10 May 2023

ALP candidate promises disaster prevention funding

| Matt Nicholls
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LABOR’S candidate for Leichhardt has announced a string of small funding promises for projects around Cape York in the lead-up to the election.

With less than two months to go until the expected polling date, candidates are now starting to make their policies known for the large electorate.

In a statement, Ms Faith said an Anthony Albanese-led Labor government would “improve Far North Queensland’s disaster readiness”.

The funding promise included projects at Cooktown, Mapoon and Kowanyama.

On the west coast, she said Labor would contribute $479,381 towards the construction of a rock wall on the north side of the Cullen Point Barge Ramp in Mapoon.

“This rock wall will ensure the barge ramp withstands severe weather and can be used in emergency evacuations if a cyclone threatens the Mapoon community,” Ms Faith said.

At Kowanyama, the Labor hopeful promised $420,444 to build six concrete causeways in the Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire.

“This project will ensure year-round access to the South Mitchell River and Gulf of Carpentaria,” she said.

Labor would also contribute a quarter of a million dollars to an access bridge over the Endeavour River near Cooktown.

“We will contribute $250,000 to upgrade the pedestrian access bridge that crosses the southern side of the Endeavour River near Cooktown,” Ms Faith said.

“The current suspension bridge was built over 25 years ago, is in disrepair and is the only direct access to Cooktown for many local residents during the wet season.

“These projects are critical pieces of infrastructure to future-proof the Far North.

“They have been developed in consultation with the Queensland government and local governments.”

“These projects will be funded through Labor’s Disaster Ready Fund.”

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