Scott Stewart Must Come Clean over Concert Hall Comment
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson is calling on the State Labor Member for Townsville to come clean over comments suggesting federal funding for Townsville’s Concert Hall had been cut.
In an interview with 7NEWS on Friday, State Labor MP Scott Stewart claimed that Mr Thompson had reneged on his $98M funding commitment for construction of the project, which was secured during the last term of the Coalition Government.
But in a meeting held this week between Mr Thompson and Federal Labor Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, the Minister confirmed that the funding remained committed.
Mr Thompson said Mr Stewart had questions to answer.
“Was Scott Stewart lying when he said that the funding had been pulled? Is he playing political games? Or does he have no idea about the project or how to work with the Federal Government of his own party?” Mr Thompson said.
“As soon as Mr Stewart made the comments, I sought a meeting with the Federal Labor Minister, who completely debunked his claim.
“It’s a classic move from a member who’s more interested in politics than delivering an important project for his community.
“We fought hard for this funding while in Government because we knew the benefits of building a world-class performing arts facility, that will cement our city’s position as the events capital of Northern Australia.”
The comments came after an announcement that the State Labor Government would also commit $50M for the construction, but only if Townsville City Council matched the funding.
Mr Thompson said he had written to Mayor Jenny Hill for an update on the long-overdue business case and to seek assurances that ratepayers would be able to afford the significant extra commitment.
“This is a lot of extra money at a time when people are already doing it tough,” he said.
“It seems strange to me that all this extra cash is being committed to a project for which the business case hasn’t even been finalised.
“After demanding answers in Canberra this week, I’ve also been told the study will be finished next month and released publicly.
“I look forward to finally being able to move through Labor’s political games and get this project underway.”
ENDS