Today in Cairns: Edmonton service station robbery ends with police arrest
Police say it started with a screwdriver robbery at a Cairns service station and ended a fortnight later underneath a bed.
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G’day Far Northerners, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening across the region today, Monday, August 16.
HEADLINES
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LATEST NEWS
Screwdriver robbery
Police are still on the hunt for another man after an alleged screwdriver robbery at a Cairns service station that has already landed one man in handcuffs.
Detectives have charged a 29-year-old man from Cranbrook in Townsville who allegedly threatened a worker at a Thomson Rd service station in Edmonton on July 29.
Officers allege he was with another man when the pair entered the service station about 3am with their faces covered.
One of the men allegedly approached the counter and threatened the employee with a screwdriver before demanding money and other items.
They allegedly fled the scene with a small quantity of cash and cigarettes.
The employee was not injured.
Police further allege the man stole a 60-year-old man’s wallet on July 16 after he withdrew cash from an Alfred St teller machine.
“He allegedly struck the victim in the face after he attempted to retrieve his wallet,” police said in a statement.
“The man fled after knocking the victim to the ground.”
He was finally arrested early on Sunday afternoon after officers spotted him in Manunda in an alleged stolen car.
Police say he was found a short time later hiding under a bed at a residence in Marchant St.
Bail has been opposed and the man remains in police custody, charged with two counts of armed robbery.
He is scheduled to appear before the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday.
Investigations are continuing.
Serious police assault
Far North police have arrested and charged a 37-year-old Ravenshoe man after he allegedly assaulted a 31-year-old male constable in Mooroobool.
Police attended a Lois St home in relation to a domestic dispute where the man was in the backyard about 3pm on Saturday.
He allegedly became aggressive, lunged at police and punched one officer in the face.
The 31-year-old constable sustained a minor cut and bruising.
The man was later charged with one count of seriously assaulting a police officer and is scheduled to appear at the Cairns Magistrates Court on August 31.
Car crash
A quiet rural road was lit up after a single vehicle crash that left two men requiring immediate hospital care overnight.
Paramedics were called to Glen Allyn Rd in Malanda at 8.35pm after reports of the crash on Sunday.
One man was treated for facial injuries while the other had chest pain.
Both were taken to Atherton Hospital for treatment.
WEATHER
The dreary drizzly weather which has dominated much of the past week looks set to continue today, with Cairns in with a chance of a shower or two.
From a minimum of 19 degrees, expect the mercury to hit a maximum of 26.
Up to 2mm of rain is being forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology, with winds southerly to south-easterly, at 15-25km/h, before easing in the late evening.
Around the region
Cairns: Showers, 19-26C
Atherton: Possible shower, 15-21C
Cardwell: Showers easing, 17-25C
Cooktown: Possible shower, 21-27C
Innisfail: Showers, 18-24C
Mareeba: Partly cloudy, 17-25C
TRAFFIC
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.
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.
Kimberley
A road hazard has been reported on Cape Tribulation Road at Kimberly.
The road is open to one lane only with up to one hour delays expected.
Motorists are urged to show patience
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.
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
Potholes have been reported on the Bruce Highway at Feluga in north bound lanes toward Innisfail. No delays expected however drivers are asked to proceed with caution.
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 August 7. Lanes will be reduced as a result and motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
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.
Innot Hot Springs
Bridge or culvert damage has been reported on Mandalee Road at Innot Hot Springs.
The road closed to all traffic and motorists have been advised to use an alternative route.
Cape Tribulation / Kimberley
Roadworks have been reported on Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road at Cape Tribulation / Kimberley
No delays expected, however drivers are urged to proceed with caution.
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.
Atherton
Main St pavement works between June 7 to July 2 are expected to impact traffic in Atherton.
Motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
Portsmith/Woree
This is due to Cairns Southern Access Stage 4 and works will be carried out until December 24, 2021. A new bypass of the Captain Cook Hwy will be constructed between McGregor Rd and Cairns Western Arterial Rd roundabouts providing motorists an alternative route to the Cook Hwy. Delays are expected during active hours in both directions.
WHAT’S ON
Outdoor facilities, events and programs have resumed following the end of the three-day lockdown in Cairns.
The following services are once again 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 Court House gallery
Buy Back Shop
Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Barlow Park
Tobruk, Smithfield and Gordonvale pools
Marlin Coast Recreation Centre
Green Space Our Place
Bouldering – Active living class
Monday, August 16
Time: 5-6pm
Location: Bouldering Park (Cairns Esplanade, near the Kerwin St intersection)
Cost: Free
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing at low height. A minimal amount of equipment is required. Please note classes may be cancelled at short notice due to poor weather or instructor availability.
For the latest information on Active Living classes on the Esplanade, visit the Esplanade Facebook page.
Originally published as Today in Cairns: Edmonton service station robbery ends with police arrest
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