By Marissa Calligeros
North Queensland must become a separate state to save the region from economic ruin, according to maverick MP Bob Katter.
The fight for independence has intensified, with 98 of 100 delegates voting in favour of the motion at a North Queensland Local Government Association meeting last month.
'There's momentum for change' ... independent MP Bob Katter wants Queensland's north to be split from its south.Credit: Stefan Postles
‘‘We’ve had a gutful of the blood-sucking establishment of the south,’’ Mr Katter said.
The independent Member for Kennedy reignited the century-old debate, calling for a referendum on the issue at the 2012 council elections.
‘‘We have been economically massacred in the north ... it’s the tyranny of the majority being in south-east Queensland - the winner takes all,’’ Mr Katter said.
‘‘Now momentum for change is ramping up dramatically.
‘‘We want to be a separate state - the same as Tasmania, Western Australia or New South Wales.’’
He said governments - both state and federal - had failed in their constitutional obligation to fairly distribute funding across the state.
Mr Katter said the money earned from the daily toil of north Queensland farmers and miners was funnelled to the crowded south-east corner with no reward for those in the bush.
‘‘The money goes where the votes are,’’ he said.
Mr Katter said the dividing line could be drawn on the 22nd parallel (see the above map), between Sarina and Rockhampton, connecting straight across to the Northern Territory border.
Although legislation may prevent there being a line drawn in the sand, Mr Katter said the north was ready to govern itself.
We have been economically massacred in the north.
Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton, Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Pino Giandomenico and Mount Isa Mayor John Molony intend to put the motion to the annual LGAQ conference next month.
However, Local Government Minister Desley Boyle has strongly opposed the move, saying it would further isolate people in the north.
''We're far better off as part of a big state,'' Ms Boyle said in a statement.
''For instance, the State Government has budgeted more than $330 million this year to subsidise the cost of electricity in regional Queensland.
''And in the current budget $1.9 billion is committed for capital works in the north and far north Queensland.''
A committee of businessmen in Townsville first pushed for a separate state in July 1882.