Katter applauds final approvals for Dungeness Breakwater and Dredging Project
April 30, 2025
KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter MP, has applauded the Hinchinbrook community after the final State Government approvals were granted for the long-awaited Prescribed Tidal Works (Dungeness Breakwater and Dredging) project – marking a significant milestone in the fight to restore marine access to Dungeness and beyond.
With the State's final tick of approval and Hinchinbrook Shire Council's endorsement of the Change Application, the project is now primed for shovel-ready status. The works include dredging the Enterprise Channel to allow all-tide marine access, and construction of a rock breakwater to reinstate the former sea wall, which was devastated during major weather events, including Cyclone Yasi.
Mr Katter praised Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo and State Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, for their tireless, years-long fight to push the project through the bureaucratic mire.
"This is a win for the people of Hinchinbrook. Mayor Jayo and Nick Dametto have fought like hell – like true tiger fighters – to keep this project alive and on the agenda – and now the approvals are finally in hand," Mr Katter said.
With an estimated $12 million needed to complete construction, Mr Katter said he would turn his attention to putting the full weight of his office behind securing federal funding should he be re-elected.
"The next fight is for federal funding. And I give you my word: if I'm returned to Canberra, I will make this project a priority. I'll take it straight to the Government and demand the $12 million needed to get it done."
Mr Katter stressed the importance of the project not just for Hinchinbrook, but for the broader North Queensland marine economy.
"Once complete, this project will unlock all-tidal access for recreational and commercial fishing vessels not only into Dungeness, but also to the Palm Island group and the Great Barrier Reef. We've seen what all-weather access can do for small communities at Mission Beach. It has been life-changing for those businesses that use the waterways for their livelihood or lifestyle.
"The people of Hinchinbrook deserve nothing less than the same infrastructure."
ENDS
Electorate Bob (red tie and jeans) in Ingham’s annual Kindy Quiz Night? or Parli Bob (waistcoat and maroon scarf) in Airlie Beach’s Halloween Party? We love a good Bob pic!
Today the Federal Government has given an extra $10 million to finalise works at Cloncurry Airport following significant flood damage in late 2025 and early 2026. Huge congratulations must go to Mayor Greg Campbell, Cloncurry Council and all those who have fought hard to achieve this outcome. The proposed works will ensure the long-term operation of this vital transport hub to continue to support aeromedical services, business travel, tourism and mining operations.
If all government cars were hybrids. If our sugar and grain was converted to ethanol. If our oil was refined in Australia. WE WOULD BE SELF-SUFFICIENT IN FUEL. This would save EVERY Australian taxpayer $40,000 a year, create hundreds of jobs and resurrect our sugar and grain industries. The answers are there… government just needs to act! To watch the full episode on Spotify, click here .
I couldn’t sleep last night.. praying for my good and long term friend Helen. Helen brings sparkle, enlightenment and joy to the centre of the crossbench. My thoughts are also with your family, friends and staff at this extremely difficult time. May Jesus keep you all in his blessings. Bob Katter
Last weeks parliamentary debate raised some key concerns about the state and direction of the country. Bob’s take is detailed in his latest podcast and includes: Carbon Credits (Integrity and Transparency) Legislation – hidden under the guise of ‘transparency’ and ‘integrity’ this legislation WIDELY EXPANDS Native Title consent requirements, openly acknowledging that it will essentially kill off nearly all small/medium size mining and infrastructure projects with extended project delays and costs. Customs (Illicit Tabacco) Legislation – stronger enforcement and penalties is useless against organized crime unless we also stop demand by narrowing the VAST gap between legal and illegal tobacco products and take away the economic incentives fueling the black market. Backpackers vs Student Visas - meetings at the highest level arguing that backpackers are here for a good time not a long time, they must be from certain countries and under the age of 30, they spend monies earnt and go home. Student visa holders have NO country restrictions and NO age limits, family dependents are also allowed and about 90% stay with the hope of migrating. Protect Aussie produce – continuing the fight to stop fresh food imports from countries with slave labour wages and child labour in the supply chain - a game changer for the banana, pineapple and other tropical fruit industries.
Not so long ago a flight to Tel Aviv experienced an attempted terrorist attack. The heroic actions of those on the plane averted what very nearly was a great tragedy with the almost certain deaths of all 180 occupants in the plane. As the background of the would be terrorist is being investigated serious allegations have been made that he was radicalised IN AUSTRALIA whilst he was an INTERNATIONAL STUDENT!!! Where are the rallies in the street? Where is the outrage in the media? Where are the strong political statements of condemnation ? Where is the swift action against those radicalising people in Australia? ARE WE GOING TO PRETEND THAT THIS WON’T EVER HAPPEN IN AUSTRALIA?
Australian rural industries will keep shutting down if we keep on allowing government to: Import fruit and vegetables; Require our farmers to compete against imports from countries with slave labour wages; and Impose more and more red, green and ‘supermarket imposed’ tape on our produce. We already import nearly all of our pork and seafood… once thriving Australian industries - SHUTDOWN. STOP THIS MADNESS. Protect Australian jobs, consumers and farmers.
Always a great time with Shane Knuth MP and some local legends!
We export our oil for $8,000 million and import it back as petrol for $62,000 million. While overseas refineries get rich from our oil we are getting poorer and poorer as a nation. The impact to our economy is colossal!!! And must be stopped. BRING BACK OUR OIL REFINERIES.
Bob: “Back in my day, we used an automatic gate opener.” Wendi: “I have one. The gate just automatically opened for me.”
