Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

Despite being home to over one million people and three million square kilometres of land, there are a number of barriers that need to be overcome in order to unlock these sensational opportunities. These, of course, are a lack of basic infrastructure, information on water and soils, and uncertain or restrictive land and water rights. But the northern Australia white paper provides investment in long-term and innovative water solutions. This is not just about building dams. The national water fund will provide $200 million for whatever infrastructure gets water to where it is needed most in the North. The white paper also provides up to $5 million for a feasibility study towards starting Nullinga Dam near Cairns, going up to $5 million to finalise the business case for Ord stage 3. This is a fantastic plan for all Australians. (Time expired)