Cape York Weekly Edition 155

REFERENDUM TO SHAPE

History in the making

By MATT NICHOLLS

CAPE York residents will have the chance to shape history on Saturday as the nation prepares to vote on whether to alter the constitution.

Those entering the polling booths will be presented with this: A Proposed Law: To alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Do you approve this proposed alteration?

Voters will be simply asked to write Yes or No in a box.

The October 14 ballot is the first referendum to be staged in 24 years and every vote matters.

For this referendum to be successful, the Yes vote will require more than 50 per cent of the national vote and at least four of the six states to be in the majority. History is against change. There have been 44 referendums and

only eight times have Australians voted to alter the constitution.

There is also a concern from the Yes camp that the national vote may win on Saturday, but the states will be split down the middle.

Previously, there have been five instances where a national Yes vote has been achieved, but there wasn’t a majority among the states.

Experts are predicting that South Australia will be a key state in determining the outcome of this referendum.

Closer to home, Cape York’s voting booths are expected to have a higher than average Yes vote due to the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.

Many leaders have declined to declare their position, concerned about polarising their constituents.

FULL COVERAGE INSIDE

Remote resident upset: Page 10

Referendum wrap: Page 11

Entsch says “No”: Page 12

Senator voting “Yes”: Page 13

Members of the Weipa Billfish Club are still smiling following another successful tournament over the long weekend. Every boat captured and tagged at least one billfish and some even ran out of tags due to the huge numbers. Pictured is Darren Lee with a beaut sailfish he raised. Event

Katter Party announces 2024 candidate for Cook

ALMOST one year out from the next state election, Katter’s Australian Party has revealed its hand for Queensland’s most northern seat.

Tablelands farmer and former Special Forces soldier Bruce Logan will run in Cook, aiming to unseat incumbent MP Cynthia Lui on October 26 next year.

Mr Logan is the grandson of Sir Raymond Douglas and Lady Pearl Logan.

Lady Pearl played a major role in the old Country Party, especially during the Joh BjelkePetersen era.

“They were fighters for the bush; my grandfather received his knighthood for his service to the cattle industry and the broader community,” Mr Logan said.

“My grandmother was a fierce and determined supporter of country people and played a critical role in setting up the School of the Air.

“She also played an important role in establishing James Cook University’s School of Medicine.”

Mr Logan said his grandmother’s mission to breakdown

communication barriers was a legacy he’d held onto.

“It’s probably why I ended up as a signaller in the army,” he said.

“Lady Pearl, or ‘gran’ to me, was the sort of person who if she saw a problem, she was determined to fix it.

“That’s something I try to live up to; if I find myself in a position where I am able to help people, it’s part of my duty to do that – I can’t sit back and do nothing.”

Mr Logan said he believed the people of the Cook electorate were in dire need of genuine political representation, hence his nomination.

He said he’d joined the KAP because of its commitment to putting North Queensland first.

“North Queensland needs politicians who do not have to toe the Brisbane line,” he said.

Mr Logan said that if he was elected he would re-open the Mareeba electorate office.

He is also committed to improving telecommunications and internet connectivity in remote areas, improving access to

health and maternity services, and getting the KAP’s Relocation Sentencing policy implemented.

KAP leader Robbie Katter said Mr Logan was the right man represent the people of Cook.

“For too long we have had to look on passively while we hear the frustration of farmers, producers, fishers, businesspeople and ordinary residents crying out for proper representation in the state parliament,” he said.

“Bruce is a man with experience across a range of primary industries, similar to our verysuccessful state MPs, Shane Knuth and Nick Dametto.

“He’s a breath of fresh air in politics – a man steeped in the values and traditions of the old National and Country Parties –and we’re very fortunate to have him at the KAP.”

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said he believed Mr Logan would be an astounding Member for Cook.

“Bruce truly came under the influence of his grandmother – Lady Pearl Logan – and he’s a self-made man after starting

with nothing, at an incredibly young age,” the veteran MP said.

“He served in the SAS, and out of about 50,000 soldiers or so, was awarded soldier of the year – now they’re blokes that really know what they’re doing.

“Most importantly, his homeland is the Tablelands, where his family has been farming for five generations.

“He understands the value of his region, and after the current candidate took away the people’s office from Mareeba, Bruce will return their right to democracy.

“It is not unreasonable to believe that big things will come to North Queensland with another Logan out there running the show.”

Mr Logan served in the Australian armed forces from 1998 to 2004, entering the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment as a qualified signaller, and participating in peace monitoring and combat missions in Afghanistan.

He has since worked in fishing and mining, and now runs a small cattle operation.

Katter’s Australian Party candidate for Cook, Bruce Logan (centre) is flanked by state MPs Shane Knuth and Rob Katter.

Time to get ready ahead of Cape cyclone season

CAPE York residents are being encouraged to take three simple steps to get ready for the impacts storms, floods and cyclones –understand their risk, prepare a household emergency plan, and pack an emergency kit.

Get Ready Queensland Week launched yesterday around the state and there is an event at Weipa’s SES headquarter on Saturday to promote the simple but effective messages.

Research shows that almost half of all Queenslanders are already preparing their home and

family by understanding how extreme weather can interrupt their lives, planning what they will do, and having supplies to keep them safe and comfortable.

Adding long-life food, drinking water, a torch with spare batters and toiletries to your shopping list will help if the shops are closed, the water stops or power goes out.

The Get Ready Queensland program is managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, the lead agency for disaster resilience and recovery.

“Queenslanders know just how bad natural disasters can be, so it is absolutely vital that everyone acts now, to get ready,” said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“We know that nearly half of all Queenslanders are already preparing for bad weather, but we want to see that number grow.

“I’m really proud of the QRA team this year for getting out and reminding Queenslanders what they can do around the house to get ready, including making sure

you have the right pantry and home essentials, should disaster strike.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said Queensland was the most disaster-affected state.

“Since 2011, we’ve experienced more than 100 natural disasters which have left a combined reconstruction and recovery bill in excess of $22 billion,” he said.

More information on Weipa’s Get Ready Day can be found on Page 7. Alternatively, visit www.getready.qld.gov.au

Space Centre puts in offer for Utingu

THE founder of Space Centre Australia says the decision to buy a freehold property at the tip of Cape York should only be seen as a positive for the future of a spaceport near Weipa.

“This doesn’t detract from Weipa at all,” said James Palmer.

“We’ve got a much wider strategic plan which includes additional land.”

Mr Palmer confirmed that SCA had made an offer for the Utingu property near Punsand Bay with the purpose of using it for

observing and tracking rockets and satellite launches from the proposed Weipa site.

“When you set these things up, you need to have tracking facilities a decent way from the site. We’ve been talking to Cook Shire and the Lockhart River council about other sites as well.”

Residents in the Northern Peninsula Area or Torres Strait should have no concern that Utingu would be used as a launch site.

“It’s really going to be for observation and tracking,” Mr Palmer said, adding that

the sale was under offer after SCA and the current owner had “exchanged contracts”.

As for the Weipa proposal, things are still on track, according to Mr Palmer.

“It’s situation normal at the moment. We’re in the middle of a serious capital raise and then we’ll start getting boots on the ground and nail down that community engagement with the Traditional Owners and Mokwiri (Aboriginal Corporation),” he said.

“We want to start getting some people employed locally to help with consultation.”

Space Centre Australia says it has exchanged contracts to purchase the 88-hectare freehold property ‘Utingu’ at the tip of Cape York Peninsula.

Former crocodile hunter notches up her century

By SARAH MARTIN

CAPE York’s newest centenarian, former crocodile hunter Joan Newton, said a little brandy and a healthy lifestyle had helped her reach the milestone birthday.

Surrounded by flowers and her extended family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Joan celebrated her 100th birthday at Sunbird Cottage in Cooktown on Saturday.

Quietly spoken, but with a twinkle in her eye, a ready laugh and lots of memories to share, Joan didn’t think her birthday was anything worth writing about.

“I don’t need to say anything in the paper surely,” she asked.

Joan has called Cooktown and the Far North home for more than 70 years, travelling across the Top End working as a crocodile hunter, on research boats, at Green Island, and as a station cook.

“Mum is hard working and very independent, and eats very well. I think that’s why she has

lived so long,” proud daughter Michelle said.

But Joan swears by an egg yolk and brandy, something she claims set her up for life at only six months old.

“I hadn’t thrived, then they gave me an egg yolk with a teaspoon of brandy and I started to sit up and eat; I started to live,” she said.

“But I can’t get brandy in here because everybody else wants to drink it,” she joked.

For many on their 100th

Disability Supports

birthday, a highlight is a letter from the monarch, but not so for Joan, who was a staunch fan of the Queen but not of King Charles.

They even had a brush with royalty in 1970.

Daughter Michelle said: “We came to see the Queen when she came to Cooktown and I got to drive the car, even though I was only 10.

Joan added: “I said if you want to do something, you’ll drive the car yourself, once your

feet reach the pedals you can drive.”

Strong, independent women run in the family, and one of Joan’s proudest achievements is her granddaughter Bethany, a qualified doctor.

Many Cooktown residents and visitors know Joan as “the orange juice lady”, from her popular freshly-squeezed juice stall at the local markets, and in more recent years zipping around town on a motorised scooter with her dog Bree.

Wet month in Cooktown

WHILE the rest of Australia saw its driest September ever, Cooktown experienced its wettest September on record.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported that a new September rainfall record was set this year since observations began in 1900, with a monthly total rainfall of 129.8mm.

“It was the wettest it’s ever been in September,” BoM senior climatologist Hugh McDowell said.

For comparison, the BoM average rainfall statistics of all recorded Septembers in Cooktown is a mean of 13.6mm and a median of 6.2mm.

This year, the wettest day of the month saw 42.6mm of rainfall.

He said that it was “unusually wet in the south-east corner” this year due to persistent easterly winds making the Coral Sea surface warmer, leading to more moisture in the air and increased chance of showers.

“Perhaps this is a bit of a climate change signal,” Mr McDowell said.

Local store wants feedback

COMMUNITY Enterprise Queensland has announced the launch of its ‘Tell Us’ customer feedback kiosks in locations across the Cape and Torres Strait.

The Bamaga store was one of the first to trial the kiosks, which will now be installed at all 28 CEQ remote stores.

“Our customers in Bamaga, Waibene, Ngurupai and Palm Island are already embracing the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on their store experiences, and we look forward to rolling out more kiosks across our other stores,” chief executive officer Michael Dykes said.

CEQ said the ‘Tell Us’ kiosks allowed customers to share feedback simply and instantly via a ‘smiley face’ while their shopping experience is fresh in their mind.

“This initiative reflects CEQ’s dedication to actively listen to and address the needs and preferences of our customers,” Mr Dykes said.

Following the trial, CEQ will include local Indigenous languages on the kiosks to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.

They have also expanded the kiosk’s feedback options by including a short questionnaire in areas of satisfaction and improvements. The opportunity to provide open feedback was also added.

CEQ said more than 11,000 customer feedback responses were received within the three-month trial period at the four locations.

Joan Newton turned 100 on Saturday and celebrated with her extended family at Sunbird Cottage.

Joan Newton was a crocodile hunter in her younger years.

Mentors inspire the next generation of reef leaders

By CHISA HASEGAWA

TEN Cooktown students recently experienced “the trip of a lifetime” to Lizard Island, inspiring them to become the next generation of leaders in reef protection.

The Cape York Young Reef Leaders program provides students with hands-on learning about marine life and access to mentors in the field.

Each trip, the students learned from a range of mentors who worked in a variety of marine related jobs.

“This project has provided rare opportunities to take local students out into the field to introduce them to people working to protect the reef in various ways across the region,” said South Cape York Catchments’ program manager Jessie Price-Decle.

She explained that the program hoped to inspire kids and provide them with an idea of the different ranges of career paths in the marine industry, both on and off land.

Across the trips, the students spent time with mentors from Cape York Water Partnership, Cook Shire, Cape York NRM, Queensland National Parks Cooktown, James Cook University, the Balnggarrawarra Melsonby Rangers and Gamaay Traditional Owners.

“We felt like students in Cooktown don’t get the opportunity to see that and to meet people and make those connections,” Ms Price-Decle said.

On this trip, students were mentored by jellyfish scientist Dr Teresa Carrette and shark scientist Dr Damien Rigg of JCU.

Grade 12 participant Harri Smith said: “I think my favourite part of this experience has been interacting with our mentors and absorbing their knowledge.

“I learned more about jellyfish in three days than I ever knew before, and I didn’t know that sharks

don’t like magnets. It’s certainly been very influential for me as I get ready to apply to uni.”

The team spent their week learning about Dr Carrette and Dr Damien’s research, as well as snorkelling, hiking and making nature documentaries.

“It was such a cool experience diving in the Green Zone at Lizard Island, seeing all the fish that are so friendly and the coral looks so healthy,” Grade 11 student Rocco Thomason said.

“I learned heaps of things about the reef from the experts we’ve met.”

About our Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

The youths were also surprised with the Australian YouTube sensation Back 2 Basics Adventures, who happened to be filming on Lizard Island.

“I guess in this day and age, YouTubers are having such a big influence on young people so hearing about their adventures and what goes on behind the scenes with the work that they’re doing became a part of the mentoring process,” Ms Price-Decle said.

The students will have a chance to pass on what they have learned on the next Cape York Young Reef Leaders program trip.

Hope Vale hosts FNQ councillors

HOPE Vale rolled out the welcome mat for councillors and staff from across the region as the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils board met in the Cape last Thursday.

Mayor Jason Woibo said it was the first time FNQROC had visited his hometown during his term, and the council and community enjoyed the experience.

“We had all the councils –Cairns, Douglas, Cassowary Coast and it was our chance to really showcase Hope Vale and our council,” Cr Woibo said.

“We introduced everyone to Hope Vale and show them what we have been doing and everyone was very impressed.

“But it wasn’t just showcasing the council, but also our area and there was a lot of interest in the tourism and business ventures we have here.”

FNQROC represents 12 councils from Hinchinbrook to Hope Vale and aims to foster cooperation and resource sharing between councils and advocate for regional priorities.

While in town, the council representatives enjoyed a cultural tour with Hope Vale Elder Willie Gordon and a visit to popular tourist destination Eddie’s Camp at Elim Beach.

The Aurukun Bauxite Project is owned 70% by Glencore and 30% by Mitsubishi Development, and is managed by Glencore, one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The expected life of the proposed bauxite mine is over 20 years, with around eight million tonnes of bauxite produced each year for sale and export.

The Aurukun Bauxite Project is seeking approval to build a new bauxite mine 30 kilometres north of Aurukun on Cape York in Far North Queensland. It would be located on the land of the Wik Waya People. FIND

Bauxite is mined in shallow open cut pits, with no blasting needed. The raw bauxite is then screened and washed with water in a processing plant to remove impurities and produce bauxite for sale. The processed bauxite would be transported by road-trains along the Bauxite Transport Corridor to the coast, around 15 kilometres west of the mining area.

At the coast, the bauxite would be loaded onto a purpose-built, fully-enclosed vessel for transfer to a bulk carrier anchored about

WHAT IS AN EIS

An EIS describes the potential impacts of a proposed activity as well as how those impacts can be avoided or minimised. It also describes how any environmental impacts will be managed and monitored.

The Environmental Impact Statement is now available to the public

Access the entire  EIS including an Executive Summary

Submissions on the EIS can be made to the Qld Department of Environment and Science until 13 November 2023.

The EIS is part of the process to gain environmental approval from the government. Support is also needed from Traditional Owners, landowners as well as customer and the Joint Venture participants before the mine

Learn more about our EIS by reading the About our EIS information sheet.

Find out more about the project on our website at: aurukunbauxite.com.au.

Ask us a question at our office in Aurukun, or scan the QR code to use our feedback portal.

Bauxite Project – Mine Site Bauxite Transport Corridor

Harri Smith took this picture of Young Reef Leader Willow as she swam with the turtles off Lizard Island.

Gulf group to rally this Thursday

Weipa fisherman worried about future of industry

By MATT NICHOLLS

WIDESPREAD net-free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria would be a disaster for Weipa-based commercial fisherman Shane Snow, who fears it might be too late to save his industry.

While no closures have been made official by the Queensland government, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has put together a map of potential areas in the Gulf to be classed as netfree zones.

The map, which went public last month, has caused a great deal of stress amongst the current commercial fishing operators in the Gulf, who believe it is only a matter of time before they are shut down completely.

“We are the low-hanging fruit in the Gulf commercial fishing industry and I think the idea of closing off our fishing areas is to appease the radical green groups that, in my opinion, have infiltrated Queensland Fisheries management,” Mr Snow said.

“Shocked is probably not the right word for it ... disgusted and mentally traumatised are better ways to describe it.

“This is a systemic problem coming from the Fisheries department and I often say this is the same fight we’ve been having for the last 40 years, but just with different faces.

“In recent times, Queensland Fisheries are trying to manage the man, not the fishery itself.”

Mr Snow, who is also the vice president of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, said there was a common misconception about gillnet fishing.

“We’ve all seen the photos of turtles and sawfish caught in nets with no explanation of where those photos were actually taken. That’s not us,” he said.

“I personally don’t have any bycatch that is killed in my nets.

“The only thing we catch occasionally that we don’t use are catfish and we let them go alive.”

Mr Snow is the only operator in Albatross Bay and said there were already gillnet bans in place in some nearby river systems, some of which have been netfree zones for around 40 years.

He believes the Queensland government will soon close the whole of Albatross Bay to commercial fishing.

“If the proposed closures go ahead, it would destroy our business without a doubt,” he said.

“To operate out of Weipa would be difficult because you’d be dependent on the wet season and climatic conditions (if the proposed Northern closure was to go ahead).

.“I have put ideas to the Fisheries managers so that I could keep operating in the proposed Northern zone ... things like a grandfather clause where you leave the historical existing operator in place and have restrictions on the permit.

“The permit would be on the man, not the business, and it could not be transferrable.

“This is only my personal opinion in the area that my boat has historically fished and it does not mean for the rest of the fishery. We also have generational fishing families in the Gulf with younger generations coming into the industry that we need

to keep fishing and it should be their right to carry on the family fishing legacy and to supply the seafood consumer with some of the best wild caught fish in this country.”

Mr Snow, who supplies king salmon and barramundi to a wholesaler in Cairns, said that he fished in the delta of the Pine River for only a few months of the year. The Pine is already a net-free zone, but the delta can be legally fished.

Queensland Fisheries monitors all licensed commercial fishing vessels 24 hours a day via satellite tracking, which is mandatory under the fishing permits.

“We fish smarter, not harder,” Mr Snow said.

“We target the times when we go fishing and we know through experience what time the barramundi and king salmon will be in a certain area.

“Sometimes I’ll only be there for one or two hours.

“I’m allowed to have my nets in the water for 24 hours, but that’s not how I operate. The fish are alive when I pull the nets in because they haven’t been caught up in them for very long.”

The Queensland government has faced pressure from UNESCO, as well as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to close

off North Queensland waters to gillnet fishing.

The state has already rolled out bans on the Great Barrier Reef and is in the process of negotiating compensation with commercial fishing operators on the east coast.

UNESCO, threatening to put the Reef on its list of world heritage sites in danger, recommended that additional gillnetfree zones be created in the Gulf to allow some species to “rest”.

However, the commercial fishing industry in the Gulf says it wants to see the science behind the recommendation before the government starts to threaten its livelihood.

“As an industry, we’ve never been against science. In fact, we advocate for good science,” Mr Snow said.

“But as long as it’s good honest science and it’s not what I class as a ‘paid result’. We don’t want manipulated science or science with data omissions.

“This, to me, seems like a political stunt leading into the election for next year.

“It’s all about appeasing the green groups in the cities.”

Mr Snow said the recreational fishing industry would be next.

“I call (the lobbyists) the Green Wolf and, in my opinion, I don’t think their appetite will ever be satisfied,” he said.

“One radical green group has already highlighted the lack of restrictions in the recreational fishing industry and they’ve put out a media statement to say that rec fishing is next on their hit list.

“What I’ve experienced over many years is that these green groups have used the divide and conquer technique and tried to pit the recreational fishers against the commercial guys.

“To some degree, it has worked but a lot of the reccies are seeing that they’ll be next if they defeat us commercial fishermen. We need to stand together against this madness.”

THE chair of the Gulf of Carpentaria Commercial Fishers Association says he’s expecting a bigger than usual turnout for this year’s AGM, to be held in Karumba on Thursday.

“There are a lot of angry business owners,” said David Wren, who is also the co-owner of Wren Fishing, a major supplier of grey mackerel.

“And it’s not just the fishermen who are angry. If our industry dies it will hurt Karumba and a lot of other businesses, too.”

Mr Wren said he was convinced that the Queensland government would introduce more net-free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria, but he was hoping that a united front at the AGM could convince officials to limit the damage.

“The latest rumour we’ve heard is that there are scaled-back closures compared to the map that was first issued last month, but no one has seen a copy,” he said.

“It’s gone to the Future Fishing Taskforce for approval but we don’t know who is even on that panel, except for the chair, who is John Tanzer.

“A lot of it has been kept a secret.”

The Gulf of Carpentaria Commercial Fishers Association usually gets about 40 or 50 people to its annual general meetings, however Mr Wren expected that number to double for Thursday’s gathering.

“A lot of people are fired up and you can understand why,” he said.

Local MP Robbie Katter said he was trying to arrange to fly to Karumba for the AGM.

He said that Fisheries Minister Mark Furner should also attend.

“If you are going to make a decision that could shut down half a town then you owe it to people who will be impacted to explain why,” Mr Katter said.

“What’s disappointing is that there is no science behind this move to close huge parts of the Gulf to the commercial fishing industry.

“The Palaszczuk government appears to be led by UNESCO and the WWF.”

Queensland Fisheries will be at the AGM, represented by Sian Breen and Luke Albury, according to Mr Wren.

“Last year we were arguing about quota in the Gulf and this year we’re arguing if we can even stay in the fishery,” he said.

“We’re all frustrated about trying to keep our livelihoods.”

– story by Matt Nicholls

Shane Snow is the only commercial fisherman who operates out of Albatross Bay on a regular basis. He believes he’ll be forced out by the government.

Member for Traeger Robbie Katter.

Queensland wild-caught barramundi will disappear from supermarkets and restaurants if net-free zones continue to be expanded in the state.

Not happy: Cape local lashes AEC

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

IT’S of my understanding the Australian federal government is holding a referendum on October 14 that is for all Australians to cast a vote.

As an Australian I find the Australian Electoral Commission’s UNANNOUNCED polling place in Laura on September 28 for three hours an absolute disregard for rural and remote Australians.

As I frequent the Laura General Store, I gather all information on the notice boards or in the Cape York Weekly and 558 4AM radio for upcoming meetings, events and activities in our area.

The AEC had no notice in or on any of the above until one day before arriving to Laura in Edition 153 of the Cape York Weekly newspaper.

Most people in the bush go to town once or twice a month and don’t receive the paper daily as there is no Australia Post delivery service, nor any mobile phone service.

The AEC has proven itself to be racist and unethical by not providing a polling booth in Laura on October 14 as announced by the Prime Minister of Australia.

In my opinion, the AEC and AEC staff are not fit for purpose.

Will Australians in Laura and surrounds be covered or compensated by the AEC or federal government for accidents in making their way to Cooktown and back on October 14?

Will Australians in Laura and

Punters given priority over remote citizens

IF you need proof of the issues within the Australian Electoral Commission, this notice in the Sunday Telegraph in Sydney sums it up well.

While hundreds of remote Cape York residents were given just hours to vote in person in their home community, the AEC is spruiking the many voting booths within walking distance of the Randwick racecourse.

Not only did voters in places like Laura get a small window to vote, they were also denied a fair and reasonable amount of notice to do so.

surrounds be reimbursed by the AEC or federal government for personal time, fuel, wear and tear and devaluation on vehicles to make our way to Cooktown and back on October 14?

Jason Clark is a Cape York Peninsula resident who lives off the grid near Laura

The AEC rocked up to towns like Aurukun and Injinoo in the middle of school holidays and did the bare minimum to let locals know they were coming.

Yet Sydney residents can vote at dozens of booths and are getting even better notice than what we got in Cape York.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he was furious

when sent a copy of the notice by Cape York Weeekly

“This just goes to show that the referendum is all about city people,” he said.

“It does beggar belief that you had to fight to get remote booths advertised in the paper and the AEC does this for those attending a Sydney horse race.”

Jason Clark, pictured at the Laura airport, is not happy with the AEC.

Nation divided over referendum

By MATT NICHOLLS

CAPE York leaders say they are concerned about the political nature of this Saturday’s referendum and what it has done to the nation.

Many have refused to go on the record about how they intend to vote, simply because of the vitriol they have seen others cop when declaring if they are in the Yes or No camp.

“Don’t assume that I’m voting No because I don’t want to say,” said one Cape York mayor.

“You can vote Yes up here and still get abused.”

Weipa Town Authority chair Michael Rowland was another who did not want to declare which way he was voting, but said he had been disappointed with the overall response from Australians.

“It’s become such a polarising topic of conversation,” he said.

“Australians used to be able to have a tough conversation and stay friends.”

Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher is firmly in the Yes camp, but he was also angry with how the referendum had become a political football.

“I just wish the politics could stay out of it,” he told Cape York Weekly

“There is a lot of goodwill out there, especially from younger Australians.”

Cr Butcher said despite some polls showing that support for the Voice was declining, he was looking forward to Saturday.

“I’m optimistic,” he said.

“I think there is more confusion than division and a lot of that has been brought on by politicians driving the No vote.

“Some are saying that we have

a Voice because of all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait mayors who are elected, but we are only elected to represent our small individual communities.

“I’ve been to Canberra plenty of times and we’re lining up with the rest of the people for that 15-minute talk with a Minister or their people.

“We haven’t influenced any major change in my time.”

Cr Butcher said Australians needed to understand that remote Indigenous people were suffering.

“I’m sick of burying young people in my community who have died from preventable diseases,” he said.

“It’s not just health where we

struggle. We’re behind on education and economics in general.

“We’re land rich but we’re dirt poor and that does play a big role.

“How many rich black fellas are there in Cape York? Not many.”

Cooktown resident Kaz Price agreed with Cr Butcher and said she would be voting Yes.

“I live in a mainstream town full of government services, many of which are delivering services into the surrounding Indigenous communities,” she said.

“These communities are battling severe inequity in health outcomes, poor educational outcomes for their children, few employment opportunities, and with a greater chance of their youth ending up in prison than at university.

“I have lived as a neighbour to Indigenous people since I was born in Mount Isa, too many years ago.

“But I have also witnessed, first hand, the affects of this inequality right across northern Australia in Queensland, the NT and WA, working in all three regions, and living and educating my children alongside Indigenous children in various remote schools.

“However, in those schools they were never taught the impact of colonisation, the tragedy of introduced European diseases that decimated populations, the marginalisation and dispossession of clan groups and nations, the ‘protective’ laws that resulted in the Stolen Generation and the inter-generational trauma that has ensued.

“Despite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men serving in World War II, it was not until 1967 that we as a nation even counted Indigenous people in the Census.

“This was put to a referendum

and nearly 91 per cent of Australians voted Yes, because it was the right thing to do.

“I feel that voting Yes in this referendum is our generation’s opportunity to do the right thing, and to give Indigenous Australians an inalienable (enshrined in the constitution) say in the policy outcomes for matters that relate to them; health, education, justice, economic development.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who cast his vote at a prepolling booth on Saturday, implored Australians to have their say in shaping the nation’s history.

“I’ve just had the great of voting in my first referendum this century,” he said.

“That is a reminder that these opportunities do not come around every day. This is an opportunity to make history.

“A once in a generation chance to recognise our first Australians in our nation’s founding document.

“And to do so, in the way in which we have been requested by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people themselves.

“We live in a great country, Australia. We are a country that is a great multicultural success story, and there is nowhere where that’s more evident than right here in my home in Marrickville.

“But we can be that much stronger if we take the opportunity to recognise the first Australians in our nation’s founding document.

“And I ask this, if not now, when? And if not us, who?

“And that’s why so many young Australians have been inspired and are campaigning so strongly as well. But I ask of all Australians to read what you are voting for, because the words are very clear.”

Foot traffic was slow at Cooktown’s pre-polling booth on Monday, but there will be queues all over the country on Saturday when the nation has its say in the referendum. Local booth details on Page 13.

Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher is firmly in the Yes camp.

Why I can’t support Voice: Entsch

By WARREN ENTSCH

Member for Leichhardt

WHILE the idea of giving Indigenous Australians a “Voice to Parliament” might seem like an obvious solution to some, I have grave concerns that it will not achieve the outcomes regional and remote Indigenous communities deserve.

Let me first clarify that I am fully supportive of recognising Indigenous Australians in the Constitution.

However, the Voice to Parliament, as it is currently being proposed, only serves to amplify the views of self-appointed Indigenous leaders who are predominantly metropolitan academic elites.

Noel Pearson and his cronies have long held a decisive grip over Indigenous policy and the associated funding across Cape York, but the outcomes we all desire have not been forthcoming.

The last thing we need is the architect of so many policy failures, in charge of another one.

It is clear to me that Noel only seeks to secure himself another prestigious job-for-life, further cementing himself as an Indigenous Policy Tzar.

Despite the many hundreds of millions of dollars, that he and his entities have received over the decades, many Indigenous communities still struggle to this day to meet basic standards of living that other Australians routinely enjoy.

The solution is to reject Pear-

son’s failed ideology, and return the focus to the voices of popularly elected leaders from Indigenous communities.

This is a democracy, but Noel

prefers dictatorships, accordingly he wields great influence with all levels of government, their bureaucrats, and the media. They have long been charmed

by his well-spoken articulations and endless proposals to Close the Gap. If we just give Pearson another $100 million maybe we will finally

start shifting the dial on Closing the Gap.

But Pearson and the establishment are all equally detached from and disinterested in the reality on the ground.

They would much rather theorise around board room tables in flashy office buildings on Sheridan Street than face the reality of their decades-long abject failure to deliver for the people they so proudly claim to help.

Communities must escape the strangle hold Noel has over them. Do not let Noel and his cronies speak for you.

How many times must we keep doing the same thing?

We all have a decision to make during this referendum, on face value the Voice to Parliament sounds like a nice idea.

But when you understand who is behind the development of the proposal, who really stands to gain from its enactment and the reality that it is just going to be more of the same.

There is no way any good can come from this.

Pearson’s Voice has been heard enough, it is time he and his entities, own up to their legacy in Cape York – a legacy of greed, self-interest, and failure.

Vote however you wish this week. I’ll be voting no, to help end Pearson’s stranglehold on Cape York, to reject the notion that he knows what’s best for our region and so that the real work can start.

Sponsored by:

Member for Leichhardt hasn’t campaigned for the No vote, but says he won’t be voting

Yes in Saturday’s referendum.

Don’t be afraid to vote Yes: Senator

By NITA GREEN

Cairns-based Senator

WE live alongside the oldest continuous living culture on the planet.

A culture that has survived for tens of thousands of years on this continent.

And that culture runs deep in Far North Queensland.

Art, song, stories, and language fill our landscapes with colour, reminding modern Australia of the deep roots First Nations Australians have with these lands.

From Cairns to the Cape and the Torres Strait, we experience a side to Australia that few could understand without experiencing it first hand.

But no matter how much respect we have for Traditional Owners and their culture, for generations we have made choices for them - some that have left lasting and painful impacts.

Now, we have a chance to truly make an historical step forward.

For the last couple of weeks remote polling on the Referendum for the Voice to Parliament has been taking place across the Cape and the Torres Strait.

And as we head into the final week before October 14 I wanted to reach out to people

in Cape York and give them the confidence to write ‘YES’ on that ballot paper.

The Voice is about two simple ideas. Recognition and listening.

Recognition within the constitution and listening to communities for better results.

Constitutional recognition through a Voice is about improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Listening is about giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders a say in the matters that affect them, so better policies can be made.

It’s that simple.

But such a simple proposal will mean a world of difference for the next generation of Indigenous kids.

We already know how much of a difference consultation with First Nations Australians makes, we see it daily through Indigenous Rangers programs on and along the Great Barrier Reef, throughout Cape York and across Australia.

The Voice will deliver practical change on the ground – in areas like health, education and housing.

And it will be a unifying moment for Australia.

We can’t change the past, but we can move forward together.

Senator Nita Green with Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney in Cairns on Saturday.

Seniors celebrated at Big Day Out

LIVE music, prizes, shared food and good company were the theme of the day for Cooktown seniors at the Seniors Big Day Out event on Thursday.

Part of Senior’s Week celebrations across the region, the event was organised by the Cook Shire Youth Council and Cooktown Community Care with support from the Endeavour Lions club, Cooktown Bowls Club and Queensland Council of the Aged. Seniors came together at the Cooktown PCYC Events Centre to enjoy free morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, as well as information stalls, craft and activities, live music and dancing and plenty of prize giveaways.

are available upon request

mower &

Carol Gavin and Nettie Luthi caught up at the Senior’s Big Day Out event.

Richard Lee wasn’t quite sure about this fetching purple handbag he won in the lucky prize draw, even though Bronwyn Sieverding said it brought out his eye colour!

Johnny Bowling and Debbie Schoon were enjoying lunch and a chat in the air conditioning at the PCYC.

Kira Hall and Sophie Roberts were calling the lucky numbers for a swag of prizes at the Senior’s Big Day Out.

Lorraine and Kevin Roser, Jack Collins, Helen Hopson, Ann Witts and Jenny Green with Cooktown State School students Eliza Gott and Ilyaree Snider.

Fill

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Crossword

box.

Spot the 5 Differences

ENDEAVOUR LIONS CLUB COOKTOWN

We would like to inform the community of Cooktown and wider region that we now have new email accounts. Old email accounts will be phased out in the coming weeks.

President: president@endeavourlions.org.au

Secretary: secretary@endeavourlions.org.au

Treasurer: accounts@endeavourlions.org.au

Bookings for the Lions Hall on Amos Street can be made directly with Cook Shire Council Hall hire: mail@cook.qld.gov.au

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

F: Endeavour Lions Club Cooktown

I: @endeavour_lions_cooktown

Mokwiri Aboriginal Corporation (ICN:7972)

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

(Election of New Directors - all members to become a director must have a “Director ID”)

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Mokwiri Aboriginal Corporation is being held at Napranum. Proxy forms are available at the MAC Office in Napranum.

Dated: Thursday 26th of October 2023

Venue: Suzie Madua Conference Room – Napranum Council Civic Centre

Time: 9:00am

The Business of this meeting is as follows:

1. Accept Draft Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 27th of January 2023

2. Directors to stand down and New Elected Directors

3. Resolutions for the New Application Forms for Membership

4. Chairperson/Secretary Report on behalf of the Board of Directors

5. Financial Report

6. General Business – DOGIT Transfer update

Dated: 25th of September 2023

For any inquires please contact: Secretary.

Mokwiri Aboriginal Corporation (ICN:7972)

Email: info@mokwiripbc.com.au

Ph: (07) 4257 1000

JOB VACANCY

WEIPA BOWLS CLUB: ADMIN/BAR & GAMING

We are currently seeking a motivated and versatile individual to join our team for a multi-faceted role encompassing general administration, banking, accounts payable & receivable, reception, and bar & gaming. This position is full-time Friday to Tuesday, 7am until 3pm, with Wednesday & Thursday as RDOs.

RequiRemenTs:

• Valid Driver’s Licence

• RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling) certification, or willingness to obtain these certifications.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Previous experience in a similar role is a plus but not mandatory.

• MYOB experience or similar platform.

• Willingness to undergo a police background check. interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes and cover letters to manager@ weipabowlsclub.com.au or drop them off in person at Weipa Bowls Club. Please specify “General Admin Application” in the subject line or on your application.

We appreciate all applications; however, only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Applications close Friday 13 October 2023

CAREERS WITH COOK SHIRE COUNCIL

PLUMBER (Buildings and Facilities)

We are seeking a qualified Plumber to join our busy Building and Facilities team.

GRADER OPERATOR

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced operator with final trim experience to join Council’s civil construction team.

APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ONCE POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

We're looking for you.

BOTANIC GARDENS CURATOR

Leading a small and dedicated team, coordinate the operations and further development of the historical Cooktown Botanic Gardens.

PROJECT MANAGER

Be part of a small, cohesive team and expand your project management skills and experience by working on a broad range of capital works projects throughout Cook Shire

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 18 OCTOBER

AT www.cook.qld.gov.au/work

CAPE YORK LAND COUNCIL

YUK PUYNGK

ICN 1163 | A BN 22 965 382 705

NOTICE OF INDIGENOUS LAND USE AGREEMENT AUTHORISATION MEETING KOWANYAMA PATROL BASE INDIGENOUS LAND USE AGREEMENT

25 October 2023

Kowanyama

Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold an authorisation meeting on Wednesday 25 October 2023 in Kowanyama for those Kowanyama People who hold native title in the Kowanyama Township area, to consider whether to authorise a proposed Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Defence) over the land and waters in Lot 518 on SP272069 (ILUA Agreement Area), as shown on the map below.

Date and Location of Meeting

Date: Wednesday 25 October 2023

Time: 9.30am – 3pm

Location: Kowanyama Multi-purpose Centre, Lot 510 Chapman Road,

Purpose of the Meeting

The purpose of the meeting is for those Kowanyama People who hold native title in the Kowanyama Township area to decide whether or not to authorise the proposed ILUA over Lot 518 on SP272069.

The proposed ILUA validates the grant of certain Project Rights which the Commonwealth (Department of Defence) wishes to undertake on Lot 518 on SP272069. The ILUA will also provide for:

• The payment of financial compensation by the Commonwealth; and

• Commitment to protect Cultural Heritage in exercising the Project Rights.

CYLC staff and consultants will explain:

(a) terms of the ILUA;

(b) Agreement Area;

(c) Project Rights;

(d) Financial Compensation; and

(e) other matters.

If the meeting on Wednesday 25 October 2023 authorises the proposed ILUA, the outcome of the authorisation meeting will be conveyed to the ABM Elgoring Ambung Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (the PBC) and the PBC and the Commonwealth will sign the ILUA. The ILUA will then be submitted to the Native Title Registrar for registration under the NTA.

Who is invited to attend the meetings?

The Authorisation meeting is open to those Kowanyama People who hold native title rights and interests in the Kowanyama Township area, being members of the following groups:

1. Koko Bera;

2. Koko Menjana (Yir Yiront; Yir Thanged; Kin Kopl); and

1. Kunjen (Olkol; Oykangand).

Any person who is a member of one or more of the groups listed above is invited to attend these meetings. Please contact CYLC if you would like to register your attendance.

Video-conferencing

Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at the meeting. If you would like CYLC to arrange a video- conference from your location into the meeting, whether you live at the location of the meeting or elsewhere, please contact CYLC on the number below.

To register your interest in attending this meeting or to enquire about travel assistance, please contact Leah Thomson at CYLC on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email no later than Tuesday 17 October 2023. Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Kirstin Malyon on 0408 408 017 or kmalyon@cylc.org.au

A career with Cook Shire Council can offer you the work/life balance you've been looking for!

Best ever

By MATT NICHOLLS

THE president of the Weipa Billfish Club says this year’s tournament was the “best ever” after outstanding results on the water over the long weekend.

“From a fishing point of view it was definitely our best ever,” said Gaven Roberts.

“Every boat tagged a fish and when you look at the numbers it averages about three fish per boat per day.”

Held on the October long weekend each year, this was the 13th annual Weipa Billfish Tournament.

Teams were anxious on the Friday night at the reading of the rules as severe winds had been lashing the western Cape for weeks prior to the tournament.

“It was fairly blowy on Saturday morning but it quietened down and from about 11am on every day it was pretty much glamour on the water,” Roberts said.

The champion angler for the tournament, making it back-toback wins, was Tom Hockey.

This was despite a quick trip to hospital midway through the event.

“He had a sailfish bill penetrate his wrist so he had to go all the way back to hospital to get it checked out and cleaned up,” Roberts said.

“We had a nurse (Theona Down) with us and she made him go to hospital.”

But a sore wrist wasn’t going to stop Tom.

The teenage sensation caught and tagged 15 sailfish, as well as a black marlin.

“I think we’ve trained him too well,” Roberts said with a smile.

It was no surprise that Tom’s team No Bull also took out the top team prize.

Tom and his dad Duncan Hockey joined forces with fishing guru Chris Bolton to tag 25 sailfish and one black marlin for a total of 26,300 points.

Runners-up were Opti-Mystik with 17,900 points for capturing three black marlin and 14 sailfish.

The champion female angler

was Amy Jenner, who tagged eight sailfish over three days.

“It was an unbelievable weekend,” Roberts said.

“Those scores are unheard of and are up there with places like Broome and Exmouth.”

Roberts said that when the road to Weipa was eventually sealed, he expected the reputation of the sportsfishing to go through the roof.

“A lot of people just can’t get their boats here, or don’t want the huge cost of getting them here,” he said.

“But our fishery is as good as any other in Australia.”

CHAMPION TEAM

1st (26,300pts): No Bull (Tom Hockey, Duncan Hockey, Chris Bolton).

2nd (17,900pts): Opti-Mystik (Matt Hunt, Allanah Macauley, James Prentice, Sharnell Enoch).

3rd (13,600pts): Happy Ours, (Gaven Roberts, Andrea Kennedy, Emmi Roberts, Charlie Coles).

CHAMPION SENIOR MALE

1st: Tom Hockey, 15,300pts.

2nd: Chris Bolton, 11,000pts.

3rd: Chris Perger, 8600pts.

CHAMPION SENIOR FEMALE

1st: Amy Jenner, 8000pts.

2nd: Sharnell Enoch, 7300pts.

3rd: Emmi Roberts, 6300pts.

TOURNAMENT STATISTICS

Heaviest mackerel: Phil Camsell (5.02kg)

Heaviest tuna: Damian Cliffe (6.48kg)

Heaviest dolphinfish: Charlie Coles (4.84kg)

Heaviest cobia: Jason Hall (13.5kg)

Most meritorious catch: Duane Jay with an estimated 80kg black marlin on 15kg line.

Day 1 stats: 63 bites, 44 hookups and 25 fish tagged.

Day 2 stats: 83 bites, 71 hookups and 48 fish tagged.

Day 3 stats: 160 bites, 126 hookups and 85 fish tagged.

Total: 306 bites, 241 hookups and 140 sailfish and 10 black marlin tagged.

Swimming stars shine in Darwin

THE luggage flying back was much heavier for Cooktown’s swim team after they won a whopping 10 medals at the Darwin Country Championships.

Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club took a record team of 10 athletes to the national-level event, with Sam Ryder and Rudi Habermann raking in a massive 10 medals between them.

And while the podium finishes were the icing on the cake, the entire team also performed exceptionally well club president Mel Hegamaea said.

“Our swimmers raced in 75 preliminary events, making 48 finals and 10 placings, with 70 personal bests and five state qualifying times,” she said.

“A couple of our children missed out on placings by only 0.02 of a second.”

During their week-long trip, the team were poolside for preliminary events from 7.30am to 11.30am and back again from 4pm to 8pm for finals, with their average day running from 6am to 9pm.

“It was a week of action-packed sightseeing and swimming!” Ms Hegamaea said.

“We visited the Mindil Beach markets, Darwin Yacht Club, Darwin Museum, Darwin Trailer Boat Club, the waterfront and the aqua park.

“Highlights outside of competition would have to be a JX clinic with event ambassador and Olympic gold medallist Chelsea Hodges – and also finding out she is from Biloela and that her mother was a teacher at Cooktown State School – and visiting the aqua park and museum.”

The team isn’t resting on their laurels, back in the pool training for the Dimbulah long course meet, Malanda short course meet and Queensland State Championships.

Rudi Habermann had a stellar competition, bringing home a silver and bronze medal.

Sam Ryder brought won four silver and four bronze medals.

No gold, but Corinne still does Qld proud in Perth

COOKTOWN lawn bowls star

Corinne Stallan has returned from the national championships with a silver and bronze medal and was named as her state’s player of the series.

The 17-year-old, who plays at Cooktown Bowls Club, was selected to skipper the triples and fours teams at the Perth championships, and said competition was really tough.

“The first day was fours and we played Victoria, South Australia and a composite Victoria and NSW team,” she said.

“We won all three of our games, which then put us into the gold medal match against NSW.

“Unfortunately we lost

On the second day of competition Corinne and her triples team were matched against the same three teams, beating Victoria and South Australia, but losing to the composite team, putting them into bronze medal contention.

“We went into the bronze medal match against a composite ACT and Western Australia team and won,” she said.

“I played really well and adapted well to the fast greens over the two days – they were long days starting at 7am and finishing at 8pm.”

Corinne, who is now back in Cooktown prepping for the North versus South challenge in Mackay at the end of the month,

Weipa crew off to bowl in Cook Islands

TWENTY members of the Weipa Bowls Club are about to jet off to the Cook Islands for the trip of a lifetime. After arriving in Cairns on Monday, they will today fly to the island of Rarotonga and prepare to play a series of matches against the local club, as well as plenty of sighteeing. The trip was made possible through the fundraising of the Weipa Bowls match committee, as well as the Weipa Bowls Club.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Ross sees red

SATURDAY’S 18-hole captain’s red tee challenge was a popular event at the Carpentaria Golf Club.

Pete Ross prevailed with a nett 72, beating Eugene Venter, who had a nett 75.

Nearest the pins went to Jay Murray on the 9th and Venter on the 15th.

Taps Machaya had the longest drive on the 11th fairway.

Bruce wins Wackers

VIV Chan had the round of her lifetime but had to settle for runner-up at last week’s Wednesday Wackers.

Her 40 off the stick gave her a nett 33, but it wasn’t enough to beat Bruce Brockhurst, who had a nett 30.5

Nearest the pins went to Mick Cerneka on the 7th and Grant Crossley on the 9th. Rob Richardson won the Bradman’s.

Hutton brings the heat

JAMIE Hutton was Sunday morning’s Dawn Busters winner, beating Jim Hunter in a strong field of 14.

He also had the nearest to pin, while Ross Craven had the longest drive after he launched one off the first and landed it on the green.

Helen Sabatino won the longest drive for women’s and won plenty of praise for playing off the men’s tees at Dawnies. The Hoffman’s went to Lewis Williams. There are only five weeks to go until the annual Dawnies break-up and golfers must have played 10 rounds to qualify for the championships.

It’s not a day to be missed!

Medal win for Venables

CAMPBELL Venables snuck under the radar to be Saturday’s monthly medal winner at Cooktown Golf Club.

He watched his playing partners Steve Butler and Brent Hetaraka trade blows on the fairways (not literally) and quietly chipped away, carding a nett 63.

Butler and Hetaraka finished in a fourway tie for runner-up, but it was Graham and Alice Burton who rounded up the placings when the countback was applied.

Nearest the pins went to Venables for 2/11, while dead-eye dick Graham Burton won 14 and 9/18.

http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/#!/qld-cooktown

Corinne Stallan and Riley Gerick were named Queensland’s players of the series in Western Australia.