Today in Cairns: Motorcycle rider critically injured in single vehicle crash
Police are on scene after being called to a single motorbike crash on a notoriously dangerous section of road that remains closed to traffic in both directions.
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G’day Far Northerners, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening across the region this week, July 10 to July 17
TODAY’S HEADLINES
‘Vile’ former council worker sentenced for raping stepdaughter over two-year period
‘I am worried’: Travel agents are concerned new route won’t start
Your guide to the best ride and food options at Cairns Show
Cairns health workers brace for third Covid wave
‘A massive boost’: Marathon veteran wanting a big crowd
TODAY’S NEWS
Critical crash, Gordonvale
Police remain on the scene of a single vehicle crash on the Gillies Range Rd near Gordonvale.
Queensland Ambulance Service medics received a call about 4pm to attend a motorcycle crash at the corner of Obyrne St and the Gillies Range Rd.
Medics treated a man for critical injuries on arrival. The patient had not been taken to hospital.
A police spokeswoman said she was waiting for more information from officers at the scene.
“It’s a little bit too early to call it,” she said.
The Gillies Range Road remains closed to traffic in both directions.
Fatal crash, Yungaburra
A Far North man has been killed after a crash at Yungaburra last night.
Police are investigating the incident, believed to have occurred around 8pm on Thursday night.
Initial investigations indicate a man in his 30s was driving toward the Yungaburra township on Gillies Range Road when he failed to negotiate a right-hand bend and the car crashed into a tree.
“The man was the sole occupant of the car,” a Queensland Police spokeswoman told the Cairns Post.
“He passed away at the scene.”
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.
MONDAY’S NEWS
Hikers rescued, Aloomba
THREE hikers have been rescued by helicopter after being stranded overnight at one of the Far North’s most popular and challenging treks.
Emergency services were called to the Walsh’s Pyramid walking trail at Aloomba, south of Cairns, at around 7.20pm on Sunday night after the trio found themselves in difficulty.
The steep 900m walk is the highest free standing natural pyramid in the world.
Members of the Queensland Ambulance Service were forced to walk in under the cover of darkness to attend the group, before staying with them overnight.
A female in her 20s was suffering from heat exhaustion, a female in her 50s with fatigue alongside an uninjured male.
A police co-ordinated rescue chopper then winched them to safety at first light on Monday morning and transported them to the Cairns Hospital.
They are all in a stable condition.
“Three stable patients were located and assessed and paramedics remained with the patients overnight until the rescue helicopter was tasked at first light,” a QAS spokeswoman said.
“All three are in Cairns Hospital in a stable condition.”
A Queensland Police spokesman said the three had become stranded because of bad light and exhaustion overnight.
“We winched them out at 7.30am this morning,” he said.
It comes after a 25-year-old Gordonvale man died while having a medical episode attempting the pyramid trail earlier this year.
Cardwell property search
VICTIMS of Far North crime between March and July have been encouraged to look at pictures of items found after a recent search of a Cardwell home.
Detectives from Tully’s Criminal Investigation Branch searched a 46-year-old Cardwell man’s property after he was intercepted on Victoria St.
The man was found in possession of cash, methylamphetamine, clip seal bags, knives, mobile phones and housebreaking equipment.
Detectives executed a search warrant to the man’s alleged address.
Among the items found were a quantity of MDMA and a significant amount of property police suspect was stolen in recent offences.
The items included boxing gloves, a guitar and various toolbox equipment.
Police suspect the man committed various offences in Cardwell, Ingham and Innisfail between March and July.
The 46-year-old was charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of receiving tainted property, and one count each of enter premises and commit indictable offence, possessing implements for unlawful entry, possession of proceeds of drug supply, possession of property used in connection with drug supply, possession of drug utensils, and possession of a knife in a public.
He will appear in Tully Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 11.
Victims are encouraged to contact Tully detectives on 4068 4004 if they recognise any items.
WEATHER
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a sunny day for Cairns on Thursday.
Across the region on Thursday:
Cairns: Sunny, 14C – 23C
Atherton: Sunny, 7C – 18C
Cardwell: Sunny, 10C – 21C
Cooktown: Partly cloudy, 17C – 23C
Innisfail: Sunny, 11C – 20C
Mareeba: Sunny, 9C – 22C
TRAFFIC
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.
Coen / Laura
The Peninsula Developmental Road is subject to a 5 Tonne GVM limit from Laura to Coen due to water over the road.
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.
Feluga
Major intersection upgrade at East Feluga Road and Bruce Hwy. Delays are expected to August 12, 2022.
Lake Eacham
Wrights Creek Road is closed to all traffic. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route.
Ravenshoe
Roadworks have been reported at Grigg St, Ravenshoe and are expected to December 12, 2022.
Wrights Creek
Hill Road Closed permanently from the Bruce Highway to Harris Road to December 2024.
WHAT’S ON
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
THIS WEEK IN CAIRNS
Cairns Show
The Cairns Show will return for its 131st year. There will be jaw-dropping entertainment, competitions, showbags, stalls and food.
Where: Cairns Showgrounds
When: Wednesday through to Friday
Cost: Tickets can be purchased here
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