Government announces funding plans pre-Budget

Scott Morrison announces his government's dam plan in Queensland

Scott Morrison announces his government's dam plan in Queensland Source: SBS

The announcement comes just a week out from the federal budget, with the coalition looking at ways to ease cost of living pressures.


The Prime Minister has been at a port in Townsville, promising to build a body of water in Queensland four times the size of Sydney Harbour.

"They're the sort of projects that shift the dial, that move the needle, when it comes to the wealth and the jobs and the strengthening of the economy that our country needs, because in these uncertain times what you need is an economy that is resilient, that is strong, that is being built to last for the future."

But there's no guarantee the project will go ahead...

"$5.4 billion dollars, an investment in Australia's future, an investment in north Queensland's future. And if you really want to understand the comparison about where we invest as a government...We want to put $5.4 billion into building this dam, all the State Government has to do is get out the big stamp and go approved." 

The government says the project will create 7000 jobs and open up agricultural opportunities.

But Mr Morrison is dismissing the suggestion that it's a pre-election cash splash in a key battleground state.

Click on the audio button above to listen to the full report in Punjabi.

Listen to SBS Radio's Punjabi program from Monday to Friday at 9 pm. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter


Share
Follow SBS Punjabi

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Punjabi-speaking Australians.
Understand the quirky parts of Aussie life.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Punjabi News

Punjabi News

Watch in onDemand