Andrew Nikolic needs to come clean on Bass projects funding

The new Member for Bass, Andrew Nikolic, needs to come clean on grants for five projects under the government’s “Community Development Grants program”.

Senator Polley believes that Mr Nikolic is taking credit for plans that were already announced by Labor whilst in

“Mr Nikolic has been very busy trumpeting the $3 million redevelopment of the North Bank Precinct in Launceston, but this was identified in the Tasmanian Jobs and Growth Plan long ago. So how exactly can Mr Nikolic claim that this is delivering on an election commitment?

“Similarly, the North East Mountain Bike Trails in the Dorset Municipality was announced by former Labor Member for Bass Geoff Lyons in June this year.

“It complemented work that Labor undertook through the Jobs and Growth Plan to assist the Tasmanian economy and enhance employment opportunities, but Mr Nikolic seems to have conveniently ignored all of this. He is gilding the lily when it comes to announcing these projects,” Senator Polley said.

Senator Polley also was also keen to draw attention to the Abbott Government’s decision to axe 34 council community projects in Tasmania by refusing to fund round five of the Regional Development Australia Fund.

“What this means is that five councils in Bass are being stripped of valuable project funds and yet Mr Nikolic hasn’t addressed this at all. It seems to have simply escaped his attention.

“I would like Mr Nikolic to explain to the people of Bass why they will no longer be receiving new council projects, it quite simply isn’t good enough,” Senator Polley said.
Senator Helen Polley