National Party likely to lose Federal seat of Richmond

Wednesday, 06 June 2001 10:00

"This highly unpopular proposal has been prevented in the past due to massive community opposition. But it now appears the extension will be approved by Federal Transport Minister John Anderson following relentless lobbying by local National Party identities against community wishes," said TEC campaigner Fran Kelly.

"Larry Anthony and Tweed Shire's National Party Mayor Lynne Beck went into bat for Gold Coast developers following last year's failed attempt to push the airport through. It appears it will now go ahead thanks to their behind the scenes lobbying," said Ms Kelly

"This is despite previous National Party State MP Don Beck, being voted out at the 1999 elections due in part to his support for the airport. So far Larry Anthony has shown he is happy to go the way of Don," said Ms Kelly.

"It seems the National Party team are pulling out all stops to get this airport through before the community has had time to blink," said Ms Kelly. "It is sneaky and selfish and Larry Anthony deserves to lose his seat if he doesn't have the guts to stand up against it" said Ms Kelly.

"Even if the runway is slightly shorter than previously proposed, by the time road access, industrial buildings and so forth are added, the airport will be well and truly brought into the vicinity of residential areas and over wetlands and other environmental protected lands in Tweed."