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

Monday August 19, 2002 79th Edition

Celebrities seem to be the flavour of the week in Cairns, with stars popping up everywhere from nude resorts, to reality TV shows and super yachts cruising into the city.

Optical Illusion saves Cassowary
Cassowaries around Mission Beach may be saved with roads in the area being painted to create the optical illusion motorists are driving faster than they think. The novel plan is a new technique that has never been tried in Australia before, and is being tested by the Queensland Transport Department. Queensland Transport Minister Steve Bredhauer said "the illusion of extra speed is created by painting thin lines across the road which were spaced closer and closer together, giving drivers the impression they were hurtling forward faster than they were."

Reef Protection Pact
The Great Barrier Reef will receive an increased level of protection from land-based pollution after a state-federal agreement was signed in Cairns recently. Prime Minister John Howard and Queensland Premier Peter Beattie were in Cairns last week to sign a memorandum developing a Great Barrier Reef protection plan against land based pollution.

Nude resort not bare
A new nude resort in Cairns has proved to be a hit with 39 room nights booked since reservations opened just weeks ago. Tony and Lenore Fox, owners of The White Cockatoo Motel at Mossman, say 39 room nights have been booked for its first two weeks of operation from October 5. Mr Fox said two Australian celebrities were among the first guests to book along with a strong contingent of international visitors.

Cairns has personalised plates
Cairns will soon have its own personalised car number plates with locals given the opportunity to join in the debate over the finished product. General manager of Personalised Plates Queensland, Ian Andrews, was in Cairns last week to discuss the design of the plate with business and tourism representatives. But while mock-ups have been created, Mr Andrews is seeking feedback from Cairns people on what they would like to see. The plates are likely to feature a local motif that could include images of the reef, rainforest or local wildlife.

$15 million aged care centre opens
Cairns' largest village style nursing home has opened with residents moving into the $15 million complex recently. The Blue Care centre is set on 9ha and nestled against the beautiful backdrop of the Williams Range in Cairns. The complex is made up of 18 separate single-storey buildings, providing residents with their own single room and ensuite. The 'village' includes a town square, chapel and residents will even elect their own 'mayor.'

Celebrity Survivor filming in Far North
Mission Beach and Tully have been placed in the spotlight with a convoy of television crew and celebrities swarming the area for the filming of the latest Celebrity Survivor show. About 300 people, including directors and 25 camera operators, have gathered at the towns to prepare for filming of the British Celebrity Survivor. Celebrities believed to be short-listed include former Spice girl Mel B, Rowan Atkinson, Naked Chef Jamie Oliver and athlete Linford Christie. Filming is to commence this weekend.

America's Cup fleet will visit Cairns
A convoy of about 20 luxury super yachts will flock to Cairns after the America's Cup in New Zealand in February, more than the city usually sees in a year. About 100 super yachts ranging from 30m in length or longer and worth between $20 million and $150 million are expected in New Zealand leading up to the America's Cup, with many stopping in Cairns.

Taipans may seek public float
The Far north may soon have a financial stake in the region's only national sporting team with a plan being considered by the McDonald's Hot FM Cairns Taipans. A market research questionnaire has been pitched to gauge local interest for a possible public float of the Taipans in the 2002-03 financial year. Options being considered by Cairns Taipans Basketball directors to generate more income include a public float, part or full ownership of a social venue and a commercial ticketing division, selling tickets to all Taipans games and other Cairns based events.