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

The Turnbull-Joyce government will release a $2 billion pool of money earmarked specifically to build water infrastructure. I welcome this news and I will now focus on fighting for money to be provided to fund two vital reports into the future development of water infrastructure in Central Queensland.

Two key projects that need to be explored further are: the potential construction of Rookwood Weir near Rockhampton, and preliminary work on the possibility of developing Urranah Dam near Collinsville. There is a need for about $2 million to go towards final investigations and a state government business plan required for the potential construction of Rookwood Weir near Rockhampton. There is also a need for up to $3 million towards a feasibility study into the Urranah Dam near Collinsville. Both of these projects are incredibly important to Capricornia and have the ability to expand agricultural production and create new jobs in the future. Before they can be fully funded, the reports I have outlined are required to be submitted. Capricornia faces a major jobs crisis due to the coal mining downturn, and what we critically need here is water infrastructure to secure future growth, jobs and exports.

I would also like to wish you well in your retirement, Mr Deputy Speaker Scott, and thank you for all the support you have given me.