chair of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, Senator Bridget McKenzie in Canberra last week to define North Queensland’s Defence Agenda.

The region also secured $2M towards the Museum of Underwater Art, $3.1M to commence the Lithium-ion Battery Plant feasibility study and an additional $50M over five years to the Mount Isa to Townsville Rail Line. The real work begins now, to keep the State Government accountable and continuing to lobby for funding on projects critical to North Queensland’s growth. We are already preparing State and Federal budget submissions which will be released in the new year.

Whilst it was encouraging to secure several election commitments, a major priority for our region is the progression of the Carmichael Mine Project. This generational project will be the first new coal basin opened in Australia in 50 years and is much more than just the lifespan of one mine. By opening up the Galilee Basin, a projected 16,000 additional jobs will be created by future mines operating in the region, delivering ongoing opportunities for regional Queensland for decades. Townsville Enterprise encourages the State Government to continue its support of this significant project and the jobs it will create for our community.

We look forward to working with the Premier, her Government and all local representatives to ensure Townsville North Queensland stays at the forefront of the Queensland Government. We always strive to partner with Government, but will not shy away from being a loud voice to ensure a prosperous future for this region.

On behalf of Townsville Enterprise, I also wish to extend heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Adani Media Manager, Ron Watson on his passing last week. Ron was a good friend of regional Queensland and will be missed.

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