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Mining communities must not become ghost towns

The wealth generated by mining projects must be reinvested in better infrastructure and services so nearby communities don’t become ghost towns. State Opposition and LNP Leader John-Paul Langbroek said the mining boom would continue to inject billions of dollars into the state’s economy and it was important local communities benefited from the boom as well.  

“Under this long term Labor Government, mining communities throughout regional Queensland have been neglected and locals are asking what happened to all the money,” he said. 

“All Anna Bligh and Labor have to show from the last mining boom is a ‘for sale’ sign as Queensland Rail and our ports are sold off in a fire sale. 

“Under an LNP Government, people living in regional Queensland centres will know exactly how and where the region’s mining royalties would be spent. 

“Mining towns shouldn’t have to form community action groups to get the Government to listen and give them some answers.” 

Mr Langbroek said the LNP’s first State Budget, if elected, would include a specially published report charting the flow of every last cent of royalties from the regions. 

“Labor has nothing to show for the rivers of gold that flowed for more than a decade and now they are selling off the state’s assets in a fire sale. 

“The LNP believes mining towns deserves their fair share, and we will ensure the wealth created by the resources sector today is invested into industries and communities to create the wealth of tomorrow. 

“The LNP believes growing the state’s economy is the best way to start paying off the $85 billion debt Labor has left all Queenslanders and future Queenslanders.”