FEDERAL LABOR FAILS ON JUBILEE FUNDING

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The Rudd government confirmed in parliament today that it will not be funding the reconstruction of the Jubilee Bridge which splits the major North Queensland town of Innisfail in two.

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald this afternoon questioned Government Officials and the Minister representing the Minister for Transport, Senator Conroy, about funding arrangements to replace the bridge.

“Government officials again confirmed that the Rudd Government rejected the funding application submitted by the Council”, Senator Macdonald said.

“Obviously the Government doesn’t recognise the importance of the Jubilee Bridge as a second river crossing in Innisfail nor the disruption that is being caused on the Bruce Highway by its closure.

“The Cassowary Coast Council has had no choice but to close the bridge and hold up the traffic on the Bruce Highway to allow for East Innisfail residents to access the rest of the town.  The Government doesn’t seem to understand the impact this is having on the National Highway for which they are responsible.

Senator Macdonald said that by raising the issue in the Senate Estimates Hearing he hoped to force the Government to commit to contributing the much needed funding to complete the project.

“I am at least pleased that after much questioning and urging, the Minister agreed to refer the Councils request back to the Government for further consideration.”

ENDS

Media Contact –  Gordon Terry  02 6277 3722 0427 960 255 

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