Your daily local news briefing // Wednesday 3 May 2017

WEATHER FORECAST
Cairns: 24-30C max, 40% chance of rain
Port Douglas: 23-28C max, 50% chance of rain
Mareeba: 18-28C max, 30% chance of rain
Innisfail: 21-29C max, 50% rain


TODAY'S TOP STORIES

URGENT NEED FOR REHAB CENTRE
New figures show hundreds of extra people require treatment for drug and alcohol issues in Cairns, but there is a dire lack of facilities to help them.
Despite a rise of more than 500 presentations to the city's Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs service during the past 12 months, social service workers told News Corp the closest detox facility is located near Mareeba.

HIGH FLYERS VISIT TNQ FOR AVIATION SCHOOL TALKS
The potential for an aviation and flying school to be built in the Far North is “enormous”, and could have huge economic benefits for the region, according to education industry leaders.
Chinese delegates are visiting Mareeba this week to discuss the possibility of the establishment of a multi-million dollar flying school there aimed at training Chinese pilots.
Full story to come in TropicNow.

FISHERMEN RESCUED AFTER NIGHT AT SEA
Three Yarrabah men have been found safe and well after a casual fishing trip turned into an unexpected night at sea.
The trio left Yarrabah yesterday to go fishing, before their vessel broke down around 7pm in an area between Batt Reef and Double Island.
Family members contacted police around 11pm, sparking a search and rescue mission; the men were found anchored east of Wangetti by the Queensland Government rescue helicopter at about 3.30am.

VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
A Candle Lighting Ceremony this afternoon will pay tribute to the women and children who have lost their lives due to domestic and family violence.
Part of today’s National Day of Remembrance, the vigil will honour those affected by violence, and support those left behind.
In 2016, a woman in Australia was killed by a current or former male partner nearly every week.
The ceremony will begin at 5.30pm at the Hilton’s 6 Degrees Terrace.

COACH GREEN CALLS FOR NRL SCHEDULE SHAKE-UP
Never one to shy away from an outspoken comment, Cowboys coach Paul Green has called on NRL officials to reschedule the State of Origin for October after the grand final is played.
Green said mid-season injuries suffered during the State of Origin and other matches such as the ANZAC test were too detrimental to club games.
“If you lose a big-name rep player in these games, as a club it makes it very difficult to win the comp,” Green said.