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

Can I say up-front that it's been a privilege for me to visit these communities multiple times through this process. Both Kimba and Hawker are fantastic towns. It's been great to get to know the leaders of those communities and many others in the communities. We have tried to support these towns through the process. As I said, it has gone on a while. Through that period, we have already invested $5.76 million across 57 projects across Kimba and the Flinders Ranges region to help their community grow, develop and meet their broader goals. The government has announced a further $4 million to provide additional community support because the vote took a little bit longer to get to because of the court case. If we are to proceed with the facility, we will invest $31 million in that community to help them upskill to take the best advantage of this facility which will provide 45 local jobs and lots of benefits to small businesses. We very much hope to partner with the community and help them grow and develop as well as help solve a national issue for our country.