John MacKenzie chats with John Cameron, General Manager of Cairns Jockey Club, about John's announcement that he is stepping down from his role as GM.

This follows six strong years of success managing the jockey club at Cannon Park.

Sadly, John has been dealing with a significant health battle after a melanoma diagnosis. 

It is a reminder to keep up with regular skin checks, especially living in Far North Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Antonia Mercorella, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), about the new rental laws regarding pets to come into effect on October 1st this year.

Tenants will still need consent for a pet but landlords must give reasonable explanations and will no longer be allowed to advertise as a "no-pet" property.

A debate is being sparked, with the dichotomy between the rights of homeowners to protect their properties versus the positive effects of pet ownership and the difficulty for tenants to easily find suitable homes for themselves and their furry friends.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, President & CEO of the Queensland Police Union, about the need for training and specialised police stations in order to tackle domestic violence issues.

The call for increased funding to create two DV-centric police stations comes after the Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley handed down her findings into the murder of Hannah Clarke and her children.

Ian also updated john about the policing issues in regards to Cairns and the Far North.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Michael Clements, Townsville-based GP, and Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' Rural Council, to better understand the doctor shortage facing residents of Cairns and Far North Queensland.

This comes after Health Minister Yvette D'Ath visited Cairns in an effort to calm concerns about our GP crisis situation.

Minister D'Ath spoke of the plans to spend $250 million for major upgrades to the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

The shortage of general practitioners in the region has exacerbated the already big strain on our Emergency Department with distressed locals opting for any help they can find.

John MacKenzie chats with local activist, Ken Harley, about the current crime emergency after two teenage children were alone during a home invasion.

The two siblings aged 14 and 12 were left shocked and mentally scarred after an attack at their family home during the daytime. 

The 14-year-old boy was cowering in his room barring a door closed while the attackers stormed the property.

Ken describes this situation as an emergency and makes parallels to government agencies banning events when danger occurs, but doing nothing when residents are living in fear of constant danger and peril.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Sandy Donald, Anaesthetist at Cairns Hospital & Senior Vice President at Together Queensland, about the future of Cairns Hospital and General Practitioners in Far North Queensland.

Sandy explained the details surrounding the Palaszczuk government's announcement of 141 new beds for Cairns and 45 extra subacute beds.

The future of general practitioners was touched upon after revelations that GPs are currently facing financial struggles and are finding it difficult for operations to remain viable.

John MacKenzie chats with Lara Wilde, Chief Executive of Food Manufacturing Hub & FNQ Incubator, about the rising cost of fresh produce and grocery items.

Rising fuel costs and interest rate rises are already putting the financial strain on Aussies struggling to survive from week to week. Now to compound the strain, basic vegetable prices are going through the roof, with the simple capsicum and iceberg lettuce making the recent headlines.

Lara shares some tips and tricks which may help you save money on your weekly shopping bill.

John MacKenzie chats with Barbara Wolveridge, Principle of Queensland Sotheby's International Realty, about the high-end property market surrounding Cairns after the listing of a $6.8 million home in Kewarra Beach.

Astoria House, colloquially known by northern beach locals as the "glass house", boasts bulletproof windows and a classic car showroom.

The five-bedroom property was formerly owned by M1NT Global Holdings boss, Alistair Paton.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Macfarlane, CEO of Queensland Resources Council, about the Palaszczuk government's post-budget decision to increase mining royalties which will negatively affect the coal industry in Australia.

Treasurer Cameron Dick has defended the announcement which is anticipated to inject $1.2 billion into the Queensland treasury over the next four years.

This legislation would mean that Queensland would pay the highest mining taxes in the world.

John MacKenzie chats with Dale Last, Shadow Minister for Police and Corrective Services & LNP State Member for Burdekin, about the Queensland state government's budget in relation to funding for policing.

$3 Billion has been allocated and new officers promised by the Palaszczuk government.

The member of the opposition elaborated on the practical application and reality of the funding.