On top of my election commitments, there have been many other projects that I have delivered.
- A $58 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway from four to six lanes between Robert Road and Foster Road. The upgrade also includes wide centrelines, new turning lanes, and better lighting along five kilometres of the highway between Gordonvale and Edmonton. This is a game change for the 36 thousand motorists who use the Cairns Southern Access daily, as well as freight and tourism operators.
- A $24 million Australian Defence contract awarded to Austal to provide support services for the existing Pacific-class and new Pacific Patrol Boats for an initial seven years in Cairns. Support services will start early 2018. Together with the Cairns Marine Precinct upgrade this will cement our city as the major hub for marine maintenance and sustainment in Northern Australia.
- The $24.5 million construction of Saibai Island’s Seawalls in the Torres Strait. The much needed seawalls, which I officially opened in July this year, helps protect homes and critical infrastructure, such as the school and airstrip, from storm surges and king tides.
- $12 million for the creation of a new AFL Cape York House for Girls. This will support young Indigenous women to reach their full potential and secure their future in Far North Queensland.
- $10 million towards construction of the Cairns Innovation Centre at James Cook University (JCU). A decision on when building will commence is up to JCU
- $10 million secured funding for construction of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, which will create jobs, increase entertainment options, and help create a cultural precinct in the CBD.
- $4.4 million towards the construction of an $8.8 million Spinal Life and Healthy Living Centre in Cairns North. The centre will include supported transitional, respite and holiday accommodation, a full suite of specialised allied health services, a hydrotherapy pool, and a gymnasium.
- $2.4 million for a Mookai Rosie project to address family violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children in Cairns and Cape York.
- $2 million for the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (PHN) to continue essential GP services and reduce pressure on Mareeba Hospital’s Emergency Department.
- Almost $1.6 million towards the construction of the Mapoon Accommodation project at Westcourt, which will provide 8 critically needed units with a central BBQ/outdoor area for visiting workers and service delivery agencies.
- $1.125 million towards a Douglas Shire Council project to renew the Noah Creek Bridge at Cape Tribulation
- Almost $1 million for the establishment of a Reef and Rainforest education centre at the Cairns Aquarium. This will help bring more tourists and jobs to our region, and teach visitors about the Great Barrier Reef.
- $601,000 for Hudson Machinery Hire in Kowanyama. The money will allow the local Aboriginal business to purchase a grader, water truck and solid drum roller to improve its chances of winning road maintenance contracts across Cape York, train and employ young local men and women, and better prepare the community for cyclone season.
- $300,000 for the Cooktown Medical Centre to carry out extensions, upgrade medical facilities, employ a registrar from JCU, and provide space for health and allied services.
- A total of almost $150,000 for a variety of FNQ community projects under the Stronger Communities program. Successful recipients include the Cairns RSL Sub-Branch, and the Cairns and Marlin Coast Mens Sheds.