MIRANI MESSAGE

With Stephen Andrew, MP

The Mount Morgan locals will finally reap the benefit of their ancestors’ contributions to reducing Australia’s debt.

I have not backed down when it comes to supporting my constituents in Mount Morgan. In 5 years (from 2018 to 2022) I was responsible for 61% (28/46) of the specific mentions in parliament relating to this historical town.

On separate occasions, I have stated in parliament: “Mount Morgan actually pulled Queensland out of debt twice in its history. The Mount Morgan mine in the Mirani electorate has been paramount to Queensland’s financial foundation … [It] was instrumental in Australia’s financial foundation. It has built the sandstone buildings that we are standing in now.”

Assisting with the push to get residents a permanent source of water has been a high priority for me. The announcement in June 2022 of the $40.4 million pipeline infrastructure program in the electorate is a substantial contribution which will have a significant impact on the residents, businesses and environment. The state government announcing its plan to fund the Mount Morgan gold mine revival in November 2022 was also a huge win for the area. This will create much needed employment opportunities, bringing economic growth to the region.

I have acknowledged the loss of between 8,000 and 10,000 tourists every year in the last 7 to 10 years for the area. More specifically I have stated the following:

“The amazing place of Mount Morgan, which got Queensland and Australia out of debt twice, should be recognised for its contribution and given some consideration as far as tourism is concerned. The onus is now on the government to give back some of that wealth to the people who produced it”.

I will continue pushing the state government for more funding with a view to prioritising tourism opportunities, ensuring permanent financial stability for the township and surrounding areas.

The main attraction projects will include reopening the Fireclay Caverns showcasing the 200-millionyear-old dinosaur footprints embedded in the roof and recommissioning of track and trains for a tourist railway operation

Reopening gold prospecting and fossicking in and around the Mount Morgan area is also on the list.

2022 was a great year for Mount Morgan. Let’s work together to see what we can achieve in 2023!

Stephen Andrew