Cape York Weekly FREE – #103 | Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
INSIDE TODAY
TOURISM TAKES A HIT: OPERATOR Page 3
HANG TIME IN HOPE VALE
Josh Snell got plenty of air at the Hope Vale Rodeo on Saturday on his way to winning the steer ride. Event coverage – Page 25
Picture: Karlene Shephard Photography
BIG CROWDDAY AT AUSTRALIA WALLABY CREEK CELEBRATIONS Pages &9 17 Pages16 8&
Family desperate to close popular loop road
Irwins still fighting By MATT NICHOLLS
THE Irwin family has continued with its push to close a gazetted road in Cape York, despite a lack of support from Cook Shire or any of the neighbouring councils. The Stones Crossing loop road,
a shortcut between Weipa and Bramwell Station which traverses through part of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, had only existed as a line on a map until locals pushed a track through last year. Since four-wheel drivers started using the track, the Irwin family,
through its company Silverback Properties Pty Ltd, has pulled out all stops to have the road closed, despite opposition from locals and the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance. Legal representatives from the company sent a detailed case to
Cook Shire earlier in the year, asking the council for support to have the road de-gazetted. However, in May, Cook Shire councillors voted unanimously to keep the road open. Prior to the property changing hands, there was a road through,
then known as the Bertiehaugh Road. However, the gate has been locked for years and is only opened for select tour groups. The new track is different to the old road and is only accessible for a handful of months per year. Continued – Page 2
SUNDAY OCTOBER 2
V
PENRITH PANTHERS
PARRAMATTA EELS
LIVE ON THE BIG SCREEN FROM 6.30PM