Treasurer, Cameron Dick has declared that the Federal Government will no longer be a partner in the Haughton Pipeline project.
Mr Dick said Townsville-based Federal MP, Phillip Thompson had broken a promise to ensure the Federal Government delivered $195 million for Stage Two of the project.
He said the State Government would now fund the project itself.
“It turns out that Phillip Thompson’s promise is worthless, giving $195 million with the one hand but taking back $156 million with the other through a GST clawback that hurts Queensland,” Mr Dick said.
“The Government is doing everything we can to unite and recover from COVID-19, supporting businesses and creating jobs right across the State.”
He said that now, more than ever, it needed to invest in critical infrastructure to create jobs, and that $156 million would create around 500 jobs for north Queenslanders.
“The people of Townsville need more than the measly $39 million the Federal Government is offering for this project, so we have taken the decision to kick them out,” Mr Dick said.
He said Mr Thompson had failed to get the GST exemption that was routinely handed out in southern States.
“The Federal Government is not welcome in this project, and will not be allowed in, unless it delivers the full $195 million, without any GST clawback.” Mr Dick said.