Today in Cairns: Man taken to hospital with serious chest injuries
A man has received serious injuries following a mutli-vehicle crash involving a truck in a rural Far Northern town. Plus, catch up on the latest, weather, traffic and event news.
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G’day Far Northerners, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening across the region this week, November 8 – November 12.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
‘Career con-artist’ who stole thousands facing lengthy period in jail
Council defies residents on five-storey development
How Far North’s natural wonder can capture European dream
Tick sheet downfall of meth addict jailed for trafficking
Rental crisis: Why one Cairns man will never be a landlord again
TODAY’S NEWS
Multi-vehicle crash
Paramedics attended a multi-vehicle crash involving a truck on Sluice Creek Road and East Evelyn Road, Millaa Millaa at 9.17pm, Thursday.
A man was transported to Atherton Hospital in a serious condition with chest injuries.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has been contacted for an update on the man.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Cyclist and vehicle incident
A man has been transported to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition with a leg injury, following a vehicle and cycle incident on the Bruce Highway at Woree about 6.50am.
Motorcycle crash
Paramedics transported a teenage male to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition with a chest and head injuries following a motorcycle crash. QAS was called to a location off Barnard Drive, Mount Sheridan at 6.46pm Wednesday, although the incident occurred at a different location.
Armed robbery at Innisfail
Police have charged a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man both from Innisfail, following an armed robbery in Innisfail on Tuesday, November 9.
It will be alleged the boy has entered a rear roller door of an Edith St business about 10:30pm.
Using a crowbar to jemmy open the access door to the counter, he was scared off and left the business only to re-enter the business via the front door moments later.
He has climbed over the front counter and stole a number of cigarette packets, before threatening the staff member with the crowbar to open the till.
He and the man have then left with a quantity of money and cigarettes.
They were located on Thursday and charged with armed robbery.
The man was remanded in custody and appeared in Innisfail Magistrates Court on November 10 and is rescheduled to appear January 17.
Robbery at service station
Police have arrested a 33-year-old Mooroobool man following a robbery that occurred about 1am Monday, November 8.
Police will allege two men have entered the service station, attempted to buy some items but their card would not work. One of the men has gone behind the counter, threatened a 26-year-old male staff member demanding cash and cigarettes.
The staff member has complied and both men have left with cigarettes and money.
On Wednesday, November 10, police from Cairns CIB arrested the 33-year-old Mooroobool man and charged him with one count each of robbery, common assault and stealing. Police opposed the man’s bail.
He appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on November 10 and is rescheduled to appear January 12.
Police investigations are continuing to identify the second man involved.
Armed robbery
Police are seeking public assistance following an armed robbery in Cairns on November 10.
About 7.30am, a 43-year-old Parramatta Park man was walking along Severin Street towards Scott Street when he was approached from behind by three men.
One of the men pulled a knife and demanded the victim hand over his bag. The man complied and all three offenders ran off along Severin Street towards Scott Street.
The 43-year-old man was not physically injured during the incident.
The man armed with the knife was described as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in appearance, aged in his 30s, about 180cm tall with a large build.
He was wearing a black LA Raiders cap, black shirt with the word “TUPAC” written on it and dark shorts.
He was with a man described as being caucasian in appearance, aged in his twenties and
a younger male described as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in appearance.
Police are appealing for anyone who was travelling along Severin Street between Mulgrave Road and Scott Street between the times of 7.20am and 7.45am (November 10) who may have witnessed this incident or have dash camera footage of the incident to contact Policelink on 131 444. Please quote QP2102095468
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Babinda house fire
Two patients, a man in his 30s and a girl have been taken to Babinda Hospital in a stable condition for smoke inhalation following Tuesday’s Babinda house fire.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Fire in Babinda
Emergency services have responded to a house fire in Babinda.
A QAS spokeswoman said a call had been received about 5.40pm and an ambulance was en route to reports of a structure fire on Munro Street in Babinda.
A QFES spokeswoman said two crews responded to the call and put out a fire in a bedroom. The fire is under control.
Chainsaw attack
Paramedics have responded to an attack in a south Cairns suburb involving a chainsaw.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said one crew had been dispatched to a Bentley Park address at 8.23am following a potential domestic violence incident.
“We have crew there but it does not appear like there is any serious injuries,” the spokesman said.
It’s understood the attacker has absconded from the property and the victim is being treated for minor injuries.
Police confirmed officers are investigating an attack in the area but could provide no further detail.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Alleged assault in Cairns CBD
Police are asking for help from the public to identify a man who allegedly assaulted a Cairns woman on Saturday, October 30.
The 45-year-old woman from Gordonvale was allegedly assaulted by a man unknown to her. She had stopped her car about 1:30pm on McLeod Street between Lily Street and Arthur Street.
After the incident the man was alleged to run away on McLeod Street before the police arrived.
Police have encouraged anyone that might have a dashcam in their cars during that time to check the footage.
People have been encouraged to contact Policelink online here and lodge an online suspicious activity.
Crash blocks road in Portsmith
Emergency services have responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Kenny Street and Draper Street in Portsmith.
A police spokeswoman said they received the call about 12pm.
She said the two vehicles were blocking the road and tow trucks were needed.
A Queensland Ambulance Spokeswoman said they attended the scene but no one required assistance.
The road has now been cleared.
Tyre deflation device deployed
Police have charged three men and a boy after a house in Bungalow was allegedly broken into 11pm Thursday, November 4.
Valuables, including the owner’s vehicle were allegedly taken.
The female resident woke the next morning to find her back door open and several items, car keys and car missing.
On Saturday November 7, police have seen the vehicle driving on Kingsford Street at Mooroobool and have deployed a tyre deflation device to stop the car. Police will allege the driver of the stolen car has tried to drive off hitting a police car in the driver door causing damage to both cars.
A 17-year-old Mooroobool boy has been charged with one count each of unlawful use of motor vehicle, learner unaccompanied, drive without L-plates.
He will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
An 18-year-old Mount Sheridan man has been charged with one count of unlawful use of motor vehicle and he is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on November 24.
An 18-year-old Belgian Gardens man has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on November 24.
A 19-year-old Manoora man has been charged with one count of unlawful use of motor vehicle he is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on November 24.
Search warrant executed
Police have arrested a 25-year-old Yarrabah woman and a 27-year-old Yarrabah man following a search of a home at Yarrabah.
About 10am on Friday, Yarrabah police attended a home in Stonewig Close, Yarrabah and executed a search warrant.
Police located 106g of marijuana in clip seal bags. Cash and other drug related items were also located at the home.
The 25-year-old Yarrabah woman was charged with two counts of possess utensils or pipes for use, one count each of possessing dangerous drugs and supplying dangerous drugs.
She is scheduled to appear in the Yarrabah Magistrates Court on December 1.
The 27-year-old Yarrabah man was charged with two counts of possess utensils or pipes for use, one count each of possessing dangerous drugs and supplying dangerous drugs.
He is scheduled to appear in the Yarrabah Magistrates Court on December 1.
WEATHER
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting a partly cloudy day in Cairns on Friday with a 60 per cent chance of showers in the late morning. There is also a chance of a thunderstorm from the late morning.
Light winds are expected, with Cairns heading for a top temperature of 34C after an overnight minimum of 24C.
Across the region
Cairns: Shower or two. Possible storm. 24-34C
Atherton: Showers. Possible storm 20-33C
Cardwell: Showers. Possible storm24-34C
Cooktown: Possible shower 25-35C
Innisfail: Shower or two. Possible storm 23-34C
Mareeba: Showers. Possible storm 21-35C
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.
Barron/Smithfield/Yorkeys Knob
Construction of the Smithfield Bypass project, which is to be completed in December 2021, could result in some delays during active construction hours. The project will construct a new 3.8km bypass between the McGregor Road roundabout and the Cairns Western Arterial Road and Captain Cook Highway roundabout as an alternative route to the Captain Cook Highway.
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.
Deeral / Gordonvale
There will be roadworks on the Bruce Highway between Mulgrave River Bridge and Lewis Road until December 6.
Motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
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.
Gordonvale
Temporary closure of Maher Road intersection with the Bruce Highway in both directions. From 7pm Monday to Sunday 7pm until December 31. Forms part of the works for the Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor.
Gordonvale
Culvert replacement works on the Gillies Range Road will be taking place until at least September 30. Lanes will be reduced as a result and motorists are advised to 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 Barrine
Road widening works on the Gillies Range Rd at Lake Barrine are expected to continue to September 2021 and delays are to be expected.
Lake Eacham
Wrights Creek Road is closed to all traffic. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route.
The next road inspection will take place on November 11, 2021.
Mareeba / Walkamin
Road widening works on the Kennedy Highway near Walkamin will take place between May 20 2021 and December 24 2021.
All lanes in both directions are affected and motorists are advised delays expected during active hours. Allow extra travel time.’
Georgetown
Roadworks to widen the Gulf Developmental Road to the east of Georgetown will continue until October 30.
Proceed with caution
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.
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
TOP EVENTS IN CAIRNS THIS WEEK
Brian Cassey: A Photographer’s Life – Part Two
An exhibition from the archives of Cairns-based photographer Brian Cassey, an award-winning media photographer who has been capturing moments and events locally and from around the world for several decades.
Where: The Court House gallery, 38 Abbott St, Cairns
When: Until December 11
Cost: Free
Swamp Donkey and The Brazilians
Performing at the Tanks Arts Centre, take an acoustic tour through Swamp Donkey’s grunge and The Brazilians’ eclectic sound mix.
Where: Tank 5, Tanks Arts Centre
When: 7.30pm for Swamp Donkey, 9pm for The Brazilians, Friday, November 12.
Cost:$20
Down the Rabbit Hole
Discover the whimsical world of Wonderland in Julia Macalpine Dance Studio’s 2021 Production of Down the Rabbit Hole as we embark on an all dancing, all acting, all mad twist on the classic tale Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Where: Cairns Performing Arts Centre
When: Saturday, November 13
Cost: Adults $45, children $30
Rondo Theatre Production – Things I Know To Be True
Fran and Bob are two doting parents whose lives are centred around their four children. They’ve worked hard, Bob has been retrenched and has time now to tend his garden, it should be time for them to enjoy life, to smell the roses.
But their well-laid plans are challenged when their children face complex life decisions.
Where: The Rondo Theatre, 46 Greenslopes St, Edge Hill
When: November 12 – November 20, 8-10.30pm.
Cost: $31.50
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