FEBRUARY: The Scoop
Five charged over Mossman school break-in
Thursday, February 20, 9.39am
Two men aged 17 and 20 and three boys aged 12, 14 and 16 were charged yesterday following the alleged break and enter of a Mossman primary school facility on Tuesday night.
The five allegedly forced entry to the Front Street complex around 9pm, though it's not known if any property was stolen. They were charged with a total of nine offences including entering premises with intent, trespass, committing a public nuisance and breaching bail condition.
The older pair is due to appear on the Mossman Magistrates Court on February 20 and 26, whilst the younger youths will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 1992.
Man drowns at Mossman Gorge
Monday, February 17, 2.00pm
Police were called to Mossman Gorge on Saturday afternoon after a man failed to surface whilst swimming at the popular Mossman River location.
Swift water rescue specialists were brought in and recovered the body of a 28-year-old man, believed to be a Taiwanese national, downstream from where he disappeared.
There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Newsport will provide updates as they become available.
Douglas to rally for reef
Friday, February 14, 4.15pm
Hundreds are expected to gather in Port Douglas next Sunday, February 23, to protest against the Federal Government’s decision to allow the dumping of dredge spoil on the Great Barrier Reef.
Organisers of the one-hour event, dubbed the 'Douglas Reef Rally', have set a procession route from the Port Douglas Surf Club to Wharf Street's Market Park, with a visual 'Sand Spectacle' planned on Four Mile Beach.
Though the rally is still over a week away, a related 
Facebook event has attracted almost 1400 invited guests, and representatives from the Environmental Defenders Office of North Queensland, the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, and Tangaroa Blue have been confirmed as keynote speakers - each a 'Five-Minute Mouthpiece'.
“The Great Barrier Reef is a unique World Heritage Listed site that’s right in our backyard,” said event MC and President of the Douglas Shire Sustainability Group (DSSG), Kevin ‘K-Star’ Eldridge.
“The peaceful protest on February 23 is the first step in getting the word out that the Douglas Shire community is dissatisfied.”
Check out The Newsport on Monday for more details.
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Bizarre theft of ambulance lights
Wednesday, February 12, 3.30pm
An investigation is underway into a bizarre theft that occurred at the Queensland Ambulance Service complex in Manunda over recent days.
Thieves entered the fenced compound sometime between February 6 and yesterday and stole an emergency flashing light bar from its mountings atop an ambulance vehicle.
Cairns Property Crime Unit Officer in Charge, Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Law is scratching his head for a possible motive for the theft.
“This would have to rate as one of the most senseless property thefts that I can recall,” he said.
“Through their obviously selfish actions, these offenders have effectively deprived the local community of an essential emergency service vehicle.”
“They should perhaps pray that they don’t require the potentially life-saving assistance of Paramedics any time soon,” he said.
Det Sen Sgt Law is calling on the community to assist police by coming forward with any information relating to the theft.
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24 hours a day.
Protest against traffic lights
Tuesday, February 11, 3.15pm
Residents opposing the installation of traffic lights at the Mossman Woolworths development have taken to social media and email to rally support for a protest.
Organisers of the protest, planned for 8am tomorrow, February 12, at the Front Street Woolworths site, are encouraging participants to, "Bring your friends and protest signs and banners. Spread the word to all who are interested!"
Young Smithfield robber charged
Tuesday, February 11, 10.11am
Police charged a 16-year-old Manoora girl yesterday after investigating the alleged attempted robbery of a 20-year-old woman near a Smithfield shopping centre.
The victim was allegedly walking to a bus stop in the area at around 5.30am, according to police, when she was approached by the girl who demanded her car keys. The victim declined and was punched by the girl, who then fled on foot.
Police were called and officers found and arrested the alleged offender about one kilometer from the scene. She was charged with one count of attempted robbery with violence and assault occasioning bodily harm.
The girl was also charged with the alleged theft of a motor vehicle from Trinity Park on February 7, and the subsequent theft of fuel from an Earlville fuel station on February 10. She will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 1992.
Investigations into the robbery incident are continuing.
TTNQ seeks local "talent”
Tuesday, February 4, 7.00am
Do you love living in Tropical North Queensland and have a special story to share?
You could be one of the faces of the destination's next national tourism campaign! Who better than locals to bring to life the myriad experiences available in Tropical North Queensland and reveal the region's hidden depths?
TTNQ is calling for for passionate local operators to share their story and knowledge of the region, and potentially become the face of a new national tourism campaign.
Think of the potential publicity your tourism business could be exposed to if you or one of your staff are selected to participate! If you think this could be for you, then visit exploretnq.com.au and tell us your story in 500 words or less.
