John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, about dog-ownership responsibility and safety after a recent attack.

A woman and her poodle-cross dog were attacked by a pack of four dogs at Machans Beach recently, with the owner's dog not surviving the attack.

Residents are reminded of their responsibilities as dog owners, and to ensure their pets are kept locked up and on leashes when in public. 

For more information regarding Cairns Regional Council's policies for dog owners, please click this link: Dogs | Cairns Regional Council

John MacKenzie chats with Perri Conti, Co-Founder of Changing Cairns Crime Problems, to break the news that Minister Leanne Linard will meet in person to discuss Cairns' crime emergency.

It was originally stated that the minister would only be available for a phone call but has since agreed to fly to cairns to meet with concerned locals and listen to their stories.

This comes after Minister Linard's comments last week that deflected from the lived experiences of crime, instead espousing politically-favourable figures in order to downplay the emergency.

The mental health effects for victims of crime is worsening. If you have been impacted by crime and need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

John MacKenzie chats with Brett Moller, Cairns Regional Councillor Representative for Division 1, about the ongoing youth crime crisis after Yarrabah leaders have called for action from the Queensland Government.

Yarrabah Mayor, Ross Andrews, has called on the state government for funding to better address the skyrocketing effects of juvenile crime.

A minority of recidivistic young people are destroying community reputations and local residents are demanding action.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Sandy Donald, Local Anaesthetist and Senior Vice President of Together Queensland, about the waiting times at the Emergency Department at Cairns Hospital.

This discussion comes after reports that some people are avoiding the ED altogether, even in serious cases, in an attempt to eschew long wait times.

Dr. Donald calls for a combined effort from all levels of government in order to help resolve the issue of wait times.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Kristy Vallely, Cairns Regional Council Division 6 Representative, about the upcoming Cairns Festival, formerly known as "Fun in the Sun". Kristy also touched on the removal of a beloved fig tree in Freshwater.

A debate has been raging about the name of Cairns Festival being altered to include the original wording "fun in the sun". The festival dates back to 1962, and the name has changed over the years. 

On another note, residents of Freshwater are awaiting the council to remove a much-loved fig tree at Richmond Park.

John MacKenzie chats with Brett Moller, Cairns Regional Councillor Representative for Division 1, about Minister Leanne Linard's comments about the dearth of youth crime in Cairns.

The Minister for Children and Youth Justice described Cairns' crime problem as a non-issue, sparking outcries from locals impacted by soaring juvenile crime and anti-social behaviour.

Cr. Moller continues to argue that the Queensland state government should step up to protect innocent citizens and control rates of crime.

John MacKenzie chats with Perri Conti, Co-Founder of Changing Cairns Crime Problems, after the denial of any problems in Far North Queensland by the State Minister for Children and Youth Justice, Leanne Linard.

The minister's response to skyrocketing criminal activity by young offenders came as a shock to victims who have to deal with the ongoing mental health impacts of crime.

Instead of addressing the salient concerns felt by anxious residents, Minister Linard confused listeners by overlooking the practical significance of crime to focus on politically-favourable figures.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Michael Clements, Chair of RACGP Rural Council, Royal Australian College General Practitioners, about government changes to Distribution Priority Area classifications which could affect the location choices of doctors.

The changes could effectively disincentivise general practitioners from moving to regional parts of Australia.

Whilst Cairns may see some positive flow-on effects, neighbouring rural towns could be negatively impacted. Dr. Clements provides valuable insight into the ongoing situation.

John MacKenzie chats with Ken Harley, local crime-emergency activist, after the reports of a traveling family's 4WD vehicle being stolen, leaving the family stranded.

The news comes as Cairns breaks last year's record for total cars stolen. Currently sitting at over 790 vehicles stolen at the time of writing this article.

Ken provided his valuable insight and offered the solution of a youth curfew after researching effective preventative measures currently being implemented in Europe.