Today in Cairns: Boy charged with robbery, assault of police officer, unlawful use of motor vehicle
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and charged after allegedly chasing down the driver of a vehicle and choking him until he passed out. Shortly after he allegedly assaulted a police officer.
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G’day Far Northerners, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening across the region this week, April 4 to April 8.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
‘They’re sleeping in their cars’: older women a growing cohort of homeless in Far North
Patrol boat written off as insiders tip next step for $15m ship
Crime victim shares gadget trick that found stolen car
‘Locals displaced’: southerners creating rental squeeze, says Cairns woman in crisis
Joint investigation smashes alleged Lotus Glen drug trafficking ring
TODAY’S NEWS
Innisfail robbery
A 17-year-old boy from Cullinane has been arrested and charged after an incident in Emily Street, Innisfail.
He was charged with one count of robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, obstruct police and serious assault of a police officer.
Police will allege about 8.30pm on Thursday the boy asked a 21-year-old man on Owen Street for a lift, he agreed and the boy directed him to an area where no houses were near by.
The driver became concerned and stopped the car but the boy allegedly threatened the driver and demanded the keys.
The boy allegedly chased the driver down when he ran off and choked him until the man passed out.
The man ran to a nearby house and called the police while the boy fled in the car.
Patrols were commenced and the boy was arrested where he was moved to the waterhouse and he allegedly assaulted an officer when being moved.
He will face the Innisfail Childrens Court.
THURSDAY’S NEWS
Greenpatch camping ground reopening
The Greenpatch camping ground at Gordonvale will fully reopen tomorrow on Friday, April 8.
The free camping ground, which is on the banks of the Mulgrave River, has been closed since March 18 due to the increased risk of flash flooding during the wet season.
The maximum stay at this Cairns Regional Council managed campground is 72 hours.
WEDNESDAY’S NEWS
Motor vehicle steal
A 28-year-old Manoora man is assisting police with their enquiries following a car allegedly being stolen from Bungalow on Tuesday.
Initial investigations indicate about 12pm the vehicle was parked on Newell St before a man allegedly entered the vehicle and drove off.
Police were called to a nearby residence a short time later, where they allegedly found the vehicle and the 28-year-old man inside.
He was transported to Cairns Hospital.
Investigations are ongoing.
TUESDAY’S NEWS
Unlawful use of a motor vehicle
Police charged an 18-year-old Manoora man on Monday after an alleged burglary at a Gatton St, Parramatta Park unit.
It will be alleged about 4am on April 4, the Gatton St unit was broken into, car keys
were stolen and used to steal a car parked outside.
Officers sighted the vehicle and identified one of the occupants of the car.
Then about 6pm, police located and arrested the man charging him with one count of
unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Police opposed the man’s bail and he will appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court today.
Investigations are continuing into this incident
Burglary
A 13-year-old Bentley Park boy was arrested on Monday after an investigation into a spate of
burglaries that allegedly occurred at a unit complex on Draper St.
It will be alleged about 3am on April 2 the boy along with several others broke into three units stealing keys and several cars from the complex.
Police commenced an investigation and were able to identify the boy.
On Monday officers located the boy and charged him with two counts of burglary, three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of enter dwelling.
The boy was bailed with strict conditions and will appear in the Cairns Childrens Court later this month.
Police investigations are continuing into this matter.
MONDAY’S NEWS
Injury after incident with cow
A man has been taken to hospital after an incident with a cow in a property off Malanda Atherton Road about 10am.
A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said he was reportedly kicked in the chest by a cow.
The male in his 20s was taken to Atherton Hospital in a stable condition but sustained a chest injury.
Speed limit reduction
Cairns council is advising that the speed limit on Enmore St, Manoora, between Reservoir Rd and Jensen St, will be reduced to 50km/h from Monday, April 11.
“The new speed limit, reduced from 60km/h, offers greater safety,” the council’s statement read.
“Council is introducing this change following a speed limit review, which has been endorsed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Police Service.”
Possess dangerous drugs, Westcourt
Cairns Tactical Crime Squad arrested and charged a 37-year-old Cairns man after intercepting his vehicle in Westcourt on Sunday about 11pm.
It will be alleged the man was intercepted after being observed by police driving in an alleged erratic manner.
During the intercept officers searched the vehicle allegedly locating a large quantity of crystal-like substance, a large quantity of money in the driver’s door and a flick knife.
The man was charged with two counts of possess dangerous drugs and one count each of possess utensil and unlawful possession of weapon. He was bailed and will appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on April 19.
Arson, Gordonvale
On Friday, April 1 police from Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch and Edmonton Station arrested and charged a 20-year-old Gordonvale man following an investigation into an alleged arson that occurred in Norman Street Gordonvale on March 31.
It will be alleged about 11pm on Thursday, March 31 the man threatened several people with a metal bar in Norman Street.
A 46-year-old Gordonvale woman exited a Norman Street house when the man allegedly entered her yard and threw stones at a vehicle parked there, smashing windows before being chased off.
Police allege at 2.20am on April 1 the man returned and set the vehicle on fire which spread to another vehicle.
The woman was woken by the smell of smoke and saw the two vehicles were alight. She evacuated the house and emergency crews responded and extinguished the fire.
The 20-year-old man is known to the 46-year-old woman.
About 9am police attended an address at Highleigh Road, Gordonvale arresting the 20-year-old man.
He was charged with two counts of arson and one count of wilful damage. His bail was opposed by police and he was remanded in custody to reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on June 1.
Break and enter, Cairns City
Police arrested and charged two 16-year-old boys and a 19-year-old man after an alleged break and enter of a resort on Lake Street on Monday morning.
It will be alleged at about 1am the three have climbed over a rear fence before breaking into a bararea and stealing a large quantity of alcohol.
City Safe camera operators were able to locate the three sitting in parklands drinking.
Police attended and arrested all three charging them all with one count of enter premise and commit indictable offence.
The 19-year-old man was bailed to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on April 21.
The two 16-year-old boys were bailed to appear in the Cairns Childrens Court later this month.
WEATHER
On Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a partly cloudy day with a 20 per cent chance of showers. Light winds becoming south-easterly at 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day will then become light in the evening.
Across the region on Thursday
Cairns: Partly cloudy 22-32C
Atherton: Partly cloudy 17-28C
Cardwell: Possible shower 23-31C
Cooktown: Mostly sunny 24-31C
Innisfail: Possible shower 21-31C
Mareeba: Partly cloudy 19-31C
TRAFFIC
Cairns North
Roadworks, line marking on Sheridan St, Cairns North, southbound towards Cairns City to April 4, 2022. Allow extra travel time.
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.
Craiglie / Mowbray
Road safety upgrades on the Captain Cook Hwy are expected to cause delays to March 30, 2022.
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.
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.
Malanda
Bridge Replacement Works are being undertaken at Williams Creek on Merragallan Road commencing 29 November 2021 through to April 2022. A full road closure will be in place. There will be no access across the Williams Creek or any sidetrack in operation.
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
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 THIS WEEK
Paint The Town
Cairns audiences will be treated to an award-winning selection of regional Queensland talent with the showing of Paint the Town. An initiative of Flying Arts Alliance, Paint the Town, is the touring exhibition of 2021 Queensland Regional Art Awards and showcases the works of 28 talented emerging and established artists from across regional Queensland.
WHEN: All week, 10am – 4pm
WHERE: The Court House
COST: Free
Little Lifesavers – Cairns
We have the Easter school holidays covered!
Our Little Lifesaver program is a fun way for kids to learn about water safety, all while keeping them entertained this school holidays.
Children will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of water activities, beach games and rescue techniques without the trip to the beach.
WHEN: Tuesday and Thursday, 8am – 12pm
WHERE: Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
COST: $175 for the two day program, get tickets here.
Easter School Holiday Program
Keep the kids busy these Easter school holidays with the Cairns Museum school holiday program, there are plenty of things to do for all ages. Book early for our Easter craft or hands-on science workshop, or drop in for awesome self-guided activities like the great Museum Easter egg hunt.
WHEN: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30 – 11:30am
WHERE: Cairns Museum
COST: $10 members | $15 non-members
Travis Collins gig
Travis Collins has long led the charge in the Australian country music fold with his soulful voice, earthy sound, and unique gift for piloting both sophisticated, heartfelt ballads and high octane country-rock belters.
WHEN: The Edge Hill Tavern
WHERE: Friday, 8pm
COST:Get tickets here.
The Aretha Franklin Story
The electrifying show RESPECT journeys through Aretha Franklin’s courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph, while showcasing her greatest hits over the last 50 years.
Hold on to your seat as you journey into this earth-shattering Aretha experience that is RESPECT.
WHEN: Saturday, 7.30pm
WHERE: Cairns Performing Arts Centre
COST: Adult: $74.60 get tickets here.
Ride for Luke Azzopardi
Luke Azzopardi remains one of the bright lights of our beloved club. Join us afterwards for BBQ breakfast and barista brewed coffee.
WHEN: Saturday, 6.30am
WHERE: Cairns Cycling Club
COST: Free
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