Federal govt insurance pool to be ready in 2022
The federal government has released draft legislation on the reinsurance pool for cyclones and related flood damage which could bring down costs for Cape York residents ...Member for Leichardt Warren Entsch said it was anticipated more than 500,000 residential, strata and small business property insurance policies in northern Australia were expected to be eligible to be covered by the reinsurance pool.
Native Title victory gives land back to custodians
Dancing broke out at the Cairns Courthouse last week after the Federal Court recognised the Kuuku Ya’u and Uutaalnganu people’s Native Title rights to more than 210,000 hectares of land in Cape York. It was a major milestone for the Cape York Land Council’s United #1Claim, which covers more than half of all land on the Peninsula.
Council distances itself from vax rules
Cook Shire Council supports the COVID-19 vaccination rollout but last week passed a motion that outlined its respect for freedom of choice. The council has been facing pressure from a small group of local residents who want Cook Shire to push back against new vaccine laws that are set to come into play on December 17. However, the council is eager to let residents know to voice their concerns towards the state government.
Turtles benefit from Rio’s support
Turtle monitoring around Rio Tinto’s Amrun mine has shown the unusual benefit of a mining company that improves the environment around it. Before the Amrun mine was constructed, turtle hatchings were rare in that part of the Cape, mostly because feral pigs predated nests.
Interest in space centre skyrockets around Cape
More details have emerged about a proposed spaceport that would result in a billion-dollar industry in Cape York. Space Centre Australia visited Weipa and Napranum last week to meet with stakeholders and community members and discuss plans for the project, to be built near RAAF Base Scherger.
Proposed voter ID law to have big impact on Cape
Mark Knowles. Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance chair Robbie Sands has written an open letter to PM Scott Morrison, calling on him to stop a bill that would require voters to show ID before casting their ballot as it would discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote communities by limiting their right to vote if they cannot produce ID ... Outspoken North Queensland MP Bob Katter said he was against the proposed changes.
Portland Roads stalwart has his say on proposal
Greg Westcott. More than 40 years on from the demolition of the historic Portland Roads jetty, the community is divided by persistent lobbying by a minority of local property owners for the construction of a rock wall and boat ramp that, when completed, will extend out from “the point” about 190 metres into deep water.
