Cape York Weekly Edition 276

by LUKE MORTIMER

WEIPA is set to bene t from a huge public funding injection aimed at keeping the nation’s second largest aluminium smelter up and running.

The Commonwealth and Queensland governments, alongside Rio Tinto, have announced $2 billion in a landmark partnership to lock in the future of Boyne Smelter near Gladstone and transform the state’s energy grid.

It’s been described as one of the most signi cant industrial investment and decarbonisation commitments in Australian history.

Rio Tinto’s bauxite operations at Weipa supply raw material to the Central Queensland smelter and provide work for more than 1300 people.

Jobs at Weipa and Gladstone will be protected thanks to the deal, according to a joint government statement.

– Continued page 3

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Members of THE COOKTOWN AND DISTRICT YOUTH ASSOCIATION INC. are advised that the Annual General Meeting will be held WEDNESDAY

by CHISA HASEGAWA

THERE’S not usually a happy ending when a pet is lost for two months, but a bit of luck and some good ol’ community collaboration has reunited a Weipa snake owner with her slithery sidekick.

Sheri Macrae kick-started a community-wide search on social media when her black-headed python escaped from its tank in February.

Ms Macrae, who is the proud owner of five snakes, said since moving to Weipa a few months ago, the humidity had damaged the wooden tanks so much that the snakes pulled the occasional Houdini.

However, they were generally found somewhere in the house or the yard, so she did not immediately panic when her oldest ‘nope rope’ disappeared.

“I left it a little bit thinking, ‘it’s alright, she’ll turn up’, but then she didn’t,” she said.

After making its way a few houses up the road, a neighbour responded to her Facebook post, but that was only the beginning of a two-month-long search effort.

“A neighbour found her, and found kids throwing rocks at her, so he did the right thing, of course, as you would,” Ms Macrae said.

“He got her and relocated her out to the bush, not thinking that she was a pet.

“After he put her out to Six Tunnels, he saw my post, so he messaged me straight away and was like, ‘Oh my god, I’m so sorry, this is probably yours.’”

It became a blessing in disguise that the snake was attacked by dogs a few weeks before she went missing, giving her an easily identifiable crooked tail and scarring across her back.

The snake owner said the community truly rallied around her, helping her look for the snake and reaching out with mul-

tiple sightings.

“I’d go out to Six Tunnels and have a look, and one guy messaged me and says ‘I’m coming out to have a look with you,’” Ms Macrae said.

“A lot of people were like, ‘We’re out here all the time; we’ve been keeping an eye out for her’, and every time I went out, someone stopped me, and they’re like, ‘Are you that girl looking for the snake?’.

“Now everyone knows I’ve got snakes, I’m going to be the crazy snake lady of town.”

After about two weeks, the sightings dried up, and Ms Macrae began to lose hope in reuniting with her companion of 12 years, but the recent cyclone gave her a shred of hope, thinking the rain may have flushed her out of her hiding spot.

In a last-ditch effort, she uploaded one more post on social media, and miraculously, the snake was spotted on 24 March near the Weipa Bowls Club — crooked tail and scarring and all.

After a happy tears-filled reunion, the snake is now safe and sound at home with a full belly.

“She [was] a bit beat up and hungry, but enjoyed some warm cuddles and a nice fat rat,” Ms Macrae said.

“I’ve just been looking at her all day, like, ‘I can’t believe you’re in there’.”

Lockhart River mayor chasing disaster coordination centre

by CHISA HASEGAWA

WHEN disaster strikes, communication is key, but for Lockhart River, the lack of a dedicated coordination centre means response teams all work separately with no way to share information.

In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, as well as several other cyclones and the 2025 earthquake, the Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council is working towards finding funds for a disaster coordination centre that can withstand up to a Category 5 cyclone.

Mayor Wayne Butcher said it was time to invest in a centre equipped with backup

power and technology to assist in “managing the community and keeping people’s lives at a lower risk”.

“Whenever there’s an event, especially a cyclone, we’re operating in silos,” he said.

“The Local Disaster Management Group is forced to work in a situation where some people have phone reception, some have Wi-Fi, some have two-way.

“For most of us, when the power goes out, it cuts everything – all our technology – so we have the police and the SES at the police station, the ambos and Ergon at the health services, and the rest of the council staff in their own place of shelter.”

He said trying to coordinate a response and protect the most vulnerable members of the community from scattered locations was not working.

“We can’t move during the event, but once the power or communications are out, we can’t communicate either,” the mayor said.

“The same centre could also cater for the most vulnerable in our community as well – the elderly or very ill, and those who live in demountable housing, who don’t have any other options.

“If we lost power for some days, as has happened in other Cape York communities, it could also serve as an

emergency backup centre for water and food.”

For those who live in lowset block homes, Mr Butcher said it would still be safer to remain in their own residences, rather than trying to move into a shelter.

“Instead of having a big mob of people under one shelter, we would be better off with fewer people to manage during the event,” he said.

“A coordination centre would mean we can keep up with state and regional disaster management discussions.

“It needs to be in the community where the event is actually happening, and we don’t have anything like that at the moment.”

Weipa mining jobs shielded in ‘transformative’ deal

From page 1

The resources giant said on Wednesday, 25 March that the $2 billion deal ensures the smelter will remain internationally cost-competitive. It builds on power purchase agreements signed in recent years to underwrite $7.5 billion in new renewable energy and storage in Queensland.

The governments will invest the $2 billion over 10 years to 2040, nalising terms of a partnership between Queensland and Rio Tinto, and forming part of the Commonwealth’s Future Made in Australia initiative.

Boyne Smelters Limited, which Rio Tinto has a majority stake in, is due to continue producing aluminium “through to at least 2040”.

Jerome Pecresse, Rio Tinto aluminium and lithium chief executive, said the “transformative partnership” would “ensure Boyne Smelter remains internationally competitive, strengthens the Australian aluminium sector for the future and supports the transformation and decarbonisation of the Queensland energy system”.

“As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive, this investment, combined with the power purchase agreements we have already signed, positions Boyne to be among the world’s rst aluminium smelters underpinned by solar and wind power,” he said.

“It also ensures heavy manufacturing like aluminium smelting can continue in Gladstone for the long term and preserves one of the few fully integrated aluminium value chains in the world – from bauxite mining to alumina re ning to aluminium smelting all in Queensland — as demand for aluminium continues to grow with the energy transition.”

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last – also the Minister for Regional and Rural Development – said: “At a time when supply chain disruptions are being felt across the globe, this investment is needed now more than ever to safeguard Queensland’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities and to build national resilience and international competitiveness.”

“Only in Queensland can we mine, re ne and smelt to produce one of the

world’s most versatile and ubiquitous metals, being aluminium, and we must protect that capability,” he said.

“The Crisafulli Government’s Energy Roadmap is delivering a plan for Queensland’s energy future — this announcement backs in the thousands of Queensland workers that rely on smelter and gives industry the certainty it needs to invest in the region.”

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said it was “a good day for Queensland jobs, a good day for Australian industry, and a step toward an economy where no one is held back and no one is left behind”.

He said governments were “stepping up to partner with industry and unlock the enormous industrial potential of our regions”.

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Ronaldo Guivarra said the announcement “is great news for Mapoon” and the community “drives the machinery which supplies the smelter, our community oversees safety and makes sure operations work”.

“Securing the future of the smelter has a ow-on bene t for the entire state,” he said.

“Aluminium is in our every day and the key mineral to produce it comes from the western Cape; supporting onshore smelting means jobs across Queensland.

“The strength of Australian aluminium comes from the long history of the western Cape, our history, our communities, and our culture continues to drive the growth of this industry.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Chopper rolls during take off

A BELL 206L LongRanger helicopter has rolled during take off at Weipa Airport.

Rio Tinto announced about 1.40pm on Friday, 27 March that a privately chartered chopper was involved in an “incident” at the airport earlier in the day.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman confirmed its staff were aware of a “rollover accident” at the airport owned and operated by the mining giant and considering whether to investigate further.

Two people onboard the helicopter were not injured.

Cooktown culvert failure fix

COOK Shire Council has started temporary repairs on Ida St, between Power St and Parkinson St, following the recent culvert failure.

Due to the extent of the damage, a permanent fix is not immediately possible. These works will stabilise the site and allow the road to be reopened in several days, weather permitting.

The road will reopen to light vehicles only (under 5 tonnes GVM). Load limits and signage will be in place. Vehicle weight restrictions are expected to remain in place until about July. For more information phone the council on 07 4082 0500.

Youth crime operation forges on

FAR North district police charged almost 170 people with more than 350 crimes a month into a state-wide crackdown targeting break-ins, robberies and car thefts by high-risk and repeat offenders.

Since the Queensland Government and police launched Operation Forge on 27 February, more than 1300 people have been charged with more than 2970 offences across the state. 502 of those charged were children.

The LNP government was elected on a youth crime reduction platform and has introduced “adult crime, adult time” laws, increasing the maximum sentences for children convicted of specific serious offences.

Operation Forge continues for about five months.

Call for NPA cattle testing amid lumpy skin disease concerns

by CHISA HASEGAWA

A CAPE York cattle producer has called for monthly sentinel herd testing in the Northern Peninsula Area following the identification of the Top End as a vulnerable entry point for lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus.

Spread through insect bites, the virus causes skin nodules, lesions, fever and weight loss, posing a huge threat to the Australian beef and dairy industries.

Earlier this month, a University of Queensland-led team flagged the northern tip of Australia as “the location most exposed to windborne insect arrival”, but the only sentinel herd in the NPA was ceased in 2020.

In the absence of the Seisia herd, the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy conducts annual feral animal surveys in the region, with any suspect lesions investigated, sampled and submitted for LSD exclusion.

There is now only one sentinel herd on a commercial property near Weipa and Lakeland cattle producer Joy Marriott said she was worried that may not be enough.

She wants to see another sentinel herd in the NPA - tested monthly.

“When you look at what happened all through Europe when it came across, they go, ‘Lumpy skin’s not that bad, it doesn’t affect humans’, but their only way

of controlling it is by killing all the herds,” she said.

“That’s what we’re looking at, so rather than trying to do something once it’s here, how about if we could detect it north of the Jardine and maybe it could be contained to that.

“It seriously needs to be done.”

While LSD has never managed to cross Australian borders, the disease has been detected as close as Bali, Indonesia.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry did not comment on the resur-

gence of a sentinel herd in the NPA, but advised the herd near Weipa was tested monthly.

“Currently, there is one sentinel herd in operation on a commercial cattle property in the Cape York region, with monthly testing and ongoing monitoring for exotic animal diseases and pests,” a spokesperson said.

“Australia’s strict biosecurity system is designed to reduce the risk of diseases such as lumpy skin disease being introduced into Australia.

“The Australian Government has invested more than $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing since 2022.”

Ms Marriott said the government must ramp up sentinel herd testing, especially following the influx of illegal Indonesian fishing boats in northern Queensland and Torres Strait waters.

“It’s a national thing; you’ve got the whole beef industry in Australia on the line,” she said.

“The Federal Government need to have it on the top of their list. There are cattle up there, and I’m sure the people that own it, they’d work with the government about testing those cattle.

“Obviously, we like our cattle, and if a disease outbreak occurs because of something that government has failed to do, I don’t think it’s fair.”

Testing waters with cutting-edge croc detection technology

THE feasibility of a potential breakthrough in crocodile detection technology is being tested in North Queensland.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) is collaborating with James Cook University (JCU) to develop a device to detect crocodiles and it has now been given the green light to proceed with testing.

In theory, the device can spot crocodiles swimming in the water by linking state-ofthe-art cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology trained to identify crocodiles.

The detection system is mounted on a mobile camera platform, configured as a trailer, for easy transportation to different locations as the trial phase rolls out.

The device is now going to be deployed to see if and how it can be used to help keep Queenslanders safe from crocodiles.

DETSI senior conservation officer Daniel Guymer said JCU researchers analysed thousands of hours of footage supplied by DETSI to train the AI technology that can differentiate between crocodiles and other floating objects in the water.

“The aim is to create a reliable detection system that could be deployed on fixed or mobile infrastructure in high recreation-use areas,” he said.

There have been 51 recorded crocodile attacks on people in Queensland in the 40 years to December 2025, 16 of them fatal.

The most recent recorded crocodile attack occurred on 25 October 2025. This incident took place at Myall Beach near Cape Tribulation and was not fatal.

In August 2024, Dr Dave Hogbin was fatally attacked by a 4.9m saltwater crocodile in the Annan River, south of Cooktown, after falling down a bank. He had been holidaying with his family.

Project lead, senior lecturer and co-deputy head of JCU’s newly established Centre for AI and Data Science Innovation, Dr Tao (Kevin) Huang said baseline tests demonstrated the AI technology could detect crocodiles.

“This is a huge benefit for community safety, and we now need to check that it can detect crocodiles in the water in real time,” he said.

Crown-of-thorns outbreak ramps up between Cairns and Lizard Island

by LUKE MORTIMER

AN intensive program to control a notorious natural predator decimating coral in the Great Barrier Reef will redeploy resources after field intelligence confirmed an outbreak intensifying between Cairns and Lizard Island.

The Reef Authority’s Crownof-thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program has already removed almost 1.4 million of the destructive starfish across 451 reefs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, protecting more than 830,000 hectares of habitat since 2012.

COTS – recognisable by their long spines coated in toxic slime – are the second largest starfish in the world and can eat their body size in coral every day or two.

Mature females can produce at least 200 million eggs each year, but it’s not fully clear why damaging population outbreaks occur.

Outbreaks may be due to a combination of excessive nutrients from run-off and natural upwelling, the removal of COTS predators, ocean currents and the availability of live coral, according to The Reef Authority.

The program’s goal is to support coral growth and recovery by keeping COTS numbers at ecologically sustainable levels.

On Wednesday, 25 March more than 50 reef managers, scientists, COTS Control Program operators and tourism industry partners met at Cairns to prioritise reefs for inclusion in the program’s 2026-27 Annual Work Plan.

The redeployed resources will protect priority reefs in the park’s northern region over the next 12 months.

The program, funded by the Australian Government at a cost of about $20 million annually, de-

ploys six vessels with teams of six to 10 divers, who cull starfish using a lethal injection of household vinegar or ox bile salt solution.

COTS Control Program assistant director Doctor David Williamson said the workshop was a valuable opportunity to review and refine plans.

“This workshop is a critical step in the development of the program’s annual work plan and underpins the work we do on the reef to deliver broadscale outbreak

suppression and coral protection outcomes,” he said.

“Over the past few years, we have been increasing COTS control capacity in the northern GBR to suppress the emerging primary outbreak, while maintaining scaled-down control efforts in the central and southern regions.

“We expect that the northern outbreak will continue to intensify during the next few years.

“With the majority of our partners represented at today’s work-

shop, we will be examining the field intelligence and model predictions that inform our decisionmaking for COTS Control Program operations.

“The knowledge being shared at this workshop helps to ensure that COTS Program vessels and dive teams are actioning the right reefs at the right times to maximise outbreak suppression and coral protection outcomes.”

Roberto Tusso, operations manager at program contractor Blue Planet Marine, said a proactive and systematic approach was critical.

“On the water, we see first-hand how quickly crown-of-thorns starfish can impact coral,” he said.

“If outbreaks intensify, COTS become much harder to control.

“Timing and coordination, punctuated by sharing on ground information through forums like these reef prioritisation workshops and our regular operations group meetings, are the key to effective COTS control.

“The earlier we act, the more reef we can protect.”

The program, which safeguards reefs popular among tourists, has involved 160,000 diver hours since its inception and employs about 140 people, including a 14 per cent Indigenous workforce.

‘Just hope it runs this year’: Laura Rodeo committee pushes on

by CHISA HASEGAWA

FINGERS are crossed the beloved Laura Rodeo will be able to open its gates in 2026 as tourists reconsider trips up north due to the cost and availability of fuel.

In what is normally an exciting leadup to the Laura Rodeo and Campdraft and Laura Races, committee members this year have been worrying about attracting enough spectators for the iconic four-day weekend of thrills and spills on 25-28 June.

Rodeo and Campdraft manager Karlene Shepherd said the annual showcase of cowboys and cowgirls normally sells thousands of tickets, which covers the costs associated with putting on an event in a remote area.

“I just hope it runs this year. We’ve got to get the numbers through the gate to cover those costs, because how else can you do it?” she said.

“Us remote areas don’t have anything else, really, so I’m hoping we’ll go ahead.

“We’re still planning to go ahead, so time will tell as our ticket sales open.”

The concern comes as the rodeo and races event at Einasleigh announced on Thursday, 26 March via social media that ticket sales were sitting at less than 200, with only a

week to go until what is normally a sold-out 2000 ticket event.

Ms Shepherd said cancellation would not only be disappointing for excited rodeo and racegoers, but for remote athletes who have limited opportunities to showcase their skills.

“They put a lot of effort into their animals, their horses, the girls and some of the young fellows with their roping, so I hope everything comes to their senses,” she said.

“As we get closer to the event, I’ll talk to the roadhouses in Laura and Lakeland and see how the fuel’s travelling, and if we’re going to struggle, or if we’re all okay to go ahead.”

The event grounds also took a beating when Cape York was hit by Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which came just over a week after the grounds had already been cleaned up following flooding in early March.

Ms Shepherd thanked Phillip Davies, son of late caretaker Slick Davies, and his partner Lynn for their efforts in clearing the grounds.

She said the damage was “a bit of a blow”, but the Laura Races and Rodeo team were resilient, would get the grounds fixed up and “make it happen”.

a

Cyclone Narelle hit

by LUKE MORTIMER

COOK

Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes says the Cape York community is facing a prolonged clean up after Tropical Cyclone Narelle, with almost 50,000 square kilometres and dozens of stations and homesteads affected.

Ms Holmes took to Facebook on Friday, 27 March to “speak directly” to her community, “especially those hit hardest” by the cyclone, which made landfall at Cape York Peninsula a week earlier.

“We hear you, we know the damage is significant and we know many of you are feeling overwhelmed right now,” she said.

“This was not a small event. We’re looking at an impacted area of more than 47,000sqkm, including over 34,000sqkm within Cook Shire alone.

“Around 45 stations and homesteads have been affected with damage to infrastructure, livestock, fencing, roads, rivers systems and the natural environment. The full damage is still being assessed.

“Some people are still without basic supplies. Some properties are yet to be reached.”

Ms Holmes said the “uncertainty is real” for those waiting for help “and we understand that”.

She said the council was working with the Queensland Government and partners on the ground to respond.

Work has included restoring water services to Coen and lifting water restrictions, applying for emergency funding, conducting extensive aerial assessments, clean ups and coordinated airdrops of food, fuel and fresh water.

The council urged community members who need help to email dmo@cook. qld.gov.au or phone 07 4082 0500.

Where

Ongoing Cameron Creek Road Drainage improvements and rehabilitation works from Endeavour Valley Road. Crews in

area. Possible delays. Plan travel and drive to conditions.

Ongoing Bloomfield Road (various locations)

until

‘In safe hands’: Top cop calls it a day

by LUKE MORTIMER

THE top cop overseeing Cape York is retiring after more than four decades working with Queensland Police Service.

Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius is responsible for the state’s most northern police district, the Far North, covering 44 divisions from the Torres Strait south to Cardwell, stretching west to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Late last week, the police service announced Mr Schafferius had begun his pre-retirement leave after a distinguished 42-year career.

Mr Schafferius was appointed

assistant commissioner of Far Northern Region in July 2018.

He said the highlight of his riveting career has been working with incredible people in the Far North.

“Looking back on my service, I am incredibly proud of the work done by officers and staff in this region, most of which goes unnoticed by the public,” Mr Schafferius said.

“From my early days in the Cairns Drug Squad and Mareeba Criminal Investigation Branch, my fondest memories have been serving the wonderful communities in the Far North.

“I am leaving the service proudly with a smile on my face and

confident that policing and community safety in the Far North is in safe hands.

“I wish my colleagues and their families long, happy, and healthy futures.”

During his time with the police, Assistant Commissioner Schafferius has overseen major crimefighting operations, disaster management responses and cultural changes.

The police service said in a statement that Mr Schafferius leaves a legacy of outstanding leadership and strong community connections.

Before being appointed assistant commissioner, Mr Schafferius served as the chief superintendent

district officer of the Far North

Mr Schafferius was sworn into the police service in July 1985 and appointed as a constable at Townsville, before he was transferred to Wynnum.

He spent time as an investigator at the Chandler Juvenile Aid Bureau, then served as a detective senior constable in the Cairns Drug Squad and the Mareeba Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

Mr Schafferius was promoted to the rank of detective sergeant in 1998. He was the team leader of the Cairns Drug Squad and later officer-in-charge of the Mareeba CIB

In 2000, Mr Schafferius was

promoted to detective senior sergeant and spent time at the State Drug Investigation Group in the State Crime Operations Command, before he became officer-in-charge of Ipswich Police Station.

Working as an inspector, he spent time providing support to the southern regional assistant commissioner, before becoming the Toowoomba district inspector and then detective inspector.

In 2011, Mr Schafferius was promoted to superintendent and served as the district officer of the Brisbane Central District.

Following a police service restructure in 2013, he also served as assistant district officer in the Far North.

Local knowledge key in Cape farming collaboration

by LUKE MORTIMER

IMPROVING soil health was a hot topic when more than 20 Cape York primary producers attended the launch of a new peer group supporting more sustainable agriculture in the region.

Cape York Sustainable Agriculture Community of Practice’s (CoP) first meeting, facilitated by Trevor Meldrum of Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Inc, was held at Cooktown.

The group, which first met earlier this month, shares local knowledge, promotes sustainable land

practices, including through the use of technology, and works to boost production.

Cape York Natural Resource Management (NRM) representative Geoff Wilson said the network developed as part of the Cultivating Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture in Cape York Peninsula project.

“The meeting was well attended despite recent heavy rain, with producers representing horticulture, permaculture, grazing and mixed small crops,” he said.

“There was strong engagement from attendees who worked

together to identify shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration, and significant interest in funding that could support new ideas and on-ground improvements.”

Members spoke about organising soil testing on participating properties to establish a baseline for improvement.

TNQ Drought Hub regional soil coordinator Dhiraj Gajera said: “Soil health is the foundation of our farming systems — if we get the soil right, we improve the productivity and resilience of the entire enterprise.”

Mr Gajera spoke to the group about the National Soil Action Plan, which is a Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry initiative to improve soil health and build knowledge.

Mr Meldrum said it was encouraging the group set clear priorities from the start.

“This is their Community of Practice, so our role is to help facilitate discussions while members set the agenda,” he said.

“It was very positive to see soil health and other issues emerge as key focus areas and to explore how

the group can support businesses long-term through improved productivity.”

The group is due to meet at least twice annually, but workshops and field days have also been organised.

Cape York Sustainable Agriculture Community of Practice is one of three communities of practice being established by Cape York NRM through the project.

Additional networks have been working on improving food security and supporting Indigenous grazing enterprises.

Illegal Indonesian fishers caught hiding in mangroves

by LUKE MORTIMER

AUSTRALIAN Border Force (ABF) has busted seven Indonesian nationals with almost two tonnes of sea cucumbers near Escape River, Cape York following a timely community tip-off during Operation Broadstaff.

The interception resulted in seven fishers pleading guilty to illegal fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on 19 March, ABF has revealed.

Authorities responded to information from a member of the public about a suspected foreign fishing vessel on 3 March. The boat was found hidden in the mangroves of a nearby creek system.

Fishing gear was seized alongside about 1950 kg of sea cucumbers.

The boat was also seized, crew were detained and taken to Darwin for further investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).

The master of the boat – who was detected in Australian waters previously – was sentenced to two months behind bars, backdated to the day of his apprehension on 7 March.

Another crew member, also detected in Australian waters on another occasion, was released on an $8000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of four years.

Two crew with prior findings of guilt for similar offending were released on $5000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of five years.

The final three crew members were released on $3000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for three years.

All of the Indonesian anglers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned home, after serving relevant jail-time.

There has been 153 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in the Darwin court between 1 July last year and 24 March this year, according to ABF and AFMA.

Maritime Border Command Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar warned illegal fishers they would not slip the net.

“The ABF continues to disrupt illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters. Our officers detected this vessel concealed in the mangroves and took decisive action to protect Australia’s maritime resources and sovereign borders,” she said.

“These outcomes demonstrate the ongoing effectiveness of ABF’s maritime operations. When foreign vessels enter Australian

waters illegally, they will be detected and our officers will take action to disrupt their activity and protect Australia’s maritime domain.

“Illegal fishing threatens Australia’s marine environment and the livelihoods of legitimate fishers. We work closely with AFMA and our regional partners to identify and disrupt this activity at sea and at its source.”

Important Public Notice: Outstanding Accounts

Rio Tinto Weipa is undertaking a review and audit of all outstanding debt for customer and township accounts

Outstanding balances will be assessed, and follow up action may occur where amounts remain unpaid. This process ensures accounts are accurate, current, and managed consistently.

Financial hardship support is available, and we encourage anyone experiencing difficulty to reach out to our team as early as possible to discuss payment or assistance options. Our contact information is included below.

Further communication will be issued to impacted account holders as the review progresses. We appreciate the community’s cooperation.

Email: RTAWeipaFeedback@riotinto.com

AFMA’s general manager of fisheries operations Justin Bathurst said: “Illegal fishing will not be tolerated. Our message is clear, you will be caught and face significant penalties under Australian law.

“Any foreign national caught fishing un-

lawfully in Australian waters will be subject to serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, vessel and potential imprisonment,” he said.

Operation Broadstaff, which launched in February, is targeting illegal foreign fishing in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait. Accompanying enforcement activities, Australian authorities have been working with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing through public information campaigns in fishing communities, educational material, social media campaigns and proactive engagement with fishers. Report illegal fishing in Australian waters by phoning CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634.

Closure of Country

Paiden Countr y

Please be advised that access to Paiden Country is closed until further notice, due to sorry business It is important that we acknowledge and respect the advice from Traditional Owners so that cultural customs can be observed and practiced Rio Tinto personnel, contractors and the public are not to enter the area until further notice

This includes the following areas: Amban Road South (inclusive of the road), Beagle Road (inclusive of the road), Possum Creek, Sandy Creek, Ward River, Obon (Ward River Side), Yagalmungkan, Coastal areas from Big Horse Creek to Alechin Point including Ikleth, Six Ti Tree, and Awelombok (Waterfall)

Cooktown’s 2026 RAW exhibition

to unleash artists’ inner animal

by CHISA HASEGAWA

BEFORE all of the rules and boundaries and pressure to impress, who are we?

That is what Cooktown’s first art exhibition of the year will explore when Cooktown School of Art Society’s (CSAS) RAW – Primitive exhibition opens to the public on 10 April.

Based on the idea of doing and owning what comes naturally, local artists and community members will come together for a celebration of self-expression and raw honesty at the Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery.

CSAS president Jane Dennis said RAW – Primitive played on the natural human instinct for art and creation without the bounds of training, rules and judgement.

“It’s to encourage people who haven’t actually had formal training, but have an aesthetic eye and love to create,” she said.

“It’s before you become tainted with formality, and it also means that artists who get stuck in their little niche have an opportunity to do something a bit crazy, and have fun and explore the inner animal.

“I’m just hoping to get people involved who normally wouldn’t get involved with art, although they kind of have a secret passion for making something.”

prize money in what was an in credibly subjective discipline.

“I think it all goes back to treading that line between crea tivity and commercial; people get stuck in ruts because they can make money out of one thing, but as an artist, you’re not actu ally developing, and you’re not

Public Notice

Electricity update: New off-peak tariff

Rio Tinto Weipa now offer Tariff L1, and equivalent to Qld Government off-peak tariff 33 metering, for hot water systems to all approved customers* on the Weipa Network.

This initiative enables us to provide electricity at a reduced consumption rate, potentially saving approved customers up to 38% on their bills Currently, the normal rate for hot water under Tariff C RTA Residential is 29.97 cents per kWh. The new rate for hot water under Tariff L1 is 19 18 cents per kWh

This is a significant advancement as it allows us, as the power authority, to reduce the overall network load during peak times, which for our micro-grid is between 4pm and 9pm daily

The reduction in usage will help us better manage our infrastructure, decrease high loading events, and provide greater overall stability for our network-connected customers, ensuring systems operate at optimal levels

Conditions for application include:

Applies only to connections on the Weipa network, where billing is through Rio Tinto. Napranum and Mapoon are managed by Ergon Energy

Available to premises with a single-phase disconnection meter, covering over 85% of customers. If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact your electrical contractor for options on installing a dedicated hot water system supply The off-peak tariff is intended for electric hot water systems of 125L or greater or heat pump units of 270L or greater

Verification for eligibility for each connection will take place upon application

and emailing a copy to weipa.electricity@riotinto.com

Name of account electricit y holder:

address as it appears on your electricit y invoice:

and

Rat eradication project crucial to Torres Strait biodiversity

by CHISA HASEGAWA

Strait traditional owners, leaders and community members are welcoming the region’s first rat eradication project to protect culturally significant plants and animals.

Warul Kawa/Leberen (Deliverance Island) has faced a persistent rat infestation since the 1980s despite many attempts to control the pest, but it may soon be rat-free after decades of careful community consideration, local monitoring, advocacy and leadership.

Traditional owners from Boigu, Dauan, Saibai, Mabuiag and Badu, represented by the Maluilgal Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC), will lead the project with support from the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), including local rangers.

Following a successful trial late last year, the team will use drones to drop targeted aerial baits across the island, aiming to remove every last rat while protecting the diverse environment.

Maluilgal RNTBC chair Keith Pabai said culture and community

values had been respected in every step of the project.

“Black rats, or what we call makas, eat and destroy local plants and animals that are important to our culture,” he said.

“This project values our spiritual protocols and cultural authority – Kuiku Mabaigal –alongside science and technical expertise for the best solution.”

The invasive rat species breeds year-round, and preys on Waru Kazi (turtle hatchlings), Sara (terns) and Dua (noddies), eating both eggs and chicks.

They also eat Ubar (wongai)

and Piner (Pisonia grandis) fruit and seeds, making it difficult for the culturally and environmentally significant plants to grow back.

The drone work is planned for late 2026 when the north winds and dry conditions – known locally as Naigai Thonar season –provide ideal weather.

Traditional owners will deliver all aspects of the project, from important cultural ceremonies to vessel logistics and site monitoring.

The project is part of the Australian Government’s $100 million investment to prepare for H5 avian influenza (bird flu).

More than $1.5 million in funding is supporting the TSRA to help the western Torres Strait prepare for a potential outbreak.

TSRA chair George Nona said the project demonstrated the strength of local-led environmental management in the Torres Strait.

“The Warul Kawa rat eradication project is an example of how government can listen to and work with traditional owners and First Nations communities,” Mr Nona said.

“From start to finish, this project has been delivered in a way that respects cultural authority and protocols.”

3pm Sunday 5th April 2026

Lion’s Den Hotel

Shiptons Flat Rd, Rossville

All welcome!

Inquiries: secretary@ wallabycreekfestival.org.au

Cape York Weekly Puzzles Page

Quick Workout

the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.

Cooktown smashes PBs at swimming state championships

by CHISA HASEGAWA

SCHOOL state championships have given Cooktown swimmers the boost they needed to put on their best performances in the pool.

It was raining PBs when Cooktown Amateur Swimming Club’s Cruze Ryder, 15, Maiika Hegamaea, 11, Haila Hegamaea, 15, and Natalie Treloar, 15, pulled on their caps and goggles at the 2026 Peninsula School Sport swimming state championships last week.

In the 13-19 year category, Ryder managed to go five for five in setting new PBs, recording times of 30.21 seconds in the 50-metre freestyle, 32.59 in 50m butterfly, 34.70 in 50m backstroke, 1:14:77 in the 100m backstroke, and 1:06:99 in 100m freestyle.

Finishing up his second state championships, he told Cape York Weekly the drive and pressure to perform well gave him the push he needed.

“I believe that making it into five

events, compared to two events last year, was enough to make me proud of myself,” he said.

“It felt amazing to beat my old PBs. I had a good feeling that I would beat my PBs, considering all the training that went into preparing for this competition.

“I had been preparing for this competition for a number of months and I had pressure to perform my best, and that’s what I did.”

It was a massive achievement for all of the Cooktown swimmers, who have been without a head coach for over a year.

This year, they were supported by Cairns swimming coach Lei Tutu, who commended the athletes on their sportsmanship and resilience.

She was particularly a guiding light for the youngest swimmer, Maiika, who qualified for a whopping 11 events, and recorded PBs in all of them.

“Before the events, I got tips

from Coach Lei, warmed up in the training and diving pool and learnt new dives, as the concrete dive block we train on are different to the Olympic-style blocks we raced at,” the 11 year old said.

Dawson leads Saturday parkrun pack

PARTICIPANTS

were happy to see no one named Narelle in the starting lineup when Weipa parkrun #463 was held on Saturday morning.

After last weekend’s event was scrapped due to the extreme weather conditions across Cape York whipped up by Tropical Cyclone Narelle, an eager field of 48 laced up their shoes to test themselves on 28 March.

Weipa parkrun stalwart Ross Dawson was the first to say good morning to the timekeepers, finishing the five kilometre circuit in 22 minutes, 12 seconds.

Kat Hansen showed a clean set of heels to be the

Ross Dawson was the first home in the field of 48 participants who took to the Weipa parkrun circuit on Saturday morning. Photo: Weipa parkrun/Facebook

first female finisher, stopping the clock in 24:22, seven minutes clear of the second female parkrunner. Adam McCluand (25:28),

Hadley Fielding (33:01), Johana Calderon Castilla (44:07) and Koyel Prince (45:01) were the four participants to notch up personal best efforts on the day.

Fields are set to increase as the 2026 Weipa Running Festival (WRF) draws closer each week, with several high-profile runners preparing as they set their sights on podium finishes.

If you are keen to include parkrun in your weekly efforts in the leadup to the WRF, you can join in on the fun each Saturday from 7am at the hospital roundabout shelter at Nanum.

“What helped me get new PBs was surrounding myself with people who spoke positively and encouraged me — we told each other good luck before our races.

“Having Coach Lei at the cham-

IT was back to business for 13 Dawnbusters when they contended with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Narelle on the back 9 at the Carpentaria Gold Club.

A working bee was in full swing from Saturday, 28 March through to Sunday to remove the fallen trees from the course, but the additional hazards and workers did not hinder some of the more conditioned players.

Golfers repeated two of the seven holes in play due to the wet conditions to take the full 9, with Scott ‘Silent Assassin’ Triffit, Ollie Tata and Ross Craven demonstrating their prowess on the course at 39, 41 and 42, respectively.

However, it was Jon Dall with his 51 and massive handicap that took out the morning’s event, netting 13.

Dall, ever so modest in his win, was quick to advise that “his latent talent finally shone through”.

Peter Moore took Bridesmaid, while Beth Dall stamped her ownership of the Hoffmans once again, posting her sixth win of the award in a row.

pionships helped me improve heaps this year; she gave me feedback before and after my races, and I listened to this.”

Swimming club president Melissa Gunton said having a coach in their corner helped the small-town swimmers massively in the high pressure environment.

“They went in a lot more confident this round, as they had one of the Central Cairns head coaches accompany the Cooktown team to Brisbane this year,” she said.

“Having Coach Lei gave them the confidence and boost they needed to excel and push their limits.

“They enjoyed the feedback and asked questions on how they could improve.”

Ms Gunton thanked sponsors Cooktown RSL, Endeavour Lions Club, Cook Shire Council, Endeavour Christian College, Cooktown Swimming Club, Cooktown Bowls Club, as well as the Cooktown community.

While it was not her best game, Vivian Chan managed to take out the Women’s Longest Drive, while Craven, with his 42, took the Men’s Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin.

Dawnbusters are looking to play the full 9 holes on 5 April for the Easter Egg Challenge, which will tee off at about 6:45 am.

Cape York Weekly

Weipa’s first Muay Thai representatives gear up for Mareeba showdown

by CHISA HASEGAWA

COMBAT sport opportunities in western Cape York are growing as three fighters gear up to represent Weipa in the Muay Thai ring for the first time.

Ethan Wyatt, Jeiden Perez and Alex Stawniak will be the first to enter the competitive circuit out of the community’s recently formed Muay Thai club.

The trio will travel to Mareeba next month for Spirit Muay Thai (SMT) gym’s event, featuring an epic 13-bout fight card showcasing talent from across Far North Queensland.

Coach Scott Kootoofa founded the club last October, using his Muay Thai experience in the Tablelands to train local fighters out of the Cape York Boxing Weipa gym.

The club has welcomed newcomers to the Weipa fight scene, with only two out of the training group, currently up to 10 athletes, entering the discipline from boxing.

Despite the Weipa crew being new to their roles as competitors and coach, Kootoofa said he was confident in their abilities, adding that Wyatt, Perez and Stawniak had shown immense growth since taking on the sport.

“These guys, this is their first ever Muay Thai fight, and it’s my first time being a coach; I’m excited for them, and I’m excited for me,” he said.

“They’re sort of natural athletes, so it came quite easy to them, but they’ve been working hard, doing extra hours, the diet, and everything that’s involved.

“I think they’ll be very challenging for whoever they fight.”

With only months of experience under their belts going into their first fights, Kootoofa said mental strength was just as important as physical conditioning.

“It’ll be playing on their brains, and it’ll be all they can think about from when we signed up two months ago,” he said.

“You’re thinking of all the angles, the what-ifs — the nerves are just ridiculous.

do that without getting injuries is huge.”

“The things you’re doing with your body, it doesn’t do in a normal day, so fitness, strength and conditioning, getting that flexibility, and constantly trying to

The coach thanked Cape York Boxing Weipa founder Scott Wallace, whose support was instrumental in the establishment of the Muay Thai club.

“The venue was the hardest part of making this happen, and he’s provided the venue, and he’s provided most of the gear,” Kootoofa said.

“He was a big part of this, and his enthusiasm has just been unreal.”