CAPE YORK & TORRES STRAIT

Tree work finished

COOKTOWN’S Botanic Gardens have reopened to the public following the pruning and removal of old and dangerous trees over the past few months. The dangerous trees were identified late last year, with 119 trees earmarked for priority removal, 86 of which are in the fenced area of the gardens. Remediation works, such as pruning, will also be conducted on other trees throughout the precinct.

New leader

BUILDING and improving community relationships will be a major focus for Cook Shire Council’s new community, economy and innovation director Lawrence Booth. An experienced manager, Mr Booth has previously worked at Pormpuraaw Aboriginal and Mackay Regional councils and has a strong community and partnerships focus with a flare for innovation. He said his family looked forward to making Cooktown their long-term home.

Youth Parliament

STUDENTS from Cape York and the Torres Strait have taken part in the state’s first Junior Indigenous Youth Parliament. Recently held at the Cairns Convention Centre, Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the event provided a valuable experience to better understand how Queensland’s democratic processes worked. “I am very pleased that students from schools in the Torres Strait Islands have worked in advance to participate via pre-recorded videos,” he said.

Pool hockey

UNDERWATER hockey is back at the Cooktown Pool. The fastpaced fun game will get your heart rate up and improve your breath hold. Games are held every Sunday from 5.30pm. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Bring your own sturdy gloves, short flippers, mask and snorkel.