Y I R JUNE 2023: Cape Trib smear, Laura Races win big, Iron Man slammed

CAPE TRIB

Paul Makin

Journalist

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Silly report suggests the Cassowaries at Cape Tribulation made it the deadliest beach in the world. Picture: Supplied

Back in June, in an unexpected twist, Cape Tribulation, nestled in the idyllic Douglas Shire, earned the rather dubious distinction of being crowned the world's most dangerous beach.

The surprising announcement, based on an international report from weather.com, a tech giant-owned platform, left many scratching their heads and others chuckling at the seemingly far-fetched ranking.

The report listed a roster of potential dangers, including lethal jellyfish, venomous snakes, crocodiles, and the infamous cassowaries, labelling Cape Tribulation as the numero uno perilous beach. It emphasized that cassowaries, when provoked, can be aggressive and inflict injuries, adding an element of terror to the location.

Funny facts

While the revelation prompted laughter and raised eyebrows, it's worth noting that the last fatal cassowary attack occurred in Florida, USA, in 2019.

The Cape Tribulation beach bizarrely outshone a Hawaiian beach known for rip currents claiming countless lives and even surpassed the perilous Amazon River beaches with flesh-eating piranhas, anacondas, and electric eels.

Even the Mayor Michael Kerr couldn’t stop laughing: “how misleading is this report about Cape Tribulation, I mean if you see a Cassowary in the Daintree your extremely lucky and they do wonderful things for the ecology up there and gee Kangaroos are dangerous too and Dingoes, but I don’t see any beaches down south being singled out by reports like this one”.

The mayor is right of course. Amidst the amusement, a suggestion was extended to weather.com to stick to their forte—weather forecasting—and leave travel and tourism advice to the seasoned experts.

Laura Races triumph and tragedy 

May witnessed the resounding success of the annual Laura Races, a unique event that draws thousands to the far north town, including enthusiastic participants from all corners of Queensland, including the Douglas Shire.

The 2023 edition, declared the most successful ever by race club officials, showcased not only thrilling on-track competitions but also a vibrant display of fashion.

The prestigious Laura Cup found its winner in 6-year-old Forgiato, skilfully ridden by Masayuki Abe who had a tumble in an earlier race.

The ambos had to give him the green light to ride in the cup after putting him through a strenuous medical check. The celebratory atmosphere resonated beyond the racetrack, with the beats of local sensation Black Image from Cooktown setting the stage for lively Friday and Saturday night festivities. The Harrigan’s are all brothers and are booked up two years ahead.

They often go on tour with Troy Cassar-Daley who met drummer Cliffy thirty years ago and formed an immediate bond.

“Over the years, when I'd gone up to Weipa or Cooktown, I’d play with the fellas and that bond grew over the years because of the fact that we had that unbreakable friendship from the get-go,” Troy said.

The Black Image Band were also a presence at Savannah in The Round at Mareeba but instead of hiding them in a tent on Sunday morning the organisers should be giving them headline status on the main stage.

Meanwhile I’m told they will be taking to the stage at the 2024 version of the Laura Races. However, this year's Laura Races triumph was tempered by the sombre note of Kevin Darmody's (Stumpy) passing. The beloved local publican, who met a tragic end earlier in the year when taken by a crocodile, was remembered for his warmth, support of the racing club, and dedication to keeping visitors informed and safe. We’ll mis you Stumpy.

Iron Man useless

The annual Iron Man event once again stirred controversy in the Douglas Shire. The invasion of Iron Man Cairns disrupted normalcy for an entire day, causing considerable inconvenience in a region heavily dependent on tourism. From 5:30 am to 5:30 pm, accessing Port Douglas, Mossman, or the Daintree became a daunting three-hour-plus trek across the tablelands.

The closure of the vital Captain Cook Highway, a major arterial road, inconvenienced locals, and stranded visitors as a group of elite sports enthusiasts dominated the route.

The event's impact, starkly felt in a region reliant on welcoming tourists, sparked frustration, questioning the logic of an annual disruption that seemingly brings minimal economic returns.

The Douglas Shire, bound by the consequences of the state-controlled highway, grapples with an event that raises concerns about its impact on both residents and the broader tourism industry.


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