MACDONALD SAYS RESTRICTED INVESTIGATION IS A DAM SHAME

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Revelations that the Northern Land and Water Taskforce did not thoroughly investigate how the construction of new dams in Northern Australia could promote sustainable agricultural developments further detract from the credibility of the Taskforce’s final report.

Opposition Spokesman on Northern and Remote Australia Senator Ian Macdonald said that the claims by the CSIRO that they were told it wasn’t necessary to investigate the construction of new dams in the North because of Labor’s ‘no-dams’ policy are highly disturbing and cast further doubt over the accuracy of the Taskforce’s final report.

“This is a prime example of Labor party hypocrisy and dishonesty,” said Senator Macdonald.

“How could the Labor party restrict the CSIRO from investigating the construction of dams in Northern Australia, claiming it was inconsistent with Party policy, while the Queensland Government tried every trick in the book to try and build the Traveston Crossing Dam.

“What is more concerning is the fact that the Labor party was forcing a taxpayer funded Taskforce to only investigate proposals that were consistent with party policy!

“The Taskforce was set up to be independent and to thoroughly investigate development opportunities in the North with a focus on projects that relied on local or regional water resources.

“For Labor to undermine the scope of the Taskforce’s investigations so that any recommendations would be consistent with party policy is a frightening abuse of democracy.

“Labor has used taxpayer dollars to create a report that fits in nicely with their existing policies and panders to the far-left dark green agenda.

“The report will do nothing for the economic or social development of either indigenous or non-indigenous communities in the North.

“The more we find out about the management and running of the Taskforce since Labor took it over, the less weight we can be given to the conclusions and recommendations contained in the Taskforce’s final report,” said Senator Macdonald.

Senator Macdonald said that the report had been rejected by a number of key stakeholders he had spoken to and said that now more than ever there was a determination to move forward and realise the true potential of Northern Australia.

END

9 February 2010

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

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