THE Federal Government needs to “put up or shut up” with a promised $1.5 million to dredge Cardwell’s One Mile Creek still nowhere to be seen, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto. 

Mr Dametto said the Cardwell community was tired of waiting for the promised funds while boaties continued to be locked out at low tide from leaving the Port Hinchinbrook marina or the public boat ramp. 

“The economic fortunes of Cardwell and Port Hinchinbrook continue to suffer so long as there is no dredging,” Mr Dametto said. 

“Members of the Federal Government stood out here 18 months ago and waved a fake cheque around saying the funding was a done deal, the money was there ready to be used. Then they moved the goal posts and said council had to formally apply for the funding to access it.  

“The dishonesty of that whole exercise has frustrated locals no end.” 

Mr Dametto said he could see no reasonable excuse as to why the funding had been held up by the government. 

“Locals want answers. Our office frequently gets calls from people seeking an update on the funding situation and we tell them that it’s still going through the approval process with the Federal government,“ he said. 

“Cassowary Coast Regional Council has done their utmost to advance that process but the hold up firmly sits with the Feds. I fear it’s got caught up in layers and layers of red tape and you have to wonder how committed the Morrison Government is to restoring the economic fortunes of Cardwell.” 

Council has provided funding of $15,000 each to three dredging contractors who were shortlisted for the project, but is yet to receive a cent from the Federal government to proceed.  

Mr Dametto said he would be writing to Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack to request the funding be released as a matter of urgency.