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Conference unites Rotarians and community ROTARIANS from as far away as Timor-Leste converged in Mareeba over the weekend for the organisation’s annual district conference. The two-day conference for Rotary District 9550 was marked with the planting of a tree and plaque unveiling at Rotary Park by Conference chair Joe Moro, District Governor Ida Portella and Mareeba Shire Mayor Tom Gilmore (all pictured). Themed “The Magic of Community” several guest speakers from across the region and Australia attended the conference at Mareeba International Club on Saturday and Sunday, which then finished with a gala dinner at the Rocky Creek Igloo on Sunday night. Rotary District 9550 is one of the most extraordinary Rotary districts in Australia, covering an area of 1.2 million square kilometres across most of the Northern Territory, northern Queensland and Timor-Leste, with 45 clubs, including an online club, in over 27 cities and towns.
In their sights Biboohra crocs targeted for removal by State Govt By Michael Serenc SALTWATER crocodiles harassing farmers at Biboohra will finally be targeted for removal after the State Government caved in to pressure from the local community. State Environment minister Steven Miles announced the move last Friday after meeting with Mareeba mayor Tom Gilmore last Wednesday to discuss the issue, where there have been several
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reported saltwater crocodile sightings at Two Mile Creek, far from the animals’ natural habitat. “We have committed to declaring that Two Mile Creek in Mareeba is not saltwater crocodile habitat and all crocodiles there will be targeted for removal,” Dr Miles said. “We’ve also committed to improving our communications with all the councils so that they have better understanding of the work our officers are doing in their communities.”
The announcement follows an outcry by a group of Biboohra farmers and lobbying by Mareeba Shire Council to have the crocs removed from local waterways, an issue that was first reported by The Express on March 22. Cr Gilmore said it was a good outcome for all involved. “It was a very productive meeting and I’m glad we’re moving towards a satisfactory resolution of the issue of crocodiles in Two Mile Creek,” he said.
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“The minister was right across it and he understood the situation.” A Department of Enivornment and Heritage Protection (EHP) spokesman said permanent crocodile warning signs were installed at locations on streams where people may come into contact with crocodiles at Biboohra.
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