October SCOOP
October 23 2013
Coral spawning dates predicted
Wed, 7.00am The Great Barrier Reef's annual coral spawning, a remarkable natural phenomena, is expected to take place next month from November 21 to 23.
During the spawning, which only happens at night, more than 400 coral species reproduce simultaneously.
It's considered an essential part of the reef's life cycle and evolution.
According to Cairns Dive Adventures, though the spawning is a natural wonder, scientists and divers use water temperature, moon cycle, and time of day as 'triggers' to predict the likely spawning dates.
Australian Geographic reports the largest coral spawning events recorded have occurred on the Great Barrier Reef and Western Australia's reefs.
October 22 2013
ACT legalises same-sex marriage
12.20pm The ACT today passed Australia's first same-sex marriage laws, though the Abbott Government is expected to challenge the legislation in the High Court.
Supported by the ACT Labor Government and its one Greens member, Shane Rattenbury, the ACT legislature passed the Marriage Equality Same Sex Act 2013 by 9 votes to 8.
According to an ABC News report, late amendments were made yesterday under legal advice, to "challenge-proof" the bill and ensure safe passage.
The Liberal government is expected to argue the laws are inconsistent with the Commonwealth Marriage Act and therefore invalid.
October 21 2013
Elderly woman robbed in Mossman
8.46am Police are investigating after a man armed with a knife broke into an elderly woman's home and forced her to drive to an ATM in Mossman on Saturday morning, October 19.
The man entered the Wilson Street residence at 1am and threatened the 68-year-old woman. He stole a quantity of medication before forcing the woman to drive him to an ATM on Front Street where money was withdrawn.
The woman was then made to drive back to her residence where the man then fled on foot.
She was transported to Mossman Hospital with minor injuries to her arms.
Investigations are continuing. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
October 21 2013
New Woolies will create 40 local jobs
7.00am Mossman’s new Front Street Woolworths will create 40 new local jobs when it opens in early 2014, with a company spokesperson confirming development is progressing well.
Bianca Agius, Woolworths Limited Corporate and Public Affairs spokesperson, told The Newsport the new 3800sqm store “will provide local customers with more value, convenience and choice.”
“It boasts a large market feel fresh area, in-store bakery, deli and seafood counter,” she said.
“We are also including our new pizza bar, where customers can either pick up one of our pizzas, made in-store daily, or have one made up from a selection of toppings.”
As The Newsport reported on October 18, a group of Douglas Shire artists are working on an historic mural proposal for the outside of the new Woolworths.
Read ‘Mossman masterpiece for new Woolworths’.
October 17 2013
Late bids join race for Mayor
4.09pm Just before nominations for Council positions closed at noon today, Douglas builder James Dormer put his hand up for Mayor.
With less than three weeks to go until the local government election on November 9, Mr Dormer joins Cairns Regional Council Division 10 Councillor Julia Leu in the race for the top job.
David Pitt also nominated for the mayoral position ahead of today's deadline.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland's official list also revealed additions to the already sizable field of councillor candidates. William Murray and former Douglas Shire Council CEO Terry Melchert join 13 others competing for one of the four councillor positions.
More details to come...
October 13 2013
Labor elects Bill Shorten as new leader
2.40pm Bill Shorten was elected the leader of the ALP today, winning the majority of Caucus and rank-and-file membership votes and defeating Anthony Albanese.
The announcement was made at a special meeting at Parliament House today. After a month-long battle against Mr Albanese for the party leadership, Mr Shorten won with just over 52 per cent of the total vote, according to an ABC report.
October 11 2013
Sun Princess won't dock at Port
4.20pm A Ports North spokesperson confirmed today the Sun Princess cruise liner would not be docking in Port Douglas tomorrow, October 12, though wouldn't comment on the reason.
The news comes after various media outlets reported a passenger went missing on Tuesday morning, as the ship travelled between WA's Kimberley Coast and Darwin.
After the alarm was raised, the ship was turned around to retrace its course and search for the missing man. The search was called off on Wednesday. The Sun Princess was 10 days into a 16-day journey from Fremantle, WA, to Sydney.
October 8 2013
No oil sheen spells good news for reef
9.42am Maritime authorities are continuing to clean up debris and monitor possible fuel leaks from the sunken wreck of the luxury yacht Seafaris, which caught fire near Cape Tribulation last Thursday morning, October 3.
As The Newsport reported yesterday, divers inspecting the wreck alerted authorities to small bubbles of fuel escaping, sparking concerns about environmental impact.
However, the MSQ spokesperson said importantly, there are no reports of oil sheen on the water, and they are awaiting a detailed salvage report.
