Far North MPs secure special Regional Cabinet meeting for Cairns

Published Wednesday, 19 February, 2020 at 11:49 AM

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

The Premier has today announced she will be taking her Cabinet to Cairns to continue the government’s focus on building the jobs and infrastructure for the future Tropical North.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Parliament Cairns would host a special Regional Cabinet meeting in April to focus on jobs and infrastructure for Far North Queensland as well as the region’s recovery from the Coronavirus crisis.

“My government is absolutely focussed on building the infrastructure that Cairns and the far north region require and building upon our already solid record of creating and sustaining jobs,” the Premier said.

“Projects my government has undertaken and continues to build – like the Smithfield Bypass, the Cairns Convention Centre upgrade, the Cairns Shipping Development Project and the new mental health facility and operating theatre at Cairns Hospital – have created thousands of jobs.

“We know there is more to do and we are getting on with the job.

“Similarly, we are determined to help Cairns business through the Coronavirus crisis and that’s why yesterday I announced a $27 million Coronavirus recovery package for the state with a strong focus on the Tropical North and today I’m looking forward to meeting with the Cairns TNQ Convoy at Parliament House to further discuss the region’s needs.

“Jobs and economic development are at the heart of everything my Government does and the response to the coronavirus crisis is no different.

“I want to thank the Member for Cairns Michael Healy, Member for Barron River Craig Crawford, Member for Cook Cynthia Lui and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt who are constantly in my ear about the Far North’s needs.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said it was an important time to focus on the region.

“I’m grateful the Premier has agreed to bring the Cabinet to Cairns which will bring further focus to the region,” he said.

“It’s comes at a really important time as we try to recover from the tourism downturn from Coronavirus impact.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said it’s a great opportunity for the region to have the ear of the entire Queensland Cabinet at one time.

“We know that to support tourism growth and the wider Tropical North economy, there needs to be growth in infrastructure,” he said.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Palaszczuk Government already had runs on the board with $967 million committed in the last budget on infrastructure and capital works.

“I know the Cairns TNQ Convoy has a further budget wish list which I’m keen to hear,” Ms Lui said.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the Cabinet meeting comes at an extremely important time.

“The attention and outcomes of regional Cabinet meetings are always crucial to local communities, especially at times like this as we aim to recover from the tourism downturn from Coronavirus impact,” Mr Pitt said.

ENDS

Media contact:

Zoe Russell - 0439 982 347