Consultation open for Royal Commission

Veterans and their families, ex-service organisations, states and territories, peak bodies and other interested stakeholders are being encouraged to provide their input for the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide announced this week. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said it was vital Cairns and Far North Queensland residents involved…

Improved digital connectivity for Aurukun and Napranum

People living and working in Aurukun and Napranum can now look forward to new and improved telecommunications services thanks to the Morrison Government’s Regional Connectivity Program. The $90 million program is delivering 81 place-based digital connectivity solutions in regional Australia through a range of mobile and broadband services. The $289,638 project in Aurukun will see…

Land secured for Cairns University Hospital project

The Cairns University Hospital and health innovation precinct is one step closer following an agreement between James Cook University and landowners to purchase land required for the project. The financial aspects of the sale are subject to confidentiality agreements. The Morrison Government announced $60 million towards establishing the Cairns University Hospital in 2019 in partnership…

Lowering energy costs for community groups in Leichhardt

Community groups across Leichhardt will be supported by a new Morrison Government program to lower energy costs, support local jobs and help reduce global emissions. The Powering Communities Program will fund up to 12 projects worth a total of $67,700 in each electorate. The Powering Communities Program will help community groups across Leichhardt get control…

Government backs traditional owners on reef protection

The Australian Government is placing Indigenous knowledge at the centre of efforts to boost water quality, tackle crown-of-thorns starfish and care for wetland habitats. Twenty-five new projects totalling $4.9 million support management of Country and protect culturally significant areas across the Great Barrier Reef and provide employment and training for Traditional Owners, Federal Environment Minister…

Kuranda Tourism

Mr ENTSCH: Kuranda is a small community of around 4500 people located about 30 kilometres directly west of Cairns via the Kuranda Range. The Kuranda economy is heavily reliant on domestic and international tourism and the self-drive market that feeds into that tourism. It has been absolutely decimated by the ongoing effects of the pandemic.…