Cape York Weekly FREE – #162 | Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Editor Matt Nicholls: 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
INSIDE TODAY
Picture: CHRISTINE HOWES
CAPE TOURISM RECOGNISED Page 3
LOCKHART LIGHTS UP
The small Cape York community of Lockhart River came to life last week as it celebrated the opening of the new dance grounds at the Paytham Malkari Festival. The Premier even flew in for the occasion. Pictured is Zachariah Butcher and the Kawadji Wimpa dancers. Paytham Malkari Festival wrap: Pages 11-14
Council calls for jurisdiction review
Boundary farce By MATT NICHOLLS
OUTDATED local government boundaries at the tip of Cape York are causing headaches for the council tasked with servicing the Northern Peninsula Area, including tens of thousands of tourists each year. Which is why the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council and the Traditional Owners of some of Cape York’s most iconic des-
tinations are calling for an urgent rethink of the local government boundaries. Currently, the land north of the Jardine River is managed by three local government areas – NPARC, Cook Shire and Torres Shire, with the latter responsible for wellknown destinations Pajinka, Punsand Bay and the vital Bamaga Airport, despite the locations being on the mainland. NPARC mayor Patricia Yusia
said the council had been attempting to seek a review of external council boundaries in the area for more than a decade, but their concerns had been falling on deaf ears. “This is causing huge issues in our community, but the Queensland government and Torres Shire Council are refusing to provide the support required to resolve the boundary problem,” she said. “For example, council is unable to secure funding for the airport,
because it’s not our asset, despite us operating it as a critical service for the NPA region. “Further, council is currently undertaking maintenance of roads and verges in other local government areas and is unable to manage or patrol hazards on the foreshore, such as illegal camps and helicopter landings, while Traditional Owners can’t prevent damage to country at Pajinka. Continued – Page 2
HEALTH TEAM GETS FUNDING Page 5 AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 MUSICIANS COLLABORATE Page 7
NATIONAL TITLE FOR JUMP STAR Page 23
Steven Bradbury 2 Course Dinner FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER MC: James Hunter
2 course meal and Last Man Standing lager on arrival.
TICKETS SELLING FAST