‘Uncooked’: Far North MP questions LNP election promise

The LNP’s candidate for Barron River Bree James has committed $2m to upgrade community halls damaged during Tropical Cyclone Jasper in Barron River, if elected next month.

LNP candidate for Barron River Bree James on the Western Arterial Road at Caravonica. Picture: Brendan Radke

The LNP’s candidate for Barron River Bree James has committed $2m to upgrade community halls damaged during Tropical Cyclone Jasper in Barron River, if elected next month.

But incumbent Craig Crawford has blasted the election pledge as an “uncooked, pluck-a-figure-from-the-sky, empty promise” from the Coalition contender.

Six major halls were impacted by the December flood and in need of significant repairs and upgrades, Ms James said.

“This investment will allow for upgrades at Machans Beach Hall, the Stratford Bowls Club House, the Holloways Beach Community Hall, Yorkeys Knob Community Hall, Koah Hall and Kuranda Hall so they are available and safe for community members in their time of greatest need,” Ms James said.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford. Picture: Brendan Radke

The true cost to upgrade the damaged venues would likely be far greater than $2m, Mr Crawford said.

“I’ll support efforts to repair and refurbish any hall that needs it in our electorate,” the Far North MP said.

“I have my own election commitment specifically for Machans Beach Hall of $250,000 for them to use as they wish on upgrades because it is community owned.”

Mr Crawford said the price tag on the construction of another community building, recently revealed why $2m wasn’t enough.

“I secured almost $1 million in state funds to help council to build the new $1.83m Trinity Beach Community Activity Space at Coastwatchers Park,” he said.

“That $1.83m shows the true cost for just one hall.

“It also shows the LNP promise is just a sugar hit that falls way short of reality.”

Secretary of the Barron River Recovery Group, Jo Piggott, welcomed the LNP’s announcement and said it would allow community groups, volunteers and emergency workers to support residents when they had been devastated by natural disasters.

“We desperately need this investment in our communities,” Ms Piggott said.

Originally published as ‘Uncooked’: Far North MP questions LNP election promise