“Never get in the way of a mother who is out to protect her young,” Cr Hill said. “She will cut you apart.”

Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino, Senator Murray Watt push for Lansdown funding

Caitlan Charles, Townsville Bulletin

March 11, 2021 2:53pm

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UPDATE, THURSDAY MARCH 11: TOWNSVILLE City Council says it has put everything on the table for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.

The council and federal government have been at war over the proposed development, with the Commonwealth saying it has never received more than a glossy, one page flyer about the project.

The council needs $50m to get the precinct connected to water, gas and rail.

Townsville City Council's Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino Picture: Alix SweeneySenators Murray Watt. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

But Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said the council had handed over everything necessary to get approvals, including a business case.

Cr Molachino said he could not see why there was a roadblock in the way of a funding approval.

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“What we’re trying to figure out is what else they need to make the decision to turn this into a turnkey project,” Cr Molachino said.

He added the council had given Herbert MP Phillip Thompson “oodles” of information about the project.

Queensland Resources Shadow Minister Murray Watt said the federal government needed to back this project because of the jobs it could create.

He had a message for Mr Thompson and the federal government: “You’ve got to seriously consider this proposal and make a decision.”

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However, Mr Thompson said all the Cities Minister, Paul Fletcher, was akin to a one-page glossy flyer.

Mr Thompson said he had organised several meetings in Canberra a few weeks ago for Cr Molachino, including with Mr Fletcher.

“If there was more than a one page glossy flyer, why didn’t he hand over anything there?” Mr Thompson said.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4: MAYOR Jenny Hill has threatened to “cut” the federal member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson, if he does not help secure funding for the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.

“Never get in the way of a mother who is out to protect her young,” Cr Hill said. “She will cut you apart.”

Herbert MP Phil Thompson speaks to media following the Townsville Bulletin Business Breakfast: Unlock the North event. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

Townsville City Council and the state government have joined forces to try and secure some of the $195m kitty available for projects under the City Deal.

The two levels of government have asked for $50m to fund gas, water and train line connections.

Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles spoke on how the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct would benefit the region at the Townsville Bulletin Business Breakfast: Unlock the North at The Ville Resort-Casino.

While Mr Thompson says the federal government would love to consider funding part of the project, they have never received sufficient supporting documents to outline the money needed and work to be done.

He said they need this documentation before any funding discussions can go forward.

But the Mayor says the documents associated with the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct had been given to the Cities Minister, Paul Fletcher.

“The Prime Minister (Scott Morrison) has said he’s prepared to fund infrastructure where it leads to industry investment and job creation – well hello guys, we’ve got this project right here and now,” Cr Hill said.

“I am sick and tired of hearing from the federal member that we haven’t provided the paperwork, the paperwork is there.”

Mr Thompson said the “paperwork” his office and Mr Fletcher had received was nothing but a “glossy flyer”.

“If the state government wants to throw in $50m after reading one page, that is a matter for them,” he said.

“I have more respect for the taxpayer and more respect for where their funds go.”