John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Peter Ridd, Independent Scientist and Marine Geophysicist, about the quality of coral cover in the Great Barrier Reef.

The annual monitoring report from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) revealed that coral coverage in the central and northern parts has increased since last year to 36%, which is up from 27% the previous year.

The percentage of coral coverage on the reef this year represents a record high since monitoring began over 35 years ago.

John MacKenzie chats with Perri Conti, Co-Founder of Changing Cairns Crime Problems, about the current climate of crime in Cairns.

This necessary update comes after a former Justice has suggested that dealing with youth mental health will help to solve the crime plague, that in turn, exacerbates mental health issues for the victims of those crimes.

A meeting is to be held at 7:30pm on August 9th at 46 Heavy Crs, Whitfield, to address community concerns, hear the stories of victims, and learn about better home security.

John MacKenzie chats with Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza Airlines, about the launch of their new Being 737 Max 8 aircraft.

The plane is the first of its kind to touchdown in Australia after its flight from Seattle USA.

The new, budget airlines promise to offer competitively priced, domestic flights within Australia, with our own, Cairns City, included in all of the excitement.

John MacKenzie chats with Steve Cordenos, President of the Cairns Italian Festival, about the incredibly popular La Festa event at Fogerty Park.

A reported number between 13,000-15,000 people attended the first ever Cairns Italian Festival's kick-starter event, La Festa.

With 20 food stalls and classic Italian entertainment, the event was loved by all with positive feedback all around.

John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Turner, host of Realty Talk, about the price of housing across the nation.

Kevin provided a commentary in response to an article in The Courier-Mail about Queensland house prices expected to fall by as much as 10 percent over the next 18 months.

Kevin also gave his perspective on the Cairns region of Far North Queensland in relation to real estate.

John MacKenzie chats with Kord Luckus, Qld Director of the Australian Fishing Trade Organisation, to get an update on the Spanish Mackerel issue after the government proposed a commercial fishing limit earlier in the year.

The Queensland government claimed that the stock biomass levels are at 17% of their 1910 levels, and therefore considered a limit to be put in place.

Commercial and recreational fishers across the state have banded together to understand if the science has become politicised, and to put pressure on local members of parliament.

John MacKenzie chats with Noel Whittaker, Financial Writer and Commentator, to put into perspective people's questions in regards to retirement funds and savings.

Noel was approached to provide comments after a talkback caller queried aspects of her superannuation fund and recent losses due to the stock market.

Noel also reflected upon a recent article he penned for the Sunday Mail titled "Planning Your Retirement a Numbers Game".

John MacKenzie chats with Lawrence Mason, Owner of Mason's Cafe, Mason's Store, and Mason's Tours in the Daintree, about the need for a second ferry for the Daintree River crossing.

Douglas Shire Council is to vote on a new, wider ferry to replace the existing one, which is showing stress from age. The idea of a permanent bridge or a second ferry has been floated, especially justified by the lack of access to emergency services at certain times.

Lawrence puts forward a strong case for the local residents of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Brett Olds, CRC Councillor for Division 9, about the headland at Buchan Point being put up for sale after sitting for 30 years.

Prices in the $20 million range are anticipated for the 6.73-hectare property near Palm Cove, currently owned by Singapore brothers and investors, Whye Chung Ho and Whye Tong Ho.

Local discussions about the future of the property are being had, with speculations as to whether it will remain a sanctuary or become a modern development.

John MacKenzie chats with Lauren Cooney, Principal Communications Advisor at RACQ, to compare the differences in fuel prices between Cairns and Brisbane.

This comes after a damning report from Queensland's top motoring body; the RACQ slams fuel providers for not passing on cost savings to consumers in the Far North.

The reported average price for unleaded fuel in Cairns stands at 205.7 cents per litre in contrast to Brisbane's average of just 180 cents per litre (accurate as at the time of writing this article on 22/07/2022).