One year ago, I became your elected Member of Parliament. But truth be told, my journey didn’t start on election day. It started more than 13 months before that — the moment I decided to put my hand up.
I ran because Cairns was hurting. Because families, small businesses, and local communities were being left behind. And because I couldn’t sit back on the sidelines any longer.
You can either complain, or you can campaign and I chose to campaign.
From that moment, I started fighting for Far North Queensland, for the bridge we needed, for the bike park we deserved, and for every forgotten corner of our region.
I met with flood-impacted communities, small business owners doing it tough, tourism operators struggling to rebuild, and community halls that had fallen off the radar. I walked through schools with broken fences, mouldy OSCH facilities, and no playgrounds. I met with sports clubs that still didn’t have proper facilities for female players.
That’s when I knew: FNQ needed a stronger voice. And today, just twelve months on, I’m proud to say that voice is being heard.
Delivering for Far North Queensland
It’s only been one year, but already, the progress is real — and it’s visible.
Better Schools for Our Kids
At Trinity Beach State School, years of advocacy have finally paid off. After five years of waiting, a brand-new fence will be delivered by 2026 — a project I fought hard to secure. Across other schools, new nature playgrounds and tuckshops are already on the ground, giving our students the facilities they deserve.
Supporting Our Community Halls
Five much-loved local halls across our region — all impacted by the Jasper floods — will be upgraded in 2026. A total of $2 million in funding will flow, with $667,000 allocated in 2025–26 to get work underway. That includes Machans Beach Hall, Stratford Bowls Club, Holloways Beach Community Hall, Yorkeys Knob Community Hall, Koah Hall and Kuranda Hall. These are the beating hearts of our communities — and they’re finally getting the attention they deserve.
Building Homes and Opportunities
Together with Minister O’Connor, I was proud to break ground on the first ever Cairns Youth Foyer, the fourth in Queensland. It will provide 40 units of self-contained accommodation for young people who need a safe, affordable place to live while they study or start work.
Statewide, the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund has unlocked more than 90,000 homes across Queensland — helping ensure every young Queenslander has a roof over their head and a future to look forward to.
Safer Streets, Stronger Communities
When I first took office, one of the biggest concerns I heard was crime. Twelve months ago, many residents told me they felt unsafe — afraid of break-ins, car theft, and home invasions. Parents were anxious; streets were on alert. It was real, and I felt it too.
But one year on, something is changing.
People tell me they’re starting to feel safer. The fear that once filled our neighbourhoods is easing — not gone, but easing — and that matters.
The data backs it up:
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Victim numbers are down 10.8% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same time last year.
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Overall crime is down 2% over the same period.
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Queensland Police have arrested 27 serious repeat offenders on 232 charges in just the first five weeks of the current crackdown.
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One in three serious repeat offenders in the Far North have now been taken off the streets.
One of those arrested was among Queensland’s most wanted youth offenders — responsible for a wave of home break-ins across Cairns. That arrest alone shows what targeted, consistent enforcement can achieve.
Yes, crime is down. But it’s not down enough — and we won’t stop until every family in Far North Queensland feels safe in their own home.
Projects to Come
While I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, I’m even more excited for what’s ahead.
The new Barron River Bridge is on track for completion in 2031 — a vital piece of infrastructure that will strengthen our transport network and support regional growth.
The Smithfield Mountain Bike Park — a project close to my heart — will be completed by 2028, cementing our place as a global destination for adventure tourism and outdoor recreation.
We’re also moving ahead with upgrades to Barlow Park, a new turtle rehabilitation unit on Green Island, and continued funding for the highly successful Yellow Ant eradication program — protecting our environment and our tourism future.
And that’s just the beginning.
We’ll keep pushing for:
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Better sporting facilities
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Better tourism opportunities
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Better health infrastructure
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More support for small businesses, community organisations, schools, families, and the next generation
Because Far North Queensland deserves nothing less.
A year ago, I promised to fight for Far North Queensland — and I meant it.
I’m proud to represent this community. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. And I’m proud to be part of a government that doesn’t believe the “F” in FNQ stands for Forgotten.
Today, it stands for Flourish.
Far North Queensland is being seen.
It’s being heard.
And it’s being delivered for — every single day.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey so far. There’s still plenty more to come!
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