A SIGNIFICANT step forward has been taken in the quest for power in the Daintree with the news that the Federal member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has secured a commitment from Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg MP to visit the Daintree Coast in early 2017.

“I've been trying to get a Federal Minister on the ground for a long time, but because of the portfolio responsibilities we would have needed both the Energy and the Environment Ministers to come up, which is a challenge to coordinate,” Mr Entsch said.

And Russell O’Doherty, Chair of the Daintree Rainforest Power Committee, said he was delighted when he heard the news.

“This is a huge step forward. To get a Federal minister up here is a bonus. This is a breakthrough and I believe we are on track for something positive to occur,” O’Doherty told Newsport today.

But O’Doherty was critical of the Queensland State Government who have taken no interest in what is a major issue for the Daintree.
“They have done nothing for us; we are hard pressed to get a response from our correspondence and it is ironic the state government is prepared to spend money in areas which already have good power, but ignore us,” he said.

Entsch said successive State Governments have proven they have no interest in addressing this issue and the petty excuses and blame shifting has gone on long enough.

“I'm pleased the Federal Minister has indicated he's prepared to show leadership that has been sadly lacking at the state level for decades.”
Entsch, meanwhile, said the planets are now aligning. “We've got a very enthusiastic Environment Minister with responsibility for the energy portfolio as well.

“I've spoken to him before about the electricity situation faced by Daintree Coast community and he's expressed great sympathy for the plight of its residents and businesses.