The State election is just around the corner and there are eight candidates officially vying for our seat of Cook. Over the next few weeks through a series of articles Newsport will introduce them.

Incumbent Labor MP Cynthia Lui is recontesting her seat of Cook at the 31 October State Election with the focus on building stronger communities across the hugely diverse electorate.

Ms Lui, who made history as the first Torres Strait Islander elected to parliament in 2017, has a background working in health, child protection and family support services throughout Far North Queensland and is passionate about helping to close the gap in education and health.

Having grown up in one of the most remote areas of Queensland, Iama (Yam Island) in the Torres Strait, Ms Lui says she has had lifetime of lived experiences where distance can be a disadvantage for many communities.

“We live in a diverse region of great potential and I am keen to do all I can to help us overcome the challenges to meet that potential,” she said.

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“I have endeavoured to work closely with each community, understand their needs and help them achieve their goals through funding programs such as Building Our Regions, Works for Queensland, COVID-19 Works for Queensland, and the Small Business Adaption Grants.

“This funding helps councils make their much-needed projects in their regions become a reality. Economic development is important to ensure communities thrive now and well into the future.”

Ms Lui said since the threat of COVID-19 emerged she has been eager to ensure that stimulus funding from the Palszczuk Labor Government is being targeted to community and economic development, aiming to save, support and create jobs.

Throughout her first term in office, Ms Lui said she has focused on schools, healthcare, and key infrastructure such as roads with the Palaszczuk Labor Government investing heavily in these areas.

“I achieved $10.1 million for improvements to Mossman Hospital’s emergency department, $550,000 to extend the Flagstaff Walking Trail and, more recently, $4 million for the Newell Beach Boat Ramp.

“I want to see the completion of the Wangetti Trail over the next couple of years. This $41.4 million project, when completed, will pump more than $300 million into the local economy.

“Douglas Shire Council has received $1.43 million to support 33 jobs under the Palaszczuk Labor’s $200 million COVID Works for Queensland (W4Q) program. This economic stimulus plan will enable the council to roll out smart water, upgrade aerators and diffusers at its Wastewater Treatment Plant, upgrades to the Mossman Caravan Park and the Mossman Pool.

She added that an achievement during her time in parliament that was particularly close to her heart was meeting her election commitment to introduce the Meriba Omasker Kaziw Kazipa (Torres Strait Islander Traditional Child Rearing Practice) Bill in Parliament.

“This bill, which has been passed in Parliament, will give Torres Strait Island children and adults who have grown up with traditional adoptive parents a legal identity that matches their cultural identity,” she said.

Ms Lui said it has been the Palaszczuk Labor Government's strong health response and tough decisions on borders has kept the people of Cook safe.

“It has allowed our stable government to deliver our regional economic recovery plan. Our plan is focused on creating jobs in more industries right across Queensland, and supporting small business, and manufacturing right here in Cook.”