THE man holding the nation's purse strings failed to shed any light on whether the Commonwealth would make dam funding announcements soon, during his visit to the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
It was widely reported Prime Minister Scott Morrison would fund several water infrastructure project, including Dungowan Dam, when he returned from the United States.
However, during a visit to Inverell this week, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg dodged the question, failing to provide any details and put the onus on the state government.
READ ALSO
"We have put money aside for major water infrastructure like the dams," Mr Frydenberg said.
"We are investing in water infrastructure. What we need the support of the states. There is a constitutional authority here that rests with the states.
"We're ready to partner with them and build infrastructure."
New England MP Barnaby Joyce also passed the buck to the state government.
"We don't need more paperwork, we need dozers on the ground - but that is in the realm of the states," he said.
Jamieson Murphy
Newcastle Herald news director and business reporter. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Newcastle Herald news director and business reporter. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
