‘Problem crocodile’ removed from river near popular Rossville campground
A SALTWATER crocodile measuring 2.8 metres has been captured in a baited trap on the Little Annan River at Rossville on 27 April.
Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) set the trap on 24 April after receiving sighting reports from local residents.
Director northern wildlife operations
Lindsay Delzoppo said the crocodile had been declared a “problem crocodile” and targeted for removal based on its size and location, close to the popular Rossville Retreat.
“The fact that it had entered a baited trap after only three days shows it must have been pretty hungry,” he said.
“We’d like to thank the members of community who reported the crocodile sightings to us; such information is vital for us to locate the animal promptly and assess that it needed to be targeted for removal.
“We would also like to thank the Cook Shire Council for their support and assistance while our wildlife rangers were investigating this and other crocodile sighting reports in the Cooktown area.”
A Rossville resident, who asked not to be named, said many in the area were concerned another crocodile had already been spotted in the same vicinity.
“They got that first one, but I’ve seen a grey one down there in the water, and [another Rossville resident] said they’d seen one the same colour,” they said.
“They’re just getting too thick in the water these days – they’re everywhere.”
Mr Delzoppo said the capture of the reptile was a reminder they could be present in any waterways across Cape York.
“The removal of this animal is a reminder that crocodiles are highly mobile and can turn up in places they may not have been seen for many years, especially after flooding,” he said.
“People living on and visiting Cape York Peninsula should be aware that crocodiles may be present in any waterway, even if there are no warning signs.”
Crocodiles can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.
Council ‘confident’ of ferry timeline as NPA residents ask for Plan B
by LYNDON KEANE
THE council repairing the only road link between the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) and the rest of the country says it is on track to return the Jardine River ferry to operation next week, but frustrated residents want a backup plan, not hollow assurances.
The Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) was forced to pull the embattled ferry out of the water last month to undertake repairs mandated by the maritime watchdog, and told Cape York Weekly it was “confident” of having it back in the water by 23 May.
“Work has commenced and progressing as planned, with some delay caused by flooded roads, prolonged flooding at the river repair site and crocodile risk,” acting chief executive officer Lew Rojahn said on 8 May.
“However, council is confident of meeting the original work completion deadline of 23 May.”
The council has been slammed by Cape York tourism operators after the announcement of the repairs caused thousands of
Regional Council).
southern visitors to postpone or cancel their northern adventure this dry season.
But NPA locals say they are concerned there is no backup plan being formulated should the vessel not be deemed fit to return to service by next Friday, or at all.
One resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said their plan to travel south for an employment opportunity at the beginning of June was now up in the air.
“I’ve been offered a job in Cairns for the rest of the year and was planning to drive out the first week of June, but how can I
be confident the ferry’s even going to be running by then?” they asked angrily.
“There’s talk around it won’t even be let back in the water; what am I meant to do then –spend money I don’t have flying out, then need to fly back and drive my things down eventually?”
Croc Tent owner Lea Webb, who has lived in the NPA for about 20 years, said while she was worried about the hit her business was taking due to the ferry not operating, she was more concerned about the impact a prolonged closure would have on the community.
“We aren’t reaching a longterm solution,” she said.
“We don’t have a reliable ferry and we don’t have reliable freight and, right now, if one more boat breaks down, we have no way of getting fruit and veg, resources and medical supplies to five communities that are being overlooked by the rest of Australia.
“When [the Bruce Highway at Ollera Creek] was cut off, the army was there in a minute building a temporary bridge.
“We can’t have this turn into a full-blown disaster before they come up with a Plan B.”
Mr Rojahn said the council had spoken to Cook MP David Kempton, who “has offered full support to NPARC”, but Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said his office was yet to be contacted.
“NPARC has not sought assistance from the Queensland Government during this period,” he said.
Cape York Weekly was unable to contact the Federal Government for comment about potential Australian Defence Force intervention due to the 3 May election.
The 2.8-metre “problem crocodile” removed from the Little Annan River by rangers on 27 April. Photo: Supplied.
While flooding of the Jardine River has hampered repair efforts, the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council says it is “confident” it will have the region’s embattled ferry back in the water on 23 May. Photo: Facebook (Northern Peninsula Area
Weipa camping team makes cut for prestigious caravan industry awards
A CULTURE of going above and beyond to welcome travellers and outstanding teamwork put Weipa in the Queensland caravan industry spotlight at a gala awards ceremony last night.
The Weipa Camping Ground was announced last week as finalists in two categories of the 2025 Caravan Parks Association of Queensland (CPAQ) Awards – Team of the Year Award and the Simon Warner Memorial Young Achiever of the Year Award for rising star Darci Lawson.
The team award recognises “outstanding teams who go above and beyond, working together to create unforgettable experiences and a thriving business”, while Ms Lawson was nominated as being someone in the industry under 30 who brings “passion, innovation and dedication” her to role.
General manager Gemma Shaw said the team was thrilled to be named as a finalist in two categories, with a small contingent travelling to the Gold Coast for the awards on 12 May.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be named finalists in the awards,” she said.
“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication our entire team puts into creating a warm, welcoming, and memorable experience for every guest.
“At the heart of our business is good old country hospitality and a commitment to building genuine connections – having that recognised means the world to us.”
For 20-year-old Ms Lawson, who is com-
pleting a double degree in International Tourism, Hotel Management and Business while working at the campgrounds, she said she was proud to play a role in Weipa’s reputation as a destination that opened its arms to welcome visitors.
“Although I’ve only been in Weipa for 12 months, I’ve completely fallen in love with this town,” she said.
“My goal is to help every guest experience the beauty, character, and charm of Weipa, and to show that even a small town in the middle of nowhere has incredible
character and adventures to offer.
“I’m incredibly passionate about the role tourism plays in supporting small communities; one day, I hope to run my own business focused on sustainable rural tourism.”
Ms Shaw said she believed the team’s commitment to ensuring every visitor that drove into the campgrounds had the best local experience they could was part of the culture that impressed judges in coming up with the list of finalists.
“Delivering the highest standards in our day-to-day operations is essential to main-
taining consistency and building a brand our guests can rely on,” she said.
“But we don’t stop there – we put in the extra effort to go above and beyond, ensuring every visitor has the opportunity to truly experience all that Weipa and Cape York have to offer.
“For many, this may be their one and only trip to the Cape, and we’re passionate about making it unforgettable.”
Make sure you grab a copy of next week’s Cape York Weekly to see how the team went.
Cape York had its fingers crossed for the Weipa Camping Ground team on Monday night as it aims to collect the silverware in two categories of the 2025 Caravan Parks Association of Queensland Awards. Photo: Supplied.
community-led priorities for
by LYNDON KEANE
LOCAL communities having the ability to choose which Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) upgrades should be prioritised with available funding was mooted when almost 50 people attended a Cape York Region Package (CYRP) taskforce update in Weipa on 6 May.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads provided an update on stage two of the CYRP at the meeting, and identified three designed and funded projects yet to commence, including Musgrave to Red Blanket (4.5 kilometres), Yarraden to Three Sisters (9.49km) and a 4.9km stretch from Bamboo to south of Duck Holes.
While the Federal Government is yet to commit the $240 million needed as part of an 80:20 joint funding arrangement to progress stage three of the CYRP, incoming Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith, who dialled into the meeting before heading to Canberra, said he wanted to make it a priority and compared the future success of Cape York to that of the Roman empire and its road network.
“It’s the first conversation we can have (in Canberra),” he told the meeting.
CYRP taskforce co-chair Pro-
fessor Allan Dale said solving the funding conundrum hinged on the region “arguing the value story” and what the PDR and linking community access roads meant for the social and economic wellbeing of Cape York.
“Twenty thousand people doesn’t cut it when it comes to budgets,” he said.
“I’ve always thought the Bruce Highway … finishes at Weipa.”
Member for Cook David Kemp-
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
ton told the meeting Cape York needed to prepare for a fight to ensure the PDR remained on the funding radar of both state and federal governments.
“If we want to get this road sealed, we’re going to have to make a case for it, and we’re going to have to fight for it.”
Choosing what remaining stretches of dirt should be prioritised when the $300m stage three does get the green light split the audience, with consensus different
communities would have conflicting demands dependent on the how unsealed sections of the PDR impacted their daily lives.
Coen was used as an example of why the southern end of the PDR should be prioritised, with road freight alternatives unavailable and emergency resupplies during the wet season costing $70,000 each.
Attendees discussed the feasibility of the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) pre-
senting communities with road and bridge upgrade options possible with the available funding to prioritise projects and maximise “bang for buck” for the region.
TMR Far North district director Darryl Jones said he believed the stage three priority should be to “maximise the bitumen seal as much as possible”, adding the long-awaited upgrade of the Myall Creek bridge should be at the top of the list for bridge infrastructure works.
Almost 50 people attended in person or dialled into the Cape York Region Package taskforce update in Weipa on 6 May. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Cape York students put possible science career under microscope
York students were given a glimpse into the world of medical research last week when QIMR Berghofer scientists made a flying visit to Weipa.
The roadshow was aimed at inspiring remote students to consider a career in science by delivering a unique, hands-on experience into the day-to-day lives of scientists with a range of activities like diagnosing diseases under microscopes, learning how to handle a pipette and exploring the role of neurons in model brains.
Scientists Dr Elina Panahi and Ian Peall
were part of the team at Western Cape College on 7 May and said providing an environment for scientists to engage directly with students was vital for sparking their scientific curiosity.
“I think it’s important for a number of different reasons,” Mr Peall said.
“It’s important for them to see there are a lot of different pathways you can take if medical research is something you want to pursue.
“For us, it’s great to get out and see these remote communities and see what life’s like
out here; we’re isolated in Brissie; we don’t get to see this part of the world ever up here – and it’s amazing up here, it’s fantastic.”
Mosquito scientist Dr Panahi said several students had been interested to learn how much field work her job required, and that research did not just involve a laboratory.
“It’s actually interesting, because a lot of them didn’t understand or realise mosquitoes can transmit a virus or parasite,” she said.
Aurukun student Isaiah Yunkaporta said he was excited to have travelled up to Weipa to experience the range of experiments on offer.
“It’s been really cool,” he said.
The scientists were scheduled to take the roadshow to Lockhart State School on 8 May but a flight cancellation and impassable road made the visit impossible.
QIMR Berghofer education co-ordinator Dr Manuel Serrano Santos said bringing scientists to remote schools helped demonstrate distance was no obstacle to a career in medical research.
“At QIMR Berghofer, we want to ensure students have the opportunity to explore the world of health science and medical research, regardless of how remote their geographical location is,” he said.
RFSQ urges Cape residents to be ready for bushfire season
by CHISA HASEGAWA
WITH bushfire season hot on our heels, Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) is urging the Cape York community to be prepared, act responsibly and keep each other safe.
Even though year-round hazard reduction burns and mitigation works mean fire is not a rare sight for Cape York locals, RFSQ inspector Chris Wegger said residents should still remain vigilant.
“Bushfire season is fast approaching, and now is the time for landholders to ensure they are prepared,” he said.
“Every year, we’re slowly seeing that ingress of fire impacting properties and remote structures.
“Bushfires can affect anyone, anywhere in Queensland; all residents should be prepared for a bushfire, and hazard reduction
burns are just one way to mitigate bushfire risk.”
Mr Wegger stressed the importance of obtaining permits for safely lighting and managing fires that covered more than two metres of surface area.
He said two major conditions of the permits were checking the Bureau of Meteorology weather forecast and ensuring there were
enough capable persons to manage the fire lit.
“This might seem bizarre when people have a lot of areas, like in Cape York, that are hundreds of square kilometres, but if you’re planning on conducting a burn greater than two metres in any direction, you need to obtain a permit to light fires,” he said.
“For fires that require a permit, individuals will not incur
any liability under the common act of law for any loss or injury or damage by the fire, provided that they have complied with the conditions and directions of the permit, and they haven’t acted recklessly or maliciously.”
In case of an out-of-control fire, Mr Wegger said community members should call triple zero, but said prevention and knowing what to do was key, especially in a remote area like the Cape.
“A fire can start 100km from anywhere there is mobile communications, so by the time the occupant gets back to somewhere they can call triple zero and report the fire, the fire could have travelled a couple hundred kilometres,” he said.
“Another thing for landholders to do is to go on the NAFI (Northern Australian Fire Information) website, and you can set up a hotspot notification on your property.”
$47,000 fines from operation
FINES totalling more than $47,000 were issued when police from the Highway Patrol Unit, Cooktown, Mareeba and Cairns conducted Operation Smart Flow between 24 February-25 April.
Police issued 87 infringement notices in relation to offences including exceeding speed limits, failing to wear seatbelts, limbs protruding, unregistered vehicles, defective vehicles, unrestrained children, uninsured vehicles, fail to produce licence, using mobile phones, exceeding seating capacity, fail to wear helmets, and learner driving unaccompanied.
Several notices to appear in the Cooktown Magistrates Court were issued for a range of offences including driving under the influence of liquor high range, serious assault, possess drugs, possess knife in public and enter dwelling and commit offence.
Laura grazing forum
PRIMARY producers from across the region will converge on the Laura rodeo grounds for the 2025 Grazing Forum on 20-21 May.
The free event is hosted by Cape York Natural Resource Management and covers key topics including genetics, breeding, animal health and fire management.
To register, email jayme.burkett@ capeyorknrm.com.au or call 0477 720 359.
Weipa pedal power
WHICH Weipa class will come out on top when they go head to head for National Ride2School Day tomorrow?
The event promotes healthy choices, physical activity and a sense of community spirit as adults and children swap four wheels for two on 14 May.
Weipa schools will participate in a class-versus-class challenge, with the class recording the highest percentage of students riding, scooting or walking to school on the day scoring a swag of prizes and bragging rights thanks to Weipa Town Authority.
In 2024, the St Joseph’s Parish School year 6 class reigned supreme, with Western Cape College eager to bring the honours back across the road this year.
Dr Elina Panahi (centre) prepares to give a hands-on science lesson to Weipa and Aurukun students Keegan Kawangka, Troy Hudson, Isaiah Yunkaporta, Alisha Motton, Lily Daniels and Bernita Newie. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
CAPE
Fire is not rare sight on Cape York, but Rural Fire Service Queensland is urging residents to stay vigilant this upcoming bushfire season. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Weipa birthing suite to celebrate big first birthday
by CHISA HASEGAWA
THE Western Cape York community is preparing to celebrate one year since birthing services returned to Weipa after a 25-year absence as they continue to win over local expectant mums.
Mums and expectant mums from Weipa, Aurukun, Mapoon and Napranum are encouraged to save 22 May for a celebration of allowing women to take their journey into motherhood close to home and family.
“We’ve had 18 births to date, which is amazing, and we’ve got another couple due, so we’re hoping by the time we hit the 12-month mark, there’ll be 20,” midwife Lorraine Woods said.
“So far, out of 18 babies, we’ve had six boys and 12 girls.”
Attracting and retaining the staff necessary to run a birthing suite in a remote community has proved difficult, with the birthing unit actually completed in 2022, but not opening until two years later when Weipa was able to recruit sufficient doctors with appropriate additional skills in obstetrics and anaesthetics to allow for a safe and sustainable birthing service.
Ms Woods said she was proud the unit now had a full team of six permanent midwives, a women’s health physiotherapist, social worker, advanced health worker, four GP obstetricians and four GP anaesthetists.
“I was the only permanent staff and the rest was agency, but now we’ve recruited all permanent staff, so it’s more stable,” she said.
Weipa woman Taryn Dennes, who is set to become a first-time mum in July, said being able to give birth in her hometown was
Maintenance dredging notice
making the life-changing experience even more personal and exciting.
After last year’s opening announcement, Ms Dennes said she had not been sure if she would choose to give birth in Weipa or travel, but was glad she made the choice to stay.
“At the start, I was very sceptical, but I think after meeting my midwife and my student midwife, they’re just amazing, and I could not say one bad thing about either of them,” she said.
- June 2025 | Notice for Weipa community
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging from early May 2025 at the Port of Weipa.
Dredging will also be completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.
The project will take up to four (4) weeks to complete.
The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane, as well as support vessels, have restricted manoeuvring capability. Local and visiting boaties are asked to take care and notice of all warning flags and lights.
Maintenance dredging needs to be carried out to ensure that safe, navigable shipping depths are maintained.
Environmental controls and management measures will be implemented throughout the program to minimise the risk of any potential impact on the marine environment.
Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated.
“Of course, I’ve asked so many questions, especially being my first time, and there’s never been a time when I felt like a nuisance, and they’ve had answers for absolutely everything.
“I feel pretty relaxed, and I feel like you have a lot more one-onone time, and it’s a lot more personal.”
The expectant mother said her pregnancy came at a perfect time after struggling to conceive for a while.
“My partner and I, we’ve been
trying for quite a while, but then we kind of thought, well, it’s not working, so we just kind of gave up,” she said.
“But then, we fell pregnant, and I just thought it was perfect timing, because now we could have a baby up in Weipa.
“Being able to stay in Weipa and not having that added stress on me is definitely beneficial, because being pregnant and giving birth is one thing, but being away from home is another.”
A big thanks to all the One Nation voters, supporters and volunteers that helped me achieve the result we got for the seat of Leichhardt.
Without you I would have struggled to be 4th in a 10-candidate race.
We will do better next time.
The party needs to grow the member and volunteer base so I urge anyone interested in our policies and way of thinking to join the movement to make Leichhardt and Australia a better place to live and I believe it can be.
Taryn and Jackson Dennes are excited to become first-time parents in their hometown in July. Photo: Supplied.
The Weipa birthing and maternity staff is now a full team of permanent staff as the community prepares to celebrate 12 months since the service reopened. Photo: Supplied.
2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium
Sky’s the limit at Weipa symposium
by LYNDON KEANE
IF the energy, enthusiasm and ideas of the more than 250 delegates who attended the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium are anything to go by, our future is a bright one.
The biennial event attracted elected, business and thought leaders from across the country to help plot a path towards economic diversity and social sustainability across western Cape York over the coming decades.
A diverse range of industry experts presented on potential options for Weipa and the surrounding region, including expanding tourism offerings, embracing new and emerging technology, and ensuring small business operators have the political and community support to flourish.
Former prime minister and Space Centre Australia (SCA) chairman Scott Morrison spoke to a packed house at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter on 7 May and drummed a message to “diversify and expand”, rather than replacing existing sectors like mining, before outlining SCA’s ambition for the region.
“We’re literally trying to build something like Cape Canaveral in Cape York,” he said.
He added he believed the region’s remoteness and challenging environment was viewed by others in more populated parts of the country as one of its strengths.
“You do ordinary things in extraordinary places,” he said.
Attracting high-value tourists to Cape York was also front and centre at the symposium, with prestige cruise ships currently sailing past the region identified as a major opportunity.
Australia Zoo also has plans
to bring international visitors and their wallets to Weipa and the surrounding communities, but wants more controlled access on the gazetted road through the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve before committing to an investment.
“It is our dream to host international tourists from all over the world,” head of global sales Erina Kilmore told delegates.
“We would like to build exclusive accommodation, really luxury accommodation.
“The pressure of the road, and the behaviour of some of the users of the road, is our biggest obstacle to developing the reserve.”
Weipa Town Authority and symposium Chair Jaime Gane said the event, which finished with a youth symposium on 9 May, had created plenty of discussion about what was needed and what could be achieved with a collaborative approach.
“I think the biggest take aways were just the level of interest and
enthusiasm that people have for the western Cape, and the desire to see something great happen here,” she said.
“The forward plan will be following up with state and federal government reps and other people to talk about how to progress some of the ideas that were presented and thrown around at the event, and figure out how we can actually achieve some of the things that were discussed.”
Former prime minister and Space Centre Australia chairman Scott Morrison says western Cape York needs to “diversify and expand” its way to a prosperous future. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
It was a full house with about 260 delegates on hand for day one of the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Weipa Town Authority and symposium Chair Jaime Gane welcomes delegates.
Western Cape Chamber of Commerce president Jai Christie. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Erina Kilmore, Australia Zoo’s head of global sales. Photo: Supplied.
2025 Western Cape Futures
School leaders share vision for bright western Cape future
by LYNDON KEANE
AS western Cape York’s future was put under the microscope at last week’s symposium, some of Weipa’s school captains are urging community leaders to ensure the region’s next generation has a seat at the planning table.
Western Cape College (WCC) school captains Oliver Campbell, Corey Anderson, Angelica Dialogo and Georgia Cooper took to the lectern in front of more than 250 delegates on day one of the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium to talk about growing up and being educated in Weipa, as well as their aspirations for both their careers and the place they call home.
After their presentation, Cape York Weekly caught up with the WCC leadership quartet to find out how they would like to be involved in planning for the coming decades on western Cape York, and why they believed it was critical young voices were heard.
“I think it’s important for us to speak, because we’re students, and we want to see a future that we can lead into and go from there – build our workforce and build all of our peers’ workforce as well,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Campbell identified the region’s significant scope for growth and said schoolaged members of the community needed to be included in the sustainability conversation for it to be successful.
“There’s lots of opportunities in Weipa and it’s a growing community, and it feels like it’s a missed opportunity not to grow with the community,” he said.
Ms Cooper flagged additional educational opportunities as a key element of western
York’s sustainability and economic diversity framework.
“I’d like to see better education and opportunities for the children at the school, and have the same opportunities for like sports and like extra ATAR subjects (as metropolitan schools),” she said.
Having the opportunity to stand on stage and share their experiences and vision of Weipa’s students, as well as their day one attendance at the symposium, allowed the
school captains to better convey their goals to delegates, according to Ms Dialogo.
“Being included in the symposium by Jaime (Gane) gives us a chance to be heard and [explain] what we actually want for the future, and what we need,” she said.
Principal Dan Tonon said he was buoyed by education’s inclusion in the symposium program but added a greater conversation needed to be had as the road map towards the future took shape.
“We’ve got a whole lot of presenters here very keen to support local people,” he said.
“What we’re in the business of is ensuring our students are best prepared to enter that workforce, and so investment in opportunities for our kids to diversify the subject areas we offer is needed.
“We offer a huge breadth of subjects that I’m really proud of, but what I’m conscious of is, ‘are those skills and subject areas the best preparing our kids for that future on the western Cape?’”
Cape could become leader in biofuel race: Katter
by LYNDON KEANE
THE leader of Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) says remote parts of Queensland must stand united if they are to convince government they are worthy of receiving funding to fuel local economic development opportunities.
Robbie Katter flew himself to Weipa on 7 May to support the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium and said there were similarities between western Cape York and his Traeger electorate that demanded a unified approach.
“I think it’s really important and a good signal to send that other regions support each other, because there needs to be unified message that there’s growth for the state that exists outside the south-east corner,” he told Cape York Weekly
“It’s not just people being parochial, saying ‘we want our place to advance’, but a collective of people coming together saying ‘you need to strategically look at
all these regional areas and look at the policy settings and things you can do differently that could unlock all this potential for the rest of the state’ – I don’t think we can all do that by ourselves, individually, as communities.”
Mr Katter said he was concerned about the availability of remote infrastructure funding in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games and echoed the sentiment of Cook MP David Kempton, who said in February it would be a “real battle” for areas like Cape York over the next seven years.
“I think the deficit in infrastructure has already reduced our competitiveness – it is already very limiting,” the KAP leader said.
With a recurrent theme of economic diversity raised during the symposium, Mr Katter said he believed Cape York’s environment, climate and existing infrastructure made it an ideal location to be a leader in the biofuel industry.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to meet most of the main players in Australia, and they’re seeking big investment and land that I think is far inferior to what you’ve got here,” he said.
“And you’ve got a port, you’ve got power and water; you’ve got all the infrastructure set up to walk straight into an alternate industry.
“And this country out here, one thing that stands out to me, these trees are two to three times taller than in Charters Towers or anything just off the coast where they’re looking at trying to establish these other industries now.”
“So, project that forward, it can only get worse and put it in a more precarious position; you can talk about other priorities or whatever, but at the end of the day, this stuff (remote infrastructure development) just simply has to be done, so they’re gonna have to find a way.”
Western Cape College’s school captains take to the stage outlining their experiences growing up in Weipa and their vision of the region’s future on day one of the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter flew to Weipa for the Western Cape Futures Symposium to show support to the region from other remote parts of the state, like his Traeger electorate, and says he believes Cape York’s environment sets it up to be a potential biofuel leader. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Cape
Remote Animal Assistance enters new era after social media plea
by CHISA HASEGAWA
“LIKE mopping the floor while the roof is still leaking.”
That is how Remote Animal Assistance founder Jess Leeming described the exhausting reality of animal rescue and rehoming as she took to Facebook with a heartfelt letter asking the community for help late last month.
In the letter, Ms Leeming stated that putting all their efforts and resources towards rescue and rehoming with nothing left to address the root cause was futile, and called on supporters in an effort to fundraise for a new development officer and consultant to properly strategise.
“I was spinning my wheels on the rescue side of things, and no matter how many times I tried to redirect my focus internally, and chip away at solving the problem, it just never seemed possible,” she told Cape York Weekly
“It always seemed to be the latest emergency case, or a new injury or illness that would pop up, or a litter of puppies, and it just felt like no matter how hard I tried, we just never had the resources to really focus on solving the root cause of the issue.
“It’s just not sustainable for me to dedicate every spare second of my life to rescue and rehoming without us making an actual difference as well.”
Just six days later, she took to Facebook again with the great news that an anonymous sponsor had come forward to fully
fund the $25,000 consultancy, and they were just $2,500 away from funding the $16,000 development officer campaign.
Ms Leeming said as a busy mum with a full-time job, the two additional roles would
allow her to step back a little and not be the only driving force in their efforts to address the animal welfare crisis.
“I think it’s really going to be a gamechanger for our efforts,” she said.
“I’ve certainly not dipped my toe in the waters of politics or advocacy or anything like that, so I’m excited to learn from this consultant and work with him to make a really clear, strategic plan of how we want to achieve our goals.
“We need to form the networks to let people know what we do, and get government and other organisations on board to really support our cause, rather than simply relying on supporters for donations all the time.”
Although getting the funding for a new development co-ordinator, along with a donation from a deceased estate that is funding the rescue operations manager position, was a huge win, Ms Leeming said it was only for an initial three months, and the goal was now to make the positions ongoing.
“Obviously, we’re not going to solve all the problems in three months, so we do still need to come up with a way to maintain the two positions of the rescue manager and the development officer,” she said.
“As much as it does seem like a great win, and it is, I’m so happy and grateful that we were able to achieve our initial funding goals, we can’t stop, we need to now make the roles sustainable.
“We’d love to hear from councils or any other organisations who’d like to work with us to develop programs addressing the complex issues surrounding stray animal populations in remote communities, and finally start fixing that leaking roof.”
Remote Animal Assistance founder Jess Leeming is excited for a new chapter of animal welfare after a cry for help on social media touched the hearts of generous donors. Photo: Supplied.
ARE we cruising towards a sustainable future that involves rolling out the red carpet to big spending tourists who demand the best and are willing to part with significant cash for experiences only western Cape York can offer?
If the buzz that followed the idea being thrown on the table at the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium is anything to go by, attracting premium cruise ships to join the bauxite carriers in the Port of Weipa is a strategy that absolutely must be explored as part of a diversified pathway to a prosperous future for this part of the world.
At a cursory glance, the numbers certainly warrant a deeper dive into luxury cruise passengers becoming a pivotal extra bow in Cape York’s tourism quiver. About 120,000 people visit our backyard every year, most of whom arrive via the well-worn route up the Peninsula Developmental Road. According to tourism body figures, our southern and international visitors spend an average of $115 each per day in our region, half that of what they do in Cairns ($232) and even much less than in the heart of
outback Queensland, Longreach ($192). On the opposite side of the coin, some of these well-heeled seafarers on the luxury cruise ships that currently visit the Torres Strait but completely bypass Cape York are coughing up nearly $20,000 per head to barely catch a glimpse of our magnificent coastline, let alone soak up the people and experiences that truly make western Cape York great.
A common theme of the symposium was our unique environment, the day-to-day experiences we take for granted and, of course, our colourful characters, so why aren’t
we getting on the gravy train?
As regional harbourmaster Captain David Ferguson told delegates, these types of tourists are prepared to part with “real coin for real experience”, like getting bogged en route to a secret barramundi spot, or sitting down around a fire with Traditional Owners to hear their stories and share a bit of authentic bush tucker.
“What you think is normal … this is big to the rest of the world,” he said on day one of the symposium.
His sentiment was echoed by former prime minister and Space
Australia chairman Scott Morrison, who acknowledged Cape York residents “do ordinary things in extraordinary places”.
We have a reasonable starting point in terms of port infrastructure, so why don’t we put attracting tourists only too happy to open their wallets at the top of the to-do list for actions to come from the symposium? If the figures bandied about are to be believed, it’s an opportunity too rich to ignore, especially given peak cruise season is at a different time of the year to when we’re inundated by
caravans and motorhomes.
There was no shortage of brilliant possibilities offered up at the symposium, from the western Cape becoming a luxury cruise hub, to the creation of data centres, space ports and new players entering the resources sector.
Which concept would I like to see come to fruition most? If you’ll allow me the indulgence of being greedy, I want them all to become a reality. The more diverse an economy we have now and into the future, the stronger our community will be, not just for those who attended the symposium, but for the generations who will take up the baton of protecting and promoting our home.
A huge congratulations to Jaime, Jen, Jack and the rest of the team for their tireless work in the leadup to and during the symposium that made it an engaging environment in which to spitball what the future of our region will look like. If we are to reap the full potential of the biennial event – and western Cape York – it’s imperative we keep the accelerator planted to the floor and the pressure on government, our community and business leaders, and those promising the world for our region to transform words into actions. A vibrant future in a part of the country too often forgotten depends on it.
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While these are the big vessels normally spotted in the Port of Weipa, editor Lyndon Keane asks what part luxury cruise ships and the high-paying customers they carry could play in a diverse and vibrant future for western Cape York. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
by LYNDON KEANE
A FEW more western Cape York families have fuel in their veins after a successful come-and-try event was held in Weipa on 10 May.
The Weipa Dirt Kart Club hosted the event in a bid to attract more competitors and supporters to the sport, with about 40 curious seniors and juniors taking to the track to get
a feel for the thrill behind the wheel.
The event came on the back of a big night racing meeting on Friday, which drew a solid crowd eager to watch racers hone their skills ahead of the 2025 Far North Queensland Dirt Kart Titles being held in Weipa on 10-13 July.
Competitors from across Australia will converge on the region for a chance to take home some dirt karting silverware, and club
president Dave Hancock said he was expecting a bumper number of nominations across a range of racing classes.
“The titles are looking like we’ll have somewhere between 60 and 100 nominated drivers for that event,” he said.
Speaking to Cape York Weekly in the pits ahead of round one of the racing season on Friday night, Mr Hancock said the comeand-try day was emerging as “one of the
Cox, Perrin lead way with Weipa parkrun PBs
THE scent of the 2025 Weipa Running Festival must be in the air if some of the performances at Saturday’s Weipa parkrun #418 were anything to go by.
Eighty-four participants, including four newbies, tackled the 5-kilometre circuit, including Jonathan Owen,
who finished second overall on his first outing in a time of 20 minutes, 1 second.
There were 15 personal bests recorded during the event, with Tynan Cox clearly having somewhere else to be as he blitzed the field in a PB effort of 17:52 to be the first person to
say good morning to the timekeepers.
Lizzie Perrin also notched up a PB in being the first woman across the finish line in 22:47.
Harvey Flynn, Clayton Morrison, Jordyn Mulherin, Hailee Ryan, Jane Ostler, Sian Edwards, Isabelle Lucey,
Finley Nadredre, Ravi Jyani, Kendall Daly, Colleen Vaccaro, Robin Morove and Georgi Jenkins were the other participants to finish the morning with a new PB under their belt.
Volunteers Amanda Allender, Amanda Haines, Donna Jewell, Emma Eyre and Fiona
Dyer ensured participants had a seamless parkrun fix for the week. Weipa parkrun is held every Saturday at 7am at the shelter opposite the hospital roundabout in Nanum, with participants asked to muster at least 15 minutes before the starter’s pistol sounds.
biggest ones that we’ve ever held”, adding Weipa businesses had shown plenty of support ahead of the club hosting the FNQ titles.
“We’ve got some pretty good support and sponsorship from locals in town, so the businesses have really been getting behind it,” he said.
“And yeah, it’s the first night tonight, and there’s a bit of nerves going around with everyone.”
Weipa Dirt Karts president Dave Hancock and some of the club’s junior drivers get excited for the 2025 FNQ Dirt Kart Titles ahead of taking to the track for night racing on Friday. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
We’re yet to meet anyone who wasn’t thrilled to lock eyes with the timekeepers in the final stages of a Weipa parkrun. Photo: Facebook (Weipa parkrun).
Weipa boxers hit road ahead of backyard fight spectacular
by LYNDON KEANE
WESTERN Cape York boxers are preparing to hit the road to continue their skill development ahead of a fight extravaganza in their own backyard in July.
With Weipa Fight Night 2.0 scheduled to thrill a big local audience on 19 July, Jack Barton, Rubyn Olsen, Samson Poi Poi and Billy Reynolds will travel to Townsville later this month to contest the 2025 Queensland Golden Gloves.
The trip will follow Barton spending last week in Newcastle at Boxcamp with more senior fighters, and Cape York Boxing Weipa founder and coach Scott Wallace said he believed the quartet would impress in the ring in Townsville on 24-25 May.
“We’ve got them very fit,” he said.
“They’ve been training three nights a week and have hardly missed a night; they’re probably a little bit down on their sparring, but other than that, they’re really good, really fit and as hard as nails, ready to go.”
Barton and Olsen will fight in the experienced division – more
than 10 bouts – in Townsville, while Poi Poi and Reynolds will don the gloves in the novice class.
Mr Wallace had nothing but praise for the two younger fighters and said they were “going gangbusters” in their development as athletes.
“Samson and Billy, they’ve just stepped up,” he said.
“They’ve just grown and, yeah, they’re turning into men, and they’re starting to fight like
men, so, they’re just going gangbusters.”
The pair will head to Mount Isa for a training camp in June ahead of showing off their skills in front of their home crowd the following month.
With the countdown to Weipa Fight Night 2.0 now on, and the club full of boxers training every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Mr Wallace said he could not believe how it had evolved from
“Words can’t explain it,” he reflected.
“The community has jumped on board and we’re now getting recognised. It makes a makes a tired, old, frigging worn out coach very proud.
“But it’s all about the kids –it’s all their hard work really paying off, I’m just guiding them; it’s nothing short of amazing.”
Cernaka pulls Dawnbusters rabbit out of hat
MICK Cernaka produced a reappearing act to remember when he took home the Dawnbusters winner’s chocolates in Weipa on 11 May.
After being missing in action for several weeks, there were concerns he had been off hiding and licking his wounds after a sub-standard Wackers performance, however, he fired off a gross 41 to return to the Carpentaria Golf Club clubhouse with nett 19, relegating Scott Andrews (42/20) to be his magician’s assistant on countback from Grant Crossley.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Cooktown championships underway
THERE were some interesting scores posted when players contested round one of the Cooktown Golf Club 2025 Club Championships on 10 May.
In A-grade, Brent “Just Wait Until the Open” Hetaraka carded an 80 in the besttwo-of-three championships, and will be looking for an improved effort during the next round.
Cam Venables leads B-grade on 86, with Sam Godfrey-Roberts in second after recording an 89.
In C-grade, Wal Welsh returned to the clubhouse with an 84, with Paul Sperring trailing with an opening round of 91.
Tanya Stewart is proudly flying the flag in the Ladies division.
Can’t touch Villains
VILLAINS continue to be just that to other teams in the 2025 Weipa Touch Association competition after recording another big win on 7 May.
Can’t Touch This could not touch their ladder-leading opponents in their round two clash, with Villains taking the game 20-2.
Cheers for Beers defeated Res Strong 5-1, The OGs toppled the Top End Taggers 11-4, while the Weipa Weapons had a solid 12-6 win against Scrambled Legs. Pisswrecks and Untouchables had a close encounter, with the former taking the points 4-2, and the Cape Candies recorded an 8-6 win over Spartans in another tight tussle.
Beth Dall bagged the weekly Hoffman’s crown, while Les Sariman took the pin prize on the 18th.
Following his victory, Cernaka said he wanted to send a message to Wackers stalwart Steve Head.
“How do you like those magic apples, Steve?” he asked.
“You wanted me to reappear, and now I have, and I’m going to pull the Dawnies-Wackers double out of the hat.”
Dawnbusters tee off from about 6:45am every Sunday morning and new players are always welcome.
Richard Dawe and Viv Chan were the best in the bumper field of 24 golfers with the big sticks and claimed the men’s and women’s long drives respectively.
Dawe takes Wackers crown
RICHARD Dawe was the strongest performer in a field of 17 at Carpentaria Golf Club on 7 May.
Dawe returned to the clubhouse with personal best performance of 42 off the stick for nett 29.5, which was enough for him to take Wackers bragging rights for the week.
Rob McVean (41/30.5) was runner-up.
Scott Andrews (7th) and Viv Chan (9th) took home the pin prizes, with Chelsie Buckley the Wednesday Bradman’s recipient.
Cape York Boxing Weipa founder and coach Scott Wallace (centre) and some of his fighters prepare for a training session on 10 May as the countdown to Weipa Fight Night 2.0 begins. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Dawnbusters prize winners Scott Andrews, Mick Cernaka, Beth Dall, Richard Dawe, Viv Chan and Les Sariman celebrate their success at Carpentaria Golf Club on 11 May. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
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