Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr is viewing the state election scheduled for October 31 as extremely important for this region.

In a pre-election interview, he said this election is extremely important for the region as we move forward in a new world that exists with Covid19.

“How funding is dispersed and the policies that each government bring, will define the future for our state,” he said.

In terms of what expectations he has whoever wins Cook, he said he would like to see him/her communicate well with the councils in their electorates.

“We are on the ground with the people in our communities and as soon as Covid19 started, we were looking at ways to ensure the economies of our councils continued and were planning on ways to make them grow. 

“Funding from our State and Federal Governments is paramount in this journey and without proper communication monies will be spent in areas that are not a priority for the majority,” said Kerr.

He said he would you like to see the MP based in the shire. Incumbent Labor’s Cynthia Lui has based herself out of Cairns.

“Absolutely, they must be based in the region. That is something I said when it occurred. Mossman would also suit the needs of our local MP, where all communities in the electorate can get access whilst still in the appropriate region.”

Kerr said he believes that Cook needs a strong voice in parliament.

“We, as in the whole electorate, need a voice that will be heard after well-defined conversations with the Mayors about the community needs.

“Our representative must be in Brisbane fighting for all of the local leaders within the electorate to ensure the best is gained for the majority of residents that reside in Cook.”

Kerr also revealed his wish list for funding, which includes:

• The second water intake
• Flood resilience around the shire
• Mossman Pool upgrades
• Port Douglas Sporting Club upgrades
• Safe swimming area in Port Douglas
• Mossman Botanic Garden and Coral Bio Bank funding; and
• Disaster Coordination Centre for the shire.    

Pre poll voting is currently open at the Mossman Shire Hall.

• 9.00am to 6.00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
• 9.00am to 9.00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays