Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Premier Campbell Newman of Queensland is a 'won't do' for Ipswich. In February 2012, the then Bligh Labor government committed $6 million for the Ipswich Turf Club, a vital upgrade for racing in Ipswich. Racing has been going on in Ipswich since 1848. There are 52 race meets every year, and the Ipswich Cup is the most visited provincial race day in Australia, with a $5 million turnover. The Ipswich Turf Club provides $150,000 in funding for local charities.

I was bewildered this morning to look at the Queensland Times, which said that the Ipswich MP—it is an LNP member, Ian Berry—backs redevelopment of the turf club. In fact, he claims that it would be good for local jobs and for the Ipswich economy. Well, I say to the LNP member for Ipswich: show us the money. Show us the $6 million, because the LNP state government in Queensland have refused to put one dollar towards this vital project. We want money, not mouthings; we want investment, not inactivity; and we want action, not articulation. Mr Berry, it is time to put up the money. Stop getting headlines in the Queensland Times and show the $6 million to Ipswich, which is important. Ipswich Turf Club is important because it means jobs in Ipswich, good recreational facilities in Ipswich and more money for local charities. Show us the money.