Media Release

KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has heaped praise on key community players for achieving the impossible - the reopening of the Kirrama Range Road on Saturday December 6.

“This is one of the greatest examples of power of the people,” he said.

“Christine Ihle and her little band of fighters at the Kirrama Range Road Support Group have showed what can be done.

"They organised a rally of nearly 1000 people to support this proposal. It scared the hell out of the politicians and got action I never thought possible.

“It was not with the slightest shred of confidence that I asked for money from the Federal Government, who as a religion will not provide money for State roads. But mission: impossible became mission: possible.”

Mr Katter said the re-opening of the cyclone-damaged Kirrama Range Road will provide a significant boost to the local economy as well as restore an important link to the Tablelands. It will provide a boost to local tourism operators and allow access for traditional owners, public utility providers and university and research bodies.

“Blencoe Falls, the magnificent stand of Eucalyptus grandis and other attractions on that road are a vital component of our basket of tourist attractions on the ‘Paradise Coast’,” he said.

“Once again, our local and visiting community will be able access them.

“I wish to put on the official record my most sincere thanks to all those in the community who have made it ‘mission: possible’.

“The only disappointing aspect is that Robbie Sing, who took the issue up with me dozens of times, has died before he saw his fight won,” Mr Katter said.