2020 May 14th Newspaper Edition

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TO SUBSCRIBE FIND US Thursday, May 14, 2020 CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN HEALTH

PAGE 4 & 5

Estate needs

FEATURE

REDUCING PLASTICS AND DEBRIS FROM OUR REEF

PAGE 7

PAGE 13

The cost of "free" child care is crippling local Early Education centres

Early Childhood educator Debbie Tiffen and Johnstone TAFE and Community Children's Centre director Kellie O'Connor with children during play time are hoping the government will review their "free" childcare scheme so they can survive and continue to operate

CONTINUED PG3

COMMUNITY NEWS

Contacts

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Advertising: Debra McAteer

For all inquires and information please contact our office:

To locate our Freelance Journalist for your region, please call:

Phone: (07) 4068 0088 Email: info@ccin.com.au

PAWS AND CLAWS:

Sharon Andrews: 0473 350 465 or (07) 4068 0088

Advertising and Classifieds can be paid via phone with credit card.

REFUGE HOURS Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00-11:00am & 3.30-5:00pm,

Saturday Morning: 8:00am - 9:30am.

Phone: 0428 807 461

27 DOWNING ST, INNISFAIL

Or email: info@ccin.com.au Mail: PO Box 1100 TULLY QLD 4854 *Let us know about events in your local area. Many of our best stories come from residents popping in and asking, “Did you know...” You can speak to us in complete confidence. Don’t be shy.

Office Address: 72 Butler Street TULLY QLD 4854 Owner/Editor: Sari Hyytinen

RAINFALL IS CALULATED IN MM

REGION RAINFALL April/May 2020

Rainfall Tully (YTD 1632.9mm) S

M

T

W

T

F

S

12

13

14

15 48.0

16 36.0

17 142.0

18 3.0

19 1.0

20

21

22 2.0

23 0.4

24 1.6

25

26 1.0

27 31.0

28 1.0

29 11.5

30 2.0

1

2

3

4

5

6 31.5

7 10.0

8 9.5

9 15.0

10 0.5

11

12 4.5

13

14

15

16

1.0mm

Chrystal

is the last of our kittens that is ready for a special family to take her home. Chrystal is almost 6 months old and very loving she enjoys being cuddled and like to play. To adopt Chrystal is $195 which includes desexing, microchipping, vet check and vaccinations

IGGULDEN’S FOR WORK WEAR IGGS AD

HI - VIS & REFLECTIVE: SOCKS, BOOTS STEEL-CAPS & NON SAFETY, MANY BRANDS

Rainfall Cardwell (YTD 1141.2mm) Rainfall Innisfail (YTD 1576.9mm) S 0.2mm

12

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

13

14

15

16 1.0

17 50.0

18

12

13

14

15 6.0

16 20.8

F 17 173.2

S

When and where to be in 2020

18

May 2020 28th - Mission Beach Lioness Club Biggest Morning Tea

19 2.0

20

21 16.0

22

23

24

25

19 14.4

20

21 0.2

22

23

24 7.0

25

26 1.6

27 13.0

28 0.2

29 3.0

30 0.2

1

2

26 16.2

27 27.8

28 1.4

29 7.8

30

1

2

3

4

5

6 4.0

7 4.0

8 5.0

9

3

4

5

6 35.8

7 21.2

8 4.8

9 4.2

13 1.0

14

15

16

13 15.4

14

15

16

10 1.4

11

12

10 0.4

11 0.2

12 1.6

DATE CLAIMER!

29th - Australias biggest morning Tea Warrina lakes innisfail June 2020 27 -Debutantes Ball

TULLY, 17 Butler St; IGGsToo, Banyan Plaza; CARDWELL 83 Victoria Street. PH: 4068 1295

July 2020

September 2020

4th -Tully Lioness Craft Fair Tully Country Club

12 -St Clare’s Fete

18th - Mission Beach Lioness Club Cent Sale

20th - Rotary take a kid Fishing October 2020

August 2020 1st & 2nd - El Arish 100 Weekend 29 - Tully Horticultural and Garden Club Flower Show

24th - Feast of ST Gerard To advertise your function please phone Ph: (07) 4068 0088

Home gardens:Yearly Saving SARI HYYTINEN

“Well and truly there has been a big demand for people are buying up on potting mix, seeds, and seedlings.

COVID-19 has sparked a rush to establish home gardens and encouraged a desire for self-sufficiency amongst members of the community. With the money being spent on ‘grow your own’ attempts do the members of our community risk finding themselves out of pocket?

Everything to grow their own edible gardens.”

There is encouraging news from South Australia for those people that are looking to plant their own edibles.

Once the garden has been established having an edible garden can save households up to $250 a year.

Mitre10 in Tully have already started to see an in-

The Johnstone River Community Gardens was de-

crease in demand from members of the community to

signed and built on permaculture principles and it is en-

assist them to become self-sufficient.

couraging to witness a community become more eco-

When CCIN asked Janet Bowden from MITRE 10

logically mindful of waste as they establish their own

Tully if they had seen an increase in demand she an-

edible gardens. The scraps from their meals can use

swered with an emphatic,

used as compost and reduce landfill.

Page 2 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020

LOCAL AFFAIRS

CONTINUED FROM P1

The cost of "free" child care is crippling local Early Education centres

FO

RS

AL

E

FO R

SA L

E

MARIA GIRGENTI

566 East Feluga Road, East Feluga – $150,000

APPROX. 1.4 HA (3.48 Acres) IN EAST FELUGA There is a dwelling on the property with a detached two vehicle garage, as well as an additional three bay shed on the lower part of the block. At the bottom BATHROOM corner FIVE of the BEDROOM, property you willTHREE find a pond being fed by aDWELLING natural water source.

Situated on an approx. 3,034m2 allotment, this property has been converted into Contact Hooker of Tully fortownship, more information. two units. Located on theLJoutskirts Tully this property offers space with the convenience of being close to town.

Web: View: Sat, 15 Feb https://tully.ljhooker.com.au/a1dgya - 9am - 9:45am Web: ljhooker.com.au/9JUGYA Contact: LJ Hooker Tully – 4068 1100

THOUSANDS of quality independent centres and innumerable family day care operators have had their income decimated when the Government recently announced their "free" child care scheme.

Unable to charge any gap fees, these providers will soon close unless urgent action is taken - leaving thousands of working families without child care.

Johnstone TAFE & Community Children's Centre, located within the grounds of Innisfail State College on Flying Fish Point Road, which has been operating for 30 years is one of many not-for-profit childcare organisations in the Cassowary Coast region and across Australia who are struggling financially with the ramifications of this government decision.

The long day care centre which caters for children from birth to five years operates from 7.30am - 5.30pm and has 94% Aboriginal and Torres Strait enrolments. Staff always looking to secure additional funding so outside people can come to the centre and assist with developing the children's Indigenous backgrounds and culture.

The centre has a large play area incorporating all ages with a focus on keeping families and siblings together, and each week there is a different and personalised program which incorporates interests, themes and real life events into the children's lives.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre has increased hygiene practices for cleaning toys, surfaces, door handles, hosing and disinfecting areas, two minute drop off by parents, lots of hand washing throughout the day and daily washing of sheets.

Kellie O'Connor, the centre's director has also posted activities on Johnstone TAFE and Community Children's Centre Facebook page for parents to do with their children at home.

When O'Connor took over the role in January there was an average of between 6 - 10 children per day, which she said just wasn't viable so they worked on promoting the organisation and eventually numbers increased to an average of 16 children per day.

O'Connor brings a wealth of experience to the role with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education, at home child care with Cassowary Coast and Tablelands Family Day Care for seven years, ran the after school care program at PCYC Innisfail and a special needs support worker.

The centre has a committee made up of parents who are responsible for financial decisions and fundraising, while O'Connor is responsible for the dayto-day operations in accordance with the Early Years Learning Framework.

The federal government provides a certain percentage of funding and then the parents pay the gap with most parents being paid 50 - 80% by the government.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said they would pay 50% of approved payments which means they are barely covering their costs and staff wages.

Children of non-essential workers have been instructed to self-isolate if there is one parent at home until after June 30, while at risk and children of essential workers the only ones able to attend the centre.

The centre is currently unable to take new enrolments and in order to survive are only able to take a maximum of nine children in order to keep wage costs to a minimum.

Only two of their full -time staff are entitled to claim the JobKeeper payment with casuals and part-time staff ineligible, so they have lost three staff while other staff have reduced hours.

A number of key issues regarding current structure of the Federal Government's "Free" child care package have been raised in an open letter sent to the Minister for Education by the centre and have also signed the petition seeking an urgent review.

These issues include: inflexibility of the new framework rendering previously successful centres inoperable; significant and immediate loss of revenue, crippling; job losses and reduced income of early childhood educators who are essential workers during this pandemic, and putting at risk the jobs our working families currently do have that are supporting the Australian economy.

O'Connor said while while they are glad they are able to support our families, the safety of our children and staff is paramount, so she continually communicates with staff members to see how they are coping and their general state of mind.

"From this crisis, I think the average family will appreciate the roles of smaller jobs such which previously may have not been considered essential such as in those who work in banks, supermarkets, cafes, farmers, truck drivers etc.

A lot of people have changed their perspectives, realised what is most important and put priority back into their lives by putting families and other people first."

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 3

COMMUNITY NEWS

Celebrating 30 Years in Health

MAMU Health Service Limited celebrated an incredible milestone on Friday celebrating their 30th Anniversary in providing a comprehensive primary health care service to the Cassowary Coast region and surrounds.

Chairperson Dulcie McCarthy, who has served on the Board of Directors for over 23 years stated she has seen the growth of the service from humble beginnings through to what you see today. While you can see the actual facilities, clinics etc. from growth; with the purchase and implementation of the mobile Clinic that has started delivering remote services to Mount Garnet in March 2019 and is a prominent feature at our many community events throughout the year.

Ms McCarthy added that their have been both challenges and rewards over the time she has been with Mamu Health Service Limited and recognises and acknowledged the dedication and tremendous effort from Management, staff and the Board of Directors over the years.

Mayor Mark Nolan stated “As mayor of Cassowary Coast Regional Council I’d like to offer my personal congratulations on the 30th anniversary of MAMU Health Service.

The organisation is held in very high regard by citizens of Cassowary Coast and all of our neighbouring regions and on behalf of Council I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude for the excellent medical services you deliver on the front line caring for our people.

Looking forward to visiting your premises to meet with your dedicated staff when COVID-19 social distancing issues are behind us.

Please share my personal congratulations with your wonderful team. HAPPY 30th.

Mamu Health Service staff member stated that while planning from October to February to hold a celebration was suspended due to Covid 19 that it is anticipated that these celebrations will go ahead in November 2020, however until then stay safe.

Page 4 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020

OPEN FOR BUSINESS PETER MCCULLAGH

AS the curve flattens, restrictions are now being relaxed, easing the pathway back to kick-start the economy.

Perhaps one of the hardest hit industries has been hospitality. With the closure of clubs, hotels and many restaurants, hospitality has been hammered.

Midnight tomorrow (Friday May 15) will see the easing of some restriction within dining and hospitality and will assist in kick-starting the Cassowary Coast regional economy.

Cafes, restaurants, pubs and licenced clubs will be able to reopen, albeit in a small capacity, (dependent upon a COVID SAFE Plan).

For many of the smaller establishments this will make a huge difference to their business.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released a ROADMAP to easing restrictions from next Saturday (11.59pm Friday May 15), followed by stage two in June and stage three in July.

“I want to thank every Queenslander, whether you live up in the Torres Strait, down on the Gold Coast, in the outback or our coastal communities, everyone is stepping up and doing a great job,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We know how important our hospitality, retail and tourism industries are, and people want certainty, so it’s a gradual return to some form of normality.

Petals & Beanz - Tully reopening their dine-in service

will claw a bit of it back, but we still have a long way to go.

“Since March we have been very active on social media, promoting the takeaway side of our business. The local community have been fantastic, they’ve gotten behind us and supported us, and we could not have survived without our wonderful community.”

Whilst many hospitality businesses are gearing up for the easing, there’s still a level of detail within the requirements that complicate the easing.

Restaurants and cafes opening for dine-in meals will need to keep a register of all customers who dine-in. This register will allow for easier tracing if any customer test positive for COVID-19, however this will lead to the business being shut down for testing, regardless of the source of the infection.

For Sapore Di Italia’s owner Alf Barbera this additional requirement will complicate the decision to re-open. “We are currently working with Council’s Health Inspectors, reviewing options before deciding what will work best for our customers and staff.”

Lamb Backstrap from Cardwell Beachcomber’s Restaurant

Sapore Di Italia favorite, BBQ steak or crumbed veal panini. (above) Bingil Bay Cafe customers Rob Smith and Sarah Jane Smith practising and loving social distancing.

“We’ll remove a lot of restrictions over the next few months, which is good news,” she said.

“But while we are doing it, we need to be very, very cautious. And if anyone is unwell, it is important they stay away from work and immediately get tested.”

Bingil Bay Café co-owner Geoff Spratling believes the easing of restrictions is a step in the right direction. “We’re currently about 70% down, the easing of restrictions

“It has not been easy, fortunately we were in the process of modifying our building to allow for sidewalk serving through a front servery before the COVID-19 restriction came in force. This modification has allowed us to continue trading, but we are currently running well under 50% down.

“We welcome the easing, but we are committed to protecting our customers and staff.”

For Tully local business, Petals and Beanz the COVID-19 restrictions have proved a mixed bag. With a good portion of their business coming from flowers they have been in-

sulated to a degree from the downturn, however the current restrictions have still bitten hard.

Naomi Wulf, owner of Petals and Beanz estimates an impact of 40-50% on their turnover.

“We’ve been helped by Mother’s Day. Flowers were very much in demand, so much so that we ran out of stock, we could not keep up with the demand.

“We have found it hard with the café, people love to come in for coffee and cake or a light lunch in, order, sit-down and relax.

“Takeaway has increased and many of our regulars phone through their order, to collect.

“We are looking forward to reopening the dine-in side of our business.”

Leasing a restaurant just as restrictions were enforced in March could have been a disaster for Cardwell couple Ben Walker and Shannon Bussenschutt. The couple leased the Beachcomber’s Restaurant in Cardwell.

Having previously spent many years working in hospitality in Melbourne the couple decided to bring their culinary experience and passion to Cardwell.

“This proved to be a time to rethink and

reinvent ourselves. Although we had to stand some of our staff down initially they are back now painting and redecorating, ready for a grand re-opening this Saturday night.

“Moving to a takeaway format for six weeks did not ideally suit our style, from a restaurant perspective, but we adapted and now we’re getting ready to re-open.

“Ten customers at a time, not many, but we plan on running three sittings each night, 5pm for early birds, 6.30 for traditional diners and 8pm for those looking at having a late dinner. We will build further as restrictions lift.”

This weekend across the Cassowary Coast in small cafes, restaurants and bistros, life will begin to return to ‘normal’.

The opportunity to take a step back from business, and in the words of Shannon Bussenschutt, “rethink and reinvent” what’s important to us all.

I hope we hear the clink of glasses the chatter and laughter of a great night out, and may we all still exercise our social distancing and good hand hygiene, so stages two and three can be implemented and we all return to a reinvented normal.

COMMUNITY NEWS Sari Hyytinen CCIN Editor’s Column

BIO: OWNER/EDITOR of CCIN. Sari was born and raised in Tully. After she completed a Bachelor of Social Work in Townsville she moved to Sydney for ten years. Whilst in Sydney she worked in Youth homelessness at Youth Off The Streets and completed writing courses with the Sydney Writers Centre. Sari returned to FNQ and with the assistance of her father started CCIN. Ten weeks after starting CCIN she was involved in a very serious car accident; sustaining life-threatening injuries. She unable to work for a number of months and her family helped her through this period.

When she was well enough she returned to running the Newspaper while continuing to overcome her injuries; coping with a traumatic brain injury. She has been lucky to have supportive staff and a supportive community as she continues to go through a difficult time.

Council Corner TODAY sees the first full meeting for May for the new Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC). Several items of interest will occupy discussion.

The CEO, James Gott’s report details the portfolio allocations for each elected Councillor.

Cr Nolan oversees Major Projects, Cr Pervan tackles Planning and Regional Development, Cr Farinelli once again handles Economic Development and Tourism, Cr Baines Governance and Environment, Cr Tschui Community and Customer, Deputy Mayor Cr Barnes oversees Asset Sustainability and Cr Millward Organisational Cultural Development.

The new portfolio structure differs significantly from the previous Council, with as yet no clarification as to the scope and goals for any portfolio as yet.

It is of note that Council will present at the next meeting in late May, a new Media and Communications Policy for approval. The new policy will allow Portfolio Councillors to exercise a role in providing comment on issues relating to particular portfolio area.

This represents a positive step forward and potentially opens the communication channels more with community and key stakeholders.

Then End is Nigh I hope that I am set to finally see a resolution to the legal proceedings that have resulted from being hit by a truck.

I still think it is funny to say “I was hit by a truck - literally.”

It has been a very very busy few week. I have needed to juggle the impacts on my business due to COVID-19, promote the financial necessity for CCIN to be online as opposed to printed, ensure there is content for my weekly edition and ensure I have responded adequately to what I legally require.

I have been avidly looking forward to my case being completed for the last few years and how that ‘End is Nigh.’

It is hard to know what will be in store for all of us as we look to recover. We need to assist each other through the recovery process and hopefully life will return to ‘normal’ shortly.

Community engagement is often spoken of within governments at every level, but many struggle to engage widely and meaningfully. Of interest within the CEOs report is the statement that “community engagement is a major focus of the new Local Government Act and Portfolio Councillors can play a key role in building strong community links to enable meaningful engagement on issues.”

This engagement will include Councillors explaining Council policy and decisions and seeking feedback on Council policy issues. Engagement with community, explanation to, and involvement of the community in decision making was a focus of a large number of candidates at the recent Local Government Elections, time will tell as to how open and embracing this Council becomes, however it is important to acknowledge and congratulate this new Council on a strong and positive start.

Item 6.1 on today’s agenda is the CCRC Monthly Tourism Report. COVID-19 has taken a toll upon local businesses. The regional centres of Tully and Cardwell have experienced significant job losses from COVID-19 with 74 jobs lost from the hospitality industry. These figures are from a table presented within the monthly report to Council. Industry representatives have currently placed the full impact within the hos-

pitality industry throughout the Cassowary Coast at a much higher figure.

Of concern would be the issue that Innisfail and Mission Beach report zero job losses in hospitality despite the closure of 16 businesses due to the pandemic.

In all 22 hospitality businesses closed due to the pandemic and 74 staff lost their jobs.

With the relaxation of restrictions this weekend, and a clearer pathway going forward, the road to recovery for the Cassowary Coast will become clearer. Cassowary Coast Economic Development Group President Suzanne Bassette has called for an increased focus from every business in the region to shop local and procure goods and services from Cassowary Coast regional businesses.

“We have an opportunity to bounce back strongly as a region. For every dollar that is spent locally this converts to seven dollars of flow on business throughout our economy.

“With the opportunity to create instant activation throughout our region, it is essential that we (businesses) all review our purchasing policy and place regional based businesses at the top of our list.”

“Council has a leading role to play in this process, and they need to place an immediate moratorium on spending outside of our region, procurement must be dedicated to being regionally based.”

“As the largest permanent employer in the region they can kick-start our region’s economy immediately by spending locally as the first option.

Tully and District Chamber of Commerce President, Christine Boric called for everyone to shop locally, we will not survive this if we don’t, many businesses have missed out on the JobKeeper payment incentive and they are doing it tough, your dollar will help everyone.

“What goes around comes around in a small community.”

Today’s meeting has a packed agenda and members of the community have the opportunity to view the livestream of the meeting. Commencing this morning at 9am, interested residents can logon via council’s website www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Red Bull Defiance LOOKING at the Red Bull Defiance facebook page I could not help notice they have cancelled the 2020 Mission Beach event.

I am surprised by the lack of chatter coming from Council regarding this. This event was touted as a major event for our region and the previous council

committed $80,000 per year over a 3 year period.

So, will the council advice rate payers as to whether they have paid the $80,000 for this year?

If so will those ratepayer funds be refunded from this private company?

Or is it expected that ratepayers will foot the bill for the cancellation of the event?

Has the agreement been extended a further year

at no extra cost to Council and ratepayers?

Why do we have silence from Council with regard to the cancellation? Could it be the terms of the cancellation are not favourable to the area so we keep quiet and hope that this year slides by courtesy of coronavirus?

Name withheld El Arish

The views and comments made in letters to the editor are not necessarily the views and opinions of this paper. The Cassowary Coast Independent News reserves the right to cut content deemed as inappropriate, or not publish letters. Send your letters to: editor@ccin.com.au or text: 0473 350 465

Page 6 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May14, 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mission Beach Aquatic Centre Closed for Winter?

CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council has advised residents of the closure for winter of the Mission Beach Aquatic Centre in line with their traditional practice of closing aquatic facilities for winter.

Citing low numbers last year combined with an additional $60,000 running costs to cover the months of June and July as reasons why the closure this year was necessary.

Council will soon release a tender for the management rights, and pending a successful bid, will reopen the facility August 1.

The Mission Beach Aquatic Centre is a shining example

of how the community work with Council to deliver a facility, and then support a facility, becoming a tremendous asset not just for the community but the region in general.

COVID-19 restrictions do limit the ability for a business to function. The current Roadmap to Recovery released by the Queensland Government will allow greater than 10 people at a time in public pools and lagoons, with an approved COVID Safe Plan in place.

What is evident after the recent weekend throughout Queensland is that locals are eagerly embracing the opportunity to once more get outdoors, travel small distances and

utilise facilities and destinations that previously were closed to them.

The Mission Beach Aquatic Centre is a cultural and social hub for the Mission Beach community. With the restrictions lifted and if it were opened, the support from the community could only be imagined.

Community groups, small businesses as well as the members of the region all use the facility. With the reopening being pushed out to August 1 at the earliest, the community all hope for a successful and speedy tender period and the announcement of the new operators.

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Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Question Time: Will the Government unlock the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to build Australia out of the Covid Depression?

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter has utilised Question Time to ask Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg whether he will unlock the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, a national development bank ready to go, to build the nation out of the Covid-Depression through infrastructure and industry.

Mr Katter said the priority projects for North Queensland were the Hells Gate Dam (Bradfield Scheme), Copperstring transmission line (linking Mount Isa to the National Energy Grid) and a rail line to the Galilee Basin.

Mr Frydenberg said the Government had paid the first tranche of money for the Hells Gates project.

“Initial design work and planning is focused on the Big Rocks Weir area at Charters Towers,” he said.

Mr Taylor said he encouraged the proponents of the

Copperstring transmission line to continue to negotiate with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

“The Billion dollar grid reliability fund is to be administered by the CEFC, and that fund is very focused on transmission projects that are making energy more affordable, secure and reliable,” he said.

“These are ‘make money’ projects not ‘absorb money’ projects, and most importantly they are shovel ready,” he said.

“The national economy is on the highway to hell, the Treasurer can get it back in black through a ‘make money’ public works scheme.”

Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg and Energy Minister, Angus Taylor responded to Mr Katter’s question.

Shooters Demand Government Immediately Lift Gun Shop Trade Restrictions In Queensland THE Queensland Government’s spiteful war on struggling businesses must end today, according to one of the country’s peak lobby groups.

In March, the state’s Chief Health Officer issued an order closing every gun shop and armourer in the state as part of the COVID-19 response. Following intense pressure and from industry, agricultural and rural representatives, that was amended a few days later to allow rural landowners and volunteer pest controllers to buy ammunition and reloading components, but still prevented target shooters, recreational hunters, and competition pistol shooters from buying ammunition or using police-issued Permits To Acquire for firearms.

Shooters Union Australia president Graham Park said with the notoriously anti-gun Western Australia

now having lifted their trade restrictions and Victoria – also helmed by a Labor premier – having followed soon after, Queensland had no excuse to keep preventing licensed shooters from buying ammunition or vital equipment.

“There is no – I repeat: absolutely none whatsoever – public health emergency justification for restricting the trade of licensed gun shops and armourers in Queensland or anywhere else, for that matter. There wasn’t one at the start of this mess and there isn’t one now,” he said.

“It is obviously a political move; only the Labor state governments restricted gun shop trading. The decision was not an outcome of the formal National Cabinet meetings, from what we understand.

Page 8 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020

“The home confinement directions have largely been lifted, outdoor shooting ranges are open again while exercising social dis-tancing, and non-essential retail shopping is expressly permitted - so why are Queensland’s shooters and associated businesses being punished?”

The toll on affected businesses from the trade restrictions was enormous, Mr Park said, with a number of gun shops facing fi-nancial ruin from having their livelihoods yanked out underneath them without any justification.

“These were viable local businesses, an important part of their community, and shut down because someone in Brisbane doesn’t like guns and decided to take advantage of a crisis to further their own agenda,” he said.

“Every hour Queensland’s gun shops and armourers remain restricted in trade just adds to the mountain of proof this decision has been made to hurt law-abiding firearms owners and the businesses supporting them.”

Mr Park blasted the State Government’s refusal to justify themselves on the restrictions and said they needed to be held to ac-count.

“We have not received a single response to any of the numerous letters and e-mails we have sent the Premier, and the only re-sponse we have received from the Chief Health Officer’s office was clearly written by a staffer and reiterated the changes allowing rural landowners and volunteer pest controllers to buy ammunition – changes we helped negotiate in the first place.

“The contempt the Palaszczuk Government has shown to Queensland’s law-abiding shooting community is simply incredible.

“They haven’t even given us the courtesy of an obvious and half-baked lie as to why they’ve done it – we’ve heard absolutely nothing.

“We guarantee there will be consequences at the ballot box in October for the way Queensland shooters have been treated by the ALP. We’re going to make sure of it.”

How Innisfail are you?

PETER MCCULLAGH

1/ The town of Innisfail was originally known as?

13/ The Canecutter Memorial was erected in what year?

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

Johnstoneville Geraldon Geraldton Gereldton

1957 1958 1959 1960

2/ The name change to Innisfail occurred in?

14/ Steve Corica represented Australia how many times?

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

1910 1921 1901 1911

3/ Kerry Boustead made his first grade rugby league debut when and with which team ?

A. B. C. D.

Innisfail Leprechauns 1977 Innisfail Souths 1977 Innisfail Leprechauns 1976 Innisfail Souths 1976

4/ “Send up a truckload of p#ss so we can all get drunk,” was stated by?

A. B. C. D.

George Pervan Nick Pervan Neil Clarke Bill Shannon

32 47 42 38

15/ Billy Slater was born where?

A. B. C. D.

Innisfail Tully Cairns Nambour

16/ How many times did Billy Slater win the Clive Churchill Medal?

A. B. C. D.

Never Once Twice Three times

5/ The Jubilee Bridge was built when?

17/ When did the South Johnstone Mill commence crushing?

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

1918 1923 1928 1933

1914 1916 1918 1920

6/ Name the Elizabeth Haran novel set in Innisfail?

18/ How long was the World Record Banana Split?

A. B. C. D.

A. B. C. D.

Stars in the Southern Sky Sunset over Eden River of Fortune A Faraway Place in the Sun

7/ Who is the breakfast announcer on 4KZ Radio?

A. B. C. D.

Glenn Johns Joey Johns Glen Johns Gazza

8/ Name the café located at Flying Fish Point?

A. B. C. D.

Flying Fish Point Café and Store Famishes Flying Fish and Chipps The Point

9/ The Innisfail Temple located on Owen Street celebrates what religion?

A. B. C. D.

Catholicism Buddhism Hinduism Sikh

10/ The Innisfail Shire Hall was Built by?

A. B. C. D.

Messrs Hill and Taylor The Van Leeuwen brothers Eddie H Oribin Andrew Baxter Leven

11/ Who is credited with planting the first commercial crop of sugar cane?

A. B. C. D.

TH Fitzgerald William Forgan Smith FE Nash Timothy Dempsey

12/ The Cane Cutter Memorial is located where?

A. B. C. D.

Rankin Street Fitzgerald Esplanade Edith Street ANZAC Park

8.04km 8.14km 8.24km 8.34km

19/ What is the name of the pasta business based in Morseby?

A. B. C. D.

Mary’s Pasta Mari’s Pasta Marie’s Pasta Maree’s Pasta

20/ The Daradgee Rail Bridge, north of Innisfail was opened by the QLD Premier on what date?

A. B. C. D.

December 8, 1922 December 8, 1924 December 14, 1923 December 14, 1925

21/ Who was the first Chairman of the Johnstone Shire?

A. B. C. D.

John Harvey Payne Timothy Dempsey FE Nash Robert David Bliss

22/ Name the Member for Cairns, who was born in Innisfail and educated at the Good Samaritan Convent.

A. B. C. D.

Thomas Crowley Lou Barnes William McCormack Keith De Lacy

ANSWERS:

1. (C) Geraldton, 2. (A) 1910, 3. (C) Innisfail Souths 1977, 4. (A)George Pervan, 5. (B) 1923, 6. (B) Sunset over Eden, 7. (A) Glenn Johns, 8. (A) Flying Fish Point Cafe & Store, 9. (B) Buddhism, 10. (B) Van Leeuwen Brothers, 11. (A) TH Fitzgerald, 12. (B) Fitzgerald Esplanade, 13. (C) 1959, 14. (B) 47, 15. (D) Nambour, 16. (C) Twice, 17. (B) 1916, 18. (A) 8.04km. 19. (A) Mary’s Pasta, 20. (B) Dec 8, 1924. 21. (C) FE Nash. 22. (A) Thomas Crowley

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Mission Beach, Tully and the Cassowary Coast Contact: Debra 0409 237 263 or Therese 0417 622 547

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Cassowary Coast Independent News

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING REALLY WORKS Page 10 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020

to place your advertisement or email: ads@ccin.com.au

CASSOWARY COAST Note to Editor: INDEPENDENT Created in QUARK XPRESS. VER.4.03 NEWS Items not needed for publication can be CLASSIFIEDS erased as each is in a separate text box.

Phone:

4068 0088

Release No. 12869

CROSSWORD No 12869

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Solution to this puzzle should not appear on the same page 38

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SUDOKU No 180 3 9 10 11 12 15 18 21

38 40 41 42

9 4

ACROSS DOWN Man’s name 1 Girl’s name Violent disturbance 2 Iced drink Wild dog 3 Flowering shrub Female horses 4 Rub out Fruit 5 Frozen water A tentative effort 6 Misplace Emperor of the French 7 Pamper Small enclosure for 8 Resist openly cows 13 French chemist Close securely 14 Detests Rice dish 16 It’s worn with a kilt Small fish (coll) 17 The merchant of Gas Venice Smile broadly 19 Authoritative command Exploit 20 Nothing Fragrant 24 Sections Newly made 26 It carries genetic Remove a film’s information (abb) offensive parts 28 African fly From a foreign country 30 Pronoun Gambling 33 Large expanse of sea establishment 34 Collapse suddenly Coral reefs 35 Oppose confidently LEVEL: surrounding lagoons DIFFICULTY 36 Suspend Loose flowing 39 Card game garments

5 6 22 23 25 1 27 29 31 32 35 37

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 

3

5

4

7 4 1 8 5

3

9 8

2 7

9

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8 5 7

21 22 23 24 28 30 31 32 34 35 36

Halts Private teacher Fertile spotChurch in a desert Times Join firmly together Catholic Penetrate throughout St. Clare of Country Montefalco • Sat 6pm Sun 9am Room in a •prison • Mon - Fri, 7am Sailor (coll) (No Mass 3rd Wed, Thurs, Fri) Lift up • 3rd Wed, 10:30am Repaired Tully Nursing Home Lady, Star of the Party (coll) Our Sea (Cardwell) • Sun 5pm Equally balanced (except 1st Sun) • 1st Sun, 8:30am Leap • 3rd Fri 9am Occur at the sameHome • Rockingham Holy Spirit Church(MB) time • Sun 7am * 3rd Thurs Anaesthetic8am St John The Evangelist Apple drink(Silkwood) Sat 5:30pm Recon./ Conception• Vigil Mass 6pm (Anointing during Tibetan Buddhist monk Mass every 3rd Sat) Dutch city Our Lady of Fatima Arish) Restores to(El health • Sun 9:40am Mass Relating to aRecon./10am (Anointing during sovereign Mass every 3rd Sun) Mother of Good Cut Counsel Genuine (Innisfail) • Sat Vigil 6.30pm • Sun 9am Wager (3rd Sun of month Loving Italian Mass at 11am) St Rita’s (South Johnstone)

• Sun 7am (1st, 3rd & 5th Sun)

Solution No. 12868 CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS No. 12868

WARNING !!!

Note to Editor: 25

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20

16

ACROSS 3 Man’s name 9 Violent disturbance 10 Wild dog 11 Female horses 12 Fruit 15 A tentative effort 18 Emperor of the French 21 Small enclosure for cows 22 Close securely 23 Rice dish 25 Small fish (coll) 27 Gas 29 Smile broadly 31 Exploit 32 Fragrant 35 Newly made 37 Remove a film’s offensive parts 38 From a foreign country 40 Gambling establishment 41 Coral reefs surrounding lagoons 42 Loose flowing garments

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 13 14 16 17 19 20

DOWN

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

CROSSWORD CLUES

11

200 284 201

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ACROSS 3 Giraffe-like animal 8 Fruit-eating bird 9 Think favourably of 11 Radio code word for ‘S’ 12 Financial gain 15 Variety of limestone 18 South Asian women’s garments 19 Honey producing insect 20 Grow together 23 It’s surrounded by water 25 Extinguished 26 Lean 27 Latest time for completion 29 The extreme limit 30 Roman goddess of agriculture 33 Language 36 Noisy hubbub 37 Newspaper boss NAT140 38 Took short fast breaths 39 Nullify 40 Requires

Sell your unwanted items in the

OSSWORD 13 X 13

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Classifieds

Phone 4068 0088

DOWN Solution No. 12869 1 Girl’s name ACROSS DOWN 2 Iced drink 3 Cecil 1 Susan 3 Flowering shrub 9 Uproar 2 Frappe 4 10 RubCoyote out 3 Camellia 5 11 Frozen water Mares 4 Erase 6 12 Misplace Apples 5 Ice 7 15 Pamper Essay 6 Lose 8 18 Resist openly Napoleon 7 Cosset 1321 French Penchemist 8 Defy 1422 Detests Seal 13 Pasteur 14 Loathes 1623 It’sRisotto worn with a kilt 16 Sporran 1725 TheTiddler merchant of Venice Methanecommand 17 Antonio 1927 Authoritative Grin 19 Order 2029 Nothing Use 20 Nil 2431 Sections Aromatic Segments 2632 It carries genetic information24 (abb) 35 Fresh 26 DNA 28 African fly Censor 28 Tsetse 3037 Pronoun 38 Alien 30 Itself 33 Large expanse of sea 40 Casino 33 Ocean 34 Collapse suddenly 41 Atolls 34 Crash 35 Oppose confidently 42 Gowns 35 Face 36 Suspend 36 Hang 39 Card game 39 Loo

S T O T O U C A O T S P R O F I S A R I S I X I S L E D E A D L E M E A R A B I E E D P A N T E L N

K A P I N E S T I E R R A T M A R B E E C O A L E O U T T I N E H N D C E C F U R I T O R D N E G E E D S

C E E M L B L E A V S C E H I N D R E S O R E Y V A T E L R

Christ the King (Mourilyan)

• Sun 7am (second & fourth Sundays) Anglican Church

St Alban’s (Innisfail)

• Sat 5pm • Sun 8am incl Sunday School St John’s (Tully)

• Every Sun 8am

The Uniting Church (MB)

• Every Sun 11am Mena Creek State School

• 1st Sun 6:30pm

Motel Chapel (Kurrimine Beach)

• 3rd Sun 3pm Uniting Church Mission Beach

• Sun 8am

SUDOKU SOLUTIONS No. 179

4 8 5 1 9 7 3 6 2

1 6 2 4 5 3 8 7 9

7 9 3 2 8 6 1 5 4

2 7 9 3 6 1 5 4 8

5 4 1 8 2 9 6 3 7

8 3 6 7 4 5 2 9 1

6 1 8 5 7 4 9 2 3

9 2 4 6 3 8 7 1 5

3 5 7 9 1 2 4 8 6

Innisfail

• Sun 10:30am Tully

• Sun 5pm God Bless You! Tully Family Church Butler Street Tully

• Sunday 10am Mission Beach Steven’s Lane

• 6pm Sunday Seventh - Day Adventist Church 2 Edward St

Every Saturday • 9.30am Preliminaries • 10.30am Bible Study • 11.00am Main Sermon All Welcome

Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 11

3 8 9 11 12 15 18 19 20 23 25 26 27 29 30 33 36 37 38 39 40

O T E S P M S B C Is O T D E C A F E P N N

COMMUNITY NEWS

Wednesday, May 13 HIGH RANGE DRINK DRIVER, WONGALING BEACH: A 69-year-old Annerley man was intercepted on Banfield Road at around 7pm Sunday night for a roadside breath test.

As a result of that test, he was transported to Mission Beach Police Station for further testing.

It will be alleged that the man returned a reading of 0.139 per cent BAC. As a result, his licence was suspended and he was issued with a notice to appear in Tully Magistrates Court on July 9 in relation to drink driving.

DISTURBANCE, INNISFAIL: A 32-year-old local man was issued with an infringement notice for threatening behaviour on Monday afternoon.

It will be alleged that at about 4.50pm, the man was on Velution Street, Goondi Bend, waving a wooden table leg around and threatening residents of the street.

COURT ORDER DISQUALIFICATION, INNISFAIL: Police intercepted a 22-year-old Innisfail man while he was driving at about 1.30am on Sunday morning.

It will be alleged that the man’s licence was currently disqualified by court order.

He was issued with a notice to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on August 10 in relation to this matter.

Monday, May 11 APPEAL FOR WITNESSES, INNISFAIL: Innisfail police are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area of the railway station on Station Street, between March 24 and 25.

Initial investigation suggest between 4pm onTuesday, March 24, and 6am on Wednesday, March 25, a number of windows were allegedly damaged on one of the buildings and in a toilet block. There was also an attempt to start a fire inside the toilet cubical.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police and quote reference number QP2000600654.

OBSTRUCT POLICE, KURRIMINE BEACH: An 18-year-old Tully man was issued with three traffic infringement notices on Sunday.

It will be alleged that between 2am and 5am on Sunday morning, the man was doing burnouts in his utility at the boat ramp, also along Bramble Street, Robert Johnstone Parade, Murdering Point Road and Hawthorne Drive, Kurrimine Beach.

It will be further alleged that while a police officer was speaking with him, he has become argumenta-

tive and abusive towards the officer.

He was transported to Innisfail police watch house where he was issued with three infringement notices amounting to $880 for obstructing police, wilfully drive a vehicle in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke, park on a road other than in direction of traffic flow.

SINGLE VEHICLE TRAFFIC CRASH, GOONDI BEND: Around 5.30pm on Friday afternoon, police attended the intersection of Clifford Road and Palmerston Drive in relation to a motorcycle crash.

A 58-year-old local man has allegedly lost control of his Triumph Sprint while turning onto Palmerston Drive.

The vehicle has slid across the roadway and onto a grass embankment.

The rider sustained minor lacerations.

Friday, May 8 WILFUL DAMAGE, GOONDI BEND: Police are investigating reported damage to school property.

Between May 1 and May 5 damage was done to external lights in an undercover walkway, artwork, mirrors and a basin. Items including bike racks chairs and tables were moved but not damaged at a local school.

Members of the community are urged to report any incidents of suspicious behaviour, trespassing and wilful damage of schools immediately, please don’t attempt to intervene and • Report suspicious behaviour to Policelink on 131 444 • If property is being damaged call Triple Zero ‘000’ immediately • School Watch can be alerted by calling 131 788 Anyone with any information are encouraged to contact police and quote QP2000923695 Traffic offences: SPEEDING, RUNGOO: Around 9.40am on Tuesday, May 5, an officer from Townsville Road Police Unit intercepted a 24-year-old Edge Hill man on the Bruce Highway allegedly travelling at 107km/h in an 80km/h zone.

The driver was issued a $444 traffic infringement notice and four demerit points.

Driver use mobile phone, Birkalla: A 27-year-old Rungoo man was issued with a $1000 traffic infringement after he was intercepted on the Bruce Highway around 12pm Tuesday allegedly detected using a hand-held mobile phone.

Multiple tickets issued: Innisfail road policing unit intercepted a 23-year-old Bentley Park man at about 3pm Tuesday afternoon.

It will be alleged he was detected travelling at 126km/h in a 100km/h zone and his vehicle was unregistered. He was issued with traffic infringement notices amounting to $764.

BREAK AND ENTER, INNISFAIL: Police are investigating a break and enter to a Mourilyan Road address. Between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoon entry was allegedly

Page 12 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020

gained through a kitchen window and a quantity of cash was stolen.

Anyone with any information are encouraged to contact police and quote QP2000935131

Thursday, May 7 CONCLUSION OF PROTRACTED INVESTIGATION: Officers from Innisfail Criminal Investigation Branch have concluded a three week investigation into the alleged provision of false affidavits to court over a recent Innisfail drug matter.

On April 10, detectives executed a search warrant at a Mary Street, East Innisfail address locating a quantity of suspect property and dangerous drugs.

A 37-year-old local man was charged with a number of drug and property related offence including possession of methylamphetamine (exceed schedule), possessing dangerous drugs, possessing tainted property, receiving tainted property and possessing drug paraphernalia.

He has been remanded in custody to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on June 1.

Detectives allegedly received two sworn affidavits from persons who were not present at the time of the search warrant.

These affidavits were then investigated in relation to attempts to pervert the course of justice.

As a result, a 37-year-old East Innisfail man and a 29-year-old South Johnstone man have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. They are scheduled to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on May 25.

A 22-year-old East Innisfail woman assisted police with their inquiries and was charged with other related matters. She is scheduled to appear in Innisfail Magistrates Court on August 3 The Officer in Charge of the Innisfail Criminal Investigation Branch would like to discourage members of the community from supplying false affidavits for investigations or to the court, as their contents are taken seriously. Any suspected false information will be investigated.

Offences against s140 of the Criminal Code: Attempts to pervert the course of justice are treated very seriously by the courts, as it is considered an attack on the justice system itself.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

RURAL REPORT

Reducing plastics and debris from our reef

OVER 24 tonnes of debris including plastics, discarded fishing gear, old cigarette lighters and toothbrushes have been removed from the beaches of the Great Barrier Reef in 2019, thanks to the Australian Government’s partnership with Tangaroa Blue Foundation to deliver the ReefClean project.

A report released today reported that ReefClean, which is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, ran 49 community clean-up activities and regularly monitored 33 beaches for marine debris during its first full year.

“This is just one of the many ways we are working to address the problem of rubbish in our waterways,” Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said.

“The Morrison Government is committed to tackling the problem of waste, from our towns and cities to the sea. That’s why we’re investing $1.9 billion dollars in protecting the Reef and funding a range of activities through the Environment Restoration Fund and the National Waste Policy to combat litter at its source.”

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef and Member for Leichhardt the Hon Warren Entsch MP said that it was fantastic to see communities across the region coming together to preserve this national icon.

“Removing waste from the Reef is something I am passionate about,” Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Warren Entsch said.

“The project is a wonderful initiative that is already delivering a number of great outcomes for the Reef, as well as the industries and regional communities that rely on it.”

Launched in early 2019, ReefClean aims to remove and prevent marine debris along the Great Barrier Reef region through to 2023. The five-year $5 million project is delivering clean-up events, site monitoring, workshops and school engagement activities in order to tackle marine rubbish.

“It has been inspiring to see more than 4,000 volunteers come forward to help us get a better understanding of the scale of the issue and find ways to deal with marine debris,” said Heidi Taylor, CEO of Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

“Through the launch of this report, we not only showcase the amazing contribution of so many individuals and partners, but the data and numbers provide a clearer picture of the problem, which enables us to make a better decision on how to tackle it.”

Tangaroa Blue Foundation is working with several organisations including Conservation Volunteers Australia, Reef Check Australia, Capricornia Catchments, Eco Barge Clean Seas, OceanWatch Australia, South Cape York Catchments, AUSMAP and Think Spatial to deliver this initiative.

A key aspect of ReefClean is counting and recording all debris collected in the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database. This provides an opportunity to track items back to the source and identify ways to prevent them from being released in future.

Test ban risks stranding sugarcane harvest

CANEGROWERS is urging a common-sense, pragmatic and risk-based approach to prevent Queensland sugarcane being stranded at the roadside because of the state’s blanket ban on all driver testing during the coronavirus pandemic.

CANEGROWERS is using every advocacy opportunity and putting forward suggestions which would mitigate the risk of any virus transmission in a bid to see a restart of in-vehicle driver testing as soon as possible ahead of the start of the harvest.

“The issue has been raised at meetings and letters have been written but we need the government to now step in and work with us to resolve this issue,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said. “We have potentially hundreds of drivers needing testing in districts which rely on road transport to move cut cane from farms to either sugar mills or rail sidings.

“Among those affected is Queensland’s most productive growing district, the Burdekin, which grows around 25% of the state’s sugarcane crop.

“In this area alone, CANEGROWERS Burdekin representatives estimate that at least an additional (new) 60 heavy vehicle licenced drivers are needed, possibly more, to ensure work can start on time and that there is a pool of stand by drivers should an outbreak of COVID-19 in the region push qualified people into quarantine.”

A reduction in the number of drivers coming to Queensland from interstate and New Zealand while COVID-19 border restrictions are in place has opened up an opportunity for locals looking for work who are capable but lack the appropriate HR license.

“Hundreds of these skilled drivers are deployed every year and every year there is a need to upskill, train and licence new entrants to the role,” Mr Galligan said.

“People in the community who have lost other employment due to coronavirus restrictions are ready and able to work but need the relevant HR licence.”

CANEGROWERS has suggested to the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Health that the size of the vehicles involved mean that social distancing could be practiced in a way to protects both the candidate and the assessor and that, if needed, PPE could be worn.

“With agriculture considered to be an essential industry during the pandemic and the drivers important for a successful harvest, since early April we have raised the issue at government-industry meetings (Root eme rgence at ju at which CANEst 72 hrs) GROWERS represents the sugarcane industry,” Mr Galligan said.

"It's now time for a common-sense approach that meets industry needs while keeping people safe."

Although this issue is not a major one for local canegrowers in the Tully and Innisfail areas, it still presents a potential problem for the coming cane harvest season.

CANEGROWERS received confirmation for the QLD Transport Minister that he has requested his department work with Queensland Health to reach a suitable solution to this issue.

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Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 13

AROUND THE SCHOOLS

Schools around the Cassowary Coast slowly returning to ‘business as usual’

IMOGEN KARS

SCHOOL bells are ringing once again around the Cassowary Coast, as more students head back to their classrooms this week. Over the last month, local schools have been a safe haven for children of essential workers, but now they’re gearing back up for business as usual.

Mission Beach State School welcomed back preps and year ones this week, with upper grades expected to return on May 25. The transition back to normal has been smooth sailing so far, with ‘special signs’ around the school reminding students of social distancing. A short video on the school’s Facebook page is also helping parents adjust to the new measures in place for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Sheryl from MBSS said the school has also been focusing on supporting local businesses by eating delicious lunches from around the area. So far they’ve munched on burgers from Bingil Bay Cafe, coffees from The Shack and even Spicy Thai Hut. Sheryl said it’s been important to them to ‘give back to the businesses that have always supported the school’.

Scrumptious bacon and egg burger at Bingil Bay Cafe

Mundoo State School teacher aide Lori Baker recognised for 30 years of service MARIA GIRGENTI THE Mundoo State School community recently held a special assembly and morning tea to acknowledge teacher aide Lori Baker who clocked up 30 years of service at the school.

Principal Kristina Haigh and teacher Emma Deem had the great honour of presenting Baker with a spe-

crafted by cake maker extraordinaire Kris Pierantoz-

before moving to South Johnstone where she complet-

zi, and also received a Certificate of Recognition from

ed her primary school at St Rita's Catholic School and

The Honourable Grace Grace MP - Minister for Ed-

secondary schooling at Good Counsel College in Inn-

ucation and Industrial Affairs and Tony Cook Direc-

isfail.

tor-General Department of Education.

The morning tea came as a complete surprise to Baker as it was totally unexpected, and she said it was an emotional experience to be formally recognised.

After school, Baker worked as a dental nurse at Joe Giarola's surgery for five or six years and has been living in Mundoo since she was married 42 years ago.

Over the years, Baker said one of the biggest chang-

cial trophy, flowers and card from past and present stu-

She first started at the school in 1989 as a relief

es was going from manual to computerised systems

dents and staff in recognition of 30 years of dedicated

cleaner when Don Russell was the Principal, then

and even though it was challenging she persevered.

service and commitment to Queensland education.

teacher aide for two days per week and has been work-

"I have a real passion for working with children and

ing five days per week for a number of years.

what I find most rewarding is seeing staff and students

Baker also cut an all edible pot plant of roses fondant cake to reflect her love of gardening which was

Baker was born in Mareeba and lived in Dimbulah

excel."

For 12 years, Baker also assisted Yvonne Moule with the game of softball going on the bus and travelling to different schools in the region.

"There have been many success stories of former students who attended Mundoo State School.

It's always good to catch up with past students and now I am working with students of third and fourth generations families.

The best thing about working at a smaller school such as Mundoo is there is good community engagement and smaller schools seem to be more caring and family oriented as you get to personally know the students and their families."

Yvette Moule went on to become a certified accountant in Townsville, Charlene McNaughton is a chemist and has her own business in Charters Towers, David McNaughton is an accountant in Cairns, while Baker's son Michael Baker became a boilermaker and has been working 21 years at Northern Iron and Brass Foundry in Wangan.

Baker said she was looking forward to the school's 125th celebrations which have been

Mundoo State School staff and P & C Association members shared in a special morning tea for Lori Baker (fifth from left) who was recognised for 30 years of service

Page 14 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020

postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19 and is hoping many old faces from the past will attend.

SPORT

THE sea conditions were better than expected over the weekend which allowed a few boats to travel out as far as the islands.

The few reports that I have received have been mainly of Island Trout and just legal Nannygai. Further south around the Hinchinbrook area there were some nice Fingermark and Grunter caught both from the deep holes and the edges of the flats.

The Barra and Mangrove Jack fishing was fairly quiet in the estuaries probably due to the drop in water temperature and the less than perfect tides. We found reasonable numbers of Jacks however getting the fish to hook up on the lures was fairly difficult, in the end we managed 4 jacks and a small fingermark in a 2 hour session in the Hull. All fish were caught on prawn imitation soft plastics. We did not see a single barra which is very rare for this time of year.

Hopefully on the building tides this week the fish will come on the bite. Reports are the barra are showing up on the sounder they just aren’t biting.

This time of year we get loads of jelly prawn in the estuaries and along the beach fronts which the Barra and Tarpon love to feed on . When this is happening getting a bite is extremely difficult as it is impossible to match the bait size. I normally try

prawn imitations or a small top water lure such as the 70mm.

Jackson Riskbait.

There is also huge numbers of mature prawn in the estuaries at the moment, we should also see them on the beachfronts when we get calm conditions.

It has not been the best season for mud crabs this year, however May is one of the top months and it is definitely worth setting a few pots. Once you find where the crabs are in the river 3 or 4 legal crabs out of 8 pots is the normal. The good news is most of the crabs I am catching have been full.

This weekend there are strong south easterly winds predicted which will force most boats to fish in the estuaries. The Hull, Tully and Murray rivers have been fishing okay especially for bread butter species such as Whiting, Grunter and Crabs and there has been enough Barra and Jacks around to keep the lure casters interested. However the Hinchinbrook area has seen very little fishing pressure through the Covid-19 lock down so I would be tempted to head down there to have a fish. Either side of the early morning or evening high tide will suite those wishing to chase Grunter. Another option would be to pump a few yabbies and fish the afternoon run in tide for whiting.

Those wishing to chase Barra and Jacks should look at either side of the midday low tide.

Don`t forget the crab pots, there is nothing better than a good feed of crab.

Good Fishing Roly Newton Tackle World Tully

info@ccin.com.au

NEW SAMAKI REDIC LURES ARE BACK IN STOCK!

GOLF NEWS

Cardwell Golf

El Arish Golf

MAY

FOLLOWING is results of both comps LADIES’ Thursday competition was won by Sneza Lazarus (31) and, as is played last week. her habit, Tracey Cousemacker (28) came second!!

TUESDAY’s Stableford had a great Thursday’s 9 hole Sporters was won convincingly by Frank Grimes (23)

win going to Rhonda Bliss with 39 points, with Warren Stahel (20) second and Dave Hoare (19) third on a countback followed by Steve Wells on 37. from the rundown of Don Peachey (19) Wayne Sheahan (18), Chris Taylor SATURDAY’s comp was another (18), Keith Hoare (18) and Ian Ingram (18).

Stableford with Lance Massina winning Saturday’s Stableford was won by Graham Gardiner (36), second Wayne on 39 points [that score must be in the Sheahan (35), third Terry Moss (34) on a countback from rundown of Len ‘wind’??] with Tony Haydock 2nd on a c/ White (34), Warren Stahel and Greg Smith (33) on C/B. back to Dave Wylie, both on 36.

Thursday, Ladies play a Stableford, followed by Sporters. Saturday will

Playing conditions are just perfect be a Stableford. with the touch of cooler weather in the Players will tee off at 10 minute intervals beginning at 10am. PLEASE breeze!!

NOTE: All play must be in a maximum of four from Saturday 16th May. SATURDAY this week we can now go Register by email to enquire@cardwellgolfclub.com or jackieolditch@bigaround in groups of 4 – WOW – nearly pond.com or by phone or text to 0414 359 314. The timesheet can be viewed back to normal!!

on the Cardwell Golf Club website, cardwellgolfclub.com.

Innisfail Golf

THANKS to all the members & volunteers for keeping the course well maintained!

We should be seeing some changes to the playing structure with the changes put forward to commence on the May 15, we will keep you updated.

There is a new ball recovery system on the flags in play, so you can use your putter grip to retrieve your ball from the cup. Please note that you will need to turn the flag (with your gloved hand) to allow your ball to go in.

Wednesday Comp 29/4 The Wednesday comp is a 9 hole front tees comp during Covid19 restrictions. Well done to the winners.

1st - S Todd 22pts 2nd - R Lehtsalu 18pts Friday Comp 1/5 The Friday comp is a 9 hole back tees comp during Covid19 restrictions. Well done to the winners.

1st - A Butorac 19pts

THU 14 4:24 am 2.95m 11:20 am 1.16m 5:02 pm 2.2m 10:37 pm 1.5m FRI 15 5:18 am 3.01m 11:57 am 1.04m 5:48 pm 2.41m 11:35 pm 1.43m SAT 16 5:58 am 3.04m 12:29 pm 0.96m 6:27 pm 2.59m SUN 17 12:18 am 1.37m 6:32 am 3.03m 12:57 pm 0.91m 7:01 pm 2.73m MON 18 12:50 am 1.33m 6:59 am 3m 1:20 pm 0.88m 7:32 pm 2.85m TUE 19 1:16 am 1.31m 7:22 am 2.95m 1:39 pm 0.85m 8:00 pm 2.95m WED 20 1:38 am 1.3m 7:44 am 2.88m 1:56 pm 0.82m 8:25 pm 3.03m

2nd - A Singh 17pts Cairns Golf World Monthly Medal 2/5 Another fantastic field out to play for the Monthly Medal. Check out our Facebook page for the winners of the 2020 season!

There were some great scores 67 net from Al Gould, who's been in great form & newcomer Mark Schaffer with 68 net on a new handicap from Mt Garnet Victory!

But the round of the day went to Rauno Letsalu with a very impressive 63 nett & entry into the Medal of Medals in December. Well done Rauno!!

Upcoming Events Wednesday Comp - Tee off from 12pm Friday Comp - Tee off from 12pm Saturday Comp - Innisfail Optical Stableford Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, May 14, 2020 Page 15

Cassowary Coast

Independent SPORTING NEWS

Innisfail and District Tennis Association on comeback trail MARIA GIRGENTI TENNIS is back on the cards as Innisfail and District Tennis Association has slowly re-opened their courts again in the past week after the Queensland government relaxed some of the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.'

Innisfail Association President Leon Awee said this couldn't be more timely as many of their members are 'chomping at the bit' to be back on the court to have a proper hit out after all tennis activity in Queensland was temporarily ceased on March 29.

Awee said the association currently has 135 members and many of these are junior and adults members

who attend the club on a regular basis for coaching, fixtures and social play.

"While COVID-19 has presented a major setback for all ball sports, the resilience of the global sporting community has been a shining light as online engagement by challenges and training during isolation has been a great help in keeping people active.

Tennis Queensland and Tennis Australia have been great offering great tennis drills via videos on social media platforms such as Facebook to assist players with their skills while they were in isolation at home."

He said the Australian Institute of Sport has also released Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment documents available on their website which all schools, clubs and communities are encouraged to read as they need to ensure the appropriate measures are taken.

Innisfail and District Tennis Association still has restrictions in place which players need to follow and these include: One-on-one coaching can take place and the coach will demonstrate what needs to be adhered to. A maximum of two players per court at all times while always maintaining the 1.5 metres social distancing rule.

Players need to supply their own racquets, balls and water bottle which is to be filled at home before coming to the courts.

Players need to clean/wash and sanitise their hands before and after coming off the court and refrain from touching their faces. Hand sanitiser and cleaning products are on the table inside the member's gate.

Toilets are for emergency use only. In the event players need to use the toilet, then all surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned with the cleaning products that have been provided.

The clubhouse will not be open and all members using the courts are to act responsibly, protect themselves, the facilities and ensure others also follow the appropriate restrictions in place.

Members with a fully paid membership who require a key to gain access to the facility, need to message Leon on 0456 158 124 who will organise to get a key to them at a cost of $10. The lock and gate down need to be wiped down before they leave.

Anyone else wishing to have a game, can go onto the Book A Court platform and follow the prompts.

However, as the system is not working fully at this point of time to accept your PIN, players will have to call Leon so he can come down and let them in.

To book a court log onto: www.play.tennis.com.au/ court-hire.

Page 32 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, July 13, 2017