Cape York Weekly FREE – #138 | Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Editor Matt Nicholls: 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
ROYSTON BACK WITH A BANG!
Cape York’s own Royston Sagigi-Baira was the star of the show at the Weipa Fishing Classic, bringing the crowd to their feet on both Saturday and Sunday night. Royston, who was returning home for the first time since his Australian Idol win, proved to be the talking point of the event, which produced record numbers across three nights. Check out all the action and winners in our wrap on Pages 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 .
INSIDE TODAY
SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILY Page 2
$14 MILLION TO FIX AIRPORT Page 3
TIME TO CLOSE ALBATROSS BAY
Net-free push By MATT NICHOLLS
AN idea first mooted in 1997 could become a reality as the state looks to develop more net-free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Long-time Weipa fishing guide Dave Donald has been pushing for
the Albatross Bay to be a net-free zone for decades and is now asking the community to rally to make it a reality, which will enhance recreational fishing in the region. “We’ve seen this weekend what the Weipa Fishing Classic does for the town’s economy,” he said.
“We rely on recreational fishing for tourism and for liveability.” Mr Donald said last week’s state government’s announcement to ban gill nets in the Great Barrier Reef and to create a net-free zone north of Cape Bedford on the east coast was the starting point.
The government also said it would look at creating more netfree zones in the Gulf. As a result, Mr Donald said now was the perfect time for Weipa residents to make a push for Albatross Bay to be a net-free zone. Continued – Page 4
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 FESTIVAL TO BOOST COFFERS Page 6
MEN’S HEALTH IN SPOTLIGHT Page 22
What’s on at the Alby? AL
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FRIDAY
FREE
FINGER FOOD
SO C
TRIVIA
THURSDAY
T R DA
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WE DNESDAY
FROM 7.30PM FROM 6.30PM FROM 5.30PM
E H T JAG 5.30 – 7.30PM JACKPOT: $ 600
JOKER FRIDAY FROM 7.30PM Hosted by Sarah Edmo Free to play with great prizes & giveaways