Mornings with John Mackenzie

John MacKenzie Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, about the increase in the market of dive tourism and the potential return of Cathay Pacific Airlines. With strong numbers coming from Europe, the USA, and the United Kingdom the demand for adventure tourism experiences is rising, with diving expeditions and courses returning to circa 60% of pre-pandemic levels. Mr. Olsen also commented on a delegation that recently traveled to Hong Kong to lobby for the return of Cathay Pacific flights to Cairns City, which could see the annual injection of $ 200 million into the local economy.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, about the upcoming referendum on October 14th, 2023 where Australia will vote to change the constitution to include an Indigenous "voice to parliament". The "voice" would work as an additional branch of government to advise on policy that affects Indigenous Australians. Proponents explain how an advisory body will be the answer to problems facing Indigenous people and will help to "close the gap". Opponents fear a lack of clarity or details as to how the new body of government will work or what their powers will be, and liken it to writing out a blank cheque. Campaigners have six weeks to inform voters in order to win a majority of people from a majority of states.

John MacKenzie chats with Rob Erskine, owner of Tackle World on Aumuller Street, for his response to a listener who asked if the CRC can ban fishing on the Esplanade if it falls beyond local council boundaries. The Cairns Regional Council has recently proposed a complete fishing ban for the esplanade, citing safety and litter concerns. Division 5 Councillor, Amy Eden, has confirmed she has heard no complaints from constituents and that she would not support any bans, with many other councillors vowing that fishing will continue in Cairns.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about a range of topics, including parking fine increases, the Cairns Festival Parade's potential rescheduling, and a digital sign at the northern beaches. The big subject in question is the rescheduling of the Carins Festival parade which was canceled at the last minute due to it raining in the wet tropics. Such hard work and sweat go into the yearly floats that many locals are calling for the parade to be postponed rather than canceled altogether. The date of October 14th is being floated as the new day for the 2023 Parade. Keep a look out!

John MacKenzie chats with Julie McKay, Manager of Cardwell Family Practice, following the win to stay open after the practice had struggled to recruit new doctors. For five years to no avail, the Cardwell Family Practice had been advertising a $500,00 per year role for a full-time general practitioner. But after a long battle to stay open, the state government has announced that management will be transferred to the Townsville Hospital and the practice will be operated by Rural Health Management Services. Julie McKay applauded the efforts of the little Cardwell community for "fighting like tigers" for what was eventually a successful outcome.

John MacKenzie chats with Danny Betros, Managing Director of CBRE Cairns, about an illegal campsite at the old Turners building with mountains of rubbish piling up and a dangerous dog on site. The campsite was revealed by a talkback caller earlier this week who was disgusted by the state of the location and felt unsafe walking by. Deputy Mayor of Cairns, Terry James, was listening to 4CA and immediately drove to the site to investigate, only to be set upon by the camper's dog! Danny Betros said that he had already "moved on" the illegal campers explaining that the site is ready for demolition to make way for the new Officeworks building.

John MacKenzie chats with Aaron McLeod, President of The Crime and Justice Action Group, following his attendance at a victims of crime rally in Brisbane. A massive crowd met in the streets outside parliament to demand action from the Palaszczuk after distraught Queenslanders have had enough of exacerbating crime and disorder around the state. Aaron was able to have a discussion with Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll to put additional pressure on the government for immediate action. The rally was organised by "Voice for Victims" founder, Ben Cannon.

John MacKenzie chats with Acting Assistant Commissioner George Marchesini, Commander of the Youth Crime Taskforce, for an update on the state of crime in Queensland, in particular younger offenders. Mr. Marchesini explained his focus on early intervention after it was revealed that the majority of hardline young criminals are reoffending within 12 months.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, about dog management in the CBD and a proposed fishing ban for Cairns Esplanade. Since 2011, a bylaw stands that bans pets from effectively the entire CBD of Cairns. The realisation of the existing law has many residents confused, especially local cafe owners within the designated area who advertise as "pet-friendly". You can have your say on local laws as a part of the Cairns Regional Council's public consultation initiative by emailing your thoughts to [email protected] Another proposed law change would see a complete fishing ban for the Cairns Esplanade, in response to safety concerns. The proposed ban has been met with fierce opposition from concerned stakeholders who see such a nanny-state move as a knee-jerk reaction by out-of-touch bureaucrats.

John Mackenzie chats with Andrew Nakovics, Co-Owner of Cardzilla, who recently spoke out against crime and gangs of offenders who are terrorising local businesses. As a security measure, Cardzilla is now keeping its doors locked during operating hours with a sign at the front encouraging customers to knock. Businesses in neighbouring suburbs have also been locking their doors during the daytime after a female shop worker was repeatedly threatened with being "bashed and raped".

John MacKenzie chats with General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd) about Vietnam Veteran's Day and the Legacy Gala Dinner coming up on September 2nd this year. After a caller's suggestion, John proposed pairing the historical significance of the battle of Long Tan with the battle of Coral/Balmoral. Cyclone Larry was also remembered, as Sir Cosgrove headed the task force in 2006 that saw the cleanup of ravaged towns in Far North Queensland, in particular the town of Innisfail.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, for an update on polling regarding the upcoming referendum vote on Australia's Indigenous "Voice to Parliament". The "Voice" debate continues, especially following Senator Jacinta Price's recent comments that call for an end to Welcome to Country acknowledgments.

John MacKenzie chats with Robbie Katter, State Member for Traeger and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, about "Welcome to Country" comments made recently by Senator Jacinta Price. Senator Price argued that Welcome to Country acknowledgments are divisive and wrong, and only remind non-indigenous Australians that this isn't their home. “Australians don’t need to be welcomed to their own country”, she explained. Mr. Katter also touched on the subject of NT alcohol bans and how they drive many problem-stricken people into Queensland communities, where alcohol is legal and available. Robbie Katter is supported by many Indigenous Australians who live within his electorate, and appreciate his voice in the North.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about new laws and fines being implemented. Plans to update 12 existing laws are underway with the Cairns Regional Council, including major fine increases for dog infringements, such as having pets off-lead. Other proposed changes include a ban on feeding wildlife in council parks, a more simplified process to host public events, a more streamlined process for removing problem unregistered vehicles, and allowing cultural fires.

John MacKenzie chats with Steve Lippingwell, CRC Candidate for Division 2, about his petition to exclude Gordonvale as a location for a new youth detention centre. "Any site in Edmonton would be unsuitable due to the close proximity of homes, schools, aged care, and the central business hub" Mr. Lippingwell explained. Many oppose a youth prison being built anywhere in close relation to suburban dwellings and instead point to distant locations, such as nearby the Lotus Glenn Correctional Centre not far from Mareeba. To sign the petition, click here: https://tinyurl.com/jsr3axxp

John MacKenzie chats with a frustrated caller, John from Cairns, about how local suppliers are being shelved in favour of businesses from southern cities. According to John, many fuel service outlets are being forced to snub local suppliers and stock their shelves with products from down south. Even stores in the remote regions of far north Queensland that receive government subsidies to assist in keeping shelves full are not being supplied by local businesses.

Ian Leavers, President and CEO of the Queensland Police Union, joins JohnMacKenzie in-studio this morning to discuss the exacerbating crime rate in Cairns, particularly among younger generations. Addressing the youth crime crisis, Mr. Leavers called upon all three tiers of government to cooperate in an approach that leads to actual solutions and engagement, such as parental responsibility and welfare reliance. Mr. Leavers reminded listeners about the importance of a back-to-basics approach in reducing crime, which should include the traditional policing of the streets. Ian also spoke with John about the announced new tasers that will become a part of the police arsenal. With an effective range of 14 metres (three times the distance of current tasers being used), a trial of the hi-tech tasers will begin soon in Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Marathon Swimmer, Julie Boxsell, about "Swimming the Gap", a fun-swim from Green Island to Yorkey's Knob that raises money for charity. At a length of 27 kilometres, "Swimming the Gap" is currently Australia's longest open-water oceanic swim and will take place on Saturday 23rd September 2023. As an experienced swimmer, Julie recently competed in the iconic 20 Bridges Manhattan Island marathon and Cairns is excited to have her join this local event that raises funds for the AFL Cape York House Foundation.

John MacKenzie chats with Ken Harley, Local Crime Emergency Activist, about the proposed youth detention centre for Edmonton and the plans for an alternative location. Locals have been speaking out against having a youth jail constructed within the middle of a residential suburb, with many suggesting a facility built in the Atherton Tablelands, perhaps nearby the Lotus Glenn prison site, would be a more realistic alternative. Queensland's Labor Government has announced that a new, 40-bed "therapeutic centre" [youth jail] will open in Cairns by 2026, with a proposed site in Edmonton that is yet to be officially confirmed.

John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matthew Canavan about the changing of town names around Australia to an Indigenous alternative. Senator Canavan explained how a historically common motivation for changing a town's name is when a new ruling or revolutionary body wishes to erase the memory of its predecessors. A prime example is the renaming of St Petersburg to Leningrad following the violent Bolshevik revolution in Russia in the early twentieth century.

John MacKenzie chats with Paul Taylor, former Senior Police Officer, about the 2024 Cairns Regional Council elections, following his announced discussions in consideration to run for Mayor. Former two-time Mayor of Cairns, Kevin Byrne, has ruled out his own mayoral run and is discussing options of forming a team, with Paul Taylor in the driving seat. With 45 years of experience serving with the Queensland Police Force, including time spent as the Northern Regional Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Taylor agrees that law and order will be a hot topic that will influence people's vote. Anti-social crimes and senseless violence are rising in the city, with car thefts at record highs for the last few years. The trends are sadly continuing.

John MacKenzie chats with Fran Lindsay, Former Division 2 CRC Councillor, about the proposed site in Edmonton for a youth detention centre. Local residents are demanding answers from the state government following Deputy Premier Steven Miles's announcement two weeks ago confirming the probable location, wondering how the logistics of a youth prison will fit harmoniously in the suburban community. "Where will its exact location be? What will it look like? How many children will it hold?" ...are some of the questions that need answering according to stakeholders.

John MacKenzie chats with Michael Salerno, Owner of Stratford Service Station, about picking up the pieces following a break-in. A brick was allegedly used by two offenders, a male aged 28 and a female aged 31, to gain entry to the store, but they were scared off before stealing anything by an employee living on-site. Mr. Salerno stated how people have a fundamental right to feel safe and secure in their own homes, businesses, and community. He also reminded people that the cost of break-ins are passed onto consumers, who are already struggling with their own financial concerns.

John MacKenzie chats with Craig Crawford, ALP State Member for Barron River, Minister for Child Safety, and Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, about the completion of a new driving lane for the northern access of Cairns City. The new inbound lane is now open between Airport Avenue and Lily Street, which brings a much-coveted third lane to the bottleneck that drivers experienced previously. The new lane is part of a funding package aimed to improve the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns CBD and Smithfield, with total costs at $359 million. Changes in outbound traffic in the same area around the Airport intersection are now beginning and Minister Crawford estimated the completion to be within two years.

John MacKenzie catches up with Shai Ager, Founder of The Agile Project, about the latest wallaby relocation project. The mammoth task will see the relocation of wallabies from a site on Trinity Beach Road to make way for a new Woolworths supermarket development.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Jim Chalmers, Federal Treasurer of Australia, about a myriad of economic issues facing Cairns' residents and the people of Australia. The treasurer spoke about the pressure facing the nation including the cost of living crisis with rising inflation and skyrocketing energy prices. Jim Chalmers was in town to have a meeting with Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum of Australia, about the need to reinvigorate the tourism industry for the city of Cairns and Far North Queensland. The Cairns Marine Precinct was also touched on, with construction beginning very soon, which would help diversify the economy in Cairns.

John MacKenzie chats with Frank Dangelico, Food & Wine Event Curator for Cairns Italian Festival, about the degustation evenings on offer in 2023. The festival is offering specialised courses hosted at local Italian restaurants, that represent food and wine from the different regions of Italy. The degustation courses are a lead-up to the big "La Festa" party this Saturday at Fogarty Park. Don't Miss Out!

John MacKenzie chats with Dean from Cairns about an alleged attack on patrons at a Shield Street restaurant last Saturday evening. Dean was one of many who witnessed a public urination incident escalate into a violent attack against patrons and staff by one individual. Listen to Dean's story here.

John MacKenzie chats with Gilberto Risa, founder of Cruze Coffee in Cairns, about selling his coffee business after 13 years of operating. Known for his infectious smile, Mr. Risa opened his first Cruze Coffee store in Oceana Walk in 2010. The business's popularity saw it move into a larger location on Grafton Street and then expand to a second location in Cairns Central shopping mall. Gilberto plans to enjoy some free time with family in Italy before returning to Cairns to begin the next chapter in his life.

John MacKenzie speaks with Jason Christopher, Pharmacist & Managing Director Cairns Doctors & Whole Life Pharmacy, about the exacerbating crime and violence issue plaguing Cairns. Jason and his staff are at their wit's end and have given up calling the police, whose resources are stretched, instead placing the blame on ineffective government INaction. "There is a systemic failure for actions in regards to curtailing these sorts of things [crime and violence]... What sort of future do we have if our youth are so fragrantly abusing the system and know there's no consequences?" Jason explained.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller, Allen from Yorkey's Knob, about his dog going blind after an injection. Allen brought in experts from the southern cities that confirmed the condition, but not all hope was lost. Allen's dog is slowly regaining its sight after training and rehabilitation.

John MacKenzie chats with Gavin King (Host of 4CA's The King Review, Former State Member for Cairns & Assistant Minister) and Danny Betros (Managing Director of CBRE Cairns) about the crime emergency facing Cairns and Far North Queensland. Brazen youth offenders are getting too close for comfort after a series of attacks against restaurants at a popular tourist hot-spot has seen operators turning to private security because of ineffective government policy that is not addressing the concerns of citizens.

John Mackenzie chats with Margaret Shaw, Consumer Insurance Advocate, for a positive update on the progress of the $10 billion reinsurance pool for Far North Queensland's cyclone-prone regions. With some big insurers, including SURE, Suncorp, QBE, and Alliance, having already joined the pool, consumers are now waiting for the remaining giants, such as IAG and RACQ to commit. Margaret Shaw saw the news as overtly positive with positive flow-on effects, however, she vowed to fight to the very end if needed to ensure the reinsurance pool is effectively executed. A previous caller from today's show, Linda Tuck from Property Ladder Real Estate, explained how her insurance bill has already decreased by over 39% for some properties, all thanks to the newly-formed pool.

John MacKenzie chats with Paul Taylor, former senior Police Officer, for his response to a spate of attacks along the waterfront restaurants by a youth gang. Mr. Taylor was horrified to hear about the attacks at the popular dining spot and he reiterated the need for local government to step up and be more involved in community safety. On Tuesday evening a group of youths allegedly went from restaurant to restaurant smashing property and assaulting staff and patrons both verbally and physically, including smashing a pot plant and threatening to stab an individual with a ceramic shard.

John MacKenzie chats with Joanne Borg, former Child Safety Executive, about the state of Resi care after the Minister for Child Safety ordered a review of the system. Resi care is meant to operate as a place of safety and support for young people in need but has seen scathing reports from insiders who say there is no future for a young person living in this system, with reports of physical and sexual abuse by other children in care, drug and alcohol use, mistreatment of disabled children, and lack of support for carers who sometimes are the recipients of physical harm. Joanne, with her first-hand experience, explained how the lack of proper support is directly responsible for the growing crime problems in Cairns and far North Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Peter Scott, Mayor of Cook Shire, about yesterday's visit by Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services due to Cooktown still having no birthing services available for pregnant mothers. Mayor Scott was disappointed when Minister Fentiman did not even get in touch with him to discuss the return of the service to the region's hospital. "The emergency chopper... comes in probably four or five times a week, costing $35,000 bucks each time it comes in... you're looking at seven or eight million dollars [over one year]" Mayor Scott explained. Birthing Services in Cooktown ceased in February 2022. Difficulties in recruiting staff are being blamed as the primary cause.

John MacKenzie chats with Dan Galligan, CEO of Queensland Canegrowers, about the first shipment of raw sugar to the United Kingdom under a new free trade agreement. Australia has not had any significant exports of sugar to the UK since the 1970s, and none at all since 2017, due to the protectionist attitude of the European Union, which saw some tariffs as high as 98 euros per tonne. The free trade agreement should see Australia bring in around $74 million per annum from raw sugar exports.

John MacKenzie chats with Jared Abbott, Director of Organising at Transport Workers Union in Queensland, following an alleged robbery and assault of a Cairns bus driver and passenger by two teenage girls who have been charged. A helpless 53-year-old female bus driver and a 37-year-old female passenger were both allegedly assaulted and the driver was robbed in Redlynch yesterday. When our local heroes in blue located the offenders, one police officer was allegedly spat on. Jared spoke about the need for drivers and passengers to feel safe and protected whilst traveling on public buses in Cairns and Far North Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Goan, Acting Superintendent of Cairns Police, about youth justice reforms and new preventative trials to avoid auto theft. Kevin explained how recidivism is a key factor, as the majority of crime problems in Cairns are caused by a minority of repeat offenders, and early intervention is imperative. Vehicle engine immobilisers have also been a hot topic after $10 million in funding was announced by the state government for the subsidy of such technology. The immobilisers require a pin code to start the car, which should effectively lower the rates of stolen vehicles.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, for an update on opinion polls regarding Palaszczuk's popularity and the Voice to Parliament referendum. An Australian Financial Review recently polled 1065 voters and found the primary vote for Labor has fallen down to 34%, whilst the LNP party has risen to 40%. In regards to the referendum later this year where Australians will vote on adding an Indigenous "voice to parliament" to the constitution, support for the "Yes23" Campaign has dropped down to only 38% for Indigenous Australians (according to an Australian Community Media poll of over 2000 Indigenous people).

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, President and CEO of the Queensland Police Union about a $10-million subsidy to install 20,000 engine immobilisers to deter car thefts in Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa. Eligible applicants can receive $500 in funding to pay for a secondary engine immobiliser, that only starts the engine when a pin code is entered or another similar connection to your mobile. The trial run will establish the effectiveness of these immobilisers in lowering car thefts and will help judge whether the technology should become mandatory. Ian Leavers also spoke about the struggle to recruit new officers in Queensland, after "poaching" 300 officers from overseas and over 100 from interstate sources.

John MacKenzie chats with Bruce Batch, N4 Commercial Fisherman in Far North Queensland, about the new laws and quotas for Spanish Mackerel catches that came into effect from July 1st 2023. Bruce is one of the few remaining commercial fishermen who struggle to survive in a world of green-dominant policymaking driven by a UNESCO report. Bruce's future is being threatened whilst Australians are buying imported seafood instead. The government assessment of fish stocks has been independently reviewed and misrepresentations have been alluded to by experts who have questioned the legitimacy of computer modeling. From last Saturday July 1 2023, commercial fishers will have their total catch quota radically reduced, and recreational fishing will see a limit of one Spanish mackerel per person, or 2 per boat maximum.

John MacKenzie chats with Allen Bobbermen, Cardwell-Based Commercial Fisherman, about how his livelihood will be impacted when the Queensland government phase out gillnets completely and limit the catch for Spanish Mackerel. An emotional Mr. Bobbermen blasted the state government's actions against fishers and fears for the future of coastal towns that rely upon fishing. Although the government has assured the populace that there is no intention to ban all fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, their "salami tactics" has eroded the commercial fishing industry in small shaves, slice by slice, and trends show it will continue until there isn't anything left.

John MacKenzie chats with Perry Jones, Owner/Operator of Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom, to get a much-needed update on the tourism industry at the start of the school holidays. Humpback Whales are on their migratory path north and lucky adventurers aboard Perry's boats were treated to an exclusive "hello" by a juvenile. Whilst exclusion zones of 100 metres exist to protect the marine giants, it is no problem if they swim up to the boat. A group of snorkellers were treated to a close encounter of the big kind. Perry's tour boats visit the reef and islands along the beautiful coastline of Cairns.

John MacKenzie chats with Sue from Brinsmead after an alleged attack and bag snatch she was the victim of. Sue is one of many victims of crime by violent young offenders in Cairns and the surrounding suburbs in Far North Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Peter Beattie, Former Premier of Queensland, to reflect upon 25 years since he entered office as the 36th State Premier in 1998. Mr. Beattie, who was raised in the Tableland and was school captain at Atherton State High, held the premier position when Cairns was lobbying for funding to construct the iconic Esplanade Lagoon, which opened in early 2003. Mr. Beattie reflected upon the changes in society since his time in office, in particular, the malicious side of social media and politics.

John MacKenzie chats with a passionate caller, Jan from Gordonvale, about rural bank closures and society's shift away from reliable cash. Jan also spoke of her personal experience living in Argentina when the banks shut down and the populace returned to a bartering system.

John MacKenzie chats with Councillor Brett Moller, CRC Representative for Division 1, about crocodile management in the north following 2 frightening close encounters. Howard Kennedy Drive at Babinda is the latest confirmed sighting of a saltwater crocodile in a location frequented by local children. Warning signage was erected by the Queensland Department of Environment. Yesterday, a talkback caller from Goldborough Valley warned a family to get out of the water, after he noticed oblivious tourists swimming near Peet's Bridge in the Mulgrave River. Councillor Moller reiterated the point that croc safety is intertwined with workplace health and safety, as many farmers work within close proximity to crocodiles.

John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matthew Canavan about the vigilante actions made by climate change extremists. Blockade Australia has vowed to continue its disruptive and dangerous style of vigilantism after a 23-year-old woman was arrested recently for blocking coal shipments at the Port of Brisbane. The climate "activist" group also blocked shipments in Newcastle and Melbourne. "Everyone has a right to express their view... [but] you do not have the right to disrupt other people going about their day" Senator Canavan explained.

John MacKenzie chats with Chris "Choppy" Close, Rugby League Legend and player for the first State of Origin match in 1980., about the SSO Game 2 decider match tomorrow night. Don't miss Game 2 at 8 p.m. on 21st June 2023 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.