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

I applaud the ministers and their teams for putting together funding packages that will give power back to the regions and the people of Capricornia. We are allowing the regions to decide what projects best suit their needs and giving the financial support to build them. Capricornia is a diverse region with a diverse range of needs. The additional funding towards Building Better Regions will allow Rockhampton Regional Council to apply for a feasibility study to flood-proof the airport, Livingstone Shire Council to develop their conference centre plans and Eungella to develop the rainforest walk to boost tourism. But, most importantly, we are committing to actually building these important infrastructure projects.

The Regional Growth Fund will see the plans turned to reality, with a minimum investment of $10 million to making sure these dreams become a reality. We have already seen the difference this investment has made transforming the Yeppoon Foreshore and the Rockhampton riverbank. This additional funding can see these projects delivered. It can see the Rockhampton CBD transformed and boost visitation to the region through key tourism projects. This additional funding will be a welcome boost to rejuvenate the local economy and create the right opportunity for growth and investment. This is a great opportunity for Capricornia—a testament to what happens in regions with a coalition government.