Man from Mareeba dies after being hit by truck in Chillagoe
A man from Mareeba has died after being hit by a truck at a worksite.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
G’day Far Northerners, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening across the region this week, January 10 – 14.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
‘Time is now’: Tom Hedley’s big new development
Five Cairns shops with plenty of fresh supplies
Picasso, Dali and Warhol: Cairns luxury boutique’s amazing return
‘Gasping’: Cairns doc reveals condition of unvaxxed patients
Show must go on for Spamalot in Cairns despite pandemic pressures
TODAY’S NEWS
Fatal pedestrian incident in Chillagoe
A 50-year-old man from Mareeba has died after a fatal pedestrian incident on Thursday.
About 1.10pm the man was struck by a truck at a worksite on the Burke Development Road, north west of Chillagoe.
The Forensic Crash Unit and officers from Workplace Health and Safety are investigating the incident.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Opportunistic thieves targeting unsecured vehicles and homes across the far north
Hide your keys — that’s the message from police who say complacent car owners could do more to protect themselves against a rise in ‘opportunistic’ car thefts across the far north.
Far north police respond to a large number of offences including stealing from vehicles, theft of vehicles, entry to homes and theft of property from around the yard or under the house.
With 44 vehicles already stolen since January 1, police are reminding residents to secure their vehicles when unattended and keep keys out of sight.
Most vehicles stolen are taken from the home, with thieves targeting homes to steal car keys and generally not stealing any other property.
A common denominator in a lot of these reported offences is that vehicles and homes were left unsecured.
Drug and Property charges, Greater Cairns Region
Police from Cairns Tactical Crime Squad have arrested and charged a 21-year-old Bentley Park man following the investigation into an alleged burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Police will allege that during the early hours of January 13, forced entry was made to an Edge Hill home and a vehicle was stolen.
The man had been on the run from police and was wanted for numerous offences.
At 6.27pm on the same day, police observed the man on Aeroglen Dr, Aeroglen where he was arrested.
During a search of the man’s bag, police located a quantity of methamphetamine and other drug utensils.
The man was charged with one count each of unlawful use of motor vehicle, burglary, possessing dangerous drugs, offence to deal with prohibited substances and possession of suspected stolen property.
The man was denied bail, remanded in custody and will appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on January 14.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13
13-year-old boy charged with 19 offences
Police from Cairns Property Crime Squad have charged a 13-year-old Yarrabah boy with 19 offences.
The boy attended Cairns Police Station on Wednesday, January 12 and handed himself in.
Police will allege the boy has committed numerous property related offences in the greater Cairns area since December 18 and has been wanted by police.
The boy has been charged with seven counts of attempted enter dwelling and commit indictable offence, six counts of burglary, five counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and stealing.
Police opposed the boy’s bail and he will appear in Cairns Children’s Court.
Go armed in public, Cairns City
Police arrested and charged a 31-year-old Bentley Park man after he allegedly threatened another man with a knife on Bunda St, Cairns City on Wednesday, January 12.
Police will allege that the man got into an argument with another man before threatening him with a knife.
The man was arrested, taken to the Cairns Watchouse and has since been charged with going armed in public and public nuisance.
The man is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on January 28.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12
Traffic crash
UPDATE: A man trapped in a vehicle after a car crash on Mossman Daintree Rd has been flown to hospital via rescue helicopter.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokeswoman said the agency sent two crews from Mossman and Port Douglas to the two-car crash which arrived at 5.55pm.
It’s understood the injured man in his 20s suffered head injuries.
INITIAL: Emergency services are en route to a serious traffic accident involving a trapped occupant north of Cairns.
Medics and rescue workers equipped with the jaws of life have been dispatched to Mossman Daintree Rd at Lower Daintree after two vehicles collided.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said a triple-0 call was received just before 5.21pm.
“We have been called to an incident that was reported as a two vehicle crash,” he said.
“But we have not arrived yet, so don’t know how bad it is.”
It’s understood a man in his 20s is trapped in a vehicle and the other driver is free from the wreckage.
Property left at crime scene
Can you identify this black and white ‘Supreme’ hoody and the ‘Big Daddy’ torch pictured?
They were left at a recent break at a Waiben Esplanade address, Thursday Island.
Just after midnight on January 11, the occupants of the residence disturbed a person attempting to gain entry and as a result, the items were left behind.
Officers are appealing to members of the public who may be able to identify who the items belong to.
Alternatively, if they belong to you and were stolen and you would like to claim them, please contact Thursday Island Police or call Policelink 131 444 and quote QP2200056102.
Break and enter, Cairns North
Two men, aged 18 years and 38 years, have been charged with breaking into a Sheridan Street liquor store and stealing wine.
Police will allege that about 3.50am on January 10, the men broke a window to gain entry to the shop and stole three casks of wine and three bottles of wine before fleeing.
It will be further alleged that about 8.30am the same morning, the two men have returned and stolen more wine.
Officers from Cairns Police Beat located the men further along Sheridan Street consuming the alcohol.
One of the men attempted to run from officers but was caught after a short foot chase.
After further investigation, police will allege that the 38-year-old man was also involved in the liquor store being broken into via the same entry point on December 21.
The 38-year-old Edmonton man has been charged with three counts of enter premise and commit indictable offence.
The 18-year-old Aurukun man has been charged with two counts of enter premise and commit indictable offence and one count of obstruct police.
Both men are scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on January 27.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11
Multiple floodwater rescues
Emergency services have been kept busy with a number of floodwater rescues over the past ten hours in Queensland’s far north.
Two Mossman residents were rescued on January 10 after the four-wheel-drive they were driving was swept off Euluma Creek Road, Julatten.
About 5.30pm, the couple in their 80s, attempted to drive through the causeway. The driver lost control of his steering after hitting a submerged object which pushed the car off the causeway.
Both occupants managed to escape the cabin of the vehicle to the rear tray.
Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman expressed disappointment at the pair’s decision to attempt crossing floodwaters.
“We see motorists take these unnecessary risks every time an event such as this happens,” he said.
“It was something the driver could not see which could have had serious consequences for both people in this car.
“This couple can thank a pair of quick-thinking local men who were able to safely rescue them before emergency services arrived.”
In a separate rescue operation, about 12.30am January 11, a car containing three people was swept off the Mulligan Highway into the Mcleod River near Mount Carbine.
All three people inside managed to escape the car, as it began to submerge.
The three spent the next three hours clinging to trees, with other motorists keeping lights on them as they waited for emergency services.
Members from the swift water rescue team along with police and paramedics have arrived, rescuing all three.
One person was taken to Mareeba hospital suffering from shock.
Chief Superintendent Hodgman said the trio drove past motorists stopped at the floodwater to attempt to cross it.
“We applaud those who are listening to our message and stopping at flooded roads,” he said.
“Those who think they are brave in attempting to cross floodwaters are putting their lives and others at risk.
“Every decision a driver makes behind the wheel, matters.
“The decision to drive through floodwaters could ultimately cost your life, or the life of those you value.
“Nothing is worth the risk. If it’s flooded – forget it.”
MONDAY, JANUARY 10
Trinity Inlet alleged assault
Police arrested a 68-year-old East Trinity man following an investigation into an alleged act intended to harm another man.
Police will allege around 8:15am on January 7, the man allegedly boarded a boat that was beached at Ellie Point dressed in plastic bags, white gum boots and a “witch mask”.
He then allegedly threw fuel over the boat from three buckets.
A 55-year-old Edmonton man was awakened by the sounds and exited the cockpit of the boat.
Police will further allege fuel was then thrown over the Edmonton man.
The East Trinity man then allegedly produced a lighter and flicked it several times before walking away towards a makeshift camp.
Officers from Cairns CIB and water police attended the location and commenced a search of the area locating evidence at the campsite of the East Trinity man.
The 68-year-old East Trinity man was charged with one count each of acts intended to cause
grievous bodily harm and breach of bail. Police opposed the mans bail and he is scheduled to
reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on February 23.
Stolen vehicle Cairns
Police have charged a 43-year-old Cairns man following investigations into offences that occurred in November and December.
Police will allege on an unknown date in November, the man has attended a residence and has
taken the keys and a car parked in the driveway that he was aware was stolen previously.
The man has driven around in the car before abandoning it in Bentley Park.
Police located the car and a mobile phone allegedly belonging to the man inside the car.
On January 7 police have located a car with the man inside, parked on McDonnell St, Cairns.
Checks revealed that the car had been reported as stolen from the carpark of a Cairns hotel in the past month.
The man was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle and allegedly had a large knife in the drivers footwell.
Officers conducted a search 0of the vehicle locating clothing and other items allegedly taken from a Smithfield charity bin.
The 43-year-old Cairns man was charged with 2 counts each of enter premise and commit indictable offence and unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count each of stealing, fraud and unlawful possession of a weapon category A, B or M.
Police opposed the man’s bail.
He is scheduled to reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on February 4
Multiple offences Cairns
Police have arrested and charged a 12-year-old Edmonton boy following alleged reports he was attempting to break into parked cars at a McLeod Street shopping centre.
Police were contacted yesterday (December 9) in relation to the boys behaviour, locating and
arresting him on Abbott Street.
The boy was already wanted by police for several offences he allegedly committed.
Police will allege the boy had been one of a group of offenders that during December and January, had broken into homes and businesses stealing items and cars and driven dangerously throughout the suburbs.
The 12-year-old Edmonton boy was charged with two counts each of enter premise and commit indictable offence and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one count each of attempted enter premise and commit indictable offence, burglary and stealing and thee counts of failure to appear in accordance with undertaking.
Police have opposed the boys bail and he is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Children’s Court.
WEATHER
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting showers on Tuesday, with a very high chance of a thunderstorm. Winds east to south-easterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening.
Across the region
Cairns: Showers24-31C
Atherton: Shower or two 20-26C
Cardwell: Showers 24-31C
Cooktown: Windy. Heavy rain 25-29C
Innisfail: Showers. 23-31C
Mareeba: Shower or two 22-39C
TRAFFIC
Archer River/Mission River
Sealing of 10.1km of the Peninsula Developmental Road including drainage provisions at Archer River and Mission River is expected to continue to December 24, 2021 with works ongoing Monday to Sunday 6am to 6pm and delays are expected.
Bungalow
A speed reduction is in force on Mulgrave Road at Bungalow due to culvert damage near Brown Street.
Access across culvert in both directions along Mulgrave Road and Brown Street intersection is restricted to vehicles that comply with the general mass and concessional mass limits.
Cape Tribulation / Kimberley
Roadworks have been reported on Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road at Cape Tribulation / Kimberley
Long delays are expected in both directions towards Wujal Wujal.
Edmonton/Gordonvale
Roadworks are being carried out on the Bruce Highway — Cairns Southern Access Corridor — Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale. Delays expected (during active hours of work), with all lanes in both directions affected. The work is expected to run until June 30, 2023.
Edmonton / Gordonvale / Wrights Creek
Road works on Yarrabah Rd and the Bruce Highway due to the Cairns Southern Access Corridor — Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale are expected to cause motorist delays.
All lanes in both directions are affected and changed traffic conditions are in place.
Freshwater
Roadworks on a shoulder of Kamerunga Road / Stratford Connection Road at Freshwater are expected to cause delay for motorists with lanes reduced. Proceed with caution.
Japoonvale
A 25 tonne load limit has been imposed on the Little Liverpool Creek Bridge between Torrisi Rd and Walter Lever Estate Rd. No delays are expected.
Kuranda
Barron River Bridge on the Kennedy Highway reduced to one lane. Restricted to vehicles that comply with general mass limits. Partial lane closures. Both directions affected and delays expected. Allow extra travel time.
Lake Eacham
Wrights Creek Road is closed to all traffic. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route.
Stewart Creek Valley
Road hazard being soft shoulders on Douglas Creek Road at
Stewart Creek Valley has forced a 5 tonne GVM limit.
Heavy vehicles have been advised to use an alternative route.
Boogan / Mourilyan
Pavement widening and rehabilitation is underway on the Boogan Road at Mourilyan.
Works are expected to operate from Monday to Sunday, 6am to 6pm.
Delays are expected, motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
Woree
Roadworks on Mulgrave Road at Woree have led to reduced lanes inbound towards Sandown Close. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
WHAT’S ON
The following Cairns Regional Council services are available:
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Picnic benches outside of Muddies
Public barbecues
Fitness equipment
Playgrounds including Muddy’s Playground and the Fun Ship Playground
Basketball and tennis courts
Bump tracks and BMX tracks (within parks)
The Esplanade Activity Precinct (skate plaza, bouldering park, beach volleyball courts, multipurpose court)
The Lagoon and Council-run swimming pools
Flecker Gardens
Arts and cultural venues including Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Tanks Arts Centre, the Courthouse gallery
Buy Back Shop
Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Barlow Park
Tobruk, Smithfield and Gordonvale pools
Marlin Coast Recreation Centre
Green Space Our Place
More Coverage
Originally published as Man from Mareeba dies after being hit by truck in Chillagoe
Heartwarming update on curlew left for dead on barbed-wire fence
Wildlife carers have an update on the poor young curlew that was strung up by the feet on a barbed wire fence and left to die last week. Warning: Disturbing content
Fire crews responding to ‘well involved’ structure fire in Gordonvale
At least three fire crews are responding to reports of a ‘well involved’ structure fire in Gordonvale.