Media Release

KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter will attend a progress meeting with the residents of Cardwell on Tuesday June 10 to secure the economic go-forward for the region which is still recovering after the devastation of Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

Mr Katter is very keen to discuss the opportunities for the Cardwell community and progress projects that will provide more jobs and the go-forward for the community.

Mr Katter has been leading the charge for progress since Cyclone Yasi hit Cardwell.

"Delays in reconstructing these areas are destroying the economies of Cardwell and other townships along the Cassowary Coast," Mr Katter said.

"World-class resorts have closed, unable to face the reconstruction and rising insurance costs, and unable to attract tourist dollars, because of the lack of progress in the area.

"Other businesses reliant on tourist dollars have closed shop or are desperately struggling to keep their heads above water, as temporary reconstruction jobs have now vanished."

Mr Katter attended public meetings in Cardwell in May 2012 and May 2013.

“I have attended three public meetings in Cardwell so far about these issues – and now we are having another public meeting, it’s about time the Government takes action."

Mr Katter has been leading the fight with the media, doing a story with the 7:30pm report and constantly talking to the media about the plight of the Cardwell community particularly the Port Hinchinbrook development.

As far back as 2012 Mr Katter asked the then Prime Minister during Question Time to address the ongoing issues since Cyclone Yasi.

The public meeting on June 10 has been facilitated by local business owner and community leader Ms Christine Ihle and speakers include Cr Glenn Raleigh providing a welcome, Sea Farms aquaculture representative Paul Richardson on the coconut Industry, Dick Camilleri on the sugar industry and a North Queensland Bio-Energy Project Representative.

The issues and opportunities on the agenda for discussion are: the unacceptable state of Port Hinchinbrook, use of State Forestry Land for Sugar, coconut industry - growing and processing, aquaculture, the bypass of Cardwell and any other issues that the community may wish to address.

Mr Katter hopes that the community will be very proactive and vocal at this meeting to help progress the township to the thriving community it was pre Yasi.

The public meeting will be held on Tuesday June 10 at the Anglican Hall in Cardwell from 5:30pm.

All residents from the community are urged to attend and show their support for action.