LNP targets Magnetic and Palm Islands with election promises — from bus stops to home ownership

With just 11 days until election day, the LNP is unloading a bag of promises for Magnetic Island and Palm Island voters — ranging from housing to fixing a controversial bus stop issue.

LNP Townsville candidate Adam Baillie at Cotters Markets the day before pre-poll

With just 11 days until election day, the LNP is unloading a bag of promises for Magnetic Island and Palm Island voters — ranging from housing to fixing issues with a controversial bus stop.

LNP candidate for Townsville Adam Baillie has vowed his to reopen the controversial Alma Bay bus stop and restore road access to Radical Bay on Magnetic Island if his party wins.

Meanwhile, Palm Island voters are being promised a $4.9m tourism development plan and a housing initiative.

The Alma Bay bus stop, which cost $120,000 to build earlier this year as part of drainage works, has been sitting unused after bus operator TransLink ordered drivers not to stop there, citing safety concerns.

But Mr Baillie has slammed the situation as a complete waste of taxpayer money.

“Labor and MP Scott Stewart spent $120,000 on building a bus stop that isn’t being used,” said Adam Baillie,” he said.

“Bus drivers are not able to use the current stop, and that means residents, tourists and local businesses are all suffering as the buses stop before getting to one of the Island’s most popular destinations.

Route 250 bus services on Magnetic Island were diverted from Armand Way from September 2023 due to Townsville City Council roadworks on Armand Way, which impacted Alma Bay bus stop. Picture: Supplied

Arcadia Village Hotel owner John Shepley said it was mind-blowing how much money had been spent on building Magnetic Island’s ‘Best Bus Stop’, which TransLink refused to use for purported safety reasons. Picture: Supplied

“Unlike Labor, we are committed to restoring respect for your money – and ensuring that when we invest in infrastructure, it is fit for purpose and being used.”

He says his party has pledged to work with Townsville City Council and the island’s bus operator to fix the issue and get the bus stop up and running.

Labor’s Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, responded to Mr Baillie’s criticisms, pointing out that the road network on Magnetic Island is managed by Townsville City Council.

Mr Stewart said he had already asked the Transport Minister to request that the Department of Transport and Main Roads work with the council to find a solution for local businesses impacted by the bus stop issue.

The LNP has also committed to restoring road access to Radical Bay, a secluded part of the island that’s become hard to reach due to crumbling road conditions.

Over on Palm Island, the LNP are promising to deliver a $4.9m Palm Island Tourism Development Plan, to build new infrastructure like walking tracks and public toilets at the ferry terminal to attract more visitors.

The Palm Island pier. Picture: Caitlan Charles

They have also promised to bring in the Palm Island Housing Plan that would allow residents to own their homes, something currently not possible as all housing on the island is state-owned.

If elected, the LNP plans to work with the Palm Island Council to make legislative changes enabling home ownership.

It comes two months after Labor announced its Palm Island Home Ownership Scheme.

The Miles Government said its plan was a community-led initiative developed by the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, with 300 social homes potentially available for purchase over the next ten years through a 99-year lease arrangement.

Originally published as LNP targets Magnetic and Palm Islands with election promises — from bus stops to home ownership