State election 2017: Nicole Batzloff, Mackay

Sky-rocketing power bills are crippling family budgets and pushing businesses to the brink

NICOLE BATZLOFF

LNP candidate for Mackay

My husband and I run a small business here and I am also a teacher. I was born in Mackay and had a wonderful, carefree childhood.

I am saddened by the number of vacant businesses I see around the town because I know first-hand how tough it is to keep afloat, especially with high electricity prices.

I absolutely adore teaching children and I am humbled when parents approach me to let me know their children get super excited when they see Mrs Batzloff's sign and picture on the side of the road.

I want to bring this town back to life again so they can have some hope and inspiration.

I am extremely hardworking and creative. I can make things happen and will be a very strong voice for Mackay.

I will fight for a fair share for Mackay because I think our kids and businesses are missing out on real opportunities because we are such a safe Labor seat.

I truly hope Mackay supports me and votes for change.

Electricity

Sky-rocketing power bills are crippling family budgets and pushing businesses to the brink. The LNP and I will take practical measures to lower electricity prices.

We will support investment in a new technology power station in North Queensland, increase competition in the wholesale electricity market, and scrap the costly renewable energy subsidies that have driven up prices.

We will also remove Labor's gold-plating from existing network charges.

In 2020 a typical Queensland family will be around $460 a year better off under an LNP Government compared to Labor.

Urannah Dam

The LNP will build Stage 1 of the $780 million Urannah Dam, which will have a storage capacity of 863,000 megalitres ssand would yield 146,000 ML a year (after environmental release) which is equal to 1.7 Sydney Harbours.

We will start the feasibility study within the first hundred days of government and contribute $10million to develop a $20m Environmental Impact Statement.

The LNP is committing to $1.3 billion in critical water infrastructure and dams and will set up a Queensland Dam Company, based in regional Qld, to ensure projects like Urannah Dam get under way.

Business creating jobs

I am fighting for a fair go for business and a means to help the cash flow problems that kill most small business start-ups.

The LNP has committed to reducing payroll tax, which has been a disincentive for businesses to employ more people.

We have committed to a 20 per cent reduction in red tape and bureaucracy and we will also deliver infrastructure projects in our region to put more pay packets into our local economy.

We need a framework for people to create their own income and grow, creating more jobs and making Mackay a vibrant city again.

The burning season

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Originally published as State election 2017: Nicole Batzloff, Mackay