THE Far North is crying out for help, energy and economic intervention. And as the race for The Lodge begins, your vote will count more than ever in setting the agenda for our future prosperity.

In this five-week federal election campaign, this region demands solutions from our politicians, not political sniping.

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It demands substance, not smear.

Our politicians and candidates are on notice: Don’t take the voters for fools.

This region faces a raft of significant challenges, those that will not be covered by over-arching motherhood statements by political parties.

Here is an opportunity for our leaders to turn the tide of mounting cynicism, and unleash constructive, economic-building opportunities to put us back on a path to our full potential and provide jobs for our future generations.

The global financial crisis hit the tourism and construction industries for six. Our unemployment figures are still far too high.

And as politicians begin their exodus north, they must think answers and initiatives first, and photo opportunities second.

Jobs, financial stimulus, a boost to capital works and assistance to help diversify our economic base must be at the top of the list.

The seat of Leichhardt is touted as the federal barometer, one that will decide whether the Gillard Government is returned or whether the Abbott Coalition will take office.

So now is the time for you the voter, to have your say, to question and scrutinise, to judge the ideals and visions of the candidates, to become involved in the debate. In Leichhardt and Kennedy, make them work for your vote.

The list for our pollies is extensive.

It starts with jobs and real decentralisation programs that offer true incentives - to make the Far North a region of choice for doing business.

Obstacles such as mounting airport charges must be remedied.

An injection of new capital works money and speeding up existing programs will have an enormous effect on our economy.

Real commitments to establishing Cairns as a fly-in fly-out base for the mining industry and strengthening our ties with Papua New Guinea are vital.

A true commitment to boosting education and training and the fast-tracking of Cairns' vision as a centre of tropical expertise are important.

The Far North needs to be endorsed as a centre where people want to do business, and can do business, where people can be innovative in a range of fields from medical to education, from mining to aviation and from tourism to arts and sports.

Red tape and obstacles must be removed, and stimulus must be provided to help us diversify.

Far North Queensland is paradise. It is vibrant and creative.

But there has been trouble in paradise and if candidates want our votes they must respond.

This is where you, the voter, hold the power. If they want your vote, make them work for it.

The power is with you.

Andrew Holman, editor

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