Media Release

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter has praised the Qld Government for funding $14.8m to the Copperstring transmission line that will connect the North West Minerals Province to the national electricity market.

“We join party leader Robbie Katter in welcoming the funding and we would like to acknowledge the massive amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes by the project’s proponents,” he said.

“The Federal Government has already put $5m into the till so we must thank them as well, and I must add that this is one of the rare times everyone is working together for a good outcome.”

Mr Katter said he hoped construction could start as soon as possible.

“I have been crying out for weeks for Governments to invest in public works to build Australia out of the Coronavirus depression,” he said.

“The KAP has supported a number of North Qld projects including Copperstring, The Bradfield Scheme (Hells Gate Dam) and a tax-payer owned Galilee Rail Line - that are all shovel-ready.”

Despite today’s announcement from the Premier, Mr Katter said he was not going to resile from stating clearly and unequivocally that 1200 jobs will go in Townsville unless serious concessions are made by State and Federal Governments on emissions and energy charges.

“Townsville cannot survive the loss of another 1500 jobs,” he said.

“We love you State and Federal Governments, but we are a long way off.

“If the Copper Refinery and Smelter close that’s 500 jobs.

“If the Phosphate Hill mine and the associated fertiliser plant close in Mt Isa, then 700 jobs will go – many living in Townsville.”

-ENDS-