Bree's Barron River Bulletin

 

 

 

$1 Billion Cairns Hospital Investment

The Cairns Hospital Expansion is underway. We've just released a 30-year master plan which provides a clear pathway to expand and modernise the Cairns Hospital, delivering the capacity and infrastructure our growing region needs. Work has already started on the new helipad on top of D Block with plenty more developments to come. 

 

This $1 billion investment is the biggest health investment FNQ has ever seen and a powerful commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community. This is $750 million more than what the previous Labor Government had in the plan. In addition to a new helipad, the expansion will include three major new buildings, a staff-only carpark and a purpose-built Health Management Hub. To read more about this announcement, click here. 

Operation Yankee Forge

Last week the Queensland Police Service commenced Operation Yankee Forge, a six-month enhanced statewide operation focused on reducing victimisation and targeting offenders who cause the greatest harm to our communities.

 

The operation will enhance policing activities across Queensland to further reduce victim numbers and improve community safety specifically in relation to break-ins, robberies and stolen cars. 

 

Operation Yankee Forge will target the worst of the worst as we continue to turn the tide of Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and give our police the laws and resources they need to do their jobs.

 

We also welcomed a new Police Commissioner to Queensland, Brett Pointing, as well as 17 new police recruits bringing the total number to 198 in15 months. This is a drastic difference compared to the former Government who only secured 47 new recruits to FNQ in four years.

 

Let that sink in. 

To see all of the work that our Government has done to reduce crime in the region, please click here. 

 

Would you like information on crime, health or road projects directly to your inbox? We have a new system for that! Simply click on the links below, fill out the form and we will send you updates as they come in. 

It's the Year of the Fire Horse and it was wonderful to celebrate the start of the new Chinese New Year with the official turning of the sod for the new Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre located in Edge Hill.

 

The Queensland Government is investing $2.7 million into the Centre, contributing more than two-thirds of the total $4 million project cost. This significant investment shows our commitment to supporting regional communities like Cairns and ensuring Far North Queensland receives its fair share of cultural infrastructure funding.

 

The Chinese community has been an integral part of building Cairns for over 160 years, spanning three generations. Their history is preserved in priceless artifacts, carefully kept by two local families, which tell the story of their contribution to the region’s growth, culture and heritage. This Centre will safeguard these treasures and celebrate the rich legacy of one of Far North Queensland’s most enduring communities.

 

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026, with the Centre set to open for Chinese New Year 2027. To read more, click here. 

Sporting Shout Out

A big congratulations to the team at Cairns Wake Park. 11 podium finishes at Boardstock 2026 on the Gold Coast. Amazing work to everyone involved! 
 

Cairns Wake Park is one of my sporting partners. Interested in joining our Sponsorship Program? Reach out to my office barron.river@parliament.qld.gov.au for more information. 

 

 

February marked our return to Parliament for the first sitting of the year, where we passed the Youth Justice (Electronic Monitoring) Amendment Bill. 

 

This legislation allows electronic monitoring to be included as part of court-imposed bail conditions for young offenders. Importantly, it also ensures that any young person fitted with an Electronic Monitoring Device receives wrap-around support to help them comply with their bail conditions and address the underlying causes of their behaviour. 

 

I also spoke on the Cairns Hospital Expansion and the Major Sports Facilities and Other Legislation Amendment Bill. 

 

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office if you require anything. 

 

Until next month,