Government delivers for local roads

THE Australian Government has delivered on its $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery programme, a key funding stream that benefits road users all around Leichhardt, says Federal MP Warren Entsch. “The Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill 2014 passed the Senate last week and as a result, councils across Leichhardt will get their first payments this month…

Protecting Green Island’s dugongs and turtles

The Australian Government will invest in a new Indigenous ranger team and the development of a cultural heritage management strategy to better protect dugongs and turtles around Green Island, off Queensland’s Far North Coast. Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, and the Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, said today the investment would protect turtles and…

Entsch welcomes opening of the Jones Park Rugby League Ground

FUTURE rugby league stars from far north Queensland have new facilities to help hone their skills, with today’s opening of the upgraded Jones Park Rugby League Grounds in Cairns. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Australian Government provided more than $3.5 million in funding for the $3.95…

Mental Health support partnership launched

A CLUB to support local people impacted by long-term mental illness is being launched today in Cairns, based on the experience and success of similar groups in 34 countries. The Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland (MIFNQ) together with a Cairns-based committee chaired by Supreme Court Judge Justice Jim Henry, is establishing a Clubhouse based…

Employees to be given greater options with IFAs

FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has argued for greater flexibility of employment arrangements and a review of penalty rates that are crippling small businesses in the Far North. Speaking in Parliament on the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014, Mr Entsch said it was imperative to reduce the Far North’s unacceptably high levels of business…

NBN rollout continues in Cairns

MORE than 5000 households and businesses in Cairns are a step closer to getting access to the National Broadband Network. Build preparation work is now underway in the suburbs of Manoora, Whitfield and Edge Hill, which will enable the NBN to pass around 2800 premises. Work will be visible in streets as pre-construction activity begins,…

Cairns seniors fit the digital profile

A NEW online account feature that allows Centrelink customers to update their income and asset details online means even more convenience for Cairns seniors. Minister for Human Services Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Federal Member for Leichhardt the Hon Warren Entsch today visited the Cairns one-stop shop to meet with staff and observe digital service…

More support for patients with prostate cancer

THE Cairns area is receiving funding for a specialist prostate cancer nurse to provide support for patients, their families and carers. Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch MP said prostate cancer was the most common form of cancer affecting Australian men (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers), with 19,821 men diagnosed in 2010. “The good news is that…

Time to retune as digital TV rollout completes

LOCALS are urged to familiarise themselves with retuning their TVs as the final step in Australia’s move to digital television takes place in Leichhardt from the middle of August. “The relocation of digital television services across Australia is well underway and involves moving some or all digital television services at over 400 transmission sites nationally…

Have your say on National Landcare Programme

THE Australian Government will hit the road in August to talk to Australian communities about getting involved in the National Landcare Programme. Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said that from 4 August, community information sessions would be held in capital cities and regional centres across the country telling people about the opportunities on offer…