Seeking mayors’ support for $100 million rescue package

APRIL 1, 2016: I will seek the support of incoming mayors across the region for my $100 million rescue plan next week which will help businesses diversify and help workers to retrain for new jobs.I have meetings scheduled with new Mackay mayor Greg Williamson, new Whitsunday mayor Andrew Willcox, new Burdekin mayor Lyn McLaughlin and continuing Townsville mayor Jenny Hill next week to explain the Bowen Basin Growth Fund rescue package I am lobbying for.I will be asking them to lend their voices to this call for support which will help businesses diversify and provide retraining for local retrenched workers.What I am advocating for is $100 million in joint Federal and State Government funding to provide assistance in the same way that it’s been provided to other economically disadvantaged areas such as those in South Australia and Tasmania.The funding could be used for co-investment in diversification, seed funding for sound project ideas such as perhaps a biodiesel plant, employment for an investment facilitator to actively market the region and provide training for retrenched workers.It could also provide some funding for local capital works projects to stimulate the local economy.