Media Release

After meetings with landholders and the Government in recent weeks, KAP Member for Kennedy Bob Katter is bolstered by media reports that a Government Minister has urged looking at alternatives to procuring the 23 cattle properties of prime grazing land in greater Charters Towers / Townsville area, which are earmarked for expanding a Defence training ground.

Mr Katter said, “We urge the people who stood on their hind legs and fought to keep fighting. We’re making progress. There is a message here for everyone; you don’t have to cop it. It’s the Australian way. We stand together and fight.

“This cuts the ground out from the Townsville LNP Senator. He might like to spend his time in the future looking after the people of North Qld instead of defending his LNP bosses in Canberra and some of their stupid decisions.”

The Minister for Northern Development is quoted as saying that he would insist the Defence Department looks at alternative options.

The Minister for Northern Development’s comments come following Mr Katter’s meeting last week with Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Finance.

Mr Katter pointed out to the Minister for Finance that alternative land could be secured for around $30 or $40 million.

Reportedly, one of the properties being considered for acquisition recently sold for $17.5 million.

Mr Katter said, “So long as the 23 property holders get together and take effective legal action a ‘just and fair’ outcome would guarantee them over $400m.

“$400m verses $30m Minister?

“I pointed out it would be the most irresponsible waste of public funds.

“But more egregiously, it would land lock Townsville and deal a devastating blow to the city of Charters Towers. It would threaten 600 jobs at the Townsville meat works.

“And don’t forget the ordinates and explosives being washed in to the Great Barrier Reef 30 kilometres away.

“You simply don’t have army training grounds on the outskirts of a city.”

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