General News
29 April, 2026
It’s an (Innis) fail
A ROAD sign misspelling the name of the Cassowary Coast’s biggest town has caused a flurry of online jibes, sarcasm and criticism from across the region and beyond.
The social media storm started when local resident Shelley Duncan posted a picture of the destination sign, recently installed near businesses along El Arish-Mission Beach Road, which read ‘Innifail’ rather than Innisfail.
A red-faced Department of Transport and Main Roads has acknowledged the error but says a new sign is about three weeks away from being installed.
There were more than 2000 reactions across several Facebook pages after the picture was shared and reposted – and commenters didn’t hold back.
“They had one job,” was a typical response. “That’s a fail,” another.
The comments went on: “Fail on the Innisfail. Probably proofread by three-four people as well.”
“Poor old Inni, shortchanged again.”
“Oops. That’s a costly spelling error.”
“Billy Slater will be devastated.”
“This is embarrassing.”
Others took a more positive or light-hearted view.
“Oops ... well at least the thought was there.”
One resident suggested leaving the sign as it is.
One post reminded readers of another similar error long ago.
“Back in the ‘70s, as you entered Mirriwinni, the signs read ‘Mirriwini’ at the northern end and ‘Miriwinni’ at the southern end.”
“Not so long ago a sign on Cape York showed Laura, Coen and Wepia (should be Weipa). Probably done at the same time.”
Some of the social media users also said they had reported the misspelt sign to the department responsible for signs – Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
Through a spokesman, the TMR told The Observer the sign will be corrected.
“Spelling errors occur on rare occasions and TMR is reviewing the quality control processes,” the spokesman said.
“The department has ordered a replacement panel to correct the misspelling which will be installed within three weeks.”
The TMR also said that directional signs on state-controlled roads were designed and approved by the department “in accordance with the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and were subject to internal design and approval checks prior to installation.”
Clearly something went wrong at the “approval check” stage – but the department has assured that a replacement panel will be provided by the manufacturer “at minimal cost”.
UPDATE 11:30am
The sign has now been updated.
An eagle-eyed reader sent us this photo she took late on Wednesday morning. See below.
Read More: Mission Beach