Puzzled by the Labor Government funding announcement today where they have pledged funding to upgrade Port Hedland’s Lumsden Point, Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, stated this afternoon “This is the same announcement, for the same project, that the Coalition Government committed to in the March 2022 Budget. “In fact, I believe the amount announced today is considerably less than what we committed to”.
In the March 2022 Budget, we announced $280 million to construct additional infrastructure at Lumsden Point, as part of the Coalition Government’s Energy Security and Regional Development Plan. This plan was created to develop key regions across Australia, transforming them into next generation export hubs. The $280 million we pledged to Lumsden Point was part of a $1.5 billion commitment for projects in the Pilbara region under this plan.
Additionally, in 2021 the Coalition Government also provided $33million to Qube Holdings Limited for upgrades to the Lumsden Point Diesel Storage and Import Terminal, under our Boosting Australia Diesel Storage Program. This program was designed to contribute to the government’s long-term fuel security goal to increase our domestic fuel storage that meets our needs during an emergency and into the future.
“I am very proud that the Liberal Party has always had a regional focus, we know that rural, regional and remote funding will turbocharge our economies, enabling people to get the job they want and to pursue their dreams” said Melissa Price MP. “Our regions, when they are allowed to flourish, will drive our economy, strengthen export markets and support the growth of existing and emerging industries”.
The Labor Government continues to hijack the Coalitions ideas, commitments and policies to adapt as their own, simply rebranding them and then claiming the credit. This is typical Labor, all politics and no policy.
Can the Premier Mark McGowan tell us if this announcement is new money, or is just a repeat of the Coalition commitment?
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Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au