Bob Katter

Katter's Australian Party (KAP) Federal Member Bob Katter has today acknowledged the federal government's efforts in providing an additional $20 million for the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) but has emphasised that while this initiative is a step in the right direction, it falls far short of addressing the fundamental issues facing farmers in rural and regional Australia. "While I certainly commend Minister Rowland for recognising the importance of connectivity and investing in this ag-tech program, the truth is this is only part of the solution. We need to ensure that all farmers, particularly in remote areas, have access to reliable telecommunications and infrastructure across the board," Mr Katter said. "I've had a constituent case recently where this person lives on an isolated cattle station with no service and no ability to call emergency services. Had this program been operating at the time, and the station had proper service, then perhaps her husband may not have lost his life." Mr Katter also reiterated his longstanding opposition to the privatisation of Telstra, highlighting the continuing challenges it poses for rural Australians. "Telstra should never have been privatised. In a perfect world, reliable phone lines and internet access would be as basic as water and power. Unfortunately, under the privatised system, that's not always the case for farmers in places like Julia Creek or stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria," he said. "Anyone who thinks that when Mary Murgatroyd's phone breaks down in Julia Creek, she'll get it fixed quickly under the current system is kidding themselves. If we're serious about supporting our farmers and rural communities, we need to rethink the privatisation of our telecommunications network. Essential services like telecommunications should never be sold off." Mr Katter said it was essential that Telstra honour its Universal Service Obligation (USO) and the legislation supporting it be amended to guarantee farmers and regional Australians receive the service they deserve. "It is high time we put the USO back at the forefront of telecommunications policy. We need clear and definitive legislation to ensure Telstra is compelled to honour the USO and provide reliable, accessible service for all Australians—no matter how remote they are," Mr Katter said. He pointed out that while programs like the OFCP help improve connectivity for ag-tech solutions, farmers still face significant hurdles in accessing basic services such as reliable phone and internet connections, which are essential not only for business but also for emergencies. "We're seeing real benefits from this program, and I don't want to downplay that. But what's needed alongside it is a government that prioritises the basics—whether it's ensuring we have enough water for irrigation, energy for operations, or phone lines that can stay connected in weather events or a piece of equipment goes down," Mr Katter said. Mr Katter said that he would continue to put pressure on the government to continue improving telecommunications across rural Australia, alongside their work on programs like the OFCP. Applications for Round 3 of the OFCP will open in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26. Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program is also now open. Mr Katter is seeking constituents to advise him of their black spots before February 7. ENDS

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has cautiously welcomed the news of the Prairie Wind Farm gaining EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) approval, noting that its progress and alignment with North Queensland’s CopperString 2.0 will carry with it growth and ongoing investment with the mid-west communities. He said that while his primary goal was to keep coal fired power in Australia, he understood the strategic importance this particular project had to CopperString and the Hughenden community. Windlab, the developer behind the Prairie Wind Farm, has told Mr Katter’s office that the EPBC approval was a major milestone for the North Queensland and that situated in the Flinders Shire, project will power one in every six Queensland homes. “It cannot be over emphasised that existing coal fired power stations must be kept in the mix but the Prairie Wind Farm’s location in Hughenden is a better example of how renewable energy projects should be done but we’ve seen plans for wind farms on the coast and in the wet tropics, and it’s nothing short of madness,” he said. “These are areas of incredible natural beauty and biodiversity, and they should not be turned into industrial wastelands. North Queensland has no shortage of remote, wind-rich locations like Hughenden that are far better suited for this kind of development. “The area’s remote location and high, consistent wind speeds make it a far more suitable site for a wind farm. This is exactly the kind of investment that is enabled by CopperString, which will unlock North Queensland’s vast mining and energy resources and position north Queensland as a powerhouse for Australia.” Mr Katter praised the Flinders Shire Council for their advocacy to ensure the Windlab development brings with it the economic and social infrastructure to support the growth of the whole region. “The Council has done a wonderful job working with Windlab to ensure the project fosters growth in the region and we throw our full support behind them in their pursuit to see improvements to road, housing and services in the town as part of the project’s influence.” Mr Katter also said he supported Flinders Shire Council’s push for a Community Benefit Royalty Framework. “This framework will ensure that communities impacted by CopperString and the projects connected to it receive an additional, consistent source of revenue,” Mr Katter said. “It’s vital that local governments and communities are engaged in decision-making processes and that investors understand the importance of sharing the benefits of these developments. This approach will help strengthen the towns and regions that are driving Australia’s energy future.” The CopperString 2.0 project, a 1,100-kilometre transmission line linking Mount Isa to the national electricity grid, will provide the infrastructure needed to harness the region’s renewable energy resources, including wind and solar farms. Mr. Katter reiterated his strong support for the project, which he says will transform the region’s economy. “CopperString is the largest infrastructure spend ever committed to in this state outside of Brisbane, and its successful delivery is essential to providing for the future of all of regional Queensland,” Mr Katter said. “David Crisafulli has promised over and over again he’s building CopperString but Powerlink needs to get moving, the world is waiting for Powerlink. “It will connect these renewable energy projects to the national grid, ensuring reliable and affordable power for our industries and communities. “Hughenden is setting the gold standard, and it’s a model we should follow moving forward, be it energy projects, mining or dams.” ENDS

The Growing Regions and Housing Support grant programs are available to shire councils. The successful grant recipients for Round Two of the Growing Regions Program are: • Boulia Shire Council was awarded $10.42 million for their Shire Community Hub, which replaces outdated and dispersed accommodation with a fit-for-purpose, multipurpose Hub featuring a multimedia library and resource centre, a post office and flexible spaces for visiting officials, commercial leases and cultural displays. Boulia Shire Mayor Eric Britton said, "The approved funding for the Boulia Shire Community Hub will be a gamechanger in council enthusiasm and productivity. It will be the centrepiece of Boulia. We commend the support given to rural and regional Queensland." • Burke Shire Council received $4.1 million for their Burketown Health and Wellbeing Precinct Stage 1 - Splash Park and Playground, including an amenities block. Mayor of Burke Shire Council, Ernie Camp, said, "The kids and community will really benefit from this project. The chlorinated water will really help with mobility health issues as well. Hopefully the pool in stage 2 will be approved as well." • Cloncurry Shire Council received just under $6 million for the Scarr Street Revitalisation Project and CBD upgrade, which will see upgrades and enhancements to footpaths, parking, stormwater, kerb and channel, water and sewer, shade and shelter, landscape and irrigation, as well as artistic works. Mayor Greg Campbell said, "Always great to receive support from the federal government when the community is trying to build critical community infrastructure." • Flinders Shire Council received $1.796 million for the Showgrounds Development, featuring a new multipurpose recreational hall with office spaces, kiosk storage space, and public toilets. Mayor Kate Peddle said, "We are thrilled to receive funding of $1.796 million for Hughenden Showgrounds. This project, which includes a new workshop area, secretary's office, kiosk, and storage area, marks a significant upgrade to our current facilities—a heartfelt thank you to our community's champions. "As the name 'Growing Regions' suggests, we are indeed a region on the rise, thanks in part to innovative projects like the CopperString initiative. This grant allows us to continue this momentum, enriching the lives of our residents by ensuring we are maintaining and improving the facilities that support us. I sincerely thank Minister King and Mr Katter for their support of this project; you have our gratitude. "Our community thrives because of the tireless efforts of our volunteers who provide invaluable social and sporting opportunities. This grant is a testament to their hard work and dedication, ensuring they have the facilities needed to continue their amazing contributions. "This grant is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in the spirit of our community. It symbolises our commitment to supporting the volunteers who make Flinders Shire a vibrant and welcoming place to live." The successful grant recipients for Stream Two of the Housing Support Program are: • Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council received just under $19 million to construct a new sewerage pump station and rising main in Balamba. • Mornington Island Aboriginal Council received $1.8 million to construct road infrastructure to support the dwellings across two lots on Lardil Street, Gununa. • Cassowary Coast Regional Council also received $10.3 million to deliver trunk infrastructure works at Eaton Estate. In response to the grant wins, Mr Katter said small towns thrive off government grants and programs. "These are excellent grants – we really need them to get important community projects off the ground," he said. Mr Katter said the town of Richmond was one example of how the grants could provide significant social benefits to small communities. "A little tiny grant of $5,000 given to Richmond grew into a half-a-million-dollar leading interpretive Mesozoic museum in Kronosaurus Korner," he said. "It's terrific to see places like Hughenden, with a fresh council, fresh leadership, and exciting project opportunities, get such big wins so early into their new term. "So we congratulate all those in Council and in the communities who fought like tigers to get their community projects across the line." ENDS