Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
On Monday, I had a bit of a scare. Driving out from Forrest Beach in my little work car that morning, the rain was just starting to fall. But as I drew closer to Halifax, I started to regret not checking the Disaster Dashboard before I headed out. Soon the rain was pelting down, and there was a little water on the road, but not yet concerning enough that my little car couldn’t navigate it. I was off to meet with an important client of the paper, but when I got to the meeting at Lucinda, we all didn’t stay for long. A soggy young man in a thin yellow raincoat burst into the meeting and told us all that if we wanted to get home, we had to leave now as the roads were going under. I knew I had to hurry out of there as I definitely didn’t pack a swimsuit and my car could not forge anything like what the huge 4WDs parked around it could. In the end, I saw the waves and spray on the Halifax roads and knew I had to take the long way around, from Lucinda to Forrest Beach via Ingham. I kept checking in with my family and work to make sure they knew, and I knew, we were all driving and getting home safely. Knowing the limitations of your vehicle and your own driving ability is very important. Don’t drive in wet weather if you’re unsure about either, as it makes it unsafe for everybody else on the road. Stay safe everyone! [Signature] Fun fact: When I knew I was going to be moving to the North Queensland region for work, I purposely looked for a personal car that could handle a notorious puddle or two. I loved making the city-to-rural switch. It’s made driving so much more fun.
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Community spirit was in full force across the shire on Sunday, 1 March, as locals turned out in strong numbers for Clean Up Australia Day, rolling up their sleeves to protect the coastline they call home. In Wongaling Beach, volunteers met at Rotary Park before splitting into four teams to patrol Wongaling, South Mission, Main Mission and Bingil Beaches. From 1pm to 5pm, participants scoured the sand at and below the high tide mark, collecting plastic debris ranging from tiny fragments to larger washed-up items. Gloves and bags were provided, with volunteers encouraged to work at their own pace as the task involved significant bending and sifting through sand. Later in the afternoon, another clean-up effort brought families, dog-walkers and long-time volunteers together at Porters Promenade, near North Mission Beach. Organised by community group C4, the 3pm event invited residents to “bring your kids, bring your dog (on a leash), bring your smiles” and help care for a stretch of coastline of special significance to the Djiru custodians. With a 3.55-metre tide earlier in the day creating ideal conditions for collecting marine debris, two teams were formed following a briefing at the northern amenities block. One group focused on the Fish Trap and North Mission Beach area, while another tackled more challenging terrain near Clump Point Lookout before regrouping at 4.30pm. In 2025, organises reported removing 99 kilograms of rubbish from the shoreline between Clump Point Lookout and Fish Trap. Across both events, bags of collected plastic stood as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenge of marine waste — and the strength of a community committed to keeping its beaches pristine. CAPTION: C4 continues to coordinate annual initiatives on Clean Up Australia Day! Photo source: C4
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Hinchinbrook’s Future Leaders Recognised At Youth Of The Year Continued from cover. Elina went on to be named Zone Level Overall Winner, achieving the highest score across both clubs and schools. The event marked a welcome return after last year’s Youth of the Year competition was cancelled due to devastating flooding in February. Following the cancellation, Ingham Lions were eager to relaunch the program and deliver the opportunity for students in 2026. Ingham Lions Club Chairperson for Youth of the Year, Diane Hobbs, organised and coordinated the project by liaising with Year 12 coordinators and school principals from both secondary schools, providing information about the program and outlining the interview and public speaking criteria. She was assisted throughout the project by Lower Herbert Halifax Youth of the Year Chair Michael Bube and Ingham Lions member Arlene Turnbull. A total of three students from each school participated in the competition. Students were marked out of 100 points, with interviews weighted at 70 points and public speaking weighted at 30 points. During the interview component, students were assessed on their presentation, community involvement, and their views on local, state, national, and international issues. They were also required to justify their opinions, responding to questions such as whether dangerous native animals should be culled, whether the Brisbane Olympics would benefit Queensland, and whether the Premier made the right decision not to declare a Queensland public holiday for Anzac Day. Judges were particularly impressed by the maturity of the students and their ability to present and consider both sides of each issue. Judging took place at the RSL, where students were given two impromptu questions and required to speak on each for two minutes. The impromptu component allowed judges to assess how well students could think on their feet and communicate confidently on unfamiliar topics. Following dinner, students delivered a prepared five-minute speech to the audience, covering a wide range of topics including “Make America What Again?”, the power of artificial intelligence, and whether European spacecraft may one day discover life on Jupiter. Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo said the event highlighted the strength of the region’s youth. “Our young people are our region’s future, and that future is looking very bright. They represent the very best of Hinchinbrook,” Mayor Jayo said. “I’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Lions Club for hosting such a worthwhile event and creating opportunities for our young people. Their continued support makes a real difference.” Elina described the experience as transformative. “Competing in the Lions Youth of the Year competition has been an unforgettable experience. From preparing my speech to discussing current affairs in the interview section, the process challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and grow both personally and intellectually,” she said. “Meeting other talented young people from across the zone was inspiring - we each brought unique perspectives and passions yet shared the same drive to make a difference in our communities. The judges and Lions members created a supportive atmosphere, encouraging us to express our ideas with confidence and authenticity. “Winning the zone title is an honour, but what I’ll remember most are the connections I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned about leadership, service, and self-belief. I’m so grateful to the Lions Club for providing opportunities like this that empower young Australians to find their voice and contribute meaningfully to society.” Diane Hobbs has been involved in the Youth of the Year project since joining Ingham Lions in 2008, continuing the legacy of stalwarts Lion Ed Morris and the late Carlo Cavallo, whose passion was to give local youth opportunities to develop interview skills, ‘thinking-on-your-feet’ abilities, and public speaking confidence. The Lions Youth of the Year program began in Queensland in 1964 and soon became a national initiative. More than 100,000 young people have participated in the program, with notable past contestants including Kevin Rudd, Peter Beattie and current Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. Secondary students aged 15 to 19 are eligible to enter the program by completing an entry form available through their Year 12 coordinator. Year 11 students considering entering in 2027 are encouraged to reflect on their involvement at school, community activities outside school, academic achievements, future aspirations, hobbies, and interests, as these form the basis of the initial assessment. With the competition now firmly back on the calendar after last year’s disruption, Lions members and supporters alike left with a renewed sense of optimism, reassured that Hinchinbrook’s future is in capable, thoughtful and passionate hands. CAPTIONS: Gilroy Santa Maria College were proud to compete in the Lions Youth of the Year Quest. Photo supplied Three students from Ingham State High School excitingly competed in the Lions Youth of the Year Quest. Photo supplied Elina Rose Alappatt Daijo was awarded Overall Winner, Zone Level Overall Winner, and Best Public Speaker for the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club. Photo supplied.
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The Government is expanding its landmark Adult Crime, Adult Time laws to 45 youth crime offences, with new laws being introduced to the Queensland Parliament this week, as part of its commitment to make Queensland safer. Since the passing of the Making Queensland Safer Laws, more than 4,000 youth offenders have been charged with over 19,000 Adult Crime, Adult Time offences and the number of crime victims has fallen 7.2% in 2025, compared to the previous year. The Bill adds a dozen new offences to Adult Crime, Adult Time, delivering on the Government’s promise to continue strengthening youth crime laws to turn the tide on the Youth Crime Crisis. The 12 additional offences for Adult Crime, Adult Time include: Assault occasioning bodily harm Conspiring to murder Unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment or abuse Riot Abuse of persons with an impairment of the mind Indecent treatment of a child under the age of 16 Choking, suffocation, or strangulation in a domestic setting Disabling in order to commit indictable offence Stupefying in order to commit indictable offence Endangering the safety of a person in a vehicle with intent Aiding suicide Administering poison with intent to harm The additional offences deliver on the Government’s election promise to expand Adult Crime, Adult Time on the recommendation of the Expert Legal Panel, which was established to consider more complex and serious offences. Premier David Crisafulli said expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time was another critical step towards reducing victim numbers and turning the tide on youth crime. “We promised Queenslanders we would continue to strengthen our youth crime laws and put the rights of victims first, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Premier Crisafulli said. “Expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time sends a strong message to young thugs, that there are consequences for their actions. “Reversing a decade of watered down laws will take time, and we won’t stop until there are fewer victims in Queensland.” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government remained steadfast in its commitment to make Queensland safer and restore law and order, following Labor’s decade of decline. “We’re giving Judges and Magistrates the tools they need to hand down sentences that reflect community expectations,” the Attorney-General said. “We’re just getting started and our important work will continue, including strengthening laws where necessary.” Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said Adult Crime, Adult Time was already working to make Queensland safer. “We are finally on the path to breaking the cycle of crime in this State and youth offenders are not only facing serious consequences for their actions but, we are also delivering early intervention and intensive rehabilitation programs across the State,” Minister Gerber said.
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Thinking about a career protecting and supporting your community? Queensland Police Service will host a pop-up recruitment stand in Ingham, giving locals the chance to learn more about becoming a police officer and ask questions about the application process.
What: QPS Recruitment Pop-Up Stand
When: Wednesday 4 March 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm
Where: Outside Sportspower Store, 2/57 Herbert Street, Ingham
For more information, phone 1300 BE A COP (23 2 267) or email recruiting@police.qld.gov.au.
February has been a very productive month for our community, and I’ve been proud to spend every week working directly with local residents, businesses and organisations across the Hinchinbrook electorate.
Supporting our emergency services has also been front of mind. This month I was pleased to visit local police facilities and speak with officers about the challenges they face and the resources they need. Making sure our frontline services have modern facilities and the support required to keep our communities safe remains a priority for me.
A significant development this month has been progress around Port Hinchinbrook. The Premier and I travelled to Cardwell last week to announce a major step forward with early works now underway following the acquisition of key sites within Queensland’s first Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA). After community consultation, a Provisional Land Use Plan is now in place to guide restoration and future development, allowing initial repair works to begin, while preparations for dredging progress and a lead contractor is being secured.
I would like to sincerely thank Minister Steve Minnikin MP, Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business; Minister Dale Last MP, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development; and Minister Andrew Powell MP, Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, for taking the time to visit Ingham and Townsville.
It was greatly appreciated to see Ministers on the ground meeting with Council, industry groups and local residents, listening firsthand to the opportunities and challenges facing our region.
Their genuine engagement, willingness to listen, and clear passion for regional communities demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring North Queensland’s voice is heard and represented.
I have also spent considerable time meeting with community groups, schools and volunteers who form the backbone of our region. Attending local events and youth initiatives has been particularly inspiring — it’s encouraging to see so many young people stepping up with confidence and leadership. Our future is in good hands, and I’ll continue to back opportunities that help young people thrive.
Queenslanders will have easier access to flu vaccinations this winter, with the Government delivering a new and expanded free influenza vaccination program for 2026.
From 1 March 2026, every Queenslander aged six months and over will be eligible for a free flu vaccine under what is being described as Australia’s largest statewide influenza program. For the first time, a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine will also be available for eligible children aged two to five years.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the introduction of the nasal spray option was expected to boost vaccination rates among young children.
“This nasal spray vaccination is expected to improve vaccine uptake amongst young kids by removing potential distress about needle vaccinations,” Mr Nicholls said.
“This is just another way we are delivering easier access to health services, protecting everyday life for Queensland families, and keeping people well.”
Legislative changes will also expand the scope of practice for trained health practitioners, allowing registered nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners to vaccinate more age groups in more locations.
“This change will allow these qualified health practitioners to vaccinate more age groups in a wider range of convenient locations,” Mr Nicholls said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale encouraged Queenslanders to take advantage of the free program.
“No one wants to be stuck in bed, or in hospital, missing work, school, family events or holidays, and that’s why prevention matters,” Dr Gale said.
President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch Chris Owen welcomed the expanded program.
“This expanded program will see community pharmacists play a bigger role in vaccinating Queenslanders,” Mr Owen said.
Flu vaccines will be available throughout March and early April at GP clinics, community pharmacies and other approved providers, with residents encouraged to check which vaccine is best for them.
Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/group-diverse-age-asian-people-family-2101315465
“No one wants to be stuck in bed, or in hospital, missing work, school, family events or holidays, and that’s why prevention matters.” Image sourced: Shutterstock
Hinchinbrook Shire Council wishes to advise the community of the operational status of Council facilities due to the significant wet weather currently affecting the region.
Facilities operating as normal
Temporarily closed
Council will provide updates on operational changes as new information becomes available.
Council apologises for any inconvenience and continues to monitor Council’s Disaster Dashboard at https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au
For more information during this time, please contact Council on (07) 4776 4600.
The Disaster Dashboard includes helpful advice and recourses, such as flood cameras and an incidents map. Photo sourced: Hinchinbrook’s Disaster Dashboard
To clean up Queensland’s electoral system, the Government has passed reforms through Parliament that restore fairness, transparency and integrity to elections.
In line with the Government’s commitment to put victims first, criminals serving a sentence of imprisonment or detention for one year or more will no longer be eligible to vote in state or local government elections, or referendums.
The Government has also delivered on its election commitment to level the playing field for political donations, with new legislation allowing both trade unions and property developers to make donations for state election campaigns.
The previous government’s ban on property developer donations at a state level was allegedly at odds with Recommendation 20 of the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Operation Belcarra Report, which focused on local government elections.
Importantly, the ban on property developers donating to local government election campaigns remains in place, with increased penalties for breaches to strengthen the local council donation ban.
Reforms to enhance integrity around political advertising will now require authorisations on all electoral material in the 12 months before polling day, encouraging transparency and ensuring Queenslanders know who is behind political advertisements.
The new laws make political donation cap periods annualised in alignment with New South Wales and the Commonwealth, while loans from regulated lenders and reputable financial institutions for electoral expenditure are now permitted.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the reforms helped restore a fairer electoral system.
“These reforms not only put victims first, but bring Queensland into line with other jurisdictions, and restore a genuine level playing field for political donations,” the Attorney-General said.
‘The Government has passed reforms through Parliament that restore fairness, transparency and integrity to elections.’ Photo sourced: Shutterstock
The Crisafulli Government has launched the 2026 Celebrating Reconciliation Grants program, with applications open to share in $100,000 to support local events.
The program aims to support local organisations to host events in communities across Queensland during National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders.
The grants provide up to $2,500 for eligible organisations to support local events and activities which foster and celebrate reconciliation across community. These can include cultural performances, art exhibitions, and storytelling.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said she remained focused on delivering community initiatives which deliver tangible outcomes to Indigenous communities across the State.
“We are focused on delivering practical programs, while also strengthening shared understanding and social cohesion. The Celebrating Reconciliation Grants will support at least 40 local events in all corners of the State during National Reconciliation Week for that purpose," Minister Simpson said.
“Delivering practical reconciliation in partnership with local communities to improve the quality of life in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – no matter where they are located.”
National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision.
Reconciliation Queensland Interim CEO Libby Ferrari said the program should encourage all Queenslanders to learn about their shared histories, and the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Every year we look forward to seeing the amazing events and programs the Celebrating Reconciliation Grants recipients deliver and the opportunities it creates in bringing communities together right across the State,” Ms Ferrari said.
“These grants create the space and place in communities to share and experience reconciliation at a local level, and this Reconciliation Week, I want to invite all Queenslanders to align with theme and go ‘All In’ in their communities.”
Applications close on 10 March. For more information, including eligibility criteria, and to apply, visit www.qld.gov.au/recgrants.
Reforms have been introduced that will protect the community and mean that youth offenders on bail can have their location tracked 24/7 to reduce reoffending and victim numbers. Changes are part of the Government’s commitment to deliver safety where you live with stronger laws, more police, early intervention and rehabilitation to break the cycle of crime.
The Youth Justice (Electronic Monitoring) Amendment Bill 2025 makes electronic monitoring for youth on bail permanent and statewide, putting GPS trackers on more youth offenders.
The new laws mean courts can impose a GPS device as a bail condition for any youth offender aged 10-17, including first-time offenders.
The Bill delivers some of the strongest youth bail monitoring laws in the country and is another step towards delivering on the promise to make Queensland safer and fight the Youth Crime Crisis.
Electronic monitoring devices have been found to reduce the likelihood of reoffending by 24 percent. This is an act to restore consequences for actions, with more police, early intervention and rehabilitation.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the tough new laws would reduce reoffending and drive down victim numbers.
“We promised Queenslanders we would continue to strengthen youth crime laws to restore safety and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Minister Gerber said.
“By putting more GPS trackers on youth offenders on bail, alongside intensive support services, we will reduce reoffending, have fewer victims of crime and safer communities.”
Hello Hinchinbrook,
With Tones and I and Diesel done and dusted, whether you are a local or a visitor, I hope you enjoyed your time at the concerts and in the Hinchinbrook Shire as we offer a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and community spirit.
I thought I would mention an area which is very important for our Shire: Waste. The Hinchinbrook Shire Council is committed to reducing waste going to our landfill and is shifting focus from seeing waste as simply 'waste' to treating it as a potential resource which needs to be recovered and recycled.
Recently I have been helping an elderly ratepayer clean their residence out. I visited the Halifax Transfer Station with 10 ute loads. We paid for two loads and used the two free vouchers. The remaining loads were split between the Tip Shop to be reused and repurposed, consisting of household goods and furniture. The rest — steel, green waste, E-waste, aluminium, batteries and glass jars — were all separated, well worth the effort of sorting your loads.
I would also like to give the staff a wrap, as each time I arrived they were more than helpful and always there to give advice with a smile.
On a negative note, very close to the transfer station there was a dumped box trailer, which could have nearly all been recycled bar the tyres. I reported this on Snap Send Solve.
Illegal dumping of green waste and household rubbish in waterways, easements and drains increases the risk of flooding to properties and costs millions of dollars in property damage across the region.
Snap Send Solve is a free app that lets you report a problem to your local council using an iPhone or Android device. You can also make a general request or provide feedback. It allows you to quickly and easily capture and report common issues such as illegal rubbish dumping or a street sign needing repair.
Snap Send Solve determines your local council using your smartphone’s GPS location and sends you the council’s contact information. Your request is then sent from the app using your email address and phone number so that Hinchinbrook Shire Council can communicate directly with you to resolve the issue.
Once again, it is great to be able to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and read through what has been and what will be happening throughout our Shire.
Did You Know?
Wallaman Is a One-Drop Wonder
Cue the mic drop as Wallaman Falls plunges 268 metres in a single, uninterrupted drop, making it Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall. Located in Girringun National Park, it’s been carving drama into the landscape for thousands of years.
Start at the main lookout for mist, rainbows and full-frame waterfall power. Wet season brings thunder and spray; dry season delivers crisp views and calmer climbs. Feeling adventurous? The Djyinda Walk (about 3.2 km return) descends steep rainforest terrain to the base for a rewarding, but leg-day serious hike. Sturdy shoes, water and turnaround time are essential.
Prefer low-effort, high-reward? The Banggurru Walk (around 800m return) follows Stony Creek and serves rainforest ambience without the quad meltdown. Either way, Wallaman quiets crowds and hijacks timelines, yours and your socials. Pack lunch. You’ll linger.
Plan the day: hinchinbrookway.com.au
At time of publication: Unfortunately, due to the severe weather currently impacting the Hinchinbrook district, Mayor Ramon Jayo has remained in the Shire and was unable to travel to Canberra as planned. He had been scheduled to join the Townsville Enterprise delegation and has asked counterparts to ensure Hinchinbrook’s priorities are clearly represented in every meeting. There will be further opportunities for direct advocacy once conditions stabilise.
The Mayor had been due to attend Canberra alongside Townsville Enterprise and neighbouring councils including Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers and Palm Island for 17 meetings with Ministers, advisors and federal agencies.
Our focus is simple and urgent: unlocking housing, unlocking sustainable fuel opportunities, unlocking better health services, and unlocking the enabling infrastructure that lets our community and economy grow with confidence.
We are bringing Hinchinbrook’s priorities to the national level because federal decisions set the funding programs, policy settings and timelines that determine what gets built and when.
At the same time, some of our projects are advancing through state‑level discussions to align approvals, technical standards and co‑funding. Doing both in parallel means we can move quickly when programs open and keep delivery on track.
Expanding accommodation capacity helps do exactly that by attracting investment, supporting local operators, and creating new roles in hospitality, guiding, tours and small business.
We are seeking $4 million to establish the Hinchinbrook Recycling Waste Facility at Warrens Hill. This modern recycling centre will create five full‑time jobs, improve waste separation, increase resource recovery and extend the life of our landfill by diverting recyclable materials. It is a practical upgrade that reduces long‑term costs for ratepayers and supports a cleaner, more resilient Shire.
Health is another immediate priority. We are advocating for $10 million to upgrade and expand the emergency department at Ingham Hospital. A fit‑for‑purpose emergency department improves timely care for local families and strengthens the wider regional health system. The health sector is one of our largest employers and purchasers of goods and services, and a major driver of skilled migration.
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service operates 21 facilities across the broader region; investing in Ingham’s emergency department supports that network’s long‑term plan for high‑quality care and delivers strong economic and social returns.
We are also positioning Hinchinbrook within the emerging sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel supply chain.
As one of Australia’s leading sugarcane regions, we can contribute feedstock and logistics to processing, refining and export. With clear national policy settings, private investment follows — creating skilled jobs, value‑adding to agriculture and strengthening Australia’s fuel resilience. This is a strategic, future‑focused opportunity we are elevating in Canberra while working with state counterparts on approvals and industry development pathways.
Many residents will rightly ask, “What about projects like the Forrest Beach boat ramp?”
We agree those local amenities matter, and we continue to progress planning and advocacy so they are ready when the right funding programs open.
The priorities we are advancing today meet four tests on a national stage:
• they enable housing and jobs now
• they deliver strong economic and social returns
• they protect essential services
• and they are ready, aligned and co‑fundable right now.
Face‑to‑face conversations matter because they let us present local evidence directly, answer detailed questions in real time, align timelines and program settings, and build the trust and accountability that lead to commitments.
Being in the room moves projects from discussion to delivery.
Read more in Townsville Enterprise’s Unlock the North plan: www.townsvilleenterprise.com.au/advocacy/unlock-the-north/
Researchers at James Cook University are developing a new tool that could transform the way sugarcane farmers detect disease, using artificial intelligence and free satellite data to identify infections before any visible symptoms appear.
Led by Professor Mostafa Rahimi Azghadi, the research team has created a crop health monitoring system that analyses satellite imagery to assess sugarcane health and detect Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD) at its earliest stages. RSD is one of the industry’s most damaging diseases and can significantly reduce yields if left undetected.
“RSD can affect the yield of sugar by up to 60 per cent and it’s highly contagious. But being asymptomatic, you can't see it with the naked eye until the latter stages of the growing season,” Prof Azghadi said.
The team’s latest study tested the tool’s ability to distinguish between healthy and diseased crops using multispectral satellite imagery and machine learning. Results showed accuracy rates between 86 and 97 per cent, depending on the sugarcane variety.
“Depending on the sugarcane variety, our method was between 86 and 97 per cent accurate … which is on par or better than other crop disease detection tools,” Prof Azghadi said.
Currently, farmers must manually cut and test cane samples and send them to laboratories for DNA analysis, a process that is both costly and time-consuming.
“It’s time consuming and expensive, especially if you want to do it at larger scale as every test costs about 10-15 dollars,” Prof Azghadi said.
The project was developed in collaboration with Herbert Cane Productivity Services, which provided on-the-ground data from the Herbert River region.
“They provided data on both diseased and disease-free plants, which has been critical in helping us develop our technology,” said lead author and JCU engineering graduate Ethan Waters.
Mr Waters said the technology relies on subtle differences invisible to the human eye.
“There are subtle differences between a healthy crop and a diseased crop. The naked eye can't see all the subtleties and only a well-trained machine learning algorithm can spot those differences,” he said.
The research is supported by Australia’s economic accelerator program and could be expanded to other crops in the future.
“RSD in sugarcane is just our first successful case study … our approach can be extended to other crops and other crop health challenges,” Prof Azghadi said.
“The long-term objective is to develop an early-warning tool that identifies disease risk and tracks overall crop health. It’ll be a bit like a regular check-up with your GP, but for sugarcane and other crops.”
JCU researchers are developing a new tool to help farmers monitor crop health and accurately detect diseased sugarcane. Photo source: Shutterstock
Concessional disaster loans for primary producers affected by recent North Queensland flooding have been increased to up to $2 million, providing significant financial support for recovery efforts.
Jointly delivered by the state and federal Governments through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the loans were previously capped at $250,000. The increase recognises the widespread damage caused by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
The concessional loans can be used to repair or replace damaged equipment, livestock and farm infrastructure, support replanting and restoration activities, and assist with essential operating costs such as rents and rates.
Disaster assistance has now been activated for primary producers in the Barcaldine and Cassowary Coast local government areas, including access to disaster loans and freight subsidies of up to $5,000.
Additional support has also been expanded to producers in Barcaldine, Cassowary Coast, Central Highlands, Livingstone and Whitsunday regions, who can apply for Disaster Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up, repairs and resupply.
Eligibility for the Primary Producer Industry Support Package has also been extended to Central Highlands, offering financial and personal counselling, pest and locust management, and recovery and resilience support.
A $4.26 million Mental Health Program supporting psychosocial wellbeing in flood-affected communities has also been expanded to include Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal.
Primary producers seeking assistance can contact the Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946 for further information.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that an aerial shooting program will be conducted to control feral pig populations.
The operation will cover land parcels managed by participating organisations and landholders in the area extending from Forrest Beach in the north to Crystal Creek in the south.
Subject to suitable weather conditions, the program is scheduled to take place on:
To ensure public safety during the operation, access to the following areas will be closed during the specified times:
Council appreciates the community’s cooperation and understanding during this important control activity.
This initiative is funded by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; the Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development; Herbert Cane Productivity Services Limited; and HQ Plantation, in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.
For more information, email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or call Council’s customer service centre on (07) 4776 4600 to report sightings.
Impact of Feral Pigs on Sugarcane: Feral pigs are among Queensland’s most widespread and damaging pest animals. They degrade soil and water, damage crops and livestock, and carry diseases. In the sugarcane industry, feral pigs cause losses of an estimated 20,000 tonnes of sugarcane each year.
‘Feral pigs cause losses of an estimated 20,000 tonnes of sugarcane each year.’ Photo credit: The State of Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Tec-NQ House in Rosslea, Townsville accommodates up to 40 boys completing Years 10–12 at Tec-NQ. With a deliberately unique approach to high school, students explore vocational pathways aligned with their career goals while completing their Senior School Certificate.
Through work experience programs across north and west Queensland, students get to test out different industries to see what suits them best. Many students go onto secure school-based apprenticeships where they are paid to learn, before transitioning to full time apprenticeships once they graduate.
Caleb’s Tec-NQ House journey took an exciting turn this year through his placement at Dan’s Automotive in Currajong. Quiet by nature, he arrived eager to learn but still building confidence. That quickly changed.
“When Caleb first started, he was quiet… but now his confidence has grown, and he is a valued member of our team,” said Dan, the owner.
Dan’s Automotive has long supported Tec-NQ students, including one former school-based apprentice who is now a tradesman. Caleb began his placement doing the basics: cleaning, sweeping and passing tools. Through commitment and curiosity, he quickly progressed.
Today, he’s operating the hoist, changing oil and completing full services under the supervision of the tradespeople. His growth has been impossible to miss.
“Caleb has really shown us what he’s made of—I plan to offer him an apprenticeship very soon,” Dan said.
Head of Boarding Luke Papworth says this is exactly the opportunity Tec-NQ House is designed to support.
“Boarding gives young people the structure and independence to step into real work environments with confidence. When students like Caleb take these opportunities seriously, the transformation is remarkable.”
With the steady support of Tec-NQ House and the hands-on guidance of local industry partners, Caleb is building a strong future in automotive. From quiet beginnings to earning the trust of a professional workshop, he’s proving what dedication and the right environment can achieve.
For a unique senior school and boarding solution that delivers a real-world trade start, you can’t look past Tec-NQ.
Caleb at work during his placement. Photo supplied
Learn from last year's Valentine's season when millions of dollars were scammed out of Queenslanders through ‘love scams’
The Government is warning Queenslanders to protect their hearts and bank accounts from scammers as last February, scammers raked in more than $1.4 million from 61 Queenslanders, which was quadruple the more than $296,000 lost in New South Wales, and more than triple the $380,000 lost in Victoria.
Data from the National Anti-Scam Centre register, Scamwatch, shows the top three methods used by scammers to contact their victims were websites, emails and text messages.
The age group most likely to be scammed in Queensland was 55-64 year olds, with a median loss of $7,000 reported per scam.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington urged Queenslanders to be cautious, especially if they receive a request for money from someone they’ve never met in person.
“It’s deeply concerning and disappointing to see February continue to be a peak time for scammers to target unsuspecting Queenslanders, with devastating consequences,” the Attorney-General said.
“More than 850 Queenslanders reported losing close to $6 million to dating and romance scammers last year, with around a quarter of those financial losses occurring in February alone.
“But we need to remember those victims are only the ones who reported being scammed, and there are likely to be many others who were too embarrassed or afraid to report the fact they were ripped off.
“If you do fall victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately, report it to police, and log the incident with Scamwatch to help prevent others from being impacted by these heartless scammers.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – Signs it might be a scam (credit: Scamwatch)
Caption: Do not give your private and confidential information to “lovers” online, report scammers.
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