LNP Leader Campbell Newman today pledged up to $40 million from an LNP Government to deepen Trinity Inlet in order to deliver access to Cairns Port for larger cruise ships and other vessels.
Mr Newman said the project would provide a huge boost and more local jobs for Cairns by encouraging larger cruise ships to come to the city.
“ This is a real commitment to Cairns and the people of FNQ and is part of our strong plan to cut unemployment to 4%.
“It will provide a much-needed boost to tourism, one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy under the LNP, ” Mr Newman said.
Mr Newman said cruise ships deliver around 44,000 tourists to Cairns and inject $4.5 million a year into the local economy, but as cruise ships grew larger the lack of access to Cairns could see the city miss out.
“ The LNP sees Cairns as an important part of our strong plan to get Queensland back on track.
“ Labor’s broken record and empty promises have already cost the Cairns economy. It has hampered local businesses and cost jobs.
“The LNP knows the Far North is an alluring destination for both domestic and international tourists, and we need to ensure we are attracting cruise ships to Cairns and not forcing them to moor off Yorkeys Knob and ferry passengers by tender to the mainland.
“The LNP understands we must get the basics right to build a four pillar economy.”
Mr Newman said the other important consideration was the HMAS Cairns Naval Base.
“It’s unlikely the base will be considered for expansion unless larger naval vessels are able to access the base and that can only happen under the LNP’s commitment to deepen Trinity Inlet.”
Mr Newman, a former engineer, said the LNP’s commitment will be an important start to improving shipping access through the inlet into Cairns Port, with particular emphasis on the approaches to the Cruise Ship Dock and the Naval Base, including the swing basin.
It complements the LNP’s commitment to cut unemployment to 4%, a $8 million ‘Attracting Aviation’ Fund to boost incoming tourism, our move to raise the payroll tax threshold from $1 million to $1.6 million to create jobs and slash red tape by 20%.
“ But we can’t deliver a real future and real jobs for Cairns without a change to a strong and united LNP government.
“ It’s time for change. It’s time to get Queensland back on track, ” Mr Newman said.
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Dredging Today Staff, February 21, 2012