Cairns and Far North Queensland beauty, its people and locations to be showcased in the annual Leichhardt Community Calendar Competition

The Leichhardt electorate boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Australia. From sunflower fields in Cairns to the turquoise coral cays of the Torres Strait and everywhere in between. Combine that with our vibrant communities, local characters and huge variety of tropical species and it’s clear that local photographers seeking inspiration are spoiled for…

Funding delivered to reduce natural disaster risk and to build resilience in Cairns and Far North Queensland

The Australian Government is reducing the risk and minimising the impact to communities of large-scale natural disasters like floods, bushfires and cyclones across Far North Queensland by investing $6.2 million to fund six projects under the Preparing Australian Communities Program. The Preparing Australian Communities Program is an investment by the Australian Government of $600 million over…

Royal Flying Doctor Service to receive funding boost under new partnership

The Morrison Government and the Royal Flying Doctor Service will enter into a record 10-year strategic partnership, worth nearly $1 billion, to provide more certainty for remote patients who rely on the critical aeromedical service. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said this historic partnership will provide long-term security to enable this iconic Australian rural and…

Remote airstrip funding landing soon

The Australian Government has released guidelines for round nine of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program which aims to enhances the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote and very remote areas of Australia. Eligible owners or operators of existing aerodromes in remote or very remote areas of Australia can apply for a grant of between…

Funding to help the Torres Strait community remember those who served

The Australian Government will provide the Torres Shire Council $139,487 under the Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants program to help preserve our wartime heritage. Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the funding for the Torres Shire Council’s project ensures the ongoing recognition of our Australian servicemen and women, particularly those in the Torres Strait. He…

Biosecurity plan for Torres Strait communities

A $312,475 grant has been awarded to the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) to create a plan for waste and material biosecurity management for its local government area. Federal Agriculture and Northern Australia Minister David Littleproud said the grant would improve biosecurity management in the area and boost Indigenous employment. “The TSIRC represents 15…

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Mr ENTSCH: I rise this afternoon to pay tribute to the amazing health professionals who are getting on with the job of ensuring that those living in Cape York communities are receiving their COVID-19 vaccines. So far, residents living in Bamaga, Coen, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Aurukun, Pormpuraaw and Weipa have had access to their first…

Coming of the Light

Mr ENTSCH: During the recent winter break, I had the absolute pleasure to attend the 150th anniversary of the Coming of the Light celebrations on Erub Island. Coming of the Light recognises the adaptation of Christianity throughout the Torres Strait during the late 19th century. The day of celebration and joy means so much to…

Innovative microgrids to boost economic growth in Cape York and Torres Strait communities

The Morrison Government is continuing to support the supply of secure, reliable and affordable power for regional and remote communities to drive economic growth and help them get ahead. The Morrison Government is committing $25.6 million to back 20 microgrid feasibility studies under Round Two of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund. This includes…