Media Release

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter has utilised Question Time to ask Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg whether he will unlock the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, a national development bank ready to go, to build the nation out of the Covid-Depression through infrastructure and industry.

Mr Katter said the priority projects for North Queensland were the Hells Gate Dam (Bradfield Scheme), Copperstring transmission line (linking Mount Isa to the National Energy Grid) and a rail line to the Galilee Basin.

“These are ‘make money’ projects not ‘absorb money’ projects, and most importantly they are shovel ready,” he said.

“The national economy is on the highway to hell, the Treasurer can get it back in black through a ‘make money’ public works scheme.”

Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg and Energy Minister, Angus Taylor responded to Mr Katter’s question.

Mr Frydenberg said the Government had paid the first tranche of money for the Hells Gates project.

“Initial design work and planning is focused on the Big Rocks Weir area at Charters Towers,” he said.

Mr Taylor said he encouraged the proponents of the Copperstring transmission line to continue to negotiate with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

“The Billion dollar grid reliability fund is to be administered by the CEFC, and that fund is very focused on transmission projects that are making energy more affordable, secure and reliable,” he said.

-ENDS-