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Shorten pledges support for levee bank

Bill Shorten has visited Rockhampton to meet locals recovering from floods, and has called for federal funding for a much-needed levee.

Bill Shorten (C) during a visit to Rockhampton

Bill Shorten (C) says he would support federal funding for a levee to better protect Rockhampton. (AAP)

Labor leader Bill Shorten says he would support federal funding for a levee to better protect Rockhampton from major flooding.

Mr Shorten told reporters in Rockhampton that the local, state and federal governments should get on with the project, as the central Queensland city recovers from the Fitzroy River flooding.

"Labor will work with the Turnbull government - no politics - let's build the levee so the next time we don't have to move out, mop up the carpets, move the furniture and impede the livability of marvellous Rockhampton and central Queensland," he said on Friday.

Flood levels have started to fall from the peak of 8.9 metres.

Mr Shorten called on the Turnbull government to add the Rockhampton region to the list of areas eligible for disaster relief.

And he urged tourists to come to the region and not cancel booked holidays.

"Rocky has withstood this latest flood, it is functioning and thriving, autumn has kicked in, there is blue sky," he said.

"People planning a holiday or coming to see their family should not cancel their trip."


1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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