Media Release

KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter backs calls for a new hospital in Cairns’ southern region.

“We greet with deep appreciation the recommendations from the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. The logic behind this hospital is unassailable. But we need speedy access to get to the hospital.

“The southern hospital proposal dramatically increases the necessity for an Eastern Corridor (from Wrights Creek straight into the CBD).

“In discussions with the Council two years ago I was told the Eastern Corridor was a reserved area and I was deeply disappointed when I found out it’s not.

“There’s not a single person that says our long term planning doesn’t warrant a hospital. It’s a bit ambitious to say we will have 60,000 people between Gordonvale and Edmonton, but I don’t think that 30,000 is unreasonable. We need a second hospital away from the congestion of the CBD, airport and esplanade. But you start planning now! You must reserve it now before someone puts sub divisions across it.

“To Fran Lindsay, Peter Piccone and the Edmonton Traders Association we express thanks. I also thank the President Neville Butterworth and the Edmonton RSL as well as Brett Moller, the new Division 1 Councillor who has done so much on these issues over the years.”

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