by Mat Churchill

The Mossman & Beaches Independent newspaper has printed its last issue.

Formerly the FNQ Independent before pulling out of Port Douglas to concentrate on the northern region just a few weeks ago, publisher Mark Bousen confirmed the paper would close due to financial difficulties.

"These are tough times. It's just been decided that it can no longer continue operate. It's simply just not paying its way," Mr Bousen said.

Mr Bousen paid tribute to Stretch Noonan and Giembra Busmer, founders of the FNQ Independent who joined Regional & Remote Newspapers last year.

"This decision just wasn't based on a whim, it has been discussed for some weeks and we've included Stretch and Giembra as the part owners. . . and it's with great sadness we've had to make this decision.

"We sincerely appreciate the wonderful support we've had from the community and business houses from advertisers and contributors, readers, and we're grateful for their support.

"We also appreciate the very kind messages we've had. There has been no formal announcement, the decision was made after this week's paper was printed. . .You can't keep news quiet and we're very appreciative of the messages of support we've had from people who are as equally as disappointed as we are.

Mr Bousen said recent weather events including the floods and Cyclone Yasi have contributed to the financial hardship of the community, which in turn caused the closure of the paper.

The Mossman & Beaches Independent employed four full time staff who will be given the opportunity to work on Regional & Remote Newspapers' four other publications which include the Torres News, Western Cape Bulletin, Cooktown Local News, and Arafura TImes.

"None of the local people will lose their jobs. We will be redeploying their skills to work on other papers," Mr Bousen said.

Stretch and Giembra run the Western Cape Bulletin in Weipa which, according to Stretch, is doing well.

"We're going to stay in Weipa now. It (the paper) is going from strength to strength."