John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Sandy Donald, Local Anaesthetist and Senior Vice President of Together Queensland, to get an update about the state of our hospital system during the third wave of Covid-19.
John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Sandy Donald, Local Anaesthetist and Senior Vice President of Together Queensland, to get an update about the state of our hospital system during the third wave of Covid-19. This comes as the state's hospitals operate at a "high-impact" Tier 3 pandemic response, putting a further strain on our medical service providers. The effects of a spike in covid cases coinc...
10m Jul 20, 2022
10m
John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matt Canavan about the energy crisis facing southern states.
John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matt Canavan about the energy crisis facing southern states. This comes as a gas shortage in Victoria threatens to put the energy grid into crisis mode after their underground storage plant dropped to a record low. The Australian Energy Market Operator has put in a new security measure until the end of September. As green groups voice their want for a net ze...
9m Jul 19, 2022
9m
John MacKenzie chats with Ezzy Wells, Owner of Adventure Cairns & Beyond, about the latest crime trends including dangerous fire attacks in the CBD.
John MacKenzie chats with Ezzy Wells, Owner of Adventure Cairns & Beyond, about the latest crime trends including dangerous fire attacks in the Cairns CBD. Pyromania is now a criminal trend in our tourist city with reports of juveniles throwing lit fire-starters into business shop fronts, terrifying patrons and workers. Fires have also been started in CBD rubbish bins and on the streets. Plea...
12m Jul 18, 2022
12m
John MacKenzie chats with Patrick Bluett, Executive Officer of Cassowary Coast Tourism, about the $25 million sale of Dunk Island, Mission Beach, to Australian billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes.
John MacKenzie chats with Patrick Bluett, Executive Officer of Cassowary Coast Tourism, about the $25 million sale of Dunk Island, Mission Beach, to Australian billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes. A statement from Annie Cannon-Brookes does not make it clear whether the property would be redeveloped into a resort tourist attraction or kept private. The purchase has nonetheless excited the communit...
8m Jul 13, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology at Bond University, about proposed changes in the law to decriminalise unwanted drunken behaviour and public begging.
John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology at Bond University, about proposed changes in the law to decriminalise unwanted drunken behaviour and public begging. Some examples would include public urination, being drunk and intoxicated in public, and begging or threatening people for money. White-collar lawyers in the South-Eastern corners of Queensland...
9m Jul 12, 2022
9m
John MacKenzie chats with Craig Crawford, ALP State Member for Barron River, about the fight to save Taylor Point from development.
John MacKenzie chats with Craig Crawford, ALP State Member for Barron River, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, about the fight to save Taylor Point from development. The headland, which lies between Trinity and Kewarra Beaches, is owned by developer Robert Prettejohn and is on the market for $8 million. Locals hav...
8m Jul 11, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Byrne about the Queensland state government's announcement of $4 million for lighting upgrades to Barlow Park.
John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Byrne, Executive Manager of Enterprise North, President of Cairns Tourism Industry Association, and Former Mayor of Cairns, about the Queensland state government's announcement of $4 million for lighting upgrades to Barlow Park. Minister for Tourism, Innovation, and Sport, Stirling Hinchcliffe, announced that the 800 lux lights would be upgraded to 1800 lux, whi...
7m Jul 08, 2022
7m
John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, about the results of a recent YouGov poll.
John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, about the results of a recent YouGov poll for the preferred government. The Courier-Mail conducted a poll of over 1000 Queenslanders and found the ALP and LNP are now neck and neck. The integrity scandals plaguing the Palaszczuk government have seen Labor's biggest polling drop ...
10m Jul 07, 2022
10m
John MacKenzie chats with Dale Last, Shadow Minister for Police and Corrective Services, about the crime crisis after Cairns' Chamber of Commerce held a meeting to address concerns.
John MacKenzie chats with Dale Last, Shadow Minister for Police and Corrective Services, LNP State Member for Burdekin, about the crime crisis in Cairns' after the Chamber of Commerce held a meeting to address concerns. Community stakeholders' suggestions are shut down by authorities who assure the rights of criminals are of most concern. Strange claims, such as the Police not being able to p...
11m Jul 06, 2022
11m
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.
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...
14m Jul 05, 2022
14m
John MacKenzie chats with Antonia Mercorella, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, about the new rental laws regarding pets to come into effect on October 1.
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 betwee...
8m Jul 04, 2022
8m
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.
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 als...
9m Jul 01, 2022
9m
John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Michael Clements, Chair of the Royal Australian College of GPs Rural Council, to better understand the doctor shortage facing residents of Cairns and Far North Queensland.
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 p...
12m Jun 30, 2022
12m
John MacKenzie chats with local activist, Ken Harley, about the current crime emergency after two teenage children were alone during a home invasion.
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 descr...
11m Jun 29, 2022
11m
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.
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 up...
12m Jun 28, 2022
12m
John MacKenzie chats with Lara Wilde, Chief Executive of Food Manufacturing Hub & FNQ Incubator, about the rising cost of fresh produce and grocery items.
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...
10m Jun 27, 2022
10m
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.
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 b...
9m Jun 24, 2022
9m
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.
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 woul...
7m Jun 23, 2022
7m
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.
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.
7m Jun 23, 2022
7m
John MacKenzie chats with Lawrence Mason, talkback caller, and owner of Mason's Cafe, Mason's Store & Mason's Tours in the Daintree, about his community's concern in regards to land buyback of residential lots.
John MacKenzie chats with Lawrence Mason, talkback caller, and owner of Mason's Cafe, Mason's Store & Mason's Tours in the Daintree, about his community's concern in regards to land buyback of residential lots. Southern interest groups are purchasing residential land ready for development and are instead restricting its practical use. Daintree locals want to know if there is an end to buyback e...
7m Jun 22, 2022
7m
John MacKenzie chats with Jackson Hills, Policy & Engagement Manager at Queensland Shelter, about the housing crisis facing Cairns, Port Douglas & the Atherton Tablelands.
John MacKenzie chats with Jackson Hills, Policy & Engagement Manager at Queensland Shelter, about the housing crisis facing Cairns, Port Douglas & the Atherton Tablelands. Over 1300 people are affected by the rental shortage and 2300 plus people are on the social housing register, according to data from Queensland Housing. Locals with holiday homes or Airbnb-style properties are being urged to ...
10m Jun 21, 2022
10m
John MacKenzie chats with Councilor Locky Bensted, Representative for Mareeba Shire, about the growing crime crisis in Far North Queensland.
John MacKenzie chats with Councilor Locky Bensted, Representative for Mareeba Shire, about the growing crime crisis in Far North Queensland. Locky called in because of the community's concern for curbing crime. Statistics show how much worse per capita some crime is in comparison to Brisbane City, as Cairns and Mareeba are becoming the car theft capitals of Queensland. Reports from long-term lo...
10m Jun 21, 2022
10m
John MacKenzie chats with Nick Trompf, Chairman of Advance Cairns, about the need to lobby the Queensland state government to fund more hospital beds in Cairns.
John MacKenzie chats with Nick Trompf, Chairman of Advance Cairns, about the need to lobby the Queensland state government to fund more hospital beds for our Cairns & Hinterland Hospital & Health Service.  Cairns is currently 75 beds short and the hospital is facing over-crowdedness and ramping issues. Advance Cairns is pushing the proposal to construct a new 300-bed acute clinical service buil...
8m Jun 20, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie chats with James Coughlan, Regional Commercial Development Manager for Asia-Pacific & Indian Oceans Intercruises, about the return of the cruise ship industry to Cairns.
John MacKenzie chats with James Coughlan, Regional Commercial Development Manager for Asia-Pacific & Indian Oceans Intercruises, about the return of the cruise ship industry to Cairns. Locals can expect to see P&Os 261-metre vessel "Pacific Explorer" docked in Cairns over the weekend. In fact, cruise ships are due to make over 120 visits to varying ports across the Far North Queensland coast. C...
7m Jun 17, 2022
7m
John MacKenzie chats with Michal Kerr, Mayor of Douglas Shire, about efforts to control the rental market from being taken over by short-term holiday letting.
John MacKenzie chats with Michal Kerr, Mayor of Douglas Shire, about efforts to control the rental market from being taken over by short-term holiday letting, such as Airbnb. This comes after the Brisbane City Council has announced it will increase the rates on Airbnb-style properties up to 50% in order to retain the accommodation needed for long-term tenants. Port Douglas has been facing this ...
8m Jun 16, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie chats with Ric Montgomery, Lead Ukulele Player from the Bad Boys of Uke, about the popularity of the ukulele band and their legacy to the Cairns entertainment scene.
John MacKenzie chats with Ric Montgomery, Lead Ukulele Player from the Bad Boys of Uke, about the popularity of the ukulele band and their legacy to the Cairns entertainment scene. The discussion was prompted by a Cairns Post Letter to the Editor, from someone who misses the band playing at a popular hotel in the CBD. Since Covid, the Bad Boys of Uke cannot be found at their known location, and...
8m Jun 15, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matt Canavan about energy and the future of Australia's power supply after Queenslanders are warned of blackouts in coming days.
John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matt Canavan about energy and the future of Australia's power supply. Queenslanders are being warned of potential blackouts across the state as the energy crisis deepens in Australia with supply issues and costs rising. Authorities are urging consumers to use less power and turn off unnecessary items, such as air conditioning or a second fridge.
8m Jun 14, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie chats with Darren Halpin, Managing Director of Halpin Property Group & Cairns Father of Four, after Darren's two boys were attacked and their bikes were stolen.
John MacKenzie chats with Darren Halpin, Managing Director of Halpin Property Group & Cairns Father of Four, after Darren's two boys were attacked and their bikes were stolen.  Darren Halpin's two teenage sons and their two friends were enjoying Endeavour Park in Manunda when a group of six others approached and threatened them with a knife and other weapons. Darren has called on the Queensland...
11m Jun 13, 2022
11m
John MacKenzie chats with Cr Brett Moller and talkback caller Bob, who owns a business in Cairns CBD and wanted to discuss the Council's community safety plan.
John MacKenzie chats with Cr Brett Moller, Cairns Regional Council's Representative for Division 1, and talkback caller Bob, who owns a business in Cairns CBD. Bob wanted to discuss the Council's CBD safety plan and how much more needs to be done to calm community concerns about crime. Bob assured Brett that a booklet is being produced to warn tourists about how to stay safe at night in Cairns ...
4m Jun 10, 2022
4m
John MacKenzie chats with Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter, Cairns City Police Beat, about the increased police presence in the CBD after a spate of crime and anti-social behaviour.
John MacKenzie chats with Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter, Cairns City Police Beat, about the increased police presence in the CBD after a spate of crime and anti-social behaviour. Business owners welcome the move to patrol the streets as an effort to improve public safety and social morale. Gary Hunter said increasing police patrols, deploying additional plain-clothed officers, and a mobile police...
12m Jun 09, 2022
12m
John MacKenzie chats with Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-chief at AirlineRatings.com, about an odd news story where airlines may allow passengers to bring their dogs on board during a flight.
John MacKenzie chats with Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-chief at AirlineRatings.com, about an odd news story where airlines may allow passengers to bring their dogs on board during a flight. CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) has updated its 'carriage of animals' policy which will now absolve the regulator of any responsibility, with the potential for individual airline companies to decide whe...
12m Jun 08, 2022
12m
John MacKenzie chats with Dominic Davies, Owner of The Woolshed, about the ongoing crime crisis plaguing Cairns City's CBD.
John MacKenzie chats with Dominic Davies, Owner of The Woolshed, about the ongoing crime crisis plaguing Cairns City's CBD. Dominic, who has owned his Shield Street business since 1994, describes inner-city problems as the worst he has ever seen them. Recent statistics reveal the crime hot spots of Far North Queensland and community leaders are calling for the Qld State Government to do more.
9m Jun 07, 2022
9m
John MacKenzie chats with Professor Greg Barton from Deakin University, about the recent powerplay by China in their effort to intercept an Australian aircraft in international waters.
John MacKenzie chats with Professor Greg Barton from Deakin University, about the recent powerplay by China in their effort to intercept an Australian aircraft in international waters. An Australian RAAF P-8A was intercepted by a Chinese J-16 fighter during routine maritime surveillance.   The Chinese fighter flew dangerously close to the Aussie aircraft and released a bundle of chaff, includin...
8m Jun 06, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie chats with Bade Stapleton, Managing Director of Connect Sport Australia, about the exciting upcoming event titled "Gran Fondo" in Port Douglas.
Gran Fondo is a bicycle ride along the Great Barrier Reef Drive held on Sunday 11th September 2022. Other minor events will be happening all of that weekend in Port Douglas.
8m Jun 03, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie hosts CRC Deputy Mayor Terry James in studio, who chats with talkback caller Gayle Allen, CBD café owner, about the implementation of council's new community safety plan.
John MacKenzie hosts CRC Deputy Mayor Terry James in studio, who chats with talkback caller Gayle Allen, a CBD café owner, about the implementation of the Cairns Regional Council's new community safety plan. The plan includes introducing "wet zones" or areas designated for legal public drinking, as an effort to dissuade people from camping out in the city. Youth crime, itinerants, anti-social b...
6m Jun 03, 2022
6m
John MacKenzie chats with Terry James, CRC Deputy Mayor & Representative for Division 4, about the council's new Community Safety Plan to address anti-social behaviour and public unwantedness.
John MacKenzie chats with Terry James, CRC Deputy Mayor & Representative for Division 4, about the council's new Community Safety Plan to address anti-social behaviour and public unwantedness.  Social connectors will be employed during late-night "hotspot" hours in an effort to reduce crime in the Cairns CBD. Increased CCTV and security measures will also be adopted.
16m Jun 02, 2022
16m
John MacKenzie chats with Gary Kerr, President of Tourism Palm Cove, about their tourism industry and bookings considering the oncoming influx of winter travelers.
John MacKenzie chats with Gary Kerr, President of Tourism Palm Cove, about their tourism industry and bookings considering the oncoming influx of winter travelers. With beautiful weather and warm temperatures, Cairns and Far North Queensland have seen over 3000 people fly in since March, with Queensland state receiving over 160,000 visitors. Palm Cove numbers are strong with a dedicated domesti...
9m Jun 01, 2022
9m
John MacKenzie chats with David Nye, Manager of Aviation & Business Development at Cairns Airport, about the increase in flights from Singapore Airlines and what flow-on effects can be expected.
John MacKenzie chats with David Nye, Manager of Aviation & Business Development at Cairns Airport, about the increase in flights from Singapore Airlines to Cairns Airport. Five flights per week will be operating out of Cairns, giving Aussies the ability to travel overseas and backpackers the chance to holiday in Australia. Cairns and Far North Queensland expect to benefit from the traveler incr...
11m May 31, 2022
11m
John MacKenzie chats with Craig Crawford, State Member for Barron River, about the state and future of traffic infrastructure in Cairns' Northern Beaches.
John MacKenzie chats with Craig Crawford, ALP State Member for Barron River, Minister for Seniors & Disability Services, and Minister for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, about the state and future of traffic infrastructure in Cairns' Northern Beaches. The northern access to the city is a hotly discussed topic, with a range of different solutions in the air. Overpasses and slip...
7m May 30, 2022
7m
Gavin King chats with Craig Crawford, State Member for Barron River, about the current state of affairs in our local region.
Gavin King chats with Craig Crawford, State Member for Barron River, about the current state of affairs in our local region. Issues surrounding hospital ramping, crime and misconduct, home invasions, and vehicle thefts were addressed.  Craig also announced the police-connected, community-driven night patrols.
14m May 27, 2022
14m
Gavin King chats with David Crisafulli, State Member for Broadwater & Leader of the Opposition in Queensland, about the ongoing issue of hospital ramping.
Gavin King chats with David Crisafulli, State Member for Broadwater & Leader of the Opposition in Queensland, about the ongoing issue of hospital ramping.  Our local Cairns hospital has experienced its share of horror stories due to the crisis being experienced all around the state.
9m May 27, 2022
9m
Gavin King chats with James McPeake, Owner & Director of James McPeake Town Planning, about land supply in relation to the housing shortage crisis facing Cairns and Far North Queensland.
Gavin King chats with James McPeake, Owner & Director of James McPeake Town Planning, about land supply in relation to the housing shortage crisis facing Cairns and Far North Queensland. Topics such as land availability, land parcel sizing, and apartment building heights were all raised.
10m May 27, 2022
10m
Gavin King chats with Campbell Newman, former Premier of Qld & Senate Candidate for 2022, about the recent election, LNP philosophy, and of course, Peter Dutton.
15m May 26, 2022
15m
Gavin King chats with Ian Henschke, Chief Advocate of National Seniors Australia, about post-election policy pertaining to retirees.
Gavin King chats with Ian Henschke, Chief Advocate of National Seniors Australia, about post-election policy pertaining to retirees. The idea to allow pensioners back into the workforce was discussed, as well as the incentives or disincentives to do so.
11m May 26, 2022
11m
Gavin King chats with Adam Forde, Coach of the CQ University Taipans, about all things basketball, in particular player recruitment.
8m May 26, 2022
8m
Gavin King chats with Sharon Vella, Regional Manager of Master Builders FNQ, about the current state of the construction industry in Cairns.
Gavin King chats with Sharon Vella, Regional Manager of Master Builders FNQ, about the current state of the construction industry in Cairns. Many customers are facing delays in labour workers, materials, and even utility connections to electricty. Its being dubbed the great "profitless boom", which has already seen the liquidation of 2 local companies.
7m May 25, 2022
7m
Gavin King chats with Senator Matt Canavan about the LNP's recent election loss and what the future of politics may look like for the Senator.
Gavin King chats with Senator Matt Canavan, Deputy Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, about the LNP's recent election loss.  One of the big issues discussed was climate change and net-zero emissions and the direction of green policy in an evolving Australia.
16m May 24, 2022
16m
Gavin King chats with Senator Nita Green about the Australian election and what to expect going forward.
Gavin King chats with Senator Nita Green about the Australian election and what to expect going forward.  Nita confirmed Labor's commitment to the $600 million worth of pledges and promises for Far North Queensland. Senator Green also spoke about working with local member of the House of Representatives, Warren Entsch, and assured listeners that parties of differing political persuasions can st...
10m May 23, 2022
10m
John MacKenzie chats with Jeff Reibel, North Queensland Cowboys CEO, about the huge NRL football match against Melbourne Storm.
John MacKenzie chats with Jeff Reibel, North Queensland Cowboys CEO, about the huge NRL football match against Melbourne Storm. Over 22,000 tickets, and counting, have been sold for the game held at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. Jeff commented on the impressive performance of the players and their coach, Todd Payten, during this 2022 footy season.
8m May 20, 2022
8m
John MacKenzie chats with Amanda Camm, State Member for Whitsunday (LNP) & Shadow Minister for Child Protection, about the state of child safety after hearing frightening reports from foster parents & care workers.
Amanda Camm, State Member for Whitsunday LNP, Shadow Minister for Women's Economic Security, Shadow Minister for Child Protection, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence, recently heard eye-witness testimony from youth workers and foster parents in Cairns, who painted a nightmare picture about the state of child safety in the region. The meetings were held c...
13m May 19, 2022
13m