RDA Tropical North says the $240 million in federal funding required to progress stage three of the project to seal the Peninsula Developmental Road is one of eight far northern priorities it wants political parties to commit to. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
While Cape York is yet to receive a single cent in direct infrastructure election promises from candidates on the Leichhardt campaign trail, a regional advocacy group has spelt out what projects it believes should be prioritised for funding before voters make their decision on 3 May.
Improving road connectivity on Cape York and in the Gulf of Carpentaria, expanding the Cairns aviation and marine precincts, and a regional agricultural masterplan are among the federal budget priorities for Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North.
RDA Tropical North chief executive officer Sonja Johnson said the priorities identified in the Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy 2024-2029 were the focus of the organisation’s submission for the 2025-26 federal budget, with funding yet to materialise as campaigning hits top gear across the north of the state.
“These investment priorities align with national and regional strategies ensuring they deliver outcomes that support both Tropical North Queensland and the broader Australian agenda,” she said.
“They support the vision for Tropical North Queensland to be a thriving, smart, green economic gateway to Asia and the Pacific, ensuring the region contributes significantly to Australia’s broader economic and social goals.”
Of the eight priorities identified, $240 million for stage three of the Cape York Region Package to seal the next stage of the remaining 164 kilometres of the Peninsula Developmental Road was the biggest ticket item, with RDA Tropical North also calling on Canberra to extend the national land transport network, which ends in Cairns, to the Port of Weipa.
RDA Tropical North chief executive officer Sonja Johnson says prioritising the projects identified in its 2025-26 federal budget submission will benefit the region and “the broader Australian agenda”. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
