Cathy O'Toole (Herbert, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Now all North Queensland needs is for the member for Dawson and the Turnbull government to get on with building a hydro power station. This project will create hundreds of real jobs and immediately alleviate the cost of rising electricity prices.

I am beyond disgusted that there was nothing in the federal budget to deliver water and energy construction for North Queensland. The Turnbull government is completely out of touch with North Queensland. Whilst the north's electricity costs are higher than those in South Australia, the Turnbull government is delivering a hydro power station for South Australia. This government continues to ignore the north. Once again, the Turnbull government is completely focused on the south—and nothing for the north. Surely if it is good enough for the south it is good enough for the north.

The Burdekin Falls Dam will address the north's skyrocketing energy prices and water security issues. The answer really is quite simple: a gravity fed pipeline and hydro electricity. I challenge this government and the member for Dawson to go and meet the families, small business owners and pensioners who cannot afford to pay their electricity bills. Even large companies such as Sun Metals have been forced to address their power costs rather than walking away from the north. This government needs to understand that, if it continues to ignore the north and offers a more expensive power solution, it will be at its own peril. I warn you now: I will continue to rise in this House and hound this government until you match Labor's commitment of $200 million for a hydro power station on the Burdekin Falls Dam.

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