Authority has no idea about damage to Reef
Reef watchdog cannot say yet what damage – if any – there is to a coral reef that was struck by an Australian Border Force vessel, nearly a week after the incident occurred.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has blamed the remoteness of Henry Reef, northeast of Lockhart River, to determine when staff can assess the site where the Roebuck Bay ran aground on Saturday.
The Bay-class patrol boat was grounded on the reef at 12.48am on September 30, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
It was refloated and taken under tow by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s emergency towing vessel Coral Knight.
The damaged boat limped into Cairns early yesterday morning and is undergoing repairs in a Portsmith dry dock.
It suffered serious damage to its hull with one hole measuring approximately 8m long, by 500cm wide.
The cause of the crash has not yet been revealed.
However, maritime sources have told the Cairns Post that the vessel was travelling at a cruising speed of about 16 knots at the time of the crash.
The ABF has refused to release any information about the smash, other than to say it is still under investigation.
In June this year, $5 million in upgrades were carried out on the Roebuck Bay, including additional hi-tech navigation and surveillance equipment.
A GBRMPA spokeswoman confirmed the authority would be assessing if there was any environmental damage to the Reef.
“A site inspection is part of our standard procedure,” she said. “Being in a remote location, we are yet to determine the time frames for assessment.
“With respect to next steps, it will be determined once further information is gathered.
“We cannot comment while this matter is still under investigation.”
The 134-tonne Roebuck Bay vessel carries 12 crew members and has a maximum speed of 37km/h.
Funeral for activist
THE state funeral for Aboriginal rights campaigner Evelyn Scott will be held in Townsville today at 1pm. Hundreds of mourners are expected to gather in the Townsville Stadium to farewell the 81-year-old. Dr Scott was an important driver of the 1967 referendum that ushered in a new era of legal recognition and engagement for Aboriginal and islander people. She died nearly two weeks ago.
Mine demonstration
HUNDREDS of people are expected to participate in an antiAdani coal mine demonstration in Port Douglas on Saturday. The Stop Adani Alliance is hosting the day of action, where participants will spell out “Coral Not Coal” along Four Mile Beach. The familyfriendly day will feature a giant sandcastle competition, guest speakers and even skydivers. The event will take place in front of the Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday from 11.30am to 3.30pm.
Aviation Careers Day
THE inaugural Aviation Careers Open Day is being held tomorrow at Cairns General Aviation, off the Captain Cook Highway at Aeroglen. Running from 10am2pm, the event will showcase many of the career paths available in the sector.
Spring cleaning
CASSOWARY Coast town centres will get a spring clean. Works for Queensland funding will pay for footpaths to be fixed, street furniture cleaned and painted and street, information and regulatory signs cleaned. Banner poles throughout the Innisfail CBD will be replaced. Work is expected to be completed over the next two months.
Art classes
ADULT drawing and painting class In Perspective starts its fourth term on Monday at the Cairns Art Gallery. The two-hour Monday classes cost $130 for the term and start at 5.15pm. The classes with artist Craig Hoy will run weekly until November 6.
Drain stencilling
CAIRNS and Far North Environment Centre is hosting a drain stencilling session in Manoora on Sunday from 10am to noon.