Labor has been caught red-handed sitting on the $23 million Rocky Sports Stadium project, wilfully delaying progress and blocking local jobs and investment in Central Queensland.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has blasted Labor for deliberately delaying progress, after it was revealed in Senate Estimates that the Minister for Infrastructure has had the Stadium’s variation request sitting on her desk for almost 12 months.
“The Rocky Sports Stadium has been ready to go for nearly a year but the Minister’s inaction has stopped shovels hitting the ground and locals getting to work.”
Ms Landry said the delay is a clear example of Labor’s disregard for regional projects.
“I wrote to the Minister in February of this year urging her to act but, true to form, Labor’s done nothing. There’s been no communication, no progress and no respect for the people of Rockhampton,” she said.
“Labor is playing politics with a project that would deliver jobs, boost the local economy and provide the Rockhampton region with sporting and recreational facilities.”
Despite the delay, the Department confirmed the Stadium’s funding remains intact.
During Senate Estimates, Department Secretary for Regional Programs Dr Jennie Hood stated the project funding “has not been cut” and that the variation request is “currently with the program delegates.”
Rocky Sports Club representative Gavin Shuker said the Club has done everything required and is simply waiting for the Minister’s approval.
“We’re ready to start work but the Minister’s office has left us in limbo for almost a year,” Mr Shuker said.
“We’ve jumped through every bureaucratic hoop. All we need now is for the Minister to sign off so we can get on with building this stadium for the people of Rocky.”
Ms Landry said the Government must stop the bureaucratic stonewalling and approve the project immediately.
“Labor’s red tape and arrogance are hurting regional Australia. This project should already be supporting jobs and delivering benefits for the community,” she said.
“The Minister needs to get off her hands, sign the variation and let Rockhampton move forward.”
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