Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to express my deep disappointment and, frankly, outrage at the Albanese Labor government's decision to rip $23 million in funding from the Rocky Sports Club project. This funding was secured and approved in 2010 by the former coalition government to support the expansion of a club that services 129 local sporting and community groups. It was shovel ready and community backed, and it would have delivered local jobs and world-class sporting facilities in Rockhampton. Instead of backing regional Queensland, Labor's infrastructure minister, Catherine King, has strung along this community for years, only to pull the plug entirely, late on Friday afternoon, thinking no-one would notice.

Let's be clear: this was a simple variation request for an extension of time. It was not a new project and not a handout, just the green light needed to get on with the job. The decision to cut this funding shows utter contempt for Rockhampton and the wider Capricornia region. It's a betrayal of local athletes, volunteers and families, who have poured their hearts into this vision. I call on Minister King and the Albanese government to reverse this decision and show some respect for the people of Rockhampton. Our community deserves better.

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