We must learn from tragedy

THE deaths of five people in a light plane crash on Cape York is being acutely felt across the Far North.

Many people will know, or know of, at least one of the victims, three of whom worked for QBuild in Cairns. One was a contractor and the pilot was also from Cairns.

They were husbands, fathers, grandfathers, mates and colleagues who went to work on Wednesday and never came home.

Despite Cairns being regarded as an international tourist destination, it is still a small town, and the impact of the deaths is profound.

They were flying to a remote community, Lockhart River, to work on a building at a secondary school.

It appears shocking weather was a factor in the devastating crash.

The men were QBuild workers Wayne Ganter, 63, Wayne Brischke, 57, and Henry Roebig, 62, pilot Stuart Wavell, 36, and pest controller Mark Rawlings, 49,

Tributes from family, friends and colleagues have poured in, led by Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni, who said the crash was “devastating”. “Five people went to work and they never came home – we all mourn the loss of our colleagues and friends,” he said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Tragically, it is the second fatal crash at Lockhart River. In 2005, in similar poor weather, a plane smashed into a 500m ridge line on approach to the town’s airstrip, killing all 15 on board.

Any outcome of investigations and/or inquests should consider the closure of the airstrip during bad weather so there is never another tragedy like it.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor