LNP pledges $15 million for rocket launch site
The LNP has made a multimillion-dollar commitment to build a rocket launch site in the state’s north, promising construction would start from next year.
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A rocket launch site would be built near Abbot Point, north of Airlie Beach, under a multimillion-dollar plan from the LNP to create hundreds of job for the state’s north.
Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington will today unveil a $15 million commitment to build the government-owned orbital rocket launch site, pledging to “unleash the space industry” in Queensland.
The LNP says the proposal would create 300 jobs, including 100 in construction and 200 once the site is operational.
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The Palaszczuk government also launched consultation earlier this year on a proposal for a rocket launch site from Abbot Point, and is developing a business case for a launch facility.
Ms Frecklington said the proposal was all about “high-tech and highly paid” jobs as she promised that the proposed site would be an asset 100 per cent owned by the Queensland Government.
“An LNP Government will seize this ambitious opportunity to make Queensland a smart state once again through space,” she said.
“Our investment will create new markets for Queensland in industries like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, mining, technology and tourism.
“Becoming a space state will help make Queensland the economic powerhouse of Australia once again.”
The LNP have promised construction on the proposal would start from next year if they win the October 31 poll.
The Opposition says the project would also create new tourism opportunities for the region to help them rebound amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The current government kicked off targeted consultation for an Abbot Point launch site in July this year.