Cairns advocacy groups congratulate incoming MP, call for more funding

Far North leaders have cast their eyes’ ahead following Labor’s big win in Leichhardt with Matt Smith to be called on to deliver hundreds of millions in funding to kickstart the region’s crippled economy.

ALP candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith and his partner Renee Kerr are congratulated by supporters at the post election party, held at the Novotel, as the vote count looks increasingly likely he will win the seat from retiring Member of parliament Warren Entsch. Picture: Brendan Radke

Far North leaders have cast their eyes’ ahead following Labor’s big win in Leichhardt with Matt Smith to be called on to deliver hundreds of millions in new funding and kickstart the region’s crippled economy.

Warren Entsch’s successor will have little time to waste with the ALP urged to commit more than the $765m already promised to the electorate to a variety of major projects, including in housing, infrastructure and tourism.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden says her council will keep lobbying the federal government to back its $450m Secuing Cairns’ Housing Foundations project. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns Regional Council mayor Amy Eden said the city would keep lobbying for $150m in federal funding to build more infrastructure while seeking investment in other projects.

“(The) council has been clear about the priorities that matter for our growing region,” Ms Eden said.

“From unlocking housing in the Mt Peter growth corridor, to delivering a High Performance Centre at Barlow Park, and improving much-loved spaces like Muddy’s Playground and the Red Arrow.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen commended both major parties for committing to key projects prior to the election. Picture: Brendan Radke

Bipartisan support had ensured multiple projects would go ahead regardless of who won prior to the election, Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) chief executive Mark Olsen said, adding that several advocacy priorities had yet to be ticked off by Labor.

“The tourism industry employs one in five in our region and we welcome commitments from both parties to Cairns water security, the NQ Cowboys high performance centre, Central Queensland University and the Barron River Bridge,” Mr Olsen said.

“The Great Barrier Reef is the number one natural attraction for Australia, so we are pleased to see the ALP commit to the Reef Educational Experience Fund which included marketing funds. They also included vital road upgrades for the Kennedy Developmental Road and the Kuranda Range Road.

“We hope that there is bipartisan support for the Coalition’s commitment to support southern corridor infrastructure upgrades as well as the key sporting and education commitments that underpin our position as Australia’s leading sport tourism destination.”

Advance Cairns chief executive, Jacinta Reddan, says the region is best served when all levels of government work together collaboratively. Picture: Brendan Radke

Advance Cairns chief executive Jacinta Reddan said it was important Mr Smith now worked collaboratively across levels of government to advocate for the region.

“It is important the region is heard loud and clear and that the needs of Far North Queensland are understood and acted on,” Ms Reddan said.

“Part of our success as a rural and remote region is our ability to advocate collectively and we hope that this would continue with the support of the new Member for Leichhardt.”

Mr Smith is expected to travel to Weipa this week to attend the Western Cape York Symposium.

Originally published as Cairns advocacy groups congratulate incoming MP, call for more funding