Media Release

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has today congratulated key community players for “fighting like tigers” to secure $1 million in federal funding announced today towards re-opening the Kirrama Range Road.

“It is because of those who refused to give up on this important transport link – such as Christine Ihle and the Kirrama Range Road Support Group, Cr Glenn Raleigh and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, and members of the Cardwell community – that we were today advised by Minister Albanese that $1 million has been approved,” said Mr Katter following discussions with the Infrastructure Minister to expedite the long-awaited project.

“I gave Christine zero chance of getting State Government money and a below zero chance of getting federal money. It seemed like mission impossible.
“But the tremendous turn-out at the rally did the impossible, and quite frankly scared the funding out of the State Government.

“And our battlers weren’t beaten for long by a clause that the State would not give the money for the project unless there was also money off the Council – they turned around the argument and again delivered the impossible to got the CCRC to agree.
“Federal funds were ‘utterly impossible’ because the Federal Government rarely gives money for roads except for the national highway – and yet again the impossible was achieved.”

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

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