BLOOMFIELD CROC ATTACK

A shocking video of a man and a dog being attacked by a crocodile at the Bloomfield boat ramp, north of Port Douglas, gained national attention in February this year.

The victim, Alister MacPhee, sustained leg injuries, necessitating medical attention, while the fate of his dog, Magic Molly, remained uncertain.

Mr MacPhee released a statement from his hospital bed expressing gratitude to emergency services and emphasising the importance of being Crocwise in such territories while recovering from his injuries.

Responding to the incident, Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) took steps to remove the crocodile. The Bloomfield boat ramp, falling under Zone E in the Crocodile Management Plan, justified the removal of the crocodile exhibiting dangerous behaviour.

MYSTERIOUS BIG CAT

The month of February was dominated by the intriguing question of whether a mysterious big cat was prowling the rainforests of the Douglas Shire.

The long-held fun theory of enigmatic big cats supposedly roaming the backcountry of the Douglas Shire resurfaced at the beginning of the year, triggered by an alleged but unconfirmed sighting of a large cat-like figure in the region.

Further evidence emerged when a local resident claimed to have inadvertently captured a rare nighttime image of the mysterious big cat that reportedly roams the surrounding rainforests of the Douglas Shire.

When Newsport conducted a poll asking readers if they believed a mysterious black cat roamed the Douglas Shire backcountry, a majority of 49 percent answered yes. 

Adding to the intrigue, another Newsport reader shared video footage suggesting an oversized feral or 'big cat' was roaming on a property near Julatten.

The theory of big cats roaming the rainforests of Far North Queensland and bushland in other parts of the country gained traction, with history books suggesting that US soldiers released 'exotic, big cats' into parts of Australia during WW2, considering them as mascots at the time.

SPLASH PARK DISCUSSION

Looking back on a two-decade-long discussion that began twenty years ago regarding the feasibility of Port Douglas having its own lagoon, the debate continues, with the concept still under consideration.

Beginning of February, Newsport revisited the ongoing discussion, conducting a poll for readers to express their opinions on the best location for an aquatic precinct, with Jalunbu Park emerging as the preferred choice with 70 percent support.

By the end of February, the Douglas Shire Council took official steps by launching a survey, urging locals to provide feedback on the substantial interest in the possibility of Douglas having its own lagoon pool or splash park.

These events marked the initiation of a substantial discussion that continued to evolve throughout the year.