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Friday, September 18, 2020 Thursday April 1, 2021

INSIDE

Swap & Save a Job >> P3

Hopping to a new home

Easter Messages >> P4

Dragon holiday fun >> P7

FOUR hundred agile wallabies will finally be able to roam free in a new safe habitat, thanks to The Agile Project (TAP) which has obtained all the necessary approvals and equipment to begin relocating them from Cairns’ Northern Beaches.

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CAIRNS 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MIN:23 MAX:29

MIN:22 MAX:29 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 2.32 LOW: 14.32 HIGH: 9.56 HIGH: 20.44

MONDAY

CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.33 LOW: 16.40 HIGH: 11.45 HIGH: 22.25

TUESDAY

MIN:23 MAX:30 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.36 LOW: 17.45 HIGH: 12.16 HIGH: 23.30

MIN:23 MAX:31 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 6.24 LOW: 18.31 HIGH: 12.42 HIGH: N/A

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

MIN:24 MAX:31 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.19 LOW: 13.09 HIGH: 7.04 HIGH: 19.12

MIN:23 MAX:31 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 1.00 LOW: 13.38 HIGH: 7.39 HIGH: 19.46

FRIDAY

MIN:23 MAX:31 CAIRNS TIDE TIMES LOW: 1.34 LOW: 14.05 HIGH: 8.09 HIGH: 20.16

INNISFAIL 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES MIN:21 MAX:27 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 3.41 LOW: 16.21 HIGH: 9.41 HIGH: 21.42

MIN:21 MAX:29

MIN:21 MAX:28 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.09 LOW: 16.44 HIGH: 10.05 HIGH: 22.11

INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.35 LOW: 17.07 HIGH: 10.26 HIGH: 22.40

MIN:22 MAX:30 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.59 LOW: 17.27 HIGH: 10.45 HIGH: 23.11

MIN:23 MAX:30 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.25 LOW: 17.48 HIGH: 10.58 HIGH: 23.46

MIN:23 MAX:28 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.54 LOW: 18.10 HIGH: 11.00 HIGH: N/A

MIN:23 MAX:30 INNISFAIL TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.39 LOW: 8.38 HIGH: 6.36 HIGH: 16.36

PORT DOUGLAS 7 DAY WEATHER FORECAST AND TIDE TIMES MIN:22 MAX:27

MIN:23 MAX:27

MIN:23 MAX:28

MIN:23 MAX:29

MIN:24 MAX:28

MIN:24 MAX:29

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 2.52 LOW: 15.26 HIGH: 9.15 HIGH: 21.18

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 3.21 LOW: 15.51 HIGH: 9.38 HIGH: 9.45

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 3.47 LOW: 16.16 HIGH: 9.59 HIGH: 20.13

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.13 LOW: 16.37 HIGH: 10.15 HIGH: 20.42

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 4.37 HIGH: 18.58 HIGH: 10.26 LOW: 23.15

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 5.06 LOW: 17.22 HIGH: 10.28 HIGH: N/A

PORT DOUGLAS TIDE TIMES LOW: 0.04 LOW: 8.32 HIGH: 5.44 HIGH: 17.51

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NEWS

Thursday Thursday April April 1, 1, 2021 2021

Cairns Cairns Local Local News News

Swap and SAVE a job Buying local will make a difference … $181.00

ice and R Bread Meat

iry nd Da Eggs a Fruit

bles Vegeta ents Condim lines Other TOTAL

7.4% 26.5%

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17.3% 11.1% 14.0% 14.0% 9.70% 100%

1 $ 31.3 9 $ 20.0 4 $ 25.3 4 $ 25.3 $ 17.56 $181.00

NICOLE GIBSON LOCALS have the power to propel the region’s economy forward simply by buying local as it is revealed fresh fruit, vegetables and meat accounted for more than 50 percent of the weekly grocery bill. Research released by Canstar Blue late last year revealed the average weekly grocery spend for a household of four was $181. Analysis of further recent research, by Budget Direct, showed meat accounted 27 percent of groceries purchased with vegetables and fruit coming in at 14 percent and 11 percent respectively. In dollar terms, this equals just under $90 per week that experts say has a multiplier effect on the regional economy when spent with local businesses instead of multi-national companies like Woolworths and Coles. Leading local economist Bill Cummings said buying local impacts the region’s economy more than buying from outside the area. “It is absolutely obvious, purchases from local suppliers will have a larger impact on the economy than if goods and services are directly imported,” Mr Cummings said. “When goods are purchased locally, not only is there a direct impact, a “flowon” or “multiplier” effect occurs as local employees and the business owners spend their incomes.” Mr Cummings said when local businesses buy from each other the impact is further increased through jobs creation and the attraction of services and infrastructure.

ar last ye lue late B r ta s a y Can nd for ased b ery spe rch rele ly groc k Resea e e w verage d the a reveale 81. was $1 of four ld o h e s hou

“The local business will also purchase inputs and the degree to which they are purchased locally will set up a supply chain impact throughout the economy,” he said.

Skills growth and retention was an-

BRIEFS

Bridge Safety upgrade

other benefit Mr Cummings said, helping to steel the region against metropolitan competition. “Buy local” in many fields means important skills are retained and improved to compete against competition from metropolitan areas.” he said. Jonsson’s Farm Market owners Warren and Gail Jonnson see the benefits of the “buy local” movement first hand in their business which employs around 65 people at its Stratford and Earlville locations. The business also has a local supplier list in the hundreds including farmers and producers of local goods like jams, chocolates, sauces and ice-cream. Mr Jonsson said choosing to buy locally instead of purchasing from a national chain had economic benefits beyond just supporting one business. “My accountant tells me that for every dollar that’s spent through our business generally gets turned over nine times in the local area,” Mr Jonsson said. However, the benefits to the consumer weren’t purely economic, Mr Jonsson said, with many locals not realising the effects of food transport on their products. “Being a producer I knew first-hand how much produce went to Southern markets, markets in Brisbane, and came back to North Queensland,” he said. “Obviously, the quality is not as good because the shelf life isn’t as long and because it’s been transported. Generally, the quality’s not as good either because of damage in transport.” Mr Jonsson said local produce was “definitely fresher

“Typically, models of the local economy indicate that for every one direct job, there will be at least one extra indirect job created and often more. “The growth of Cairns, over time, has made it viable to have university level education facilities. The growth of number of vessels and aircraft based in the region has made a great deal of maintenance and support activity viable.”

|1 3

Jonsson’s Farm Market left to right: Butchery Manager Tui Crawford, Grocery Supervisor Belinda McMillan and Fruit and Vegetable Supervisor Joseph Lee.

AFTER safety concerns were raised by residents during a regular community catch-up with Cr Brett Moller, Cairns Regional Council has installed new directional decals to several bridges in Division 1. Safety arrows have been installed to the Russell River and Lennon Creek bridges on Bramston Beach road and the Alice Creek bridge on Cartwright Road for improved road safety for road users. Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller said the matter was raised with him by a community member in a recent ‘Councillor Chat’ session at Mirriwinni and he arranged for an inspection where a safety issue was identified, and the matter addressed. “This is the value of grass roots feedback by being out and about in your community” commented Cr Moller.

Free Playgroup Extended THOUSANDS more Queensland families with children under one will have access to free Playgroup, with the Queensland Government extending its free Playgroup campaign. Education Minister Grace Grace today announced that the successful Play Stars initiative would continue for another three years, providing additional support for up to 10,000 Playgroup families. “They also support young parents and carers to build social networks and share experiences. “This was particularly important throughout 2020, when Playgroup Queensland offered Playgroup at Home activities to minimise isolation for parents and carers and children. Ms Grace announced the extension today, during National Playgroup Week 2021 where she joined playgroup families and Playgroup Queensland staff at Parliament House.

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NEWS

Cairns Local News

Thursday April 1, 2021

A safe and happy Easter for all ON the day that I sat to write this Easter Message (a few weeks before Easter!) I heard on ABC radio’s Soul Search a discussion with a Brisbane theologian, Ben Myers, who has written The Apostles’ Creed, A Guide to the Ancient Catechism (Christian Essentials Series). This is the earliest of all Christian Statements of Faith. There is though a tradition that each of its twelve (12) articles were composed, one each, by each of the twelve (12) Apostles. Hence the obvious awkward question ‘Which one did Judas write?’ So much for some pious traditions! Then there is that awkward phrase: He descended into hell! For this (see Ephesian 4/9-12, 1 Peter 3/18-19). See also, very helpfully, 631-637 Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Apostles’ Creed was the original Baptism formulae common to all the early Christian communities – both East and West. It may well pre-date the writing of any parts of the New Testament. The interesting point was made that The Apostle’s Creed itself became the very touchstone of orthodox Catholic Faith. Indeed it became the very test for what writings would be included in the Canon of the New Testament as the authentic Christian Scriptures. It was on this basis that some odd quite early writings – such as the (Gnostic) Gospel attributed to St Thomas were excluded. The Apostles’ Creed proclaims a universal and an all-inclusive Faith: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. It also proclaims an Easter Hope-Filled Faith. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven So each one of us can affirm that: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

I WANT to reach out to the Cairns community and wish everyone a safe and happy Easter. It was just over one year ago that the magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts on our community first became apparent as widespread lockdowns commenced. I am proud of how our community has banded together during this challenging time and I am confident we will continue to support each other as we move back to normality. This Easter long weekend brings the chance to refresh and recharge. This is a time spent with family and friends, traditionally an opportunity for many people to pitch a tent and enjoy some camping, get outdoors for gardening, walking and cycling and of course, indulge in fabulous food. No matter your background or religion, I hope everyone embraces the spirit of Easter.

Bob Manning Mayor, Cairns Regional Council

Yours truly in Christ

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Thursday April 1, 2021

Cairns Local News

Hopping to a new home

The Agile Project relocation volunteers Joel Groberg, Holly Jay, Rachel Blok and Steve Jackson, with sponsors Justin Kelly, Darren Halpin The Agile Project founder Shai Ager, Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch and Division Nine councillor Brett Olds

FR0M PAGE 1

TANYA MURPHY FOUR hundred agile wallabies will finally be able to roam free in a new safe habitat, thanks to The Agile Project (TAP) which has obtained all the necessary approvals and equipment to begin relocating them from Cairns’ Northern Beaches. Relocation will begin this month thanks to a group of local businesses who have provided a specially fitted out van to transport the wallabies in a method designed to cause minimal stress to the animals. The project began four years ago when local ecologist Shai Ager saw that development was encroaching on the wallabies’ habitat and confining them into local sports fields, sides of roads and suburban backyards. “I am personally beaming with excitement as this is a dream of mine and something we’ve been working hard on for four years,” said Ms Ager. “In the past two years, more than 1000 wallabies have been killed due to car strikes, dog attacks and other unknown causes. This is not only a major concern for our precious wildlife but also our community. “This wallaby relocation is going to be the largest Macropod Relocation Australia

has ever seen and could change the way our country deals with wildlife and human conflict. “The Agile Project hopes to set a precedent that relocation is an option and should be considered before culling.” TAP was granted a Damage Mitigation Permit to relocate 400 wallabies, after winning a court case against the the Queensland Government through the Queensland and Civil Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). According to Ms Ager, it was previously argued that relocation was too stressful for wildlife, but TAP developed a method which causes minimal stress to the animals. The animals will be lured into self-closing soft cage traps baited with food, and volunteers who are experienced in handling wallabies will move them in silence to minimise stress. “We individually take them out of the traps and put them in shade-cloth bags, which are very well ventilated but dark enough that they can’t see out, and then we hang the bags up in the van,” said Ms Ager. “We’ve tested this method and it was a massive success. The first wallaby that we relocated, was perfectly calm when

released, and stopped to look back at us as if to say ‘thank you!’ then continued to happily hop away.” Under the approval, only ten wallabies can be moved per day, and only when the weather conditions permit, so it is expected to take around two months for volunteers to relocate the 400 wallabies. “TAP was very fortunate to secure two perfect locations for the wallabies, one north of Cairns and one south, each within about an hour’s drive,” said Ms Ager. “Both are on private property, far away from roads and surrounded by national park which means they will never be developed.” There are actually more than 750 wallabies living in the Northern Beaches but the Department of Environment and Science (DES) has given approval for 400 to be moved initially. “After the 400 are moved, we’ll do another ecological assessment of those remaining in the Northern Beaches, to see how breeding is going, and see how many road deaths there still are,” said Ms Ager. “We’re also working really well with council who have put in more than $100,000 of fencing to stop the wallabies going onto roads and sporting fields, and

vegetation management, to stop them crossing the road to get to grass.” Ms Ager thanked the huge array of volunteers, organisations and businesses who contributed to making the project a success. The van was provided by Halpin Partners Accountants, The Palms, James Home Services Australia and Coral Coast Financial Services. The cloth bags were made by prisoners at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, and the van was fitted out by the Marlin Coast Men’s Shed. Cairns Regional Council, Bluewater Development, Member for Barron River Craig Crawford, and various other anonymous donors also donated towards the relocation costs. Ms Ager also thanked Division Nine Councillor Brett Olds and Federal Member Warren Entch who assisted the project in many ways including appearing as key witnesses for The Agile Project in court. Veterinarians from My Pet Hub in Brinsmead and Balaclava Vets in Redlynch will be voluntarily assisting the TAP team in the relocation.

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Cairns Local News

Thursday April 1, 2021

5 T H I N G S TO D O I N F N Q OV E R E A S T E R If you’re not dashing out to the reef or off on a camping adventure here are some greatways to spend Easter.

in FNQ The current outbreak of COVID-19 hasn’t dashed FNQ’s Easter spirit with traders wanting locals to know there’s still plenty of things to see and do around the region this weekend. Twelve months on, COVID-19 has again overshadowed Easter, dashing plans for many. However, Il Forno Palm Cove owner Luca Perva wants locals looking for things to do over the long weekend to know that FNQ restaurants and venues are open for business with COVID safe measures in place. “We’ve had twelve months

experience with this and it’s important that people don’t overreact in terms of being scared and cancelling everything, because there are a lot of measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus,” Mr Perva said. The Prawn Star Freshwater Festival is also back with organisers intent on delivering a COVID safe family event to kick off the long weekend.

SATURDAY The annual Kuranda Rocks Easter Festival kicks off at 10am Saturday with their Great Easter Quest, Junk Parade, egg and spoon races and entertainment into the night. Bluey’s Big Play - the brand new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is on at CPAC Theatre. SUNDAY Nikki the Clown at Trinity Beach Tavern. Enjoy Easter Sunday lunch with the kids from 12pm. Adults can relax as Nikki delights the kids with her face painting talents. Revel in Rockabilly at Palm Cove Tavern. Get Rockin’ n Rollin’ with That Rockabilly Guy performing from 1pm. Overnight Gong Bath. Join FNQ Oriental Healing Centre for this unique event which includes sound meditation, vibrational healing, ceremony and connection with five gongs and 33 Tibetan singing bowls. Easter in FNQ Vox Pops Spending time with family and friends tops the list of what FNQers get up to over Easter.

Starting at 5.30pm tonight at the Freshwater Tennis Precinct the festival has loads of activities and entertainment for the entire family. “We have everything in place to deliver a COVID safe event including a more spacious food area with ample seating and space,” said Event Organiser, Kane Brown.

Easter Bunny from Bunny Heights “Easter is about waking up and finding lots of Easter eggs to eat. I like to share with my friends and family. I will be out and about visiting family and friends. Wishing you all a very happy Easter.”

Michael Wicks from Wonga Beach “We normally stay home and have a few friends around. I’ve got all four days off so I think that’s what we’ll be doing if everything goes to plan.” Gerard Sciacca from Bentley Park “I’m spending it with my family and my wife. We’re off to Babinda where my parents are.”

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“Easter for us is spending time as a family with my husband, kids, grandkids and extended family. We have a tradition, Easter bingo. It’s similar to normal bingo, but Easter eggs are the prizes and then church on Sunday.”

“We normally catch up with family and friends and I usually go to Victoria to see my dad, but we won’t be this year. It will be nice just to stay home and have a rest after the busy season - nice brekkie, bacon, an extra few chocolates and eggs and Easter egg hunt, that sort of thing. The kids are going camping.”

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Thursday April 1, 2021

NEWS

Cairns Local News

BRIEFS

Dragon Fun these Holidays CHINESE New Year celebrations will continue on at Cairns Museum with the sights and sounds of the annual event the inspiration for the April school holiday program.

Cairns Museum manager Suzanne Gibson said there were some great affordable activities for children as young as five, right up to teenagers with specialised Chinese inspired art workshops. “Kids will be able to bring the dragons of their imagination to life through mask and puppet, drum and lantern making workshops over the course of the two-week holiday program,” she said. “The team led by Children’s Program Leader Belinda Martin have really enjoyed creating another engaging school holiday program based around the current temporary exhibition, Lions and Dragons: The sights and sounds of Chinese New Year.” On Saturday April 10 and 17, Cairns Museum will also host Chinese-inspired art workshops for children over eight years.

Cairns Council supports small business

Rounding out the program, is the colouring-in competition and Chinese lion scavenger hunt, which are available daily from Monday to Saturday.

CAIRNS Regional Council has cemented its support for local small businesses by becoming the seventh council in Queensland to sign the Small Business Friendly Councils charter. Mayor Bob Manning said it was more important than ever for Council to demonstrate its support for small businesses. “Small businesses make up about 97 per cent of all businesses in Cairns, they are the lifeblood of our city, which is why it is so important that we provide them support, especially at this time,” he said. The Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) initiative was established by the State Government to recognise and support local councils that are actively supporting small businesses in their area. It recognises a commitment by councils to be mindful of small businesses, their issues and priorities when making decisions for the local community. Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Maree Adshead last week co-signed the SBFC charter with Cr Manning and Cairns Chamber of Commerce President Sally Mlikota and CEO Patricia O’Neill. Ms Adshead said it was pleasing the Council has committed to engage, promote and support the small businesses within their region.

If your child is aged nine and over and an audio tour is more their interest, they can virtually join Pip, Caden and Jessie, who bring the Museum to life using their own device (BYO headphones). All workshops are free with entry, but require a $5 contribution to cover material costs for existing annual pass holders and members. Bookings are essential as places are limited. For more information on admission costs and the school holiday program, visit the Museum website now at www.cairnsmuseum.org.au or phone 4051 5582 or email info@cairnsmuseum.org.au. Cairns Museum is in the School of Arts Building on the corner of Lake and Shields streets in the city. Social distancing, sanitising and other Covid-safe requirements are in place.

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Thursday April 1, 2021

Cairns Local News

BRIEFS

Rather walk and talk to Jim than go to gym

G’DAY Tropicairnsians, Here is a topic close to my heart (and huge belly) and one that may resonate with you. To get some good healthy exercise does not mean sweating your guts out at a gym. Really, when you go to these places, they stink of unimaginable smells like dirty old jocks and socks, mouldy wet towels and two-hundred-year-old mixed grossed out sweat that even a pack of wet wild dogs would run from. Now who has not been cuddly shamed, and been pressured to make that absurd New Year’s resolution to lose weight, get fit, stop smoking, and cut back on the drink? Many years ago, I had a knock on the door, not from the ‘sky-pilots’ but from people

Mission Beach Library Reopens

working for the local gym. This male and female ‘beautiful people’ team knew their sales and as quick as a roo-tail whip I had stupidly signed up for a membership. It all started well enough, but the novelty soon wore off and the realization that I had a yearlong contract obliging me to 52 weeks of sweat, grunting and a slightly lighter bank-balance. I’m a bit like a right vicious mongrel dog when it comes situations of conned contracts, so my contract was soon cancelled. The fact that I felt conned was bad enough but the worst part is the “I told you so” that comes from your partner. But on the bright side I have been off the ciggies since December 2015 and cut back big time on the booze to an average 4 drinks a month (mainly because I don’t have time to spend standing around drinking). All is not lost as being careful not to dislodge to much red suit belly, I have taken to having long walks as my new exercise, yes walking is recommended

by every doctor that this fella has met. My favourite place to walk and talk is Cairns City and the Esplanade. So every chance that this weird one gets to paint

the beard, put on a Hawaiian shirt, lairy hat, flip flops and off I go to giggle at all those fitness freaks on the exercise centres along the board walk. Yes, you can spend some

serious coin on gyms, or you can be smart and walk, talk and smile with the rest of us wiser and older vertical survivors. Wayne

THE refurbished Mission Beach library is set to reopen to the public with a grand reopening event chock-a-block with fun activities. Division three Councillor and Community and Culture portfolio holder Councillor Trudy Tschui said the upgrades will enhance the library experience for patrons, and will provide a modernised, multi-use library space that will be an asset to the Mission Beach area. “To celebrate the end of refurbishment, Council has organised a great event filled with activities to encourage residents to come down and check out the new space. “The event is being held Saturday April 17 from 9am until 12pm. Some of the activities on offer include a free sausage sizzle, badge making, art, story time sessions and other entertainment. We will also have WI-FI and computer facilities available, so there is something on offer for everyone,” Councillor Tschui said. ““The upgrade will provide real benefits to local residents by providing a welcoming, attractive space for people of all ages to enjoy.” The Mission Beach Library Upgrade is part of Council’s plan to provide infrastructure that meets current and future needs while also providing access to enhanced education and learning.

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OPINION

Cairns Local News

TXT the Editor 0438 195 408

OPINION

SWAP AND SAVE A JOB

SUPPORT LOCAL As a new reader of this paper I find it necessary to add my total disgust at an Australian company gouging the Australian people of their hard earned dollars. Now in Cairns we have unemployed people who have relied on Job Keeper now without work and yet a major company like Harvey Norman can receive $22M in job keeper despite massive profits and not return to the taxpayer. I was going to mention this to the Harvey Norman/Cairns Post or the Harvey Norman/John Mckenzie talk back show but alas. I urge all people to boycott Harvey Norman. Just think about it.

If there is one thing positive that has come from COVID is the heightened awareness of just how important it is to support our local community. For the past 12 months we have personally experienced or witnessed extreme hardship caused by business contraction, redundancies, or closures. The spotlight should always be upon how we as consumers can build a stronger more dynamic society. The figures currently for on-line shopping are stagging. It has been reported recently a massive 300% increase in

STEVE, Westcourt

Want to be heard? Send a text to the Editor 0438 195 408

cery and food bill is spent on meat, fruit and vegetables.

U3A Debate over climate change and COVID-19 have been dividing communities all over the world. How do we sort fact from fiction? How do we avoid making the wrong decisions, especially when the the stakes are so high? The wrong decisions are deadly when it’s COVID-19 and could be even more catastrophic when we ignore the facts around climate change. The only safe way to make safe decisions is to listen to the experts. The scientists and the doctors. Everyone can have an opinion but when it comes to life and death decisions listen to the climate scientists and the medical professionals. When in doubt go to the scientific institutions such as the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Medical Association or the World Health Organisation. Find out what the scientific consensus is. Experts that have spent a lifetime studying their field. Forget about conspiracy theories, always get your news and information from reliable sources. If you’re aged over 50 come to the University of the Third Age (U3A) Cairns. Discussion on these and many other issues are discussed every Friday at our current affairs class.

With over 100,000 households in Cairns, imagine if we

JOHN, Mooroobool

e-commerce since the start of COVID. Whilst this is not surprising, given the lock-downs and inability to travel to some destinations where we may wish to shop, e-commerce has be a salvation to the restricted consumer. However, now that restrictions are being lifted and a degree of normalcy returns to our weeks, we can all start to review what can be done to create a strong community and economy here in the north. Figures reveal that approximately 50% of our weekly gro-

spent just a portion of our weekly shop at a local butcher, fish monger, or fruit and vegetable store. If the amount we spent as a family each week was a little as $50, the net result would be half a million dollars each week tipping into our local economy, supporting farmers, fishermen and small independent businesses. Its time to ‘swap and save a job’. Swap where we buy some items, and swap who we support. It’s time to sup-

FARM WORKERS WANTED Some people fallen on hard times recently due to covid business changes need to change their attitudes. Farmers need labourers. Get off your poor bugger me couches and get to work. I’ve had many position descriptions and will probably have more. I’ve grown up poor in some peoples’ eyes. But I am a survivor. And yes I have done farm work. It is a great experience if you have the right mindset. The government could help by supplying demountable accommodation on farms for those in need. The rent could go back to the government. It doesn’t’ have to be difficult. NICOLE, Mena Creek

Farmers and independent businesses all believe in the local community, they commit to the local community, employing locals and show confidence in our community. Local farmers and independent businesses put their money on the line, they invest and grow our community, now is the time to start to tip back and if you can, SWAP AND YOU CAN SAVE A JOB. Peter McCullagh Editor

LIBERAL TROLLING Wow eh! A Liberal minister ‘done’ for trolling women on-line and ‘scumos’ reaction just an apology. After all that ‘crying and blubbering’ (less than a week ago) about fixing all the toxic gender gutter trash on capitol hill “for my girls, for my wife, etc etc because they are my life,” and you’re still protecting your ‘boys club on the hill.’ Lied to your family already. You guys really are the lowest. Shame shame. As long as the ‘boys’ are protected eh?! P.S(just a tip) (if your wife does your cooking, you may need to hire a food taster) hahaha Thank u. NOEL, Cairns COVID IMMUNISATION Hey Chris from Mossman. If you have the “Jab” what’s your problem with those that don’t, you will be immune.....won’t you? N CAIN, Innisfail CLIMATE CHANGE It is disappointing that you give an editorial to a human-induced climate change denier in the interests of so-called ‘balance’. This is a false equivalence when the science is so overwhelming and the energy transition so clearly underway. Are you going to give an editorial next week to someone from the smoking lobby saying cigarettes aren’t really so bad after all! MATT, North Cairns Norman Whitney is correct. The climate has always fluctuated but never at the speed we see today. Climate change is now progressing 30 times faster than any time during the last 2.6 million years and 170 times faster than over the last 7,000 years, due to human activity. That is a scientific fact that Mr Whitney avoids. BRIDGET, Manunda I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of rugged mountain ranges, of drought and flooding rains. Gee extremes in weather conditions existed well before some half wit decided to create a job for himself by scaring us all with this climate change boogie man. NOBBY, Earlville

port local farmers and independent businesses, if we do, we can save a job.

Thursday April 1, 2021

Letters VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING

Got an issue you’re passionate about? Send a letter to the Editor - letters@CairnsLocalNews.com.au

In coming months our 93 state MPs will be asked to consider a law to introduce voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Queensland. VAD laws have just been passed in Tasmania and have previously been passed by the parliaments of Victoria and Western Australia and a Bill has been introduced in South Australia. The Queensland Government is set to receive a draft VAD law from the Queensland Law Reform Commission on 10 May which will then be sent to State Parliament for further scrutiny by the Health Committee before being debated later this year. Dying With Dignity Queensland is working with other organisations and individuals to impress upon all of our 93 MPs the need to pass a VAD law to give better end-of-life choices to terminally ill people or those with neurodegenerative conditions.

But we need all 93 of them to know that their constituents want a VAD law. That’s why I am urging anyone who supports better end-of-life choices through a VAD law to join or become a supporter of Dying With Dignity Queensland and help deliver this much-needed law reform. It will give terminally ill people or those dying from a neurological condition the completely voluntary choice to seek access to a regulated system of voluntary assisted dying so that they do not endure unnecessary and intolerable suffering. Voluntary assisted dying will not result in a single extra death but it will mean a lot less suffering. If anyone wants to support our fight I urge them to visit www.dwdq.org.au or phone 1300 733 818. JOS HALL, President Dying With Dignity QLD

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Cairns Local News

Gazza’s

Gossip

Look up, you could be missing a FAB world out there MOBILE Phones are a very useful tool in many ways…. texting, emails, photos, paying online bills, EFTPOS transactions, plus video calls and the good old fashioned normal phone call. There are many useful Apps for work and home.… your phone can even become be a spirit level. The likes of Apple who manufacture iPhones and Samsung, who are well and truly in bed with Google, want to rule the world…… and some day they probably will. They control what we do with our phones and should we lose our Apple or Google password, this expensive

device, on which our whole life depends, will become a very stylish glass frisbee…. never mind the 4000 irreplaceable photos lost. Other than making sure our passwords are inscribed on a tablet of stone, we can’t really control the direction the communications industry is taking us. We can, however, stop these machines from completely controlling our lives… and that is to simply put them down, look upwards and appreciate the paradise in which we live. I go for an early run most mornings and it’s a pleasure be-

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cause we live in one of the most idyllic locations on the planet. But in amongst my gasps for oxygen, it’s not difficult to spot the many individuals looking down at their slabs of glass. Firstly, there’s the fact that your head weighs about same amount as a watermelon and certainly won’t help your spine. But come on guys……… Mountain bikers video calling, power walkers Facebooking, dog walkers texting, push chair pushers googling instead of conversing with their young passenger, even golfers duffing their shot because the device in their pocket just vibrated. Most are oblivious to their beautiful surroundings, missing the opportunity to step off of life’s tread mill and in some cases putting their lives and others in danger. It’s time to change the habit, look up from that Smartphone and love your world. Well for now it’s Gazza signing out but do have a relaxing and safe Easter weekend. Send your stories to; gazza@ cairnslocalnews.com.au You can catch up with Gazza each afternoon on 90.9 FAB FM in Port Douglas.

A cracker Jack of a tournament planned

I HAVE been one of those individuals guilty of assuming that bowls is only for the over 70’s and that grey or no hair was compulsory. The membership at Innisfail Bowls Club soon disproved that theory. Moving a little further north, another fine establishment in the art of lawn sports is the Mossman Bowls Club, with their superb facilities. This year’s Mossman Corporate Bowls tournament is soon to get underway, with the club looking for friends and work

colleagues to form teams representing local businesses and charities. Each team entrant will become a sponsor of the competition and their branding will be plugged over the duration of the event. Helping to promote social barefoot bowls, the competition will run midweek over four weeks starting on May 5, with team nominations closing April 30th. Interested? Contact the Mossman Bowls Club for more details.

Kirsty from Mossman Bowls Club with the launch of the Corporate Bowls Tournament

Other services Waxing for him or her Eye treatments Ear candling Pedi & Mani

Why did the magpie geese cross the road? 0412 016 121

Shop 3, 123 Williams Esplanade, Peppers Beach Club Palm Cove, Qld PalmCoveSpaBeauty.com.au

WELL perhaps the chicken was on COVID lockdown. Or maybe they were grounded from flying because of COVID. It does not matter why they crossed the road, the key point here is that we love our wildlife here in the mighty Douglas Shire, and if they want to cross the road, well they can. We have a good news story this week sent to us from Joanne. She spied a few families of Magpie Geese gathering on one side of the main road into

Port Douglas, last Wednesday. Some had older goslings and some goslings were of a younger age. One ‘Family’ of younger goslings, decided to make their way to the side of the road, with intention to cross to the other side. The traffic was steady but luckily one driver closest to the entourage, had seen them enter onto the road. Stopping, thus preventing any further traffic passing. The Magpie Geese family were

able to safely cross one lane of the busy road. Having concerns that the south bound lane hadn’t seen the creatures, Joanne quickly stepped out into the lane and flagged the next driver, to warn of the crossing. Thankfully, this driver had seen and stopped far enough back to create a safe crossing for the family. A very happy tale and who ever said the biggest news scoops were not covered here in Gazza’s Goss.

INCREASED SCHEDULES IN CAPE YORK COMMENCING 12 APRIL 2021 CAIRNS TO LOCKHART RIVER & AURUKUN

CAIRNS TO KOWANYAMA & PORMPURAAW

MONDAY & FRIDAY

MONDAY

FLIGHT

DEP

FROM

ARR

FLIGHT

DEP

FROM

ARR

QN53

07:00

Cairns

Aurukun

08:40

QN71

07:30

Cairns

Kowanyama

08:45

09:10

Aurukun

Lockhart River

09:45

09:15

Kowanyama

Pormpuraaw

09:35

10:15

Lockhart River

Cairns

11:45

09:55

Pormpuraaw

Cairns

11:15

14:00

Cairns

Lockhart River

15:30

16:00

Lockhart River

Aurukun

16:35

17:05

Aurukun

Cairns

18:45

QN54

TUESDAY QN71

TUESDAY QN53

07:00

Cairns

Aurukun

08:40

09:10

Aurukun

Lockhart River

09:45

10:15

Lockhart River

Cairns

11:45

WEDNESDAY

QN73

07:30

Cairns

Kowanyama

08:45

09:15

Kowanyama

Pormpuraaw

09:35

09:55

Pormpuraaw

Cairns

11:15

14:00

Cairns

Kowanyama

15:15