00:02The boats are in gear and the fish are biting as the 20th annual Barra Bonanza in Cardwell gets underway.
00:12It's pretty amazing what's happened for the town.
00:15Pioneered by two friends, it's become a major drawcard for the region.
00:19I'm pretty chuffed. I get emotional when you walk in there and you see all them people.
00:25From our point of view we're just glad to be able to put something back into Cardwell.
00:28While the event attracts hundreds of keen anglers, they can't help but lament what it could be.
00:35Since Cyclone Yarsi crossed the coast in 2011, access to Port Hinchinbrook has been restricted by the tide.
00:43It's been choked up with silt and everything like that.
00:45Hopefully there's not too many people who get stuck trying to get back in.
00:49You've really got to watch your tides.
00:52There's many occasions where you sit out there and wait for the tide to come in.
00:55The state government recently acquired the land, announcing plans to restore the port and dredge the area.
01:02But environmentalists have warned this could cause further harm.
01:06It should be obvious to anyone who visits this area that this is a relatively pristine wilderness.
01:14This is not a place for a development like this to happen.
01:18Others are hopeful a renewed port will help Cardwell prosper.
01:22Once that happens, I can tell you what, the whole town will be pumping again.
01:26It is so important to Shine.
01:27By tonight, you've said the night to help close the island of American s triangles.
01:28Now, I'll see you in the corner on the lines of your tides.
