It has been a major story this week - dozens of foreign nationals reached land in North Queensland near Weipa in what it is being described as an alleged people smuggling operation.

But the most alarming thing is they made land fall, and this isn’t the first time dodgy vessels have crossed our borders.

It was only back in March we were speaking to charter boats up in Cape York after illegal fishing vessels were constantly being seized and destroyed.

When will more start to be done.

It was only right for us to ring the fishing communities of Weipa about how they felt about the entire situation and the things we were told were shocking.

We hear from Research Professor at JCU, Jamie Seymour, who has visited Weipa frequently and has more insights into the practices up in these remote parts.

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It's a debate that's making waves across Australia. With commercial net fishing set to be phased out, some in the fishing industry are warning the move could have serious consequences.

They say removing the nets could lead to a boom in shark numbers, which we are already seeing way more in our waters. This in turn would increase the risk for recreational fishers, divers and tourists in some of the state's most popular waters.

So, what really happens if the nets come out.

Nathan Rynn from East Edge Fishing joins Burty to talk through the realities of this huge change, and what needs to be done before it's too late.

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The Queensland Government has announced a $2.4 million investment into world-leading shark research, with scientists set to study everything from shark DNA to tracking their movements in a bid to improve swimmer safety and strengthen the state's Shark Control Program. The research will focus on species like bull sharks and tiger sharks and aims to give the most comprehensive picture yet of Queensland's shark populations.

Deputy Director General Fisheries and Forestry, Pauline Jacob, joins Burty to explain what this research means and why it's important.

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Today, we have the opportunity to discuss the future of recreational fishing, including the role of fishing licences, sustainable fisheries management, and ensuring Queensland's waterways remain healthy and accessible for generations of anglers to come.

Burty chats to The Hon. Bob Baldwin - Independent Chair Australian Fishing Trade Association to get his take on this.

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There have been renewed calls to better manage Queensland's shark population, with anglers and recreational fishers claiming shark numbers are booming and encounters are becoming more common.

Earlier this year it was revealed that more than 3,400 sharks were caught on drumlines between the Gold Coast and Cairns during 2025 – more than double the previous year and more than triple the year prior to that.

So what is making them venture closer to the shore?

Many recreational and commercial fishers are worried about this and they want to see action. But do they really have the right to be worried?

Shark Expert at Bond University, Dr Daryl McPhee, joins Burty to talk more about what is happening with our shark populations.

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The Queensland state government has accused the Federal Government of delivering what has been described as a "sucker punch" to the state's disaster recovery efforts - following a proposal to change the way natural disaster funding is shared between Canberra and the state governments.

Under the changes, disaster recovery costs would change where states would have to invest more into disaster funding which would rip millions from the state. With Queensland being the most disaster-prone state in Australia, many regard this as unacceptable.

Queensland's Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, Ann Leahy, joins Burty to talk more on just how bad this move could be.

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For many Australians, childhood memories are filled with climbing trees, building cubby houses, riding bikes with friends and spending hours outdoors without a care in the world. But experts are warning that today's children are spending less time in unstructured play. We are seeing increased screen time, overloaded schedules, way too many safety concerns and changing communities all contributing to a decline in opportunities for children to simply play. Research continues to show that play is critical for developing resilience, problem-solving skills, creativity, social connections and emotional wellbeing.

But without outdoor play - what does that mean?

Play Australia is calling for governments to place a greater focus on play, including the development of a national play strategy to help ensure every child has access to quality play opportunities. Robyn Monro Miller, CEO of Play Australia, joins Burty to talk more about their proposal.

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As we know today is Queensland Day and around the state, Queenslanders have been celebrating what makes this great state so special.

If you're looking for one of Queensland's best camping and 4WD destinations look no further than Gordon Country in the beautiful Goomburra Valley. Gordons Country was just recognised with a Queensland Day Award as Queensland's Best 4WD and Camping Spot.

The family-owned property has been welcoming visitors for decades, offering more than 4,000 acres of bushland, creek-front campsites, rainforest scenery and off-road adventures on the edge of the Main Range National Park.

Sue Gordon is the Managing Director of Gordon Country. Along with her husband Ian and family, she has helped build the iconic tourism destination into what it is today. She joins Burty to share more of their history and what they offer to visitors.

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