By ALENA HIGGINS
Swamp project may be bogged down in election politics…
WITH the state election result still hanging in the balance, grave fears have emerged surrounding the fate of key infrastructure projects on the Southern Downs.
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) Mayor Peter Blundell said the council was “very concerned” about the effect a change of government in Queensland would have on critical infrastructure, especially Emu Swamp Dam.
“The Emu Swamp Dam project has progressed to its current position because of State and Federal Government support and, while we are significantly down the track with environmental approvals, we have a long way to go before this project is funded and completed,” he said.
“In the previous Labor Government there was very little political appetite to pursue Emu Swamp Dam and to that end it will be necessary to find out who the new ministers are and brief them on the project, bringing them up to date on the progress.
“Council intends to strongly lobby for support for this vital project.”
A multi-million dollar pledge by re-elected LNP Southern Downs MP Lawrence Springborg is also in limbo.
“With regard to Royalties for Regions, council noted that Labor leader Annastacia Palaszcsuk publicly stated that this program was not appropriate for funding,” Cr Blundell said.
“However, council will be lobbying the new government for a commitment under that program as we have been promised $5.2 million for key infrastructure such as bridges and water infrastructure.”
Mr Springborg has publically endorsed Emu Swamp Dam saying he hoped the ALP would not “frustrate the process” if elected.
But Saturday’s stunning election swing away from the LNP has brought hope to staunch objectors of the project who believe the dam has a number of fundamental flaws.
“My hope is that (Labor) would look at the whole process in depth again and reassess it before the money is wasted and the people of Stanthorpe pay for that mistake,” Karin Perisic said, whose farm on the Severn River would be negatively impacted should the dam go ahead.
In providing his election analysis, Cr Blundell said he was “delighted” Mr Springborg has secured a 10th term, but thinks there is “agreement” about the LNP Government’s “arrogance, leadership style and consulting with the people“, which led to its possible defeat.
“Personally I feel hard decisions had to be made and the majority of Queensland voters were not convinced by the LNP policies,” he said.
“I believe we are in an unstable, dangerous and critical time in politics at a state and federal, and even local government, level.”
Mr Springborg is leading the LNP’s negotiations for a minority government, the Courier Mail reported yesterday.
