A weekly re-cap of the events that have made news in Cairns over the past week.

Monday September 17, 2001 32nd Edition

This week Cairns news has been dominated by the American tragedy and the closing of ANSETT airlines, two very sad and far reaching events that as yet, have uncertain conclusions. The terrorist attack in New York and Washington has reached into the hearts of the people of Cairns, who openly welcome over 120,000 American tourists per year.

American tragedy hits home in Cairns
There is no doubt that the American tragedy will have long term ramifications around the world, even in remote and somewhat sheltered places like Cairns. Whilst the extensive media coverage details the human suffering and the support being felt in virtually every corner of the globe, the long term economical and social affects are yet to be determined.

A number of memorial services have been held in and around Cairns in the past week with more expected once the final death toll is established. Counselling services have been established for American tourists visiting and working in Cairns and this is expected to continue indefinitely.

There is no doubt that every person on the planet will, in some way, be affected by the acts of terrorism that occurred last Tuesday.

Cairns loses tourist lifeline
ANSETT has played a vital part in the development of Cairns as tourist destination for many years. The effects of the closure will bite deeply into the local economy. Many employees have uncertain futures in the aviation industry and many creditors, particularly tourism operators, will most probably not receive payment for outstanding accounts. In Cairns this alone could amount to millions of dollars, more than enough to send many smaller companies into receivership.

It is likely that the routes lost by ANSETT's closure will be picked up by other airlines in the near future and access to Cairns will be back to normal. At present there is interest being expressed from five major carriers, although ANSETTS administrator is being tight lipped about the identity of the carriers.

Clinton visits Port Douglas
Ex-President, Bill Clinton, made was holidaying Port Douglas at the time of the terrorist attack in the USA. Mr Clinton has stated that Port Douglas is one of his favourite holiday destinations. Due to the attack Mr Clintons stay was cut short and he returned to the USA under tight security. He has vowed to return to Port Douglas at happier times in the future. Whilst in Australia Mr Clinton was involved in several fundraising activities, attracting large crowds to several specific functions that raised millions of dollars for charity.

CHOGM/Queens visit to go ahead
Following world events in the last week, the Queensland Premier, Mr Peter Beattie has moved to reassure the people of Queensland that the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting will go ahead as planned in October and the Queen's visit to Cairns will also proceed as planned. Security will undoubtedly be stepped up but no other changes to the planned event or visit have been announced.

Federation celebrations a big hit
The north Queensland leg of the Centenary of Federation celebration have been very successful, in spite of the ongoing tragedies facing the both the world and the region. Thousands of people turned out to support the various events being held, from outdoor concerts to indoor maritime and shipping displays. All of the specific events were showcasing a particular aspect of the Centenary of Federation and the affect that it has had on the people of north Queensland.

Brisbane Broncos back on top
The Brisbane Broncos had a very convincing win against the St George Rugby League team on Saturday night. The final score was 44-28 with the Broncos scoring twenty points in the first 15 minutes, leaving much of the crowd in a state of shock. If the Broncos can maintain the form that they displayed on Saturday they have an excellent chance of winning this years premiership league.