Queensland LNP Leader, Tim Nicholls, visited the Herbert River district on Monday for the second time in less than two weeks, engaging with community and industry groups and following up on issues discussed during his previous visit.

Mr Nicholls joined Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, in Ingham for meetings concerning the local sugar industry, before meeting with the Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor and Councillors to discuss their plans for the Herbert River district.

“We held a successful ‘Politics in the Pub’ event at the Royal Hotel in Ingham on 16 March and I had a few conversations which I committed to follow up on by coming back for further discussions with the local community” said Mr Nicholls.

“I’ve followed through on that by coming back ahead of other plans I had in Townsville – as the Leader of the LNP, I’m committed to listening to regional Queensland and working closely with local MPs like Andrew Cripps” he said.

Mr Nicholls also travelled to Forrest Beach to meet with members of the Forrest Beach Boat Ramp Committee, to discuss the progress of their plans for safer and more reliable boating infrastructure for the local community.

“Andrew Cripps was very keen for me to talk to the Committee members to get an understanding of their work and ideas about the boat ramp at Forrest Beach – it’s actually the second time Andrew has taken me down there”.

“I was impressed with the work being done by the Committee in cooperation with the Council, which builds on a report completed by the Transport Department back in 2013, following a request by Andrew Cripps to look at several options”.

Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, thanked the Queensland LNP Leader for visiting the Herbert River district again and for taking a strong interest in the current issues confronting the sugar industry and the local community.

“It’s important that our political leaders understand both North Queensland’s concerns and aspirations for the future – we don’t want a hand out, we want to be allowed to reach our full potential” said Mr Cripps.

Mr Cripps said Mr Nicholls had demonstrated a commitment to listening and a willingness to acknowledge that local issues required a local solution, not a one-size-fits-all approach determined in George Street in Brisbane.