Vocal Local join our online debate be a

Last week we asked you if Yolonde Entsch can beat sitting Cairns MP Michael Healy and how? Here are some of your comments.

To answer this week’s question.

Of course, Yolonde Entsch can beat Michael Healy. The people of Cairns are long overdue for someone to advocate for us. Someone who will listen and act. Healy has done neither. Let’s get behind Yolonde, who will empower the community and ensure we are being listened to.

Tanya, Cairns

It will be a tough battle as Cairns is traditionally a Labor seat. However, Yolonde is well known in the community and has done a lot of good work. Plus she has the experience of long-time campaigner, Federal MP and her husband Warren. She is starting early too, so has a good chance.

John, Manoora here, but know that your efforts have been felt by the saltmarsh and mangrove habitats throughout the Wet Tropics region.

Thank you for being their voice.

Lucy Graham, director of Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC)

Protesting against coal mine funding

CAIRNS community members and supporters of Move Beyond Coal group took part in 10 Days of Action as one of 50-plus events across Australia demanding NAB stop funding climate wrecking coal mines.

The group flooded NAB’s Lake St branch (pictured right) on Friday, March 31, with stories, voices, people, feedback and songs for half an hour, giving NAB’s CEO Ross McEwan a clear choice: rule out further funding for Whitehaven Coal or continue to face sustained, community pressure disrupting branch operations. We flooded our local

NAB branch today because NAB’s ongoing relationship with Whitehaven Coal is deeply hypocritical and incompatible with their own climate commitments and a safe climate future.

We all want our communities and

Help plan the city’s future

We all love Cairns, and it is growing. How do we balance future population growth with protecting what makes Cairns special?

This question and others will be explored at the Towards 2050 Summit in Cairns on Saturday 6 May.

Council wants 80 residents from all walks of life to take part in the summit. You don’t need any special skills or prior knowledge, just a passion for Cairns and a willingness to share your opinions. If you are a local aged 16 and over, you are the right person to take part!

Scan the QR code to find out more and register your interest or phone 4044 3061.

Yolonde will pick up the LNP vote as well as those of many women. Voters will probably want someone a bit younger and vibrant representing Cairns in Brisbane and not be the voice of George St in Abbott St. She has a good chance, so good luck to her.

Dorothy, Edge Hill

The Palaszczuk government, particular Premier Annastacia, has become arrogant and aloof. They are not representing the people and only care about the southeast corner of the state.

Peter, Gordonvale

Michael Healy has done a pretty good job and as Cairns is a longtime Labor town it won’t be easy.

Bob, Manunda the natural world to survive and thrive for generations to come.

The coal we keep in the ground today will protect lives, livelihoods and nature for generations to come.

Renee Lees, Move Beyond Coal local campaigner, Cairns

Improvement works

Improvement works

required.

Casuarina St, Holloways Beach: Beach sand nourishment between Oleander St and Poinsettia St from Wednesday 12 April.

Evans St, Yorkeys Knob: water main works between Sims Esp & Varley St commencing 6 March. Expect temporary road closures. Oleander St, Holloways Beach: pavement rehabilitation works commencing 6 March. Expect temporary road and lane closures with detours.

Graham St, Edmonton: Water main replacement. Traffic control and lane closures.

McLeod St, Cairns City: Water main replacement between Aplin St and Florence St. Lane closures.

Spence St at McLeod St intersection, Cairns City: traffic light works commencing 6 March. Expect temporary lane closures. Grafton St at Florence St intersection, Cairns City: traffic light works commencing 6 March 2023. Expect temporary lane closures.

McGregor Rd, Smithfield: Bus stop upgrade near Smithfield Village Dr. Temporary lane closures.

Arthur St at McLeod St intersection, Cairns City: culvert renewal works. Expect temporary lane closures and traffic control.