Representing the people of Barron River is one of the greatest honours of my life. Every project we deliver, big or small, means stronger communities, safer roads, better schools, and a brighter future for Far North Queensland. These are 36 of the things I’m most proud to have achieved with the support of local residents, community groups and all levels of government in my first 12 months.
1. Adult Crime Adult Time
It was one of our first promises to Queenslanders. The Making Queensland Safer Laws were delivered before Christmas, as part of the Crisafulli Government’s election pledge of a fresh start for Queensland. In April we expanded the law to include a total of 33 youth crime offences. We have a long way to go in the youth crime crisis after a decade of weak laws but this is something we won’t stop fighting for.
2. Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Expansion
This was an election commitment of mine 14 months in the making. This year we secured funding for the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park upgrades with a completion of 2028. We have also put together our Smithfield Advisory Board most recently World Trail and Contour Works – two local companies and world-famous trail builders, received the tender to design the trail. So exciting!
3. Kuranda Range Safety & Resilience Works
The Kuranda Range Road is our lifeline, and I’ve worked hard to make it safer and more reliable. Major geotechnical and safety upgrades are underway thanks to $262.5 million in funding. We all know the Kuranda range has been a mess since Jasper and we are pushing hard to get this works completed. Progress to date:
- 13 landslips completed overall (12 within traffic control areas, 1 outside traffic control)
- 7 additional sites to be completed by end of 2025 (weather and site conditions permitting)
- 17 remaining sites scheduled for completion in 2026 (weather and site conditions permitting)
4. Constituent Wins
So many people lost their homes, their power, their belongings and more during Jasper. One such couple in Holloways Beach lost almost everything and on top of it all, were being charged $10,000 to $30,000 by Ergon to fix a power pole. Getting this fee waived was a huge win for myself and for my team.
This is just one example of the many smaller wins we’ve had for our constituents. Over this year we’ve been able to assist with reducing wait times, unfair fines and traffic light concerns.
5. Another Paediatric Cardiologist for Cairns Hospital
Families across Far North Queensland will benefit from a major boost to paediatric cardiology services, with the recruitment of an additional paediatric cardiologist and the support of a dedicated multidisciplinary team. I am so pleased to share a $1.45 million investment delivering a second paediatric cardiologist for Far North Queensland! Tegan Catalano reached out to me earlier this year about her concerns.
6. Cardiology Investment in Cairns
In addition to a new paediatric cardiology, Cairns Health is also receiving $7.8 million over three years to expand cardiac services, including recruiting extra staff, and upgrading clinical software for rural hospitals This includes an additional seven specialists.
7. Trinity Beach State School Fence Success
We got the fence! For five years the pleas of Trinity Beach State School fell on deaf ears, but I am pleased to report that Trinity Beach State School will receive a safer fence next year. This was something my team and I worked very hard for with letters, phone calls and advocacy to ensure this wonderful school receive a secure fence that they deserve.
8. A New Barron River Bridge
I’ve been fighting for this since the moment I put my hand up to represent the people of Barron River. And now, in the Crisafulli Government’s very first Budget, we’re delivering on our commitment. $245 million will be allocated to build a safer, stronger, and more reliable bridge for the Far North.
9. Barron River Bridge Nightworks
After months of advocacy, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is trialling night works for the November Barron River bridge inspection and maintenance program to minimise traffic disruption during peak travel times.
10. Kamerunga Villas Power Restoration
During my campaign, getting Kamerunga Villas back on the grid became one of my first priorities. For almost two years, residents relied on temporary generator power funded through the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). While this kept the community going, it was never meant to be a long-term solution.
Working closely with Minister Leahy, Cairns Regional Council, and Yurika, we fast-track the complex electrical infrastructure repairs needed to restore reliable power. It wasn’t easy — this was a large, technical project that required careful planning and funding approvals — but we knew how important it was to deliver. And finally, after 22 long months, that day arrived in October this year.
11. Bruce Highway Safety Upgrades
We secured early works funding from the $9 billion Bruce Highway package to improve flood-prone and dangerous sections between Ingham and Innisfail. This is about safer travel, fewer isolation events and better freight routes. It’s vital infrastructure for everyone who calls the north home.
12. Cairns Youth Foyer
In October 2025, we celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of the Cairns Youth Foyer, a purpose-built facility offering 40 self-contained units for young people aged 16–25 at risk of homelessness.
13. Unlocking Social Housing Across the Region
We are on track to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044 across Queensland with 750 social and affordable homes either being built or currently under contract across Far North Queensland, including projects in Woree, Earlville, Yarrabah and Yorkeys Knob. There’s a lot more to do in this space and I also look forward to The Mount Peter Priority Development Area (PDA) which will unlock development for more than 18,500 homes for 42,500 people.
14. Supporting Live Music
I’ve been proud to advocate for live music across Cairns, supporting venues, artists and event organisers through petitions and community engagement. Our region’s music scene is a vital part of culture, tourism, and local economy, and I’ve worked hard to ensure it receives the recognition and support it deserves. This is about keeping Cairns vibrant, supporting local talent, and giving our young performers the stages they need to shine.
15. FNQ Legacy House Funding Advocacy
Through persistent advocacy, I am working towards securing funding for Legacy House in Far North Queensland. I am most proud of the 1,000+ members of our community who have signed the petition and continue to fight alongside me for this.
16. Cairns Suburban Liquor Accord
I’ve worked with local businesses, law enforcement and community groups to support the Cairns Suburban Liquor Accord, promoting responsible service and safer nightlife by bringing the Cairns Liquor Accord to the Northern Beaches and Southern suburbs.
17. Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Green Island
This new $600,000 centre combines conservation and tourism in a way that fits perfectly with our region’s values. Visitors can now see the amazing work done to rehabilitate sick and injured turtles. It’s a small project with big environmental impact.
18. Yellow Ant Eradication Program
Queensland is taking the fight to one of the world’s most destructive invasive species, with the Crisafulli Government committing an additional $6 million to the ongoing Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program (YCAEP). This new funding forms part of a long-term, 10-year investment to rid the Wet Tropics region of yellow crazy ants—an invasive pest that threatens biodiversity, agriculture, and the $4.8 billion tourism industry in Cairns.
19. Kickstarter Youth Program
Six Cairns region organisations will share in more than $1.7 million in funding through the first round of the Crisafulli Government’s $50 million Kickstarter program, delivering early intervention programs that aim to break the cycle of youth crime. It was wonderful to meet with one of the grant recipients – Australian Training Works.
20. Wangetti Trail
It’s been dubbed Australia’s most expensive footpath after Labor’s Wrongetti debacle but I am pleased to report that Wangetti Trail is officially back on track. Works on the Ellis Beach to Wangetti link will commence as soon as the wet season ends in early 2026.
21. New Paint for Kuranda Scenic Railway
This is a little win but little wins make a big difference. Earlier this year one of our constituents suggested that the Kuranda Scenic Railway was looking a little sad. After speaking to the Minister for Transport, we were able to secure funding to ensure several carts receive a fresh paint job.
22. Cairns Hospital Helipad & 104 new beds
Our growing population needs better health infrastructure. The new helipad and expanded carpark at Cairns Hospital will improve emergency access and reduce patient wait times. This is part of the Crisafulli Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan and is a much-needed investment into Cairns and our healthcare system. Cairns Base Hospital also received 7 new Transit Beds earlier this year.
23. Staying on Track Programs
Youth rehabilitation is an important part of the Crisafulli Government’s Staying on Track program and I am pleased that three local Cairns companies will be delivering these programs in our region. By focusing on rehabilitation, mentoring, family support, and community engagement, the program aims to build positive relationships, strengthen life skills, and reduce the cycle of reoffending.
24. Nature-Based Playgrounds & School Upgrades
Our local schools now have new nature-based playgrounds, shade structures and learning spaces. These projects make a real difference for students at Redlynch, Caravonica and Trinity Beach State Schools. A great education starts with safe, inspiring environments.
25. Ellis Beach Surf Life Saving Club Upgrade
After eight long years, the Ellis Beach Surf Lifesaving Club is finally getting a new clubhouse—and it’s a fantastic win for our region! The $1.5 million project is expected to be completed in just a few months, and I look forward to celebrating the grand opening with the entire Ellis Beach community.
26. Investing in Restoring Safety in Far North Queensland
Attending the Crime Rally earlier in the year was another highlight and showcased the need for us to do more for our region. I will continue to fight to restore safety to our streets and our homes every single day. Numbers are slowly going down across our region but we are not celebrating yet.
More than 1,100 offenders, including 302 youth have now been charged during the crime crackdown in Far North Queensland. The blue line has been boosted with 105 new police recruits in the Far North, including nearly 50 in the Cairns region, in the past year. We have also delivered Polair and the State Flying Squad to our region.
27. Jack’s Law
We have also invested in more wandings with the passing of Jack’s Law. Police have performed more than 4,600 in total, resulting in the seizure of 48 weapons in Cairns alone.
28. Sporting and Organisation Grants
Many of the clubs and organisations in the Barron River have received Community and Disaster and Recovery Grants this year to better their facilities, purchase new equipment and assist with marketing. These include Pace Project, Marlin Coast Rangers, Stratford Dolphins Football Club, Marlin Coast Bowls Club, Freshwater Tennis Club, Cairns & District Pickleball Club Inc, Cairns Pirates Touch Football Association Inc, Cairns Baseball League Inc, Cairns Hindu Samaj Inc and Cake Wake Park, plus many more.
29. Small Business and Skilling Queenslanders Grants
In addition to clubs in the Barron River, 18 small businesses also received support through the Small Business Grants program including MoJo’z Espresso, Cairns Mountain Bike Club and All Marine Charters. In addition to these grants, several local businesses, such as Marlin Coast Neighbourhood centre, have received grants to assist in upskilling Queenslanders.
30. Funding for FNQ Arts and Culture
Far North Queensland’s arts and cultural sector have received a major boost, with three leading local organisations set to share in more than $2.4 million through the Organisations Fund 2026–29. This includes the wonderful JUTE Theatre Company.
31. Hamilton Island Bound
On the tourism front, I am very excited that from 3 November 2025, Cairns-based airline East Air will launch year-round passenger services between Cairns and Hamilton Island, linking two Great Barrier Reef gateways in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. I am pleased to have been part of the conversation and to connect East Air with Cairns Airport and Hamilton Island Airport.
32. Life Saving Technology
Another exciting announcement I am shared earlier this year is that around 100 new ZOLL X-Series defibrillators have been delivered to Far North Queensland, with 97% of local paramedics already trained in their use.
33. Safe Precincts Coming to Cairns
Small and family businesses across Cairns will soon see stronger protections against crime, thanks to the Crisafulli Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program. As part of the first round of funding, 42 safety upgrade projects are being rolled out across Queensland—35 of which are in regional areas, including Cairns. These projects are designed to prevent crime before it happens, with $9.6 million being invested in upgrades such as CCTV, alarm systems, lighting, fencing, and bollards to protect local businesses.
34. Funding for JCU Dental
Just this week Queensland Health confirmed $800,000 in funding for JCU Dental which is something I, Terry James, MP and David Kempton, MP worked together to advocate for. I’m so pleased that this funding was secured so this essential program can continue.
35. Water Security Project Reaches Halfway
It’s also great to share that the $472 million Cairns Water Security Stage 1 project has reached the halfway mark, a major milestone in securing a safe and reliable water supply for the region’s growing population and thriving tourism industry. This project is jointly funded by all three levels of government – Federal, State and Local. Together we are delivering a project that is absolutely vital to the people and industry of Cairns.
36. Daniel’s Law
One of the most recent laws to pass is Daniel’s Law, named after Daniel Morcombe and delivering transparency, accountability, and most importantly, protection. For more than a decade, the Morcombe family tirelessly called for action on a public register for child sex offenders. While previous governments failed to act, we made it a priority in our very first year. It gives parents and communities the right to know when those who have committed the most serious crimes against children are living nearby.
I am also incredibly proud to represent the people of Barron River in Parliament during the year. For far I have spoken in Parliament over 25 times and look forward to continuing to share my take for our region. I want to also thank the schools, clubs and organisations in Far North Queensland for the many invitations to attend events over this past year.
There have been plenty of ceremonies, festivals, awards presentations, openings and sporting events that I have loved being a part of and I was also awarded an Honorary Scout and the State Patron for the Young LNP.
As the Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland I’ve also have had the opportunity to travel across Australia from the Torres Straight to Rockhampton, Townsville, Roma, Cooktown and Hamilton Island. I look forward to these trips but there’s no place like home, FNQ.
It’s an honour to be the voice for our region, working tirelessly to ensure that our unique Far North Queensland communities are heard and supported at every level of government. Together we’ve built momentum that makes Barron River stronger, safer and more connected. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and even more excited about what’s next.
