7 years ago
NO MORE NAIF DELAYS BARNABY
THE HON JASON CLARE MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT, CATHY O’TOOLE MEMBER FOR HERBERT
Labor today called on the new Minister for Northern Australia to end the delays and announce funding for the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility’s (NAIF) first project immediately.
The Federal Government announced the NAIF more than two years ago but is yet to allocate funds to a single project in Northern Australia.
It is understood that the NAIF has finally made a decision to fund the Genex renewable energy project near Townsville.
With the resignation of the former Minister for Northern Australia, there are serious concerns that there will be even more delays.
If the NAIF has made its first funding decision, it should be announced by the Government immediately to support this job-generating project for the North.
Barnaby Joyce should simply get on with it and announce the funding and release the loan to Genex so it can get on with the task of creating jobs for Northern Australia.
Genex has been strongly supported by Member for Herbert Cathy O’Toole and the State Labor Government.
Construction on the project is already underway and Labor calls on the Federal Government to release the funding immediately to support badly-needed jobs for North Queensland.
The Federal Government’s announcement will follow Labor’s commitment in addressing Townsville’s water and energy crisis.
Labor welcomes investment in infrastructure for the North.
The North has been waiting for two years for the Government to spend this money. Make the announcement and get on with helping to create jobs for North Queensland.