Bob Katter questions Adani funding
Townsville Bulletin
January 20, 2018
Federal MP Bob Katter has demanded an explanation from the Townsville City Council for their funding contribution to Adani, questioning the contribution from ratepayers.
Mr Katter said he will send a letter to Townsville City Council questioning why “one of the wealthiest people on earth” requires an additional $18.5 million from local ratepayers.
“I did not believe the news item when I heard it, that rate payers of Townsville were going to be building an airport 200 to 300km away for a foreign corporation,” Mr Katter said.
“If the foreign corporation needs $18.5m, then I think we can safely assume the project is in real trouble.
“Which brings us to my curiosity as to why a city, without a proper water supply, is using ratepayers money to give to one of the wealthiest people on earth.”
Mr Katter’s hard line of questioning was sparked by announcements from both Townsville City Council and Rockhampton Regional Council to jointly fund the hotly debated Adani airstrip in the Galilee Basin, despite it being located hundreds of kilometres from both cities.
“We have written a letter to the Council, asking specifically whether they have secured any agreement in writing with respect to jobs,” Mr Katter said.
“Have they asked the Adani Corporation how many jobs they will control? How many will be controlled by contractors?
“Have they had a legal opinion of what their chances would be enforcing a contract against one of the bigger Corporations on earth? Why does Mr Adani need $18 million off the Townsville City Council for a project when he is purportedly outlaying $6000m?
“Townsville State, Federal and Council, with the exception of Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto and myself, is totally represented by the ALP.
“We, as the voice of opposition, think any responsible Council should provide us with answers to these questions, we’ll await their reply.”
Mr Katter also questioned why a Government-owned railway line into the Galilee Basin, potentially opening up to more than 20 other mining companies, was not being considered a transport option.
“I want to know why so called socialist State Government, and so called socialist State Members and Councillors have not made the slightest effort to get the Government to build and own a railway line,” he said.
“If the people of Queensland build a railway, the State Government will get its money back within 3 or 4 years.”
Townsville City Council has been approached for comment.