Mossman will be the focus of State Member for Cook, Jason O'Brien, should he retain his seat after the March 24 election.

Mr O'Brien said he was worried about the economic state of the town which he believes needs greater diversity to survive into the future.

"The thing that's been troubling me over the last couple of years in particular is Mossman," he said.

"Port Douglas has gone through some really hard times in terms of the global economic downturn. You've got to hope that's turning around and the additional flights into Cairns and the marketing is going to help Port Douglas.

"What I'm worried about is Mossman, and what is the economic future for Mossman?

"We need to ask ourselves the hard question; what would happen tomorrow if the (sugar) mill closed down?

"It's not something that you want to happen but I think we need to put some contingencies in place and as part of doing that exercise start looking the economy of Mossman and how it could be broadened.

"That might mean projects like the botanic gardens project that's been kicking around up there, it might mean a railway project, obviously the gateway project is going ahead.

"We need to ask ourselves harder questions about how Mossman is going to develop and create its economic future in the next 15 to 20 years."

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Meanwhile, the battle for Cook is heating up between the two main party candidates, the LNP's David Kempton and Labor's Jason O'Brien.

Mr O'Brien, who has been the elected representative in Cook since 2004, told The Newsport on Friday that formal campaigning has now begun.

"The campaign kicks off properly on Sunday when the Premier goes to see the Governor.

"Of course I've been campaigning in the past few months in particular. I never stop campaigning to keep the seat, I work hard every day to get stuff like cyclone shelters for my electorate."

Despite the seemingly large challenge the Labor Government has on its hands to be re-elected in March, Mr O'Brien said the Premier's popularity is beginning to increase in the polls.

"The polls are showing the Premier is coming back. As you get closer to the choice the polls are narrowing.

"Mid-term people always want to send the government a message to do more."

Mr O'Brien would not be drawn on his future should he fail to be returned as Cook MP.

"I'm in it to win it. I've won it three times and it's always tough, I haven't had an easy election yet.

"Three conservative candidates have lined up against me. I like to think of myself as the progressive candidate, but they're always out to get you."   

Mr Kempton joined the Shadow Minister for Health, Mark McArdle, in a visit to Mossman Hospital yesterday to inspect the facilities.