The LNP candidate for Cook in the October 31 state election, Edward ‘Nipper Brown, has stressed the importance of having the Cook representative work within the region; governments working together, and he outlined where he would like to see funding in the local area.

“I would like to see seed funding of $30,000 for the Port Douglas accommodation Co-Operative group.

“It’s a small amount, but it shows we are dedicated to supporting this. We think it’s a good idea. Once in power we will lobby for further funding for this group,” he said.

Brown said he would commit $20,000 seed funding to the Mossman botanic garden.

“It’s also a small amount to start with but it shows commitment and we will continue lobbying for further funding going forward.”

Read more about Nipper Brown and his plans here and read the full list of candidate profiles at Newsport's 2020 election coverage page.

In reference to the proposed splash park he said he would support council going forward when they know what the Douglas shire wants with the survey results.

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The LNP candidate said they will fully fund Stage 1 of the Cairns University Hospital.

“The Cairns University Hospital will bring Cairns’ health and hospital services in line with the South East, because people in Far North Queensland deserve the same access to quality health care as people in Brisbane.”

He said he will also be lobbying for upgrades to Mossman Hospital including returning to a full maternity unit.

Brown said an LNP Government would relocate the Cook Electorate Office from Cairns to Mareeba at the expiry of its current lease.

Brown said that having the electorate office, which currently resides at the Commonwealth Centre in Cairns CBD, outside of Cook, made no sense. 

“The Member for Cook represents the people of Cook, not Cairns. Having the electorate office in the Cairns electorate defies all logic,” Brown said.

“Constituents being able to visit their local member at the electorate office when they have queries, concerns, or to just say hello is a core function of our Australian democracy.

“Removing that access takes away communication with locals and raises serious questions over the effectiveness of community service delivered by that office,” said Brown who added that moving the electorate office to Mareeba will keep rental income in the local economy, rather than this money feeding into the Cairns CBD.

“As a local member, I will always want my local community to thrive. If the state government is going to pay rent, that money needs to stay here in Cook.”

Brown said that having the electorate office in Mareeba will mean that local Cook constituents are employed in the office, rather than Cairns-based employees.

“We’ll put our money where our mouth is, and make sure that local jobs are being created, even in political offices.

“When Cook electorate staff buy their coffee and their lunch, they will support local businesses.

“Labor has let down our community and turned their back on local jobs. We need to change the government on October 31 to lead Mareeba’s economy out of recession.” “It’s time to get Queensland working again,” he said.