When Ewen Jones found out Malcolm Turnbull was coming to town he asked for three things.
Money for the Great Barrier Reef and the Townsville stadium, and rain.
The Liberal member for Herbert got his wish when the prime minister awoke to a soggy Monday in the North Queensland city.
It was a less than perfect day to take a rocky ferry ride to Magnetic Island.
Mr Turnbull, Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Mr Jones navigated their way around the boat as it rode the bumpy swell.
"You right?" he asked his wife Lucy as she struggled to find her sea legs.
"You hang on to me."
The boat ride was to accompany the announcement of a $1 billion 10-year fund to protect the reef - but looking at the choppy sea and shoreline of the island was as close as the travelling party got.
The fund, to be overseen by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation out of its $10 billion special account, is designed to protect the reef from the "twin threats" of climate change and poor water quality.
It will provide investment finance for projects in the region that can reduce the runoff of fertilisers and sediment and support energy efficient farming.
Mr Turnbull shared the farming techniques he uses at his rural property to deal with erosion.
"Luce and I've done this at our place," he said.
The prime minister also tried to woo the north by matching Labor's commitment to help fund the Townsville Stadium.
As part of the government's first city deal, the $100 million will be contingent on agreements with the local and state governments.
"I'm committed to ensuring that we have a great outcome for the people of Townsville," he said, outlining a vision to boost jobs in the area.
"This is the key. Townsville is a city. It's a great city."
Mr Turnbull heads to Perth later on Monday.
