MACDONALD THANKS LINDSAY FOR 25 YEARS SERVICE

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North Queensland based Senator Ian Macdonald, and friend of retiring MP, Peter Lindsay said the people of Herbert would forever be indebted to Peter for his hard work and commitment to the region and for the achievements he gained.

Senator Macdonald said he was sorry to be losing a colleague of the calibre of Peter Lindsay but for more than 2 years, he has been aware of Peter’s decision to call it quits at the next election.

“I am personally sorry to see Peter go but I accept and understand his desire, after more that 25 years in public life, to spend more time with his wife and family,” said Senator Macdonald.

“I wish Peter and Margaret well in their retirement but know they will continue to work for the many community groups they support.
“The overwhelming memory the people of Townsville will have of Peter Lindsay’s time in Parliament will be his ability to achieve results for the city,” he said.

“Peter always had the ability to win the fight for Townsville and its residents – whether it be by storming the Prime Minister’s Office or through quiet diplomacy.

I believe the people of Townsville will never fully appreciate the magnitude of the work Peter did for this community.  In many instances Peter would beg, cajole or threaten the powers that be to achieve an outcome for the North,” he said.

“There was never an issue too big or too small for Peter to throw his full support behind. If it deserved support he would stop at nothing until he got what was needed.

Some of his achievements for Herbert that stick in my mind are:

• The Ring Road and Vickers Bridge
• The Port Access Road
• The Reef and Rainforest CRC’s.
• The James Cook University Medical School
• Had Magnetic Island confirmed as World Heritage listed area
• Introduced Green Zones to the Barrier Reef to protect it for many generations to come
• Established a Federal Magistrates Court in Townsville
• Handing over Jezzine Barracks and the money to redevelop the area as a magnificent bookend to the Strand.
• The almost complete redevelopment of Lavarack Barracks, the building of significant numbers of new defence homes, hundreds of new single soldier accommodation units at Lavarack, redevelopment of port facilities and securing the transfer of a new battalion (3RAR) to Townsville.
• Massive redevelopment of RAAF Townsville and 5 Aviation Regiment.
• Establishment of the Townsville after hours GP Service
• Secured funding for a bulk-billed MRI scanner at the Mater Hospital.
• Secured first Family Relationship Centre in Australia;

 “Peter’s wife Margaret was a great supporter of the work Peter did for Townsville.  Not many truly know just how much work Margaret did for community groups throughout the 25 years of Peter’s service.

“Never seeking reward or notoriety, Margaret’s dedication comes from a deep sense of commitment to her community and support for her husband,” he said.

“Peter has always been a tower of strength in the Liberal Party and has helped the LNP to a flying start in the north.

“As a good friend of Peter’s I know that after 11 years as a Councillor on the Townsville City Council and 14 years representing Herbert in the National Capital, he wont go quietly and will continue to use his talents and abilities to support and advocate for the local community,” said Senator Macdonald.

END

27 January 2010

Media contact: Gordon Terry - (07) 4771 3066   or   0427 960 255         

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