JOHN HOWARD ANNOUNCES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL HAND OVER JEZZINE BARRACKS TO THE COMMUNITY AND CREATE A $40 MILLION COMMUNITY TRUST

_{01 August, 2006}

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Well, thank you Councillor David Crisafulli, one of the brightest and most energetic of Townsville’s young leaders and a man who will have a very big future in the community life of this city.

Prime Minister, Member for Paradise, Peter Lindsay, Councillor Jenny Hill representing the Townsville City Council and Councillor Fay Barker, Generals Power and Scott and can I also recognise Brigadier Slater’s wife, Danielle, representing her husband, who, as the Prime Minister said is serving us overseas at the moment, also Chamber of Commerce President Mick Reilly who, interestingly, was a former CO of 31 Battalion Kennedy Regiment based here at Jezzine, distinguished guests,  ladies and gentlemen.

Well what a wonderful announcement by the Prime Minister.

What a significant day for Jezzine Barracks.

What an important day for those who treasure and revile Australia’s history and heritage.

What a significant day for recognition of those men and women of Australia’s defence forces who have by their sacrifice and dedication ensured the freedoms and way of life we treasure in Australia today.

The efforts of those who have defended our nation have allowed us to become the type of nation we are.  It has allowed us to have, under the careful guardianship of Treasurer Peter Costello and the leadership of our Prime Minister, an economy that is envied around the world. 

The announcement by the Prime Minister today will ensure that this significant part of Australia’s history is properly maintained and recognised.

Many dedicated people have committed themselves to this recognition and whilst it is always dangerous to do so because I will miss many like Neil Weekes who have done such a lot but I want to particularly pay tribute to two people who I believe have been instrumental in the announcement we have heard from the Prime Minister. 

As a Senator in the Federal Parliament representing the whole of the State of Queensland I have to say that the debate raging over the Jezzine Barracks site was something that originally I had only a passing interest in.

One day, I received a summons from Mr. George Roberts.  Now, I choose my words carefully, but a summons it was.  If you have known George Roberts as long as I have as a leader of the legal profession in North Queensland over many decades, as a distinguished ex-serviceman, as Deputy Mayor of the City of Townsville and a community leader in Townsville for many years then when George asks that he might see you, it is indeed a “summons”.

I immediately responded to George’s summons and he explained to me with passion and even anger the significance of the Jezzine Barracks and its importance to Australia, our region and this city.

It was as a result of that meeting that got me more directly involved and I want to thank the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald in listening to the representations I was able to make following my discussions with George.  George Roberts you are a magnificent Australian, a particularly wonderful and committed northerner and I want to, today, pay tribute to your part in the announcement the Prime Minister has made.

When you are 91 years young it’s not always easy to work with the passion and commitment which your heart would demand but George Roberts has certainly done that and he is living proof of that saying (so well known in commemoration circles ) “Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn”.

Well done George Roberts.

The other person I particularly want to recognise because I, more than most, know of the work that he puts into this and most other issues that affect the twin cities of Townsville and Thuringowa and is, of course, the Member for Paradise, as he has succeeded in having everyone in the Federal Parliament recognise as being the twin cities region, Mr. Peter Lindsay.

Peter has always been first and foremost an advocate for the Townsville region. On more times than I can remember, Canberra has indicated that certain things will happen in this area which Peter, reflecting local opinion, has not accepted.  It is not just a question of saying “no I don’t accept that, give me something else”. To change official decisions requires a lot of work, a lot of commitment, a lot of passion, a lot of enthusiasm and Peter Lindsay has them all.

Peter, this recognition of the Jezzine Barracks site will be yet another in a very long list of achievements and progress you have brought to these cities.

Ladies and Gentlemen, congratulations to you all.  What will happen at Kissing Point will commemorate its significance in Australia’s history.

It will be yet  another fitting memorial to those who have defended our country and it will in a more immediate way add to the attractiveness of Townsville as a tourist and permanent residence destination.

Well done all of you.

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