Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Recently, I had the privilege of hosting the Prime Minister in Capricornia. The Prime Minister attended a community afternoon tea at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School. The event acknowledged the hard work of groups that make a huge contribution to our community such as Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, SES volunteers, Bushfire fighters, schools, the Salvos and many other proud community groups. Talented students from North Rockhampton High, Rockhampton High and Girls Grammar provided background music for the event. During his address the Prime Minister talked up the need for dams, calling on the nation to 'get over' its dam phobia.

I have been lobbying hard for Connors Dam between Sarina and Moranbah, the Fitzroy Corridor and the Urannah Dam to benefit Collinsville. I am pleased these projects were mentioned in the green paper on agricultural competitiveness. While in Capricornia, the Prime Minister added his support to Australia's coal industry which, despite a current downturn, is a vital part of Central Queensland's economy and a significant contributor to national GDP.

Finally, during his stopover the Prime Minister shopped at Georges, an iconic Rockhampton clothing store run by Catherine George. The family retail brand started with her grandfather in Rockhampton back in 1899.

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