Labor plan to fund rail line has my support

SEPTEMBER 7, 2015: INDICATIONS that the Palaszczuk Labor Government will, either directly or indirectly, seek Federal Government funding for a Galilee Basin rail line has my full support.I welcome the fact that the Palaszczuk Labor Government has seen the light on the importance of this rail line, which is one part of a project which will create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment.It appears that the Palaszczuk Government has identified that the Galilee rail line could be eligible for funding under the Federal Government’s $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, and I totally agree.They are keen for the guidelines to be released so they can seek a concessional loan for the project.I am backing this idea and I will be contacting Treasurer Joe Hockey to ask him to take this on board.It seems that State Labor has had a change of heart on funding for the rail line.Prior to the election, when they were in campaign mode, State Labor was adamant that they would not commit State funds to this rail line.They’re being a bit coy about the details, but it seems they have now realised that a project like this, which will provide a huge boost to jobs and investment, is a legitimate use of taxpayer funds.Regardless of how the Palaszczuk Government wants to verbalise what it is they’re doing, the priority is to get the combined Carmichael mine rail and port project up and running so the region can share in the benefits this boost will provide.