Mornings with John Mackenzie

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about the Cairns Regional Council's near-$400 million budget for the 2023-2024 financial year. In a heated exchange Division 5's Councillor, Amy Edan, took advantage of her time to speak about her electorate's budgetary concerns by taking shots at her own Unity Team. The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Manning, while chants of "let her speak" echoed from the near-full gallery. Councillor Olds reminded Councillor Edan not to make her time political and that battles are reserved for council workshops, many of which she did not attend. The controversial "tenant tax" (an increase in rates specifically targeting investment properties) was officially shut down. Ratepayers can still expect a 5.99% general rate rise.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller, Col from Goldsborough Valley, about his experience providing shelter and work for a troubled young person, who had broken into his factory.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, about the latest opinions polls about the "voice to parliament" referendum that Australians will be voting on later in 2023. The latest polling, as of writing this article, puts the vote at neck and neck. It seems as though support for the Yes campaign has dropped from 53% to 49% within the last week. Australian voters will go to the polls in a referendum later this year to decide whether to amend the Constitution to include an unelected, Indigenous parliamentary body to advise on policy and lawmaking.

John MacKenzie chats with Associate Professor Severine Navarro, Team Head of Mucosal Immunology at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, about groundbreaking trials of a new treatment for asthma sufferers. The QIMR Berghofer Institute is appealing for donations to help fast-track clinical trials for a new anti-inflammatory protein that can now be synthesised. The protein is proving effective to treat asthma and could potentially work to treat a range of other conditions including hay fever, food allergies, and even coeliac.

John MacKenzie chats with Sergeant Dave Raymond, Officer in Charge of Cairns Dog Squad, to share some stories after he was one of seven officers awarded an Australian Police Medal for exemplary service. "Sergeant Raymond commenced with QPS on 29 May 1989 and was sworn in as a police officer on 8 December 1989. He has served his whole career in Far North Queensland including service as a general duties officer in Smithfield and Cairns Police Station, Officer in Charge of the Cairns Police-Citizens Youth Club where he was instrumental in its establishment", quotes the media release from Mark Ryan, the Queensland Minister for Police and Corrective Services.

John MacKenzie chats with David Bobberman, CEO of Queensland Seafood Industry Association, about the fear facing Queensland's seafood industry after the announcement that the state government will ban certain net fishing. Commercial fishers are terrified of the proposal which would see an 800km area of the Northern Queensland coast be shut down to gillnet fishing by the end of June 2027. David Bobberman was furious that the announcements were made without any consultation with industry stakeholders.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Jon Nott, Professor of Geoscience College of Science and Engineering at JCU Cairns, about the latest update on sea level rises and the effects it can have at a local level. John Mackenzie wanted to better understand what is truly happening around Far North Queensland, particularly after reports that islands in the Torres Strait are under threat.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology at Bond University, about carjackings and violent crimes after Cairns has been revealed as the car theft capital of Queensland. The increasing rate of car thefts in Cairns, usually committed by young offenders who force entry into victims' homes and destroy any sense of safety in the process, comes as a spate of violent carjackings has been trending in the state's southeast corner. Dr. Goldsworthy spoke about how around 70% of people living in the Gold Coast "don't feel safe in their own home at night".

John MacKenzie chats with Nick Holloway, Co-owner of Nunu Restaurant at Palm Cove, about their upcoming appearance on Channel 10's Masterchef program. The amazing, local restauranteur and his team flew down to the Masterchef studios recently to assist with the Home Cook vs Pro Cook challenge. Don't miss Masterchef at 7:30 p.m. tonight on Channel 10 and 10 Play.

John MacKenzie chats with Jason Christopher, Pharmacist and Managing Director of Cairns Doctors and Whole Life Pharmacy, about the ongoing vandalism, break-ins, and crime suffered by him at the hands of young people. A spate of attacks against businesses at the Barr St Markets has hindered trading and highlighted concerns for the safety and well-being of customers, staff, and residents nearby. A group of young offenders can allegedly be seen on security video destroying property and leaving behind graffiti that references the Cleveland Youth Detention Facility. Exacerbating youth crime and justice in Cairns and FNQ has been a controversial concern for the Queensland state government.

John MacKenzie chats with a talkback caller, Michelle from Speewah, about her witnessing itinerants loitering and hurling abuse at onlooking tourists who stood filming the saga with their phones. Michelle feared for her own safety as she entered her local bank branch while these "grubs" shouted threats. She reminded everyone that this is not a good look for our tourist city.

John MacKenzie chats with Bry Penfold, Owner of QuickCoast Xpeditions, about his business idea called Coastal Xpeditions which will ferry passengers in luxury between Cairns, Mission Beach, and Townsville. The service, based in Mission Beach, plans to "island hop" along the stunning coastline of Far North Queensland and will include the Hinchinbrook channel on its course. Mr. Penfold expects high visitation from the international markets but also indicated that there is local enthusiasm and support.

John MacKenzie chats State of Origin Game 1 with Chris "Choppy" Close, Rugby League Legend and player for the first State of Origin match in 1980. Choppy spoke about this year's Maroons team under coach Billy Slater. Don't miss SOO Game 1 tonight at 8 pm AEST to be held at Adelaide Oval, South Australia!

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller Bob, who operates a business in Cairns, about the state of tourism and CBD security. Following the repeated assaults on innocent people and vandalism of more businesses in Cairns, Bob spoke out demanding urgent action from our elected officials before all the tourists are scared away. Bob also touched on a rumour that Cathay Pacific airlines have potentially floated the idea of Cairns being an international hub.

John MacKenzie chats with Robbie Katter, State Member for Traeger and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, to gauge his reaction to an interview with a 17-year-old reformed criminal who is trying to turn his life around. The teenage offender was interviewed by Gavin King at 4CA last week and explained how the state ultimately set him up for a life of recidivism. Robbie Katter has long called for relocating repeat offenders to remote facilities to develop respect and real-world skills in efforts to rehabilitate them into a life of civility.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about a myriad of local issues, including bike path links, crime and CCTV amplification systems, and Double Island. The latest part of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail will join Kewarra Beach to Clifton Beach and will include the construction of a bridge to cross Deep Creek. Double Island has landed in the news again after its former owner, John Pallister, has stated that he would like to purchase the lease from Benny Wu, who has passed all state government deadlines to rejuvenate the resort and facilities. Listeners to the John Mackenzie Show had previously been told that privacy concerns were the reason that speakers cannot be used by the city's CCTV system, but it was then revealed that Brisbane City already use an "amplification" system to deter crime. Cr. Olds agreed that any speaker system needs to be immediately considered.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller, Michael from Gordonvale, about tangible solutions to deal with the growing crime problems, particularly in regard to troubled youth. Michael suggested rural facilities that teach real-world skills are one of the answers to curb the trend of exacerbating youth crime.

John MacKenzie chats with Joanne Borg, Former Child Safety Executive & Co-Founder of Changing Cairns Crime Problems, about government institutions designed to help troubled youths. Joanne spoke about the high cost to taxpayers needed to keep children in youth facilities and programs (such as Resicare). The failures of such institutions were also discussed. A Queensland parliamentary Inquiry into the support required for victims of crime is being held in Cairns today and moves on to Townsville tomorrow.

Winning Streak: John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, about how the Cairns Council will back down from introducing the controversial tenant tax. The tax proposal was aimed at investment properties (non-principle places of residency) within the Cairns Regional Council electorate. An increase in rates would only see landlords struggle with increased bureaucracy, and tenants would suffer as rents rise to reflect such changes. Cr. Zeiger was outspoken against the rates increase from its inception.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, about the tenant tax, crime and vandalism, and dog attack responsibility. The Cairns Regional Council has dropped its proposed "tenant tax", which would have seen a rate increase for investment properties or non-principle places of residencies. Councillor Zeiger, from the beginning, was outspoken against the proposal and feels this is a win for the community. On another note, Cr. Zeiger visited a local park site this morning that was vandalised overnight, and touched on dog ownership's rules and responsibilities.

Cash is King! John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Rep for Division 9, about the unanimous vote to keep or return cash payment options at CRC facilities. Around 60 people crammed themselves into the 50-seat gallery, with another 70 watching the livestream downstairs to watch over the Cairns Regional Council vote. Cr. Terry James produced an amended motion for Agenda item 1 Council Facilities - Payment Options that stated CRC would bring cash back to its facilities. Loud cheers echoed the council chambers and hugs ensued as Cr. James's motion was passed. A happy win for residents.

John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Byrne, Executive Manager of Enterprise North and Former Mayor of Cairns, about victims of crime and abuse following the story of people being targeted at shopping malls and centres. The ever-increasing crime trends now weems to have expanded north to the once quiet area of Smithfield with shoppers being the target of theft, abuse, harassment, assaults, and racial language. Mr. Byrne shared his sentiments on what is seemingly a losing battle against young offenders who claim to "own this city" and have no fear or respect for their community.

John MacKenzie chats with Jimmy Floyd about his efforts to create a youth program that aims to divert young offenders in the right direction in life. But Jimmy needs your help and support! Mr. Floyd faces a massive challenge to turn the idea into a reality. Listen to the interview to find out more.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, President and CEO of the Queensland Police Union about the successful expansion of metal detection wands being used in safe night precincts. Cairns will soon follow Townsville in its use of "wanding" powers by state police. Townsville saw 66 individuals scanned over the weekend, out of the state total of 530. Queensland Police charged 15 people and detected eight weapons. The expansion of police wanding powers is known as "Jack's Law", which was in response to the murder of 17-year-old Jack Beasley who was stabbed to death in 2019.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller, Elvis from Edmonton, about a group of International Tour Agents who were abused by a group of drunks in Kuranda Village. These are the very agents who encourage tourists to visit Cairns, Kuranda and Far North Queensland. Some arguements are made that crime shouldn't be reported on as it scares off the tourists, however, it seems that the criminals are doing a good enough job at already scaring the tourists away. We cannot pretend crime doesn't occur in FNQ! To pretend so, is much like the fictional Mayor in the film JAWS wanting to keep the tourists coming by claiming that there are "no sharks". First impressions last a lifetime; we don't want to see our city and surrounding towns turn into places of danger and lawlessness.

Step in Right Direction: John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology at Bond University, for his perspective on crime reduction in relation to the expansion of metal detectors used by Queensland Police, in order to curb knife crime. Trial periods at the Gold Coast saw a decrease in the number of knife-related crimes, and metal detectors are being expanded to other safe night precincts across the state.

No More Living in Fear! John MacKenzie chats with Villa Romana Owner, Helen Papagelou, about being threatened, accosted and robbed repeatedly by a growing crime problem in our once beautiful city of Cairns. Mrs Papagelou spoke of being threatened with one of her own dining knives by odious itinerants who plague the Esplanade and streets of Cairns. The city of Cairns is building a reputation of lawlessness and danger, at a cost to the health and welbeing of local residents and tourists. The state government should owe a duty of care to its citizens.

John MacKenzie chats with Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds about the deadline to meet lease conditions for Double Island. Leaseholder Benny Wu was given until March 31 2023 by the Queensland Depatment of Resources to have the resort open and to provide day-use facilities for public visitors. Many are calling for the state goverment to strip Mr. Wu of the lease, considering that the conditions of the contract have not yet been met, even after considerable time was provided. IMAGE: Sheba_Also 43,000 photos, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons URL: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Cairns_Palm_Cove_Double_Island-1_%2823535535935%29.jpg

John MacKenzie chats with Craig Crawford, ALP State Member for Barron River, about the owner of Double Island at Palm Cove, and the involved responsibilities as per the lease conditions. One of the primary condition that has not been met is the opening of day-use favilties to the public for all to enjoy Double Island. Mr. Benny Wu purchased the lease in 2012 for nearly $6-million. Minister Crawford explained that the conditons have not been met by the deadlines given (March 2023) by the State Government and that it is likely that the lease will be forfeited.

John MacKenzie chats with Russell Beer, Chairman of Ports North, about the confirmation that Cairns will again be a home port for P&O Cruise's Pacific Explorer ship in 2023/2024. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, P&O Cruises had a long-term ship ported in Cairns so the announcement has been highly anticipated by avid holiday-goers. Mr. Beer explained that home porting in Cairns brings visitors into the region who will fly in and out of cairns to embark on their chosen cruise. It was further announced that by 2025, Townsville City, will be marked on thew map as a port of call for cruisers.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller, Jonny from Cairns, who was attacked by young thugs for intervening when an elderly woman was being assaulted in a suburb north of Cairns. The youths were inhaling deodorant when they attacked Jonny and could be heard stating "We Own Cairns!" The state of emergency on crime continues to worsen.

John MacKenzie chats with John Moore, Former Director of Australian Rugby League, about potential funding for Barlow Park upgrades by the Queensland Government as a part of the 2032 Olympic Games planning. On Wednesday, Cairns Regional Councillors voted unanimously to cooperate with the State Government on delivering "Olympic Legacy Upgrades" to the sporting venue located on the corner of Scott and Severin Street. On a sad and separate note, NRL Footy legend, Sam Backo, is in a critical condition in Cairns Hospital following a heart attack.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about the lease conditions for Double Island after a state inquiry into Island upkeep in Queensland. Lease-holder of Double Island, Benny Wu, has not met conditions to provide day use facilities for members of the public to enjoy, nor has necessary repairs and maintainence been adequately conducted according to observations made by politicians. In mid-2022, Mr. Wu was given a March 31 2023 deadline by the State Resources Department to meet the contract's conditions or forefeit the lease.

John MacKenzie chats with Richie Bates, Former President of Cairns Cycling Club & Former CRC Councillor, about E-Scooters and aspects of the law. Legal firm Slater & Gordon conducted a survey that found a slight majority of road users do not want to see more e-scooters on Australian roads. Cairns is seeing an increase in the use of electronic scooters as a commuting option, with the rollout of Beam e-scooters in late 2022 and an update of laws regarding e-scooters on Queensland roads and footpaths.

John MacKenzie and 4CA celebrate the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon's 20th Anniversary with a live broadcast. John caught up with former Queensland Premier at the time, Peter Beattie, to reminisce and celebrate the 20-year milestone for a piece of iconic infrastructure. Happy 20th Birthday to the Lagoon!

John MacKenzie chats with Leigh Ratcliffe, Founder of the Palm Cove Master Plan, about a proposed 6-story tower that many say would conflict with the natural settings and beauty of Palm Cove. Considered by many locals to be the Father of Palm Cove, Mr. Ratcliffe detailed the master plans to unsure the future of plam cove that he compiled some 40-years ago. "Buildings Should Never be Taller than the Palm Trees" is a sentiment echoed throughout the community. If you are opposed to the currently proposed development for Palm Cove then you need to email your concerns to the Cairns Regional Council. Letters against the development can be emailed to [email protected] Alternatively, to sign a petition, then head down and find the stall at the upcoming Palm Cove markets held on Sunday 2nd April 2023.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller, Scott from Cairns, who had an issue with parking meters and cash payments. The cashless debate continues in Cairns, prompted by a call a few weeks ago who revealed that certain CRC facitlities no longer accept cash as an optyion for payemnts.

John MacKenzie chats with Roger Ward, Director of Cairns Mortgage Brokers and Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, about the many households that will be forced off their fixed-rate home loan. The Reserve Bank of Australia has data revealing that 53% of Queenland home loans will be pushed back on to a variable rate. The end of a fixed-rate loan could mean an average increase in payments of $1114.

John MacKenzie chats with George Karagiannis, Owner of Fetta's Greek Taverna, about the proposed 6-story tower at Palm Cove. A recent trip to the Gold Coast showcased to Mr. Karagiannis what is most undesirable: tall buildings that rise up and shadow the sandy beaches. Many want to keep Palm Cove as a lush, tropical oasis rather than a concrete jungle. If you are opposed to the currently proposed development for Palm Cove then you need to email your concerns to the Cairns Regional Council. Letters against the development can be emailed to [email protected] Alternatively, to sign a petition, then head down and find the stall at the upcoming Palm Cove markets held on Sunday 2nd April 2023.

John MacKenzie chats with Lance, Grandfather of 20-year-old Declan Laverty who was fatally stabbed at a Darwin bottle shop on Sunday. Lance thanked the community of Cairns and the public of Australia for their support during this tragic time. A 19-year-old faces charges for the alleged murder of Declan Laverty.

John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Byrne, Executive Manager of Enterprise North and Former Mayor of Cairns, about his opinion piece written in The Cairns Post titled "Drinker Bans in FNQ Won't Solve Problem". Mr. Byrne elaborated on the growing fears in the community for action to be taken on rising crime, and pointed to the reintroduction of rehabilitation centres as a method of recovery. "The empty... hostel at Hartley Street, Portsmith is ideally located for that purpose", he stated. Kevin also provided a case study example that occurred in 1993 where the council successfully repatriated violent lawbreakers away from Cairns.

John MacKenzie chats with Robbie Katter, State Member for Traeger and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, to gain his perspective on the new youth crime reforms. Katter's Australian Party would like to governement to offer more practical solutions to curb youth crime, including a remote camp where juveniles learn vital skills, similar to the "Petford Youth Camp" once operated by the legendary Geoff Guest and Aunty Norma. Robbie Katter also provided an update on the flooded Gulf regions after visiting Northern Queensland to provide his support.

John MacKenzie chats with John Herron, Lawyer and Victims of Crime Advocate, about the changes to Queensland law in regard to youth crime and justice. John Herron is himself a victim of crime, after his daughter was murdered in 2019 by an offender who was already on bail. Mr. Herron explains how the legislative changes won't be enough to curb the crime trends and provide support to the victims.

John MacKenzie chats with Tara Bennet, CEO Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree, about a recent trip to New Zealand to lure visitors to the Cairns and Douglas Shires. Statistics show that NZ visitation is down 80% on pre-pandemic numbers. 105K room nights in Port Douglas were filled by New Zealanders prior to Covid-19. "New Zealanders appear to be six months behind in terms of appetite and confidence to travel die to their delayed reopening" Tara bennett was quoted. The star of the trip was Nunu Restaurant's Co-Owner Nick Holloway from Palm Cove, who wowed audiences with his passion about the amazing food-bowl produced in Far North Queensland and its connection to quality restaurant dining.

John Mackenzie chats with Michelle from Edmonton, about what can be done to mitigate the negative effects foetal alcohol syndrome can have on children. Michelle has first-hand experience living with and learning how to help those affected by the syndrome. She argues that not all hope is lost for children born with alcohol syndromes or similar disorders, explaining ways to correct the behavior of troubled kids, ranging from old-school discipline to controlled breathing techniques. Michelle provides a vuluable and powerful perspective into this ongoing issue.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, about the Cairns Regional Council's dog management process. Following a 4CA talkback caller and "Letters to the Editor" in our local Cairns Post regarding nuisance barking dogs, Councillor Cathy Zeiger was called upon to address the issue and explain the Council's current role and responsibilities. Electronic barking-deterrent devices can be purchased for reasonalble prices which detect a bark and emit a high pitch noise to dissuade the dog from continuing. One 4CA listener approcahed their neighbour to fit an electronic device instead of making an official complaint to council.