Town by town
NORTHERN CITY Stinger danger
BEACHES in Cairns remain closed following the removal of stinger nets due to recent flooding and heavy rain. Closed beaches include Trinity, Ellis, Clifton, Kewarra and Holloways beaches as well as Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Yorkeys Knob. Surf Lifesaving Queensland has warned beachgoers to stay out of the water. For updates, visit nqlifesaving.com.au/beach-reports
Esplanade markets
CAIRNS Esplanade will come to life on Saturday with a market day from 8am to 4pm. The markets showcase local products.
DOUGLAS AND TABLELANDS Community fiesta
EACHAM Community Help Organisation will host a Harmony Day Community Fiesta on March 25. Running from 11am to 3pm at Eacham Memorial Gates Park, Malanda, the event will feature a jumping castle, food, craft, entertainment and more. For more details contact 4096 6634.
Travel updates
DOUGLAS Shire Council is calling on residents to restrict travel as flooding and other road hazards increases across the shire. People should only be on the road if they have to. For updates, visit the Douglas Disaster Dashboard dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au
Crossing affected
MAREEBA Shire Council crews have worked to provide access to residents on Wolfram Road, Dimbulah, after the temporary crossing at James Creek was washed away on Friday. James Ck is now open to 4x4 vehicles only. Council will continue to monitor the crossing and will carry out further works to improve access this week, weather permitting.
CAPE YORK & TORRES STRAIT Innovative grants
ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander families will benefit from a new round of Empowering Families Innovation Grants. Puuya Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Program at Lockhart River has received $100,000 in funding and Northern Peninsula Area Family and Community Services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation’s Protecting our Children Media Project has received $10,954.
Water service upgrade
CAPE York councils of Hope Vale and Lockhart River have received a boost to upgrade water and wastewater operations and improve water quality and security in their communities. Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the councils had received initial payments for their projects worth more than $3 million from the Indigenous Councils Critical Infrastructure Program.
Stray dogs impounded
COOK Shire Council’s animal control team is increasing patrols for wandering dogs. This follows a spike in dog attacks, including a recent incident in the Cape that left a person seriously injured. A number of dogs have also been killed or injured on roads recently in Cooktown and across the shire. Anyone with pet dogs is urged to ensure they are securely contained within their property. Dogs found wandering, unaccompanied and/or unrestrained will be impounded and owners may be fined or have to undergo a property inspection.
Earth Hour film night
JOIN the free Earth Hour family movie night at the PCYC Cooktown Events Centre on Saturday, March 24. The event will have a glow in the dark theme, featuring a short video on climate change followed by the movie MUNE. All children must be supervised by an adult.