Qld

A helicopter survey along the east coast of Cape York has revealed the extent of plastic pollution in the region. Commissioned by the Tangaroa Blue Foundation as part of the ReefClean program, the survey identified 2882 plastic floats, 211 ghost nets, 147 long line beacons and 234 fish attracting devices among thousands of items of plastic pollution.

Ticketed events for this month’s Cooktown Expo are close to selling out, but there is still plenty of accommodation available for those wanting to take advantage of 10 days and nights of free events from this Friday ... Cooktown’s Reconciliation Rocks precinct where Australia’s first recorded act of reconciliation took place in 1770 between James Cook and a Waymburr Warra Elder will be officially opened on Friday.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the Scenic Rim One Million Trees Program was established in 2013 with the goal to plant one million trees across the region by 2025. "The program provides native trees to Scenic Rim residents, community groups, rural landholders and schools and aims to address issues of biodiversity loss by encouraging sustainable land practices, the restoration of waterways and beautification of the region,' he said.

South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Brett Otto revealed he is getting desperate for a permanent water solution for Kingaroy, saying he has called on the state government to help make a case for federal funding ... “We all need to get on the same page with this issue or we will end up trucking water and that is not sustainable for us or for the Queensland Taxpayer,” he said.

Atherton Turf Club The Atherton Turf Club is always looking for race or fashion sponsorship with great advertising in return. If you are interested...

With 2021 show festivities due to commence in June, the hype, excitement and planning is well underway! This year’s events are set to thrill, entertain and engage people of all ages.

Start getting excited for some adrenaline pumping fun, because the Rockhampton Agricultural Show has just announced its entertainment line-up! Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams is excited to announce Camel Racing is coming back to the Rocky Show. “We’ll have Camel Racing proudly presented by The Capricornian drawing crowds to Centre Ring on People’s Day followed by the spectacular Rooftop Express and fireworks” Mayor Williams said.

Council leaders from across the Cape and Torres Strait will head to Canberra this week to speak with politicians and bureaucrats from both major parties as they look to address issues in the region. Organised under the banner of the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance, the mayors, CEOs and senior staff will also try and arrange a sit down with Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

An Indigenous logging company will start initial milling of timber and create more than 50 new jobs, mostly in the Cape, thanks to a grant from the state government. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the government has given a $480,000 grant to Wik Timber Holdings to purchase and install a Gibson sawmill. “Wik Timber is an Indigenous-owned company that specialises in harvesting timber on mining leases that would otherwise have to be incinerated,” Mr Miles said.

Weipa's newest tour guides are loving life on the Cape. Darren Corke and partner Jane Monacella are five weeks into their stint for the tourist season ... “I’m really impressed with the area and how many crocs there are in the water. The amount of wildlife; from fish to dolphins, turtles, snakes and birds ... there’s something different to see with every boat trip,” says Darren.

Musicians, visual artists, and school students will take centre stage at this Saturday’s Somerset Art Beat Festival in Toogoolawah. The celebration will showcase all things art and culture, with market stalls, live music, dance performances, workshops, food and more.

The things you see while driving in the Cape. This is Peter Stuart, an Atherton man on a mission. He’s riding all the way to the Tip of Cape York and for no particular reason.

Five optometrists from Queensland University of Technology recently visited the Northern Peninsula Area and provided free eye tests for children. “The aim was to provide a service to the kids to do comprehensive vision testing and to understand the extent of any uncorrected vision problems that may be in the community,” said Dr Scott Read, Associate Professor at QUT’s School of Optometry and Vision Science.

The State of Queensland’s 162nd birthday is coming up and to celebrate Scenic Rim Regional Council will host events in Beaudesert, Boonah and Tamborine Mountain for the whole family to enjoy.

Rockhampton Regional Council is excited to host the national touring exhibition Submerged – Stories of Australia’s Shipwrecks at the Northside Library from 24 May - 4 June and from 7 June - 30 June at Rockhampton Regional Library on the south side ... “68 shipwreck stories were nominated by 46 maritime museums and heritage institutions from around Australia with 14 of the most compelling stories selected to feature in the exhibition,” Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said.

Farmers are being urged to touch base with a Rural Aid counsellor for a mental wellbeing check-in, as mouse plagues continue to ravage rural communities. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters has urged primary producers to get in touch with Rural Aid. “Rural Aid can help farmers with a range of measures including financial, fodder and mental wellbeing assistance,” Mr Warlters said.

Mateo managed to knock off the competition and win the ribbon for Australian champion at Beef Australia in Rockhampton last week. Now the 20-month-old Mateo Little Valley Braford bull is headed to Primex and Beef Week.

The thirtieth Noosa Festival of Surf is being held between 15th and 23rd May. The festival organisers expect up to 400 competitors – one of the biggest turnouts in the event’s history and with eleven different age divisions, six open divisions, a team challenge, family challenge, standup paddleboard surfing, and the crowd-pleasing dog surfing championships, the event promises to be one of the most exciting yet.