Coal roads and Resources Centre of Excellence funding hangs in balance ahead of QLD Election

Two Greater Whitsundays leaders have called for the LNP to match Labor commitments to rural roads, regional communities and the funding of a vital industries hub.

A resource industry leader and Greater Whitsunday advocate have called on the LNP to match Labor’s commitments in the Mackay-Whitsundays.

Stage 2 of the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) is set to deliver a mineral processing lab and expand the center’s capacity for hosting industrial tenants and fostering innovation.

The Miles government has committed to fully funding the project if re-elected in October, to the tune of $5m, while the LNP has yet to match the commitment.

RCOE CEO Steven Boxall said he had been in touch with the LNP to communicate the importance of securing additional funding.

“There’s just no firm commitment that they would fund the additional $5 million, whether that be before the election or if they are successful,” Mr Boxall said.

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, Mackay candidate Belinda Hassan and Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steve Boxall announce a $5m commitment to the centre. Photo: Fergus Gregg

“We’re looking for genuine reinvestment back into our region from coal royalties to support the region now and into the future.

“There are people being killed on Peak Downs every week, and it’s because of the poor quality and lack of overtaking lanes.

“There’s a real inequality in terms of infrastructure and where the spending goes. We don’t want to constantly beg, borrow, and steal.”

GW3 CEO Kylie Porter said the RCOE was so important because it extended its ambitions beyond coal. Picture: Duncan Evans

Greater Whitsunday Alliance CEO Kylie Porter echoed Mr Boxall’s statements.

“We absolutely appreciate Queensland coal is for all of Queensland to reap the benefits,” Ms Porter said.

“The reason why the RCOE is so important is because it extends our commitment and ambitions beyond coal.

“Investing in stage two is investing in this region’s future success.”

When asked if the LNP would match Labor’s commitment to the RCOE, LNP candidate Nigel Dalton said “I haven’t actually read it”.

“I won’t be commenting on that one,” Mr Dalton said.

Mr Boxall said he found it interesting that Mr Dalton hadn’t read about the commitment given “the importance of safety, training and innovation in the resource sector”.

“It doesn’t give me confidence to hear they’re not willing to talk about it or consider it,” Mr Boxall said.

Mr Dalton instead pointed to the LNP commitment to expanding the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy.

“The LNP is committed to securing and skilling the workforce of the future, with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, to protect jobs in our regional economic centres like Mackay and across the State,” Mr Dalton said.

Coal Roads and Coal Communities

The Miles government has also committed more than $170m to coal roads and community organisations in the Burdekin electorate.

As the candidate for Burdekin, Anne Baker has committed hundreds of millions to roads in the region and community organisations. Pic Annette Dew

Former Isaac mayor and Labor candidate for Burdekin, Anne Baker, has pledged $157m to Bowen Basin roads, including the Peak Downs Highway, as well as an upgrade to the Clermont Swimming Centre, redevelopment of the Burdekin Netball Association facilities, and $10m for a TAFE pilot program for the region.

Kelly Vea Vea said while $0.50 fares were nice for the south east corner, Isaac residents travelled on the dangerous Peak Downs Highway. Picture: Heidi Petith

Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said Labor’s commitments to Isaac made the community feel heard, particularly around road funding.

“We’re looking forward to what the LNP has in store, considering they haven’t made any commitments to date,” Ms. Vea Vea said.

Burdekin incumbent Dale Last said the LNP is committed to maintaining and upgrading rural and regional roads.

“They have been underfunded for 10 years under this Labor government,” Mr. Last said.

“We recognise that the wealth generated from Isaac should be reinvested in the region.

“I am committed to bringing these roads up to a suitable standard.”

No LNP commitment to roads in Burdekin has been announced at the time of writing, though Mr. Last has matched Labor’s commitment to the Burdekin Netball Association, and committed $4,000 to the Collinsville Men’s Shed.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance CEO Kylie Porter said Labor’s $157m commitment to roads in the Bowen Basin was fantastic.

“We’d like to see more details from all candidates about supporting our other seats of Mirani, Mackay, and the Whitsundays,” Ms. Porter said.

“We’re very focused on roads in this election campaign.”

LNP candidate for Mackay, where the Peak Downs starts, Nigel Dalton said he would not comment on matching Labors $157m adding he “hasn’t seen that proposal”.

What the region wants

Ms Porter stressed the importance of having matched election commitments from both Labor and the LNP regarding regional infrastructure.

“I think the issues of crime, housing, cost of living, and health are all critically important to Queensland, as is securing our economic future,” Mr. Boxall said.

“We need to ensure we have a balanced approach to investing in the basics to make sure we’re best prepared to move the state forward.”

Mr Boxall emphasised this election is an opportunity for all political parties to ensure “a decent portion of coal royalties returns to the region producing them.”

He added local governments are “at the coalface” when it comes to delivering facilities and maintaining infrastructure.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles believes the Mackay-Bucasia Rd will need more funding than $20m but is not ready to make a commitment. Pics Adam Head

“It’s only fair that we get a share of investment coming back into the region for the Bruce Highway, Peak Downs Highway, and Northern Beaches Community Centre,” Mr. Boxall said.

A $20m commitment to funding upgrades on Mackay-Bucasia Rd.

At that presser, LNP deputy Jarrod Bleijie pointed to a $2bn promised fund which councils would be able to apply to for trunk infrastructure unlocking housing.

The $20m Mackay-Bucasia road promise was not matched by Labor when asked.

Instead, Mr Miles said the road would need more money than that, and pointed to a planning study underway.

Nigel Dalton and LNP media were contacted regarding commitments to the RCOE, Peak Downs Highway, Mackay Satellite Hospital, and social housing commitments for the Greater Whitsundays, but have not responded at the time of publishing.