Cairns water security federal funds could evaporate with early election bypassing budget
As Warren Entsch packs up his Canberra office, the retiring member was not knocking on the Opposition Leader’s door seeking LNP commitment towards Cairns’ water security funds.
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Retiring Leichhardt MP Warren Enstch says he won’t be knocking on the door of the Opposition leader and seeking an LNP commitment towards the Cairns water security project in his last days at federal parliament.
Mr Entsch said while the Federal LNP hadn’t made a formal commitment towards the outstanding $87.5m required for stage one, he was confident meetings held with shadow ministers last week would get it over the line.
It comes after the federal government increased its investment by an additional $87.5m towardsthe $472m project on January 25 after it was initially costed at $248m in 2022.
“I was in Canberra last week, I’ve spoken to all those who are responsible (shadow ministers) for the decision and I’m confident it will be dealt with,” Mr Entsch said.
Without the additional federal funds, ratepayers were staring down the barrel of an increase of $400 per year for 15 years.
With the next budget scheduled for March 25, Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed the $87.5m would become a line item rather than an election pledge.
But the security of funds could come under a cloud if the Prime Minister calls an election before March 25, dissolving his government of delivering a budget.
Should that occur, Cairns residents will be eagerly awaiting a firm commitment from the federal LNP, with Peter Dutton yet to reveal his stance on propping up the water project.
“I don’t think I’ll have to go knocking again, I’m confident the water will come in,” Mr Entsch said.
“For now I’ll continue to be the member, I’m still taking appointments and when Anthony Albanese calls the election I’ll be a feather duster.”
The retiring MP who was packing up his parliament office this sitting week said failing an immediate commitment by Mr Dutton, he was preparing a “legacy document” for the LNP Leichhardt candidate Jeremy Neal to inform him of the history of Far North projects.
“I’ll be meeting with Jeremy so he understands everything that’s taken place up until now on the aviation precinct, water security, the marine precinct, CQU and the Daintree Micro Grid.”
Mr Entsch said while he was “banking” on an LNP victory in Leichhardt, he would consider sharing his knowledge with other potential victors, post election.
Mr Neal said while he had put the issue in front of senior opposition representatives including Mr Dutton and senator Susan McDonald, he said a formal LNP position would likely be publicised after the declaration of an election.
“We’re giving them (the government) the benefit of the doubt for it to be included in the budget on March 25,” he said.
“If it becomes a campaign issue we’ll announce our party platform when we get a date, that’s when most people are paying attention.”
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Originally published as Cairns water security federal funds could evaporate with early election bypassing budget
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