A vibrant new chapter begins for Gordonvale today with the opening of Stage 1 of the redeveloped Pyramid Parklands Gujura This milestone marks the completion of the first phase in a visionary masterplan designed to create a destination park for the growing community west of the Bruce Highway “This is a wonderful milestone for Gordonvale and I’m thrilled to see Stage 1 of Pyramid Parklands Gujura come to life,” said Cairns Mayor Amy Eden “This project demonstrates our dedication to creating spaces where everyone can come together Jointly funded by Cairns Regional Council and the Queensland Government the $6 million redevelopment has delivered a range of facilities designed for all ages and interests Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said: “This is a good example of what we can achieve for Queensland communities when we work constructively with local councils “Growing communities such as Gordonvale need green spaces where residents can go to relax or exercise with family and friends." Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller said the park is a place the community is proud to call its own and connected place in the southern corridor that complements residents’ quality of life,” he said “We know that there will be significant growth in the southern corridor over coming decades and while it’s important to have the roads and water infrastructure in place facilities such as this improves liveability for local families through the creation of recreation and play spaces.” with future stages set to include additional facilities to meet the needs of Gordonvale’s growing population The greenery and natural ambience of the Cairns Botanic Garden provided the perfect backdrop for today’s launch of the Mayor’s.. May is the month of Masters in Tropical North Queensland with hockey teams mountain bikers and an array of athletes.. Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Advance Cairns have added their support alongside Master Builders and Access Housing.. Cairns Regional Council acknowledges and pays our respects to the Traditional Custodians of our region Gimuy Walubara Yidinji; Mandingalbay Yidinji; Gunggandji; Dulabed and Malanbara Yidinji; Bundabarra and Wadjanbarra Yidinji; Wanyurr Majay; Mamu and NgadjonJii peoples Postal address: PO Box 359 Cairns QLD 4870 Email: council@cairns.qld.gov.au Web: www.cairns.qld.gov.au Phone: 1300 69 22 47 After hours emergency phone: 1300 69 22 47 Cairns Arts and Culture Map Cairns Disaster Dashboard Cairns Libraries Cairns Performing Arts Centre Smart Green Economy Choose Cairns (Living in Cairns) Go Clubs Great Barrier Reef Masters Games Tanks Arts Centre Ticketlink CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Speculation about new Far North businesses has ended with major fast food giants now confirmed for two vacant commercial lots fronting the Bruce Highway at Edmonton Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we’ll help resolve the issue or try again later Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535 Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) along with local State MPs Bree James and Terry James today welcomed the official opening of Stage 1 of the redeveloped Pyramid Parklands Gujura this is the first phase of a masterplan designed to create a destination park for the growing community west of the Bruce Highway Pyramid Parklands Gujura is one of region’s largest premier and responds to future growth and development in the southern part of the Cairns Regional Council area The population of the southern corridor is expected to increase by 40,000 people by 2050 redevelopment of the park allows for that growth and provides important social recreational and play spaces for residents Stage 1 of the project includes a full-size basketball court and landscaped picnic spaces with shelters a hang ‘n’ glide and web wall for climbing The $6 million stage redevelopment was jointly funded by the Queensland Government which will provide up to $3 million for the project Claims a historic building was sold from under the noses of a Far North community group have been rebuffed by Labor with calls to rejuvenate a beloved town square emerging as a key election issue Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns Followed categories will be added to My News Claims that a historic building was sold from under the noses of a Far North community group have been rebuffed by the Labor Party with calls to rejuvenate a beloved town square now emerging as a key state election issue the old Gordonvale Court House has long been considered as a future home for the Mulgrave Settlers’ Museum currently located opposite the town’s sugar mill The previously state government-owned site which served as the community’s police station for almost three decades before closing in 2018 But news of the asset’s sale to the Dulabed Malanbarra Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation for an undisclosed sum earlier this month prompted outcry with the museum’s current lease set to expire in 2026 LNP candidate for Mulgrave Terry James accused outgoing MP Curtis Pitt of selling off the property just prior to the state election. “The Mulgrave Historical Society has got nowhere to go now and they’ll be looking down the barrel of closing,” Mr James said. “They found out about this at 12 minutes to midnight that it’s been sold just prior to entering caretaker mode.” It’s understood that an extensive search was undertaken to identify a potential new occupant, with the Gordonvale RSL, Mission Australia and Gurriny Yealamucka Health Health Service approached in recent years. In July 2020, Mr James, then Cairns Regional Council’s deputy mayor, toured the old police station with a view to the council leasing the land to accommodate the town’s museum. But the deal fell through, in part due to the prohibitive cost to restore the building. “They offered us a shorter lease and the building needed more than $500,000 to be spent on it,” Mr James said. “The council pulled back then. Curtis will say that the council just didn’t want it but it came down to the short lease and the substantial amount of work that needed to be done.” In a letter obtained exclusively by the Cairns Post, Mr Pitt wrote to former mayor Bob Manning in early 2022, expressing his “disappointment” that the council had not consulted with him prior to turning down the offer. Mr Pitt said “opportunities to secure funding for refurbishment” could have been explored, if he had been consulted. “Considerable effort and expense has been undertaken by the Queensland Government to facilitate council’s interest in retaining the former Gordonvale Police Station for community use and subsequent purchase of surrounding land parcels, inclusive of land surveys and title amendments,” Mr Pitt wrote. The ALP’s candidate for Mulgrave Richie Bates said the debate presented an opportunity to create a master plan for the town precinct and Norman Park. “This is a beautiful old quadrant with an old railway station and a working mill nearby,” Mr Bates said. “Let’s have a plan, consult with the community and find out what they want to do with it.” Making the heart of Gordonvale more accessible for the elderly and disabled had been raised as a concern by voters, Mr Bates said. “That’s the first thing you do nowadays when you look at making a space more user friendly,” he said. “Is it walkable, is it alternative transport friendly? That’s what activates shops and businesses.” Gordonvale Community Action Group’s president Susan Byrne-Callaghan said that while she would have preferred to have seen the building remain a state asset, the site wasn’t suitable for a museum. “In retrospect, it’s probably not fit for purpose due to the fact that it’s an older, wooden building,” Ms Byrne-Callaghan said. But with the museum’s lease set to expire soon, a new site is still desperately needed. “It needs to find a new home soon, so it is an urgent issue,” she said. “We can’t lose our history.” Retiring Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has blasted the ALP’s efforts to liken a Far North political hopeful to Donald Trump during the federal election campaign. Far North leaders have cast their eyes’ ahead following Labor’s big win in Leichhardt with Matt Smith to be called on to deliver hundreds of millions in funding to kickstart the region’s crippled economy. More heavy rain is forecast for Queensland's north tropical coast where some catchments have received more than 900mm of rain since Monday morning A flood watch remains in place between Cairns and Townsville The Bureau of Meteorology is monitoring a tropical low off the far north Queensland coast which has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone Link copiedShareShare articleCoastal communities from Cairns to Mackay are being urged to watch for potential flooding over the coming days Patch Clapp from the Bureau of Meteorology said a low pressure system would continue to bring showers and pockets of heavy rainfall along the north tropical coast down to the Whitsundays Over the next 24 hours the heaviest falls are most likely in the Herbert and Lower Burdekin down to the Whitsundays after which heavier falls are more likely further north Rainfall of up to 300mm is possible over the weekend in areas from Innisfail to Bowen Flood watches have been issued for river catchments across north Queensland some of which have received more than 900mm of rain since Monday morning Gordonvale resident Jack Stirling (left) filling a sandbag ahead of more anticipated rain this weekend has spent the day filling sandbags in anticipation of more rain to come after his home was inundated yesterday mate," he said of the forecast wet weather Mr Stirling came home yesterday to find his fence "gone … and a few other things were floating around the yard" having spent until midnight cleaning up from yesterday's localised flood and between this year and what we've experienced last year over Christmas it's definitely the worst it's been," she said she was not overly worried about the wet weather to come The Cairns Regional Council has defended itself from criticism over the failure of a pump in Gordonvale due to a power outage In a statement it said flooding was exacerbated by king tides that prevented heavy rain from draining into a nearby creek Heavy rain has flooded paddocks in Gordonvale The State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to 45 calls for help in the Cairns and Cassowary Coast area mostly for sandbagging and tarping leaking roofs Sealink North Queensland said it is monitoring ferry operations and has amended schedules due to strong winds and heavy seas forecast for tomorrow afternoon Townsville City Council is preparing for the wet weather by pulling stinger nets in from beaches Stinger nets will be pulled from tomorrow morning at the Strand Magnetic Island and Pallarenda to prevent them being damaged Townsville emergency management and community safety team manager Zac Dawes said residents needed to stay informed and prepare their homes "It's better to be over-prepared than to be caught out if the weather worsens," he said The tropical low off the far north Queensland coast has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone today and tomorrow The bureau is also monitoring for four other lows that could develop across northern Australia over the coming days. The potential for cyclones to form from low pressure systems in the north will increase over the weekend. (Supplied: BOM) Cairns councillor Brett Moller, who lives on Behana Creek south of Aloomba, was stranded by floodwaters on Thursday. "When I took a limited drive, that's what I was looking at; a sea of water. It was just an amazing deluge." Cr Moller said he lost power and internet and reminded residents to have a battery-powered radio in their disaster pack. Cairns councillor Brett Moller was flooded in on his property on Behana Creek. (Supplied: Facebook) SES Far North area controller Wayne Coutts said the SES had increased its stock of sandbags and tarpaulins and recruited more volunteers since last year's wet season. "We just suggest to people to take the opportunity to grab the sandbags, get to the council depots, to have them ready just in case," he said. Chair of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group, Councillor Andrew Robinson, is also urging people to be prepared in case conditions worsen. "Speak with your family and put arrangements in place for yourself and your pets," Cr Robinson said. "The second most important thing would be to have an emergency kit, a grab bag so that you can be self-reliant for up to three days." Heavy rain led to flooding in some streets in Gordonvale, south of Cairns. (ABC Far North: Sophie McManus) With floodwaters cutting several roads around the region, Cr Robinson urged people not to take risks.   "You don't know what's underneath the waters, the road could be washed away," he said. Senior meteorologist Felim Hanniffy said monsoonal activity may bring cooler temperatures to communities experiencing hotter weather across the western part of the state. "We'll see conditions subside in parts of the north-west and eventually broadly across the west," Mr Hanniffy said. A severe heatwave in the Gulf and North West is expected to peak today as temperatures reach the mid to low 40s from Mount Isa through to Richmond, and high 30s further north. The Central West will remain in the mid to low 40s throughout the week before dipping into the mid-30s on Monday. The final draft of a masterplan to guide the development and the future expansion of sporting facilities in the Gordonvale area has been endorsed by Council The Gordonvale Sport and Recreation Precinct Masterplan provides a framework to progress sporting facilities in the area factoring in projected population growth and feedback from existing and potential future user groups turf and golf clubs as well as a large section of undeveloped land on the western side of the site The Gordonvale State High School and State Primary School are also located within the footprint The new masterplan incorporates feedback on a review of the Alley Park Masterplan adopted in 2014 as well as a Sports Facility Need Assessment for Mount Peter It recommends that the site be developed in two distinct precincts – Western and Eastern – and will include three new rectangular fields and associated amenities to accommodate football (soccer) additional fourth rectangular field at Alley Park The plan is to deliver the masterplan in a staged fashion with timing to be influenced by Council budget and external funding opportunities A vibrant new chapter begins for Gordonvale with the opening of Stage 1 of the redeveloped Pyramid Parklands Gujura Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said this is a good example of what we can achieve for Queensland communities when we work constructively with local councils facilities such as this improve liveability for local families through the creation of recreation and play spaces.” The Kenrick Street Park Masterplan also outlines a variety of proposed additions which are expected to be constructed in stages in future years sharp suits and sleek fast cars at Gordonvale State High School’s senior formal check out the images captured from this unforgettable event here Maintaining a safe workplace is everyone’s responsibility This section offers information and tools to help you manage risks and protect health Everything you need to know about worker’s compensation insurance whether you’re an employer needing to insure your workers or a worker who’s been injured at work Your rehabilitation and return to work journey will be easier if you know your options Information about work health and safety and electrical licensing Regulations and codes of practice we are responsible for and find information on workplace inspections and prosecutions Find health and safety information and guidance about your industry and the kind of work you do A listing of useful resources available on the website Use the in-page search or filters to find what you need These resources are under review and may no longer reflect legislative obligations Further changes for HSRs commenced on 29 July 2024 Health and safety representative success story: Education and training industry A special thank you to the staff of Djarragun College who kindly shared their success story by way of encouraging other workplaces to adopt genuine transparent workplace consultation processes The Office of Industrial Relations respectfully acknowledges the Malanbarra Clan of the Yidinji Tribe who are the Traditional Custodians of the land in which Djarragun College is built upon we extend this respect to all Elders past and present and the First Peoples who kindly agreed to appear in this film Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this film may contain images or names of people who have passed away Download a copy of this film (MP4 I'm a secondary teacher here at jargon college jargon caters for students from prep to year 12 in both day and boarding I'm one of eight health and safety reps here at jargon The main roles and responsibilities of the HSR is to be that effective communication between the PC B U or the employer and the employees or your work group that you've been elected to represent I became a HSR because I wanted to make a difference from my colleagues I felt like I could add value to their workplace by The role of a HSR is important to me because it allows and it fosters that effective communication between the work group and the PC that's what makes the workplace safe for everyone It creates greater awareness of health and safety within the workplace a more healthy safety culture amongst the workers and the employer The biggest benefit that I have by having HSR in my workplace is they've got the time to meet one on one or in small groups with their work groups It would be impossible for me to have conversations of safety with every single one of our staff members So knowing and trusting that I've got employees who are able to represent those conversations with their work groups back to a committee where I can then work with a committee around those issues is one of the biggest benefits that we see And I see as the employer being involved in the HSC process and the HSR I see the main benefits of the HSR as good or effective communicators in our workplace Our journey was a journey over about six months where we spent time working with our employees in their work groups and identifying what were the work groups across the whole college Given that we have people who work in our boarding program in our day school what were the work groups that represented the diversity of our staffing population employees union about what they saw the importance of the work groups within our college to make sure there was alignment between what the employees saw as their work group and what the union saw as being a supportive structure So we spent time working with the employees to arrive at a position and the number of positions starting the process to make sure that the whole election process is set up fairly equitably for everyone cause our work group was so diverse across the organization So we completed our training after we were elected but there was also some practical activities as well which is really good to consolidate that learning One of the ways in which I support the employees and the HSR here at the college is providing an opportunity for members to meet in their work groups on a regular basis The way that we do that is providing an opportunity in our meeting schedule for those members to come together and to have the time for that to occur we've had conversations with the union to make sure that that's an opportunity for them to be part of that conversation And for them to be part of the process in meeting our workplace of health and safety committee was established by working with our executive leaders to create an opportunity for our HSR to meet on a regular basis And a part of that was identifying the structure that would best suit our school Given that we have staff who work across a 24 hour period here at the school finding a time where the HSR could come together to form that group was important We spent time looking at how do we embed that then into our daily functions here at the school So creating opportunities for that in our workplace program of learning where our staff meet every Tuesday afternoon and we have now embedded one of those meetings every four weeks to be for the HSC committee to meet I see the committee as a valuable consultation resource within the college Our committee meet once a month and we are fortunate to have management representatives attending every meeting And that's the importance they place on safety Having management representation means the management get to hear their concerns and ideas firsthand It also means solutions are discussed and then decisions can be made on the spot this leads to item being action the very next day Consultation is a really difficult area to get right all of the time because you're working with people who have all different perspectives the way in which we've been able to have success in that consultation phase is being able to actively listen And that means sometimes we have to work slower than we would like to in making changes here in the workplace and being able to make adaptions to the way in which we work how we manage the workloads of our employees because that takes time to hear and to be able to problem solve together and one of the challenges that we were able to overcome as part of that was finding regular time for HSR to meet with their work group And then for me to work with the HSC and being able to implement some of those recommendations that came from the HSR The thing I enjoy most about being a HSR is being able to chat to my colleagues about things that are going on in their workplaces as teachers We often work by ourselves in our classrooms So being able to have those conversations outside of the classroom about what's going on and how we can work together to improve things someone came to me asking for advice to become a HSR a HSR plays a really crucial role in ensuring that communication between their colleagues and their coworkers and the employer or the PC B we'll just make safety better for everyone But the most important thing is develop those good healthy lines of communication with your employer and so that they can trust you and that you can trust them that everyone's doing their job properly A person conducting a business or undertaking has a legal duty to ensure that elected health and safety reps or HSR complete the regulator approved training required of the role within three months of being elected in Queensland This is an initial five day course followed by a one day refresher The employer's legal duty extends to allowing the HSR to attend the training in work paying the training fees and any other reasonable cost associated with attending the training and providing paid work time to attend the training under the legislation a HSR can perform the following functions relevant to their work group inspect the workplace or part of a workplace accompanied inspector during an inspection of the workplace be present at a health and safety related interview of a worker with that worker's consent receive information about the health and safety of their work group request assistance from any person and request the establishment of a health and safety committee under certain circumstances elected and trained HSR also have specific powers to direct unsafe work to stop and issue a provisional improvement notice otherwise known as a pin consultation with the employer is required before enacting either of these powers Usually these powers are often seen as a last resort to manage serious and imminent risk or a breach of legislation as a person conducting a business or undertaking the legislation states you must consult with HSR regarding health and safety issues prepare and maintain a list of HSR Provide a copy of the list to the regulator display a copy of the list in the workplace and display a pin penalties do apply for failure to comply with these requirements If you need more help with HSR or workplace consultation in general refer to the work health and safety consultation cooperation and coordination code of practice for smaller businesses you can also refer to the safety fundamentals toolkit on the work safe Queensland website HSR direct is a free telephone advisory service available to elected HSR who have specific safety inquiries HSR direct can be contacted through workplace health and safety Queensland on 1 The Queensland council of unions also provides HSR support service who can be contacted@infohsrsupport.org.au If you are an employer needing assistance with setting up effective workplace consultation systems in your workplace workplace health and safety Queensland offers the injury prevention and management IPAM program IPAM is a free advisory service provided to Queensland businesses who need assistance with their health You can register for the IPAM program on the work safe Queensland website which is work safe.qld.gov.au or email direct to workplace assistance We appreciate your input into making our site better. You can let us know your thoughts here. If your enquiry is about something more specific, please visit our Contact us page If you'd like someone to get back to you about your feedback WorkSafe.qld.gov.au is the official home of: We deeply acknowledge and pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples We thank the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia for their ongoing custodianship of land The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media A 31-year-old Cairns tradie and young father with his own business has been sentenced after police uncovered his second “sophisticated wholesale business” trafficking up to $1.4m of methylamphetamine Gordonvale resident Stevie-Lee Hurst describes the fooding in Campbell Street after heavy rain in the region Cairns motorists should expect lengthy delays with a serious traffic incident blocking multiple lanes in all directions to the city’s south Council have defended the failure of a electric flood mitigation pump in GGordonvale that stopped working when Ergon cut power to inundated homes but victims say more need to be done to stop regular flooding of the area Trucks hauling sugar cane from Mossman to the Mulgrave Mill in Gordonvale will be travelling on the Captain Cook Highway and the Bruce Highway from July to December 2024 TMR is working with key stakeholders and industry to miniSafety is our first priority and we encourage road users to be aware of the following during the cane haulage season: Pedestrians and other road-users are asked to consider their safety and stay aware of traffic conditions particularly during pick-up and drop off times There are several single lane sections on the Captain Cook Highway between Buchans Point and Turtle Cove Road users may encounter queues of traffic stopped at these locations If you see hazard lights ahead of you at roadworks that is a signal that you need to slow down and prepare to stop The increased level of traffic is anticipated to be temporary and will cease with the end of the cane crushing season Please check that the URL entered is correct or try loading the page again.
 If you’re still having trouble, please contact the website owner. Play Duration: 3 minutes 11 seconds3m 11sPresented by Flash flooding inundates far north Queensland, leading to evacuations and property damage.In Victoria's west, firefighters are working to control a blaze in the Grampians National Park, before this weekend's expected heat wave. Matt Orrell, resident of GordonvaleKimberley Hodges, resident of GordonvaleWayne Couttes, SES Far North Queensland directorRegan Keys, State Control Centre spokesperson A swollen Behana Creek south of Cairns following heavy rain on Wednesday, January 29.(Supplied: Brett Moller) Download the ABC listen app to hear more of your favourite podcasts Work on a $72 million state-of-the-art senior lifestyle village has finally kicked off in Cairns’ south with the community set to include on-site medical care Gordonvale is a step closer to becoming Cairns’ most southern suburb following a major proposal to repurpose cane farming land and build a new 1,360 home subdivision Help Preserve Independent Local Journalism Every dollar contributed will be matched until June 7th Sugar cane harvesting in the Mossman area is underway this week in the Mossman area with a fleet of trucks starting to haul the harvest to Mulgrave Mill at Gordonvale In what is likely to be the Douglas region’s last cane season ever the harvest was delayed by wet weather last week but now transport company Bray’s Transport has confirmed it has started moving the cut cane south on the Captain Cook Highway.  Up to 80 per cent of the cane crop in the area is expected to be crushed at MSF’s Mulgrave Mill.  The move follows recent negotiations between farmers the state government and MSF which firmed up a deal allowing $6 million of an earlier $12.1M state government pledge to be  allocated towards transporting the cane to Gordonvale and followed closure of the Mossman Mill Dale Bray of Bray’s Transport told Newsport that the company had advertised for 40 drivers and while most of the positions have been filled a few more are needed to transport the crop from Mossman and surrounds to Mulgrave Mill “We are ready to take up to 300,000 tonnes of cane to Mulgrave,” Mr Bray said The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) expressed delight and relief that the Mossman cane crop was able to be harvested but at the same time lamented that the closure of Mossman Mill showed a broader set of challenges facing sugar manufacturing ASMC CEO Ash Salardini said the challenges in transporting the Mossman cane this year highlighted the need for Federal and Queensland governments to “step up their investment in upgrading Queensland’s cane railway network” which he said provided a huge public good benefit that had been largely neglected by Government over time “The significant challenges in transporting Mossman cane should be a reminder that governments should be looking to significantly up their investment in the industry’s freight infrastructure that underpins one of Queensland’s largest freight tasks,” Mr Salardini said Help us to continue covering local stories that matter Newsport is powered by the generosity of readers like you who support our mission to produce independent journalism Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication Location: Wonga Beach is an extensive beachside suburb 17 kilometres north of Mossman and 20 minutes south of Daintree Village This suburb has one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the area The adjacent locality of Bamboo is located west of Wonga Beach and has 129 inhabitants (2016 census) with a surface of 20.5 km2 (7.9 sq mi) 4873 Area: 21.4 km2 (8.3 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 1,042 Living in Wonga Beach: Peaceful Wonga Beach is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourists in Port Douglas while still being able to live amongst the stunning surroundings This suburb has a beautiful lush backdrop of huge Calophyllum trees interspersed with Coconut palms Looking south from Wonga Beach you can see Island Point which shelters the harbour entrance of Port Douglas Behind the coastal vegetation is an extraordinary array of architecture From the quaint owner built holiday and fishing shacks of the 1930s to the newer multi million dollar homes For families with children there is Wonga Beach State School a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls Wonga Beach facilities include a service station and pharmacy Median House Price: Approximately $443,500, based on 20 sales in the preceding 12 months. (Source: Property) Annual Growth: The area has experienced a -10.3% change in median house prices over 12 months leading up to January 2025. (Source: Property) Lake Barrine is a freshwater lake on the eastern part of the Atherton Tablelands The lake and surrounds are protected within the Crater Lakes National Park and are accessible via the Gillies Highway Nestled in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland Lake Barrine offers a serene and picturesque setting for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle amidst nature's beauty Living in Lake Barrine means waking up to the lush greenery of tropical rainforests and the tranquil waters of the lake itself Residents here enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere with a strong emphasis on outdoor living The lake has a day use area on Lake Barrine Access Road off the Gillies Range Road It has a teahouse and is the departure point for lake cruises It is the start/end of the lake circuit walk which has two lookout points one of the western side of the lake and the other on the southern side of the lake The nearest government primary school is Yungaburra State School and the nearest government secondary school is Malanda State High School located in the Tablelands Region of Queensland reflecting a slight decrease from 147 in 2016 The predominant age group remained 60-69 years the area continued to be characterized by a high rate of owner-occupied dwellings with 74.2% of homes owned outright or with a mortgage The majority of households were childless couples and mortgage repayments predominantly ranged between $1,800 and $2,399 per month one 3-bedroom house in Lake Barrine sold after a median of 21 days on the market (Information retrieved from Property.com.au) Location: The coastal village of Cooya Beach is just 5 minutes from Mossman and approximately 10 minutes north of Port Douglas A residential area popular with local families and a beautiful beach suitable for walking and exercising dogs The adjacent locality of Bonnie Doon is located southwest of Cooya Beach has 327 inhabitants (2016 census) with a surface of 20.55/km2 (53.23/sq mi) 4873 Area: 8.8 km2 (3.4 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 1,046 Living in Cooya Beach: Living the coastal dream Cooya Beach is a quiet residential community a family friendly area with a genuine community feel There is a great cross section of residents from singles and young couples to families and retirees It also offers new-build options (Ocean Breeze) and beautiful beachfront options (Bougainvillea Street) Mud-crabbing is one of the go-to activities on Cooya Beach Because of the close proximity to the mouth of the Mossman there are numerous forms of life that relish the muddy waters and the change from freshwater to saltwater surroundings boating is a popular sport amongst visitors and locals The pristine coastline promises spectacular views and peaceful waters to peruse with an annual capital growth of 19.22%  (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Location: Cape Tribulation is located 35 kilometres north of the Daintree Ferry in the heart of the prehistoric Daintree Rainforest The locality contains a small number of bed and breakfast eco lodges 4873 Area: 125.6 km2 (48.5 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 123 Living in Cape Tribulation: Cape Tribulation is the epitome of a tropical paradise: serene and secluded relax and enjoy a refreshing swim after a toasty day’s rainforest exploring This extraordinarily pretty stretch of the Daintree National Park with its dramatic headland and lush unspoiled rainforest makes for some exquisite surroundings The remote headland of Cape Tribulation is where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites meet – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef Australia's richest diversity of flora and fauna is found in this region Location: Cassowary is located 18 kilometres from Port Douglas and 7 kilometres from Mossman 4873 Area: 24.9 km2 (9.6 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 119 Living in Cassowary: Cassowary is home to many rural farming properties The north-western part of Cassowary is low-lying coastal plains and is used for farming sugarcane The eastern and southern parts of the locality form part of the Cassowary Range The nearest primary schools are Mossman State School and Port Douglas State School The nearest secondary school is Mossman State High School Real Estate Statistics: The majority of properties in Cassowary are large rural holdings The median price for houses in Cassowary is approximately $1.15 million (as of late 2024) (Source: realestate.com.au and domain.com.au) Location: Palm Cove is situated on the Coral Sea with a long sandy beach that is lined with palm trees The suburb is located between Cairns and Port Douglas and is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest It is situated approximately 27 kilometres north of Cairns and about 40 kilometres south of Port Douglas and is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of amenities 4879 Area: 6.8 km2 (2.6 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 2,450 Living in Palm Cove: Palm Cove is a tiny beachside village centred around an esplanade lined with 500-year-old melaleuca trees with a focus on outdoor activities such as swimming The suburb is home to a mix of locals and tourists with a friendly and welcoming community.The suburb is home to a mix of locals and tourists There are also several resorts and hotels in the area offering accommodation for tourists and locals alike Location: Port Douglas is a laid back tropical coastal town on the Coral Sea approximately 60 km north of Cairns It's known for its beach resorts and it’s a getaway to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders; the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park The adjacent locality of Craiglie is 6 kilometres south of Port Douglas and has 954 inhabitants with a surface of 65.34/km2 (169.2/sq mi) It is the access point to Port Douglas and it functions as a service centre for businesses serving the highway and Port Douglas as well as being an extension of the suburban areas in the south of Port Douglas 4877 Area: 18.0 km2 (6.9 sq mi) Population: (census 2021) Port Douglas: 3,650 (The town's population can often double with the influx of tourists during the peak tourism season from May to September) Craiglie: 1,062 Living in Port Douglas: If you're looking for a laid back lifestyle then Port Douglas is the right place The town has been designed to alleviate as much stress as possible for its residents The main street is lined up with inviting restaurants the weather is (almost) always warm and the tree-fringed sands of Four Mile Beach give you an all-year-round holiday feeling Superyachts from around the world berth at Port Douglas’s CrYstal Brook Marina where tour boats depart for sightseeing cruises to nearby coral cays and expeditions to spectacular diving- and snorkel spots on the outer reefs Port Douglas is a desirable place to relocate for many Older couples love to spend their retirement years in this tropical paradise adventurers couldn’t ask for a better place to live away from the hustle and bustle of the city and some families prefer living in the quieter streets of Port Douglas while making the one-hour commute to Cairns for work Units: The median property price for units is $410,000, showing an annual capital growth of 7.54%. Units have a gross rental yield of 5.92%, with a median weekly rent of $550. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Houses: The house market decreased by 3.61%, with a median sale price of $894,000, and a total of 17 houses were sold. (Source: Coronis) Units: The unit market increased by 0.84%, with a median sale price of $422,500, and a total of 202 units were sold. (Source: Coronis) The Daintree region generally refers to the area surrounding the Daintree River stretching from Lower Daintree in the south to Cooktown in the north the Greater Daintree encompasses a larger area extending from Mossman Gorge in the south to Cooktown in the north Lower Daintree Upper Daintree (+ Stewart Creek Valley) Daintree Village Cape Kimberly Forest Creek Cow Bay (+ Diwan) Cape Tribulation Location: The Daintree Village is located about 12 kilometres upstream from the Daintree ferry crossing and 56 kilometres from Port Douglas situated on the southern bank of the majestic Daintree River 4873 Area: 6.3 km2 (2.4 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 170 Living in Daintree Village: Daintree Village is a laid-back town and an unspoilt oasis in the midst of some of the most varied scenery in the far north of Queensland The surrounding hills and valleys provide a mix of landscapes combining pristine agriculture pastures with tropical lowland rainforest The Daintree River flows past the Village Beyond the Village are scenic drives along winding valley trails which follow the courses of the upper reaches of the Daintree and into the valleys of Stewart Creek and Douglas Creek You’ll find low-impact tourism and sustainable cattle- and tropical fruit-farming in the beautiful valleys beyond the Village The Village hosts a number of restaurants locally-created souvenirs and picnic areas complete with free electric BBQ and picnic table The Daintree Village region is a world-renowned birdwatcher's paradise and there are several specialist guides Daintree State School is located in the village and is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls.In 2017 the school had an enrolment of 15 students The median value for houses in Daintree is approximately $427,000 (Source: propertyvalue.com.au)  In the past 12 months, there have been 3 house sales in Daintree. (Source: propertyvalue.com.au) Over the past year, house prices in Daintree have experienced an increase of approximately 8.9%. (Source: PropertyInvest Australia) Location: Forest Creek is located in the Daintree National Park 32 kilometres north of Mossman and 52 kilometres north of Port Douglas The Daintree River forms the southern boundary of the locality 4873 Area: 22.9 km2 (8.8 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 84 Living in Forest Creek: Tucked away deep in the rainforest Forest Creek is the perfect place for an off-the-grid lifestyle with maximum privacy and peace and quiet The World Heritage Daintree Forest is an amazing place to live with forest Just 2,6 kilometres from the Daintree Ferry With a population of 103 people in Forest Creek 16.98% of its occupants live in rental accommodation The permanent creek situated in the area provides a natural and soothing ambience with the sound of trickling water The median value for houses in Forest Creek is not currently available due to limited sales data (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) The median gross rental yield for houses is estimated at 5.14%. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au)​​​​​​ Properties in Forest Creek have an average time of 252 days on the market before sale. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Location:Julatten is a small rural town located in Far North Queensland approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Port Douglas The suburb is known for its lush rainforest and stunning views of the Great Dividing Range.LGA & Postcode:Shire of Mareeba 4871Area:154.0 km2 (59.5 sq mi)Population (census 2016):1,091Living in Julatten:The town has a close-knit community feel and farms selling fresh produce.The climate in Julatten is tropical with hot and humid summers and mild winters The area receives an average annual rainfall of around 1,800mm with most rain falling during the wet season between December and April.Julatten is located in close proximity to a number of popular tourist destinations It is also a popular destination for birdwatching with a number of species of rare and exotic birds found in the area.Overall Julatten offers a peaceful and picturesque lifestyle in a stunning natural setting with easy access to a range of outdoor recreational activities and tourist attractions.Real estate market statistics: The predominant age group in Julatten is 50-59 years Households in Julatten are primarily childless couples and are likely to be repaying $1000 - $1399 per month on mortgage repayments people in Julatten work in a trades occupation 83.7% of the homes in Julatten were owner-occupied compared with 84.5% in 2016 Currently the median value of houses in the area is $478,861.(Information retrieved from CoreLogic) Location: Kewarra Beach is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Cairns and 33 kilometres south of Port Douglas 4879 Area: 883/km2 (2,287/sq mi) Population (census 2021: 6,113 Living in Kewarra Beach: Kewarra Beach is a family-friendly suburb Whether you are looking for absolute beach front the space that acreage offers close to the ranges elegant easy care homes ideal for retirees affordable homes on compact lots and older homes on larger blocks ideal for renovating The beach at Kewarra is a favourite among locals to walk their dogs or to fish directly from the beach the beachfront Kewarra Beach Resort serves pizza tapas and drinks on the sand several nights of the week you’ll also find a fine-dining restaurant which operates year-round set among the eucalypts and palm forest The median property price for houses in Kewarra Beach is currently $700,000, with an annual capital growth of 5.15%. (Source: ​​​Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) The suburb comprises approximately 92.5% houses, with an average of 2.5 bedrooms per dwelling. (Source: Microburbs) Lower Daintree is situated 45km north of Port Douglas and 26km north of Mossman. The Daintree River forms its southern boundary The area starts at the turn-off from the Captain Cook Highway to the Daintree Ferry with Mossman-Daintree Road running from south to northwest through the region Area: 66.6 km2 (25.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 83 Living in Lower Daintree: Soak up the carefree tropical lifestyle in Lower Daintree you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy the Village's cafes galleries and primary school that typically caters to less than 20 students natural surroundings and properties with options for personalisation Lower Daintree provides something a bit different from typical suburban living The area predominantly features separate houses, with an average of 3 bedrooms per dwelling. Many homes are owned outright by couples with children. (Source: Property & Land Data Online In One Place) 5 kilometres from Newell Beach and 10 kilometres from Wonga Beach Miallo is perfectly located in between everything the region has to offer with natural beauty right on your doorstep and an abundance of space Area: 28.0 km2 (10.8 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 406 Living in Miallo: With rural residential zoning in place Miallo is the perfect for those wanting to get away from it all – and live the life that all dream of – but few attain Perfect for those wanting to build a weekend getaway or take the plunge and have a complete life change There is a cane tramway system through Miallo to deliver sugarcane to the sugar mill at Mossman The nearby Miallo State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at Miallo Bamboo Creek Road the school had an enrollment of 179 students with 16 teachers Miallo is a rural locality situated approximately 7 kilometres from Mossman making it an ideal location for those seeking a serene lifestyle Local Government Area (LGA) & Postcode: Mapcarta Miallo offers a rural residential lifestyle perfect for those seeking to escape urban living The locality features a cane tramway system that transports sugarcane to the Mossman sugar mill a government primary school located on Miallo Bamboo Creek Road serves the educational needs of the community The median value of houses in Miallo is approximately $626,561. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Mission Beach is located approximately 139 kilometres south of Cairns and 28,5 kilometres north of Townsville is a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty Named after the endangered Southern Cassowary it's a peaceful destination that attracts those seeking a serene lifestyle or a connection with nature Mission Beach is the closest point on the mainland to the Great Barrier Reef This coastal gem boasts a 14 kilometre stretch of pristine sandy beaches linking three beautiful beaches and four charming villages: Garners Beach You can unwind at coastal cafes or explore hidden waterfalls and swimming holes in the nearby hills a ten-minute water taxi from Wongaling Beach South Mission Beach offers the convenience of a shopping centre for your daily needs Mission Beach State School is conveniently located at Wongaling Beach here is an updated overview of Mission Beach Mission Beach is a coastal locality situated approximately 139 kilometres south of Cairns and 240 kilometres north of Townsville It encompasses a 14-kilometre stretch of pristine sandy beaches Allhomes Mission Beach is renowned for its tranquil lifestyle and access to Dunk Island via a ten-minute water taxi from Wongaling Beach South Mission Beach provides the convenience of a shopping centre and Mission Beach State School is located at Wongaling Beach These statistics reflect market activity over the 12-month period leading up to January 2025. (Source: Coronis) Location: Located 15 minutes north of Port Douglas Mossman is a thriving township known for its sugar cane and exotic fruit farming The Mossman River flows through the locality from west (Finlayvale /Mossman Gorge) to east (Newell Beach/Bonnie Doon) LGA & Postcode: Shire of Douglas Area: 12.1 km2 (4.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 1,942 Living in Mossman: Mossman is a picturesque little township nestled at the foot of the mountains among bright green fields of sugar cane It is a friendly town with country stores and historic pubs along the wide tree-lined main street Five minutes west of Mossman you’ll find Mossman Gorge a popular attraction with a beautiful stretch of tropical rainforest where local Aborigines can tell their tales and introduce visitors to traditional Aboriginal life The town offers a high school and primary school Mossman State School is a government primary (Prep-6) school for boys and girls at 30-34 Front Street and Mossman State High School is a government secondary (7-12) school for boys and girls at 46-62 Front Street Mossman has a number of sporting clubs such as the Mossman Sharks rugby league club Douglas United Dragons Football (Soccer) Club Mossman Gymnastics and Bodies in Motion Dance School The median listing price for houses in Mossman is approximately $504,500, showing a 1.10% increase over the past year and a 20.11% increase over two years. (Source: PropInvest Australia) Over the past five years, Mossman has experienced a compound growth rate of 2.8% for houses. The median price for a 3-bedroom house is currently around $420,000. (Source: Homes Australia) Location: In the foothills of the Macalister Range and the Wet Tropics Mowbray National Park the Mowbray Valley lies 12,7 kilometres south of Port Douglas Most of the terrain in Mowbray is mountainous and the Captain Cook Highway passes through the locality from south to north 4877 Area: 97.3 km2 (37.6 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 317 Living in Mowbray: Escape to a calmer lifestyle The picturesque Mowbray Valley is a highly sought after and attractive location for Port Douglas locals because it offers magnificent just a 10 minute drive from town and less than an hour to Cairns International airport Mowbray offers an enviable lifestyle with a clean and green environment and lack of traffic In mowbray you have the best of both worlds lifestyle but still in reach of all the ‘must haves’ with larger blocks for more privacy The median value of houses in Mowbray is approximately $1,165,945. (Source: Yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au) Location: Mount Molloy is situated approximately 76 kilometres north-west of Cairns and 30 kilometres west of Port Douglas It is situated in the picturesque Mount Lewis National Park area The town itself is located on the eastern edge of the Atherton Tablelands and is surrounded by pastoral lands and bushland 4871 Area: 252.9 km2 (97.6 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 266 Living in Mount Molloy: Living in Mount Molloy offers a rural lifestyle with a strong community spirit Residents of Mount Molloy enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city The town offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere making it an ideal location for those looking for a slower pace of life The town is home to a primary school and a local pub that serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike Mount Molloy is also well-positioned for those who enjoy outdoor activities with hiking trails and camping sites nearby living in Mount Molloy offers a serene and close-knit community lifestyle with easy access to nature and outdoor recreation The main industries in Mount Molloy are agriculture The median property price in Mount Molloy is approximately $477,000, with prices ranging from $95,000 to $1,681,000. (Source: Residz) Location: Tucked away between glamorous Port Douglas and the vast wilderness of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park is the sleepy beachside community of Newell Beach Newell Beach is only one and a half hour’s drive north of the Cairns International Airport and just 10 minutes from Port Douglas The adjacent locality of Rocky Point is located south of Newell Beach and has 129 inhabitants (2016 census) with a surface of 20.2 km2 (7.8 sq mi) 4873 Area: 15.0 km2 (5.8 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 327 Living in Newell Beach: Newell Beach's iconic palm tree-lined shore is loved by visitors and locals alike spread along the coastline with most houses only two streets from the beach a very popular holiday spot enjoyed by many Approximately 20 minutes north of Port Douglas this peaceful beachside suburb oozes old world charm The town boasts spectacular views to Port Douglas in the south and the lighthouse on Low Isles to the east The two and a half kilometre beach is clean and pristine and is bordered to the north and south by estuaries Not far to the west you’ll discover the crystal clear rock pools of Mossman Gorge National Park and the ancient world of the Daintree Rainforest Fishermen are well catered for with boat ramps at the northern end of the beach and at Saltwater Creek. Newell Beach has a convenience store and for groceries the sugar town of Mossman is just minutes up the road It offers many different property options from beach shacks to standard housing and high end properties (beachfront) for a lower price compared to Port Douglas The median house price in Newell Beach is approximately $598,000. This reflects a compound growth rate of 30.6% over the past year. (Source: Allhomes) Location: Only 10 minutes from Port Douglas Oak Beach is a sleepy beachfront haven with luxury beachfront homes and villas which stretches 1.5km with an inner coral reef at one end Oak Beach is bounded by the Coral Sea to the east and completely surrounded by the locality of Mowbray on all its land boundaries Area: 6.9 km2 (2.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 186 Living in Oak Beach: With 1.5 kilometres of unrivalled coastal views and an inner coral reef right at their doorstep Oak Beach is the perfect beachfront haven in a paradise away from the excitement of the town Pebbly Beach in the northern part of the locality and the eponymous Oak Beach in the southern part of the locality Over the past year (January 2024 - January 2025), the median house price in Oak Beach is approximately $690,000, reflecting a median price change of 12.4%. (Source: propertyvalue.com.au) Location: The turnoff to Shannonvale is 12 kilometres before Mossman and 19 kilometres from Port Douglas The stunning locality of Shannonvale is surrounded by the Great Dividing Range 4873 Area: 84.7 km2 (32.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 194 Living in Shannonvale: Shannonvale is one of Douglas Shire’s hidden gems with its own freshwater swimming hole down the road and picturesque countryside to be enjoyed all around Shannonvale offers an ever-changing tropical landscape of waving cane-fields while being treated to the unlimited backdrop of the jungle-clad misty mountains of the Great Dividing Range The Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery offers delicious wine tastings and the Shannonvale Swimming Hole is the perfect place to cool off with the whole family during the hot days Location: Trinity Beach is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Cairns and 42 kilometres south of Port Douglas. The suburb is situated on the Coral Sea and features a long sandy beach that stretches for approximately one kilometre 4879 Area: 2 kilometres wide Population (census 2021): 6,594 Living in Trinity Beach: Trinity Beach is just as beautiful as the other northern beaches that line the Cairns Coral Coast but with a more down-to-earth and laid back casual atmosphere amongst classy surrounds The surroundings of Trinity Beach are dominated by lush tropical rainforest which offers residents and visitors access to a range of natural attractions and outdoor activities The nearby Kuranda National Park and Barron Gorge National Park offer opportunities for bushwalking the surroundings of Trinity Beach offer a mix of natural beauty making it an ideal location for those seeking a tropical lifestyle with easy access to a range of amenities and attractions As of April 2024, the median house price in Trinity Beach is approximately $697,500, while units have a median price of $390,000. (Source: cairns beaches) Location: Wangetti is located on the coast of the Coral Sea and is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest It is situated on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas The locality of Wangetti is located approximately 40 kilometres north of Cairns and approximately 35 kilometres south of Port Douglas 4877 Area: 71.7 km2 (27.7 sq mi) Population (census 2021): 68 Living in Wangetti: Wangetti is known for its beautiful beaches There are limited amenities in Wangetti itself it is located within easy driving distance of larger towns such as Cairns and Port Douglas which offer a wide range of services and facilities Wangetti is a beautiful and peaceful suburb that offers a relaxed tropical lifestyle with easy access to the amenities and attractions of larger towns The median house price is approximately $575,000, based on one sale in the preceding 12 months leading up to January 2025. (Source: Property) the turnoff to the small community of Miallo leads to the beautiful Whyanbeel Valley Most of the locality is undeveloped heavily forested mountainous land with elevations of typically 200 metres above sea level within the Daintree National Park 4873 Area: 55.1 km2 (21.3 sq mi) Population: (census 2021) 172 Living in Whyanbeel: Whyanbeel is nestled at the base of the majestic Dagmar mountain range in the Whyanbeel Valley and less than 45 minutes from Port Douglas The area is surrounded by many croc safe freshwater creeks and offers absolutely privacy while still being close to town which allows for hobby farms or semi commercial farms with tropical fruit such as mangosteens The area offers opportunities to keep your own bees chicken or cultivate rare plants and you can make an income through retreat style guest accommodation The median property price is approximately $1,313,000, based on three sales in the 12 months leading up to January 2025. (Source: Property) Ceremonial smoke filled the air in celebration of a respected Indigenous activist cultural leader and storyteller who leaves a lasting legacy of dedication Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535. Monday to Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) Watch as Taria Tapaitau's family perform a traditional Cook Island ceremonial dance for her, as she arrives at Gordonvale State High School's senior formal night celebrations at Norman Park. VIDEO: Brendan Radke A Gordonvale man has died at the scene of a buggy rollover with emergency services’ CPR attempts unable to save him Ilija ‘Joe Uzelac armed himself with a handful of chocolates before traversing a 50km route out of communist Yugoslavia on foot in 1952 He eventually settled in Far North Queensland where he became a world champion cane cutter Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital ServicesThe Honourable Mark Bailey A critical piece of Far North Queensland’s biggest and most complex road and rail infrastructure project has been officially commissioned marking the final step towards the completion of the project The $535 million Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3) – Edmonton to Gordonvale project is delivering long-term improvements to traffic flow and road safety through reducing congestion and highway travel times and improving road access and active transport networks Today’s commissioning of the Menmuny Overpass is a significant milestone for the project It wIll open to motorists by Friday (18 August) providing safe access to the highway – north Construction of the 10.5-kilometre section of newly duplicated and upgraded Bruce Highway between Edmonton to Gordonvale – the busiest two-lane section of Bruce Highway between Cairns and Brisbane – began in May 2020 More than 200 million hours of work has been undertaken on the project and involved more than 300 local suppliers and contractors In addition to upgrading and duplicating the highway The $535 million Edmonton to Gordonvale project is funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program with the Australian Government committing $428.01 million and the Queensland Government $106.99 million The project will fully open to motorists by the end of August 2023 with remaining minor works to be completed in September 2023 Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: “The Australian Government is committed to providing safe and reliable road infrastructure to connect and support Queensland and rural and regional Australia which is why it’s fantastic to see this major project nearing completion “Not only will this 10.5 kilometres of highway be upgraded and duplicated but through this jointly funded project we are delivering new and upgraded intersections an impressive overpass and pedestrian crossings “Vital infrastructure projects like this are helping support rural and regional Australia by connecting communities strengthening freight networks and improving road safety.” Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland Nita Green: “This is Far North Queensland’s largest road and rail infrastructure project and its completion will be a massive boost to the community and the estimated 20,000 thousand motorists who travel this section of the Bruce Highway every day "This is the busiest two-lane section of the Bruce Highway between Cairns and Brisbane these upgrades are necessary and I look forward to seeing them complete." Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey: “The Queensland Government is building the infrastructure our growing State needs It’s all part of Queensland’s Big Build the biggest investment in infrastructure delivery in our history “This project – Far North Queensland’s biggest and most complex – will deliver significant improvements to safety and connectivity has reduced congestion and highway travel time on the Bruce Highway as well as improved active transport networks “The new highway will future-proof this section of the Cairns Southern Access Corridor for years to come “We are committed to delivering real benefits to Far North Queensland and are continuing to provide safer roads for the community which is exactly what this project has done “Input from the people who live in the area has been key to the success of the project The community helped to name 10 new pieces of infrastructure which celebrate the area’s local identities and rich Indigenous culture “This was a wonderful opportunity for the local community to name these important transport links and to recognise the significant cultures and people who have contributed to the region through that process “We know Cairns is growing rapidly and this investment provides a better road network service to keep people moving.” Quotes attributable to State Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt: “The opening of Menmuny Overpass to traffic this Friday will be a significant moment “It will enable motorists’ safe access to the highway when travelling north to Cairns or south to Gordonvale as well as access to the east or west without needing to interact with Bruce Highway traffic delivered as part of the Edmonton to Gordonvale project are really important in maintaining access for residents and reducing congestion and improving safety on the Bruce Highway “Projects like this aren’t just about building safer roads – they’re also supporting good This project is estimated to have supported an average 460 direct jobs over its life “Crews have put in more than two million hours of work to build this upgraded and duplicated section of the Bruce Highway and the project has engaged with more than 300 local suppliers and contractors to get the job done “Not only has this project supported local businesses but it has also provided significant opportunity for development with more than 220,000 upskilling hours worked – which is 378 per cent above the project’s target.” Quotes attributable to Joint Venture Contractor Project Manager Natasha Roy Project Manager E2G (Operations Manager John Holland) Seymour Whyte and AECOM are proud to have delivered Far North Queensland’s largest infrastructure project The collaboration between our teams and the local subcontractors have made this fantastic achievement possible “We have received support from the local community from farmers to local businesses and residents all understanding the disruptions from the construction because they knew it would result in a significant improvement of their future travel to and from Cairns “The sustainable construction methodologies used during the works have been recognised across the industry The team was also conscious of the significant heritage and sensitive areas surrounding us and implemented high standards of controls to ensure the project would be delivered with no harm to the land or the environment “By supporting local livelihood through jobs and business transactions the project team has not only built strong relationships with the local contractors and businesses but helped to provide experience and skills that will assist the organisations being part of future major infrastructure projects in Far North Queensland.” MINISTER KING – KALLISTA KAVAL 0474 048 152 MINISTER BAILEY – LESLEY MAJOR 0419 288 284 Please use our complaints and compliments form SES and swift water rescue crews have been sent to evacuate Gordonvale residents after heavy rain triggered the flooding of low lying areas For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au