THE past year has been dramatic, memorable, disheartening and depressing when you look at the global picture. From the election of Donald Trump as America’s 45th president; to the heart-wrenching events in Syria; the untimely passing of many music and film greats; earthquakes; plane crashes; terrorism tragedy in Europe; to the many sporting successes, and so much more.

To list the Top 10 stories – whatever format you use – would be a tough task.

However, Newsport’s editorial team has simplified the process and decided to focus on the Top 10 Newsport stories that grabbed your attention on our Facebook page. We have provided links to each of the stories that make up our Top 10.

The carnage on the legendary CREB track, which forced its closure less than a fortnight after opening to four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, was the number one Newsport story of the year. It drew more than 8,000 reads.

The second most-read story was an outstanding piece by my colleague Mark “Croc” Murray, who also won a Queensland journalism award for his sensitive and well-written article about Danny Gray, who survived a helicopter crash earlier this year.

The crocodile who decided it was a good idea to cross the Captain Cook Highway was number three.

Here is Newsport’s Top 10 most well read stories for 2016:

10. Four rushed to hospital after crash (2,701 reads)
Four people have been taken to Mossman hospital after a crash on the Captain Cook Highway south of Port Douglas this morning. READ MORE...

9. Victim awakes to being sexually assaulted on Four Mile Beach (2,850 reads)
AN Italian backpacker has recounted a horrifying alleged sexual assault while he was sleeping on Four Mile Beach. READ MORE...

8. Fatal hit and run in Mossman (2,890 reads)
POLICE are appealing for public assistance following a fatal traffic crash in Mossman early this morning. READ MORE...

7. Two Crocodiles spotted at Four Mile Beach (3,456 reads)
FOUR Mile Beach has been closed until 2pm following two crocodile sightings this morning. READ MORE...

6. Three metre croc spotted at Marina (3,727 reads)
A three-metre saltwater crocodile has been spotted sunning itself on a pontoon at the far end of the Reef Marina. READ MORE...

5. Woman taken by crocodile at Thornton Beach (4,404 reads)
A WOMAN is feared dead after being taken by a crocodile in the Daintree National Park last night. READ MORE...

4. ‘Do you have a death wish?’: Croc message still not getting through (4,607 reads)
TWO local fishermen have been left gob smacked by the brazen lack of care shown by two tourists in Port Douglas crocodile country. READ MORE...

3. Why did the croc cross the road? (5,362 reads)
A LOCAL driver came across an interesting roadblock on the Captain Cook Highway last night. READ MORE...

2. Mates ultimate sacrifice saved Danny’s life (7,018 reads)
IN the end, it was his mate’s final sacrifice that saved Danny Gray’s life. READ MORE...

1. Carnage on CREB Track forces closure (8,424 reads)
CARNAGE on the legendary CREB track has forced its closure less than a fortnight after opening to four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. READ MORE...

The Newsport team, meanwhile, would like to thank those who provided us with story leads; and to our readers for relying on us to provide you with up-to-date news of what is happening and what is affecting you in the shire and elsewhere.

We would also like to wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year.