David Kempton, the Member for Cook, is thrilled to announce that a comprehensive report into supplying power for residents north of the Daintree is being prepared.

Mr Kempton made a personal request to Energy Minister Mark McArdle to have Ergon Energy conduct a high level analysis into the costing’s and technical information associated with new power supply options for the region.

“I am extremely pleased this is moving forward,” Mr Kempton said.

“This has been an ongoing issue for the residents and business owners in the area dating back over a decade.

“I want to reassure these people they have not been forgotten and their concerns have been heard.”

Mr Kempton said the investigation from Ergon will give residents a greater understanding of project planning costs.

“Once we have a firm idea off the cost we will be in a better position to pursue (Leichhardt MP) Warren Entsch's offer of Federal Government funding to compensate the additional cost of supply by virtue of the world heritage listing,” he said.

“Once there is a concrete costing, we will be in a position to explore the best options for an effective and reliable energy supply.”

The announcement comes after Mr Kempton and Minister McArdle toured the area and met with the community earlier this year.

“There is no quick fix and the issues are certainly complex,” he said.

“Our biggest single consideration is the cost of delivering power to residents and businesses north of the river.

“We need to take into account the cost of upgrading the existing grid to cater to the extra load, the added cost of underground reticulation in a world heritage listed area, delivery to all users in scattered locations and for consumers, the cost of bringing their existing wiring up to standard.

“Whilst this report will bring clarity and options, due to significant fiscal constraints, the State Government is not in a position to make a commitment for supply at this stage.”