Staff Writers

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui believes the latest budget provides cost-of-living support, targets health pressure points, strengthens our vital education system and gets on with delivering critical infrastructure for Douglas Shire residents.

Overall, the State budget set aside $1.7 billion on productivity enhancing infrastructure supporting 4,900 regional jobs, $1.6 billion on health, $220 million on social housing and homelessness services, $79.9 million on education and $88.5 million for disaster recovery.

Key measures for the Douglas Shire included Mossman Hospital – roof replacement and remediation works ($250,000 in 2023-24 out of $5.2 million total), Cow Bay Primary Health Care Centre ($263,000 in 2023-24 (out of $14.9 million total), Douglas United football club field lighting ($150,000) and Mossman Golf Club – upgrade cart paths ($103,370 in 2023-24 out of $129,212 total).

“Specific projects within my electorate are not the only way our Government is supporting communities up here," Cook MP Cynthia Lui said.

"Cost-of-living relief – through measures such as energy rebates and free kindy – benefit all Queenslanders, especially those here in the Far North. We know that cost-of-living pressures are particularly challenging for many remote communities.

“This is a good budget that delivers for everyone, no matter where they live. Most importantly, it is a budget to help families and households deal with the ongoing challenges of cost-of-living pressures.”