Kristy Sexton-McGrath
Cairns, QLD
Kristy Sexton-McGrath is senior journalist based in Cairns in Far North Queensland. She studied journalism at James Cook University in Townsville and worked for major newspaper mastheads in Sydney and Brisbane before joining the ABC in 2005. Twitter: @kristysexton
Latest by Kristy Sexton-McGrath
Environment minister delays decision on one of Queensland's biggest wind farm developments
Ark Energy wants to build the $1 billion wind farm west of Cairns but conservationists have expressed concern about the location, which borders a national park that is home to several endangered and threatened species.
Police charge man with murder of Cape York woman missing for a decade
The Kowanyama woman was 23 when she was last seen with a quarry caretaker more than 10 years ago, leading to a long-running inquest and a $500,000 reward.
Warning about displaced crocodiles issued after 3.5m saltie spotted in Cairns creek
Major flooding in the Far North last month may mean that crocodiles are on the move and residents are being urged to exercise caution in areas not usually inhabited by the reptiles.
Tourism bookings blown away by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper as industry says it's open for business
Tourism authorities are counting the costs of mass cancellations in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, but are ready and raring to receive travellers to Far North Queensland.
Residents begin to assess damage from ex-Cyclone Jasper as heavy rain and flood threat persist — as it happened
Several people have been evacuated and the extent of the damage is beginning to emerge in Far North Queensland as ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper continues to cause widespread heavy rain and flooding.
Teen critically injured after slipping from FNQ waterfall
A teenage boy is in a critical condition with serious head and chest injuries after falling from a waterfall in Far North Queensland.
Tourism body defends safety record after death of second tourist in their 70s on Great Barrier Reef
Queensland's workplace safety regulator has urged the increased vigilance of dive operators after the deaths of two tourists in their 70s on snorkelling trips in a matter of weeks.
Inquest hears ex-Army reservist fired at police and rescue helicopter before he was fatally shot
A coronial inquest examining the death of Mossman man Khrys Alan Mark-Kelly Vignes has heard the 30-year-old fired a rifle at police and a rescue helicopter before he was killed in an 11-hour siege in 2020.
3m crocodile, Sydney radio host's uneaten lunch found on riverbank as search suspended
The search for former 2GB fishing show host Roman Butchaski has been suspended in Far North Queensland.
Australia's northernmost sugar mill goes into voluntary administration despite $45 million from taxpayers
Mossman Sugar Mill, an operation north of Cairns employing around 150 workers and supplied by about 80 growers, is placed into voluntary administration.
Queensland teacher accused of hundreds of child exploitation offences denied bail
A Queensland state school teacher has been refused bail, accused of more than 200 child exploitation offences. He was arrested last week but a court has heard investigations have uncovered further alleged offences.
Police locate four puppies, one hidden under a bed, allegedly stolen by teenagers in Cairns
Four newborn puppies have been returned to their distraught owner after they were allegedly stolen from a home in Cairns on Wednesday.
Historical sugar mill at risk despite $45m boost from taxpayers
The future of Australia's northernmost sugar mill is in doubt, sparking fears about what lies ahead for growers and the shire that relies on its economic heft.
Sydney radio host identified as fisher missing in Queensland crocodile habitat
Police say former 2GB broadcaster Roman Butchaski's car has been found near a remote Cape York river system and a massive search is underway.
Search underway for missing Sydney fisherman in Far North Queensland
Police say the man, who set off from Bramwell Station, was "well prepared" for the fishing trip but note it is a known crocodile habitat.
Dodo relative's mysterious appearance on tropical island baffles bird experts
Usually found in South East Asia, the colourfully plumed Nicobar pigeon has been spotted living its "best life" on Green Island off the coast of Cairns, delighting tourist and puzzling scientists.
Union's price gouging inquiry hears some Queenslanders paying nearly $100 for a leg of ham
A union-backed probe hears Cape York residents are paying exorbitant prices for meat, and up to $2.87 a litre for diesel, while a retired nurse has been forced to go without insurance to make ends meet.
Toyah Cordingley's accused killer set to face trial in Cairns as defence lawyer seeks DNA evidence
Police have taken 500 witness statements in their case against a man they allege murdered Toyah Cordingley at a beach north of Cairns, a court has heard.
This proud dairy region ran out of milk, but new farming families are providing hope for the future
Built on the back of the dairy industry, Atherton Tablelands families are bucking the trend as family-owned dairy farms are being deserted in other parts of Australia.
Once favoured by celebrities, Double Island is now a ruin and the Queensland government has had enough
The government has run out of patience, filing legal action over a derelict tropical island resort off Cairns once frequented by Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.
Tributes flow for former Cairns mayor who helped transform city into an international tourism destination
Former mayor and Vietnam veteran Kevin Byrne is remembered as a trailblazer unafraid to make bold decisions, such as establishing the popular Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, after he passed away on Thursday at the age of 74.
Rare cockatoo known as the Ringo Starr of the bird world also a 'master sculptor', researchers find
A rare and endangered bird that fashions drumsticks from wood and seed pods also has a flair for individual design, according to Australian National University researchers at work in Far North Queensland.
Police launch a major investigation into teen's disappearance as fears for his safety grow
Markyia Major, 17, from Yarrabah, near Cairns, has not had any contact with family for a month or accessed his bank account.
Controversial wind farm planned near World Heritage area downsized again and renamed
The Chalumbin Wind Farm, which will now be known as the Wooroora Station Wind Farm, is scaled back to 42 turbines.
Crash disaster inquest finds 'essential, readily available' warning system could have saved lives
A coroner has criticised the aviation watchdog for failing to mandate a critical early warning device for pilots in the wake of a catastrophic plane crash in Far North Queensland.