General News
25 May, 2025
New MP hits the road
DOUGLAS Shire councillors are looking forward to working with new federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the council was “excited to begin a new collaborative relationship with Mr Smith in his new role”.
“During the election campaign, it was evident Mr Smith had a commitment and care for his Far North Queensland community,” she said.
“(The) council is looking forward to working closely with him to address critical issues such as water security, disaster management and resilience, tourism and economic development opportunities and housing.
“I will be requesting a meeting with the new member for Leichhardt shortly to discuss these important matters.
“Building a positive relationship with Mr Smith and his team is a priority for us. Together, we can achieve great things for the Douglas Shire and ensure a positive future for our residents.”
After 26 years of LNP government in Leichhardt under the leadership of Warren Enstch (who has retired) a new era has begun after the community elected Mr Smith.
The former Taipan and long-time Cairns resident defeated LNP candidate Jeremy Neal with 49,248 votes, 11,576 votes over his rival (37,672), and a 10.1 per cent swing and although Mr Neal didn’t concede the election until the Sunday, with 100 per cent of the votes counted, Mr Smith has officially secured the seat starting a new era for Leichhardt.
Mr Smith said he planned to deliver on all ALP promises, but out of all his campaign promises – which include tax cuts for all taxpayers, funding for the Great Barrier Reef and reef jobs, a $39 million commitment to housing, $275m for a new bridge in Kennedy Highway and more – his main priority was the Cairns Urgent Care Clinic.
“Sunday (after the election)was a big day and this victory is taking a bit of time to set in but the work starts immediately,” he said.
Mr Smith soon headed to Weipa for the Western Cape symposium to talk about some of their economic opportunities over the next 10 to 15 years.
“Before we can look at how we’ll be making things differently I’ve got to go out and spend some time with these communities,” he said.
“Before Christmas I hope to get to every community on the Cape, spend some time with everybody and make sure I’m listening to all of the communities.
“We want to deliver on everything we’ve committed to but I think the first cab off the rank would be the urgent care clinic for the Northern Beaches. That one should be relatively quick.
“Some of these projects are going to take a little bit more time.
“Obviously the $7.2 billion investment into the Bruce Highway, that’s a multiple year project, we still need to get the planning done on the Kuranda bridge, so I think the first thing we’re going to do is focus on health.”
Mr Smith said he was grateful for the community’s trust and that he was ready to listen to their needs.
“I thank you all for your support,” he said.
“I want everybody to know that my door is always open if you need anything. Reach out, we’re here to help.”
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