THE MARINE & Outdoors group, which started with a single outlet just a few years ago in Tolga on the Atherton Tableland, had its official opening of its third store in Cairns on October 18. Local radio station Hot FM was on hand for a live broadcast on the Saturday, and the party and opening specials continued all weekend.

Coastal Marine & Outdoors brings an exciting concept to the Cairns retail boating market, with a one-stop shop covering a huge range of boating and associated leisure pursuits. As well as the expected boat and outboard marine supplies, customers can get their watersport, camping, fishing and refrigeration supplies at the one shop, seven days a week.

To check out this fantastic leisure store drop into the premises at 370 Mulgrave Rd in Cairns, give them a call on (07) 4033 1344 or e-mail --e-mail address hidden--

1) Coastal Marine & Outdoors set up ready to party on their official opening.

TITLE: Tinaroo hazards

LAKE Tinaroo at the time of writing is at 29% capacity and falling. Without a major weather event this is unlikely to improve dramatically and boaties need to be careful as this is the second lowest the dam has been since its initial filling. There have already been some bad accidents and without care there could be a fatality.

Water skiing and jet skiing are totally banned until further notice, but the dam will not be closed to all boating according to Bob Koch, District Manager of the Boating and Fisheries Patrol, which controls boating safety on the lake. Mr Koch wants boaties to be aware, however, that the duty of care when boating on the lake lies with the driver and it is their responsibility to operate safely.