Posted on July 31, 2009
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News -
A Queensland Senator says the Federal Government could be risking the country's security by refusing to fund the full cost of a far north Queensland airstrip.
The Federal Government has given the Torres Shire Council $340,000 towards upgrading the Horn Island airstrip.
But the council says the work will cost about $7 million.
Senator Russell Trood has described the Federal Government's contribution as "paltry".
"It could well be argued to be a matter of strategic importance to Australia's security that that airport be kept in good repair," he said.
"It's absolutely critical for medical reasons, for people's schooling, there's a myriad of reasons why this is an absolutely critical local airport.
"The Federal Government's contribution has been paltry - that's the only way to describe it."
The State Government has pledged $2 million to the upgrade.