Katter's Australian Party MP Nick Dametto has taken his campaign to revitalise the stalled Port Hinchinbrook development directly to the LNP government, demanding immediate action on their election commitments.
Political Pressure Mounts for Development Progress
The Member for Hinchinbrook attended an LNP media conference this week, using the platform to call for the delivery of promises made during the recent state election campaign. Port Hinchinbrook, located near Cardwell in Far North Queensland, has remained in development limbo for years, frustrating local residents and business owners who have watched the potential economic opportunity stagnate.
Dametto's appearance at the government event signals a strategic move to hold the new administration accountable for their pre-election vows regarding the controversial development site. The KAP politician has been a vocal advocate for resolving the long-standing issues preventing the project from reaching completion and delivering promised benefits to the Hinchinbrook region.
Election Promises Under Scrutiny
During the election campaign, the LNP made specific commitments regarding Port Hinchinbrook's future, recognising both the economic potential and environmental concerns surrounding the development. Dametto is now pushing for those promises to be translated into concrete action, arguing that further delays would continue to disadvantage the local community.
The development has been plagued by controversy and legal battles for decades, with environmental concerns about the adjacent World Heritage-listed areas creating significant hurdles. Despite these challenges, proponents argue that completing the project would deliver substantial economic benefits to the region through tourism infrastructure, residential development, and job creation.
Community Awaits Long-Promised Resolution
Local residents have watched numerous proposals and plans for Port Hinchinbrook come and go over the years, creating widespread scepticism about whether any government can finally break the deadlock. The community's patience has been tested by decades of false starts and unfulfilled promises from various levels of government and private developers.
Dametto's public pressure on the LNP government represents the latest attempt to break the cycle of inaction. By attending the media conference and publicly demanding follow-through on election commitments, the KAP MP is ensuring the issue remains at the forefront of the new government's agenda during their crucial first months in office.
The future of Port Hinchinbrook now rests heavily on whether the LNP will prioritise the development as promised during their campaign. With Dametto maintaining close scrutiny of their progress, the government faces increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible results for the people of Hinchinbrook Shire and surrounding regions who have waited decades for the project's completion.
