PUBLIC TRANSPORT FRUSTRATIONS

In a disheartening turn of events, public transport advocate David Haratsis found himself frustrated as the petition he organised to establish a much-needed public transport service between Douglas and Cairns remained in Council limbo.

Despite Douglas Shire Council's initial agreement to receive the petition in November 2022, Newsport reported that progress had stalled in April this year.

The petition, boasting 188 signatures from the Douglas region and beyond, called for a State Government-commissioned report on the socio-economic benefits of public transport in the Douglas Shire and toward Cairns, with a focus on key demographics.

Haratsis had hoped for swift action in the new year, but six months later, the petition's fate remained uncertain. Council's response offered little clarity on its status, citing conversations with the Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui, and budget considerations. 

Haratsis criticised the response as “insipid”, calling for more proactive engagement from the council. Ms Lui, however, stated that neither her office nor the Minister for Transport and Main Roads had received the petition.

BEHEADED CROCODILE MYSTERY

In our shire, peculiar occurrences occasionally unfold, and one such mysterious incident unfolded in April, casting a shadow over Cow Bay.

Wildlife officers found themselves immersed in the unsettling investigation surrounding the perplexing death of a substantial crocodile.

The incident left many in the local community shocked and appalled. Some conservationists and residents held the belief that the crocodile met its demise for its head, deemed as a 'trophy.'

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) received reports confirming the discovery of the massive reptile, measuring four metres, beheaded on the beach near the estuary north of the Cow Bay Beach footpath entry.

The circumstances surrounding the crocodile's demise remained elusive, prompting investigators to consider scenarios ranging from a potential gunshot and head removal to conceal evidence, to the grim possibility of an attack by another crocodile or even a shark.

A local resident shared that the crocodile had been a regular sight along Cow Bay Beach in the preceding weeks. 

The DES assured the public that further information would be released in "due course" as their officers delved into the details of the croc's untimely fate. 

CEMETERY CLAIM CORRECTED

Embarking on a journey through time, Newport’s investigative lens focused this year on a park that the Douglas Shire Council boldly claimed to be Port Douglas's original cemetery. 

Historical records and insights from local historian Noel Weare, however, unveiled a different truth - Port Douglas’s true original cemetery resides on the main road into town.

Debunking the council’s assertion, Newsport journalist Paul Makin’s investigation stirred quite the revelation. 

The park, once touted as a historical site, lost its identity in the blink of an eye when Mayor Michael Kerr, prompted by our exposé, swiftly ordered the removal of the sign that had perpetuated the misconception.