Cape York

TCICA chair and Kowanyama mayor Robbie Sands said that at least $1 billion was needed over the next decade in the Cape and Torres Strait to address housing shortages. “Both major parties have been silent on new Indigenous housing in remote communities, ignoring the fact that our people are facing entirely preventable diseases like rheumatic heart disease because of severe overcrowding,” he said.

“National parks should not be purchased unless there are funds to fully fence and maintain the park. They are the worst neighbours one could wish for with little to no weed control, no fences, nobody living on the property, little fire-fighting capability, and a propensity to shoot cattle" : Sally Witherspoon, Cape York cattle farmer.

Fast becoming a Cape York icon, Lakeland’s Gateway to the Cape was officially opened on Friday ... Now complete, it boasts comprehensive visitor information, as well as a sculpture park that showcases each community in the region.

Cape York residents can breathe a sigh of relief after the cheap flights scheme was sewn up, with some positive changes ... One-way fares will be allowed, while the eligibility criteria has been changed for all communities – except Weipa.

The fight to win the vote of Far North Queensland residents has begun, with candidates in Leichhardt preparing for a six-week battle ... There are nine confirmed contenders, although that number could rise ... Katter’s Australian Party candidate Rod Jensen is third in the line of betting at $21

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said while there were not a huge amount of “big ticket items” for the Cape in the budget, there was enough to ensure residents would be better off ... Labor's candidate for Leichhardt, Elida Faith, was not impressed with the budget ... Katter’s Australian Party candidate Rod Jensen said the Far North’s needs had been ignored in favour of short-term “sugar hits”.

Rio Tinto’s Indigenous Employment and Development team are gearing up for another jam-packed year of programs, activities and events across Cape York ... Weipa operations general manager Shona Markham said she was impressed by what the team offered.

Housing continues to be a major sore point for Cape York communities as the region struggles to keep up with the demands of the population. Both the Hope Vale and Cook Shire councils were quick to voice their concerns to Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch when he visited their communities last week.

Record breaking fuel prices are already starting to have an impact on Cape York residents and businesses but there are concerns the real pain will be felt during the tourist season ... “If these prices stay this high then I’m sure there will be many people reconsidering their travel plans. And if they do still travel, they are likely to have less money to spend on tours, souvenirs and eating out": Dave Donald, Western Cape Chamber of Commerce VP.

There are 67 days until this year’s likely federal election date and Cape York voters are likely to play a big role in deciding who will be the next Member for Leichhardt.