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Geoff Field

Even if the article has merit, some of the comments are definitely ageist along with the mobility scooter reference. Denigrating retirees and boomers isn’t cool. So does the author think people over 50 have nothing to offer, or should move somewhere else? BTW, Rod, I think some of the things you say make sense.

Ali Tatt

Have been saying for years it's a giant retirement village. As for what's next: affordable housing. Starting with limited Airbnb like other places that had the balls to enforce this. Community can't thrive without locals actually being able to live here. But as long as the southern retirees have their coffee and restaurants all is good. There are that many places for rent furnished and unfurnished with 3-6 month leases. What local who can't afford to buy wants to pack up and move every few months! The other options are houses for $700 up to $1600 per week! Sorry, but it’s ridiculous.

David Kempton, MP

As whimsical, or even as relevant, as some of this article might be the fact is the cane industry in Mossman has come to a close after 130 continuous years. In the end it was the growers who decided they could not continue indefinitely subsidised by Government. Cyclone Jasper, closure of the mill, declining prices and lack of volume all resulted in the demise of the industry. There is little point in finger pointing. There is no silver bullet crop to replace cane and there are a few years of uncertainty before new and diverse crops and industries emerge. But emerge they will. We continue to work closely with the Council, growers and the community to provide support and investigate options. We are currently assessing water availability from existing reserves. The DPI is working with many groups and the community-information day before Christmas was a big success. We will continue to work with the region to assist in any way we can toward a bright future, post cane.

Lawrence Mason

Many of us have been saying this for a while. Where are the community meetings, the planning for the future? Forums? I haven't seen a councillor for months. My most recent comms with Council have told me my swimming hole is illegal. That's about the best they have. If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny.

John Sullivan

Rod got this one right. Where is the leadership from all levels of government in this situation?

Alf Craig

The local sugar industry took four generations (100+ years) to establish. And only one to bring it to ruin. Yes, grass grows well in these parts. Sure hemp might do the trick and replace cane as a crop. But transiting there wouldn't happen overnight - nor even in a year. Growing it and harvesting the crop is just the start of the chain. Where's the market? Is there market demand? Can the crop be transported economically to the market? Who will do the marketing? Bring the second link in the chain to FNQ? A hemp-processing facility. What comes first; The raw material or the processing plant? Where would the processing plant be established and by whom? Key takeaways for 2025–2026. Although the market is in its "nascent stage," high demand for hemp-based products like hempcrete, insulation, and textiles is expected to continue growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate exceeding 20 per cent. Investment in processing technology and infrastructure is the current focus to bridge this gap.

James Costelloe

The whole place is going downhill. Weak times create soft men.

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Leith Keegan

Are they real laws? The Governor does hold constitutionally valid Letters Patent don't they?

Phillip Carlon

Now to make sure they work as intended!

Jo Willo

The sooner the better. Get these entitled little punks off the street.