Cape York Weekly FREE – #054 | Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
LAKELAND IS CAPE’S NEXT BOOM TOWN
Gateway to growth By MATT NICHOLLS
CONSIDERED the Gateway to the Cape, the farming community of Lakeland is shaping as the gateway to growth in Cook Shire. Already the agricultural capital of the region, Lakeland’s potential to develop into a bustling township is being seriously considered by the council. Mayor Peter Scott said there was “massive” potential for Lakeland to grow to a population of around 2000 people in future years. “There are some things that would need to happen but there are so many positive things happening in that space,” he said. Cr Scott is on the steering committee for the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme, which is proposing to build a massive dam that would fuel farming growth in the region and help expand the town. “It’s a project that is being driven largely by Regional Development Australia (Tropical North) and there’s a bit of work to do before it’s ready to go,” he said. “But the feds are really supportive and I think we’re starting to see the state government come on board.” If the dam was built, it could see Lakeland become another hot spot for tourism, just as Lake Tinaroo has bolstered the Tablelands. Cook Shire Council is aware that growing a community can be a challenging prospect, especially without core services, such as health clinics and reliable internet. Continued – Page 2
CONQUER ATTRACTS A CROWD Almost 200 walkers braved blisters, sunburn and fatigue to Conquer the Corrugations on the weekend. The mental health walk attracted people from all corners of the Cape. Event coverage – Pages 14 & 15
FUNDRAISER