A REFERENDUM over whether Far North Queensland should become a separate state could gain support, judging by the results of a new poll.

Poll: Should the Far North be a separate state? 

More than half – 52 per cent – of more than 100 people who voted in a poll conducted at cairns.com.au believed that Far North Queensland should become a separate state.

And in similar poll conducted at couriermail.com.au, the “yes” vote received the most votes (48 per cent), with just 24 per cent voting “no”. A further 22 per cent said all states should be abolished, and just 4 per cent said they did not care.

The idea of splitting Queensland into two states, with Far North Queensland breaking away from the southeast, was suggested by eminent Australian historian Geoffrey Blainey during a speech in Cairns on Tuesday.

Suggest a name for a new Far North Queensland state.

In comments at cairns.com.au, reactions have ranged from supportive to scathing.

The Missus of Cairns thought the idea didn’t go far enough.

“Forget about the state and become a whole new country. May NT would like to join us. We could have Queen Val,” she posted.

Read more comments

Samantha of Brisbane applauded the idea.

“Over 50 years ago I was a member of a regional debating team which debated this subject. We won, and
I have continued to be a firm supporter of a new state for Nth Queensland,” she wrote.

“Congratulations to the wonderful Prof Blainey for advancing it again.”

But many other southeast Queensland residents were against the idea.

“We don't want Nth Qld turned into another state as where would be get the players for State of Origin?”  Little Kev of Red Hill posted.

Suggest players for Far North Queensland’s own State of Origin team.

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