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

Monday February 4, 2002 51st Edition

It has been a week of big storms, old war relics being exploded on remote sandy cays and push by local businesses to make the floral shirt standard business attire. All in all, a standard week for Cairns, never dull and always interesting.

Storm lashes Cairns
The wet season is struggling to take a hold in the tropical north, however despite a lack of rain there have been some major electrical storms, which have caused chaos with power grids in the region. On Saturday night Cairns was hit with the largest storm of the season, which resulted in 12,000 home losing power for over 40 minutes. The storm unleashed hundreds of lightning strikes but little rain.

World War II mine found on sandy cay
A sixty-year-old land mine was discovered on a tropical sandy cay 30 km from Cairns last week. The mine was exposed after unusual weather conditions eroded sand from an area that would not normally have been affected. Sudbury Cay is a popular destination for local residents to fish and dive. The navy were called in to detonate the mine as it was deemed to unstable to move. After the explosion a 3m deep crater was left behind which did not damage any of the surrounding live coral.

Hardware giant opens new shop
Bunnings has opened a new hardware supershop in Cairns. The $18 million business is expected to create over 150 jobs, a much need boost for the region. The new store is one of many that have opened in Cairns in recent months.

Taipans coach furious over lost game
From elation to misery is how coach Guy Molloy is being quoted, after the Taipans lost a vital game against the Sydney Kings in the last few minutes of the Saturday night clash. Coach Molloy stated that his team's performance was pathetic, a strong condemnation for the team that were level with the Sydney Kings only four minutes from the final siren. The Kings went on to win 96-84.

Organic dairy farm opens to the public
The first organic dairy farm in the region, Mungalli Creek Dairy, has opened its doors to the general public with the official opening of the tasting showroom called "Out of the Whey". The farms owners Robert and Sally Watson have been pioneers in the field of organic dairy farming, producing yoghurt, cream, milk, cheese and butter.

Virgin Airlines looks at building a new terminal
Virgin Airlines has admitted that the facilities in Cairns are less than perfect for their operation and they have started to discuss the possibility of building their own terminal facilities at the Cairns Airport. Virgin Blue is experiencing similar problems at other airport around the country, being forced to use makeshift terminals in the wake of the ANSETT collapse.

Campaign calls for more casual look
Leading Cairns business people and politicians have called for business people in the region to dress more practically and to adopt a more tropical flare to their outfits. The new drive is an initiative of local businessman, Lou Gianolla, Manager of Tuna Towers Apartments. Floral shirts are being introduced as part of the standard dress at the apartments and Mr Gianolla hope that it will spread to other businesses.

Taipans go down to an inform Victorian Titans
Cairns Taipans have had a disappointing loss against the Victorian Titans on Saturday night, going down 96-86. Whilst the game was close until the final stages, the Titans are an in form team, notching up their eight straight victory.