Cairns Local News October 27 2023 by Cairns Local News

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OCTOBER 27, 2023

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Police beat doubts

Family calls for reward l YARRABAH

Three city venues under scrutiny as three close on the Gold Coast l CAIRNS REGION | Nick Dalton THREE police beats in Cairns are under threat after the Queensland Police Service would not rule out closures at Cairns Central and Earlville Shopping Town shopping centres and on the Esplanade. The police have already secretly closed three on the Gold Coast at Broadbeach, Southport and Robina shopping centres. The service admits that the beats in Cairns are being assessed. “The Queensland Police Service (QPS) continues to evaluate its service delivery models, including existing residential and police beat locations, to ensure the proactive delivery of efficient and effective policing services,” a police

media spokeswoman said. “The Cairns West Police Facility, including the new mobile police beat, will provide a new frontline facility and police operations for the West Cairns area,” she said. “In the Far North district, shopfront police beats are operational at Cairns Central, Cairns City (Esplanade) and Cairns Stockland (Earlville Shopping Town). “Any transition of existing facilities to mobile police beats is undertaken after extensive evaluation and consultation with the primary focus on ensuring we deliver modern, mobile and flexible policing options to meet strategic, operational priorities and local community needs. Modern day policing is about having agility in service delivery.” CONTINUED PAGE 3

NEW CASINO CHIEF REVEALS HIS HAND THE new chief executive of the Reef Casino Trust – Brad Sheahon – has come 'home' to take the highly profitable business to the next level. FULL STORY PAGE 2

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THE family of missing Yarrabah teenager Markiah ‘Mackey’ Major wants a reward offered for information about his disappearance. Grandmother Adelaide Sands has written to Mulgrave MP and the Speaker of the House Curtis Pitt seeking his support for the reward. “It’s now eight weeks since Markiah Major (above) was last seen by his family in Yarrabah. This is very disturbing for his family and friends, and has caused his family a great deal of stress, sleeplessness and heartache,” she said. “Since reporting this disappearance to the police there has been a considerable amount of time, resources and publicity given to Markiah’s disappearance, however the leads and information appear to be scant.” Ms Sands said there had been three searches of bushland at Yarrabah, considerable media coverage, including a front page in Cairns Local News, as well as digital billboards on Ray Jones Drive, Mulgrave Rd and at Yarrabah. “Unfortunately, this blanket coverage has not yielded many leads for police and family,” she said. Police say “there are no further updates at this stage”.

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New CEO to take conservative approach to proﬁtable business l CAIRNS CBD | Nick Dalton

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THE new boss of the Reef Casino Trust in Cairns – the owner of the hotel-casino property in the heart of the city – is taking “a steady as it goes” approach as chief executive officer. Brad Sheahon takes over from trust executive director Allan Tan and will work closely with casino operations chief executive Paul McHenry. For the chartered accountant it is a home coming of sorts after spending his mid to late teens in the city, attending Trinity Anglican School at White Rock from years 10-12, while his father was caretaker at the Cairns Golf Club, until leaving the Far North for university studies in Brisbane. The New Zealander told Cairns Local News he was looking forward to working for “one of the biggest names, one of the most iconic properties and iconic roles in Cairns”. While Mr Sheahon is new to the gaming and entertainment industry, he has vast experience across a wide range of roles, including head of finance at the RAM Group and Cromwell Property Group, senior finance roles at Theiss, Rio Tinto and Cardno, as well as positions in Europe. He said he was looking forward to leveraging the knowledge of Mr Tan and Mr McHenry who he described as “doyens” of the sector. Mr Sheahon said his experience and knowledge of ASXlisted operations as well as strategic thinking and investment property management would enhance his new position. He said it would be a case of

New Reef Casino Trust chief executive officer Brad Sheahon is excited about taking over the casino and hotel complex. Picture: Nick Dalton

“continuity and stability” as he learned about the three business units of gaming and the casino, the hotel and food and beverage. Mr Sheahon said he was keen to see the full maintenance schedule of the property finished, including the dome which housed the former Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome. Work is expected to be com-

pleted in September next year. He said the trust was open to new possibilities for the dome, not discounting a return of the zoo, as well as propositions for the former Paramour cabaret venue and Café China restaurant. Mr Sheahon said the business was trading well despite the leisurely return of international visitors but there were signs of

the Japanese, individual Chinese tourists as well as American travellers coming back. Premium players or high rollers were also slow with a mixture of southerners, locals and some foreigners, including Papua New Guinea, the principal clientele. The casino expects that when Chinese travellers return in droves there will be significant-

ly more premium players. The trust had a record year in 2022-23 and did well in 202122 but it doesn’t expect the same in 2023-24. Locals will continue to be a focus, particularly with the free entertainment at BAR36. The business employs about 300 full-time employees with up to another 60 casual and part-time during peak periods.

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Rare chopper coup Briefs Local

Skytek wins contract to service unusual helicopters for PNG l CENT SALE

CAIRNS Scope Club has raised $4000 at its recently held cent sale at Gordonvale. The money is being donated to YAPS, Warringo Home and towards the appeal for a roof replacement at a Cairns women’s shelter.

l AEROGLEN | Nick Dalton SKYTEK at Cairns Airport has scored a coup by securing a contract to prepare two rare helicopters for work in Papua New Guinea. The Super Pumas, officially known as the Airbus Helicopter H215 AS332L2, (formerly Eurocopter AS332), have travelled a long way by ship from Canada to Sydney and then by road on low loaders to Cairns, escorted by pilots. The aircraft, worth up to $10.5 million each, have been acquired by Hevilift and replace Russian Mil Mi8s which have returned to the northern hemisphere for the war against Ukraine. The Super Puma, mainly military-grade helicopters, are unusual in Australia. There are believed to be only two – in Victoria where they are used for firefighting. In Canada they were used to transport crews to and from oil rigs but would be mainly used for aerial crane work in PNG in the oil and gas sector. Skytek chief executive Alana McKenna said a team of eight workers would spend six weeks upgrading the choppers to include installing the four rotor blades, satellite tracking avionics applicable to Papua New Guinea, certificates of registration and airworthiness and a repaint in the livery of Hevilift. She said the second Super Puma would be reconditioned over the next six months. “The team is very excited. We’ve recruited an experienced engineer and the owner (managing director Jan Booij) also has experience with the aircraft,” Ms McKenna said. She said it would be great

l CRIME SERIES JAMES Cook University is hosting 2023’s ‘Behind the Crime’ presentation on November 30. The third of its kind in Cairns, 2023’s ‘Murder on the Endeavour’ will look into the seven-month long investigation and some of the investigative techniques, crime scene technology, psychology, DNA, and phenotyping that was used to solve the 2017 murder of Cooktown mother Donna Steele. Tickets are available at Eventbrite through the following link: https://bit.ly/3MfB0mn

l FASHION SHOW

Skytek managing director Jan Booij and chief executive officer Alana McKenna with the Super Puma helicopter. Picture: Nick Dalton

opportunity for all the staff to work on the aircraft. Mr Booij said after a 2014 fatal accident involving the Super Puma, they were grounded for passenger transport. But, he said, due to demand, they had been brought back to life for firefighting and aerial cranework as opposed to passenger transport. Mr Booij said the helicopter

was mainly designed for military use, but the L2 version was adapted for civilian use. It had a 4.2-4.6 tonne lifting ability. He said there were about 20 in Canada and 4-5 in Vietnam. Ms McKenna said Skytek was expanding its capabilities of servicing and maintaining helicopters from the usual fare of Bell 412s and 212s to Augusta AW139s.

“Skytek will be working alongside Babcock in our Cairns facility to complete modifications to their two new AW139 airframes in early 2024,” she said. Ms McKenna said Skytek was at capacity at Cairns Airport with the helicopter hangar full. Four aircraft were currently in production with others parked on the tarmac while the fixed

wing hangar was also full. “We need more space. We are at capacity here and at the fixed wing hangar,” she said. “Skytek has an application in for a grant for government funding under the Industry Partnerships Program to assist with funding for a new larger facility to help us with capacity and growth. There is no outcome as of yet.”

Police evaluating three police beats across Cairns city FROM PAGE 1

With the advent of technology, the focus is on having officers mobile on our streets and ready to respond at all times,” the police spokesewoman said. “The QPS continues to look at options and opportunities to deploy our services quickly and

efficiently to provide an agile community-centric approach to policing and crime prevention within our region”. Deputy Mayor Terry James said he was surprised that the police beats were being evaluated. He said the two at the shopping centres and on the

Esplanade were crucial “hot spots”. “Council needs to step up in this space and work with the police to help them a bit more,” he said. “We need to see what else we can do. Council has a very good relationship with the police.”

Cairns Central centre manager Christie-lee Jackson said the management also had a good relationship with police. “As always, the safety of our customers, retailers and staff remains our number one priority,” she said. “The Queensland Police Ser-

vice are an integral part of keeping the community safe and we continue to work closely with Cairns Central Police Beat to ensure the centre remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.” Earlville Shopping Town was contacted for comment.

FOLLOWING the success of its inaugural run, the Cairns Fashion Week has received a $35,000 funding package from Cairns Regional Council for the return of the event in July of 2024. On Wednesday the council endorsed the provision of $25,000 in funding with a further $10,000 dependent on an assessment of the event’s performance against agreed criteria following the success of Cairns Fashion Week’s first instalment earlier this year.

l GARDEN AWARD THE Corner garden beautification project at the Cairns School of Distance Education, Manunda, took out the award for small projects at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects National Awards last week.

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Plan to boost Film about suicide prevention housing stock l CAIRNS CBD

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Forum thrashes out home crisis ideas l CAIRNS REGION | Nick Dalton NEW affordable prefabricated or modular housing could take just 12 weeks to build as part of an all-industry plan to be rolled out soon. Stakeholders are hoping to start desperately needed homes in Cairns in the next six to 12 months after a forum was held this week to “supercharge” the process involving landowners, financiers, developers, builders, governments and community house providers. QShelter gathered key players in the sector together for a day-long event to nut out short and long-term plans to provide more affordable social housing in the region. They included Cairns Regional Council, community housing providers, relevant government departments, including senior officials from Brisbane, builders, financiers, planners and developers. QShelter policy and strategic engagement manager Jackson Hills said it was acknowledged that Cairns was in the top 10 nationally for unmet social hous-

Jackson Hills of QShelter.

ing needs. He said the forum had gathered the key players together to “supercharge” a plan to find land, finance and start building social houses. Mr Hills said there were 140 people sleeping rough on the streets of Cairns every night and another 4500 living in inadequate places, including cars, tents, overcrowded dwellings and hotel rooms. He said the state government and the regional council had done an audit of properties suitable for development for affordable housing. One of the key challenges was the current high cost of traditional construction and a lack

of skilled workers, Mr Hills said. He said one fast method was modular and prefabricated buildings which were now much improved in design, construction and quality. Mr Hills said in the long term there was a need to invest more in houses to alleviate the critical shortfall after 20 years of no investment nationally. “The plan is to identify the land and identify the finance and bring the key parnerships together,” he said. Mr Hills said it was hoped that a tangible outcome could be seen in the next six to 12 months, halving the normal timeframe. Deputy mayor Cr Terry James said the council was prepared to help speed up processes and specific teams had been assembled to fast-track two social housing projects in the CBD and Woree. He said there was also a need to change the mindset of people against granny flats and shipping container homes on properties. Cr James said recently he had seen some “beautiful” shipping containers homes that would meet community and neighbourhood expectations.

INDIE film director based in NSW, Jye Currie, is taking his latest directorial project The Promise, a film on suicide prevention, regionally, with an early screening and Q&A at Cairns Central Event Cinemas on October 30. Produced by Green Frog Productions and with the help of ABC sport announcer, author and mental health speaker Craig Hamilton, The Promise tackles the spikey subject of suicide awareness and prevention through different narratives from prominent mental health experts, sporting icons, mental health advocates and ordinary people. All profits from the film are going to Lifeline. The Promise will officially be released in 2024. Mr Currie said he wanted to take the movie regionally to make an impact. “Craig’s story made me look into my own industry and noticed there were no suicide prevention films out there so I pitched to Craig that we should do a film,” he said. “With the rates Australia is facing and how much people is suffering we want

Film director Jye Currie (left) and mental health advocate Craig Hamilton are touring with their suicide prevention film The Promise. Picture: Supplied.

to make an impact so we wanted to cover as many communities as we can, and Cairns is as north as we’re taking it for now.” Guided by Mr Hamilton’s story, the ﬁlm also approaches the mental health journey of public ﬁgures like TV personality Jessica Rowe, mental health advocates

Joe Williams and Bailey Seamer, world champion Boxer Tim Tszyu, rugby league premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett and legendary NRL captain Paul ‘The Chief’ Harragon. Tickets only through Green Frog Productions at https://bit.ly/3s40DzC

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New Div. 5 Councillor fails to stop multi-apartment buildings at beaches council candidate l CAIRNS CBD BUSINESS leader, mother and community advocate Emma Gelling (right) is to contest division 5 in the upcoming elections as part of Team Eden. “Division 5 is an integral part of the Cairns community, and I am dedicated to continuing Cr Amy Eden’s work by acting as a bridge between the council, and the people,” she said. “While much has been achieved, there remains ongoing work to be done as our city continues to evolve and grow.” The married mother of two children runs a hairdressing business - Blended Hair which has won business awards. “The increased isolation and stress which many people experienced (in COVID) meant that I was often a link to normality. Making those connections and helping with selfcare was extremely rewarding for me and, was in part, what fuelled my decision to join Team Eden.” Cr Eden, who is the current councillor for division 5 is running for mayor. Also running for division 5 is independent and current division 2 councillor Rob Pyne and Unity Team candidate Nathan Lee-Long.

Council goes for gold l KEWARRA BEACH | Nick Dalton

A MULTI-million dollar apartment complex at Kewarra Beach has been given the green light by Cairns Regional Council despite a last minute attempt by the area councillor to stop the development. The Golden Lakes project, which involves 216 units in three six-storey buildings and two single-storey buildings and 333 car parks, is at 1 Moore Rd on the site of an old quarry which now includes a lake. It had previously been approved which had lapsed. Officers recommended the development application for approval, subject to reasonable and relevant development conditions. There were just two objections, mainly on the grounds of inconsistency with the low density residential zone and character of the area, increased traffic along Moore Rd and Discovery Drive, and a strain on essential services. Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds told the council meeting on Wednesday he would not support the development. “I have been to town and back on this,” he said. He said the area was zoned low density and Golden Lakes was high density.

An artist’s impression of The Golden Lakes apartment project approved by Cairns Regional Council at Kewarra Beach. Picture: Supplied

Cr Olds said it was in a ruralresidential area and residents did not want footpaths, a store or service station on every corner nor high traffic volumes. He said with the Palms development in the same area, involving a school, water park, holiday park as well as new housing, vehicle numbers would increase rapidly on Moore Rd and Discovery Drive, causing traffic jams at school run and commuting times. Cr Olds said the “look and feel of the suburb” would

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change dramatically. Other aspects were the heights of the buildings and the reduced setbacks. He described the project as being “plasticine” and it was being “bent around to get an outcome” to suit the developers. There was just one road in and out towards the Cook Highway with no alternatives, Cr Olds said. He said the community wasn’t being listened to and the reason there were so few objections was that residents had

been threatened with legal action by the developers, so were too frightened to make submissions against the application. Planning director Ed Johnson said there were only two objections which indicated there was not much concern. He said the application complied with most performance outcomes, that the traffic aspects were within standards, that the buildings nestled into the landscape and not much of the site would be cleared of vegetation. Cr Johnson said the developer

would also be required to heavily landscape the buildings with vertical gardens. Deputy mayor Terry James, who chaired the meeting, told Cr Olds that the city desperately needed new housing stock and the council could not keep “knocking back” applications. He said many residents who had bought in the area would have been aware of the project, which had been on the drawing board since 2007. Cr Olds and Cr Amy Eden voted against the application which was approved.

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Just the tonic for Mick

l CAIRNS REGION

lBRINSMEAD | Isabella Guzman Gonzalez A CANCER patient and his wife will be taking their dream holidays after their daughter won a cruise for two to Kimberley through a Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation raﬄe for the Cancer Care Hub. For over eight years, Mick and Maree Harris from Brinsmead kept postponing their bucket list holidays to tThe Kimberley’s until Mr Harris’ throat cancer diagnosis in 2022 put their lives on pause. When Mrs Harris received an email with infomation about the foundation’s raﬄe for the Cancer Care Hub, she encouraged the whole family to participate. Her daughter, Jocelyn Harris, bought $100 worth of tickets and when her name was drawn, she knew she would gift it to her parents. “My dad has had cancer for two years so it’s great for him to go on. He’ll really appreciate it and enjoy it,” she said. “It’s also important for us to be supporting the Cancer Care Hub because they’ve helped our family out.” The cruise trip worth $34,000 was donated in full by Coral Expeditions. The foundation also raised $90,000 for the Cancer Care Hub with the support of

Raffle winners Maree Harris (left), Mick Harris and Jocelyn Harris on board the Coral Discoverer cruise ship. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

BDO. “It’s really exciting, you have no idea how many times we’ve planned this trip and we’re very grateful to Coral Expeditions and the foundation and it’s great that this goes to help the Cancer Care Hub because we really need it in Cairns,” Mrs Harris said. “Unfortunately, Mick was diagnosed with throat cancer,

PAGE 6 Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023

and he couldn’t get the treatment he needed here so we had to go to Brisbane. Now that his cancer metastasised to his lungs, he’s getting immunotherapy in Cairns and we’re having success with it. “His last scans came clear, so not having that care in Cairns is unfortunate, the more services that we can get here for patients the better.”

Coral Expeditions commercial director Jeff Gillies said as a Cairns company with 40 years of operations they were proud to support a local cause as important as the Cancer Care Hub. Foundation’s chief executive Gina Hogan said it was exciting to keep increasing the funds toward the hub.

“This year’s raﬄe raised over $90,000, that’s $25,000 more than what we raised last year and that will go to the $1.5 million Cancer Care Hub project,” Ms Hogan said. “Without people like Coral Expeditions and BDO we can’t hold the events we do, have these amazing prizes and enhance cancer services for our patients.”

THE community is being asked for feedback about proposed designs for three new playgrounds in Cairns. As part of Cairns Regional Council’s annual parks renewal program, new playgrounds are to be installed at Pelican Park (Kewarra Beach), Barronville Park (Kamerunga) and Barron Waters/Burrawungal Park (Caravonica). A council spokesman said options had been proposed for each of the playgrounds and the community was being invited to have a say by choosing a preferred design. The three new playground designs for Pelican Park have been inspired by the natural features of Kewarra Beach Esplanade. The current playground and swing set will be consolidated into one play location. The three options proposed for Barronville Park include installation of a shade sail and have been inspired by the history of the park. Two new playground designs have been proposed for Barron Waters/ Burrawungal Park, inspired by the natural features of Caravonica. The old shade sail will be removed to create an immersive forest themed play area. Go to the “have your say” section on the council’s website for more information and to provide input.

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Maternity unit work begins l CAIRNS NORTH CONSTRUCTION has started to expand Cairns Hospital’s maternity unit in advance of the closure of Ramsay Health Care’s maternity services at Cairns Private Hospital. A new purpose-built maternity assessment centre is being built at Cairns Hospital to provide six assessment and treatment rooms within the women’s health unit. The $1 million refurbishment is additional to the Queensland Government’s $10m investment in boosting maternity services at the hospital. Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh said the upgrade would provide an improved experience for expectant mothers and their families. “We will have purpose-built rooms for maternity assessments and treatments. These improvements will expand our capacity and be available for all women birthing in the public system,” she said. Cairns Hospital midwifery and nursing director Mary McGuinness said the new centre would be “a much more familyfriendly area and provide greater privacy for our patients.” “The centre will care for women expecting complex pregnancies who will visit the centre regularly for their checks and ultra-sounds,” she said.

Mum’s red tape ﬁght Petition for private obstetricians to practice in public hospitals l CAIRNS NORTH | Isabella Guzman Gonzalez WITH the closure of the Cairns Private Hospital maternity unit coming on November 1 and expectant mothers being transferred to the public system, a Mareeba lawyer has tabled a petition for Health Minister Shannon Fentiman to allow private obstetricians to deliver their patients’ babies at Cairns Hospital. Lawyer Shaquille Chong has spearheaded the petition, which has over 2000 signatures, for private obstetricians Dr Anusha Lazzari and Dr Elizabeth Jackson to be allowed to perform deliveries at Cairns Hospital to ensure care continuity for mums currently in the private system. Ms Chong said that Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh had rejected the proposal, so they decided to escalate it to parliament. “Dr Lazzari and Dr Jackson have made a proposal to the public hospital to be able to birth some of their private patients

in the public hospital in exchange for supporting Cairns Hospital on an oncall basis to support public deliveries as well,” she said. “The chief executive has rejected the offer and failed to meet with Dr Lazzari and Dr Jackson to understand the proposal, so we decided to get Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman to meet with the obstetricians and listen to the pros and cons. “It’s about giving women choice on whether they want to keep receiving private obstetrician care and once that they’re admitted to public hospital, they can bring across their private obstetrician to deliver their babies.” Ms Singh said the public sector had the capacity to safely accommodate the new influx of expecting mothers. “The health service currently provides 91 per cent of the birthing within the Far North and with the addition of the Ramsay Healthcare private patients, this will mean we will be providing close to 97 per cent of all births for the Far North, and this can be safely accommodated

Shaquille Chong’s petition to allow private obstetricians to work at Cairns Hospital. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

within the public sector,” she said. “There are much wider and more complex implications to permitting private obstetricians to work within a public hospital. “These factors include other infrastructure such as operating theatre capacity and additional

staffing resources such as theatre staff and anaesthetists and pharmacists. “There is no maternity crisis in the Far North with most women already opting for the public service for their birthing needs.” Having accessed IVF and given birth through

the private health system, Ms Chong highlighted the importance of doing as much as possible to retain health specialists in the region. “Due to the closure of the maternity unit, we have seen a lot of specialists pack up and close their services,” she said.

Council News Update Citizen of the Year Awards Nominations for Cairns Regional Council’s 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards are now open, providing an opportunity to recognise local individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region. Nominees must be residents of the Cairns Local Government Area. Nominations are open until 4pm on Friday 15 December. 4Nominate now via Council’s website.

Christmas card designs Creative kids are invited to put their talents to paper to design Cairns Regional Council’s official Christmas eCard. Entry forms are available to download from Council’s website. Entries close 5.30pm, Friday 10 November.

NOW OPEN

Improvement works Cairns Esplanade eastern pier: Remediation works to the support structures (piles) of the eastern pier on the Cairns Esplanade (next to the helicopter pad) will start next week. The works are expected to take two months to complete and will require the closure of the adjacent footpath to stop public access. Please follow any directions and detours as signed. Lily Creek Cycleway, Edge Hill: The Lily Creek cycleway path will be closed from Tuesday 31 October to Wednesday 1 November for maintenance works to the steel handrails to the bridge between Greenslopes St and Collins Ave. Morris St (at Old Smithfield Rd intersection) Freshwater: Stormwater renewal. Temporary road closure, traffic control, property access disruptions. 4Visit Council’s website for a full list of improvement works.

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“If we restrict what we have left in the community from a private perspective then obstetricians, gynaecologists, and fertility specialists could also leave if we create barriers for patients to access them.” With the petition tabled, Ms Fentiman has 30 days to respond.

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Debtors owe $44m in ﬁnes State Penalties Enforcement Registry oﬃcers raid homes and workplaces l FAR NORTH | Nick Dalton STATE Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) enforcement officers are in the Far North collecting debts of up to $44 million owed by 21,000 people and businesses across the region. The officers have been visiting debtors at their home or workplace, with measures including having money taken

“It follows a successful operation in Ipswich where 34 vehicles were seized from debtors avoiding their obligations. “SPER officers have just completed an operation in Ipswich where they seized 34 vehicles, collected around $700,000 and secured a further $2.5 million in payment plan commitments.” SPER officers are also conducting a similar operation in Townsville. Mr Easton said the opera-

from their wages or bank accounts through garnishment powers or having their cars clamped, seized and sold to meet their obligations. SPER enforcement director Kim Easton said SPER enforcement officers had targeted debtors in Cairns and surrounding areas with thousands owing in unpaid fines. “Debtors refusing to pay risk having their vehicles clamped and seized by officers,” he said.

tion across the Cairns region, included Bungalow, Edmonton, Babinda, Innisfail and Port Douglas. “Our officers will visit people at their homes and workplaces and those people that refuse to pay their debts will face tough action,” he said. “SPER has contacted thousands of people in the region to remind them of their outstanding debts and the need to act immediately.

“Anyone who is having trouble paying for whatever reason should contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss their payment options and avoid enforcement action.” The top offences in the Cairns area are: • Driving – 22,185, $9m • Speeding – 23,029 $7.7m • Other – 12,189, $4.5m • Public offences – 14,646, $4.2m • Vehicle – 11,222 $3.9m.w

“Through operations like these, SPER has seized a range of vehicles from people refusing to pay their debt. “This includes luxury SUVs, hi-spec utes and motorbikes, trucks, boats, trailers and jet skis. “If you have a fine, the best thing to do is pay it on time, because the consequences of not acting are serious. “SPER debts don’t go away – they will catch up with you.

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Tributes to former mayor

Vietnam

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Have some pride and stop using suburbia as a rubbish dump

Covering local news, sport and entertainment from Mossman to the Cassowary Coast

l CAIRNS REGION | Nick Dalton

Picture: Vietnam Airlines

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ACCOLADES are ﬂowing after the death of former Cairns mayor Kevin Byrne. He died in Cairns Hospital yesterday morning, aged 74. Mr Byrne (above) was mayor twice – from 1992 to 1995, and then from 2000 to 2008. He was born in Lae, Papua New Guinea in 1949 and later had a distinguished 17-year military career with his last assignment as a senior instructor at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. The Vietnam veteran was heavily involved in the business community after his local government career, including as chief executive of Advance Cairns. But in the past year he underwent serious cancer surgery and this year he broke a hip. Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Enstch said Mr Byrne had served the city well, twice as mayor. “He was a ﬁghter to the end, a good friend to many and a very special citizen,” he said. Cairns RSL Sub Branch president Nathan Shingles said he was “not only a pillar of our commu-

ILLEGAL dumping on the streets of suburban Cairns as well as in rural areas is becoming an eyesore and a headache for Old sofas and tables, sets of drawers, rusted barbecues, carpet and other items

Mayor upbeat after high-levels talks about route are being new left on Asia footpaths and nature l FA R NOR T H | Nick Dalton A DIRECT ﬂight path between Vietnam and Cairns has received a big boost following a high level meeting in Canberra.

aviation and tourism links between the two destinations were discussed. While Cairns Airport also has had talks with Vietnamese airlines – and cautions it’s a long term proposal – Cr Manning believes Cairns is in the captain’s

utive Mica Martin were invited to an event hosted by the Vietnamese ambassador in Canberra to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Asian country and Australia. Cr Manning said the invitation followed ambassador Nguy-

strips throughout the region by “disfor traﬃc between Australia and respectful and irresponsible” residents Vietnam.” Cr Manning latertake told Cairns thinking that other people will them Local News he was met at the because they are free. door of the function by a Vietnamese representative who Brett took Cairns regionalhim councillor straight to Mr Thanh and met threechairman or four timesof Moller, who is alsotheydeputy

took a shine to Cairns during the visit. “We talked about aviation, airport access. It (Vietnam) is an emerging country, I think we are on the right track,” Cr Manning said. “I’ve mentioned it to Mark

From little things big things grow!

“We are again seeing cases with rental properties as the tenants leave, they clear out their lounge rooms and leave items on the footpath,” he said. Cr Moller said in his division one recently he had seen garbage bags of old pillows and doonas, as well as mattresses, dumped on rural properties as well as 40 tyres on a headland “obviously by a commercial operator”. “It is disrespectful, it’s irresponsible, with no respect for others and the environment,” he said. Cr Moller said it was not up to the council to provide a free pick-up service for unwanted items. “Nothing is free and comes at a cost

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FOUR Far Northern surf lifesavers have won awards at Surf Life Saving Queensland’s annual awards of excellence in Brisbane. Volunteer of the year was Jesse Witt of Etty Bay SLSC, trainer of the year was Ellis Beach’s Gary Williams, the Clive Hammond OAM medal was awarded to Jeremy Kay of Ellis Beach SLSC, while an under-18 special commendation was handed to Natalie Cook, Etty Bay SLSC and an official of the year special commendation was given to Fiona Grant, Cairns SLSC. The judges said Mr Witt was a key volunteer at the Etty Bay SLSC “where he wears many hats from being club captain, trainer, assessor, official, drone operator to director of youth and membership where he leads by example, showing that you can do these roles at any age” They said Mr Williams was “the driver behind branch conducted IRB driver and crew courses at the start of each season, overcoming logistical challenges presented by stinger enclosures and beach closures due to jellyfish”. The judges said Mr Kay “stands tall amongst an incred-

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Deadly after dark inlet tours l EAST TRINITY AS Indigenous tourism grows quickly in the Far North, one operator has launched a new tour with a difference. Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours (MAIT) executive director Dale Mundraby said the organisation was extending tours after dark. “Called ‘Deadly After Dark’, the two-hour experience will initially operate every Friday night but we hope to increase departures should the tour prove to be successful,” he said. “Guests will cruise across the Cairns Harbour learning about the cultural landscape before arriving at the specially-built Yulu (stingray) Shelter. “Here they’ll be introduced to the incredible story of how the local Indigenous people reclaimed country and regenerated the badlydamaged environment. “All this while enjoying canapes and refreshments made from local native ingredients. “Travellers to the Far North want authentic Indigenous experiences. “That’s why over 4000 visitors have flocked to have exclusive access to the Indigenous-protected area at East Trinity with the region’s latest 100 per cent Indigenousowned tour operator.”

Push for sustainable tourism funding

Bed levy in chief’s sights

l FAR NORTH | Nick Dalton

Head tour guide Vincent Mundraby at the helm of the inlet boat.

NEW Tourism Tropical North Queensland chairman John O’Sullivan will pursue a funding model to market the destination which aims to take financial pressure off all levels of government. He said the Australian Government had pledged $15 million over three years to help with international recovery and there were also funding streams from Cairns Regional Council and state and other federal tourism bodies, such as Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland. But Mr O’Sullivan said a sustainable level of funding was required and a “mature conversation” was required about a new model. He said there were no doubts governments were under extreme pressure on the health, education and law and order fronts and tourism was regarded as “discretionary spending” which was not the case in the Far North where it was “a necessity”. Mayor Bob Manning is advicating for a small tourism tax or bed levy on accommodation

TTNQ chairman John O’Sullivan.

which could raise about $17m a year. Mr O’Sullivan, who is the chief executive of adventure tourism operator Experience Co, said levies on short-term accommodation such as hotel rooms were common in the US and Europe with little financial impact on tourists. He said the USA had been using this model for years to fund new stadiums as well as maintain iconic destinations such as Broadway in New York. Mr O’Sullivan said it was less than one per cent and hardly noticeable to tourists. He also said TTNQ’s $5 billion tourism spending target by 2025 was realistic and achievable. It currently was $4.3bn Mr O’Sullivan said challenges

included that the international recovery was slower than expected but there were signs of improvement. “On the Great Barrier Reef, Experience Co, in the first quarter (of this year) we have seen a reduction in domestic numbers by 25 per cent but an increase internationally of 57 per cent,” he said. Mr O’Sullivan said the domestic market was starting to soften or “correct”, while international was starting to bounce back. He was appointed TTNQ chairman at the annual general meeting on October 19. He has been a director of TTNQ since May 2021 and is a regular visitor to Tropical North Queensland where Experience Co Limited operates Great Barrier Reef cruises, sky diving and a rainforest high ropes course. The former Tourism Australia managing director replaces Ken Chapman who has completed his three-year term. Mr O’Sullivan said he looked forward to chairing the TTNQ board through the next three years. Nikki Giumelli was elected to the board and retiring director Ben Woodward was re-elected.

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Luring visitors to hills

Council removes cross

New Tablelands park to rival best that Cairns has l LAKE TINAROO | Nick Dalton A $3 million adventure precinct on the Tablelands to rival the best in Cairns has been designed to draw city dwellers from the muggy coast to cooler environs. Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park is opening its adventure precinct on Saturday, November 4. Director Lachlan Farquharson said at the heart of the precinct was a splash park, “a vibrant and dynamic aquatic wonderland that sets new standards for inclusive water play”. “Designed in collaboration with Urban Play, Waterplay, and the Seven Senses Foundation, this zero-depth splash park embraces universal and sensoryfocused design principles ensuring all guests can enjoy the fun,” he said. “The splash park is actionpacked with interactive features such as spray guns, cascading water trees, jumping puddles, sensory rocks, and water tables. “It offers hours of thrilling, water-filled fun for the entire family, no matter their age or ability. Anchoring this aquatic paradise is a custom-designed play tower in vibrant shades of blue and green. This centrepiece is filled with adventure,

boasting features such as slides, dumping buckets, and playful spraying animals, ensuring nonstop excitement for all.” Mr Farquharson said the precinct included a pool, which he described as “a visionary design that accommodates individuals of all abilities, allowing them to experience the benefits of water in a serene environment”. “The pool design encompasses a hot tub, multiple depths allowing for swimming and walking, easy steps for access, seating, an accessible ramp, and dynamic hydrotherapy features,” he said. Mr Farquharson said in a Queensland-first, therapeutic sprays were strategically placed along the accessible ramp for the restoration of the body and mind of people of all abilities. He said seven new villas overlooking all the action, including an accessible villa, were included. “This accessible water play precinct has been a vision in the making for a number of years and it’s incredible to see it all finally taking shape,” he said. “The Atherton Tablelands is an iconic destination, muchloved the world over for its unique and diverse natural charms, but we wanted to offer the whole package to our locals and guests.”

l GORDONVALE AN illegally-erected cross at the Gordonvale cemetery has been removed by Cairns Regional Council staff. The cross was one of two installed by resident Tony Gibbs on his wife’s grave and at his plot. Mr Gibbs said the aluminum ross at his plot had gone, sometime between Thursday last week and Tuesday this week. “I’m devastated … I’m dumbfounded. I thought there would be some compassion,” he said. Mr Gibbs erected the crosses last month without council approval. The council asked him to make a formal application but he has refused. Council lifestyle and community director Destry Puia said council officers had made several attempts to contact Mr Gibbs about exploring alternative memorial options. “Unfortunately, Mr Gibbs has declined the invitations to meet with our officers or consider alternative solutions,” he said. “It should be noted that both memorials encroach on adjoining lots, and the memorial Mr Gibbs has installed on his own plot will significantly impact council’s ability to dig a grave in the future.” Mr Puia said the memorial was removed on Tuesday and was being stored. The other cross will be removed soon.

Oliver James McLean, two, enjoys the new splash park at Lake Tinaroo.. Picture: Supplied

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Paying Builders start work to construct school’s performing arts centre homage to tropics l CAIRNS CBD LOCAL artists are under the spotlight at Cairns Art Gallery with the launch of two new exhibitions by Cairns-based artists Daniel Wallwork and Melanie Havas this weekend. The two exhibitions, ‘Sunsets and Spinifex’ by Daniel Wallwork and Melanie Havas’ nine metre panoramic painting, pay homage to the climate, beauty and diversity of the Far North and will be on display from Saturday (October 28) until early 2024. Mr Wallwork’s exhibition ‘Sunsets and Spinifex’ looks to evoke his impression of the dryness and humidity of Cape York and FNQ seen at high speed through the window of a four-wheel drive. Winner of the 2022 Cairns Art Gallery Artists Fellowship, Mr Wallwork combined his natural sense of humour, and his reflectiveness as a traveller to come up with body of works that capture complex details of the landscape. On the other hand, Melanie Hava’s ‘Bugan Mungan’ retraces the steps of her mother’s country after returning to Cairns from Austria. For the exhibition, Ms Hava presented for the first time a nine-metre rainforest panorama presenting the views of the Mamu Country south of Cairns.

It’s on with the show l MANUNDA

| Nick Dalton WORK is about to start on a new $20.3 million performing arts centre at Trinity Bay High School to replace the school theatre built in 2007. Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the project was being delivered by J Hutchinson Pty Ltd and was forecast for completion during term 2 of the 2024 school year supporting an average of 12 full-time jobs. “This air-conditioned facility includes a performance stage, three dance studios, two drama learning spaces, three music learning spaces, eight music practice rooms, three instrumental music rooms, outdoor music practice areas, student and staff amenities and an elevator,” he said. Mr Healy said it was part of a 2020 election commitment to deliver 36 halls or hall extensions over four years that also include: • Woree State School hall extension - $6.7m due for practical completion in November 2023 • Redlynch State College new multipurpose hall - $14.8m due for practical completion in September 2024. Demolition of the Trinity Bay High School structure has finished. An education depart-

An artist’s impression of Trinity Bay High School’s new performing arts centre that is under construction Picture: Supplied

ment spokeswoman said the existing theatre (R Block) was not demolished due to contamination, but to make way for the new facility. “Students have obviously been unable to use this facility during demolition, but the school has a separate multipurpose hall/sports complex that students can use,” she said. The spokeswoman said, as with many buildings built before the 1990s, it was not uncommon for Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) to be present.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of students and staff is the highest priority of the department. Removal of asbestos containing material (ACM) is conducted in a safe manner and any ACM work is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Work Health and Safety legislation. “The department was aware that there was Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in the existing facility prior to works commencing. The asbestos has been removed and all remedia-

tion works completed. These works were done on weekends and school holidays when the school was not occupied. “The clearance certificate for the ACM was issued on September 29.” JMc Architects were the architects for the performing arts centre. According to their website, the new expansion provides a centre and specialist music learning spaces to accommodate anticipated growth. “DDA (Disability Discrimi-

nation Act) compliant covered pathways link the new building to the spine of the school,” it said. “The large foyer and its walkways are orientated toward the existing year 7 covered lunch area and are well connected to the main spine linking the school entry to the heart of the school. This covered external space including the generous covered walkways will provide the opportunity for external gatherings and a variety of uses.”

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l BENTLEY PARK

| Isaac Colman

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez COMMUNITY beacon, promoter of German culture, advocate for immigrants and passionate salesman Werner Siegmann has died aged 88, leaving behind an astonishing legacy of kindness, community, and love for the Far North Queensland region. Known affectionately as “Mr Oktoberfest” for his invaluable contribution to growing the Oktoberfest celebration and his role as president of the Cairns German Club, Mr Siegmann was a loving family man, an overachiever with an impeccable work ethic and a person the community could turn to for support, advice or one of his memorable stories. He will be missed dearly by his wife Gloria, his son Ryan and daughter Romy and his grandkids, Dylan, Hannah, Piper, and Patrick. “He was always so kind and always a gentleman,” said Mrs Siegmann. “He was a great listener and a good advice giver, he loved music and dancing and playing chess, he even taught his grandson Dylan how to play chess. “But most of all he loved Cairns and the Far North, he loved the mountains and the

The late Werner Seigmann surrounded by his family at his 88th birthday. Picture: Romy Bullerjahn

rainforest. He would get in the car and take himself for a drive up to the Tablelands just to capture it all. He used to say, ‘I love the breezes around my kneeses’, he was so funny.” Born in Germany in 1935, Mr Siegmann decided to pack up his life and move to Australia in 1963 looking for warmer climates, arriving in 1964 after

a boat trip through Panama and Tahiti. Known as a newspaper man, he started as a compositor, and after many years of travels through Sydney, South Africa, Darwin, and Germany, he settled at the Townsville Bulletin in 1978 but it would be in the 1980s that he would find his true passion as a salesman eventually retiring at age 69 and moving

to Cairns to support his son’s business. During his time in Cairns, Mr Siegmann became president of the German Club in 2003 and remained in the position until his retirement in 2014 due to health problems. Since his arrival in Australia, Mr Siegmann became the guardian of immigrants who had just arrived to

the region helping them contact their families, find jobs, open a bank account, and provide them with a multicultural home at the German club. The club will be hosting an event to celebrate Mr Siegmann’s life from 4pm today (Friday, October 27). The wider community is invited to join and pay their respects.

THE Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, which supports 20 children from disadvantaged and vulnerable communities to write a brighter future for themselves, is $5000plus better off thanks to Officeworks Cairns. More than $165,000 was raised by Officeworks stores in this year’s Literacy is Freedom Appeal, which will help over 2500 children access life-changing literacy programmes. Officeworks Cairns store business manager Alana Elian said she had great pride in her team as well as every customer who contributed to the appeal. “We are so proud of the contribution our team and customers have made to this year’s Literacy is Freedom Appeal,” she said. “We’d like to thank the Cairns community for their generosity in exceeding last year’s total, and in turn supporting the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation and the vital work they do for children’s education.” ALNF founder and executive director Kim Kelly said she was grateful for Officeworks’ generosity and commitment shown through great support for the foundation’s cause.

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Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023 PAGE 13

Lettersto the editor

WANT TO BE HEARD? send your text to 0473 424 877 or email letters@cairnslocalnews.com.au Exorbitant cat euthanasia cost

Surf lifesavers appeal to public

be a

Last week we asked the question: What should the dome at the Reef Hotel Casino be used for after maintenance work? Here are some of your comments.

It used to be a theatre-restaurant back in the day. Maybe it should be again. - Nat Moule, Facebook Rooftop restaurant and bar. - Meredith Wilsch, Facebook A rooftop restaurant with a floating floor. - Julie Morris, Facebook

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION Should the three police beats in Cairns stay open and why?

Nation embraces all cultures

Vocal Local join our online debate

@cairnslocalnews

Nightclub. - Mick Peps, Facebook I’d like to see the wildife zoo and adventure experience return. Hopefully the maintenance work will bring it up to scratch and the innercity zoo can return. It was muchloved by families and visitors. - John Nicholas, Facebook

I wonder if it could be used for a permanent high-tech light show?, piercing through the glass dome at night into the sky, while inside they could bounce off the walls. - Suzanne Smith, Facebook How about a spectacular water feature? In the centre could be a stunning fountain that could be lit up while there could be waterfalls streaming down the interior glass A centrepiece waterfall could be installed as well. This could be surrounded by tropical greenery and landscaping. The water could be constantly recycled. - John Butler, Mt Sheridan Make it a fantastic greenhouse with native tropical plants. - Tony O’Connor, Trinity Beach

Lack of leadership on Path to Treaty by both sides THE recent referendum ended in a clear rejection by the majority of voters across the country with Queensland recording the highest no votes of any state or territory. As the dust settles, our elected leaders should be using this time to reflect on how they so badly misjudged the views of the Australian people. It is an inherent principle of democracy that the will of the people should guide the policies and direction of government, which is what led us to the polls most recently.

Nick’s view

Ignoring the outcome of the referendum, and forging ahead regardless, would undermine this fundamental democratic principle. Although based on the will of

constituents, any political policy must also accord with the core values and political morals of the party introducing it. Disappointingly this was not the case with the state’s Path to Treaty legislation which now seems to have been spectacularly abandoned by both major parties. The first of Labor’s audacious Path to Treaty legislation passed through the Queensland Parliament in May with bipartisan support from the LNP and only Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation opposing. At the time, the

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli described treaties as “an opportunity to outline a better way forward for Indigenous communities” and something that Queensland should “embrace wholeheartedly”. However, before the ink had even dried on the Path to Treaty Act, the Opposition Leader was seemingly pulled into line by senior party members. After all, supporting the Path to Treaty at the state level would not align with the federal opposition to the Voice. In the wake of the referendum, Mr Crisafulli

has backflipped on the LNP’s support for Path to Treaty and earlier this week formally announced that his party would not be supporting Treaty in Queensland. Seeing this as the easy way out, the Premier has seized the opportunity with both hands to announce the government’s abandonment of Path to Treaty while laying the blame squarely at the feet of the LNP for “walking away” from their bipartisan support for the laws. When political leaders create policy based on what they think

is popular at the time, it makes it far easier to pivot away from said policy once it becomes evident that failure and political suicide is inevitable. We are 12 months out from a state election and voters want to see steadfast and strong policies from their chosen political party. KAP wants to see strong leadership from whomever forms government in October 2024 and Queenslanders will want to see the same. Nick Dametto is KAP deputy leader and Member for Hinchinbrook

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Gazza’s Gossip 100 and counting Nifty at 50 Breakfast from 6am on Douglas FM 101.5FM

l DOUGLAS SHIRE AN amazing 100 years has been celebrated by Legacy Far North Queensland. Originally Cairns Legacy, the organisation now extends its services to the Douglas Shire. Over the last century, Legacy has continued to support veterans’ families. This is an incredible feat for a non-government funded organisation that relies heavily on the support of the community. Throughout this year, FNQ Legacy’s ambitious goal has been to raise $1 million in order to establish a Legacy House in Far North Queensland. Servicing from Cardwell to the Cape, the house will provide much needed accommodation for those travelling to Cairns for medical appointments. It will also provide a central place that is recognised and valued in the local community as a gathering area for all veterans, current and ex-serving defence force members and their families.

It will be an access point for a wide range of services, accommodation, programs, events and activities. While they have made great strides, there is still a long way to go before they can fully realise their vision for this vital facility. As of now, they have raised just over $300,000. To help achieve their goal, they are calling on the support of our community once again. They are on a mission to raise $100,000 in 100 days for Legacy House. Anyone can join in and help to build a brighter future, either by purchasing a brick, making a direct donation, or becoming a Legacy Legend by fundraising on their behalf. For more information you can visit: https://fnqlegacy.org.au/100k-in-100-days/ One local fund raiser is Khani from Mossman who was recently presented with a limited-edition lapel pin in recognition of her presence within our community. Each pin symbolises the essence of belonging, signifying the unique qualities and

contributions of every individual. All up, Khani has been helping in the Douglas Shire Community for 55 years and is also an advocate for assistance animals, such as Guide Dogs. It still seems to be a grey area regarding access, but recent law changes have determined that people with assistance animals have rights of access to all public places such as supermarkets, cafes, hotels, hospitals etc. Furthermore, establishments refusing entry can now actually be fined up to $15,000. This includes people who wish to rent a property and are turned down because they have an assistance animal. Khani’s dog Lilli is now in her 12th year as an assistance animal and is still going strong.

l PORT DOUGLAS

JUST recently, celebrations were held for the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House. Closer to home, other examples of longevity have been acknowledged, including half a century of successful business for Cornetts who own and run the Port Douglas IGA. I popped in, as usual, to pick up my weekly copy of Cairns Local News and thought I’d grab a quick birthday picture of team member Kerrod and store manager Nathan (below). Well done to the whole team.

I’m off to give a dog a bone, so for now it’s Gazza signing out. Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Khani recently received a limited-edition lapel pin from Legacy executive officer Rebecca Milliner.

Khani, from Mossman, fundraising with assistance dog Lilli.

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We are currently renting single and double rooms for short term lease.

Send your enquiry to: mossmanexchange@gmail.com OR visit our website: mossmanbackpackers.com.au Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023 PAGE 15

TimeOut

From Mossman to Ottawa

Singer-songwriter has never forgotten his rainforest roots in music and lyrics l MOSSMAN | Gail Sedorkin FROM the lush rainforests of Mossman, singer/songwriter Mikhail Laxton now calls the often snowy Canadian capital of Ottawa home. His home town has not been forgotten though, with one of the tracks on his newly released selftitled debut album simply titled Mossman. He sings of the mountains and the ocean breeze of his Far North Queensland home – “talking about paradise” – in his homage to Mossman, co-written with Terra Lightfoot. Hailing from the Kuku Yalanji people of the Mossman region, Mr Laxton wrote the track as a tribute to his roots – home to the world’s oldest living rainforest and providing a coastline to the Great Barrier Reef. He sings further about his small home town of Mossman where everyone knows and cares about each other, and sings about “taking my time on Front St, talking to the people I know”. Mr Laxton seamlessly flows between Americana, country, folk rock, blues and more, and ranges in topic from loss and longing, to the nostalgia for home, such as Moss-

man, to moments of love. Lead single Dying To Let You Go serves as a deeply vulnerable offering, outlining Mr Laxton’s father’s heartbreaking battle with addiction. Across the album’s 12 tracks, he weaves together his past, present and future selves. “The night before recording started I was asked how I felt about making this album,” Mr Laxton said. “I thought about it and was surprised to realise that I wasn’t feeling nervous at all. Which was strange,” he said. “The only thing I felt was ready. I couldn’t wait to get in there and turn this dream record into a reality and I couldn’t be happier with the way it has turned out.” Recently, the same day Mr Laxton took the stage for a hometown play at Ottawa’s iconic RBC Bluesfest, he shared Leaving You With Less. The real-life inspiration behind the song is wrought with drama. A seemingly happy relationship marred by unfaithfulness, a best friend’s betrayal, and an unwilling victim suddenly outcast by the community they once called home. But the end of the story is nothing if not triumphant, celebrating a clean break and new beginnings including the release of his album.

Mossman is never far from the mind of singer Mikhail Laxton who now lives in Ottawa. Picture: Supplied

Scary things that bump and crawl in the night to liven up Halloween l EDGE HILL A SPECIAL night to see all the creepy crawlies and ghoulish critters in the darkness of the rainforest in the Cairns Botanic Gardens to mark Halloween is on tomorrow and next Tuesday.

Organiser Bridget Gower said the special once-a-year Halloween night walk was a family-friendly night with a younger minimum age group and a reduced price for all to enjoy. “The tour will introduce you to the much-loved white-lipped

PAGE 16 Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023

tree frogs, northern stony creek frogs, and many other species of amphibians,” she said. “For those who like spiders, there are many that can be seen on the tour such as net-casting spiders, mirror-ball spiders, huge orb-weavers, and hunts-

mans. “People not fond of spiders will be relieved to know that they are usually happily weaving their webs or sitting on tree trunks. “We see an abundance of nocturnal insects like moths, crickets, beetles, and stick in-

sects. Most of these animals only come out at night and therefore are unseen by most people. Other animals that can be seen on a ‘Let’s Go Buggin’ Night Walk’ include micro-bats, Papuan frogmouths, striped possums, speckled flying foxes,

pythons, bandicoots, pademelons and echidnas.” The walks are on Saturday and on Tuesday (October 28 and 31) from 6.30pm-8.30pm. Adults $60 and children 8-15 $10. Visit www.aussiemacrophotos. com/tour/halloween-night-walk/

www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

Time Out

COMING UP

THU 2 NOV The Jeanette Wormald Trio will be performing at the Tablelands Folk Festival this weekend.

Folk festival to focus on youth

l YUNGABURRA AS the Tablelands Folk Festival celebrates its 42nd birthday from today until Sunday at Yungaburra, festivalgoers will be treated to a smorgasbord of new entertainment by 200 exciting and diverse performers from across the county. Program director Bronwyn Hodgkins said visitors would be impressed with the quality, talent and live music across numerous genres, including world music, jazz, blues, traditional and contemporary folk music, reggae and country. “There’s so much variety,” she said. “It’s a totally different festival each year. It’s always a completely different line-up of performers. “A fantastic South African acappella group will perform and also teach rhythms and dance, a Latin band will have

you dancing the night away, a stand-up comedian will split your sides and the great ‘big sing’ in the middle of the street will restore your sense of community. “That’s just a taster of what this festival has to offer.” More than 3000 visitors are expected to attend the festival, held at a variety of venues throughout Yungaburra. Among the three-day events are concerts, workshops, buskers, poets, comedy, market stalls, a songwriter competition and children’s fair and parade. “All our venues are undercover – all the stages, sound systems and sound engineers are all professionals,” Ms Hodgkins said. “I think our festival is a springboard for our young performers. We’ve had bands performing at our festivals who are now on the world stage.”

Children are not only included throughout the three-day event but are given a special place of honour during the parade on Saturday. “At 6pm Saturday night every year, the whole festival stops, music in venues, until 7pm,” Ms Hodgkins said. She said the children’s parade took place along the main street as children displayed their crafts and music. This year the parade will start off with a ‘big sing’ where the children will sing a song specifically written for the festival by Jane Younghusband, who has been holding workshops throughout the region to teach students and choirs the song that is designed to encourage audience participation. Ms Hodgkins paid tribute to the hardworking volunteers.

FRI 3 NOV

VIKA&LINDA

2023

THU 9 & FRI 10 NOV SOLD OUT

For more information visit tablelandsfolkfestival.org.au

Family cane history book l INNISFAIL A FAMILY history book about the cane industry, May the Cane Prosper – A Queensland story, written by Pene Greet and AvisAnn Ballard is being launched next week. Ms Ballard said the duo had a mutual great grandmother (Louise Tielkemeyer), their grandmothers (Louise Vass and Minnie Hall) were sisters and Pene’s mother Dell Greet and her father Eric Hall were cousins. “The book begins with impoverished German villagers Louise, and her first husband August Schilling, arriving in Queensland in 1884,” she said. “Three days after arriving in Rockhampton on the Roma, son Merx (Max) was born. By 1889 they were tenant farmers of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company at Mundoo in the Innisfail district. “Three of Louise’s brothers (Theo, Heinrich and Adolph Backhaus) along with their families joined them there. “Another brother, August, went to Western Australia min-

THU 23 NOV

Author Pene Greet with the May Cane Prosper - A Queensland Story.

ing. Louise married a neighbour, Friedrich Tielkemeyer, after Mr Schilling died of dengue fever in 1894. “The book covers their lives, their children and grandchildren, as well as the brother’s families. “Schilling, Backhaus, and Hall are well known local Innisfail district names. Eric Hall senior was chairman of the Johnstone Shire Council from 1927 to 1930. Tielkemeyer and Vass families moved to Home

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Hill by 1923 and their story continues there.” An author’s talk has been organised at the Innisfail Library on Tuesday, October 31 between 12-1pm. “Pene will speak about the family association with the district. I might add Pene (who lives in New Zealand) is the author and I (live in Redcliffe, Queensland) provided the research.”

SAT 25 NOV

tanksartscentre.com

Visit https://greetauthor.wixsite.com/maythecaneprosper

Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023 PAGE 17

Time Out

Ten feature-length movies to tantalise audiences of discernment in Cairns

Award-winning ﬁlms to stun l CAIRNS CBD A LINE-up of highly awarded new films from around the world heads to Event Cinemas Cairns Central from November 3-6, marking the Travelling Film Festival’s return to FNQ and celebrating nearly five decades of touring since the inaugural visit to Cairns back in 1974. The program, featuring 10 feature-length films and four acclaimed Australian short films, promises absorbing stories ranging from true-tech tales to quirky romances, from master filmmakers from around the world with films Finland, France, Iran, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Estonia and Australia. Travelling Film Festival Manager Annie Parnell said this year’s opening night film in Cairns was the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner, Scrapper, a joyful UK-set drama with a big heart, starring Harris Dickinson (Triangle of Sadness) and the hysterical young newcomer Lola Campbell, directed by Charlotte Regan in her debut feature. “Scrapper will delight and charm audiences as it follows a 12-year-old girl who happily lives alone avoiding social services by claiming to live with her uncle ‘Winston Churchill’,”

she said. “That is until her estranged party-boy father shows up and they must learn to grow up together,” she said. “Opening night audiences will also be treated to the sharp Australian short film Chum, written by and starring Eliza South who will be in Cairns to present her film. Eliza stars as a blind woman who bonds with a stranger, but all is not as it seems in this film from Screen NSW’s Screenability Filmmakers Fund which profiles films from filmmakers living with disability. “Also making waves at Sundance this year, and winning the Audience Award is Shayda, from Iranian-Australian director Noora Niasari, and executive producer Cate Blanchett, and is Australia’s official entry to the Best International Film category for the 2023 Academy Awards. “Starring Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir, Ebrahimi (Holy Spider), Leah Purcell (Lantana, SFF 2001) and introducing sensational young newcomer Selina Zahednia, Shayda is a stirring and inspiring drama about an Iranian migrant battling the legal system to protect her six-year-old daughter in Australia. “Audiences will be transported to the smoky warmth of an Estonian log-cabin sauna in the unique and award-winning documentary Smoke Sauna Sis-

The movie Scrapper opens the Travelling Film Festival in Cairns from November 3-6. Picture: Supplied

terhood. Beautifully captured, women continue an ancient tradition of communing to share naked truths and heal. “Intimate and inviting, this visually stunning and soul-enriching docu-

mentary is not to be missed. “Legendary German filmmaker Wim Wenders latest Tokyo-set Perfect Days has been earning smiles and swelling hearts since its award-winning Cannes debut

earlier this year, including at multiple sell-out screenings at Sydney Film Festival in June.”

Tickets to TFF Cairns are now on sale. With a Flexipass 5 and Full Subscription, patrons can

FNQ deserves world class cancer treatment. We can do it together. The Foundation needs to raise $1.5 million to support the development of state-of-the-art facilities and provide the best possible care to cancer patients. The Foundation will work with Queensland Health on the $3.4 million project, which will lessen the need for patients having to travel south for treatment. They will be cared for here at Cairns Hospital Cancer Care hub, close to those who love them.

watch the whole program and save up to 30 per cent. For more information and bookings, via the Travelling Film Festival’s website: https://bit.ly/3QvW5eX

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PAGE 18 Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023

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WHAT’S ON

For more events visit cairnscalendar.com.au

TABLELANDS FOLK FESTIVAL @ YUNGABURRA l FRI OCT 27 – SUN OCT 29, 5:00PM-6:00PM

We’re singing it up this year at Tablelands Folk Festival - music spills from numerous venues; colourful markets add vibrancy and delight; delicious aromas waft over the township; and everywhere are the sights and sounds of happy people enjoying a fabulous weekend experience. Trad and contemporary folk, rock, blues, accapella, comedy, songwriters comp, emerging artists, workshops, kids fest and parade and so much more. Join us at the festival with true community spirit. For tickets and more info visit www.tablelandsfolkfestival.org.au

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL @ CPAC l SAT OCT 28, 7:30PM-9:00PM

The original New York and Las Vegas hit Menopause the Musical® has come to Cairns Performing Arts Centre. This side-splitting musical parody set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women (and brave men) have been laughing about for 22 years. It’s the hilarious celebration of women and The Change®! All tickets include a Menopause the Musical® souvenir program!

GIG Guide *Please check with the Venues regarding any cancellations or entry requirements.

FRIDAY Dunwoody’s Hotel Eddie Skiba, 4:00pm Barron River Hotel Steve Williams, 5:30pm Mayhem at Machans Two Dogs Music, 6:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Powderfinger & Nirvana Tribute, 6:00pm Chill at Portofino Big Pups, 6:00pm Cazaly’s Cairns Kick Start, 6:30pm Bingil Bay Café Carinda Christie, 6:30pm Brothers Leagues Club Innisfail Infinity Duo, 7:00pm Surf Club Palm Cove Vivien Aisi, 7:00pm The Hambo Edmonton Mississippi Shakedown, 7:30pm Red Beret Hotel The Joker Pokers, 8:00pm

Book your tickets through ticketlink.

Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino Funhouse, 9:00pm

AFTER DARK @ SKYPARK CAIRNS

SATURDAY

l SAT OCT 28, 6:00PM- 1:00PM

Strait on the Beach Barbary Coasters, 3:00pm

Get ready for a heart-stopping, pulse-pounding night as Skypark Cairns, AJ Hackett and Bacardi, presents “After Dark Fright Night” full moon party on October 28th. Brace yourselves for an evening of spine-tingling thrills, electrifying beats, and the chance to rub shoulders with the legendary AJ Hackett himself!

The Crown Hotel Cairns Janna Mercedees, 5:30pm

Cost: $10 entry, includes a free drink on arrival. Ages: All-ages event, bar open to 18+ only. Book your tickets via www.skyparkcairns.com/events

Pirate Den Mission Beach Cassady Connections, 6:30pm

The Vine Room Christina Ukulele, 6:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Foo Fighters Tribute Show, 6:00pm Cazaly’s Cairns Kim Settle, 6:15pm Atherton International Club Infinity Duo, 7:00pm Trinity Beach Tavern Big Pups, 7:00pm Macalister Brewing Co. FNQ Music Bingo, 7:30pm

STARRY NIGHT CINEMA @ BOTANIC GARDENS l SAT OCT 28, 5:30PM-9:30PM

Hey there, all you fabulous creatures of the night! Time to get your fishnets and corsets ready! Get ready to strut your stuff, don your wildest costumes, and dance the Time Warp with us at our outdoor cinema night in the enchanting Botanic Gardens. Show off your outrageously fabulous Rocky Horror-inspired looks for a chance to win some prizes in our best dressed competition. BYO: Picnic rug, chair, pillows, or cushions to make yourself comfortable. Picnic basket or esky is allowed. Tickets are available online through trybooking.

Tanks Arts Centre DMA’s Australian Tour, 7:30pm Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino Funhouse, 9:00pm

SUNDAY Dundee’s at the Aquarium DjGlennW, 11:30am Cairns RSL Infinity Duo, 1:00pm Tuskers Tuckerbox Barbary Coasters, 1:00pm Copperlode Brewing Co. Big Pups, 1:00pm Macalister Brewing Co. Christina Ukulele, 2:00pm

WELCOME TO THE FUNHOUSE PART II @ BAR36 l SAT OCT 28, 9:00PM-11:30PM

Welcome to the Funhouse!? Part II - if you dare... It isn’t even halloween!!!! Frighteningly close though! Dress up ... or don’t ... we don’t care!!! Too bad if you don’t, you’ll miss out! A deadly night for clowns! Even dead clowns, creepy carnival characters, perhaps?

Dunwoody’s Hotel The Vibes, 2:00pm Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Shannon Hunter, 2:00pm O’Donnell’s Café Bar Sax Man, 5:00pm Bar36 Reef Hotel Casino Kanela Day of the Dead, 5:00pm Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Denim Blues, 6:00pm Tanks Arts Centre DMA’s Australian Tour, 7:30pm

A freaky house band ... a fun FunHouse house band even! Turn up! turn in your grave ... don’t turn up ... we don’t care!!! For more information visit The Reef Hotel Casino website.

80’S PROM HALLOWEEN MURDER MYSTERY l SAT OCT 28, 5:30PM-10:00PM

Come Celebrate Halloween with a fun themed Murder Mystery Experience hosted by the experienced team from the Paramour Cabaret Theatre. We’d love to see you in your 80’s attire as we try to figure out whodunit? It could be you! Yes, you play a part as game play occurs throughout the evening. Where: Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron (Upstairs in Function Room) Cost: $90 per person includes gameplay, cheese platter on arrival and an alternate drop main meal. Ages: 18 + Only Book your tickets through COUCH Cairns. www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

Are you a venue or an artist that wants to be listed in the Gig Guide? Complete the form on www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/gig-guide to submit your gig each week to be listed in Friday’s paper.

Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023 PAGE 19

Take a minute... Puzzles for you Friday 27th Max 33o Min 21o

Tide Times 0137 0.38 0756 2.77 1345 0.61 2001 2.92

Saturday 28th Max 31o Min 21o

Tide Times 0211 0.32 0836 2.86 1428 0.74 2031 2.73

Sunday 29th Max 30o Min 19o

Tide Times 0245 0.33 0917 2.87 1511 0.94 2100 2.48

SUDOKU

Monday 30th Max 30o Min 18o

Tide Times 0321 0.43 1000 2.79 1556 1.19 2131 2.17

MEDIUM #158

Wednesday 1st Max 32o Min 21o

Tide Times 0508 0.89 1150 2.23 1753 1.58 2259 1.85

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

EASY #158

Tuesday 31st Max 31o Min 16o

Tide Times 0433 0.84 1147 2.47

WORD SEARCH

Adzuki bean Asparagus Beet Broccoli Caper Chard Chili Chive

Weekly Horoscopes CROSSWORD Taurus

Apr 21 to May 20

May 21 to Jun 21

Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven’t taken proper care of yourself. You will expand your circle of friends if you join groups. Travel for pleasure will be enticing. You can enjoy entertainment if you join in and follow the crowd for a change.

You can count on getting a pat on the back for your efforts. Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money. Don’t settle for less than the best. Don’t hesitate to look for alternatives that will enable you to raise the kind of donations you need to do the job right.

Partnerships may be plentiful. Matters pertaining to work must be completed before you leave. Be aggressive and colourful, and you will get your way. Don’t allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature.

Leo

Virgo

Jun 22 to Jul 22

Jul 23 to Aug 22

Aug 23 to Sep 22

Take your time before making personal decisions. You have two choices; Get out on your own, or bend to your mate’s whims. Concentrate on home improvement. Small details will make a difference. Don’t push your luck with your boss.

Be careful disclosing information. If you can’t trust someone, question the connection. Female colleagues may be able to help you get the job done. Overexertion and negligence will be your worst enemies.

Put your time and energy into travel, philosophy, and soul-searching. Passion will be your only answer. Consider starting a small business on the side. Look for a marketable gimmick. Don’t be afraid to make additions to your house.

Scorpio

Sagi arius

Libra

Sep 23 to Oct 22

Oct 23 to Nov 21

Organization will be the key to avoiding discord and family feuds. Try not to take everything so seriously. Don’t let your mate force you into making a decision that you aren’t ready to make. It’s a favourable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful.

Don’t forget that your budget is limited right now. Your creative ideas will be put to good use if you dig in and do things around the house that will make your family happy. Don’t settle for less than the best. Tone down and put some of that hard earned cash into a safe, long-term investment.

Capricorn

Aquarius

Nov 22 to Dec 20

You can make a difference if you’re willing to stand up and be counted. You may be frazzled this week. You could have trouble persuading others to accept your ideas and opinions. You need to spend some time pampering yourself.

Pisces

Dec 21 to Jan 19

Jan 20 to Feb 18

Feb 19 to Mar 20

Unexpected bills will be impossible for you to pay. Make arrangements to spend quality time together. Your communication skills may win you points. Relationships will be emotional this week.

Renovations to your domestic scene will pay high rewards. You can make new friends if you get involved in group activities. You can enjoy entertainment if you join in and follow the crowd for a change. You may find that your family responsibilities are piling up.

Tempers may flare if you haven’t been completely honest about your intentions or your whereabouts. You should be getting into selfimprovement projects. Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them. You can make major gains if you talk to your boss about your findings.

PAGE 20 Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023

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Gemini

Mar 21 to Apr 20

Cancer

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21. a keeper and driver of an elephant (6) 23. a person helping to carry a coffin at a funeral (10) 24. to deal effectively with something difficult (4) 25. a man to whom someone is engaged to be married (6) 26. a temporary loss of consciousness (8)

DOWN

ACROSS 7. a person who lives in a particular place (8) 9. a member of a race of female warriors of Greek mythology (6) 10. a type of radiation used to create a picture of the inside of the body (1-3) 11. a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness (10) 12. to make someone able to do something (6) 14. to outdo; surpass; excel (8) 15. a basis of confidence or security (6) 16. a type of low-budget commercial motion picture (1-5) 19. of or relating to the home, the household (8)

1. land producing little or no vegetation (6) 2. producing little or no vegetation (4) 3. someone skillful at getting what they want (8) 4. a series of short sharp taps (3-3) 5. a coming-of-age ritual in Judaism (3,7) 6. a lively jiglike dance (8) 8. a wealthy, powerful person in business or industry (6) 13. territory at or near a border (10) 15. a republic in central Europe (8) 17. a service or statue dedicated to someone who died (8) 18. a representation or image of a beetle (6) 20. designed according to a particular theme (6) 22. to remove a plug or stopper from (6) 24. a baked dessert that’s often topped with frosting or decorations (4) www.cairnslocalnews.com.au

Spotlight on Cassowary Coast

Company expands its regional footprint

Servo to fuel sugar town l TULLY

Shop owner Caroline Fisher (centre) with Louise and Daveena (surnames withheld). Picture: Supplied

One-stop holistic health shop and new age shop in one place for people looking to bring positive energies into their lives. From consultation rooms that offer remedial massages, energy healings and reconnective healings to yoga workshops, meditation classes, an array of healthy treats and great variety of products like vitamins, supplements, essential oils, all ethical and responsibly sourced. Health, Healing and Harmony owner Caroline

l INNISFAIL HEALTH and sustainability are now within reach with Innisfail’s holistic health centre, shop and café Health, Healing and Harmony. Putting a holistic approach to wellness at the centre of their operations, Health, Healing and Harmony on 46 Ranking St, Innisfail provides health services, a delectable vegetarian café and health

Fisher said she was passionate about making sustainability and wellness more approachable to the community. “Sustainability and health are at the heart of everything we do, and we aim to share with you through all the offerings at our health centre,” Ms Fisher said. “What sets our business apart is the unwavering commitment to addressing both the body and mind in equal measure,” she said.

THE first sod has been turned on the construction of Marano’s Fuel’s new service station at Tully, the 15th site in the fully independent and locally-owned company’s expanding network of service stations across North Queensland. The Tully site, at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Andersen Street, will be a 24-hour service station and is expected to open in mid-2024, creating around 20 jobs. The new service station will include: • Sit down café-style dining • Complete commercial kitchen • Heavy vehicle access and shower facilities • High-flow diesel and Adblue at the bowser. Marano’s Fuel chief executive officer Angelo Marano said the new service station had been

An artist’s impression of the new Tully service station.

a long-term strategic goal of the organisation. “The addition of another service station to our existing portfolio of locations will ensure that we are able to continue to service our network of pre-existing clients in the Tully area,” he said. “It will also showcase our exemplary level of customer service which sets us apart from the rest of the market. “The site marks another significant milestone for our company, and we’re proud to

provide a locally-owned, independent service station to our already strong customer base in the region.” Cassowary Coast Regional Council division 1 Councillor Barry Barnes welcomed Marano’s Fuel to the Tully community. “It will be fantastic to see the fuel market competitive in Tully, saving our residents money, providing great service, and creating job opportunities,” he said. “It will be great to see the project come to life.”

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Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023 PAGE 21

Spotlight on Gordonvale

Building renovations thanks to generosity of many people and groups

RSL rolls on with hall work l GORDONVALE

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez LOOKING to improve the sub branch and finalise the restoration of the 94 Gordon St hall, the Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch has elected a new committee that aims to bring more efficacy and effectivity to their projects. Elected on October 8, Gordonvale Sub Branch president Phil Bertuch said the special general meeting looked to address effectivity issues within the organisation to improve processes ahead of Remembrance Day and to help speed up the restoration of the RSL hall. “We were at a stage where things were not getting done because there were disagreements, so we held a special meeting and voted a new committee,” Mr Bertuch said. “It’s going to take time, but we want the betterment of the RSL, and to

finish the restoration of our hall.” The new committee is made of president Phil Bertuch, deputy president Glenn Lee, vice-president Ian Simms, treasurer Peta Ison and new board members Stephen Carr, Tony Leslie, Minio Canton and Bob Jameson. With the restoration of the RSL hall on Gordon St ongoing, the new committee is focusing on raising the rest of the money necessary for the project. “Currently there is a couple of hundred thousand to be paid, we have to also pay $500,000 in labour but it has been 90 per cent volunteer work. We have members who are painters, carpenters and steel workers who are helping us,” Mr Bertuch said. “We received $163,000 from the RSL in three grants, which we’ve only had $60,000 so far, we received $30,000 from the casino grant, $20,000 from the women’s auxil-

iary and $20,000 from Bob Katter. “We’ve put in the roof trusses, the gutters, it’s all category six cyclone proofed which the building couldn’t have withstand before, two thirds of the walls have been done, they have been sheeted with plaster, cleaned the floor, bar has been restored. “And we’re hoping to have everything done before Christmas, but it’s all come down to money, but we’ll get there.” Mr Bertuch thanked the community, citizens auxiliary and women’s auxiliary for their support on market days, garage sales and sausage sizzles that have gone to raise funds for hall restoration. The sub branch is also gearing up for Remembrance Day on November 11, with a small service at the Norman Park cenotaph at 10.45am and a gathering after the service at the RSL hall sponsored by women’s auxiliary.

Gordonvale RSL Sub Branch president Phil Bertuch and his wife Sue at the RSL hall. Picture: Supplied.

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Spotlight on Gordonvale

How green is this valley?

Eight one-acre or 4000sq m blocks released in third stage of land project l GOLDSBOROUGH

Property agent Brian Bolton at the acreage on sale at Goldsborough Valley.

GOLDSBOROUGH Valley is fast becoming the family acreage hot spot of the Far North. Stage 3 of Avalon is now selling with 4000sqm or one acre blocks on offer. Real estate agent Brian Bolton said stage 3 was nestled in “one of the most picturesque settings in Tropical North Queensland”. “Presented by a trusted local development team with a proud history of superb subdivisions in the region, including Redlynch Valley Estate, Avalon is your chance to live the acreage dream,” he said. “Goldsborough Valley is between high mountains south of Cairns where the beautiful Mulgrave River runs out to the sea. “It is so close to the city while feeling like a world away. A new Woolworths Gabuda – Gordonvale Shopping Centre has opened and the Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor upgrades have been completed.” Mr Bolton said acreage lots

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were selling from $260,000. “Stage 3 has been brought forward due to high demand,” he said. Mr Bolton said there were eight blocks available after four were already sold. Access is off Catalano Access Rd, Goldsborough. Mr Bolton said some of the highlights included: • Close to schools, medical centre, recreational activities, cafes and service stations • Spacious blocks in beautiful natural surroundings • Short drive to popular swimming holes, waterfalls, parks, hiking trails, camping nd day use facilities • One acre blocks (4000 sq m) • Water and power to each site • Safe and secure sought-after area • 35 minutes’ drive to Cairns CBD • 45 minutes’ drive to Cairns Airport • 12 minutes’ drive to Gordonvale • Plenty of room for pets, gardens, hobbies and a big shed.

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Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023 PAGE 23

Palm Cove Tourism

State government considering a study to look at safe vessel operations

Popular jetty boat options l PALM COVE

| Nick Dalton A STUDY to evaluate Palm Cove jetty’s suitability for both recreational and commercial vessels is likely to get ministerial approval. Barron River MP Craig Crawford held a meeting involving Advance Palm Cove president David Goodiness, Cr Brett Olds, Cairns Regional Council officers, Transport and Main Roads Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) infrastructure teams and fishing representative Dan Hammersley to discuss ways to make the jetty safer for boaties. Mr Crawford said he had also written a letter to Transport Minister Mark Bailey seeking his support for the study. “Palm Cove jetty is a considerable tourist attraction for promenading and a popular fishing place for locals and could help the local economy further if upgraded to make vessel berthing and passenger transfer safer,” he said in the letter.

“It is also important to note that Double Island resort/lease (approximately 2km off Palm Cove) is about to be reinstated and developed. “Therefore, I am writing to seek your support for a MSQ feasibility/options study for Palm Cove jetty – including MSQ undertaking feasibility pre-lodgement meetings with approvals agencies.” Mr Crawford said, with the island expected to return to government hands and then onsold to another operator, a water taxi or shuttle service from the jetty would be vital as well for use by smaller craft, including fishing charter and recreational vessels. He said some sort of breakwater or structure to protect boats from the waves might be needed at the jetty’s lower landing. Mr Crawford said unfortunately it would be unlikely the jetty could be used by large reef catamarans. He said it was probable that an ocean floor study would have to be done to understand the movement and effects of waves.

“The study will see what may or may not be possible,” Mr Crawford said. The study would outline the options, timeframe and cost, he said. Mr Goodiness said it was a good meeting and the first step towards making the jetty safer for boaties. He said it was vital that any work did not cause any environmental damage. Mr Goodiness said it would enhance the jetty as a drawcard and for users. He said fears the changes would impact fishing off the jetty were unfounded. “People will still be able to fish … fishing should not be affected,” Mr Goodiness said. “People use it for fishing, for walking and this will take none of that away,” he said. Cr Olds said it also had to be made safer for SES rescue boats, one of which was badly damaged recently. “We also don’t want to ruin the fishing,” he said. Cr Olds said up to five options would be considered but warned it could be a three to five-year-project.

Palm Cove jetty is popular for fishing but ways to enhance vessel use is being considered.

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Real Estate

Vacancy rates still very tight Rental properties are still thin on the ground despite a slight improvement l SPECIAL REPORT | Nick Dalton

Renters are feeling the squeeze, especially in Cairns, with a 0.9 per cent vacancy rate. Picture: iStock

THE Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) latest quarterly Residential Vacancy Rate Report shows most renters have more choice than they had a year ago, despite a slightly tightening market over the September 2023 quarter. While the state vacancy rate remains ‘tight’ (0 - 2.5 per cent) at one per cent, reassuringly, in most areas, vacancy rates have not dipped enough to erase the gains made over the past two quarters. The report covers 50 local government areas (LGAs) and sub regions in Queensland, with figures representing just how few and far between rental listings can be – particularly in regional areas. Of the 50 Queensland regions, 32 tightened, 11 held steady, and only seven relaxed this quarter, however most markets that tightened only did so by a minor 0.1 - 0.2 per cent. REIQ chief executive Antonia

Mercorella said while there were more “for lease” signs popping up in neighbourhoods, rental stock was still getting snapped up quickly. “Over the September 2023 quarter, we can see that we’re still in a situation where there simply isn’t enough rental supply or choice for tenants,” she said. “Given these competitive conditions, there’s less turnover of tenants with the median length of tenancies growing to 22 months for houses, and 17.4 months for units. “While more rentals are becoming available, they aren’t lasting on the market for long. “Even our less densely populated areas are experiencing the squeeze. In some regional markets, rental listings are an extremely rare commodity as evidenced by a shocking zero-vacancy rate in Cook Shire this quarter. “Despite these slim pickings, it’s important to note that for the most part, conditions have not dramatically changed this quarter, and generally renters actually have more choice now than they

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had a year ago. “Previously we had two consecutive quarters of vacancy rates softening, and this slight tightening during the September quarter is not significant enough to undo all of that welcome reprieve. “Vacancy rates act as a report card for the health of our rental markets, and while results vary across the state, a relatively stable September quarter hasn’t dashed our hopes that healthier rates could still be on the horizon. “Almost all corners of Queensland, from the top to the bottom, experienced tight conditions – Cook Shire, at the northern tip of Queensland, hit the rock bottom of vacancy rates at 0 per cent, while Goondiwindi Region, along the NSW border, also had virtually no vacancies at 0.1 per cent.” Tablelands and Mareeba (0.5 per cent) showed a similar ‘squeezed’ state of affairs, with barely any new rental opportunities in the quarter. The Gold Coast (1.2 per cent) and Cairns (0.9 per cent) remained unchanged quarter to quarter.

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Cairns Local News, Friday, October 27, 2023 PAGE 25

Motoring The Mazda CX-8 is now offered to fleet buyers.

Mazda adds popular CX SUVs to its fleet program Mazda has added the CX-5 SUV to its large fleet program, all available with petrol powerplants and from base model to the flagship.

l FLEET PROGRAM | Nick Dalton TWO new additions to the Mazda’s fleet program are now available to Australian ‘large fleet’ customers operating more than 25 vehicles. Initially consisting of the Mazda BT-50 range since 2020, the Mazda large fleet program now incorporates the latest CX-5 and CX-8 SUVs. As with the BT-50, all model grades in the CX-5 and CX-8 range can

be specified. Sales director Jarrod Gieschen said fleet operators taking advantage of the expanded scheme could order the latest CX-5, which had a range of revisions for 2023. “The updated model grade line-up consists of Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT SP and Akera, and the range is now exclusively powered by the Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre, 2.5-litre or 2.5-litre turbo petrol powertrains in FWD or AWD, depending on the specification chosen,” he said. “Platinum Quartz joins the

colour line-up (replacing Sonic Silver), and the G20 Maxx gains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now with touchscreen functionality for both operating systems. “For the G25 Touring, 19in black machined alloy wheels are complemented by seats now trimmed in full Maztex (previously Maztex and suede), while the G25 and G35 GT SP and Akera models both receive a hands-free power tailgate and a new front grille design that is unique to these model grades.

“Akera also comes with attractive new interior inlays in contrast to the Dark Russet Nappa leather, replacing the wood finish fitted previously.” The CX-8 range – comprising Sport, Touring, Touring Active, GT SP, Asaki and Asaki LE – was comprehensively updated earlier this year, introducing the 10.25in widescreen Mazda Connect infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports upfront and styling enhancements. It is powered by the refined G25 Skyactiv-G pet-

The luxurious interior of the Mazda CX-5 Akera.

rol or efficient D35 Skyactiv-D diesel, depending on the model grade specified. “Renowned for their ample versatility, immersive driveability and enduring quality, the CX-5 and CX-8 are now very welcome additions to the Mazda fleet program that open up more choice to our valued fleet customers,” he said. “Both models offer immense flexibility, with a range of powertrains, front or all-wheel drive, diverse model grades and even the choice of six or seven seats in the CX-8 – so there truly

is a CX-5 or CX-8 that can be enjoyed by every fleet customer.” “In addition to preferential pricing, all Mazda large fleet customers benefit from priority stock allocation and loan evaluation vehicles, as well as five years of premium roadside assistance and five years of unlimited-kilometre warranty. “The Mazda large fleet program is also available to key leasing companies across Australia, as well as rental companies and local, state or federal government.”

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Motoring Guide

Cairns hostile to e-scooters Townsville embraces e-mobility l GREEN TRAVEL | Nick Dalton

Beam e-scooter users on the Cairns waterfront.

to why they’re using them for transport,” he said. “For example, in Brisbane almost a quarter (23.5 per cent) of all e-scooter riders used them as a way to commute to work, whereas in Townsville 100 per cent of rides were taken purely for recreation,” he said. “This shows e-scooters have become a great drawcard,

of PT and physical safety were ranked higher as ‘main reasons’ for non-usage. Mr Mitchell said users were concerned about how long the bus journey took and the infrequency and the RACQ believed an on-demand service using smaller buses would work well in Cairns. Mr Mitchell said it was like or-

The report also found in Cairns, two-in-three bus users travelled on public transport less than once per month and less than half of shared car users shared cars on a monthly basis. It found the preference to drive was the most common and the top main reason for Cairns residents to not use public transport (PT), noting the unavailability

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dering an Uber or a ride share on specific routes where the service could also pick up other passengers on the way to the destination, offering flexibility, more frequency and shorter journeys. He said it was being trialled on the Gold Coast, was used on Sydney’s northern rivers, Moree in regional NSW and parts of Adelaide.

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not only for tourists in North Queensland, but also locals looking for fun ways to explore their own city. “Townsville is a great example of a regional city embracing modern forms of mobility and benefiting from it.” Mr Mitchell said there were reservations and little public support in Cairns.

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QUEENSLAND’S motoring body is calling on Cairns Regional Council to show more support for e-scooters to expand the environmentally-friendly transport system across the city. The council does not back escooters and Beam is the only operator in the city which works with private providers to provide parking bays and charging systems. The RACQ says this is in contrast to Townsville. The RACQ’s second annual Public Transport Survey found 17.5 per cent of public transport users in Townsville had jumped on an e-scooter in the past 12 months, compared with 5.2 per cent in Cairns, 11.2 per cent in Brisbane and 6.3 per cent on the Gold Coast. Club transport planning and infrastructure advisor Tim Mitchell said it showed residents had well and truly embraced e-mobility. “While e-scooters are growing in popularity right across the state, our survey found some clear differences when it comes

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