Cape York Weekly Edition 186

Cape York food security, tenfold population growth and a $500 million per year economic boost will just be the beginning if the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme gets the political green light, according to a detailed business case released by RDA Tropical North and Cook Shire Council on 22 May. Turn to Pages 2 and 3 to find out what the project will mean for the region.

Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes, RDA Tropical North chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan and RDA Tropical North chief executive officer Sonja Johnson show off the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme detailed business plan in Cairns last Wednesday morning.

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Jobs, population growth, $500m bounty on cards

by LYNDON KEANE

LAKELAND could experience a tenfold population increase and inject $500 million into the Cape York economy every year if a dream to realise a large-scale irrigation scheme comes to fruition.

That was the message from Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North and Cook Shire Council on 22 May when they pulled back the curtain on a detailed business case for the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme.

At the heart of the plan is a dam on the Palmer River, which would provide the water security needed to crop a forecast 10,050 additional hectares in the Lakeland region.

The $1.6 billion project still needs a funding commitment from the state and federal gov-

ernments to get off the ground, but Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said she believed the business case for the scheme stacked up from both economic and social perspectives.

“The Lakeland irrigation scheme will be a significant project in Cook Shire and Cape York Peninsula,” she said.

“It has been long supported by local growers and Traditional Owners, [and] economic growth in the area is expected to be around $500 million [per annum], with significant benefits which will include Indigenous jobs, ecotourism and pathways into the food industry.

“Much-needed health and emergency services will be developed, schools will be built, and residents will have access to supermarkets, trades and services readily available in metropolitan areas.”

The business case identifies Lakeland’s population could spike from about 300 to more than 3,000 on the back of the scheme, and RDA Tropical North chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan said the next step was to convince Canberra and Brisbane of the project’s merit.

“There’s a lot of multiple stakeholders; it’s not just the growers, it’s not just the council; there’s a whole range of stakeholders that can see the benefit of this,” she said.

“And you know, where everyone is talking about economic diversification, we’ve had Cyclone Jasper devastate the communities with alternative ways of diversifying livelihoods ... so, these sorts of schemes can enable that sort of resilience.

“I believe that if all of us are speaking from the same song sheet in the region, we will be

able to have our voices heard; so, we have an advocacy task ahead of us, regardless of who comes in, both at the federal and the state level.”

Mayor Holmes said the scheme had the capacity to transform Lakeland into one of the country’s premier food bowls while providing local food security for Cape York residents.

“We already export food to every capital city in Australia out of Lakeland. We export to Japan and we export to Singapore, so this project is going to support those markets,” she said.

“It really is going to support that food security moving forward [and] and your export points potentially will be Weipa, Cooktown Airport; the Asian markets aren’t that far away ... and then it will continue to go to capital cities by road and the eastern seaboard.”

AnnuAl GenerAl meetInG

RDA Tropical North chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan, Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes and RDA Tropical North chief executive officer Sonja Johnson inspect a map of the planned $1.6 billion Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme.

Lakeland dam will open up Cape’s economy: RDA

By LYNDON KEANE

THE chief executive officer of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North says the ambitious Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme (LIAS) could be operational by 2031 if stakeholders waste no time in forming a mobilisation taskforce to guide the project.

The announcement was made during unveiling of a detailed business case for the project on 22 May, with Sonja Johnson stating the proposed construction of a 296-gigalitre dam on the Palmer River had the potential to unlock the area socially and economically.

“The scheme is certainly exciting for the whole of our region,” she said.

“It is a 296-gigalitre dam on the Palmer River, with a 12-kilometre gravity fed tunnel under the Great Dividing Range to the Lakeland area, with two reticulation arms.

“The great thing about this scheme is that over half [the proposed irrigation footprint] is cleared land; there is no other scheme in Australia which has as much cleared land as Lakeland.”

While the $1.6 billion project is currently unfunded, Ms Johnson said time was of the essence in terms of maintaining momentum following the release of the detailed business case.

“The next stage is a pretty big stage,” she explained.

“We need a mobilisation taskforce made up of State and Federal Government decision makers, Western Yalanji, the growers [and] ourselves, to basically find a proponent, because at the moment, we need Sunwater as a proponent, or potentially a public-private partnership.

“We need the detailed design stage to be done, and that money needs to come from National Water Grid Authority; we also need the Mitchell [River] catc-

ment water plan to be reviewed sooner, rather than later.”

The project has been welcomed by Western Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation CEO Brad

Grogan, who said it would bring benefit to Traditional Owners as well as Cape communities.

“We firmly stand behind this transformative initiative, which

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will enable our people to build a strong, prosperous future that facilitates the preservation of our cultural heritage while embracing modern advancements,” he said.

“It will not only enhance our economic wellbeing, but will also improve overall living conditions, foster social cohesion and community development, with better access to essential services such as healthcare, education and transportation.”

Paul Inderbitzin’s family pioneered banana growing in Lakeland, and he said the only thing holding back the region’s expansion was water security.

“With the skills and land already available, we just need to add water to create greater opportunity to expand into a diverse range of high-value crops,” he said.

It is estimated the project will have the capacity to support up to 10,050 hectares of additional irrigated cropping with between 70-97 per cent water reliability.

A map from the detailed business case showing the scope of the proposed $1.6 billion Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme project.

Lakeland banana grower Paul Inderbitzin says the only thing holding back the growing capacity of the region is a lack of water security.

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Rescue dogs find companionship

By CHISA HASEGAWA

GIRLS at Western Cape College’s Residential Campus are connecting beyond the classroom with a dog-walking volunteer gig.

The students go to the Cape Animal Protection Shelter (CAPS) twice a week as part of an initiative which started last year.

New teacher Mia Beasley decided to continue the activity again this year and reached out to CAPS.

“I thought I’d carry on the tradition, because the girls really respond well to it; they get out into the community, and it fosters great social and emotional wellbeing for them,” she said.

“We just love taking the dogs for a stroll, listening to music and enjoying the afternoon.”

With the boarders from all areas of the Cape and Torres Strait, Ms Beasley said loneliness and homesickness were prevalent issues.

“I can see the girls are happier when they come out and they’re caring for the dogs,” she said.

“It’s nice to be able to support that nurturing side of them, because they are so far away from their families and their communities, so being able to care for the dogs is something that’s really special to them.

“As simple as it is, it really helps with their emotional health

NEWS IN BRIEF

Rossville Fire Brigade AGM

VOLUNTEERS and potential committee members are being asked to attend the Rossville Fire Brigade annual general meeting on 13 June.

The AGM will be held at the Rossville Fire Station from 5pm, with attendance compulsory for members.

All committee positions will be nominated and elected during the meeting, and a spokesperson for the brigade said new members were always welcome.

Grand opening for bakery

MOUTHS will be watering in Kowanyama on 29 May when RISE Ventures finally opens the doors to the community’s new bakery.

The launch of the bakery has been hugely anticipated by Kowanyama residents, with a range of cakes, bread, lamingtons, pies, sausage rolls, sandwiches and toasties set to be offered at the grand opening from 9am-1pm.

A spokesperson for the bakery said trading hours and the menu would increase from July as staff became more familiar with operations.

“We’ll be opening from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am until 1pm during June, and then we’ll expand our hours and menu from July onwards,” they said.

Laws give more protection

NEW laws passed by the State Government on 21 May will deliver greater support for victims of crime and more say in parole decisions.

The Corrective Services (Promoting Safety) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill will enhance the operation of the Services’ Victims Register, enabling authorised third-party victims support agencies to apply for membership of the register on behalf of a victim.

These changes will help reduce trauma by minimising the need for victims to repeatably retell their experience when their perpetrator’s custody arrangements change.

Amendments also include more safeguards for the personal information and security of victims, and the cancellation of prisoners’ phone call privileges if they are used to threaten or breach domestic violence orders.

Minister for Corrective Services Nikki Boyd said the changes were about putting victims first.

“While we’ll always hold offenders to account and provide opportunities for rehabilitation, these changes are about making sure the victims are supported and heard,” she said.

and brings everyone together a little closer.”

The volunteer activity also led to a permanent furry addition to the residential campus family.

“I’ve actually adopted one of the CAPS dogs, and I bring her into the campus and the girls love to play with her,” Ms Beasley said.

Ms Beasley said she hoped the dog-walking activity would become a permanent fixture.

“I’m definitely going to be continuing it with the girls this year and into my time here at Western Cape College. It’s something that I think would be a fantastic tradition to keep carrying on for the future cohorts that come through.”

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Girls at the Western Cape College Residential Campus in Weipa are improving their emotional wellbeing through dog-walking for the Cape Animal Protection Shelter.

PDR upgrade in spotlight at Cairns forum this week

THE Cape York Region Package (CYRP) taskforce will hold an open forum in Cairns on 30 May to obtain community feedback on the continuing upgrade of the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR).

The forum has been scheduled to coincide with the Torres and Cape Indigenous Council Alliance (TCICA) board meeting the day before, which will allow mayors and chief executives to attend and provide input from their representative communities.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North chief executive officer Sonja Johnson said stage two of the CYRP would be the focus of the forum.

“The community will hear an update on the stage two upgrade of the PDR, the new Archer River Bridge, work on community

access roads, and the future stages of the $237.5 million upgrade,” she said.

Cape York Weekly understands from several government sources stage two of the high-profile project has suffered a cost blowout in the vicinity of tens of millions of dollars to date, however, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) would not confirm this.

CYRP taskforce co-chairs Professor Hurriyet Babacan and Professor Allan Dale will join TMR representatives for the open forum, which will be held in the civic reception room at Cairns Regional Council, from 10:15am on Thursday.

For more information, or to register your attendance, email engage@rdatropicalnorth. org.au.

dredging notice

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging from mid-May 2024 at the Port of Weipa.

Dredging will also be completed at Amrun on behalf of Rio Tinto.

The project will take up to seven (7) weeks to complete.

The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane, as well as support vessels, have restricted manoeuvring capability. Local and visiting boaties are asked to take care and notice of all warning flags and lights.

Maintenance dredging needs to be carried out to ensure that safe, navigable shipping depths are maintained.

Environmental controls and management measures will be implemented throughout the program to minimise the risk of any potential impact on the marine environment.

Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated.

Wik women put in spotlight as Aurukun unites

THE Aurukun community has united to recognise the contributions of grandmothers, mothers, aunties and daughters during Wik Women’s Week.

The week-long celebration was held to coincide with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and began with a family day on 19 May hosted by Aurukun Shire Council at the community splash park.

Koolkan Aurukun State School hosted an arts and crafts afternoon tea on 20 May, with a delicious spread provided by the school’s secondary students.

Remote Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care continued the celebration on 22 May with an open day at the Ma’aathan Women’s Shelter, before the council opened the doors at the Chivaree aged care facility later in the week to hold a memorial luncheon recognising a number of recent passings in the community, and the Sorry Business currently affecting many families.

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Have

your

PCYC Aurukun also contributed to Wik Women’s Week by facilitating a number of events across the month of May, including family and domestic violence information sessions, and a pampering night.

Aurukun Councillor Leona Yunkaporta said the week had provided the community with an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women in Aurukun, as well as provide a clear message that domestic and family violence would not be tolerated.

“Wik Women’s Week is a celebration of the women and families in our community,” she said.

“Domestic and family violence will not be tolerated in Aurukun; violence and control are not part of a healthy relationship, and help is available to those wanting to escape a violent situation. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and community.”

Wik Women’s Week will conclude on 29 May with a community march and candlelight vigil at PCYC Aurukun.

say on the design of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program

A new jobs program is coming to remote communi�es and the Australian Government wants to hear from you about how it should work.

People living in remote communi�es are invited to provide feedback to help design the new program.

You can have your say at an upcoming mee�ng in your area, or fill out a survey on the NIAA website.

To find out more visit www.niaa.gov.au/rjed-consulta�ons, call 1800 079 098 or visit your local NIAA office

Stakeholders in Aurukun, including the council and PCYC, united to celebrate Wik Women’s Week at a range of community events over the past 10 days.

The Cape York Region Package Taskforce will hold an open forum in Cairns seeking community feedback on the Peninsula Developmental Road upgrade, including the Archer River bridge.

$1.2m for consultation on listing

By LYNDON KEANE

THE Queensland Government is only a month or two away from submitting its tentative list of potential Cape York World Heritage sites to its federal counterpart.

Online and face-to-face community information sessions were delivered in Laura, Coen and Cairns earlier this month, with more than 70 stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, conservation groups, landowners and Cape York elected leaders, involved in the process.

The information sessions followed a series of Traditional Owner consultation meetings facilitated by the Cape York Land Council (CYLC), which was paid $1.2 million to co-ordinate on behalf of the government.

There has been wide-ranging concern over what a World Heritage listing of parts of Cape York would look like, with a Department of Environment, Science and Innovation spokesperson admitting the make-up of locations was still being finalised.

“Locations to be included in the tentative list submission are still to be finalised,” they told Cape York Weekly following the information sessions.

“The World Heritage Centre requires only one or more GPS points for tentative listing; a full World Heritage nomination will require boundaries around areas

that have the appropriate consent to be included.

“A full World Heritage nomination would be for the most important cultural landscapes on the [Cape York] Peninsula, not the whole Peninsula.”

The spokesperson said the nomination process would require the “participation and free, prior and informed consent” of all stakeholders with interests in the proposed sites.

“We are working with some Traditional Owners who have previously been interested in World

Heritage, and only considering areas that are under Indigenous ownership, or already part of Queensland’s protected area estate for tentative listing,” the spokesperson said.

“A future World Heritage nomination process will require the participation and free, prior and informed consent of all who have rights and interests in potential areas, including Traditional Owners, landowners, industry, councils and other stakeholders.

“Locations in the World Heritage area will have a management

system that will be negotiated with all relevant parties, and will form part of a future World Heritage nomination.”

Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane was one of the stakeholders who participated in a community information session and said she believed the way the tentative listing consultation process had been undertaken had caused undue suspicion.

“They are trying to have the existing national parks listed, but the requirement for a single GPS mark to apply for a tentative listing had

everyone nervous. I think that they definitely could have been a bit more forthcoming with information about their intentions and the process,” she said.

“I know now that they only consulted with the Traditional Owner groups of the national park areas to ensure that they were comfortable having the application for tentative listing made with a GPS mark on their property.

“Had they made a statement at the outset explaining it all, I don’t think people would have been so suspicious.”

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The State Government says it anticipates having a tentative World Heritage listing for parts of Cape York, expected to include Quinkan Country around Laura, ready to submit to the federal Minister for Environment and Water within a few months.

Family Wellbeing Services help families safely care for and protect their children

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services (FWS) are a culturally safe and free service for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have children under 18 living in their care.

The service covers the whole of Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York Peninsula.

Each year more than 5,000 families attend FWS for support with parenting and family issues. Families receive culturally safe support based on their families’ strengths and local community needs.

The services are delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations and the services are available for all family members including parents, grandparents, and other kin.

Getting back on track

One family who has benefitted from Family Wellbeing Services is Stacie and her children.

When Stacie found herself grappling with self-doubt and uncertainty about her ability

to provide for her children as a single parent, she turned to FWS for guidance and support.

“I reached out to Family Wellbeing Services because I had just ended a ten-year relationship. I was very negative on myself that I couldn’t parent my children,” said Stacie.

Reflecting on her journey, Stacie said, “I just felt like I needed to gain some assistance to make sure I was on the right track in doing what I was doing.”

She emphasised the important role FWS played in her family’s transition from crisis to stability. Initially feeling overwhelmed and lost, she felt supported by the fast and comprehensive assistance provided by her wellbeing provider.

“It was a really quick process from when I first linked to my wellbeing provider. They came out at that time when me and my children were homeless, living in a motel.”

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Addressing your family’s needs

Stacie met with a responsive team who wasted no time in addressing her family’s urgent needs. The FWS immediately collaborated with other agencies to secure transitional housing for Stacie and her children.

“When I moved into the transitional property, I didn’t have anything. The FWS were able to assist with the essential stuff that I needed.”

Through guidance and practical assistance, the FWS assisted Stacie to establish a stable environment conducive to her children’s ongoing wellbeing and education. From essential household items to educational resources and school uniforms, every step of their journey was met with tailored assistance.

“I do have two children with ADHD, so structure is something that is important for them. My family wellbeing worker was able to help and support me be able to implement that into our house,” said Stacie.

“Everything we accessed was free and really easy, even for further referrals.”

Stacie went on to describe how the FWS facilitated referrals to additional support networks and services, including counselling, ensuring she and her children received comprehensive support to strengthen their future.

Working towards a brighter future

Today, Stacie has newfound stability and empowerment. With a secure home environment and employment, she has regained her confidence and is working towards a brighter future.

“It’s just all a lot smoother, a lot easier, and a lot calmer now,” said Stacie.

“I’m now working part-time and the kids are doing well. The other day my son got an award for exceeding academic levels which is pretty cool for a Prep kid!”

Through FWS, Stacie and her kids were able to get the support they needed in a safe, non-judgemental, and culturally sensitive way.

For free and confidential support near you, visit familywellbeingqld.org.au or call 1300 117 095.

WALKING WITH FAMILY

For our children, we all walk together, to keep them safe, strong and connected to culture. Community organisations you trust are here to walk with you. To contact them and find free and confidential support near you, visit the Family Wellbeing Services website. Because we all want the best for our kids.

Visit familywellbeingqld.org.au or call 1300 117 095

Council lands $920k for reef protection

COOK Shire Council has received $920,000 in funding from the Federal Government to support critical conservation projects outlined in its Reef Action Plan.

As a member of the Reef Guardian Council Program, Cook Shire said its action plan identified projects aimed at protecting and preserving the Great Barrier Reef’s delicate ecosystems.

The funding will support four projects and Mayor Robyn Holmes said it would al-

low the council to continue delivering on strategies to mitigate land-based activities, including erosion and sediment runoff management.

“Living on Cape York Peninsula means living in harmony with the reef, an unparalleled privilege that comes with a responsibility to safeguard this natural treasure for all,” she said.

“This funding represents a solid investment in the protection and preservation of

the Great Barrier Reef [and] through these projects, Cook Shire Council is taking proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of landbased activities and ensure the long-term health and resilience of our precious marine environment.”

The four projects are the sealing of Home Rule Road, stage two of the Oaky Creek herbicide treatment, sediment reduction at the Mount Tully gravel pit, and enhancement of the Cooktown sewage treatment plant.

Coen product shortlisted for prestigious art award

By CHISA HASEGAWA

A COEN artist is “jumping with excitement” after being selected as a finalist for one of Australia’s most prestigious art awards.

Naomi Hobson was chosen out of more than 8000 artists who submitted to the 2024 Hadley’s Art Prize, and is the only Cape York artist to have ever been shortlisted.

“It’s one of those things that you never think you’ll get into, because it’s so prestigious,” the artist said.

“This is like the golden ticket for artists in this country – it’s very well recognised.”

The Hadley’s Art Prize is open to all artists in the country over 18 years old, and participants must submit their best portrayal of the Australian landscape.

“It’s not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander [artists], it’s a mainstream award,” Ms Hobson explained.

“There’s all these big, senior artists that I’ve always looked up to that have been selected into this award, and then being selected yourself as an Indigenous person from remote Cape York and being a woman of colour, it’s one of those unbelievable moments.

“As an artist, these are the moments that set your profile, and so many opportunities come out of them.”

Born and raised in Coen, Ms Hobson’s submission Life on

the River is based on her experiences on the land. With the Coen River running across her backyard and the stories from Elders as inspiration, the artist’s work presented a unique connectedness to Country.

“I think it’s about time that people know the diverse landscape here in Cape York; it’s very unique and there’s so much to offer,” she said.

“Being shortlisted in the Hadley’s Art Prize creates conversations that get people thinking positively about nature, and the deep connections that Indigenous people have with Country.

“The Coen community has a rich river culture that I don’t think is acknowledged out there; we have always helped maintain a healthy river ecosystem by having a presence here and looking after Country, [and] my art celebrates that way of life.

“There’s a lot of pride in the way I present my artwork because, I’m passionate about my Country, I love who I am and I love where I come from.”

Ms Hobson was also shortlisted last year and has garnered both national and international attention for her work.

Over the coming months, she

will showcase herself as an artist in London, North Africa and Miami.

“Just being selected as a finalist, there’s so many opportunities and we’re already winners,” she said.

“It’s everything an artist could dream of; I’m just proud to be here and support my community moving forward, so the rest of the country can see what a vibrant community we have up here in the bush.”

The winner of the Hadley’s Art Prize will be announced in August, with the selected artist receiving $100,000.

NEWS IN BRIEF

‘Bitumen bandits’ arrested

DETECTIVES from the Tablelands Criminal Investigation Branch have charged three people in relation to alleged fraud offences.

Police allege the men are part of a criminal organisation commonly referred to as the “Bitumen Bandits”.

Police will further allege the group is responsible for offences in Cooktown, Mount Isa and Longreach, where they would pose as tradespeople offering bitumen surfacing for a discounted price.

Cape York Weekly understands the same men may have been attempting to operate in Weipa last week.

The group allegedly called victims claiming they were using bitumen leftover from a previous job.

A 34-year-old man, a 41-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were each charged with one count of fraud.

All three were refused police bail, and will reappear in the Mareeba Magistrates Court on May 27.

Detectives are urging anyone who had bitumen resurfacing done or had contact with the group to come forward.

Mental health training

THERE are still limited places available for a mental health first aid course scheduled to be held in Weipa on 1-2 June.

Hosted by Conquer the Corrugations, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Swift FNQ, the free two-day training will assist participants to support someone having a mental health crisis until professional help can be sought.

The course will be held at the Albatross Bay Resort from 8:30am-3:30pm each day.

To register, call 4040 0444 or email mhadmin@rfdsqld.com.au.

Renter rights strengthened

ALL forms of rent bidding are banned in Queensland, and property owners will only be able to increase rents once per year on their property following the passing of new rental law reforms in Parliament.

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 will strength the rights of renters in the state, including improving the rental bond process by requiring claims to be supported by evidence.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning Meaghan Scanlon said the reforms represented her government’s commitment to “never turn our back on renters”.

Coen artist Naomi Hobson has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 Hadley’s Art Prize.

Cape, Torres Strait youth art talent on show in Cairns

THROUGH the eyes of young artists, Cape York and Torres Strait culture is currently being showcased at UMI Arts’ second exhibition of the year.

Culture Though Our Eyes kicked off in Cairns last week at the First Nations gallery with 27 works from 14 artists aged 14-17.

UMI Arts artistic director Lisa Michl Ko-manggén said the youth exhibition celebrated young talent and was an opportunity for them to connect with their culture.

“In the past 20 years that UMI Arts has been around,

we’ve found that it’s crucial to engage young people in art, because it creates a pathway for young people to speak with their families and talk to their Elders and uncles and aunties about culture,” she said.

“I feel that our First Nations art industry is on the up and I feel as though [by] providing opportunities for young people to get engaged, it provides them with a platform to showcase their work from a young age.”

Cape York artist Shyanne Miller said she was excited about her first exhibition

with UMI Arts, though she had previously showcased her work.

“This is my first time getting with an Indigenous organisation; it’s very nice to show my Indigenous culture with my art,” she said.

“It’s very special to get an opportunity to showcase [my] culture and share it with everybody else, because that’s mostly what culture is, it’s sharing your history and your beliefs.”

Ms Miller based her work on the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the 2023 Reconciliation Week theme,

Be a Voice for Generations

“[It shows] its significance to Indigenous people in Australia, and how it created a voice for us in Parliament,” she explained.

“It’s very good for our generation and for me to self-express and have these opportunities to speak and be heard.”

The exhibition also features work by Cape York and Torres Strait artists Jasmine Davis, Peter Levi, Sienna Loban, Jahzara Michl, Olivia Pootchemunka and Penelope Savage. – story by Chisa Hasegawa

New birthing suite well received

By CHISA HASEGAWA

THE doors of the long-awaited birthing suite in Weipa are officially open after 25 years of locals having to travel elsewhere to give birth.

Queensland Health chief midwifery officer Liz Wilkes and Weipa maternity staff were eager to welcome community members to a tour of the new facility during the official opening on 24 May.

Weipa Hospital director of nursing Kindee Lawty said it was moving to see the hard work behind the service be presented to the community at last.

“I’m very humbled for the work that we’ve been doing and the services that we will be able to provide women and their families,” she said.

“The community is well invested within the hospital, and they’re generally very proud of their hospital, so it’s a great opportunity for us to show off certain parts of it when they’re brand new.”

Ms Lawty explained that for any new service as significant as the birthing suite, giving residents a chance to see the space before they use it was helpful.

“I think there’s a lot of curiosity about certain services when they commence at the hospital because, once they do, some of those areas become restricted to access,” she said.

“The ability to come and see the environment and see how beautiful the rooms are, so it’s not so daunting is really important.

“I think it contributes to a peace of mind for the women and their families within community to actually see what a professional birthing suite looks like and meet our midwives and maternity staff;

it certainly creates a more welcoming environment.”

Expectant mothers previously had to travel away from their families and support network at 36 weeks to give birth.

The local service will allow mothers to stay in their community and be cared for through a model the Torres and Cape Hospital and

Health Services calls Midwifery Group Practice.

“What that means is there is a continuity with the midwives and the women and their families throughout the entire pregnancy and up to six weeks afterwards, and that in itself builds beautiful relationships and creates a better environment for giving birth,”

“I know in many cases, where mothers have other children, there is a great deal of pressure put on families having to leave, often without their partners.

“I think there will be a change in where women think about having their babies, and we are all looking forward to the first birth.”

Ms Lawty told Cape York Weekly

Young artist Shyanne Miller explored the significance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a voice for Indigenous people in her artwork.

Queensland Health chief midwifery officer Liz Wilkes (second from left) and Weipa maternity staff welcome the community to the opening of the new Weipa Hospital birthing suite on 24 May.

Artist ready for debut exhibition

By CHISA HASEGAWA

NATURE through the eyes of Weipa’s Lisa Scharf will be on display in her own backyard and in Cooktown when the artist’s first solo exhibition opens on 31 May.

Titled Nature’s Resonance, the exhibition will feature multiple mediums of art which explore Ms Scharf’s connection to the environment around her.

“I think connecting to where I’m living is really important, because I have moved around a lot,” the artist said.

“I’ve been [in Weipa] for four years; I’ve lived extensively around Australia, so it’s important for me to

NEWS IN BRIEF

Special guest for festival

COOK Shire Council has announced Australian TV and radio personality Brian Nankervis will be a special guest in the region for next month’s Cooktown Discovery Festival.

As co-host of music television program RocKwiz since 2004, Nankervis will bring his comedic wit, skilful satire and musical wisdom to host the festival’s Sunday program on 16 June, with a special audience participation show to find Cooktown’s “biggest rock-n-roll know-it-all”.

Cook Shire tourism and events manager Sally Eales said the 2024 festival, which will be held from 14-16 June, was shaping up to be the best on record.

“With an incredible line-up of performers, new activities, and returning favourites, this year’s festival is set to be our best yet,” she said.

“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the unique charm and culture of Cooktown.”

To see the festival program, visit www. cooktowndiscovery.com.au.

Telecommunications input

CAPE York and Torres Strait residents and business operators have until 31 July to flag any concerns they have about telecommunications in the region.

The Federal Government is in the middle of public consultation for its Regional Telecommunications Review, with stakeholders able to make a submission identifying their experiences and any suggestions for improving services.

Committee chair Alannah MacTiernan said it was vital Cape York and Torres Strait residents flagged frustrations in a bid to improve remote connectivity.

To have your say, visit www. infrastructure.gov.au and search for “2024 Regional Telecommunications review”.

Boost for electrical safety

THE State Government has made changes to strengthen Queensland’s electrical safety laws following consultation with industry, unions, electricity entities and the community

The Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced to Parliament last week and aims to ensure the state’s electrical safety laws remain contemporary and will capture new and emerging technologies.

The legislation clarifies the definition of “electrical installation” to incorporate new energy generation and storage systems, to make clear the licensing requirements for working on these systems.

the community through her business Get Your Art On Weipa, where she facilitates paint and sip workshops.

Alongside paintings, she will also display her ceramic and weaving work, which combine to showcase the beauty of the western Cape York township.

“My work is becoming quite feminine; I’m finding the femininity and softness in the landscape, because it can be quite harsh,” she said.

connect and belong, and I do that through creating and making art.”

She is well known in

“I hope that people who come will get their own sense of connection to the beauty of Weipa as well.”

Ms Scharf said a solo exhibition had been a goal for many years as a full-time artist.

With a grant from Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North and Cook Shire Council, and support from regional arts officer Waratah Nicholls, Ms Scharf’s dream has finally become a reality.

More than half of the tickets for the Weipa opening night have been sold, with the supplementary ceramics workshop already sold out.

Ms Scharf will also showcase her work in Cooktown

at Nature’s Powerhouse Botanical Gardens.

“I am nervous to put myself out there, but the community has been amazing in their support of me,” Ms Scharf said.

“I’m a self-taught artist, so there’s been lots of learning, but I feel like now is the right time.”

Nature’s Resonance will be open in Weipa at the Kumrumja Centre on 31 May from 6pm and 1 June from 8:30am-2pm. It will also open in Cooktown at Nature’s Powerhouse on 3 June.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

Mental Health First Aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of a mental health problem, or who is in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until the appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

Developing Mental Health Problems

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Psychosis

• Substance Use Problems

Mental Health Crisis

• Suicidal behaviour

• Panic attacks

• Sever psychotic states

• Severe effects from alcohol or drugs

• Aggressive behaviours

Well-known Weipa artist Lisa Scharf says she is both nervous and excited ahead of her first solo exhibition.

Research unveils long-lost family living in same town

By CHISA HASEGAWA

AN ancestral journey spanning Australia, Ireland, Canada and the United States has come to fruition after a set of second cousins met and connected in Cooktown.

Cooktown local Angela Morrell, who moved with her family from California over 20 years ago, began a search for long-lost relatives after finding out her greatgrandmother was buried in the community.

Supported by a friend at the Cooktown History Centre, Ms Morrell found that her great-grandparents had migrated to Cooktown from Ireland in 1913.

“I wasn’t even born in Australia, I was born in California, so it was a huge surprise to find out that I had a great-grandmother buried in the cemetery here,” she said.

“As it turns out, there are people, relatives of mine, that come to Cooktown all the time looking for information about their history.”

Most recently, Ms Morrell met with an Irish second cousin who visited from Canada.

“It was wonderful and very exciting to meet someone that lives so far away, and know that I’m related to people I’ve never met,” she said.

“We called a couple of times

and there’s a connection there; she was saying there is a bit of a family resemblance.

“If we had more time, we feel we’d become quite close friends.”

The Cooktown local of over two decades said it was a surprising turn of events to end up where her ancestors had immigrated to more than a century ago.

“I was already here 10 years or

so before I found out,” Ms Morrell said.

“I didn’t know this, but where I was working at the time, I could literally jump over the fence and I’d be where her plot is.

“It was really a surprise to connect with relatives in Cooktown of all places.”

Ms Morrell will continue to search for information about her

Business in focus at T.I. forum

MEMBER for Cook Cynthia Lui and Minister for Employment and Small Business Lance McCallum will host a forum on Thursday Island to connect with aspiring local entrepreneurs.

The small business forum will be held from 4:30pm-7pm on 5 June at the Grand Hotel and will feature Minister McCallum as a guest speaker.

Ms Lui said the forum would also give local people and businesses the chance to raise ideas and questions with the minister.

“I believe very strongly in supporting economic development in Cook,” she said.

“Communities that are enabled and supported to make the most of their skills, ideas and expertise are stronger, healthier communities.

roots and hopes to visit Ireland one day. “I’ve never been to Europe before, so it’s something that I’d love to do,” she said.

“I don’t recall my mother ever saying we’re Irish descendants, so I’m interested to find out more.

“[My second cousin] said ‘you have plenty of family over in Ireland as well’, so there’s many more ancestors to chase down.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and I am always looking for ways to support small businesses. I wanted to bring the minister to the Torres Strait to showcase the innovation and creative thinking in our Cape and Torres regions.” Minister McCallum said he was looking forward to meeting with locals on Thursday Island.

To register for the event, email cook@parliament.qld.gov.au or call 4223 1100.

TSRA searching for a new boss after Malone resigns

THR Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is on the hunt for a new boss following the resignation of chief executive officer Vonda Malone on 23 May.

Ms Malone has resigned to accept an appointment as part of the State Government’s Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry.

In a media release, TSRA said Ms Malone’s resignation had taken immediate effect.

Ms Malone said she had been privileged to lead the organisation for the past two years to manage programs and activities progressing towards closing the gap priority reforms and socioeconomic outcomes across the region.

“I am extremely proud that as a team, we have achieved considerable milestones and refreshed the TSRA foundation to bet-

ter serve the Torres Strait region, including Bamaga and Seisia communities in the Northern Peninsula Area, well past 30 years of TSRA’s operations,” Ms Malone said.

“I would like to thank the TSRA board, executive program management team, rangers and staff across all program areas and corporate services for their commitment, professionalism and support.

“It has been an honour to serve our people and region, and I am looking forward to continuing that in the capacity of my new role.”

TSRA chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen said the recruitment process for a new CEO would commence as soon as possible, with Charlie Kaddy appointed as acting CEO in the interim.

Ms Malone commences her new appointment on 1 July 2024.

Torres Strait Regional Authority staff farewell departing chief executive officer Vonda Malone (centre) on 23 May.

Angela Morrell (right) connected with her long-lost second cousin through the Cooktown History Centre.

Kindy fundraiser was a smash hit

FROM Kurt and Courtney to Prince and the Wiggles, no musical era was forgotten when the Weipa community frocked up to rock out at 2024 Wine by the Sea (WBTS) fundraiser on 25 May.

Almost 300 people dressed up and descended on Kumrumja Park for the annual C&K Kindy fundraiser, with the Music Through the Eras theme clearly embraced by those putting their best foot forward.

The fun-filled event has been a must-do for Weipa residents each year, and Weipa Community Kindergarten vice-president Caitlyn Moore said, while figures were still being finalised, it looked like it would be another successful fundraiser.

“At this stage, it is looking to be quite a successful event, and we’re

just so grateful for all the support,” she said.

“As expected, we had all ticketholders attend and with the extra

bodies of volunteers and workers for the night.”

Ms Moore said the theme had kept attendees on their feet most of

the night as many tried to find the dance steps from the music hits of their youth.

“It was a really fun vibe. The

dancefloor was busy from very early on, and everyone seemed to be pumped to be there,” she said.

“We’re really happy with how our vision came to life.”

Most of the event’s raffle winners were able to celebrate their good fortune through being in attendance on the night, and Ms Moore praised everyone involved in bringing the committee’s vision to a loud, vibrant celebration of Weipa’s kindy community.

“It’s heartwarming and rewarding to see and hear how much everyone loves WBTS,” she said.

“It’s a big event for a small group of organisers to pull off, but when it all comes together on the night and everyone is having such a good time, it makes it all worth it.

“Raising funds for our kindy is the cherry on top.”

Let him eat cake: Reed notches a

parkrun century

RUNNING and cake are not commonly associated with one another, but it is not every day you finish your one hundredth parkrun.

That was the case in Weipa on Saturday when Reece Reed crossed the finish line to record his event milestone, which fellow parkrunners helped celebrate with a cake baked especially for the occasion.

Reed stopped the clock in 26 minutes, 9 seconds over the five-kilometre course, with 33 participants lacing up their shoes for Weipa parkrun 367.

Weipa’s Mia Waite, Penny Johnson, Jemma Collins and Caitlyn Moore embrace their inner Wiggles at Wine by the Sea on Saturday night. Photo: Happy Moments Photography

It’s not often you get to finish a five-kilometre run with cake, but you only finish your 100th parkrun once.

Reece Reed hams it up after notching up his parkrun century in a time of 26 minutes, 9 seconds in Weipa on Saturday morning.

Iconic Laura festival faces threat of extinction: CEO

THE future of the biennial Laura Quinkan Dance Festival could be in jeopardy if a funding gap cannot be closed, says the boss of AngGnarra Aboriginal Corporation.

The festival is a must-attend event for hoardes of Cape York locals and visitors every two years, but AAC chief executive officer August Stevens said there were concerns the 2025 edition may not go ahead.

“All in all, the cost to produce and operate the event is an enormous sum, more than $600,000,” he said.

“Funding has been a constant issue over time; this has required grant applications to the Queensland Government departments for financial support to produce the event each two years.

“The applications for funding involve a myriad of hurdles to clear and a time lapse to await an outcome of approve or not approve.

“Some smaller donations were made by service providers wanting association with the event, and most of the other required income has been made up with ticket and vendor sales.”

Co-ordination of the three-day festival, which has been running since the 1980s, was taken back by AAC in 2018, and Mr Stevens

said the organisation had been the only one to reinvest in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades at the Laura site.

“Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation has been the only entity to build and repair infrastructure on the site over time, however, this has not been the case lately, with the 2021 festival breaking even, and the 2023 event costing [the organisation] $60,000 out of its own business finances,” he said.

“As a business, our corporation

can no longer afford to operate or produce this iconic Indigenous event just to break even or [go] into debt.

“Without making a profit that can be ploughed back into new infrastructure for the site, the cost to stage future events will only skyrocket over time, and will only remain a memory.”

When asked if he believed there was a simple solution to the funding crisis, Mr Stevens said the cultural and economic importance of

the festival should make ongoing financial support a priority for the State Government.

Should the [festival] fail to continue … then it will become a very sad time for an iconic event on the Queensland tourism calendar,” he said.

“The event has always attracted people from afar; it has enabled visitors to meet, yarn and mingle with Australian First Nations people in their own backyard in Laura.”

Dengue a concern: authorities

TORRES Strait and Cape York residents are being urged to take all possible precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes following a dengue fever outbreak on Mer (Murray) Island.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service public health medical officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said, so far, four cases of dengue fever had been identified in residents or recent visitors to the island.

They are the first cases of dengue fever in the TCHHS region since a single case in 2019.

Dr Hempenstall said a public health team arrived on the island on 27 May to oversee a program of mosquito control, check for any further cases, and deliver information to residents about mosquito-borne diseases and how to minimise risk.

“While mosquitoes tend to be far more prevalent in normally wetter seasonal conditions between November and April, in the tropical north, they are active all year round,” she said.

“But no matter the time of year, our advice to local communities remains the same.

“The very best protection against mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.’’

Join us as we take a journey through time from the discovery of bauxite to mining the last ore at East Weipa. Hosted along the Napranum Foreshore, these events are open to everyone and we hope to see some past employees there on the day!

Date: Venue: Time:

activities

food, icecream and softdrink (1 voucher per person) Fireworks display and much more!

The CEO of Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation says the future of the iconic Laura Quinkan Dance Festival is in doubt due to funding concerns. Photo: Supplied.

Croc plan to ‘boost Cape coffers’

by LYNDON KEANE

THE Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) plan to introduce saltwater crocodile hunting across the state could “drive economic diversification” across remote Cape York communities, says its candidate for the state seat of Cook.

KAP stalwart and Member for Hill Shane Knuth introduced a private member’s bill to State Parliament on 22 May calling for the establishment of the Queensland Crocodile Authority to lead balanced management of the crocodile population, reduce threat to human life and look at commercial opportunities regarding hunting.

The bill appears to focus on “prioritising human life in waterways that are heavily used by North Queenslanders” from Port Douglas south to Townsville, and Mr Knuth said he wanted locals and visitors to be able to utilise beaches and rivers without the threat of getting “ripped to pieces”.

“I am saddened that our tourism industry is trying to promote our beautiful beaches and waterways, but when tourists arrive, all they see are crocs signs and beach closures, and warned that if you swim you are potentially going to be ripped to pieces,” he said.

“This initiative is poised to drive economic diversification within communities,” he told Cape York Weekly

“By fostering new skill sets and capabilities among rangers, the bill has the potential to encourage the

KAP candidate for Cook Duane Amos said he believed the potential economic impact paid crocodile hunting could have on Indigenous Cape York communities meant the bill deserved consideration.

development of small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures; these ventures could range from ecotourism operations to artisanal crafts, thereby opening new economic avenues and reducing reliance on a single industry.

“This empowers Indigenous

•

•

•

communities to lead sustainable hunting activities, which not only provide food and leather goods, but also cater to emerging markets, such as the pet food industry.”

Mr Amos said the bill would mean those with first-hand experience about local crocodile popu-

lations would be driving decision making about monitoring and management.

“The key issue is to ensure a local decision-making approach driven by those who face the actual risks, rather than a policy-driven approach from Brisbane,” he said.

Katter’s Australian Party candidate for Cook Duane Amos says his party’s plan to introduce saltwater crocodile hunting has significant economic potential for Indigenous Cape York communities.

Lakeland plan must be approved

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

IN the world of politics and regional development, grandiose plans are like the proverbial body part in that everyone has one, with some demonstrably more useful than others.

That’s certainly true of the proposed Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme (LIAS), for which Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North unveiled its detailed business case last week.

Already seven years in the making, the ambitious project will construct a 296-gigalitre dam on the Palmer River to help irrigate an additional 10,050 hectares of land to transform Lakeland into a food bowl and regional economic powerhouse that will punch well above its weight and have flow-on benefits well beyond the Cook Shire local government boundary.

The brains behind the scheme have costed it at $1.6 billion and anticipate it will push somewhere in the vicinity of $500 million into the local economy each year.

Even if you work on the assumption the cost estimate is a bit light on – a realistic postulation, given it will be 2031 before it’s operational – the fact it will pay for itself within a handful of years is unheard of with major infrastructure projects.

The rest of the numbers in the business case are just as worthy of attention.

Pundits estimate the project will create 2,500 full-time jobs during the construction phase, and over 1,800 when the scheme is operational through increased agricultural production and associated industries.

If the vision of the project is fully realised, there’s every chance about 3,000 people could call little old Lakeland home within a decade, a tenfold increase on its current population.

For perspective, it’s the equiv-

alent of a single project bumping Weipa’s population north of 40,000.

It’s fair to say our state and federal governments have been reluctant to dive into the dam building game in recent times, ostensibly due to growing pressure from environmental groups and voters who believe having an address west of Indooroopilly constitutes remote living.

However, the project will not impact the Great Barrier Reef, as the Palmer River empties in the opposite direction, and the business case estimates only one per

MEN’S HEALTH FUNDRAISER

Come & enjoy a fun day of golf & fundraising!

cent of outflow into the Gulf of Carpentaria will be affected.

While RDA Tropical North and Cook Shire Council are heralding the benefit of LIAS getting the funding green light, they aren’t alone.

Traditional Owners, existing Lakeland primary producers and community advocates all seem to agree the project ticks the big four infrastructure investment boxes: water security, food security, economic development and job creation.

If LIAS lives up to the hype, there’s no reason it can’t be the

catalyst to open up international export markets through Cooktown Airport and, if another ambitious plan goes ahead, Weipa as a sea freight hub.

These opportunities are, of course, in addition to existing southern markets that can’t get enough of our produce.

If you need more justification, having a food bowl in our backyard will create a genuine solution to supply Cape York and Torres Strait residents with fresh fruit and vegetables in a manner the State Government’s 5.2 per cent freight subsidy has fallen well short of achieving.

It feels odd to pen an editorial without mentioning the ongoing battle to seal the Peninsula Developmental Road, so I’m just going to casually suggest developing LIAS will also create an overwhelming economic argument for finally getting stages three and four of the Cape York Region Package funded and delivered.

The scheme needs to be supported and funded with immediacy.

It’s that simple.

If the state and federal governments are prepared to consider spending $12b on a 37.8-kilometre rail extension on the Sunshine Coast, there is no argument for not whipping out the oversized novelty cheques to finance a legitimate game – and community – changing project for Cape York.

or Ph: 4069

@ the

Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes, RDA Tropical North chair Professor Hurriyet Babacan and RDA Tropical North chief executive officer Sonja Johnson inspect the Lakeland Irrigation Area Scheme detailed business case, a project editor Lyndon Keane says should be given an immediate funding green light.

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Whillier

Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.

Slater unveils the team to beat NSW

QUEENSLAND coach Billy Slater has stunningly axed Gold Coast Titans star David Fifita from his 20-man squad for next week’s State of Origin opener in Sydney.

Fifita was the shock exclusion at the team announcement on Monday, with J’maine Hopgood revealed as the sole debutant after a number of strong seasons on the paddock for the Parramatta Eels.

Speaking to media following the announcement, Slater said he had “no doubt” Fifita would get back to his best form and once again pull on a Maroon jersey, before shining the spotlight on his debutant.

“He applied his trade and worked on his game ... [and] he earned his way into the camp last year in game three, and that wasn’t just for an experience,” the coach said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing J’maine go out there and represent his state.”

Slater admitted New South Wales was boasting “a really strong side” but said his team would be making their game the priority between now and kick-off on 5 June.

“We’ve got 20 fit and healthy Queenslanders ready to get to work for the next 10 days to represent their state,” he said.

“We’ll give [the Blues] the time and respect they deserve in our preparation, that’s for sure, but our priority is our team and our game.”

Proposed Development

Make a submission from 27/05/2024- 05/07/2024

Development Application for Pormpuraaw Residential Subdivision

Where: Yalu Street and Manth Street, Pormpuraaw QLD 4892

On: (part of) Lot 511 on SP327449

Approval sought: Approval sought: Preliminary Approval for a Material Change of Use for a Variation Request to vary the effect of the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Planning Scheme Development Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot - 1 into 30 lots, plus new road and balance lot, staged development Application ref: DA2022_035

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council 24 Thinraathin Street Pormpuraaw QLD 4892 admin@pormpuraaw.qld.gov.au 07 4060 4600 www.pormpuraaw.qld.gov.au

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016

Queensland Maroons team State of Origin game one 5 June, 2024 (Accor Stadium, Sydney) 1 Reece Walsh, 2 Xavier Coates, 3 Valentine Holmes, 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5 Murray Taulagi, 6 Tom Dearden, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c), 8 Reuben Cotter, 9 Ben Hunt, 10 Lindsay Collins, 11 Jaydn Su’A, 12 Jeremiah Nanai; 13 Patrick Carrigan. INTERCHANGE: 14 Harry Grant, 15 Moeaki Fotuaika, 16 J’maine Hopgood, 17 Selwyn Cobbo, 18 Felise Kaufusi; 19 Brendan Piakura, 20 Ezra Mam.

Proposed Development

Make a submission from 27/05/2024 - 05/07/2024

Development Application for Pormpuraaw Residential Subdivision

Where: Rakku Street and Yalu Street, Pormpuraaw QLD 4892

On: (part of) Lot 512 on SP327448

Approval sought: Preliminary Approval for a Material Change of Use for a Variation Request to vary the effect of the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Planning Scheme Development Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot - 1 into 20 lots, plus new road and balance lot, staged development

Application ref: DA2022_036

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to: Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council 24 Thinraathin Street Pormpuraaw QLD 4892 admin@pormpuraaw.qld.gov.au 07 4060 4600 www.pormpuraaw.qld.gov.au

Public notification requirements are in accordance with the

Public Consultation

The 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee is examining the existing and future telecommunications needs in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia.

We want to hear your views on, and ideas for, telecommunications in your region, including:

• the availability of suitable phone and internet services

• telecommunications challenges faced during natural disasters

• how emerging technologies could improve connectivity

• ways that telecommunications can support regional development.

Public consultation sessions will be held in Mount Isa, Mornington Island, Thursday Island, and Cairns between Monday 17 June and Wednesday 19 June

Go to www.rtirc.gov.au for further details, to register your attendance in advance and to find out more about the Review.

Maroons coach Billy Slater says he has picked a balanced squad for the Origin opener.

CAPE YORK LAND COUNCIL

YUK PUYNGK

NOTICE OF MEETING FOR THE WESTERN YALANJI NATIVE TITLE GROUP

Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

TUESDAY 11 JUNE 2024, MAREEBA

This notice is to advise that Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will be facilitating a meeting on Tuesday 11 June 2024 in Mareeba for all members of the Western Yalanji Native Title Group in relation to the Cape York United #1 Claim (shown in pink on the map below).

Details of this meeting are as follows:

Western Yalanji Native Title Group

Date: Tuesday 11 June 2024

Time: 10:00am – 2:30pm

Venue: Cedric Davies Community Hub, 43 Anzac Avenue, Mareeba

Western Yalanji boundary resolution nominated representatives

Date: Tuesday 11 June 2024

Time: 2:30- 4:30pm pm

Venue: Cedric Davies Community Hub, 43 Anzac Avenue, Mareeba

Purpose of this meeting:

The purpose of this meeting is for CYLC to provide an update on the CYU#1 Claim and to discuss next steps required to progress towards a determination of native title, including taking instructions from the group as to:

(a) the boundary resolution plan that the group would like to undertake to resolve the boundary between the Western Yalanji Native Title Group and the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Native Title Group;

(b) nomination of the persons who hold cultural authority to speak for the boundary area between the Western Yalanji Native Title Group and the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Native Title Group; and

(c) The group description of the Western Yalanji Native Title Group.

Who is invited to attend the meeting?

All members of the Western Yalanji Native Title Group are invited to attend the meeting.

Following the substantive meeting, the nominated representatives will meet to begin discussions about the boundary with Eastern Kuku Yalanji.

Attendance

For travel assistance, to confirm attendance, or to arrange a zoom link to this meeting, please contact Jayd Copelin by Wednesday 5 June 2024 on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email jcopelin@cylc.org.au.

Note that there is limited funding available for travel assistance. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact CYLC.

CAPE YORK LAND COUNCIL

YUK PUYNGK

ICN 1163 | A BN 22 965 382 705

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED

MEETINGS

Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014)

Central West Wik People

Wik and Wik Way People

Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Cape York Land Council (CYLC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, 19 June 2024 in Aurukun (the ‘Piccaninny Plains Authorisation Meeting’) for the Central West Wik People to consider whether to authorise a proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area known as Piccaninny Plains, as shown bounded in red on the map below. In the Piccaninny Plains proposed determination area, the native title of the Northern Kaanju People and the separate and distinct native title of the Central West Wik People, wholly overlap geographically.

A determination of native title involves a decision of the Federal Court. Important things about a determination of native title include that the Federal Court determines (1) who holds native title, (2) what the native title rights are, (3) the area to which the native title rights apply after any determination is made, and (4) which corporation will represent the members of the determined native title group. The purpose of the Piccaninny Plains Authorisation Meeting is to decide whether to approve the proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area bounded in red as shown on the map below. The agenda of the meeting will be to consider whether the persons present:

• agree and adopt a decision-making process;

• agree to the proposed agreement for a determination of native title;

• agree to nominate a corporation to represent the native title holders identified in the proposed agreement for a determination of native title over the proposed determination area; and

• authorise the Principal Legal Officer of CYLC to nominate the proposed corporation in writing to the Federal Court for it to be the prescribed body corporate under s.57(2)(a) & (b) of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) for the proposed determination of native title.

If the Piccaninny Plains Authorisation Meeting on Wednesday, 19 June 2024 authorises the proposed determination of native title, the determination will then be sought in the Federal Court. The Court has listed a potential consent determination ‘on the papers’ (meaning, no Court hearing is proposed) for the area shown on the map below bounded in red, if there is to be a consent determination, on a date yet to be confirmed.

If the Central West Wik People nominate Ngan Aak-Kunch Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ICN 4097) (NAK AC) as the corporation to represent the determined native title group, CYLC will also hold a meeting on Wednesday, 19 June 2024 in Aurukun (Common Law Holders Meeting) immediately after the Piccaninny Plains Authorisation Meeting for the Wik and Way People to consider whether they, as common law holders of native title, made by the Federal Court respectively in:

• Wik and Wik Way People (QCD2009/002);

• Wik and Wik Way Peoples (QCD2000/006);

• Wik and Wik Way Native Title Determination No.2 (QCD2004/002);

• Wik and Wik Way Native Title Determination No.3 (QCD2004/003);

• Wik and Wik Way Native Title Determination No.4 (QCD2012/010); and

• Ross on behalf of the Cape York United #1 Claim Group v State of Queensland (No 22) (Wik and Wik Way independent parcels determination) [2023] FCA 1317 consent to the nomination of NAK AC as the corporation to represent the Central West Wik People for the area bounded in red as shown on the map below and identified in the proposed agreement for a determination of native title over the proposed determination area in the Cape York United # 1 Native Title Claim (QUD673/2014) (CYU#1 Claim) on a date yet to be confirmed.

A copy of the proposed agreement for a determination of native title for the area shown bounded in red as shown on the map below will be available at the meetings on Wednesday, 19 June 2024. At the request of the people who constitute the Applicant in the CYU#1 Claim, CYLC staff and consultants will be in attendance to be available to explain things such as the meaning and effect of the proposed agreement at the meetings. Any person attending the meetings will be able to ask questions about the proposed agreement and state their views about it.

GREAT RADIO CONNECTING NORTH QLD

Who is invited to attend the meetings?

The Piccaninny Plains Authorisation Meeting is open to the following:

(a) Brian Ross; and (b) those Aboriginal persons who are descended by birth, or adoption in accordance with the traditional laws acknowledged and the traditional customs observed by the Central West Wik People, from one or more of the following apical ancestors: (i) Peempa Thum-Kalban Ku’ekka; (ii) Daojan (Koondumbin); (iii) Jimmy (father of Polly Perkins and Connie Tartempenmiya); (iv) Father of Short Charlie and Long Charlie (Chaalongk); (v) George Brown; (vi) Chininga; (vii) Ko’owata (viii) Mosey; (ix) Dhaabangchiy; (x) Jimmy Lawrence; (xi) Palpal (Quinkan) Old Blowdy; (xii) Warnkoola Ancestor (father of Nellie ‘Eempen’ Warnkoola, Rupert Kepple Warnkoola and Charlie Warnkoola); or (xiii) Kepple Ancestor (father of Gilbert Kepple and Maamus Kepple).

The Common Law Holders’ Meeting is open to all Wik and Wik Way People.

The meetings will be held as follows: Piccaninny Plains Authorisation Meeting Common Law Holders’ Meeting

Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Venue: Wo’uw Ko’alam Community Centre Venue: Wo’uw Ko’alam

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. It is important to provide every opportunity for persons entitled to attend the meeting.

Attendance

To register your interest in attending this meeting or to enquire about travel assistance, please contact Jayd Copelin at CYLC on free call number 1800 623 548 or by email at lthompson@cylc.org.au no later than Wednesday 12 June 2024 Please note that there is limited funding for travel assistance. If you have queries about this meeting, please contact Parky Wirrick on 0409 548 569 or pwirrick@cylc.org.

Around the grounds: No shortage of action on the sporting stage

THE dry season is meant to be in full swing, but you would have had difficulty convincing Cooktown’s junior rugby league players and their supporters of that when they visited Atherton on Saturday morning.

From football to golf, barrel racing to running, there was plenty of action around the grounds across Cape York over the weekend.

Did you get spotted showing off your sporting skill over the past week?

Young footballers did Cape York and the Torres Strait proud when they took to the paddock in Cairns for the AFLQ Schools competition last week.

Rubyn Olsen and Jack Barton were among a group of boxers to don the gloves and fly the Cape York Boxing Weipa flag in Babinda at the weekend.

A field of 33 prepares to pound the pavement for Weipa parkrun on Saturday.

Cooktown Horse Sports Association members Mackenzie Young and Kath Russell show off their encouragement award prizes after Saturday’s event.

Cooktown’s under-8 junior rugby league contingent pose for a photo with their hosts and opponents in Atherton on 25 May.

Cooktown Crocs try to keep smiles on their faces as the rain and wind made game play challenging on Saturday morning.

The competition was action-packed when riders saddled up for the first Cooktown Horse Sports Association event of 2024 on Saturday morning.

Inclusion was the name of the game when the Eacham Junior Rugby League Club hosted 81 Cooktown players, parents, coaches and support staff in cold, gusty conditions in Atherton.

Weipa parkrun 367 recorded 33 runners, three first timers, five personal bests, one century celebration and countless smiles.

The under-7 Crocs made the most of the muddy conditions when they participated in an NRL TackleReady program in Atherton at the weekend.

Pint-sized Peyton Seagren is too cute for words as she shows off her collection of ribbons for the led classes at Cooktown Racecourse.

Crocs tough it out in cold

THE weather did not get the memo, but a convoy of Crocs from Cooktown to Atherton on 25 May has been heralded a success by the club.

A group of 81 Cooktown District Junior Rugby League Club (CDJRLC) players, family members, and coaching and support staff made the 300-kilometre trek to the Tablelands to be met with cold rain and “horizontal wind” as they were hosted by the Eacham Junior Rugby League Club.

The home club comprises players from Atherton, Ravenshoe, Malanda and Herberton,

and CDJRLC secretary Jacynta Hunt said the event had been an incredibly inclusive event, with the hosts fielding a number of one-off teams in order to give the visitors a game.

“We’re the only competition with [under-16] League Tag, and it’s so awesome they put together that group yesterday so our kids had a team to play,” she explained. “It was just so inclusive and great of them to go out of their way.”

The Crocs flexed their muscle in the testing conditions to claim a 40-32 win against their U16 rivals, while the club’s U7 players made the most of the mud as they participated in a TackleReady training session with representatives from the NRL.

Ms Hunt praised the Cook-

town contingent and said there were some impressive performances on the paddock, despite the unique playing conditions.

“Our Cooktown guys were freezing,” she laughed.

“We’re maybe accustomed to rain, but we definitely aren’t accustomed to cold rain and horizontal wind.

“Everyone played really well and showed great sportsmanship.”

The Crocs will be hoping for a change in the weather when they travel to Malanda for the next round of competition on 8 June.

Jaszczyszyn takes barrel race honours

THE riding was red-hot when competitors saddled up for the first Cooktown Horse Sports Association (CHSA) event of 2024 on Saturday morning.

Cooktown Racecourse came alive with the thump of hooves for the showdown, with CHSA members pitting themselves and their horses against a range of disciplines throughout the day.

The feature event on the card was the RSL Memorial Club open barrel race, which was available for riders who had competed in five events before they saddled up to chase the $400 prize purse.

Hailey Jaszczyszyn took the crown after the dust settled, with Demi D’Addona (second place) and Trudy Wilson (third place)

COOKTOWN

also impressing as Jaylarni Harrigan claimed the mystery time prize.

Kath Russell, Mackenzie Young, Maddie Case and Clay Harrigan secured encouragement awards during their first competitive outing of the season.

CHSA president Sarah Frew hailed the event a success, and said the club was now turning its

focus towards its next competition on 15-16 June.

“It was a great turnout, with many local riders and even a few from down south,” she said.

“Thank you to all our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to hold these events without them.

“Our next event will be the Horse and Hound Show on the 15th and 16th of June.”

SPORT IN BRIEF

Sands wins Wackers

DAVE Sands was far too impressive on the course when a field of 14 teed off in Wednesday Wackers action at Carpentaria Golf Club in Weipa on 22 May.

Sands used his handicap to secure the win, with his nett 30.5 enough to take the chocolates from runner-up Richard Dawe with nett 32.5.

Dawe proved superior with the short sticks on the day to claim nearest to the pin honours on the 15th, with Bruce Brockhurst landing closest to the flag on hole 18. Newcomer Krystle Ellis was awarded the Bradman’s for the round.

Round five Weipa netball

NETBALLERS will enter their fifth week of competition in Weipa on 29 May.

All age divisions are scheduled to play at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter tomorrow, with 5-6 years hitting the court from 3:153:45pm, 7-8 years from 3:45pm-4:15pm, 9-10 years from 4-4:45pm and 11-12 years from 4:30-5:15pm.

Crossley best at dawn

GRANT Crossley was the best in a small field of 10 when competitors hit the Carpentaria Golf Club fairways in beautiful conditions for Dawnbusters on 26 May.

Crossley finished the front nine holes with a nett 13 to claim a two-stroke win over Dave Sands (nett 15), who had to be content with runner-up honours and the men’s long drive gong.

Krystle Ellis was the best with the driver for the women, and also grabbed the Hoffman’s. Peter Lamond took nearest to the pin bragging rights.

WCC celebrates runners

FOUR runners from Western Cape College have been selected to represent the Peninsula team at the Queensland schools cross country championships in July.

The local athletes gained selection following trials in Yungaburra earlier this month.

Tillie Russ, Eva Ginn, Max Lynch and Slayde de Tournouer will represent Western Cape College in Brisbane, while David Kostecki, Tanna de Tournouer, Reuben Doolah, Lang Haines and Jack Barton were selected as shadows for Peninsula.

Trudy Wilson, Demi D’Addona, Hailey Jaszczyszyn and Jaylarni Harrigan celebrate their individual performances in the RSL Memorial Club open barrel race at the first Cooktown Horse Sports Association event of the year on Saturday.

Caleb Kamholtz, Max Giese and Chase Hunt try to keep warm.

• Two spacious bedrooms each with their own ensuites • Builtin robes • Split system air conditioning throughout • Outdoor patio overlooking the fully fenced yard • Breezy open plan living • Laundry and a third toilet downstairs • Located within an easy stroll to both Carpentaria Golf Club & Weipa Bowls Club • Tandem lockable carport • Body Corporate Levies $3022.24 approx • This townhouse is in a complex of 16 homes with a shared swimming pool, barbecue & common area

• Area 1 - 1191 m leased at $6526pm plus GST includes 3 x 40ft containers with workshop/storage space between (ie: 2 workshops with power & sewer x 116m2 each) together with hardstand area

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• Area 2 - 1095m2 driveway &