Your daily local news briefing // Friday 19 May 2017

WEATHER FORECAST
Cairns: 21-28C max, 80% chance of rain
Port Douglas: 23-27C max, 80% chance of rain
Mareeba: 20-26C max, 90% chance of rain
Innisfail: 21-25C max, 80% rain


TODAY'S TOP STORIES

EDMONTON BOMB: A “LETHAL RISK”
It is believed that police are investigating whether the bomb found beside the Bruce Highway on Wednesday was made from the same substance which maimed a Queensland teenager four years ago.
A volatile substance found in a golf ball bomb blew apart the Ipswich teen’s hands in 2013.
Far North police Insp Rhys Newton told News Corp that there had been a “lethal risk” within 50m of the Edmonton bomb, taking in the southbound side of the highway and the railway.
Police are urging whoever was responsible for the bomb to come forward.

RENEWED CALL FOR CAIRNS PORT UPGRADE
Two of Australia’s biggest cruise operators have called for port upgrades for Cairns and across the nation, so that bigger ships could be accommodated.
Carnival Australia (P & O Cruises and Princess Cruises) and RCL Cruises (Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises) said the factors holding back growth were better port facilities and more capacity throughout Australia.
An upgrade to the Cairns port would allow ships as long as 300m to enter. At present, large ships – such as the 293m long Radiance of the Seas – have to anchor off Yorkeys Knob.
A revised Environmental Impact Statement, which has studied the dredging of the Cairns’ shipping channel, will be released next month.

BIG EVENT FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Cairns kids, get set for a rip-roaring Sunday at Edge Hill’s Cairns Children’s Festival.
The annual event will feature shows and interactive activities spanning visual and performing arts, music, film and technology.
The festival is free, but will include some ticketed events including Frank Woodley Noodlenut and kid-friendly stunt show, Diamonds Found in Dreams.
The festival will run between 9am-3pm across the Botanic Garden and Tanks Arts Centre.

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS… BY SINKING SUDS
Fancy a Friday arvo ale somewhere a little different? Smithfield boutique bar-microbrewery Macalister Brewing Company opens its doors today, and its location – set among a sea of sugarcane – couldn’t be any more TNQ.
Established by award-winning brewer – and current Head of Science at Smithfield High – Rob Callin, the new venue serves unpasteurised, unfiltered beer made on-site. Beers on tap include Cairns Pale and Latitude 17, named after Cairns’ location.
Macalister Brewing Company, at 6 Danbulan St, Smithfield, is open today between noon-6pm, tomorrow between noon-10pm and / Sat noon-10pm and Sun noon-7pm.

WEEKEND SPORT ROUND-UP
FNQ Heat will take on South West Queensland Thunder in Toowoomba on Saturday, with coach Tim Campbell calling the clash a “must-win” match.
“If we want to be in the playoffs this year, we need to come back with a result; the players know that,” Mr Campbell told News Corp.
It will be the first showdown between the teams since their all-in brawl at Barlow Park in the last game of the regular season.
On Sunday, Northern Pride will face off against Souths Logan Magpies in a “crucial” Intrust Super Cup clash.
Pride will have Cowboys centre Javid Bowen – making his return from a shoulder injury – on their side, a much-needed boost for the side, given they have key players sidelined due to injury and suspension.