The Minister for Infrastructure, Stirling Hinchliffe, today failed to tell Queenslanders when the billion dollar Tugun desalination plant would eventually open.
Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey asked Minister Hinchliffe about ongoing delays to this project, due to be opened 6 months ago. The Minister was unable to answer but acknowledged continuing problems with the Tugun plant.
“These delays have been caused by poor management by the Queensland Government, leading to faulty pipes and valves, corroded parts and unbalanced pumps requiring attention from international specialists,” said Ms Stuckey.
“Once again the government has not been honest with the people of the Gold Coast, and tried to fob us of with more spin and excuses.
“Minister Hinchliffe says the plant was shut down while he waits for an independent review due to be completed sometime this month (May).
“Considering the plant has never been opened the Minister’s statement to the Parliament was clearly misleading.
“The government has admitted that they, together with the people of Currumbin, believe there are serious problems with the desalination plant at Tugun.
“The Government must come clean on their failure to deliver this project which is well overdue.
“Clearly the Labor Government is incapable of managing such critical infrastructure.”
Ends
Question asked by Jann Stuckey, Member for Currumbin of Minister Hinchliffe in Parliament today:
Given the ongoing delays, faulty pipes, faulty valves, and unbalanced pumps at the Tugun desalination plant which was due to be opened 6 months ago, will the Minister advise the House when this plant will finally open?
Contact Jann Stuckey 0439 755 919