Article – Priority projects outlined

2 April 2014
The North West Star

WATER, energy, communications and transport are the top priorities for developing the north.
Regional Development Australia (Townsville and North West Queensland) chairman Paul Woodhouse addressed the Joint Select Committee at its hearing in Townsville yesterday and raised these issues.
Mr Woodhouse said northern Australia was ideally placed for further expansion, with the right planning and future investment.
“We must however return to the issue of the big four – water, energy, communications and transport,” he said.
He said it would be remiss not to advise that the region had a degree of cynicism regarding another focus on northern Australia.
“This no doubt, as mentioned earlier, is born out of many attempts over many years by many people to highlight the potential lying across this vast region,” Mr Woodhouse said.
He said the task ahead was huge and would require specific and strategic investment options developed on a priority basis.
“The vision we share of Northern Australia will not in reality happen tomorrow,” Mr Woodhouse said.
“The task will take decades to reach full potential but will require dedicated and bipartisan support to continue the adopted path.
“Once committed to furthering Northern Australia to an agreed timeframe, we urge a solid and unified approach.”  The committee will hear submissions in Mount Isa today at the Centre for Rural and Remote Health.
Courtesy of the North West Star