Cape York Weekly FREE – #178 | Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Editor Lyndon Keane: 0419 891 666 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
TIME TO REPLACE FERRY: MAYOR
INSIDE TODAY
Bridge backing
CONCERN FOR APPRENTICES Page 3
By LYNDON KEANE
THE new mayor of the Northern Peninsula Area says he is committed to collaborating with Traditional Owners to find a workable way to replace the region’s “bloody old” ferry with a bridge spanning the Jardine River. Debate has raged for more than a decade about whether a bridge would be a more appropriate way than the existing ferry to connect the NPA with the rest of Cape York, but sustained opposition from the Traditional Owners has stopped any progression in its tracks. The ferry is operated by Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council and will be out of service from 3-24 April for major maintenance, with the closure reigniting discussion about whether it is time to replace the vessel with a bridge. The council would not comment about the ferry on the basis it was still in caretaker mode following the local government election, but incoming mayor Robert Poipoi said he believed a bridge was the best long-term solution. “As soon as I find my feet, I’ll build that relationship with [Traditional Owners] and have that discussion about whether it’s time to look at the bridge,” he said. “It’s bloody old; I was still going to school when they put that ferry in.” Mr Poipoi acknowledged the sensitivities surrounding the construction of a bridge, but said the infrastructure would likely have a significant cost of living benefit. Continued – Page 5
FLOOD VICTIMS STILL REELING Page 4 AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS Pages 8 & 9
PUB PAYS TRIBUTE TO STUMPY
FIRE BRIGADE NEEDS HELPERS Page 11
New Peninsula Hotel owner Stuart Wiggins says he is about a week away from reopening the doors of the Laura pub formerly run by his best mate. Turn to Page 7 to find out what is planned for the beloved Cape watering hole.
BOXERS READY FOR THE RING Page 19
WHAT’S ON AT THE ALBY? WEDNESDAY $15
RUMP NIGHT
TRIVIA NIGHT FROM 7.30PM
THURSDAY KIDS EAT FREE FROM 7.30PM
FRIDAY 5.30 – 7.30PM
JAG THE JOKER JACKPOTS WEEKLY ‘TIL JOKER IS FOUND!
PARMI SPECIAL
FROM 7.30PM
FROM 6.30PM
MUSICAL BINGO
LINE DANCING
FREE TO PLAY WITH GREAT PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS