Scott Morrison should immediately release the funding he has secretly allocated for the Mackay Ring Road and get on with delivering this important project.
According to media leaks, the Federal Government allocated funding to 10 infrastructure projects including the Mackay Ring Road Stage II six months ago in its 2018 Budget.
But it cynically chose to sit on the funding, delaying its announcement until the next Federal election campaign.
In Question Time today Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese asked Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack : “Why at a time when the road toll is rising and congestion in our cities is worsening, is the Government sitting on these projects and not getting on with the job of delivering them?’’
But Mr McCormack refused to address the question.
Mr Albanese said the Government should end its political games and release the investment now so it can be put to use in the public interest.
“Scott Morrison should stop pussy footing around,’’ Mr Albanese said.
“Commencing this project now would create much-needed economic activity and construction jobs in the short term and generate productivity gains once the project is completed.
“The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has spent five years cutting infrastructure investment and is now engaged in delaying projects until it suits their partisan political convenience.
“Either that or the investment is not real and the projects would be pushed off into the Never-Never by a re-elected Morrison Government.’’
Labor candidate for Dawson Belinda Hassan said Federal Labor had already committed $102 million to build the Ring Road in partnership with the Queensland Government.
“If both major parties agree the Ring Road Stage II should go ahead, there is no reason why we shouldn’t get to work as soon as possible,’’ Ms Hassan said.
“This project will make a real difference to our community and we demand action now.’