Today I want to take a moment to recognise some great people in my community, without them, Far North Queensland simply wouldn’t be what it is.
As it’s Small Business Month, it’s only fitting that we start with the incredible small businesses, tourism operators and community clubs that keep our region thriving.
Freshwater Tennis Club is about to celebrate an incredible 70 years.
Marsh Butchery in Stratford-100 years of service.
Rainforestation Nature Park turns 50 this year, and Bransford’s Tackle Shop at Clifton Beach recently clocked up 32 years.
So a huge congratulations these businesses- and every small business owner across my region who puts in the early mornings, the late nights, and everything in between.
One of the highlights for me last month was watching a dream finally become a reality.
Minister Powell and I travelled to Green Island for the official sod turn on the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Jenny has been waiting 15 years for this moment-yes 15 years.
And under our Government, that dream is finally becoming a reality.
And speaking of passion and dedication-we have some incredible young people in our region.
Scarlett Jean from Trinity Anglican School- just 11 years old- has already raised nearly $5,000 for turtle research.
I met Scarlett last week, and I can tell you-she’s an absolute superstar.
Then we have Samuel Chesters, proudly representing Barron River in Youth Parliament as he finishes his final year of school. A fantastic achievement.
And tonight we’re joined by Year 12 students from Redlynch State College – Kya, Holly, Grace and Audrey- welcome. It’s great to have you here
This week, the Australian Government has confirmed an additional contribution to the upgrade of the Cairns Western Arterial Road.
The Crisafulli LNP Government has already backed this with $54 million dollars as part of our 2032 Delivery Plan, to be fast tracked for the 2032 Olympics.
This project will finally deliver duplication of the remaining sections of the Western Arterial, easing congestion and improving safety.
Another big win this week has been progress on the Cairns Airport bus. I want to thank the Minister for listening and I want to thank every single person who filled out the survey.
96 percent support this service and I’ll keep pushing to make sure it becomes a reality.
We’re also starting to see real progress in health.
As construction begins on the Cairns Hospital expansion, we’re already delivering outcomes.
A constituent told me she had been on the elective surgery waitlist for a significant time, after contacting my office, her knee replacement was fast-tracked and she is now at home recovering.
We are clearing the health waitlist backlog left by Labor calmly and methodically.
And finally- another project that should have been done years ago.
Construction has now officially started on the $31.9 million Queensland Ambulance Service Triple Zero Operations Centre in Cairns.
This project was first announced in 2017, with promises it would be finished by 2020.
But nothing happened.
No progress. No construction. Just delay after delay.
Meeting with Brina and her team at QAS made it clear just how much this facility means, not just for them, but for the entire region. Thanks to the Minister for Health for making sure this facility happens.
Now, these stories might seem small but together, they tell a bigger story.
A story of progress.
A story of delivery.
A story of a government that is focused on getting things done.
We are working hard to clean up the mess we were left and yes, it’s a big job.
But we are not a government that backs down.
We are a government that rolls up its sleeves, digs deep and delivers for Far North Queensland.
