Issuu

Cape York Weekly CAPE COLOUR FREE – #295 | Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Editorial: lmortimer@region.com.au|Advertising: sales@region.com.au

INSIDE TODAY

YOUNG ARTISTS RECOGNISED Page 2

FIN-TASTIC RESEARCH Page 3

Napranum’s much-loved Ruchook Cultural Festival was a big hit this year. Photo: Rebecca Munro.

Napranum’s biennial celebration of community, music, art and connection was a roaring success this year. The Ruchook Cultural Festival 2026 held from Thursday to Sunday drew an enthusiastic crowd keen to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture through a wide range of activities including workshops, tours, yarning circles, and dancing demos. More pics page 10.

‘CATASTROPHE’

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 PHONE SERVICE FAIL Page 7

Child safety system a mess amid shocking rates of violence against women

The child safety system on the Cape and across the state is in tatters as the State Government moves to act on dozens of crucial recommendations from a damning inquiry. Part of the problem locally is endemic family disharmony and horriﬁc rates of alcohol-fuelled violence against women, according to Indigenous thinktank the Cape York Institute. Full story page 5.

FERAL PIGS IN SIGHTS Page 14

WHAT’S ON @ THE ALBY... MONDAY $18 PASTA

NIGHT

YOUR CHOICE OF SAUCE TOSSED WITH YOUR FAVOURITE PASTA: SPAGHETTI LINGUINE CHICKEN TORTELLINI OR GF PENNE

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

TACOS! TRIVIA YOUR CHOICE NIGHT OF 3 TACOS FOR $15

SPORTS BAR 6PM - 8.30PM

FROM 7.30PM

$15

RUMP NIGHT

FRIDAY 5.30 – 7.30PM

JAG THE JOKER

JACKPOTS WEEKLY ‘TIL JOKER IS FOUND!

+ MEAT TRAY RAFFLES

FROM 7.30PM

MUSICAL BINGO FREE TO PLAY WITH GREAT PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS

THE DECK RESTAURANT IS OPEN 7 DAYS, 6 TO 8.30PM

HAMBELL Cape, TSI artists highlight of PLUMBING Cowboys Indigenous Round auction SERVICES PTY LTD QBCC LIC 15054141 ABN: 216 192 436 40

PLUMBING & GAS

Friendly & professional service anywhere on the Cape! PH: 4072 4010

E: admin@hambellps.com

TUXWORTH & WOODS CARRIERS

Need a reliable freight service to the Cape?

Tuxworth & Woods have all your refrigerated, dry & heavy haulage needs covered – from 20 grams to 20 tonnes

WEIPA DEPOT

Iraci Ave, Evans Landing Mob: 0429 003 743 Ph: 4069 7183 Fax: 4069 7472

COOKTOWN DEPOT

Cnr of Endeavour Road and McMillan Streets, Cooktown Ph: 0419 759 892 CAIRNS OFFICE: Ph: 4035 4022 25 Redden St, Portsmith

Get carried away with Tuxworth & Woods Carriers Stories across Cape York delivered free to your inbox every Monday capeyorkweekly.com.au/subscribe

by CHISA HASEGAWA AFTER taking centre stage on the footy field, the stories and culture of Cape York and Torres Strait youth will now help create meaningful opportunities for others supported by the Cowboys Community Foundation. The artistic minds of Bamaga 13-year-old Pryce Mara and fellow boarding students at NRL Cowboys House were the centre of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ 2026 Indigenous Round auction, which invited supporters to bid on match-worn jerseys and one-of-a-kind boots. Mara’s striking artwork, Ngaw Gidha (my story), inspired this year’s Indigenous Round jersey, while the boots worn by Cowboys NRL and NRLW players were individually designed and hand-painted by students during Term 2. Cowboys outside back Braidon Burns said wearing boots designed by Year 7 boarder Tei’Ya’Lee MosbyLoban, originally from Muralag on the Torres Strait, gave him an extra boost of cultural connection during the Indigenous Round. “Tei’Ya’Lee’s artwork is all about family, culture and the importance of knowing where you come from,” he said. “My possum totem features on the boots alongside symbols representing our connection to ancestors, Country and identity. It’s a really special reminder that stories and traditions are what keep culture strong for future generations. “To be able to wear artwork created by one of our young people during Indigenous Round is an incredible privilege. I hope Tei’Ya’Lee and all of the students know just how proud we are to represent their stories on the field.” The NRL Cowboys House is one of the foundation’s key programs, removing distance

Pryce Mara, 13, tells his story as a boarding student from Bamaga on the 2026 Cowboys NRL and NRLW Indigenous Round jerseys. Photos: Cowboys Community Foundation.

as a barrier to quality education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote communities. During their time at the boarding facility in Townsville, students are encouraged to celebrate and take pride in their culture and home through projects such as the boot design. Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said every piece told a story, and every dollar raised helped create another. “These jerseys and boots represent powerful stories of culture, identity and belonging,” she said. “Through NRL Cowboys House, our students are encouraged to celebrate who they are, and this project has given them an incredible platform to share those stories with thousands of people across Australia. “Every bid supports the Cowboys Community Foundation while recognising the extraordinary talent of our

Tei’Ya’Lee Mosby-Loban designed and hand-painted the boots worn by Cowboys outside back Braidon Burns.

young people. We’re incredibly proud to see their artwork worn by our players and now available for supporters to own as a lasting piece of Indigenous Round.”

Following the NRL jerseys and boots raising hundreds of dollars apiece and bidding closing on 6 August, bidding is now online for the NRLW Cowboys Indigenous jerseys.

 1310 WEIPA AIRPORT SHUTTLE Weipa Taxi Service

Cape York Weekly is part of the Region Group

You  Best Service drink  Best price we 15 per person 35 per family drive Mob: 0499 093 560  More space

 More comfort

* Pay cash or card to save

ake Contact us to m a booking today! bookings@weipaairportshuttle.com.au

PH: 131008

Weipa Taxi Service ~ MOVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS Page 2 – Cape York Weekly – Tuesday, August 11, 2026

What’s on at...

BOWLIES

MULTISCREEN

SUPERDRAW

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT! CURRENT JACKPOT

14,000

Members must be present to win

2 draws – 1st draw @ 6.00pm

MEMBER GIVEAWAY EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

This week’s 1st draw: $750

Australian snubfin dolphins spit water and it’s thought the unique behaviour may be linked to hunting, however, scientists are still largely in the dark. Photos: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Guaranteed $250 giveaway on re-draws unless there's a jackpot winner! Member must be present & have swiped card @ kiosk

BINGO

A snubfin dolphin mother and calf.

Cape flagged as potential hotspot for rare spitting dolphins by LUKE MORTIMER SURVEYS have found that Princess Charlotte Bay on Cape York Peninsula is a potential hotspot for one of Australia’s rarest dolphins, sparking further research into the fascinating marine mammals. The three-year Great Barrier Reef Inshore Dolphin Project is studying Australian snubfin and humpback dolphin populations and behaviour at Princess Charlotte Bay, as well as Repulse Bay in the Whitsundays and Keppel Bay near Rockhampton in Queensland. Scientists will collect baseline data on how many dolphins are in the area and behavioural trends to support conservation assessments and management of the threatened species. Princess Charlotte Bay has been highlighted as a potential snubfin dolphin “stronghold”, though the dolphins do not appear widespread across the Cape’s coastline, according to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Not much is known about the dolphins, but scientists are keen to find out more. The snubfin spits water in a unique display which may be linked to hunting. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service senior conservation

officer Daniele Cagnazzi said preliminary estimates showed Princess Charlotte Bay could support about 300 snubfins. “Preliminary estimates suggest Princess Charlotte Bay may support one of the largest documented snubfin dolphin populations on Australia’s east coast,” he said. “That’s a very large population for snubfin dolphins. “As far as we know, there is no comparable population in Australia among those that have been studied.” There’s thought to be less than 10,000 each of the snubfin and humpback dolphins left in the wild. They often gather in groups of about 100. The Authority states that low reproduction rates, limited genetic diversity and reliance on inshore habitats makes both species vulnerable to coastal development, declining water quality and becoming accidentally snagged in fishing nets. In recent days, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee warned poor water quality off the Queensland coast could result in the world-renowned, heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef being officially classed as ‘in danger’ if action was not taken. But the Reef did ultimately dodge the classification, much

to the relief of the Federal and State governments, who applauded the far-reaching decision, and committed to improving water quality. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority project manager Sarah Salmon said studying potential dolphin hotspots across the Marine Park would help track changes in the dolphins and their populations. “Understanding the current status and health of these populations is essential as it establishes a baseline for tracking changes over time,” she said. “Future monitoring will show us whether these species have declined or whether any conservation actions we have put in place have helped them to stabilise or increase.” First Nations locals helped

identify survey areas and Lama Lama traditional owners, the Gia and Ngaro peoples and Darumbal traditional owners have supported data collection from vessels. With rare dolphins like the snubfin hanging off the coast, it’s no wonder much-loved environmental documentary stalwart Sir David Attenborough previously declared Far North Queensland his favourite place on Earth to visit. He said “it has, for a naturalist, everything”. The Authority and Parks and Wildlife Service project is delivered through the Reef Joint Field Management Program with Queensland’s Threatened Species Operations Team, James Cook University PhD candidate Chloe Edwards, and Indigenous communities.

MONDAY NIGHT:

September 14

WEDNESDAY MORNING:

August 19

SIP & COLOUR SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

(Price includes item to colour, pens, bubbles, light lunch & games/prizes) Prices differ depending on item

RESTAURANT OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Lunch 12 – 2pm | Dinner 5.30 – 8.30pm

SAT & SUN BREAKFAST 8.30 – 11am | Bookings Essential Reservations ph: 4214 6503 Takeaway ph: 4214 6510

Come on in...

• Air conditioned • Big screens GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY

THE BOTTLESHOP OPEN 10AM – 9PM 7 DAYS

Members, guests & bona fide visitors welcome

EMAIL: admin@weipabowlsclub.com.au 1 ARTIE WALES DRIVE, WEIPA QLD 4874

PH: 07 4214 6500 WEIPA BOWLS CLUB INC

Your club, our community!

Researchers are examining potential snubfin and humpback dolphin hotspots.

YOUR DONATION HELPS KEEP THEIR HOMES CLEAN.

DONATE NOW

PROTECTED BY PEOPLE LIKE YOU. Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – Cape York Weekly – Page 3

Page 4 – Cape York Weekly – Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Action needed on child safety ‘catastrophe’ by LUKE MORTIMER INDIGENOUS thinktank the Cape York Institute says more needs to be done to address horriﬁc rates of alcohol-fuelled violence on the peninsula and has called on the State Government to do more to enforce parental duties in response to the damning Child Safety Commission of Inquiry. Cape York Institute CEO Kirsty Davis has spoken out as the government has accepted 32 of 52 inquiry recommendations in full and 16 recommendations in principle. Another two recommendations have been noted and two more are due to be further considered. Systematic failures in the child safety system which developed over years, including endemic violence and sexual abuse experienced by children in care, were highlighted in the inquiry, but the institute previously said issues had been evident on the Cape for years. The institute provided a submission to the enquiry titled We have to get it right this time, which states the organisation has “seen outcomes in remote Indigenous regions such as Cape York collapse and not only remain by far the worst there are in Australia, but in key areas – such as child protection, youth justice and incarceration – continue to worsen” over more than three decades. Families mired in “multidimensional disadvantage” commonly

Cape York Institute CEO Kirsty Davis. Photo: Supplied.

experienced the child safety system, youth detention and prison. Ms Davis said the Queensland Government had a vital window of opportunity to strengthen its response to ﬁx the broken child safety system. The institute wants to see the government take more decisive action around parental responsibilities, rebuilding families and preventing harm which leads to the child safety system becoming involved. Ms Davis said Queensland’s response must “address the daily conditions that write harm into family life and bring children to the attention of Child Safety in the ﬁrst place”. “Across Cape York, family integrity is directly undermined by passive welfare, chronic unemployment reaching 80 to 85 per

cent in some communities and alcohol expansions that have driven record rates of assault and domestic violence,” she said. “Queensland Police data backs accounts from Cape York women that alcohol-fuelled violence is the worst they have seen in 20 years. “In 2025, 1142 women and children were recorded as victims of assault in discrete communities across Cape York, and by late June 2026, 513 women and girls had already been recorded as victims. “Alcohol management policy and school attendance policy are child safety policy, and children need this government to be strong on adult accountability while shutting down the grog-related harm and drug supply lines feeding family collapse.” The institute pointed to Productivity Commission data published last week which showed “the magnitude of this regional catastrophe”. “Far North Queensland carries 20 per cent of all Indigenous children in care and nearly one-third of all harm notifications, despite representing just six per cent of the state’s child population,” Ms Davis said. The institute has reached out to the government “to refine these reforms and deliver a decisive breakthrough”. “The government’s first response to the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry report focused downstream on reducing high-cost

residential care, relying on administrative processes, cross-agency collaboration and shifting children into adoption or foster placements,” Ms Davis said. “While the institute strongly supports the government’s commitment to enshrining the best interests of the child as paramount, a paramount-child principle without a mechanism to enforce parental duty is weak. “The LNP Government was expected to confront harm where it starts, rather than simply getting better at managing the consequences of family breakdown after the damage is done. “As Queensland faces its third major child safety inquiry since the landmark Forde Inquiry nearly

30 years ago, the crisis continues to escalate. “The Crisafulli Government has a genuine chance to achieve what past administrations failed by establishing early parental accountability as a core pillar of prevention and matching it with practical support — including the Family Responsibility Commission as the enforcement mechanism, and parenting programs, addiction treatment, and work opportunities for stability. “By pairing the paramountchild principle with practical, upstream accountability that restores parental duty and rebuilds family strength, the government can break the cycle and keep Queensland children safe in their homes.”

Last year, 1142 women and children were recorded as victims of assault in communities across Cape York. Photo: Zohre Nemati/Unsplash.

Backyard y Burning:101 g PRACTICAL ADVICE TO GET YOUR PROPERTY BUSHFIRE READY Get practical advice from local fire and land management experts about preparing your home, property and backyard before bushfire season. LEARN ABOUT Preparing your home and property Maintaining effective firebreaks Permits, rules and who to contact before burning Planning and carrying out a safer backyard burn Cultural and cool burning practices Hear from representatives from Queensland Fire Department, South Cape York Catchments, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and local Rural Fire Brigades. Ask questions during the session or speak privately with an expert at the information stall.

WORKSHOP DETAILS FRIDAY 14 AUGUST 5:30PM - 8PM COOKTOWN SHIRE HALL

Book now! B

JOIN US AFTERWARD AFTERWA W RD FOR A FREE BBQ DINNER WA Assistance provided by the Australian and Queensland governments through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Although funding for this product has been provided by both the Australian and Queensland Governments, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of either Government.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – Cape York Weekly – Page 5

Mine Operators Entry Level

Rio Tinto is seeking applications for entry level operator positions in Weipa. If successful you will work as part of our mine development or production team, operating 776D haul trucks. Full on the job training will be provided, including training on other machinery over time.

APPLY TODAY Applications close Wednesday, 19 August 2026

PublicNotice

Annual Controlled Burns Program 4 July - 26 September 2026 Rio Tinto Emergency Services will be undertaking the annual controlled burns program to reduce the risk of fires impacting environmentally sensitive areas and community infrastructure. During this time, there is potential for moderate smoke impact and reduced visibility. Specific locations of planned burns will be posted on the Rio Tinto Weipa Facebook page 24 hours prior to burns taking place. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com

Page 6 – Cape York Weekly – Tuesday, August 11, 2026

The proposed Cooktown subdivision. Image: Cook Shire Council development application.

Rural subdivision pitched to ease housing pressure by LUKE MORTIMER A DEVELOPER has pitched a “rural lifestyle subdivision” with hundreds of lots over more than 620 hectares in the Cook Shire, which had the lowest housing vacancy rates in the state according to recent data. Filed with Cook Shire Council, a development application planning report by the Olivetto family and Taase Taase through Coral Cape Pty Ltd proposes turning three lots along Annan River, Cooktown Development Road and Mulligan Highway into 320 lots. Individual lots would be two hectares at a minimum and “considerably larger than rural residential lots at typically 4000 sqm”. The land is largely undeveloped and there’s no current intensive agricultural, commercial or industrial activity. The land is located in the Cooktown locality “and has direct frontage to the Mulligan Highway, a state-controlled road that connects Cooktown with inland Cape York communities”. “The site has practical access to the full range of regional services and community facilities available in Cooktown, including health, education, retail, commercial and community infrastructure,” the developer states. “Cooktown is identified in the (council’s) strategic framework as the regional centre for southern Cape York, and the planning scheme recognises the need to support housing diversity and lifestyle choices in and around Cooktown.” Pushing for the project to get the green light, the developer said the land was in “reasonable proximity to Cooktown’s established services” – and more housing was needed. “There is an identified need for additional rural residential land supply in the Cooktown region. The provision of rural lifestyle allotments on well located rural land with direct access to the regional road network and proximity to Cooktown’s services would support housing choice and diversity in a rural and natural setting, consistent with the objectives of the planning scheme,” the developer states. It was acknowledged that environmental constraints and concerns would have to be addressed for the project to go ahead. “The site is affected by a range of mapped constraints including biodiversity values, regulated vegetation, waterways, declared fish habitat area, bushfire hazard, flood hazard, coastal management district, erosion prone area and storm tide inundation,” the 150-plus page application reads.

“The proposed subdivision should be supported by an appropriate planning response that demonstrates avoidance and minimisation of impacts to mapped environmental values, waterways, flood-prone land and bushfire hazard areas.” The council asked the developer for more information, including the length of all new roads, so an application fee could be calculated. The housing vacancy rate dropped slightly to 0.9 per cent in the March quarter, down from 1 per cent in the previous three quarters, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Residential Vacancy Rate Report. Cook recorded a zero vacancy rate – the lowest in the state. The REIQ deems a healthy vacancy rate between 2.6 and 3.5 per cent. It comes after a late-2024 local housing action plan report by the council detailed housing issues in the shire. “A variety of challenges are impacting local housing supply. This includes land and construction costs versus likely sale price for detached and medium density housing, lack of local trades and developers, insurance costs, supply chain challenges, increased cost of freight for materials, and rising financing costs and interest rates,” the report states. “A key opportunity to support housing diversity and growth could be through the delivery of secondary dwellings. “Dual occupancy development can assist in renewing existing housing stock by offering variety in typology and composition, ranging from single bedroom to three-plus bedroom units. This diversity provides housing options for professional workers looking for accommodation in small complexes, or even housing for young families.” The document forewarns of problems with relying on 2021 Census data. The next Census is on 11 August. “Cook Shire Council does not consider the data in this report to accurately reflect our true data and shire’s housing needs,” the council states. “The report’s reliance on 2021 Census data has resulted in understated population figures and projected growth rates, failing to capture the urgency of current housing pressures. “The Census data overlooks many offgrid properties, unregistered dwellings, and the large itinerant farm worker population within the shire.”

Phone outage leaves Cape in lurch by LUKE MORTIMER

The talented and creative minds of Bloomfield and surrounding communities came together at the 2026 Bloomfield Bazaar. Photo: Facebook/Rossville State School.

Bloomfield creatives shine at annual bazaar

CAPE York residents were left without phone service – and unable to phone triple-0 for emergency help – during an outage which lasted for more than a day. Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive officer Chad King contacted the Cape York Weekly and said the outage began about 5pm on Saturday. “This isn’t just inconvenient, but is a matter of life and death,” he said on Sunday afternoon. “Mobile coverage is currently down across Mapoon, Weipa, Napranum and Aurukun. This includes Telstra

(our only provider) and Optus in Weipa. “Triple-0 is down in Mapoon because we only have mobile coverage (no fixed line service).” Mr King said Mapoon had one payphone outside the town’s health clinic, but it relies on 4G and was also down. “Council has switched on free wi-fi outside our Council office to provide some emergency connectivity using Starlink but Mapoon needs better digital connectivity,” he said. A Telstra spokesperson said a bushfire near Weipa damaged a network pit and cable on Saturday afternoon. “Due to the remote location, a specialist crew trav-

elled from Cairns early yesterday (Sunday), arriving by 3pm to repair the cable and restore services,” they said. “For areas like this where our mobile network is not available, Telstra Satellite Messaging allows Telstra customers with eligible plans and compatible devices to send and receive text messages or use select apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Google Maps – ideal for regional and remote areas. “Using Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellite network, compatible devices automatically seek a satellite connection when outdoors with a direct line or sight to the sky. “We thank the local com-

munity for their patience while our crews worked to restore connectivity as quickly and safely as possible.” Service was restored about 10pm on Sunday. Mr King said more needed to be done to improve communication infrastructure in his region. “Despite Closing the Gap Target 17 seeking to improve digital connectivity, Mapoon is going backwards on this front,” he said. “The decommissioning of the copper network alienated a huge portion of the community from basic phone services, let alone internet connectivity.”

by CHISA HASEGAWA FROM beautiful floral arrangements to creative paintings, artisan bread and heartfelt vocals, the artistic talents of Bloomfield and surrounding communities were on full display at the 2026 Bloomfield Bazaar earlier this month. The fourth edition of the event saw an impressive line-up of performers, high engagement from the community, and strong entries in the yearly agricultural show. Committee member Suzy Auld, who won the Most Creative category for her eccentric flower arrangement in the agricultural show, said it was a great opportunity to see the creations of more than 90 local producers. “The numbers were definitely up there, which was great to see,” she said. “We want to thank everyone who put entries in the agricultural show. It was wonderful to see the talented gardeners, bakers and artists’ produce on display.” For the first time, the agricultural show featured a People’s Choice category, allowing attendees to have their say. The inaugural senior win was a tie between Barbara Dunn for her flower arrangement and Amanda Jones for her painting, while Ezra Jones came out on top as the junior winner for her skills with the paintbrush. Ezra also took out a win in the Most Creative and overall Points Champion junior categories, sharing the achievement with senior Points Champion Alison Neuendorf. The young, artistic minds of the next generation were also highlighted, with more than 60 entries from Bloomfield River State School and Rossville State School students bringing plenty of colour. The Bazaar was a joint effort between the Bloomfield River District Residents Association and Cook Shire Council, whose funding and involvement allowed for extensive entertainment. Highlight performers included Cooktown band ‘Roadtrippers’, featuring Bazaar MC Gavin Dear, Wujal Wujal’s ‘Dalkan’, and travelling from Cairns, ‘The Tim’s Myth Band’. As a fundraising event for community improvements, Ms Auld said it was not possible without the generous businesses who donated prizes for the agricultural show and student showcase, as well as residents who donated cakes to be sold at the Rest & Refuel Cafe. The Bloomfield Bazaar committee thanked all who supported the event.

Worried, stressed, or overwhelmed? Check in on your mental health with free access to new online self-guided tools. Plus telehealth support from qualified mental health practitioners.

mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au 1800 595 212

8:30am – 5pm weekdays (except public holidays)

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – Cape York Weekly – Page 7

Recyclables shipped south in initiative easing strain on tips

Recycling in progress at CEQ’s Boigu store. Photos: Supplied.

by LUKE MORTIMER A RECYCLING initiative by a not-for-proﬁt operating stores remotely across the Cape and Torres Strait is diverting waste away from strained local landﬁll sites. Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) has installed recycling containers for major store waste streams, particularly cardboard and plastic pallet wrapping, in 20 of its stores across Cape York and the Torres Strait. CEQ said the placement of the containers marked a major milestone in addressing waste management challenges in isolated First Nations communities, and the initiative would safeguard the Cape and Torres Strait’s fragile ecosystems.

A Resource Recovery container at CEQ’s Nurupai store.

Recycling activities have been underway at Nurupai, Warraber, Tamwoy, Iama, Bamaga, Mer, Lockhart River, Mabuiag, Wug, Boigu, Napranum, Arkai, Saibai, Masig, Poruma, Erub, Kirirri, Ugar, Wujal Wujal, and Mapoon. CEQ works closely with logistics and environmental partners who are supporting the initiative. Shipping service Sea Swift provides transport infrastructure and takes recyclable materials from remote communities to Cairns. North Queensland Recycling Agents (NQRA) then processes materials such as cardboard and plastic wrap into usable products.

CEQ chief operating oﬃcer Fred Gela said installing containers at 20 stores was a step forward as part of the organisation’s commitment to sustainable practices. “Tying in with our vision of caring, every day, always, we see it as our commitment to the communities we service and to care for Country,” he said. “Through collaboration we have been able to implement a practical solution that addresses waste management challenges in remote communities. “The support from the Australian and Queensland governments has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. “Working with the Queensland Government to manage this project has also enabled

the project to respond to the challenges that these types of projects can face. “We are also appreciative of Sea Swift’s and NQRA’s commitment to this initiative. Together, we are making a tangible diﬀerence in preserving the environment for future generations. “We are proud to lead this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the environment and the communities we serve.” CEQ has been working with shop teams and stakeholders to reﬁne and expand the initiative and other recycling improvements. The initiative emerged thanks to the joint Commonwealth and Queensland Regional and Remote Recycling Modernisation Fund.

Public Notice

Feral Animal Management Amrun Lease - Sunday 9 August to Monday 17 August 2026 Public Notice

Traffic Distruption Road Diversion Construction Mapoon Road - August 2026 Commencing the beginning of August 2026, Mine Services will begin construction on a 4.5km diversion of the Mapoon Road. The works will take place at Chainage 13km. Construction fleet will include but not limited to Graders, Scrapers, Watercarts, Rollers and Compactors. Construction is expected to take 45 days. During construction there may be minor delays to traffic. Please adhere to all signage and sign posted speed limits.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com

Page 8 – Cape York Weekly – Tuesday, August 11, 2026

This control program will involve night operations and the use of firearms. There will be warning signs at access tracks into the area where controlled activities are taking place. Shooting Operations will only take place in non-operational areas. Any access to the lease areas identified on the map below will require additional approval prior to entry. Please obey all signage and do not enter the area under control.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Weipa Gun Club

Gun Club Exclusion Zone Re-activated As of Saturday, 1 August, the Gun Club exclusion zone has been re-activated. This means that there will be no access to the area through the mine, and no mining personnel are to enter the area. The re-activation of the exclusion zone means that the rifle range is open and there will be firearms in use. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please call our feedback hotline 1800 820 711 or RTAWeipafeedback@riotinto.com

Marine social scientist Dr Yolanda Waters inspects coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: The Undertow Media.

Great Barrier Reef dodges UNESCO ‘in danger’ listing by LUKE MORTIMER THE Great Barrier Reef has dodged a UNESCO ‘in danger’ listing, but more work needs to be done to protect the biodiverse natural wonder of the world. Both the Queensland and Federal governments have applauded the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s decision on the reef at its 48th session in Busan, Republic of Korea. It follows a draft decision released last month. Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said late last month that Australia was doing more than ever to better protect and manage the iconic tourist drawcard. “This is underpinned by more than $5.3 billion invested since 2014 by the Australian and Queensland governments in reef protection and conservation initiatives,” he said. “While challenges like climate change remain significant, today’s recognition demonstrates that Australia’s long-term investments, strong management and governance frameworks and collaborative approach are delivering tangible results. “We will continue to build on our comprehensive suite of actions, leverage strong partnerships, and utilise our world‑leading reef management to support the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience into the future. “We are among the best in the world at protecting and preserving our unique and diverse heritage places and sharing the knowledge with others and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. “The Australian Government is committed to the ongoing protection of our world heritage, establishing and achieving ambitious emissions reduction targets and working together with state parties, the World Heritage Centre and World Heritage Advisory Bodies to strengthen our capacity to respond to climate change.” The Great Barrier Reef – which is threatened by poor water quality, crown-of-thorns starfish, climate change and coral bleaching – supports about 77,000 jobs and contributes more than $9 billion to the economy each year.

The near-350,000 square kilometre reef put on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre list in 1981 is home to about 30 marine mammals, 400 types of coral and 1500 fish species. It’s a haven for green turtles, dugong and various animals threatened with extinction. Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the decision recognised the efforts of Queenslanders working to protect the reef. “Queenslanders care deeply about the reef, and we welcome UNESCO’s decision because it recognises the real progress being made to protect it,” he said. “This is an important acknowledgement of the work happening right across Queensland to safeguard the reef for future generations. “Protecting the reef is something Queenslanders are passionate about, and it’s encouraging to see that commitment recognised on the world stage. “We know there is still more work to do, and we will keep backing practical action, guided by the best available science, to improve reef health and strengthen our water quality efforts. “Nobody loves the reef more than Queenslanders, and while we welcome this decision, we’re not taking anything for granted. “Our recent budget delivered a record investment in the Great Barrier Reef because we know protecting it is a long-term commitment, and we’re determined to keep building on the progress that’s been made.” The decision is based on two monitoring missions, including one in September 2025. Australia is due to provide a progress report on the reef to UNESCO in 2028 and a State of Conservation report in 2029. Mr Watt said the Federal Government had ramped up action on climate change, which was the biggest threat to reefs worldwide. Australia’s 2030 targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62–70 per cent below 2005 levels as part of a global push remain within reach, according to Australia’s Emissions Projections 2025.

Advertise Across the Entire Cape York Peninsula Want to talk to the people of Cape York? Seisia & Bamaga

Cape York Weekly is the only media outlet covering news in every community on the Cape York Peninsula. Our paper is distributed to more than 30 outlets and the digital edition reaches 21,000 readers a month, meaning your ad won’t just been seen, it’ll reach your ideal customer.

Mapoon

Weipa Napranum

Cape York Weekly has a number of print and digital marketing packages to suit organisations of all sizes. If you would like to advertise with us, contact us at sales@region.com.au.

Lockhart River Aurukun Archer River Roadhouse Coen

Pormpuraaw

Musgrave Roadhouse Hann River Roadhouse

Kowanyama

Hope Vale Laura

Cooktown

Lakeland Wujal Wujal

Cape York Weekly is part of the Region Group capeyorkweekly.com.au

facebook.com/capeyorkweekly

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – Cape York Weekly – Page 9

Ruchook Cultural Festival Napranum Community celebration FIRST held in 1992, Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council’s popular Ruchook Cultural Festival is a biennial celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture, with Rio Tinto acting as a major sponsor in 2026. The Cape festival carries the vision of renowned Indigenous elder and artist Dr Thancoupie Fletcher AO, who was founding chair. She designed the Western Cape Region flag especially for the inaugural event, and the council reports it was first flown on September 17, 1992. Alongside a variety of stalls, activities at the colourful 2026 event included weaving, dancing, tours, workshops and games for children. – Read the full story online

Page 10 – Cape York Weekly – Tuesday, August 11, 2026

PHOTOS: Rebecca Munro

DAILYPuzzles CONVENTIONAL Page CROSSWORD 15 X 15 Cape York Weekly GRID O

Fit the numbers 23 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so 56 4 that where the hexagons 2 1 touch, the numbers will be the same.Note to Editor: 3 in4QUARK 3 No number Created is repeated inXPRESS. 2 any hexagon. VER.4.03 Items not needed 2 2 for publication can be erased as 4each is in a separate text box.

Not many

Concise Dictionary 25 Obnoxious creatures NumeralReference: Macquarie

5 5transaction 63 Join the29 Dots Admit 3 1 4 433 6Business

Spot the 5 Differences

Leak out

Kiss

34 Assumed attitude What is this?31FindWashes out bylightly joining 2 the5dots. 6 2 4

6 53638 Suffering 2 loss1 Marine growth 37 Frozen formation 6 2 1 391 3Male4sheep 412 32

Take as one's own

Prized fur

Spirit

Church recess

Courage

42 3 Efface 5 5344 3 5 6 43 Regular 46 Revolving cylinder Auspac 3 6 Media 6 144more2 2 Nothing 63 1 48 Flowed out The Features People 49 Couple 5 4 2 2 1 5 5 45Destiny 50 ReceiversPO Box 8271 41 Bundall Qld 47 L y r i c poems of stolen goods Australia 4217 6 51 Components 43 2

Corrodes

Throw

Mean

Fish

46 Small 48 Serial parts 49 Labyrinth 50 Most agreeable 51 Showy displays

Puzzles and pagination supplied by Auspac Media

Email: auspac@auspacmedia.com.au Visit our site: www.auspacmedia.com.au

24 Kingly 25 Sibling 26 Mental acuteness 28 Eat into 30 Showing to seating 33 Repose 34 Testament 36 Natural gift 38 Corruptly mercenary 39 Corded fabric 41 Aquatic furred mammal 42 Amounts owing 44 Far down 45 Roman garment 47 Egyptian goddess

DOWN 1 Burnt remains 2 Marine growth 3 Yield 4 Prayer 5 Group of three 6 Unnecessary 7 Consumes 8 Employed 12 Nothing 14 Electrical unit 15 Entrance 17 Well-mannered 18 Acquires knowledge Yesterday’s 23 Direction Solution

Solutions

Telephone: (07) 5553 3200 Toll Free: 1 800 652 284 Fax: (07) 5553 3201Barbara Midgley

Speak

Barbara Midgley

3 1 4 4 65 5 63 2 65 562 214 4 23 45 6 6 15 543 2 1 3 312 2 61

Down

Distributed by Knight Features

ACROSS 3 Keep on 9 Light rainfall 10 Dry 11 Painstaking 13 Dodges 16 Scatter 19 Alone 20 Everyone 21 Lyric poem 22 Proprietor 25 Fixed gaze 27 Of higher standing 29 Propose as suitable 31 Showy deeds 32 Ships’ companies 35 Supple 37 Girl’s name 39 Colour 40 Vended 43 Give up

24 Troublesome weeds 45 6 6 15 543 Focus No. 4122 26 Give up 22 Finished 2 1 3 283 1Close2 up2 6 1 25 Composer

Excellent: 29 words

come comet comm commie 6 Tarried Across commit COMMITTEE emetic emit 7 Floor coverings 3 Round emote item meet meme 8 Foreign memo 9 Bird withCreated: enormous mete mice SOLUTION mime mite 12 Fresh mitt mote beak Ted Whillier tome totem 14 time 10 Offensivemotet to sightomit teem Qxpress: 8486 Wise man totemic 15 Copied 11 Bird Matt Trickey 17 Love apple 13 Landed property Checked: 16 Examined 41823 2Fault 3 Rosemary Agreeable 19 Coarse file 20

W P E R I L C O N S I D E R S E E I R E E U M T E V E R B S F E N A R E L I E V E T E E T E R S O E R E S T D P H L I D S R O P E R A T E D O P E N E D R I L E S E L O D E E L A N N S A G A S E N R O L S S A L E R T E D Z E D E N V R E A B E T E U A D M I R A L E N R A G E D N S O S I M A G E R G T W L T E E E E S E P A R A T E S S E E R S

Yesterday’s Solution

YESTERDAY’S LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION SOLUTION

TODAY’S Good: 11 words FOCUS Very good: 19 words

8 9 6 5 2 7 3 4 1

4 1 3 8 6 9 5 7 2

5 7 2 3 1 4 8 6 9

* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once * Each word must be four letters or more * Find at least one nine letter word * No swear words * No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’ * No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

2 3 1 7 9 8 6 5 4

Word Game

3 1

6 4 9 2 3 5 1 8 7

Focus FOCUS An All Australian

11 1-6 once Fit the numbers 13 14 15 hexagon so into every the hexagons 20 19 that where touch, the numbers are the 22 23 24 same. No number is 25 26 in any single repeated hexagon. 29 30

7 5 8 1 4 6 9 2 3

7 10

3 8 5 4 7 1 2 9 6

261 134 412 5 4 3 563 3 4 5 136612263

3 1 2 5 6

1 5

9 2 7 6 8 3 4 1 5

5 8 1 8 5

1 6 4 9 5 2 7 3 8

5 2 215541 4 6 43

6 8 4 9 6 4 7

A C C O N T I N U E H S H OW E R R E A R I D H R D I L I G E N T R E V A D E S O D I S P E L S O L O O A L L O D E L OW N E R E L A S T A R E E S E N I O R I C S U G G E S T T N S T U N T S A C R E W S T M H L I T H E I E V E R E D A S O L D R E N D E R T L I T T L E N E P I S O D E S T B M A Z E N G N I C E S T L P A G E A N T S R S

2 3 7

No. 8486

SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES: Stripe missing from top of helmet, stud missing on left, lower left stud moved, gap missing from lower teeth, middle right stud reversed.

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

794 220702 Quick Crossword Crossword

Quick Workout

FOCUS: aegis ageist agist gait gaiter garret garter gate gear girt gist grate grater gratis great grist grit rage rager REGISTRAR sage sager stag stage stager tiger tirage triage trig

Sudoku

SOLUTION

SKYTRANS PASSENGER and FREIGHT SERVICES



 19

Skytrans standard schedule is subject to change. For real-time flight information please check the online booking system on the Skytrans website. 9

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – Cape York Weekly – Page 11



ick



No.

Call Reservations: 1300SKYTRANS / 1300 759 872

17:30



15:00



16:00



13:30



220702



SAT



794



FRI



Local Fares Scheme available on all flights except Whitsunday Coast

THU



SUN

WED



17:15



14:35



12:05



9:55



TUE



CAIRNS TO WHITSUNDAY COAST MON



16:20



14:25



SUN



SAT



14:05

FRI



THU



11:35

15:55