Life after school has commenced for Gilroy Santa Maria College’s Class of 2025, with a variety of pathways being undertaken.

The initial weeks after graduation were met with much excitement thanks to the release of academic results, University offers and employment opportunities.

In 2025 GSMC had 100% of Year 12 students obtain their Queensland Certificate of Education, with 93% of that class awarded one or more Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.

From the Class of 2025, 40% of the ATAR eligible students scored 90+, with two graduating students receiving Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority Subject Achievement Commendations for achieving 100% in General English.

Some GSMC school leavers have grabbed the tool belt and commenced apprenticeships, some have stepped straight into full time employment, and others have just packed their bags for the first year of University.

Locally, seven 2025 Year 12 students have commenced employment across Ingham, made possible thanks to the GSMC Work Placement Program which students are able to undertake from Year 10.

There are also four former GSMC School-Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship students transitioning into full time employment this year with businesses such as: Devietti Motors, Scott Gibson Building, Logilytics and SpinFX Electrical.

While these alumni have left the school yard behind, the next group of GSMC students have been warmly welcomed in Year 7.

Students from across the district have graduated from numerous primary schools to now call themselves part of the GSMC family.  

While their journey in the college colours is just beginning, if they share the same success as our recent graduates, there will be plenty to celebrate for the Class of 2031.

The owner of Bookkeeping Solutions by Jane, Jane Carne will be bringing expert business advice to her workshop, Future Ready Hinchinbrook Workshop on February 22^nd at the NQ Collector’s Function Room in Ingham, running from 8am to 12pm. With a wealth of wisdom, experience and knowledge, the morning event is set to be a valuable discussion of finding motivation and success in small business.

“It’s a chance to give community an opportunity to sit down and look at their business. They can ask themselves – what is working? What isn’t working”, said Jane.

“It encourages people to step out of the day-to-day stuff and look at what they want to achieve in the next six to twelve months. They will have the opportunity to interact with like-minded people in the field. If someone’s having a problem, they can discuss it with other business owners who may be facing similar issues. It’s a supportive practical get-together.”

After six months of event hosting and organisation, this is the last Jane will be doing in collaboration with the council, however she is thankful for her experience.

“It’s been a really wonderful experience. It’s been so good to see how the community has come back after what was quite a devastating event. But now it’s time. We’ve got ourselves back on our feet. Life is getting back to normal and it’s time to look to the future.”

These events have been jointly funded by Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to support Queensland communities in their recovery from the North and Far North Tropical Low commencing the 29^th January 2025 event.

With state-of-the-art equipment, outstanding service and a hands-on approach to every project, LiquaForce continue to prove they are shaping the future of fertilising across North Queensland. Servicing the region from Mackay to Mossman, the locally based, family-owned business has built a reputation grounded in reliability, innovation and genuine care for the communities it supports.

For years, LiquaForce has worked alongside local growers, understanding that success in agriculture is not just about products, but about people. Their commitment extends beyond paddocks and production figures, with a strong focus on supporting farming families, regional employment and the long-term sustainability of the agricultural industry. This close connection to the community has helped establish deep trust and lasting partnerships throughout the sugarcane and horticulture sectors.

LiquaForce has consistently delivered results by providing tailored liquid fertilising solutions designed to meet the specific needs of North Queensland soils and conditions. Their proven ability to service the agricultural and liquid fertilising requirements of the region has positioned them as a dependable partner during both challenging and prosperous seasons.

Following the acquisition by listed company RLF AgTech Limited in 2024, LiquaForce now offers an expanded range of advanced products and the capacity to support a broader variety of crop types. This growth strengthens their ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the local knowledge and community focus that define the business.

LiquaForce fertilisers deliver measurable benefits, including increased yields, improved sugar production, reduced labour demands and optimised nutrient efficiency. By minimising leaching and downtime, they help growers maximise outputs while protecting their land for future generations, reinforcing LiquaForce’s ongoing commitment to both productivity and community resilience.

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The New Year is certainly off and racing. The kids are back at school, and we slip back to normality after another festive season flashes by.

For property owners, you may have recently received your rates notice for the period from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026.

We are all feeling the costofliving pressures, and Council is mindful of this.

We are careful about how rates are applied, trying to minimise rate increases while providing the services that our community needs, and considering what the community wants.

The services that we need to supply to the community are crucial, with some of the basics being roads, rubbish, water, and sewerage.

It is unavoidable that the costs of delivering these basic services increase each year.

The services that the community wants are something different.

If the community wants extra services in any area, this comes at an extra cost.

Whilst community wants are important, we have to be mindful and balance this with what ratepayers are able to afford.

This year, the State ValuerGeneral will be conducting updated valuations.

I would say that valuations will increase since the last valuation conducted in 2023.

As you may be aware, a portion of rates payable is based on the valuation.

What is important, however, is the rate in the dollar, or the multiplier, which has to be carefully considered before being applied.

If you are not aware, you can arrange a rate payment plan with Council. Payments can be made at any time.

Any payments made in advance throughout the year will sit as a credit against the property until the next rates notice is issued.

In addition, if you are finding it difficult to make payment, you can discuss other repayment options with the Rates Department — they will be happy to assist.

For more information, you can also visit:
https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/our-council/rates-and-charges/rates-payments-plans/

And finally, what a great weekend of entertainment coming up, with Tones and I playing at the Showgrounds on Friday, and Diesel playing at the Shire Hall on Saturday.

Let’s show them how we rock ’n’ roll Ingham — The Hinchinbrook Way!

Until next time, take care and be kind.

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The Government is delivering easier access to health services with experienced paramedics set to be able to work in remote hospitals and health services from April – an Australian-first initiative.  

The new Remote Hospitals Paramedic role will take effect from 1 April 2026 in Queensland’s most remote towns, strengthening frontline care and supporting local health services to respond to workforce shortages in rural and remote communities.

When Remote Hospitals Paramedics are not responding to emergencies in the community, they will be able to work collaboratively alongside doctors, nurses and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers to deliver more care closer to home.  

Under the new model, these paramedics will deliver both primary and emergency care in Queensland Health’s remote health services including hospitals, general practices, residential aged care facilities, and primary health care clinics.  

The first Queensland Health Remote Hospitals Paramedics are expected to commence mid-year.

The nation-leading initiative responds directly to findings from the Government’s Workforce Gap Analysis, which highlighted the depth of the health workforce crisis.

The Analysis revealed that 72 per cent of workforce growth over the past 10 years occurred primarily in metropolitan areas, while rural and remote Queensland was left facing mounting shortages. Although the Analysis found no workforce gaps for Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics in South Queensland, it showed challenges persisted in attracting and retaining paramedics in rural and remote communities under conventional workforce models.    

The Remote Hospitals Paramedics role is part of the Government’s broader work to strengthen the health workforce, including:

• The rollout of Hospital Based Ambulances across rural Queensland where local health staff and volunteers are now being provided a proper ambulance, life-saving equipment, and training, instead of relying on non-ambulance vehicles to respond to emergencies
• Axing the GP payroll tax within the first month of government
• Introducing a $24 million GP Trainee Incentive to support the next generation of doctors and strengthen the GP pipeline
• Rolling out a $6.8 million Single Employer Model pilot to improve GP distribution in rural and remote areas
• Expanding regional GP access to specialist advice through a $6.4 million investment, reducing the need for patients to travel for care.
• Changing regulations to allow Queensland GPs to diagnose and treat adults with ADHD, improving access to important treatment and reducing long travel times for rural patients.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government was delivering easier access to health services for all Queenslanders.

“These targeted reforms are about fixing a system left under strain after a decade of neglect under Labor, and restoring easier access to health services for rural, regional and remote Queenslanders,’ Minister Nicholls said.

“Traditional workforce models alone are not meeting the needs of our most remote communities, which is why we are backing new and flexible ways of delivering care.

“The nation-leading Paramedic, Remote Hospitals model will give remote hospitals and health services greater flexibility to respond to local health needs and workforce challenges, and ultimately, improve access to care.

“Paramedics are highly trained clinicians with strong skills in assessment and acute care, and those skills are incredibly valuable in remote hospitals and clinics where clinicians must manage a wide range of health presentations.”  

Nine Queensland Health HHSs have facilities in areas classified as remote and very remote (Modified Monash Model) and will be able to employ paramedics within their facilities under the Directive.  

These include:

• Cairns and Hinterland HHS
• Central Queensland HHS
• Central West HHS
• Darling Downs HHS
• Mackay HHS
• North West HHS
• South West HHS
• Torres and Cape HHS
• Townsville HHS

‘The Government is delivering easier access to health services with experienced paramedics set to be able to work in remote hospitals and health services from April’

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Winning the Hinchinbrook by-election was an honour that carries a great responsibility — one I will never take for granted. From day one, I have taken that responsibility seriously and committed myself to being a strong, local voice for our community.

Since being sworn in just before Christmas, it has been a very busy period. I have had a clear focus on the issues that affect daily life across our electorate.

The Bruce Highway is the backbone of our state, and key sections such as the Gairloch Crossing, Seymour River and the Northern Beaches intersection north of Townsville are relied upon by locals every single day. These roads are essential for getting people to work, kids to school and keeping communities connected. I’ve had ongoing discussions with councils, transport operators and local businesses about improving safety and resilience along these corridors.

Another key priority is Mount Spec Road, a vital lifeline for Paluma and Hidden Valley. Since the February 2025 rain event, residents and businesses have faced closures, detours and ongoing uncertainty, affecting families, local businesses, freight and emergency services. While the fix is complex and weather-challenged, I am committed to working with the community to deliver certainty, safety and get locals and visitors back supporting this beautiful part of our region.

I have already met with the Minister for Transport and his department to advocate for upgrades that deliver real improvements and value for money for Hinchinbrook.

We also cannot talk about Hinchinbrook without addressing Port Hinchinbrook. This long-running issue has created uncertainty for residents, businesses and the environment. Works are progressing, and I look forward to providing an update soon that delivers the clarity and confidence our community deserves.

I’ve also heard directly from farmers frustrated by the excessive drainage regulations of the former labor government that are worsening flooding impacts in our region. I’ve raised these concerns with Minister Dale Last and will continue pushing for practical, sensible solutions.

Finally, congratulations to Ingham businesses and residents on an outstanding campaign to bring Tones and I to town — a huge win for the region. Enjoy the fun on the 20th.

Hinchinbrook deserves a strong future, and I’ll keep working hard to deliver safer roads, stronger communities and a future that works for regional Queensland.

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Tourism operators across the Hinchinbrook Shire are set to benefit from a major funding injection aimed at strengthening disaster resilience, following the devastating North and Far North Queensland floods in early 2025.

As part of the jointly funded Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure Fund: North Queensland Tropical Low (BRTINQ), $4 million has been allocated to support 25 tourism infrastructure projects across Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Traeger and Mundingburra, with local operators among the successful recipients.

Launched in June 2025 under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the fund is designed to help tourism businesses future-proof their operations against increasingly severe weather events. Projects range from the installation of solar systems and battery storage to improved drainage, flood mitigation measures and early warning systems.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the funding demonstrated a strong commitment to the long-term recovery of flood-affected regions.

“Through this program, both levels of government have partnered to help those that were hardest hit by last year’s flood event in North and Far North Queensland to thrive and prepare for the future,” Minister McBain said.

“These businesses not only play a crucial role regionally, driving economies and employing locals, but also provide access to some of Australia’s best tourism destinations for the world.”

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said practical infrastructure upgrades were essential to protecting regional jobs and strengthening the tourism sector.

“Tourism operators need real, practical support to get through natural disasters and come back stronger - that’s how we build a resilient industry for the long term,” Minister Powell said.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo congratulated successful local applicants, welcoming the investment into the shire’s tourism future.

“Well done to the businesses who have been successful in the Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure Fund,” Mayor Jayo said.

“These grants provide vital support for our local businesses, helping them stay competitive, reduce risk, and build long-term resilience.”

A full list of successful recipients is available through the Queensland Government’s Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation website.

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Here’s a fact that bends minds (and horizons): Lucinda’s bulk sugar jetty stretches 5.76 km into the Coral Sea, making it the longest service jetty in the Southern Hemisphere — and yes, it’s so long it visibly follows the curvature of the Earth. Straight up science flex.

Built to export North Queensland sugar to the world, the jetty features a covered conveyor system that carries raw sugar from shore to ship in about 22 minutes. It’s a working piece of industrial history, which means no public access — but don’t worry, the public fishing jetty next door delivers big views and family-friendly casting space.

At sunset, the jetty transforms into a steel ribbon of molten gold. Photographers swear by arriving 15 minutes either side of sundown for colours that cling. Engineering meets escapism here — proof that even infrastructure can glow up on holiday.

See it: hinchinbrookway.com.au

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Did you know that you could fly on major Australian domestic airlines from Ingham’s licensed aerodrome once upon a time? The airlines operating out of the aerodrome were TAA (Trans Australia Airlines) a major Australian domestic airline company, 1946 – 1992 and ANA (Australian National Airways), 1936 - 1957.

In the early 1920s the few small planes that flew into Ingham landed on the racecourse. As Council received more requests for permission to land it was clear that a proper airstrip was needed. Part of the town reserve was cleared but this ground proved swampy and the Controller of Aviation would not give approval for a suggested alternative site because it too was inappropriate.

Then, New England Airways offered to carry out a survey and draw up plans for a licensed aerodrome if Government money could be secured to bring the airstrip up to standard. The Government refused to assist and the strip continued to be used unlicensed. A regular passenger service conducted by The Queensland Air Navigation Limited was supposed to commence in early April 1930 but as the airstrip was still hazardous with cows grazing on the runway and unusable in the wet season the service did not commence.

In emergencies aircraft landed on the golf course and once one used the concrete Fairford Road for takeoff! What excitement that must have caused.

Finally, the Government authorized the Council to borrow money from the Insurance Commissioner to construct a licensed aerodrome. It opened with great ceremony and joy flights on 30 July 1939. It cost £2800 to construct. In a report of the day “Mr. M. I. Grabowskl, manager of Airlines of Australia, said that the aerodrome was one of the finest in the Commonwealth.” Perhaps he should have said state but even that would have been an exaggeration!

However, already in 1940 the airstrip was not fit for use and The Civil Aviation authority required the Council to make repairs so that a license could be issued to reopen. However, with lack of funds over the World War 2 period the airstrip deteriorated badly yet again and became unsuitable for use. Anyway, the types of larger planes coming in use post-war made that airstrip unsuitable.

The construction of a new airstrip with small terminal would enable commercial and transport planes to land. The construction limped along for years due to protracted wet seasons until finally on 24 July1955 the airport opened at a cost of £26000. Plane services began the same week with ANA  southbound aircraft landing on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings with northbound aircraft landing on the same afternoons. TAA offered a similar service with southbound aircraft landing on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and northbound aircraft landing on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. The first planes were DC3s while later Fokker F27s were used. The route was Brisbane-Maryborough-Bundaberg-Gladstone-Rockhampton-Proserpine-Mackay-Townsville-Ingham-Innisfail-Cairns. Again, effusive praise was given for the airport with it being described as “one of the best country landing places in the State.”

The service continued for several decades. One of the last notable landings of larger planes were VIP aircraft, that landed in Ingham on 2 July 1979 bringing Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser for the opening of the Lucinda sugar terminal. Though still a busy airstrip, it is unsuitable for the landing of the huge commercial passenger aircraft in use today.

Contributed with thanks to Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui.

ONE YEAR ON

From late January through to February 2025, authorities issued frequent warnings to residents across the Hinchinbrook Shire, providing updates through the official Hinchinbrook Disaster Information Dashboard as weather conditions intensified.

On 30 January, the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (HLDMG) convened to assess the developing system and resolved to commence preliminary preparations in anticipation of potential flooding.

“Whilst there still remains some uncertainty as to the movements of the present low, what is certain is that the Hinchinbrook district can expect a fair bit of rain one way or the other, both in the lower and upper catchment areas,” HLDMG Chair and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said at the time.

“Given the amount of rain that we have experienced over the past few days, our drainage systems are at capacity, so it is reasonable to expect that some flooding will occur throughout the district, or in parts of our district at least.”

HLDMG advised residents there was a 25 to 35 per cent chance of a tropical cyclone developing in the Coral Sea or Gulf of Carpentaria, while also warning that tides were forecast to reach the highest astronomical levels along much of the Queensland coastline. As a precaution, sandbags were made available in Halifax, Cordelia, Taylors Beach and Ingham, with residents urged to monitor official updates closely.

On Saturday, 1 February, Hinchinbrook Disaster Information confirmed heavy to locally intense rainfall was expected to continue, with warnings issued for potentially dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and damaging winds across the region. Power outages were also reported in Halifax and Taylors Beach, with Ergon Energy crews dispatched to affected areas.

Later that afternoon, a fifth major flood warning was issued for the Herbert River, advising residents in Halifax, Gairloch, Ingham, Abergowrie and Glenegle of escalating flood conditions. At the time, major flooding was occurring along the river to Nash’s Crossing, with forecasts indicating river levels would exceed 14 metres at downstream gauges overnight.

A severe weather warning remained in place across the Herbert and Lower Burdekin regions, as well as parts of the North Tropical Coast, Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders districts.

On 7 February, Queensland Police Service, supported by Defence Australia, delivered essential supplies to isolated residents in Ingham via Chinook helicopters. Queensland Ambulance Service crews also confirmed they were well positioned to support flood-affected communities.

Additional major flood warnings were issued throughout early February as river levels fluctuated. On 11 February, Ergon Energy crews replaced a damaged transformer pole on Abergowrie Road, restoring power to more than 300 residents across surrounding localities. Further works continued as water levels receded across other affected catchments.

Emergency alerts were issued on 12 February for areas between Lannercost, Lucinda, Taylors Beach and Ingham as floodwaters rose again, with residents urged to remain vigilant and prepared.

In the days that followed, Transport and Main Roads Queensland confirmed the staged reopening of flood-affected roadways, including Ollera Creek Bridge on 12 February, Gairloch and the Seymour River route on 14 February, and Anabranch Bridge on 15 February.

In the aftermath of the disaster and throughout the year that followed, extensive recovery programs and financial assistance were made available to homeowners, small businesses, primary producers and community organisations. Hinchinbrook Shire Council worked closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and State Government agencies to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Residents were encouraged to access Community Recovery Hubs across the shire or contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for assistance with grants and support services.

“We know it’s been tough for everyone, but we’re tougher than what the weather has thrown at us,” Mayor Jayo said.

One year on, the 2025 floods remain etched in the history of the Hinchinbrook Shire as a once-in-a-generation event that tested the region in unprecedented ways. Yet from the devastation emerged a community defined not by what was lost, but by its resilience, standing as living proof that while the weather pushed the region to its limits, it never broke it. The strength, compassion and determination of its residents continue to inspire, leaving a legacy of endurance that will shape the shire for generations to come.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this event and may be feeling distressed, support is available. Readers are encouraged to contact Lifeline’s Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline on 1800 116 671 to speak confidentially with a trained disaster counsellor, available 24 hours a day.

This year, Canegrowers celebrates an extraordinary milestone - 100 years of giving Queensland sugarcane growers a strong, united voice.

To mark this historic occasion, Canegrowers Herbert River will host a Centenary Gala Dinner on Saturday the 9th of May 2026. The event will bring together members, past and present directors and chairpersons, their families, industry colleagues and friends. The wider community is also invited to be part of the celebration.

With the theme Honouring our Past, Embracing our Future - 100 years stronger together, the evening will recognise the people, stories and achievements that have shaped the local sugar industry for a century.

“For 100 years, Canegrowers has been giving Queensland sugarcane growers a strong, united voice,” Canegrowers Herbert River Chairman Steven Marbelli said. “We are looking forward to recognising and celebrating the enduring impact of the local sugar industry with our community.”

Formed in 1926, with regional branches established across Queensland in 1927, Canegrowers was built on unity, hard work and the determination of cane-farming families. The Herbert River district has played an important role in that journey, with generations of local growers helping shape both the regional industry and the wider Australian sugar sector.

Over time, the industry has changed dramatically. Machinery, farming practices and technology have transformed the way cane is grown and harvested. Markets have expanded well beyond local mills to customers around the world. Yet the values of Canegrowers remain the same, advocacy, fairness and a commitment to a sustainable future for growers and their communities.

Centenary celebrations will continue throughout 2026, providing opportunities to reflect on the challenges faced and the successes achieved. They will also welcome new generations of growers into the fold, continuing the legacy built by those who came before them.

The sugar industry has long been a cornerstone of Ingham and the surrounding district. It supports local businesses, creates employment and contributes to the fabric of our towns and schools. This centenary is a celebration for everyone, not just growers, and a reminder of the strong ties between the industry and the community.

After 100 years, the message remains clear. Unity has been the foundation of Canegrowers’ success, and it will continue to guide the organisation into the future.

Save the date for Saturday 9 May 2026, and keep an eye out for the announcement of future event details!

The countdown is on to the Next Gen 2026 Cane Forum, with the event now just weeks away in the Burdekin and Herbert regions on 3–4 March.

Co-organisers Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) and Aglantis are urging attendees to register, with limited spots remaining — including only five seats left on the dedicated bus from Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek.

“The clock is ticking for next-gen farmers, new-to-industry farmers and anyone else interested in the advances in technology, innovation and systems in the sugarcane sector,” Aglantis event spokesperson Luke Malan said.

As Managing Director of Aglantis and co-organiser of the event, Mr Malan said he was excited to help revive a platform dedicated to promoting the future of farming, with a strong focus on practical application.

"This is about giving our nation’s growers real-world examples; helping them to see and pave the way to what the future of sugarcane farming could look like," Mr Malan said.

The forum has attracted significant backing from industry-leading sponsors, reinforcing a shared commitment to the long-term sustainability and profitability of Queensland’s sugar industry.

Mr Malan said the strong industry support had enabled a high-calibre program featuring practical, on-farm demonstrations of automated irrigation and precision agriculture tools.

“Our incredibly supportive sponsors allow the showcasing of advanced agricultural technology, directly supporting the next generation of sugarcane farmers,” he said.

Among the key highlights for 2026 will be smart and automated irrigation systems, offering growers the chance to see efficiency-driven technology operating in real time. Precision agriculture and GPS technology will also take centre stage, with a focus on how these innovations translate into real-world profitability.

Carbon and reef compliance — an increasingly important consideration for emerging industry leaders navigating a changing regulatory landscape — will form a critical part of the discussion.

“Over the past year we’ve seen something powerful happen when farmers are simply given the space to come together. Conversations around dinner tables turn into real practice changes on farm, ideas shared on bus trips sparked new trials and connections made between growers can lead to lifetime friendships,” Mr Malan said.

He said the momentum behind the forum would not have been possible without the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and its investment through the RP84 Peer to Peer Farming Groups program.

“Their support backed ‘farmers backing farmers’ — creating opportunities to explore new technology, challenge thinking, and building confidence to adopt practical improvements. We are incredibly grateful to DPI for recognising the value of grower-led learning and for investing in stronger, more connected farming communities across Queensland.”

QCAR Chair Russell Hall said the forum was specifically designed to deliver hands-on, boots-on-the-ground value.

“While we’ll have industry veterans in attendance sharing their wealth of experience, the program focuses on the high-level innovation and practical technology required for modern farming,” Mr Hall said.

QCAR’s Senior Technical Agriculture Officer and event co-organiser Lawrence Di Bella said the event was about bringing the industry together and putting the tools of tomorrow into growers’ hands.

“We could not be more proud or more excited to be bringing this event back to the industry,” Mr Di Bella said.

“By combining high-level innovation with practical field trips, we are making sure our next generation of leaders can see how new technology translates to profitability and sustainability."

The program includes immersive on-farm demonstrations, site visits to progressive farms, and direct insights into how ag-tech tools can improve yield while managing environmental footprints. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers from the Burdekin, Herbert, Proserpine and Mackay regions, as well as experts who can help navigate the complexities of modern farming.

Event schedules and ticket details are available via the Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables and Aglantis Facebook pages or by calling (07) 3496 9555. Tickets are also available at https://nextgen2026.eventbrite.com.au.

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The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will conduct a planned burn on Hinchinbrook Island National Park between 18 and 25 February, subject to suitable weather and operational conditions. This activity forms part of QPWS’s annual conservation and hazard-reduction program, designed to manage fire risk while supporting the long-term health of natural ecosystems.

The burn will be carried out using aerial ignition in selected areas of the island, including sections near the Thorsborne Trail. The trail remains closed until 28 February due to the seasonal wet-season closure, which aligns with safety requirements during fire management operations. Members of the public are asked to observe all closures, signage, and ranger instructions throughout the burn period.

Smoke from the operation may be visible from nearby communities such as Lucinda and Cardwell, as well as from the Bruce Highway. Reduced visibility may occur at times, and motorists are advised to drive to conditions and remain alert. Residents with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to take appropriate precautions, including keeping medications accessible, closing windows and doors, and following advice provided by their general practitioner.

Planned burning plays a critical role in reducing the risk of severe bushfires during periods of high fire danger. It also supports ecological outcomes by encouraging native plant regeneration, maintaining habitat diversity, and creating a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas that benefit wildlife.

Public safety remains the highest priority for QPWS throughout all fire management activities, with burns conducted only when conditions allow for safe and effective outcomes for both the community and the environment.

Photo source: Facebook

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Victoria’s View

HIYA HINCHINBROOK!

I am back after a holiday packed with family and friends, it was definitely a wild change of pace from what I had grown used to here in the north. From flying to Sydney and then travelling to Brisbane and back up the infamous Bruce Highway home, it was an adventure at all turns.

We reached my great-grandmother's birthday party despite the best efforts of the Sydney traffic, where we celebrated her surrounded by generations of family. She even had letters from family back in Ireland and Scotland, and one from the King of England proudly on display.

It was lovely to catch up with uncles, aunts and the myriad of cousins I had not seen in ages, some not for years. But my time in Sydney was short lived.

Off to Brisbane I went and lurked about some of my favourite old haunts. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Cultural Centre at Southbank to see the new art and museum exhibits - there was one on the creatures of North Queensland, I had to laugh when I saw all the ‘exotic’ taxidermy animals I had come to see in my day-to-day – the marvelling tourists and the loud, fast pace of the city really made me wish for the quiet of the cane fields.

It gave me perspective and an appreciation that only travel can.

From Brisbane I was off again, campervan and little plan but to drive and see where I ended up. I wound my way north, stopping in Yeppoon and Mackay to see more family and friends. I even popped in to surprise my colleagues in Airlie Beach at our sister publication, Whitsunday Life. I rested by tropical beaches and camped at beautiful creeks when I finally reached Cairns.

I had my full helping of cities, so I didn't stay long. I am much more a fan of all the lovely country towns I passed through, making ones to return to when I have more time to explore, as my holiday was capped.

Now back in Hinchinbrook, I feel refreshed. Ready to get back into it for you all and bring you the best paper I can.

Fun fact: Since writing about it for our magazine Tripping, I have always wanted to visit the Babinda Boulders. I can now say it lives up to its magical hype.

One year after devastating floods reshaped the Hinchinbrook Shire, the community stands resilient — rebuilding what was lost while protecting what lies ahead. From hardship came unity, strength, and a determination that continues to define the region today.

RESILIENCE, RECOVERY, REBUILD

A Community that Endures

One year on from one of the most devastating natural disasters to impact the Hinchinbrook Shire, the community continues to preserve, support one another, and rebuild what was lost, while working to safeguard the region’s future.

In January and February of 2025, severe and persistent rainfall saturated much of North Queensland, triggering extreme flooding across the state. Subsequent reports released by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed February 2025 was among the wettest on record for many parts of the region, with areas including the Hinchinbrook Shire recording rainfall totals well above long-term historical averages.

The Herbert River surged far beyond typical flood levels, contributing to widespread inundation of homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. According to BOM and river gauge data, the Herbert River reached a peak of approximately 14.93 metres at the Ingham Pump Station on 3 February, with discharge estimated at around 495,000 megalitres per day. While the peak narrowly fell short of the 15.20 metres recorded during the historic 1967 floods, the 2025 event remains one of the most significant in more than a century of monitoring. The Ingham Pump Station has rarely exceeded the major flood threshold of 12 metres.

In response to the river exceeding major flood levels, several recovery and mitigation initiatives were advanced. In 2025, a proposal was submitted on behalf of the Herbert River Improvement Trust seeking $700,000 in funding to repair flood-damaged riverbanks at Halifax Washaway, with the aim of protecting key infrastructure including the road connecting Ingham and Halifax. Additionally, a $3.2 million initiative funded through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program has since been actioned across local catchments to improve water quality, flood resilience and long-term environmental outcomes within the river system.

Flooding caused significant disruption across the transport network, with multiple roads cut throughout the region. Key routes, including sections of the Bruce Highway and the Ollera Creek Bridge between Ingham and Townsville, were closed for extended periods, isolating communities and restricting access to essential services.

Tragically, the Queensland Police Service confirmed two lives were lost in floodwaters in the Ingham area during the event. Authorities issued multiple emergency warnings as conditions deteriorated and floodwaters rose across the lower Herbert catchment.

Severe weather also resulted in widespread power outages, leaving many residents without electricity for days. Despite significant logistical challenges, Ergon Energy crews worked continuously to restore supply, reconnecting more than 33,000 homes and businesses across Queensland within the first two weeks of February. Crews navigated flooding, landslides, damaged infrastructure and inaccessible terrain to complete restorations.

“In one of the most logistically complex restorations we’ve come across, we did it by chopper and fixed wing, by barge, by ATV, by railbus, and on foot, until it was possible to get in tracked machinery, trucks and utes,” an Ergon Energy spokesperson said.

“While Ingham was completely isolated, our local legends kept their community safe and paved the way for restoration, despite some of them being directly affected by flooding and all of them without network power. Crews from Atherton, Cairns, Cannonvale, Charters Towers, Home Hill, Ingham, Innisfail, Mackay, Mount Isa, Mossman, Pinnacle and Townsville joined their Ingham colleagues slogging it out in sometimes atrocious conditions.”

State Emergency Service (SES) were vital in flood recovery and local emergency operations with teams leading several rescue and evacuation efforts across the Hinchinbrook Shire in collaboration with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Residents rose to the challenge to support one another during a period of immense unpredictability including local business owner, Tony Lafano who selflessly packed equipment like generators and gas bottles in his tinny to deliver to those in need.

“It’s all [the flooding] has caught a few people by surprise,” he said.

Kimberley Veltmeyer’s family were isolated to their Macknade property during the event, however, she recounted that through the unwavering support and resilience of the tight-knit community, they were able to endure despite the disaster.

“With no power, intermittent internet and phones that only work every two days, and clean water that's only just come back on, this disaster, this hasn’t broken us. It's only made stronger,” said Kimberley.