Douglas Shire residents will have a chance to hear directly from the state election candidates for Cook during a "Meet the Candidates" event in Port Douglas on Saturday, 24 October.

The final stages of the state election are in full swing with pre-poll voting kicking off this week at the Mossman Shire Hall, open everyday up until election day on 31 October.

Eight candidates are vying for our electorate of Cook in the 2020 election:

• Independent - Yodie Batzke
• LNP - Ed (Nipper) Brown
• North Queensland First - Desmond Tayley
• Pauline Hanson’s One Nation - Brett (Beaver) Neal
• The Greens - Deby Ruddell
• KAP - Tanika Parker
• Australian Labor Party - Cynthia Lui
• Clive Palmer’s UAP - Stephen Goulmy

Kicking off at 2:00pm at Palmer's Golf Club the "Meet the Candidates" forum, hosted by the Douglas Shire Ratepayers Association (DSRA), will see Cook candidates give a short presentation to the local community before taking questions from the audience.

Newsport will also be live streaming the event to our Facebook page.

DSRA President, Sylvia Healy said all eligible voters are encouraged to attend.

“It will give the community the chance to get to know who our voice in State Government will be so they can make an informed decision when they vote,” she said.

“We were aware that a forum had been held in Mareeba and felt that the Douglas community should have the same opportunity and ensure the candidates know what our issues are.”

“It starts at 2:00pm but we encourage people to book a table for lunch to secure a place,” she said.

RELATED: 
- 2020 election coverage

DSRA

This is the second time the DSRA has held an election forum, hosting a similar type event for the Local Council Elections in March.

Less than a year since forming the DSRA now have 240 members and are growing from strength to strength forging a voice for Ratepayers of the Douglas Shire.

Ms Healy said in their short time they have successfully lobbied for a review of the General Rate system, a Concealed Water Leak policy, an RV Friendly Shire which will have major economic benefits for Mossman, bike racks at both ends of the Flagstaff Hill track, improved "No Camping" signage and better policing of illegal camping.

“In addition, we are actively seeking changes to the QLD Local Government Act to align with all other states in Australia that would enable all ratepayers to vote in Local Government elections. We are also strongly lobbying for an Economic Development Board for the Shire,” Ms Healy said.