The Coalition Government is providing $25 million towards the supply of water critical for the development of a new industrial precinct 20 kilometres from Emerald.
The funding will support the proposed Yamala Enterprise Area (YEA) intermodal and industrial precinct which will turbocharge Central Queensland’s economy, creating more jobs and industries.
The YEA is only feasible with a reliable source of water and this funding will provide a reliable pipeline supply of non-potable water from the Nogoa River to the YEA.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Coalition Government stands behind the industries that are helping make Australia as strong as possible as quickly as possible.
“Central Queensland makes a massive contribution to our nation’s economy and the Nationals and Liberals stand behind the industries which earn the export dollars that make us wealthier and stronger,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Unlike a Labor-Greens alliance that would strangle economic growth in regional Queensland, the Coalition Government is committed to the economic growth and expansion of regional Australia.
“The vision of a Central Queensland Inland Port to service a new industrial and intermodal area such as the YEA is exactly the kind of enterprise that a Coalition Government will back that would be under threat if a socialist Labor-Greens Government was elected.”
Liberal Nationals candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce welcomed the funding commitment for the YEA, saying it would turbocharge the entire Central Queensland region.
“Every dollar we’ve pledged towards this project is an investment in the jobs and prosperity of the people and industries of Flynn,” Mr Boyce said.
“The produce from the Central Highlands helps feed and clothe our nation and the world. Getting water to the YEA is an integral part of growing the productivity and development of the wider region and getting even more of our world-class produce to national and international consumers.
“The Coalition’s record investments in infrastructure for the Central Highlands, along with this commitment to get water to YEA, will help harness the region’s potential and drive jobs growth and prosperity throughout Central Queensland.”
Funding is conditional pending demonstration of value for money and sufficient public benefit for investment.
Only a Coalition Government can be trusted to keep the economy strong and secure a stronger future for regional Australia.
