Report highlights need for change in Cape York

A REPORT into the economic future of Cape York’s key industries highlights the lack of understanding the state and federal governments have of the needs of regional communities, Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says.
Mr Entsch said the “Our Sustainable Futures” report, which was outlined at a forum held in Laura by Cape York Sustainable Futures (CYSF), demonstrated the despair felt by indigenous communities, landholders, business owners and tourism operators towards the economic outlook of the region.
But it also reflected the drive and determination of Cape York businesses and communities, he said.
“I commend the CYSF for initiating this report and forum,” Mr Entsch said.
“This is a group of civic-minded Cape York-based individuals who have to overcome obstacles put in their way by a government out of touch and controlled and effectively owned by southern-based environmental groups who have their own narrow interests. The CYSF are working bloody hard to get their voices heard.”
People who responded to the survey, conducted to independent research firm Dynamic Exchange, said they were dissatisfied at the governments’ misrepresentation of their needs, the lack of co-operation and consultation regarding decisions directly affecting Cape York and its interference in projects and initiatives in the region.
“The findings of the report are loud and clear – Cape York people are sick of being trodden on by a government that either ignores their needs or makes decisions about their lives without consulting them,” he said.
“We’ve seen this with the introduction of the Wild Rivers legislation and the push to make Cape York a World Heritage area. These are policies imposed on people without their say.”
The report also suggested the level of discontent among Cape York residents was so high on the entropy scale it “could lead to riots, civil obedience and social unrest”.
“This level of disillusionment is alarming but the CYSF is addressing this issue to ensure such problems don’t occur,” Mr Entsch said.
He said Cape York residents had an opportunity to at this month’s state election.
“The current State Government has obviously failed the people of Cape York,” he said.
“They have stifled too many economic opportunities in this rich region by imposing restrictions and legislation that is designed to appease green groups, rather than benefit the people who live on this land.
“A change in government will lead to a more certain future for residents and businesses on Cape York.”