DOUGLASNEWS.NETWORK
DouglasNews.Network has contacted each of the eight candidates for the Cook electorate, to obtain a deeper insight into their values, interests, and their priorities for the Douglas Shire and broader electorate.Β Edward “Nipper” Brown, candidate for the Liberal National Party was born in Mossman and grew up in Julatten. Married for 28 years with three children, a daughter who is 26 years old, and two sons, 23 years and 16 years. Nipper worked in Telstra for over 20 years, all over the electorate of Cook and other areas. He started his own business in 2004, and became a Councillor with the Mareeba Shire when they de-amalgamated from the Tablelands Regional Council. Nipper was re-elected in 2016, and stood for Mayor this year, but was unsuccessful by a narrow margin.
What inspired you to join the political world back when you were on the Mareeba Council? And then, to take it to the next level with your nomination for the State election?
I was inspired to enter local government because I wanted to ensure Mareeba Shire began on a clear path of prosperity and to ensure all communities had a voice. The inspiration to move into State was because I believe we have not had a strong voice in Cook for the last two governments. We are a unique electorate with so much potential in so many areas but continually we are overlooked by the bureaucrats in the South East because we have no one fighting for this area.
What are your three top priorities for the Cook electorate?
- Employment.
- Health (different issues across the electorate)
- Housing
What are your top three priorities for the Douglas Shire?
- Tourism (feature drawcard, marketing, events to get visitors coming back)
- Health (return maternity services and have a CT scanner in Mossman Hospital
- Employment more jobs across the Shire
What do youΒ see as the biggest issue facing the Douglas Shire for 2021?
The biggest Issue for 2021 is learning to live safely with Covid and getting the Tourism sector capacity back to the numbers prior to Covid.
What are you most excited about for our region in 2021?
Most excited about unleashing the full potential of the Shire by working closely with Council and the Tourism Bodies on projects like the Botanic Gardens, expanding the Wangetti Trail and others.
How will you specifically support tourism to get back on track?
I work closely with the federal government, ensuring we get our fair share of the funding they have promised. I will work closely with the tourism bodies such as TEQ, TTNQ plus the local Council.
What are your views on development in the Daintree?Β Β Ie the proposal to build a bridge, and to introduce microgrid power?
Daintree Bridge- I believe that Council has taken the right path and I will work with Council to help them deliver on the communityβs decision.
Microgrid Power- all the studies have been completed. I have stated I will do all I can to get the best possible outcome for the people of the Daintree.
When you have a snippet of it, how do you enjoy your down time?
To relax I dance (Line and Rock and Roll). I listen to music and spend time with family.
What is your favourite place to escape to within the region?
Depends on what I am escaping from as there is so many great places in our Electorate.
What is your personal mantra?
Our youth are our future, we need to ensure we are giving all youth the opportunity to reach their full potential in all aspects of life.
Who is your personal hero or heroine?
My Mum and Dad for giving myself and my brothers the foundation and inspiring us to participate in all aspects of the community.Β
Where can Douglas Shire residents catch up with you Nipper?
I will be in Douglas most days at the prepoll for a period of time and if people message or ring me I am happy to meet them where they are comfortable.
Is there anything else you would like to add today?
I will be a strong loud voice for all and will always place the interests of this electorate and its constituents before the parties.
If it is not good for Cook it is not good for me.
