Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I just wanted to make the point that the member for Hunter is welcome anytime.

I thank the member for Dawson for his question. He represents an agriculturally and resource rich area—but it is very diverse up there in North Queensland and we see the abundant opportunities in this region just like we see them right across the nation. That's why we are backing local government areas, 537 of them—in Chifley, in Hunter, in Dawson—with the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Indeed, to date we have approved $430 million for 2,300 projects under the now $1.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Burdekin, Mackay, Townsville and Whitsunday are all great regional councils in the member for Dawson's electorate. Burdekin Shire Council is utilising $240,000 of this funding to improve the condition of Rita Island Road—resealing and rehabilitating the surface, a series of works which will support 10 full-time jobs. It might not mean much to some of our metropolitan friends, but, let me tell you, that is a good delivery for a council such as that. We are seeing it right across the nation. In urban areas, in small rural, remote and regional areas—

Ms Burney interjecting—

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