The weekly wrap

The week that was in Cairns

The seven stories Cairns read most over the last seven days.

1. 1

   Community

   New coral discoveries off Queensland coast highlight reef's resilience and research value

   Scientists have identified more than 110 new species in the Coral Sea, expanding knowledge of biodiversity near Cairns.

   By The Daily Cairns · 26 June 2026

2. 2

   Business

   Landmark $1.2 billion Hamilton Island sale to US equity firm reshapes Barrier Reef tourism landscape

   Blackstone's acquisition of the tropical resort island signals major shift in ownership and development of Great Barrier Reef destinations.

   By The Daily Cairns · 26 June 2026

3. 3

   Community

   Winter school holidays bring ramped-up police patrols across Queensland roads

   Operation Yankee Cold Snap deploys officers statewide to tackle dangerous driving as travel increases during the break.

   By The Daily Cairns · 26 June 2026

4. 4

   Finance

   Queensland faces ratings downgrade threat despite coal windfall, treasurers warn

   Record coal royalties offer short-term relief, but rising deficits put the state's credit rating at risk.

   By The Daily Cairns · 26 June 2026

5. 5

   Business

   Minimum wage rises and super changes come July 1: what Cairns workers and employers need to know

   Queensland workers and businesses will navigate new pay rules and superannuation arrangements from the start of the new financial year.

   By The Daily Cairns · 26 June 2026

6. 6

   Finance

   Superannuation borrowing rules tighten under Labor-Greens tax deal

   Self-managed super funds face fresh limits as government and Greens pass CGT and negative gearing reforms.

   By The Daily Cairns · 26 June 2026

7. 7

   Finance

   Apple price hikes add to cost pressures facing Cairns businesses and families

   Australian consumers face 20 per cent or more increases on Macbooks and iPads as tech giant cites AI development.

   By The Daily Cairns · 26 June 2026