General News
28 August, 2024
Science at work at shire HQ
YOU won’t see test tubes, bunsen burners and telescopes at Douglas Shire Council but you will see many of their staff using science at work.
Acting chief executive officer Paul Hoye, who holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environment) degree, said science “allows you to question how something may work, why plants or animals are in an area, what’s the effect of a stream and what is happening upwards or downwards in that stream or the ecosystem itself”.
“Last week I got to visit the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) in Cape Cleveland. To see the research on the living corals to find ways to keep coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef as the sea temperature rises and the oceans acidify was incredible and inspiring,” he said.
Resource recovery officer Abbey Hastie holds Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws degrees.
“An understanding of where things come from (resources), how they are used and where they can end up (recycled, landfill or in the environment as litter) is fundamental in the waste industry,” she said.
Customer service officer Natalia Lucano is a former zoo keeper and holds a Bachelor of Animal Science (Natural Science) degree.
The passionate conservationist likes to “share her knowledge of the natural environment and inspire travellers and locals who stop by the Mossman Pool and Caravan Park”.
Other staff use their scientific backgrounds to deliver safe drinking water, to assess weather patterns and to raise awareness about diseases.
n Asia.
“The urban Asian middle-class is expanding rapidly and these flights will allow Cairns to tap into new source markets,” he said.
“The route will also be attractive for travellers connecting from Europe and the United Kingdom, particularly the youth and group series markets wanting a stopover in Indonesia.”
Cairns Airport chief executive officer Richard Barker said the inaugural flight was a significant milestone for the wider Tropical North Queensland region.
“AirAsia is one of the world’s most recognisable airline brands and is renowned in the industry as Asia’s first low cost, low fare carrier,” he said. “This new service will offer immense benefits to our region and many key industries, providing seamless, affordable connections to Cairns from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and domestic Indonesia, which will bolster visitation and business opportunities from these major, populous markets.
“Bali is also a highly popular destination for locals, and we know this new service has been well-received by holidaymakers across Tropical North Queensland.”
AirAsia Indonesia chief executive officer Veranita Yosephine said the airline was connecting millions of Indonesians and many more millions of guests from Asia and beyond via Bali to Tropical North Queensland’s gateway.
“We see great demand, not only for this new direct route. Everyone loves Bali but at the same time we see many opportunities to promote the incredible tourism highlights in the far north of Queensland to our international guests like the Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven wonders of the world and to visit the amazing world-renowned rainforests,” she said.
