Eight new cops on the beat Cycleway pays tribute to Luke

New corridor infrastructure to improve safety

l WHITE ROCK

| Nick Dalton

THE first stage of an off-road cycleway dedicated to the late cyclist Luke Azzopardi has opened in the southern suburbs of Cairns.

Mr Azzopardi was a Gordonvale resident and bike rider who was killed in a crash while training on Lake Morris Rd at Kanimbla in 2021. He was just 19.

move to the Far North,” she said.

EIGHT new police officers have started work in the Far North.

The first year constables will take up positions at Cairns and Edmonton police stations.

A police spokeswoman said the new constables would complete their orientation and commence shift work at their station by the end of the week.

“The past seven days have been a whirlwind for the new constables, who only graduated last week before packing up their homes and families and making the

With most of the group recently graduating at the Brisbane Academy, Constable Montana Watson had an induction with a difference.

“Unfortunately, Constable Watson sustained a serious injury to her knee during recruit training. The injury required surgery and extensive rehabilitation which sadly meant she was unable to graduate with her squad last December,” the police spokeswoman said.

“Following rehabilitation and light duties work at the Cairns Police Station,

Constable Watson was given her very own solo induction at the Townsville Police Academy on May 26,” she said. “The resilience and commitment shown by Constable Watson to complete her recruit training is nothing short of impressive and most certainly highlights the qualities we seek in our future police officers.

“Our new officers bring with them a wealth of experience. Several of the new officers previously worked in Protective Services as well as the Australian Defence Force, administration and youth services."

The cycleway is being delivered as a secondary part of the $58 million Cairns Southern Access Corridor – Robert Road to Foster Road project. The Australian Government has committed $46.4m to the project, with the Queensland Government contributing $11.6m.

The newly-opened section is package 1 of the Cairns Southern Access Cycleway (CSAC) project, which is under construction between Bana Gindarja Creek and Caleb Shang Bridge.

The existing pathway has been upgraded, with the dedicated cycleway constructed between the Queensland Rail north coast line and residential White Rock.

Access to the completed section is available from Caleb Shang Bridge, Links Drive,

Skull Road and Sheehy Road.

Staged completion of further sections between Riverstone Road, Gordonvale and Sheehy Road, White Rock are expected mid-2023.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Catherine King said the Australian Government was committed to improving safety on and around the country’s roads for all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

“Opening this section of the Luke Azzopardi Cycleway is an important step in providing Cairns’ southern suburbs a safe, world class off-road cycleway,” she said.

“I am proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver this project for the local community, paying homage to Mr Azzopardi, and benefiting the wider cycling community.”

Queensland Senator Nita Green said the Luke Azzopardi Cycleway was sure to be a major attraction for locals in Cairns’ southern suburbs, as well as attracting other cycling enthusiasts keen to ride safely in a high-speed environment.

“Regional infrastructure projects like this one keep communities connected, provide safer and more enjoyable journeys for our cyclists, and create local jobs,” she said.

Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the cycleway would grow dramatically this year as new stages came online between Caleb Shang Bridge, White Rock and Riverstone Road in Gordonvale. “I look forward to seeing this project completed in the months to come,” he said.

Cairns MP Michael Healy said Mr Azzopardi was a wellrespected Gordonvale youth who made significant contributions to the sport and the community. “It will be a fitting tribute to deliver such a significant piece of infrastructure which provides safe off-road alternatives for bike riders of all ages and abilities,” he said.

What is the exact question?

THE question to be put to the Australian people at the 2023 referendum will be:

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

The proposed law that Australians are being asked to approve at the referendum would insert a new section into the Constitution:

“Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice:

“In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”