CairnsLife Magazine September 2016

POLITICAL LIFE
LIFE In Conversation
Mick
TROUT
Words by Suzy Grinter
Trout’s heart
is still in
Barron River
You can take the man out of politics, but
you can’t take politics out of the man.
Michael (Trouty) Trout admits it took
a while to acclimatise to business after
three years as the Member for Barron
River.
“After minimum 15 hour days, seven
days a week of back to back meetings
and engagements, it’s been wonderful
re-engaging with my four daughters
instead of quick hellos as we pass at the
front door.
“I’m enjoying spending valued time with
them as they leave their teenage years
behind, and my business day sees me
supporting the family’s cattle and tourism
businesses,” says Michael.
Michael has also been involved in youth
suicide prevention, a subject close to his
heart, as well as ongoing responsibilities
as Chair of Tropical Tablelands Tourism
and Board Member of Tourism Tropical
North Queensland. He recently joined
Toastmasters in the humble recognition
that public speaking was not his forté.
“While representing Barron River in
State Parliament, my younger brothers
stepped up to manage our family’s small
businesses, Mungalli Falls Outdoor
Education Centre and Blazing Saddles.
“They’ve matured considerably, and now
they are my bosses, rather than the other
way around,” Michael chuckles.
“I’ve also spent a fair bit of time helping
Dad at our leased Cape York cattle
station, Kalinga,” adds Michael.
“
I love
the balance
between
tourism and
the cattle game,
and findboth
industries
very
rewarding ”
Cattle farming is in Michael’s blood.
He’s owned a registered stud since 1987,
comprising 800 head of Brahmans, the
origins of which can be traced back to
America in the Thirties.
“I find it fascinating studying the lineage,
and can trace cattle families in my herds
going back 100 years, Michael says.
The beautiful Kalinga property has
survived one of the worst droughts in
living memory, following three years of
fire that wreaked havoc on the already
arid pasture lands.
“Because of Dad’s immense knowledge
and experience, we managed to keep the
cattle alive on Kalinga, rejoicing when
the first rains fell on Christmas Eve 2015.
“I love the balance between tourism and
the cattle game, and find both industries
very rewarding, while benefiting me with
the understanding to represent rural and
regional areas.
“Cattle farming can be a tough game
but rewarding if you work with the
environment and the elements, and
look after your country so you can be
profitable,” says Michael.
Trout patriarch, Peter, join us; a truly
likeable man, highly respected for his
business acumen. I ask what he thought
when his son chose to run for Barron
River in 2012.
“I was very pleased. He had a
contribution to make to the community.
Some people have the ability to help
others, and some haven’t. It takes
strength of character to represent people
and get the best results for them in the
face of the omnipresent critics,” Peter
proffered.
I turned to his son, grabbing the bull by
the horns. “So, will Trouty return to the
Barron River?”
“Definitely. There’s a lot to do.
“Youth employment and small business
survival are dependent on each other.
We desperately need to see small business
regain capacity to employ. Regulations
need to be changed so small business can
employ without fear of the Ombudsman.
“I have the wisdom of three years in
office, a great deal of hindsight, and a
deep conviction that the only way to be
an effective State member is to stick your
neck out,” he adds.
CairnsLife 11 Magazine