Many Far North Queensland motorists paid record petrol prices in 2024 if they filled up the tank outside of Cairns.

The RACQ’s Annual Fuel Price Report shows drivers in Atherton and Mareeba last year paid the highest prices ever recorded for regular unleaded petrol at the pump, with the average yearly prices in those centres 191.5c per litre and 191.2c per litre respectively.

The year before, the Atherton average was 189.5c per litre, while a decade ago it was 158c per litre.

At Mareeba in 2023, the average price was 190.3c per litre and 10 years ago it was 157.6c per litre.

But if drivers were smart enough to fill up while visiting Cairns in 2024, they generally paid more than 10c less, with the annual average there 180.3c per litre.

RACQ economist Dr Ian Jeffreys said prices were unrelentingly and consistently high in many areas of the state, and without State Government regulation, this trend would only continue. 

“The increased average price reflected an increase in retail margins and provided further evidence of a failing market,” Dr Jeffreys said. 

“We’re calling on the new Government to reconsider RACQ’s proposal to impose a five-cent daily cap on fuel price increases across the state to bring an end to dramatic and unjustified price hikes.”

Dalby was the cheapest regional centre in Queensland to buy regular unleaded petrol in 2024, at 175.6c per litre, followed by Gladstone and Bundaberg both at 176.7c per litre.

Longreach and Mount Isa recorded the most expensive yearly average petrol prices in the state, at 214.9c per litre and 209.1c per litre. 

Dr Jeffreys said fuel prices should ease slightly this year, with the forecast for lower global oil prices. 

Victorian-based “dingo warrior” Jenny Parker says there is no need for her to come to Port Douglas in a bid to save a pair of young dingoes blamed for attacking pet dogs and stalking people in the Port Douglas Sports Complex because “council have already taken matters into their own hands’’.

First claiming reports of a Christmas Day attack on two pet dogs by the dingoes released by Douglas Shire Council was “a false report’’, Ms Parker vowed to make a mercy dash to Port Douglas in a bid to protect the dingoes and provide advice and education to the public on how to live in harmony with them.

But, after not responding to calls and messages for an update since December 26, Ms Parker has now told Newsport that she won’t be coming because she had received advice from council that they had “taken matters into their own hands’’. FULL STORY

The news came following reports that Port Douglas’s “death row” dingoes were still alive, despite suggestions posted by community members that they believed council rangers had removed them on New Year’s Eve “while everyone was at the fireworks’’.

Mayor Lisa Scomazzon last night - Wednesday, January 15 - put rumours to rest. FULL STORY

5pm UPDATE: COUNCIL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS

A council spokesperson has responded to questions from Newsport this morning to confirm that Douglas Shire Council had not captured or euthanised the dingoes.

Has Douglas Shire Council or one of its employees relocated the two dingoes?

No, the two dingoes have not been relocated.

What steps were taken by Council to "address the immediate situation and prevent recurrence of the unacceptable public safety risk"?

To address the immediate safety concerns, the Council installed temporary warning signs on January 9, 2025, in areas frequently visited by the dingoes. Information fliers have also been distributed at the Sheraton Grand Mirage and at backpacker hostels. These signs and fliers are aimed at raising public awareness and preventing further incidents. The situation will continue to be monitored, and additional measures will be taken as necessary.

Are the steps taken supported by the Queensland Biosecurity Act?

Yes, the actions taken by the Council are fully supported by the Queensland Biosecurity Act. The steps are in line with the guidelines within the Act, ensuring that the situation is managed appropriately to protect public safety while complying with legal requirements regarding wildlife management.

Are signs and advice to educate the public to be erected in areas of the Douglas Shire, and if so, where and by when?

Yes, temporary signs and advisories have been installed at key locations, including the entrances to the sporting complex, Wharf Street, and the service road. These were put in place on January 9, 2025.

Are dingo traps still set in Port Douglas?

Council is still actively trapping.

Is there any consideration State Government officials have acted to resolve this matter or individuals/community members have relocated the dingoes?

No. Dingo management is a Council responsibility under the Biosecurity Act. While it is not up to Council to speculate whether or not community members have relocated the dingoes, we would discourage this behaviour for safety reasons.