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

Monday May 20, 2002 66th Edition

The most positive news to hit the papers in Cairns this week is the continued strong growth of Japanese tourists visiting the region. National trends have shown a steady decline in Japanese tourist numbers in other traditional tourism strongholds whilst the growth into Cairns is up 32 per cent on the same period last year.

Japanese tourist numbers continue to grow
Japanese tourist arrivals into Cairns have grown to the highest levels ever and the first four months of this year showed an increase of 32 per cent on the same period last year. Cairns is considered one of the two main destinations in the world for Japanese travellers, the other is mainland China. The major Japanese tour operators have expressed the opinion that this growth will continue for the next 5-10 years, which comes amidst the overall growing confidence in the Cairns region has a premium tourism destination.

Cairns shipbuilder in bid for $200 million contract
NQEA Australia is one of the leading shipbuilders in the country. In a bid that would be worth $200 million the Cairns economy, the company has submitted a tender to build three coast guard vessels. The company is also waiting to hear if it has been successful in its bid for a $500 million contract to build the Royal Australian Navy's new patrol boats. It the company wins one contract the economical boost to the region will be very noticeable but local economists are predicting that if the company is successful in both bids it will result in a economical boom period for the region.

Cairns streets taken over by dogs
Large numbers of dogs and their owners marched along the Cairns Esplanade on Sunday morning to show their support for the ultimate animal lovers cause. Throughout the month of May funds are being raised for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Spokesperson for RSPCA, Claire Munro, said that the relay would start in Cairns and work its way to Brisbane. Last year 26,000 animals and 36,000 owners walked in 60 centres across Australia. "The RSPCA is working to raise awareness of animal welfare issues to better the care and protection of Queensland animals".

New mining centre for Chillagoe
Chillagoe has a long established history as one of the mining capitals and frontier towns of Australian history. To recognise the growing interest in this area, the Queensland Heritage Trails Network, is spending $2 million to develop a mining precinct to represent the mining history throughout the region. Part of this project is the development of a $1.1 million interpretative centre due to open in Chillagoe on July 1st.

Royal Flying Doctor Service celebrates 74th birthday
For many people the Royal Flying Doctor Service is the only source of medical attention in remote and isolated parts of Australia. The Queensland chapter of the organisation has celebrated its 74th anniversary last week. As part of the milestone, the RFDS has launched a new fund raising promotion called "Fly with an Angel" to ensure that this vital service continues to receive the funding necessary to cover all areas of outback Queensland.

The Cairns Post - 120 years old and going strong
The Cairns Post had its official 120th birthday party last week. As one of the oldest papers in Australia, The Cairns Post has provided a key communication channel for residents throughout North Queensland.

Federal Budget boost to Cairns
The Federal Budget has been handed down with the various praise and complaints that come from both sides of the political fence. Cairns has fared well with confirmation of funding to complete the Esplanade Redevelopment Project and other infrastructure projects in the region. Tourism marketing and promotion was also a winner in the latest budget, which for many people showed that the Government has finally given tourism the recognition that it deserves.