Cape York Weekly FREE – #166 | Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Editor Matt Nicholls: 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
INSIDE TODAY
HERITAGE BID RE-EMERGES Page 2
SPACE CENTRE CONCERNS Page 3 Queensland Premier Steven Miles with Billy Dunn, who lost his house in last month’s flooding when the Bloomfield River broke its banks.
COUNCILS LEFT CHASING MILES
Premier’s snub By MATT NICHOLLS
QUEENSLAND Premier Steven Miles has drawn criticism from two Far North councils after his whirlwind trip to the region on Friday, which saw locals miss the opportunity to voice their concerns about the state government’s flood response. Both Cook Shire Council and Douglas Shire Council were
caught with their tails between their legs as the Premier dodged them like he was Frank Abagnale Jnr in Catch Me If You Can. Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr wasn’t officially told of the visit until the last minute, however, he arranged helicopter transport to Degarra to meet with Mr Miles. When he arrived, the schedule had changed and the Premier was actually at Cape Tribulation.
Cr Kerr then flew south to Cape Tribulation, only to find that Mr Miles had already moved on. “As the mayor of the area, it was disappointing that I didn’t get to see the Premier when he was up in our shire,” a diplomatic Cr Kerr told Cape York Weekly. “It would have been beneficial to discuss some of the challenges we are facing up here.” Cook Shire Council had simi-
lar issues. It is understood that the Premier’s team had wanted him to fly to Cooktown to meet locals. However, the council informed Mr Miles’ staff that it would be more appropriate for him to visit Rossville or Ayton. Plans were put in motion for the Premier to be in Ayton on Friday afternoon, but he cancelled at the last minute, angering locals. Continued – Page 4
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9 PARENTS CALL OUT BULLYING Page 9
MEDICINE HIKE HURTS LOCALS Page 10
Here’s cheers to the 2024 RUNNING OF THE BULLS – Friday January 12
Y T R A P N U R E R P OFFICIAL m – midnight @ The Alby 6p
• Good food • Cold drinks • Cocktails • Raffles & Games – with proceeds going to RFDS • Musical Bingo with DJ Zac