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Community Cabinet delivers huge boost for Far North
supplied by Office of Member for Cook 29 May 2014
T
he Far North is set to reap the benefits of the State Government’s two-day Community Cabinet (above) in Cooktown, with the a string of welcome announcements made over the weekend. David Kempton, Member for Cook, said more than $9 million of combined funding had been promised for the Cooktown and Cape regions in vital areas such as health and infrastructure. “We have committed $3.8 million to reinstate the birthing service at Cooktown hospital, $4.1 million to create a vibrant new esplanade for the town and more than $1 million to widen and upgrade the almost two kilometre road linking Napranum to the Peninsular Development Road and Weipa,” he said. “For too long regional towns like Cooktown, and the surrounding communities in the Cape, have been
the forgotten ones when it comes to vital, essential services like health,” he said. “I promised to be a strong local voice in the State for my constituents and I am thrilled the Government has responded in this way, I have lobbied hard and will continue to fight for the outcomes the people of Cook deserve.” Mr Kempton said the new birthing suite would not just benefit Cooktown locals, but also people from Hopevale, Wujal Wujal, Laura and Lakeland. “This new service is long overdue, it will keep families together during such an emotional and important time,” he said. “I will be working very hard with the Minister and local board to set up a similar service in other centres in my electorate.” The esplanade redevelopment, funded through the Royalties for the Regions program will include the revamping of the wharf and construction of a rock wall to protect the Endeavour River from
erosion and provide a welcome tourism boost. “Cooktown has always had the potential to become a must-see destination particularly for fishing and outdoor recreation enthusiasts and I am confident a new look esplanade is key to that,” Mr Kempton said. Mr Kempton said important changes to vegetation management laws had also been discussed with workshops ongoing this week in Cooktown, Laura and Coen. “The significant benefits of the vegetation management reforms including the self-assessable codes are part of our commitment to encouraging a thriving agricultural industry in Queensland,” he said. “Without a doubt, the Far North is really beginning to see the benefits of this Government’s commitment to revitalise frontline services and reinvigorate the local economy. “I am proud to have played a part in it and will continue to fight for what this region rightly deserves.”
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