Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

As I was saying, we're already seeing an impact. Last month Adani announced that thousands of jobs would be based in Rockhampton and in Townsville—it is a very important development for the people of North Queensland—and on the front page of The Morning Bulletin this morning they report that the Rocky region is seeing the Adani factor hit, and that vacancy rates are down. In June this year, the vacancy rate in Rockhampton was seven per cent for landlords. That was one of the highest in the state of Queensland. Last month, it was reported at four per cent—already falling—and there was positive news from the Adani Carmichael mine. A real estate agent from Rockhampton, Tara, says, 'There'll no doubt be rewards for landlords from the FIFO jobs announced, just as there will be rewards for the wider business community through the economic boost of employment.' And real estate agency owner Pat O'Driscoll says, 'Contracts are already being signed all over Rockhampton, with increased interest in the region as a whole.'

This is exactly what the people of Rockhampton need. They need an economic shot in the arm. That is why we on this side of politics are not shy in supporting the jobs and investment that they need. When I walk down the middle of East Street in Rockhampton, people want jobs, they want employment, they want more business coming to the town. And that's why they want a political party that stands up for their desires and their beliefs, and does not sacrifice their interests to chase inner-city votes in other cities. If you want to represent the people of Central Queensland, you've actually got to act on what they want—and what they want is jobs and investment. They want a political party that stands up for what they need in the future—and we are not shy of doing that.