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.

As a number one priority One Nation candidate Brett “Beaver” Neal will move the Cook electorate office back into the region should she be elected in the state government election on October 31. In what was considered controversial, Labor’s incumbent Cynthia Liu decided to be based out of Cairns.

And Beaver, who acquired the nickname during her sporting career in international football and Australian boxing, while travelling with Fred Brophy's Boxing Tent, isn’t considered your average politician. She is well versed in the electorate she is hoping to represent. It’s also among the reasons why she wants to move the Cook electorate back to the region.

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The champion fighter, who has worked in the fields of martial arts, health and fitness, youth engagement, security and tourism, has more recently worked in Aboriginal communities throughout Cook, improving school attendance and teaching job skills to Indigenous youth.

“I am calling for greater financial accountability within Aboriginal communities, together with measurable outcomes.

“I also recognise that Cook lacks the financial share of government spending experienced in other parts of the state,” she said.

Her platform is far-reaching and besides re-locating Cook back to the region, she is also pushing the following:

• A 24/7 staffed Mossman Police Station
• Improving mobile phone coverage by co-contributing to the national black spot program
• Fixing neglected roads
• Lowering power prices and cost of living expenses
• Infrastructure projects that employ Cook locals first
• Expanding drug and rehabilitation facilities using the proceeds of crime, and
• Building the Hybrid Bradfield Scheme and drought-proofing Queensland.

After leaving home at 15, her first job was working on a north west Queensland cattle station and says she has been hard at work ever since.

“I truly believe that knowledge is power, and I have a world of experience. I have also travelled extensively, including the United Kingdom as well as stints in the world of Thai kickboxing.

“In recent years I have developed a passion for helping all people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“I have established a company, of which I am managing director; that delivers programs to assist the youth and young people. These programs have led to numerous positive outcomes in helping young Indigenous kids out of the juvenile justice system.

“I believe prevention is better than a cure and this is what my programs aim to do. I believe the secret to my success is my ability to communicate directly and openly with the youth. I channel their interests and energy into areas that can provide genuine employment opportunities for them,” says Beaver.

“I intend to win this contest. I intend to become the state Member for Cook because I want to help people who have no voice. When I do become Cook's representative in State Parliament, I intend bringing about a change in the way mainstream Queensland relates to its Indigenous communities, bringing these two often divided worlds together.”

Beaver has been selected to represent the electorate of Cook on behalf of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation. And Beaver says she could not sit on the sidelines watching the toxic Palaszczuk Labor Government nor the inept LNP opposition.

“I will work hard for the people of Cook in bringing accountability for the local community, standing firm with courage and conviction to deliver for the community,” she says.