NEWSPORT NEWSFEED: Waterfall safety warning following fatalities

Thursday, January 30

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An Indonesian tourist died at Josephine Falls earlier this month. Picture: Jamie Jansen

First responders are warning people to take extra care around Queensland’s waterfalls and swimming holes after the deaths of six people while visiting the popular tourist attractions since the start of last year.

A coalition of emergency and tourism groups today released a statement urging both tourists and locals to read signs at waterfalls, obey directions, and do not enter restricted areas or venture beyond barriers.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Chief Superintendent Adam Gwin said people often underestimated the hazards associated with waterfalls.

“Sadly, our firefighters witness the consequences of this far too often,” Chief Supt Gwin said.

“With recent rainfall increasing the flow and force of local catchments, the risks are increased.

“Many of these incidents can be avoided by staying on designated paths and board walks, swimming within designated areas and being aware of water levels and currents.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen urged visitors to stay safe. 

“We encourage visitors who are not comfortable swimming on their own to join a tour so that they can safely visit our beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes,” Mr Olsen said.

TTNQ, Queensland Parks and Wildlife and emergency services groups were now posting safety videos in English, Chinese and Japanese on their websites to help educate visitors and the community about water safety, he said.

Teenagers Honor Ward and Beau Liddell drowned at Wappa Falls on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, January 20, and a 32-year-old Indonesian tourist drowned at Josephine Falls near Cairns earlier this month.

Other tips for staying safe at waterfalls include: Do not swim alone; Do not dive into swimming holes as they may be shallow; Beware of submerged objects, particularly after heavy rain; Swim in still water where possible; Do not swim after heavy rain, as rushing water can be dangerous; Avoid climbing slippery surfaces and rock ledges; Check the weather forecast and tell someone where you are going, and; Pack a first-aid kit.

 

New injection of leadership at health network

The Northern Queensland Primary Health Network board has appointed acting chief executive Ben Tooth into the permanent role. 

He is a previous chief executive of Cairns Private Hospital and has also held various other roles on the NQPHN board.  

Mr Tooth said NQPHN was a “wonderful organisation”.

“I recognise the responsibility that comes with the role,” he said.  

"I’m excited about the year to come and working with our fantastic team.”

NQPHN Board Chair Jeff Stewart-Harris said Mr Tooth had been shown to possess a wealth of experience while acting in the role. 

“(He) has the added advantage of understanding NQPHN’s business and the health landscape in which the organisation operates, intimately,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.

NQPHN is an independent not-for-profit organisation funded by the Federal Government to commission primary health care services.

 

Albo ‘lied’ about microgrid money - Entsch

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch has accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of lying about a $19m funding commitment for the Daintree microgrid project.

Mr Entsch, who will retire at the federal election due in May, said this week Mr Albanese either lied about the funding pledge, or did not know what was outlined in his own budget.

“(This) is a classic example where the Prime Minister has lied, effectively, to withhold the money,” Mr Entsch told Newsport this week.

“We don’t need that sort of nonsense.” FULL STORY

 

Flood rescue video and latest cyclone warnings

 

Two people were yesterday rescued from rising floodwaters in Gordonvale, which has been hit by a deluge of rain from a tropical low hovering off the coast near Innisfail.

Officers from Edmonton and Gordonvale Stations helped rescue two people from floodwaters and evacuated several other residents. FULL STORY

WATCH THE VIDEO

 

Coral Sea Eyecare thanks community for 25 years of support

BUSINESS FEATURE

A true gem in the Port Douglas community, Coral Sea Eyecare has spent 25 years delivering quality eyecare that generations of patients have come to rely on - and continues to do so today.

From its humble beginnings in the Coles Complex in the year 2000 to its modern, state-of-the-art facility on the corner of Grant and Warner Streets, the practice has stayed true to its commitment to providing personalised eyecare to the Douglas Shire. FULL STORY

 

 

A lifeline on wheels for Douglas residents needs volunteer drivers to keep rolling

BUSINESS FEATURE 

Residents of the Douglas Shire under 65 now have access to a free Community Transport service, launched by the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre to address a decades-long need.

Operated by volunteers and staff, the service helps residents access shopping, health appointments, community services, and social activities. FULL STORY

 

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