Local Briefs

l QUAKE SHAKES CITY l SCIENTIFIC DIVERS acknowledges cash as a legal tender, however acknowledges the growing preference for the majority of our ratepayers,” the spokeswoman said.

RESIDENTS across Cairns felt a moderate earthquake on Wednesday night. According to the Australian Government’s Geoscience website, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck 10km beneath the Coral Sea, about 130km east of Cairns, at 10.13pm. The website showed that 24 people registered feeling the shock as of 10am yesterday.

MORE than 100 diving doctors have visited the Great Barrier Reef for the 51st annual South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society’s (SPUMS) scientific meeting. They took part in an exclusive charter with Reef Magic, visiting the reef up close, as well as addresses by keynote speakers and presentations of scientific paperts at Crystalbrook Riley hotel. Delegates came from as far away as Canada, the US and the UK.

“It is not within the remit of council to advocate for a cashless society and we do not presume to do so.

“We have considered the use of cash within council operations only.

“During natural disasters, council will be flexible and ensure emergency arrangements are in place during these periods.

“Council has not received a petition and any petition would be considered.”

People are encouraged to sign the online petition at https://www.petitions.net/cassowary_coast_bring_ back_cash