It has been revealed that a Cairns Regional Council employee was one of the passengers involved in a helicopter crash at Whyanbeel, north of Mossman, earlier today.

Council CEO Lyn Russell has confirmed that the Mossman-based Land Management Officer was injured in the incident, which occurred after midday.

The Mossman-based Land Management Officer was taking part in aerial weed surveys as part of the Four Tropical Weeds Eradication Program, led by the Queensland Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).

“The Council employee has been taken to Mossman Hospital, where he is receiving treatment,” Ms Russell said.

Ms Russell said she and all Council staff were wishing their fellow employee a quick recovery.

The Council employee was one of four people on board the helicopter when it appeared to have struck powerlines. Council believes two DEEDI employees were also on board.

Mayor Val Schier, speaking from Japan, said her thoughts were with the families of the four injured people.

“I was saddened to hear about this incident, which occurred during routine weed inspections,” Cr Schier said.

“My thoughts are with those involved and their families.”