Member for Cook David Kempton has announced $23 million of state funding for infrastructure projects across the electorate ahead of the upcoming state election.

“I have the pleasure of announcing under the Royalties for the Regions program," Mr Kempton said.

"if re-elected Cook will receive a total of $23 million towards vital infrastructure projects.

“Mareeba airport is a vital link to the future of the region and this $13 million dollar upgrade couldn't come at a better time.

“When the LNP came into government there were no allocated funds to complete the job and I had to face up to the 

electorate and tell them the bad news.

“Not only has the LNP government funded the Mareeba airport upgrade, we are also funding stage one of the water treatment plant. 

“A win win. The revamped airport will be a huge boost to the regional economy creating jobs in construction, air training and maintenance and of course tourism. I am very pleased to have been a part of this exciting project.

The announcements also brings the total investment from the Royalties to the Regions program in the Cook electorate to $30 million.

“These upgrades are only possible if I’m re-elected and we have a strong LNP Government," Mr Kempton said.

“I’m working hard for the Cook Electorate and today’s announcement demonstrates I have a strong plan for the region.”

“Earlier this week the Premier promised to commit another $500 million over four years to the Royalties for the Regions 

program from the Strong Choices plan.” 

Mr Kempton said the following projects in the Cook electorate would be funded under Round 4 of the Royalties for the Regions program:

• Mareeba Airport Upgrade – $13 million will be spent to upgrade key infrastructure at the Mareeba Airport including the taxiway, runway and aviation precinct. This long-awaited upgrade will assist Mareeba to become an emergency response site in the event of cyclones and flooding and will create a hub for potential aviation and industry development resulting in new jobs for the region. 
• Mareeba Wastewater Treatment Plant - over $1 million will fund Stage one of the Mareeba Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. Works will involve the completion of a 1.1km duplicate rising main that will prevent overloading of the current system and will lead to lower nutrient loading of the Mitchell River catchment.
• Lockhart River Aerodrome Runway rehabilitation - Lockhart River Airport is a vital hub in the Cape York Peninsula transport network, and $5.6 million will go towards the repair and extension of its runway to allow the airport to remain operational for commercial and service flights including the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A fully-functioning airport will also boost tourism to the area by allowing more flights with further flexible scheduling and a wider variety of aircraft.
• Kowanyama Essential Services (Sewerage upgrade) - $188,000 will be provided for new control and pump systems for the community sewerage system. This will provide for more effective and efficient processing of sewage, with significant health benefits for the community. 
• Kowanyama Essential Services (Refuse Tip) - $91,000 will be invested to upgrade the Kowanyama landfill facility. The project will enable Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council to better manage the community’s refuse tip by providing facilities for separating recyclable items and cleaning regulated waste drums. It will also prevent access by scavengers such as rodents and wild dogs which will in-turn prevent windblown litter and reduce the risk of fire.
• Mosby Creek Bridge, Bamaga - $2.2 million will be spent to replace the existing bridge.  The bridge is currently single lane and was built with materials available at the time, but no longer meets current engineering standards. Tourists also use the road to access the tip of Cape York and this upgrade will improve safety and access. 

Mareeba Regional Council Mayor Tom Gilmore said the Mareeba Airport Upgrade would deliver a project that has been 

talked about for many years but until now had never eventuated.

“This project is one of the most significant opportunities we have in terms of spreading our economic base.  It will allow 

us to continue to build a future in aviation which will lift the skillset level for our community, increase employment 

opportunities, and provide a unique attraction to draw people into our community,” Cr Gilmore said.

“This is an opportunity for our community to grasp opportunities that that have been spoken about for many years and will allow us to grow what is becoming a considerable and unique aviation based estate.

“Our community has struggled with funding for this project, so this announcement is truly significant for our region.”