Premier, it's just 'Not for Sale' | Gladstone News | Local News in Gladstone

Protestors show their disapproval in Gladstone on Saturday.

PROTESTORS marched the streets of Gladstone on Saturday to show their anger at the state government’s proposed privatisation of public assets.

Queensland’s Not for Sale day saw 90-100 protestors walk down Tank Street from the Gladstone Train Station to Anzac Park in objection to Premier Anna Bligh’s intention to sell off Queensland assets.

Queensland Rail’s coal and freight arms, state motorways, the Port of Brisbane and forestry plantations are all up for sale.

Rail, Tram and Train Union branch organiser Craig Allen said if Ms Bligh’s plan went ahead there would be major repercussions for the Gladstone community.

“History shows privatisation affects regional communities drastically,” Mr Allen said.

“Privatisation means profit comes first, profit comes second and profit comes third.

“The were about 90 to 100 people there and they all signed the retirement for premier Bligh and treasurer Andrew Fraser.”

The union spokesman said those who put pen to paper refused to vote for the Bligh government again.

“The problem for Queensland people in Gladstone is we’re dealing with an extremely arrogant and rude government,” he said.

“Polls have consistently showed that 80 per cent plus are opposed to selling of assets and any normal government would be listening to the people.

“Queenslanders will not stand for an arrogant government.”

The rally organiser said he was pleased with the turnout despite hot and very humid conditions in Gladstone on Saturday.

“I was very happy, given that it was a Saturday morning and Gladstone has significant amount of sporting events then.

“There were a large number of mums and dads and kids.”

Independent Member for Gladstone Liz Cunningham attended the protest and said the state government was incredibly short-sighted.

“I’ve been opposed to the selling public assets before I was elected,” Ms Cunningham said.

“Millions of dollars are returned to the State Labor Government in royalties with over $600 million of those royalties increasing with coal exports.

“The people of Queensland will lose that long-term income.

“Strategic public assets should be maintained in the ownership of the Queensland government and therefore in the ownership of the Queensland people.”