Mornings With John Mackenzie

John MacKenzie chats with Glen Jacobs, Director of World Trail and Crankworx Cairns Track Manager, about the Crankworx cycling event that hits Cairns this week. Mr. Jacobs was praised by Crankworx Managing Director, Darren Kinnaird, who described it as "maybe the most impressive course build I've ever seen..." Over 4,000 tickets have been sold to the internationally watched event due to begin Thursday 6th October 2022, as the world's best mountain bike riders and amateurs alike travel to Smithfield for the rainforest course. Glen Jacobs is the local legend and mastermind behind the Wangetti Trail.

John MacKenzie chats with Paul Drabble, local Anti-Crime Advocate, about a new "Citizens Force" initiative. As the crime crisis worsens, a Citizens Force initiative would be there to act as a support system for our most vulnerable victims of crime, and to assist police in any way. "It's about being vigilant, not being a vigilante" Mr. Drabble was quoted. Paul's commentary comes just as a local resident, Natasha Baddock, used her van to jam in a group of youths in an allegedly stolen vehicle, causing them to flee on foot.

John MacKenzie chats with Stacey Quaid, Principal of Quaid and Colliers Real Estate, about the history of False Cape at East Trinity following the $2.95 million sale of the property. The stunning 120.6-hectare property is home to World War II relics including a battery site that was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1997. Stacey brings to life the amazing history of this amazing property in a not-to-be-missed conversation!

John MacKenzie chats with Denis McKinley, retired inspector Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, about the crime situation in Mareeba after unbelievable reports of rampant youth crime. In recent times Mareeba has seen businesses torched and people bashed, but now reports of intimidation include threats to kill and eat the animals at a local pet store. The community in Mareeba, Cairns, and everyone in Far North Queensland affected by crime need to stand together and provide support.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, President and CEO of the Queensland Police Union, about the difficulties faced by communities burdened by crime. Cairns and Far North Queensland is facing an ever-increasing crime rate with home invasions and theft of personal property being commonplace. Women and the elderly have been victimised by youth offenders who opportunistically prey on the vulnerable. The true mental health impacts these crimes have on people are still being understood. Ian also spoke about the 11% pay rise police officers will receive over three years.

John MacKenzie chats with John Moore, Former Director of Australian Rugby League, about the Eel's win against the Cowboys after a controversial forward pass. Accusations were made that the Cowboys were robbed of their win following the admittance of a forward pass made by halfback Mitchell Moses that was missed by a touch judge. NRL Head of Football, Graham Annesley, has confirmed the speculation.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller Bill, from Bentley Park, about a recent home invasion where young offenders forced entry and terrified Bill's wife who has mobility issues. Their car and other items were stolen, but the true horror is the impact a home invasion has on victims' mental health and their perception of safety. Bill's nightmare comes as another spate of crime has plagued Cairns and Far North Queensland over the weekend, with hovering helicopters being a constant reminder of the crime and car thievery occurring.

John MacKenzie chats with Gina Hogan, CEO of the FNQ Hospital Foundation, about the success of the 2022 QSuper Cardiac Challenge. Around 215 cyclists (including 4CA's very own, Murray Jones) took part in the fundraising ride, which is now into its 16th year and has raised over $5 million [to date] to improve local cardiac services. The QSuper Cardiac Challenge managed to raise more than $420,000 in 2022.

John MacKenzie chats with Sergeant Dave Raymond, Charity Fundraiser for hearts of the Nation, about a recent event attended by a former Wiggles Band member. Former yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, visited Goldsborough Valley in support of funding efforts to attain an Automated External Defibrillator for the community south of Cairns. After Greg's personal ordeal with cardiac arrest, he has a mission to provide defibrillators to each and every community in Australia. Dave exuberantly led the Goldsborough Karate Club which raised $3000 for the Heart of the Nation charity foundation.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Maria Boulton, Australian Medical Association Queensland President, about the pressures faced by staff after a report which details the recent deaths of 20 people who were waiting for an ambulance or at a hospital. Paramedics, GPs, and nurses are just some of the staff under extreme pressure working for Queensland Health. Hospital ramping has been an ongoing concern, especially at our local cairns hospital. The deaths were logged between January 2021 and April 2022 and the report was obtained by the opposition government through the right-to-information process. Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said that none of the deaths were directly linked to ambulance delays.

John MacKenzie chats with John Moore, former Director of Australian Rugby League, about the proposed sporting and events precinct at Barlow Park. John Moore was outraged at the Cairns Regional Council's decision to upgrade the facilities and transform the park into something other than a world-class stadium fit for international visits and significant games. The vision for a 20,000-seat, rectangular venue has been lost.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. John Coyne, Head of Northern Australian Strategic Policy Centre at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, about the defense expansions needed for Cairns. Cairns is located in a unique geopolitical position, situated near Eastern and Pacific nations, and is viewed as a connection point. Dr. Coyne recently visited Cairns to advise the local council and necessary stakeholders about how to promote Cairns as a city vital to the strategic defence of Australia.

John MacKenzie chats with Associate professor Lisa Law, Chair of Tropical Urbanism & Design at JCU Cairns, to better understand the future urban growth and living in tropical north Queensland. Cairns' population is expected to boom in the coming decades, with some forecasts predicting that up to 460,000 people may call our region home by the middle of this century. Lisa spoke of the need for innovative housing and planning designs that allow for higher-density living whilst balancing the preservation of green spaces that we all currently enjoy. 

John MacKenzie chats with Russell Beer, Chair of Ports North, about the expansion of military facilities and the general development of the Cairns Marina Precinct. Russell describes the developments as the biggest boost to the local economy since the Cairns international airport. $300 million in state and federal funding has been secured to assist the project to increase the Australian Defence Force's presence in Cairns.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Ken Chapman, Chair of Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Chair of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, about the 2040 vision for Cairns Airport and the future of tourism in Tropical North Queensland. The plan would include increasing markets in India, Vietnam, and South Korea, as well as direct flights to North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The airport's international terminal is scheduled for an upgrade in 2023.  By 2040, the Cairns population is expected to reach 375,000 with a prediction of approximately 10 million passengers arriving.

John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Byrne, Former Mayor of Cairns, who hosted Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Cairns in 2001. Queen Elizabeth II died on 8th September 2022, aged 96. Kevin reminisced fondly about the royal visit to Far North Queensland and reminded listeners that Queen Elizabeth II considered Cairns to be a special place. Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully in Balmoral Castle in Scotland and was the longest reigning British monarch. Her son Charles is now titled, King Charles III. Requiescat in Pace.

John MacKenzie chats with Geoffrey Thomas, Editor in Chief at AirlineRatings.com, for important updates surrounding the airline industry in Australia. Approximately 4000 passengers were recently affected by Jetstar's engineering issues which led to flight cancellations and, in turn, airport chaos and confusion. Geoffrey gave a frightening explanation of how lightning bolts can cause serious issues that can take months to repair. Mr. Thomas also gave elucidation on the reasons why flight discounts have increased dramatically in the last 4 months, as reported by the ACCC.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller Col from Goldsborough about the rise in crime after the alleged teen car crash which left one child fighting for their life. With crime creeping into rural regions the call for restraint was made by Col after local hearsay indicates that vigilantism may be considered an option by anxiety-ridden residents who believe they have a right to protect their safety and property. If crime is impacting your mental health, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

John MacKenzie chats with Ken Harley, local Crime Emergency Activist, after a teenager lies in hospital in critical condition following an alleged stolen car crash. A spate of criminal and anti-social behaviour has occurred recently over Cairns, Mareeba, and Far North Queensland. Including a youth cafe being robbed, two teenage girls crashing through a Manunda property, and now the youth left in critical condition following a vehicle crash in Edmonton. Ken also told an horrific story that impacted Mareeba residents with up to 18 juveniles allegedly attacking houses whilst residents either cowered inside their homes or fled.

John MacKenzie chats with Councillor Kristy Vallely, CRC Representative for Division 6, to wrap up the high times from the 2022 Cairns Festival [Fun in the Sun]! The highly anticipated Skywhales were viewed to a full crowd on Saturday morning, with the Carnival on Collins event taking place on Sunday with beautiful weather enjoyed by all. These final events wrap up the Cairns Festival for 2022, with organisers already making plans for next year, including amending the official name to include the phrase "fun in the sun".