KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter held an urgent meeting with the Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt in Parliament this week, urging the Federal Government to front-up with the essential funding required for upgrading the McKinlay Shire Multipurpose Health Service at Julia Creek.

KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter held an urgent meeting with the Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt in Parliament this week, urging the Federal Government to front-up with the essential funding required for upgrading the McKinlay Shire Multipurpose Health Service at Julia Creek.

In a meeting with the Minister in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Katter called on the Federal Government to put up their share of the funds, acknowledging that the Queensland Government has committed to their part of the investment.

Mr Katter secured an emergency meeting with Minister Wyatt after receiving word from concerned constituents and community groups that the health building project upgrade would be in dire straits as a result of a short-fall in funding.

Mr Katter said there was a strong component of aged care in the new hospital proposal.

“Most of the towns in rural and regional Queensland have an ageing population, and therefore have every right to secure federal funding.

“Most of our country hospitals have a strong component of aged care as part of their service and we expect the Federal Government to shoulder their responsibilities in this regard.

“I was pleased with the meeting with the Minister and we hope to secure a favourable outcome in the next fortnight.”

Mr Katter praised the Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter for securing an investment of $4.8 million from the Queensland Government. He also commended capital outlays saying that they are “so are very helpful” in bringing money into small towns that so desperately need it.