Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that works to install and upgrade CCTV cameras are currently underway and are expected to continue until 30 June 2026 at the Johnstone Street carpark and along Lannercost Street, Cartwright Street, and Herbert Street.

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Community members and visitors who are in the area at this time, are requested to follow traffic directions to ensure public safety and accessibility.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Council thanks the community for its patience while these important works are carried out.

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For more information about the project visit www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/water-waste-and-roads/roads-and-public-works/major-projects/cctv-ingham-cbd-project/ or please contact (07) 4776 4600.

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March has marked an exciting new chapter for Micks Bread Kitchen, with the much-loved local bakery expanding its reach and making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy their favourites.

Stepping into the world of delivered delights, Micks Bread Kitchen is now officially available on Uber Eats, giving both visitors and loyal locals a faster, more convenient way to access their go-to pies, pastries and coffee.

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Operating daily from 8:00am to 2:00pm for Uber Eats pick-up, the new service is designed with busy mornings and lunch rushes in mind. Customers can now order straight from their phone and collect their items without the wait, making it a simple solution for those on the go.

Whether it is a quick coffee before work or a fresh pie for lunch, the ability to skip the queue without missing out on quality has already been welcomed by regulars. The process is straightforward. Open the app, search for Micks Bread Kitchen, place your order, and pick it up at a time that suits.

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The new offering also arrives just in time for one of the year’s most meaningful occasions. With Mother’s Day approaching, the convenience of Uber Eats opens up thoughtful and easy ways to treat Mum. From a morning pastry and coffee to a sweet surprise delivered straight to her door, customers can now organise a special gesture even on the busiest of days.

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For those working late or unable to be there in person, a simple order can still deliver that personal touch. A favourite cupcake, a warm pie, or a perfectly brewed coffee can go a long way in making Mum feel appreciated.

Micks Bread Kitchen continues to blend its well-known quality with modern convenience, ensuring that whether you are planning ahead or ordering on the run, your favourites are never far away.

Make this Mother’s Day one to remember, and experience the ease of Micks Bread Kitchen now on Uber Eats.

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Captions:

1. Iced & Hot Matcha is always a perfect drink to start your week. We have a large variety of dairy-free options, so no one misses out! Also introducing our NEW Gluten Free Matcha and White Chocolate cookies made by Gourmet Delights. Photo credit: Mick’s Bread Kitchen

The restricted-access permit system on Mount Spec Road will been lifted, in a significant milestone for the Mount Spec and Paloma communities.  

While the permit system has been lifted, residents and visitors no longer needed a permit to drive on Mount Spec Road following independent geotechnical safety assessment, marking an important milestone in the ongoing reconstruction at the high‑risk landslip site.  

Mount Spec Road has operated under restricted access since 30 May 2025, following record rainfall that caused major structural damage.  

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The removal of the permit system follows the stabilisation of two priority sites to restore safety for all road users.  

Works have included the removal of a large unstable boulder near Little Crystal Creek in November 2025, and the successful installation of a temporary barrier last month, which significantly reduces the risk of rockfalls onto the road.  

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Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said restoring access while keeping people safe remained the government’s priority.  

“This milestone represents an important step toward restoring safety, connectivity and confidence across the region for locals and freight operators,” Minister Mickelberg said.  

“The Government promised the community we would restore safety at Mount Spec Road, and the lifting of the permit system shows real progress after a challenging period for the community.”  

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“The Government is continuing to work closely with the Australian Government and the local contractor to progress repairs as efficiently as possible while maintaining safe access for residents and road users.”  

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said lifting the permit system was welcome news for the community.  

“I want to acknowledge the patience shown by residents and local businesses while this work has been carried out,” he said.  

“Every milestone like this helps reconnect the community, local businesses and tourism to create a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.”  

“We need to get people back up to what is a beautiful part of the world to support our families and businesses who have been doing it tough.”

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said, “While Mount Spec Road sits within Townsville City Council and under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transport and Main Roads, it remains a key route for visitors travelling non-coastal bush routes to Hidden Vally, Mt Fox and beyond.”

“This is positive news for residents of the greater rangeland areas of Paluma and Mt Fox. As many would be aware, the Mt Fox range road within Hinchinbrook Shire was utilised by Paluma residents as an access route during periods of Paluma range closure to access the coast.”

“Works are now underway on Mount Fox Road with standing weekday and non-holiday closures between 8:00am and 3:00pm daily enabling contractors to undertake all necessary repair and rehabilitation work in a timely manner free of traffic disruption given the challenges of the narrow road areas to work within. These closure arrangements, will remain in place until 15 June 2026, and with the opening of the Paluma range, residents of Mt Fox will now enjoy the ability of travelling the Paluma range to avoid the inconvenience of Mt Fox closures should circumstances suit.”

Recovery works on Mount Spec Road are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).  

While the permit system has been lifted, a daytime vehicle escort will remain in place to maintain safety while reconstruction continues. Escorts will operate hourly between 6am and 6pm.

Caption:

Crystal creek: Little Crystal Creek is a popular swim spot in the Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park. Photo credit: Phil Copp, Queensland Government

Cantatore Pharmacy held an easter colouring competition and announced the winners on April 2. Entry ages ranged from 2years old to 102, with five lucky artists taking home an easter prize before the school holidays got into full swing. Cantatore Pharmacy would like to thank everyone who participated, it was lovely to see all those colourful bunnies.

Category Winners:

Orla 0-2 years

Hunter 3-5 years

Kade 6-9 years

Amayah 10-12 years

Special achievement: Joyce 102 years

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Find more photos here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/social-pics/cantatore-colouring-in-competition-winners

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Captions:

1. Orla 0-2 year old winner, inside Cantatore Pharmacy with her chocolate bunny prize.

2. Kade 6-9 year old winner, pointing out his artwork.

3. Amayah 10-12 year old winner, pointing out her artwork.

4. Hunter 3-5 year old winner, inside Cantatore Pharmacy with his chocolate bunny prize.

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Ulani – the name means ‘cheerful’ - and there’s no better way to describe this sweet, lovable girl who brings joy wherever she goes. With her gentle nature and playful spirit, she’s the kind of dog who will quickly become part of the family.

She absolutely loves her outings, especially trips to the dog park and the beach. Whether she’s running around with her doggy friends or splashing through the water, Ulani is happiest when she’s out exploring and having fun. She thrives in the company of other dogs and would do wonderfully in a home with a canine companion or regular playdates.

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One of Ulani’s cutest quirks? She has a soft spot for muddy puddles! Don’t be surprised if she comes home a little messy but very happy!

Ulani can be a little timid around loud noises, so she’ll do best in a calm, understanding home where she can feel safe and build confidence at her own pace. With patience and reassurance, her loving personality truly shines.

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If you’re interested in meeting the Ulani please complete an animal enquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

Included in adoption fee of $495: desexed, micro-chipped, up to date vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treated & on heartworm preventative or Proheart

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Tec-NQ House Year 10 boarder Sibz began his journey in Semester 2, 2025, quickly finding his feet and setting his sights on a bright future. With a strong interest in engineering, he is exploring where that might take him, whether into the marine sector or the automotive trade. For now, he’s keeping his options open while focusing on building a solid foundation at school and in boarding life.

“He has already joined in at training,” said Head of Boarding, Dominic Stower.

“He is showing us what he’s made of, and how committed he is already, which is an excellent sign,” he explained.

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Sibz has also set himself a personal sporting goal: to run out for the Tec-NQ Taipans rugby league team. A passionate Brisbane Broncos supporter, his favourite player is Jamayne Isaako, and he is eager to contribute to the Taipans’ spirit and success. Dominic says this level of enthusiasm is exactly what Tec-NQ House is designed to encourage.  

“When students arrive with goals, whether that’s academic, sporting, or work-related, we provide the structure and encouragement they need to thrive,” he said.

Life outside the classroom is already busy for Sibz. “At home I spend my spare time fishing,” he said. “We go cray fishing when we can.” That love of the outdoors is matched by his enjoyment of social activities on campus. “At school I spend my free time playing pool and basketball with my mates,” he added.

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Tec-NQ House provides the backdrop for these experiences. Opened in 2022, the purpose-built boys-only residence in Rosslea offers accommodation for up to forty senior students from across regional and remote Queensland. It was designed to feel welcoming and homely, while also maintaining the structure that young people need to succeed.

The facility includes air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms, modern communal lounges with streaming services and computer access, and a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities and a basketball court. An on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals that keep the boys fuelled for school, sport, and work placements. Transport is provided daily to the Tec-NQ Douglas co-educational campus, with staff also driving students to and from workplaces when required.

Dominic says that these elements make a real difference. “Boarding gives young people independence with a safety net,” he explained. “We set expectations around learning, wellbeing and behaviour, and the boys thrive with consistency. They gain confidence, communication skills and accountability; habits that prepare them for the workplace.”

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After-hours activities are another highlight. Staff organise sport, excursions and social opportunities that help students build strong friendships and balance study with relaxation. For students like Sibz, that sense of belonging is especially important.

“First-year boarders do well when there is a clear rhythm to the week,” Dominic said. “Routines of study, sport, and social time help them settle quickly,” he added.

For Sibz, it is a promising start. He has embraced Tec NQ school life with energy, already training with the Taipans, exploring his trade options, and making the most of boarding life. With career pathways ahead of him, sporting ambitions in sight, and a supportive community around him, Sibz has kicked off his Tec-NQ journey with determination.

Caption: Sibz by the basketball court at Tec NQ. Photo supplied

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Just recently, my daughter came to me with a question whilst doing research for a school assessment. “Dad, what does fiscal policy mean?” My initial reaction was happiness, in that my tech‑savvy daughter was asking such a question.  

My response was along the lines of, ‘Well… it is about the responsible spending of taxpayers' money by the government for the best outcome of the nation’.

After my initial reaction of happiness at the question I was asked, I then had a deeper think about my response and how much more fiscal policy means, particularly now more than ever, in these uncertain times. It also reinforced to me, at the Local Government level, what this actually means.  

While on a much smaller scale compared to the Federal or State Governments, the mechanism is much the same.

I can remember that “fiscal policy” was a choice word of the day, being used by some politicians in the lead‑up to a Federal Election some years ago. How each claimed to have better “fiscal policy” than the other. It seems that the term has slowly slipped away to the dark corners of the Federal politicians' thesaurus, and is hardly heard of or spoken about in the media by current Federal politicians.

Yet, at a local Government level, it is now more critical than ever to get fiscal policy right for the common good of the Hinchinbrook residents. We can only hope that the current Federal Government finds someone like my daughter who asks them the question straight up, “What does fiscal policy mean?” — now that would be refreshing.

Hope everyone has returned refreshed from the Easter Weekend break and for those who are on school holidays, please take care, stay safe, and be kind.

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Lavinia Letheby’s creative talents have transformed the Hinchinbrook Shire across several iconic locations, showcasing the symbols that define the region’s identity, history and community pride.  

An award-winning and widely celebrated artist, Lavinia relishes the opportunity to piece together a community’s story through imagery, bringing her own unique interpretations to life in each work.  

“When you create a mural, it becomes part of the town’s story. It’s incredibly special,” she explained.  

“People walk past it every day, take photos with it, and it becomes a small part of their lives. Knowing that something I’ve created might be there for decades, becoming part of the identity of a place, is really meaningful.  

“It’s also a responsibility. I want the artwork to represent the community well, and to create something locals genuinely feel proud of.”  

Lavinia’s paint brushes have touched surfaces in Taylor’s Beach, Lucinda, Cardwell, Dungeness, Halifax and Ingham’s TYTO Wetlands.  

“Hinchinbrook is such a visually rich region - from the wetlands and waterways to the mountains and native wildlife – so many of the artworks reflect those elements and were all heavily influenced by the incredible natural environment,” she said.  

“Some murals highlight local wildlife and native plants, while others celebrate the region’s culture, people, and identity. The goal is always to create something that locals feel proud of and that visitors stop to photograph.”  

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Celebrating the people, stories and identity of a place through large-scale murals has become a defining passion for Lavinia, who says she can’t remember a time when art wasn’t part of her life.  

“Art was always something I naturally gravitated toward growing up, and over time, it became something I couldn’t imagine not doing,” she explained.  

“Murals happened quite organically. Once I painted my first large wall, I realised how powerful public art can be. A painting on a canvas might be seen by a handful of people, but a mural becomes part of the everyday environment – it transforms spaces, starts conversations, and creates landmarks within a town – that scale and impact is what really drew me into mural work.”  

When Lavinia begins a new piece, she starts with thorough local research of listening to stories, connecting with residents and immersing herself in the rhythm of the community.  

“I try to understand what makes a place unique: its industries, its landscapes, its history, and the people who live there. From there, I look for strong visual elements that represent those stories in a way that’s instantly recognisable,” she said.  

“Public art needs to communicate quickly and clearly, while still being visually engaging. It’s about turning local identity into imagery.”  

Beyond the boundaries of the Hinchinbrook Shire, Lavinia has created pieces for communities across North Queensland, including several in Tully, Mission Beach, Innisfail, Mareeba, Cairns, Townsville, and the Burdekin Shire.  

“Murals that celebrate local industries and everyday people are particularly meaningful to me. Seeing communities feel proud of being represented through the artwork makes those projects incredibly rewarding,” she added.  

“Public art has such power to transform spaces, and I’m passionate about continuing to create works that communities feel proud to call their own.”

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CAPTION: One of Lavinia Letheby’s vibrant murals in the Hinchinbrook Shire celebrating the region’s landscapes, people and identity through large-scale public art. Photo supplied

North Queenslanders are being encouraged to shine a spotlight on their favourite people, places and businesses, with nominations now open for the 2026 QLD Day Awards and voting underway for the All the Best campaign.

Held annually on 6 June, QLD Day celebrates the state’s identity, recognising the individuals and icons that make Queensland unique, from grassroots community heroes to beloved local businesses and destinations.

The All the Best campaign invites Queenslanders to vote across 15 categories, including everything from the best bakery to the state’s most stunning beach, while the QLD Day Awards focus on honouring outstanding individuals and organisations.

Premier David Crisafulli said the initiative was about celebrating the very best of the state.

“From your local pizzeria to your favourite beach, we want Queenslanders to share what they love most about our amazing State,” he said.

“We’re also calling on all Queenslanders to help us recognise our amazing community members and organisations by nominating them as part of this year’s competition.”

North Queensland has already proven a strong contender in past years, with Ingham teacher Carina Chesson recognised as one of five Local Legends.

“It was truly humbling as I felt there were hundreds of local legends who assisted during the 2025 local floods, but it was amazing to have my wonderful small rural town of Ingham acknowledged,” Ms Chesson said.

Winners for the All the Best campaign will be announced on 3 June.

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CAPTION: Carina Chesson was recognised as one of 2025’s Queensland Day’s five Local Legends. Photo supplied

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QUESTION TIME : Fuel Crisis

With Wayde Chiesa, Member for Hinchinbrook

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Q: The fuel crisis is impacting the whole world, but what do you see as the key pressure points here in our community? What are you actively doing to advocate for change or improved assistance through your networks?


A:
The biggest pressure points I’m hearing about are for farmers, tradies, freight operators and families who simply do not have other options. In a region like ours, when fuel goes up, everything goes up — from harvesting and freight to groceries, services and getting kids to school.

For our sugar industry, additional diesel costs during harvest are a major concern. I have raised this in Parliament because it is critical that there is a national plan to not only secure diesel supply for our region, but that it is available at a reasonable cost.

I’m working closely with industry groups, local businesses, State colleagues and Federal counterparts to make sure local impacts are understood. I’m also pushing for practical measures like a national fuel dashboard, with real-time supply information, and for stronger long-term fuel security for Australia.

Q: People are feeling the pinch not only at the fuel pump, but also at the checkout. There is growing concern about the cost of living and the future stability of regional economies. What would you like to say to reassure our readers, while also speaking plainly about the influencing factors and what they should be aware of?


A:
There is no sugar-coating it — people are doing it tough, and the uncertainty is weighing heavily on families, businesses and communities. Cost of living pressures are real, and in regional areas like ours they hit harder because of freight, distance and fewer alternatives.

What I want people to know is this: our region is resilient. We have faced challenges before and we have always come through them by backing each other and supporting local.

There are broader pressures at play — global fuel prices, supply chain issues and economic uncertainty — but that does not mean regional communities should be left to carry the burden alone. I will keep advocating for policies and support that recognise the realities of living in the regions. Please keep sharing what you are seeing on the ground, because that local feedback matters.

Q: What other common concerns are you currently hearing in your community? What solutions or reassurances would you like to share with our readers?


A:
 Alongside cost of living, the issues I hear about most are roads, youth crime and workforce shortages. These are not abstract concerns — they affect how safe people feel, how easily they can move around the region, and whether local businesses can grow.

On youth crime, people want continued action and greater community safety. We have seen 391 new recruits for our region in 18 months and good results from Operation Forge in only one month of its inception.

Flood resiliance on our farms and roads. Areas like Bruce Highway at Gairloch and Seymour, the community expects practical upgrades and honest communication. I will keep working to ensure local feedback is taken directly to the Minister and department.

And on workforce, the long-term answer is making our region an easier place to live and work — with the right housing, services, training and support to not only attract but retain people here.

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QUESTION TIME : Fuel Crisis

Bob Katter, Federal Member for Kennedy:‍

Q: The fuel crisis is impacting the whole world, but what do you see as the key pressure points here in our community? What are you actively doing to advocate for change or improved assistance through your networks?

A: Whilst North Queenslanders had a win by forcing Government to halve the fuel excise tax and suspend the heavy vehicle road user charge last Monday – a full fortnight after my request in writing to the Prime Minister, on behalf of the transport sector and regional communities demanding urgent action – it’s a stay of execution, not a solution, for primary producers on the knife-edge of a crumbling supply chain for our national food security.  

The Government didn’t lead on this – they were dragged to it – which proves that when the people fight, they can still win.

But right now, we’re fighting for immediate Government action to guarantee time-critical diesel and fertiliser supplies that are not cost-prohibitive for the continuation of primary industries across North Queensland. And we remain in constant contact with the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Energy Minister to secure critical interventions where cumulative supply pressures are most acute, from our regional centres to our rural and remote communities.    

Q: People are feeling the pinch not only at the fuel pump, but also at the checkout. There is growing concern about the cost of living and the future stability of regional economies. What would you like to say to reassure our readers, while also speaking plainly about the influencing factors and what they should be aware of?

A: Until Australia can fuel itself, this crisis will continue. As one of the world’s biggest producers of grain and sugar as ethanol feedstocks, we're uniquely placed for self-sufficiency – yet we live at the mercy of the Middle East.  

While my electorate offices from Mount Isa to Innisfail are assisting our local families and regional industries being stung at the pointiest end of the global supply chain, we are told just today that two of Melbourne’s biggest truck stops are both out of diesel, while our canegrowers can’t secure diesel or fertiliser supplies for upcoming harvesting or the next crop – never mind at the doubled-plus prices leaving the whole enterprise in the balance.  

I have warned continuously that ‘we will go without fuel’ – and now what I am telling my fellow Australians is, 'you will go without food'. The fuel crisis hitting North Queensland’s once-great foodbowl industries from fishing to farming… soon there won't be any left, leaving our regional communities facing a precarious future as ghost towns.  

Q: What other common concerns are you currently hearing in your community? What solutions or reassurances would you like to share with our readers?

A: You cannot run a country on imported fuel and expect security. Australia is 20 per cent self-sufficient in oil, yet only three per cent in petrol.  

As I have reiterated in Parliament and our ongoing representations to Government in recent weeks, this escalating crisis impels at the very least:

• banning Australian oil exports, which we buy back as foreign-owned fuel for 10 times what we sell it for;  

• reopening recently closed fuel refineries, and ramping up production at our remaining two; and

• ramping up ethanol production (including converting sugar mills and boosting our existing grain and sugar ethanol plants), alongside immediate enforcement, in full, of existing ethanol and biodiesel mandates in Queensland and New South Wales, and urgent expansion to 10 per cent ethanol-blended petrol nationally;

to ensure we use all we produce in our thriving regional industries, whilst further reducing our dangerous reliance on dirtier, imported fuels that cost Australians’ health and hip-pockets to deliver super-profits to our foreign overlords.

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Our Lady of Lourdes primary class 2B, was all about the art this easter. Finishing just before school ended for the term, they took pens, pencils and paint and together, all coloured in a copy of last week’s children’s activity page. Such great teamwork and what a showcase of Easter spirit. Their teacher Miss Kimberley said, “It was such fun for them to do it all together, they just love reading the paper and looking at everything that goes on in their area.”

Caption: Class 2B of Our Lady of Lourdes primary school. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Getting Creative This Easter Holidays!

Getting amongst the news has never looked so colourful. Our Lady of Lourdes primary class 2B whisked away the last day of school term with art and Easter cheer. A wonderous surprise to us at Hinchinbrook Life to receive the call that not one child but 15 had all got together to colour in the activity page we published last week.

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It was lovely to pop in and say hello to all the children as they were excited to be ‘famous’ in the paper. Taking their picture was a delight, even if a bit difficult as they were full of bouncing beans and couldn't sit still for a second. All were so proud to show off their artwork, and some even held up the works of friends who were away, truly a class full of camaraderie.

Their teacher and aides each reflected the sentiment of how much fun they had doing an arty Easter activity.

“The children just love visual arts,” said their teacher Miss Kimberley, “and all of them were so excited to meet a journalist and be in the paper.”

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It was a classroom scramble to pile together for the pictures, a bucket of pencils was knocked over in the eager rush, but it was all happy smiles in the end.

Happy Easter 2B! Have a wonderful school holiday from the team at Hinchinbrook Life.

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With sunshine returning and numbers swelled by visiting runners, last weekend was a lively one on the Palm Creek course. I also took the opportunity to catch up with Bridgette Duffy, who recently reached an incredible milestone, of dedicating 200 of her Parkruns to volunteering.

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A true triple threat, that morning Bridgette marked the day as Run Director, Event Day Course Check and Volunteer Co-ordinator, highlighting the dedication and love she felt for the community fitness event

“I’m pretty pleased,” Bridgette said. “I’m happy to be able to help the community, and it’s a good cause, getting people out, seeing them running, and starting their weekend off beautifully.”

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Her passion for Parkrun is evident when asked why she took up volunteering at them.

“I like running for starters,” she said, “but I just think it’s great for our community to have an event where families can come too. It’s a great way to get fit and healthy for everybody, and it’s just a really nice community event.”

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Bridgette’s volunteer journey began back at the original TYTO course in Ingham, before the course was relocated to Palm Creek.  

“That’s when I started my volunteer journey with Parkrun. I just thought, ‘I like to come to Parkrun, and we all need volunteers to help out and keep it going. If we don’t put our hands up, nobody else is going to, you can’t expect anybody else to’."

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When asked about her favourite events, Bridgette said Palm Creek holds a special place.  

“I love this one, probably of all the ones I’ve done. I really liked Yeppoon, it was a lovely Parkrun, but I haven’t done too many different ones.”

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As the wind picked up, and the last people were crossing the finish line, I asked if she had any bucket list Parkruns she wanted to try, and for future plans, she smiled saying that she doesn’t have a specific one in mind but would “love to do one overseas.”

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Parkrun Results: 28th March 2026

Palm Creek #118 – 31 participants
Fastest time: Julian Lee (18:53)
Final finisher: Julie Mac Pherson (56:46)
PBs: Carter Hague (18:59), Matthew Turner (28:06), Todd Cockburn (28:37), Sophie Parker (29:40), Kira Turner (34:26)
First-timers: Jackson Mathews (23:37), Darcy Toholke (23:47), Sheridan Davis (56:44)
Volunteers: Bridgette Duffy, Amanda Towner, Donna Panzenbock, Matteo Mancuso, Julie Mac Pherson

Cardwell #380 – 19 participants
Fastest time: Luke Tamblyn (22:26)
Final finisher: Graeme Lake (53:54)
PBs: Bruce Boland (40:36)
First-timers: Liam Matthews (23:20), Steve Upton (25:58), Jacqui Lefebvre (34:00), Chris Page (38:52), Astrid Clancy (44:46), Brendan Clancy (46:19), Sue Patch (53:33)
Volunteers: Kerry Snell, Luke Tamblyn, Jan Ferguson, Terry Curtin, Graeme Lake, Anita Davina

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A major upgrade to the Reef Ranger is set to strengthen protection efforts across the Great Barrier Reef, following a $2.9 million refit delivered by the Australian and Queensland governments.

The vessel, a key asset for marine park operations since 2014, supports multi-day field trips, scientific research, compliance patrols and partnerships with Traditional Owners across remote reef and island locations.

The refit introduces a range of innovative, eco-friendly upgrades designed to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Among the changes are new propulsion engines capable of running on oil derived from waste cooking oils, alongside a hybrid solar and battery power system to cut reliance on diesel.

Additional improvements, including a specialised silicone-based hull coating, are expected to reduce fuel use and emissions, allowing the vessel to operate more sustainably across its extensive patrol area.

Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the vessel had long been central to reef operations.

“The Reef Ranger has carried rangers and researchers to some of the most iconic places in the Great Barrier Reef, places like Raine Island, Wuthara and Hinchinbrook, helping communities protect the reef we all care about,” he said.

With the latest upgrades now complete, the Reef Ranger will continue its critical role in safeguarding one of the world’s most important natural ecosystems.

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By Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14 Lucinda Coast Guard

A couple and their young child from Townsville got into a spot of bother last week when on the way back from Bramble Reef after a day’s fishing, they lost all steering on their alloy boat.

A radio call to Coast Guard Townsville resulted in the team at Coast Guard Lucinda being notified of the situation, and a volunteer rescue crew was activated. The rescue vessel “Snow Stafford”, manned by four crew members, and with a Radio Operator at the base, was launched in quick time and headed out to sea.

Thankfully the sea was calm, and the distressed vessel was quickly located about 15 kilometres northeast of Pelorus Island. A tow line was attached, the return trip was completed without incident, and three people were very glad to be safely ashore.

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