Kempton gives his view on state budget for Cook
Queensland economy
Cook MP David Kempton has drawn from last week’s state budget the wins for his electorate, suggesting there has been announced record investment for health, education, infrastructure and community safety in the first budget to be handed down by the Crisafulli-led Government.
Here is what Mr Kempton has to say:
Cook MP David Kempton has welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s 2025-26 budget and is pleased to advise all his electoral commitments have been met in full and more than $340m in funding across the electorate delivering transformative projects in health, education, infrastructure and community wellbeing.
Mr Kempton is looking forward to good news arising out of the Residential Activation Fund yet to be announced.
Infrastructure and community enhancements
Investments are being made across Cook’s towns and regions, including:
$415,000 for Aplin Street Park on Thursday Island through the Works for Queensland Program.
$66.8m across the Torres Strait region, including health, education, and marine infrastructure.
$207.5m in Cook Shire, with $200m toward a new Multipurpose Health Service.
$78m in Pormpuraaw, including the $41.4m splash park and $35.4m Primary Health Centre.
$97.3m for Douglas/Mossman, including major upgrades to the Mossman River intake and Wangetti Trail.
Millions invested in Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Mareeba, Lockhart River, NPARC, Napranum, Aurukun, and more.
"From health centres to housing, splash parks to stormwater upgrades - this funding supports jobs, wellbeing, and liveability for our people across Cape York, the Torres Strait, and remote Far North Queensland," Mr Kempton said.
Education investment for every corner of Cook
More than $3.6m has been allocated to school maintenance and upgrades, ensuring young people across the electorate can learn in safe, functional environments.
Highlights include:
Upgraded playgrounds in Chillagoe, Daintree, Mount Molloy, and Dauan Island
Major refurbishments at Hopevale and Northern Peninsula Area campuses.
Water infrastructure upgrades across six Tagai State College campuses.
$426,100 for maintenance at Thursday Island TAFE.
"Every student deserves to learn in a safe, functional, and inspiring environment," Mr Kempton said.
"We’re investing in our kids, our schools, and the future of our electorate."
Health and healing in remote communities
In a significant boost to health and wellbeing, the Cook electorate will receive: $2m for Alcohol and Other Drug psychosocial services.
$4m for targeted Mental Health funding, including support for men in remote regions.
$30,556 for AOD police and court diversion services
"This $2 million investment in AOD psychosocial services is a vital step toward healing and hope. In the Cook electorate, where the impacts of substance use are deeply felt, this funding will support culturally appropriate, community-led responses that empower individuals to take control of their lives," Mr Kempton said.
"Mental health support is not a luxury - it’s a necessity. Especially in remote communities, where isolation and hardship are real, this investment will save lives, strengthen families, and build resilience."
"Diversion programs offer people the chance to access treatment, take responsibility, and make positive changes - rather than being pushed further into the justice system."
Tackling domestic and family violence
A record $14m will be delivered to support families and individuals impacted by domestic, family, and sexual violence.
"Domestic and family violence has no place in our communities. These programs are essential in protecting lives, empowering survivors, and helping people break the cycle of violence. Prevention, early intervention, and strong support networks save lives and restore hope," Mr Kempton said.
Strengthening Country, culture, and community
More than $8m has been committed to the Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program, a vital investment in environmental stewardship and cultural heritage.
"Indigenous land and sea programs are vital because they strengthen the environmental, cultural, social, and economic wellbeing of Indigenous communities. Led by Indigenous organisations, these programs support self-determination, protect cultural heritage, and create meaningful pathways to economic independence. They also foster knowledge-sharing that enriches both Indigenous and broader community understanding of how we care for Country -on land and at sea," Mr Kempton said.
Detailed regional breakdown (including forward estimates)
Aurukun – Total: $6.52m
• Drinking water security $3m
• CCTV $572,000
• Access roads reseal $200,000
• Foreshore playground $400,000
• Network isolation and hydrant renewal $1.8m
• Sewer pump safety upgrade $195,000
• Staff housing $350,000
Bamaga – Total: $5.25m (plus planning)
• Fire and emergency services complex $4.9m
• Oval upgrades $350,000
• Primary Health Centre (planning only)
Torres Strait Region – Total: $66.84m (plus planning)
• Moa Kubin Primary Health upgrade $2.5m
• Moa Saint Pauls Public Health $10.7m
• Tagai College water upgrades (6 campuses) $3.9m
• Tagai Duane playground $495,000
• Tagai Thursday Island amenities $1m
• TSC chambers roof $489,000
• Thursday Island pool repairs $635,000
• Thursday Island sports complex $126,000
• Quarantine boat ramp $395,000
• Major Infrastructure Program $41.2m
• Mechanic workshops (Erub, Saibai, Moa) $4.6m
• Badu, Boigu, Horn Island Primary Health (planning only)
• Horn Island Splash Park O&M $1.4m
Cook Shire – Total: $207.5m (plus planning)
• Annan River intake $869,000
• Infrastructure assessment $110,000
• Depot upgrades $80,000
• Footpath upgrades $100,000
• Water and sewerage upgrades $926,250
• Multipurpose Health Service $200m
• Oval lights $200,000
• Resilience and learning hub $3.3m
• Filter building repairs $130,000
• Road and drainage upgrade $165,000
• Floating pontoon $500,000
• Airport shed replacement $40,000
• Stormwater drain upgrade $150,000
• Toilet and carpark upgrades $856,000
• Laura Primary Health Centre (planning only)
Pormpuraaw – Total: $78m
• Admin roller door $70,000
• Airport wastewater system $135,000
• Contractors camp $135,000
• Sewage lagoon aerator $150,000
• Sports field upgrades $240,000
• Concrete batching plant upgrade $95,000
• Primary Health Centre $35.4m
• Splash Park $1.4m
• Staff housing fencing $145,000
• Storage shed (water treatment) $120,000
• Water and power infrastructure upgrades (amount not specified)
Napranum – Total: $3.26m
• Cabin park $100,000
• Council depot refurbishment $310,000
• Pump station upgrade $150,000
• Splash park O&M $1.4m
• Foreshore upgrade $400,000
• Staff housing $900,000
Chillagoe – Total: $153,000
• State school playgrounds
Coen – Total: $180,000
• Fencing cemetery and oval
Kowanyama – Total: $13.34m
• Cyclone resilient vault $465,000
• Council building upgrades $1.5m
• Entry sign $95,000
• Men’s shed $184,000
• Women’s meeting place $1.5m
• Water supply $8m
• Staff housing $1.6m
Douglas Shire – Total: $97.3m
• Culture and tourism hub $2.7m
• Boardwalk $2.3m
• State school playground $339,000
• Sugar industry support $12.5m
• Jalunda Park splash park $1.5m
• Mossman River intake $10m
• Mossman transmission and substation $45.1m
• Ocean Spark catamaran $1.6 million • Wangetti Trail $18.3m
• ARNI communication system $1.5m
Hope Vale – Total: $3.64m
• Everlina Bridge upgrade $900,000
• Footpath expansion $500,000
• Campus Academy upgrade $1.7m
• Place of refuge upgrade $540,000
NPARC – Total: $6.85m
• Jardine Ferry upgrade $350,000
• College senior campus upgrade $1.5m
• Water supply $5m
Lockhart River – Total: $1.2m (plus planning)
• New softball field $1.2m
• Primary Health Centre (planning only)
Mareeba – Total: $12m
• CCTV and sewer linings $1.6m
• Water security $3.6m
• Sewer infrastructure upgrade $1.9m
• Kenneally Road sewer upgrade $3.8m
• STP instrument replacement $487,000
• Water hydrant repair $627,000
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