The State of the Region Roadshow panel saw speakers from telecommunications services, economists, and industry specialists. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Community leaders, businesses and residents gathered at the Ingham Powerhouse on Tuesday 21^st July for the State of the Region Roadshow, with speakers highlighting Hinchinbrook's strong economic foundations and future growth potential.

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Presented by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Townsville and North West Queensland in partnership with the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the event featured independent economic insights from Regional Economic Advisory Principal Economist Matthew Kelly.

According to RDA Townsville and North West Queensland, the presentation highlighted a region with a strong industry base, desirable lifestyle and significant potential for continued growth, while encouraging discussion around the opportunities ahead for the Hinchinbrook community.

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Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism President Mary Brown said one of the most encouraging aspects of the evening was seeing official data confirm trends many locals had already observed.

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"Personally, the most encouraging information coming out of the roadshow was the economic trend data provided by economist Matt Kelly, with data continuing to show pleasing population growth trends in Hinchinbrook Shire," Mary said.

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"Whilst those of us living and working in this space on the ground have been seeing this trend and receiving anecdotal advice of these positive changes over the past 10 years, it is very heartening to see the official data now reflecting this trend."

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Mary said the presentations reinforced her confidence in the region's future.

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"Listening to all the presentations, it reinforced my long-held belief that despite some of the short-term challenges that impact our community over the years, the Hinchinbrook Shire is well placed for a very optimistic future, that will be achieved when those who are prepared to invest in that future are supported by strong political leadership and favourable policy decisions that support regional communities."

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RDA Townsville and North West Queensland thanked Hinchinbrook Shire Council for welcoming the roadshow, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism for hosting the community session, Deputy Mayor Mary Brown for her support, and the panel members and community members who contributed to the discussion.

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Residents interested in exploring local employment opportunities can visit Jobs Townsville North Queensland and discover what Hinchinbrook has to offer www.jobsnorthqueensland.com.au

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The new Cell 4, which is now operational, will provide the additional capacity needed to continue delivery of essential services in the Hinchinbrook Shire. Photo supplied: Hinchinbrook Shire Council

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A $2.8 million investment in the Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre has now been completed.

The new Cell 4, which is now operational, includes a modern, multi-layer liner system designed to protect surrounding land and groundwater while meeting Queensland's strict environmental standards.

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Mayor Ramon Jayo said the project was completed at a critical time, with landfill capacity becoming increasingly limited.

"As landfill capacity tightened, Council officers moved quickly to identify practical, safe and environmentally responsible solutions to ensure waste services could continue without interruption for the community," Mayor Jayo said.

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"The completion of Cell 4 gives Council additional capacity and provides certainty that residents, businesses and visitors can continue to access reliable waste disposal services while Council plans for the Shire’s long-term waste management needs."

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With Cell 4 now operational, Council's focus will turn to the development of a long-term Waste Strategy.

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"The Waste Strategy will guide future planning and investment, helping ensure waste services continue to meet the needs of Hinchinbrook community for years to come," Mayor Jayo said.

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Council thanked staff, contractors and specialist advisors who contributed to the successful delivery of the project, and invited residents to support sustainable waste management by reducing household waste, recycling correctly and making use of the waste and resource recovery services available across the Shire.

Last Tuesday, I joined six other Queensland Mayors to visit Federal Minister Kristy McBain in Melbourne to protest against the proposed changes to Disaster Relief Funding arrangements.  

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The proposed changes will essentially see a reduction in the amount of funds that the Federal Government will contribute to disaster response and recovery, to the tune of 25 per cent.

Calculated on average over the past nine years, during which we have experienced five declared events, that means a loss of $2 million per annum. That is a significant amount of money for a small council such as ours.

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Federal Minister Kristy McBain was in Melbourne attending the National Emergency Management Ministers' Meeting together with all other state emergency ministers, and we took the opportunity to ensure that all state ministers, not just those in Queensland, are aware of the severity of the issue facing Queensland as the most disaster-prone state in Australia.

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It is not fair for the level of government that receives the most taxation revenue in Australia, at 80 per cent, to slash its contribution to helping communities recover and put the burden on the states, which account for 17 per cent of all taxation revenue, or onto councils when our sector collects just three per cent.

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And when there is less money coming from Canberra, that means local ratepayers will carry more of the burden, with less money available for other critical programs. Premier David Crisafulli has already indicated during Senate estimates that the State of Queensland is not in a position to pick up the loss of revenue for recovery programs resulting from reductions by the Federal Government.

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The other critical matter is raising the threshold for when disaster relief kicks in. At the moment, relief kicks in when the costs to respond to and recover from a disaster exceed $240,000.  

Under the new arrangements, federal funding will not be activated until costs exceed $2.7 million. This alone will leave small communities such as ours without critical support.

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It is, however, pleasing to note that in Queensland we do have bipartisan support against the proposed changes, with both the State Government and the State Opposition publicly opposing the changes.

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Apart from the initial clean-up and repairs to our roads, one of the most visible signs of recovery after a major flood event is the return of our parks, gardens and recreational spaces. These areas are at the heart of our communities, providing places for families to gather, children to play, residents to exercise, and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of our region.

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Sadly, the 2025 event left most of our parks and gardens needing repair. We have almost finished, with crews now working on the last of them.

The work undertaken includes more than $1.08 million in parks and public-space works, covering major repairs at Rotary Park, Ninja Park, Garbutt and Interact playgrounds, as well as exercise equipment, walking tracks, footbridges, viewing infrastructure, gardens, and the TYTO Wetlands.

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The Community and Recreational Asset Recovery Grants (CRARG) Program has provided vital disaster recovery funding to help Hinchinbrook Shire Council restore these assets.  

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This funding has given us the opportunity to maintain safe and accessible community spaces while reducing the financial burden that disaster repairs would otherwise place on Council’s limited budget and local ratepayers.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the broader CRARG program is supporting the restoration of 41 community assets across the Shire.  

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Without this funding, Council would find it very difficult to recover from a disaster situation.

Every repaired playground, refurbished park and rejuvenated garden helps strengthen a community that has, quite simply, “been through the wringer”, while also supporting the recovery and healing process.  

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Council and the community are very thankful for the assistance provided during this time and remain hopeful that the Federal Government will reconsider proposed changes to the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

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The Awards saw Forrest Beach SLSC come away with multiple recognitions. Photo source: Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club

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Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club has claimed the North Barrier Branch Club of the Year title for the third consecutive year, with the achievement announced at the 90th Annual North Barrier Branch Awards of Excellence in Mackay.

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The club’s popular Beers by the Beach initiative also received the Community Engagement Award, recognising them for bringing people together while raising valuable funds to support the club's volunteer lifesavers.

Junior Activities Chair Melissa Hall was honoured, receiving the prestigious Andy Frizzell OAM Service to Junior Activities Award, acknowledging her outstanding commitment to the club's Nippers program and junior members.

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Club Captain Michael Biasi, Melissa Hall and Mariam Hall, the North Barrier Branch Membership and Community Awareness Coordinator, represented Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club at the awards ceremony and the North Barrier Branch Membership Development Conference, accepting the awards on behalf of the club.

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The club said the recognition reflected the commitment of every member, volunteer and supporter who contributes their time and effort throughout the year.

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Securing the Club of the Year title for a third year highlights the strength of Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club both on and off the beach, recognising not only its lifesaving services but also its strong focus on junior development and local engagement.

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The Lions Club of Ingham and the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride members holding the pink underwear that is part of the Wombats group tradition. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride has officially wrapped up for 2026, with 140 riders completing the three-day journey while raising vital funds for childhood cancer research.

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The annual charity ride stopped in Ingham on day two, Thursday 23^rd July, after riders completed the first 112-kilometre stage from Townsville. The group continued north through the Hinchinbrook region before finishing the ride in Cairns on Saturday 25^th July.

Among those joining the ride this year was Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto, who returned to his hometown of Ingham as part of the Wombats riding group.

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Mayor Dametto completed the opening leg from Townsville to Ingham and said being part of the event was a proud moment.

“Yesterday I was able to join the Wombats for the first leg of the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride, 112 kilometres yesterday from Townsville all the way to Ingham, and it just made me so proud to be a part of the group and be able to contribute in some way,” he said.

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“This charity is all about finding a way so we have a world without childhood cancers. That’s a world that I want to live in one day.”

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Ride President and rider John Masson said the Ingham stop marked another successful stage of the 26th annual event, with all seven riding groups arriving safely after a fast day on the road.

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“We had the wind behind us. It was probably one of the fastest days on the road for all the groups,” he said.

The riders were divided into seven groups, each named after an Australian animal, with groups catering for everyone speed abilities. The ride has raised more than $8 million for the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia over 26 years, supporting research into childhood cancers and treatments.

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John said one of the institute’s key projects involved analysing childhood cancers to identify genetic mutations that may respond to specific treatments.

“The goal is to reduce the mortality from childhood cancer to zero,” he said.

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“Thirty odd years ago, 80 per cent of kids died. Now only 20 per cent die, and let’s hope in another 20 years it will be near, if not zero.”

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The Ingham Lions Club has been supporting the ride for more than 20 years, joining Lions Clubs across North Queensland in supporting the riders along the route.

Member Pat Lynch said the club was proud to contribute to an event that aligned with the Lions’ commitment to supporting important causes, with the Ingham Lions Club also making an annual donation towards the fundraiser.

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For Wombats group rider and Communications Coordinator Jeanie McIntosh, the event is something she looks forward to. After participating for seven years, Jeanie said the friendships formed between riders, volunteers and the towns they visit were one of the most special parts of the experience.

“What we love about the ride is the whole community gets involved from towns along the way, the Lions, the road crew, and everyone supporting us,” she said.

“I’ve been seeing the same people for seven years, so you really miss people when you don’t see them.”

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Each riding group has developed its own traditions, with the Wombats known for their light-hearted approach, matching pink socks and team camaraderie.

One of their traditions involves a pair of pink lacy underwear, which riders must wear after being nominated for doing something silly during the ride. Even Mayor Dametto found himself taking part in the tradition.

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After three days on the road, the riders crossed the finish line in Cairns having once again pedalled in the kilometres to help create a future without childhood cancer.

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This year’s ride aimed to raise $300,000, with the current total sitting at $260,000 following the conclusion of the event. Community members can still support the cause through the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride fundraising page: www.tcbr.org.au/event/tcbr-2026/donate

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Queenslanders are being urged to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead wild birds after the state's first suspected case of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) was detected.

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The suspected case was identified in a deceased petrel that washed ashore on Moreton Island. Initial testing has returned a suspected positive result, with samples now undergoing further testing at the CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for final confirmation.

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There have been no detections of the virus in native birds or poultry in Queensland, and there is no evidence of large-scale deaths among animals. The Queensland Government said the risk to human health remains unchanged and reassured the public that it is safe to continue eating chicken meat and eggs.

The announcement comes as at least one Hinchinbrook resident has already taken precautions, reporting a washed-up dead bird found about one kilometre north of the Forrest Beach boat ramp after spotting it while out walking.

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Anyone who sees sick or dead birds is urged to avoid contact and report the sighting immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

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Peter Reitano of Felix Reitano Real Estate. Photo supplied.

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After his family entered the Real Estate industry in the early 1990s, Peter Reitano spent decades building relationships, guiding buyers and sellers through one of life's biggest decisions.

"It has given me the chance to meet so many amazing people who have become valued clients," he said.  

"The moment that a Buyer finds a property that they love, then the Seller agrees to the price that the Buyer is comfortable with. Just the feeling that everyone is happy makes me happy."

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He believes the foundations of a great real estate agent are "politeness, honesty and ability to listen to clients and find out what they need,"

"Having lived here for my whole life I find that our town is friendly and I would like to think it is welcoming. I always do my best to greet people with a smile and welcome them."

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A lifelong local, Peter is equally passionate about the community he calls home.

"That as an Agent I have dealt with contracts hundreds of times -if not a thousand- in my life and that I realise this might be the first time they have ever done it," Peter said.  

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"I do my best to guide them through the steps as best I can to find their dream home or land to build their home on (...) or the Seller to give them the best possible service, They have most likely spent a lot of time putting loving touches to their homes and we want to get the best for them."

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It's an approach that reflects Peter's understanding that every property journey is different, even so, his focus always remains dedicated to his clients and achieving the best possible outcome for them.

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Artist Rose Knight with her piece, Flower Power, currently on display at the Mission Beach Community Arts Centre's Inspirations Exhibition. Photo source: Mission Beach Community Arts Centre

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An artist with a passion for reimagining landscapes, deliberately disassembling, rearranging and stripping away the clutter to reveal what remains in the head and the heart, Rose Knight has spent decades capturing the beauty often seen only in our peripheral vision.  

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Originally from Mornington Peninsula, Rose now resides in Far North Queensland, and her distinctive works have been showcased in galleries across the country, including the Cassowary Coast’s own Mission Beach Community Arts Centre.

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“Living in Far North Queensland has not only cemented my love of the ocean but has given me closer access to the outback and its salt-of-the-earth people that I admire so much,” she said.

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Rose first picked up a paintbrush in 2000, discovering an artistic calling that would soon become a lifelong passion. In 2003, she took the next step in her creative journey, joining a painting group under the guidance of acclaimed artist Terrence John Hadler, and just two years after that, she held her first gallery exhibition, marking the beginning of an accomplished career that continues to evolve today.

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With a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds her, Rose draws inspiration from the diverse landscapes and striking contrasts found across the country. Her creative process often begins with a simple photograph, capturing a fleeting moment or scene, before transforming it into something truly evocative upon returning to her studio.

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“I focus on what captured my attention and imagination initially – the essence of the place [and] by leaving out what clutters the mind, and leaving the viewer room to fill in the gaps creates an effect something similar to recalling a dream that’s just beyond the consciousness,” Rose said.

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Strongly drawn to the coast time and time again, Ms Knight frequently travels from her home in the Tablelands to soak up the sea breeze and salty air of Mission Beach; a place she lovingly describes as her “happy place.”

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“Mission Beach, with its nostalgic boho vibes, is a huge inspiration to me. It echoes of the bygone days in places like Byron Bay and Port Douglas before they became tourist franchises,” she said.

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Over nearly three decades, Rose’s connection to the natural world has inspired her to pursue a wide range of artistic disciplines, from fossicking, lapidary work and jewellery making to painting and sculpture. Though her creative practice continues to evolve, her work consistently reflects both her inner landscape and her enduring relationship with the land.

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“I feel that my work has evolved and simplified overtime yet has amplified in its simplicity – less detail allows more energetic brushwork, and it’s my hope that energy remains locked into the painting to be felt by the viewer,” she said.

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“I’m compelled to create, to paint. It brings me great joy when I hear someone who views my work comment “it reminds me of my…” [as] that tells me that it has spoken to them.”  

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Currently on display at the Mission Beach Community Arts Centre’s Inspirations Exhibition, Rose’s piece, Flower Power, encapsulates the vibrant energy and unmistakable charm of Mission Beach, reflecting the emotions and memories the coastal haven continues to inspire.

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Yolanda Jenkins, Justin Brennan, Jade Croft, and Britney Anastasi. Photo supplied

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Education, empowerment and community support took centre stage at the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network's July event, with attendees hearing firsthand from two organisations making a meaningful difference across the region.

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Representatives from the Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) and Innisfail Youth & Family Care shared their stories, shining a light on the services, opportunities and support available to Cassowary Coast residents.

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Justin Brennan and Jade Croft from VPG spoke about the success of the Cassowary Coast University Centre (CCUC), which has supported 184 students since opening less than two years ago.

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Located above the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Library on Rankin Street in Innisfail, the CCUC is helping to break down barriers to education by enabling students to undertake tertiary and vocational studies locally while accessing the resources and support of universities and training organisations from across Australia.

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With travel, relocation and the rising cost of living often preventing people from pursuing further education, the centre's mission to "Grow Our Own" is helping locals achieve their study and career goals without leaving the region.

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The VPG team provides guidance every step of the way, helping students navigate course options, enrolment processes and study pathways, while also offering a welcoming space where they can learn, connect and continue earning an income close to home. For more information about the Cassowary Coast University Centre, contact 4091 6411 or email ccuc@vpginc.com.au.

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The evening's second presentation was delivered by Anita Laksa, Britney Hoddle and Jess Mizzi from Innisfail Youth & Family Care, an organisation dedicated to "Achieving Better Futures" through local care, support, accommodation and opportunities for young people, familiesand individuals.

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Guests gained a greater appreciation for the breadth of services delivered across the Cassowary Coast, including homelessness response, youth support programs, domestic and family violence services, emergency relief and housing assistance.

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The presentation not only highlighted the challenges faced by many in the community, but also the important role individuals can play in supporting those in need through donations, advocacy and raising awareness.

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By the end of the evening, one message was clear: the Cassowary Coast is home to passionate organisations committed to strengthening communities, creating opportunities and ensuring residents have the support they need to thrive.

Terrain NRM's new Reefwise Farming program will support sugarcane growers across the Cassowary Coast to improve farm productivity while helping protect the Great Barrier Reef through more efficient nutrient management practices. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Sugarcane growers across the Cassowary Coast will receive support to boost productivity while reducing nutrient runoff into the Great Barrier Reef through a new $7.5 million farming initiative.

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Terrain NRM has secured Australian Government funding for the two-and-a-half-year Reefwise Farming project, which will assist growers across more than 6,700 hectares from Cairns to Ingham to improve fertiliser efficiency and strengthen crop disease and pest management.

The program will have a strong focus on the Innisfail and Tully districts, where extension officers will work one-on-one with growers to develop or update nutrient management plans, improve soil health and identify crop constraints. Demonstration sites, field days and shed meetings will also be held, with paddock-scale water quality monitoring taking place in the Tully district.

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Terrain NRM is delivering the project in partnership with Canegrowers Innisfail, Canegrowers Herbert River, Canegrowers Cairns and Sugar Research Australia.

Terrain NRM's Jamie Thornberry said farming in the Wet Tropics required balancing productivity with environmental stewardship.

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"As a region with high rainfall and a close proximity to the reef, intensive agricultural systems will continue to be presented with unique challenges," he said.

"Farmers have come a long way in accepting these challenges as a part of doing business in the region and continuing to manage nutrient runoff, sediment and pesticides to achieve water quality outcomes."

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The project is already underway in the Innisfail district, with Canegrowers Innisfail manager Deb Telford saying local growers were seeing the benefits.

"This project is allowing us to further work with growers at an enterprise level to improve their nutrient use efficiency through improved productivity," she said.

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In the Herbert River district, growers will have access to dollar-for-dollar grants through Canegrowers Herbert River to invest in equipment and farming practices that improve efficiency and environmental outcomes.

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Canegrowers Herbert River project officer Leah Russo said the funding would help growers make lasting improvements.

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"Projects like these provide growers with valuable opportunities to invest in equipment and technologies that may otherwise be beyond their financial reach. They enable meaningful practice change and deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits."

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Funded through the Australian Government's Reef Trust as part of the Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan, the Reefwise Farming project aims to improve water quality while supporting the long-term sustainability and profitability of the region's sugar industry.

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The Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre in its new location featuring fresh sinage. Photo credit: Siân Bantock

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Cassowary Coast Tourism's Visitor Information Centre has officially begun a new chapter, relocating to the Homestead Shopping Centre, with the move prompting reflections on more than four decades of tourism history in Mission Beach.

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The Mission Beach Historical Society has congratulated Cassowary Coast Tourism on the relocation, highlighting the significant community effort that helped establish the region's first visitor information service in the mid-1980s.

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According to historical records shared by the Society and local historian Don Marsh, the original Mission Beach Tourism Information Centre was established by the Mission Beach Tourist Association from a small shop located near the present-day Mission Beach Library. Local artist Helen Wiltshire designed the organisation's logos, helping shape its identity during its formative years.

Support from the former Department of Business, Industry and Regional Development provided funding for equipment and the wages of the association's first permanent office manager, laying the foundations for the service's growth.

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As visitor numbers increased, a Wet Tropics Authority grant enabled the development of a larger, permanent tourism hub. The project saw the relocation of the former timber Mission Beach Primary School building to public foreshore land set aside by the then Johnstone Shire Council.

The grant also funded associated infrastructure, including public amenities and the C4 Centre, creating a dedicated space to welcome visitors and promote the region's natural attractions.

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"The rest, as they say, is history," Mr Marsh reflected.

Today, as the Visitor Information Centre settles into its new home at the Homestead Shopping Centre, the move serves as a reminder of the volunteers, community leaders and organisations whose efforts helped establish Mission Beach as one of Tropical North Queensland's most recognised destinations.

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Cassowary Coast Tourism's Tourism Officer, Michelle Lloyd said the new location will continue to serve not only visitors to the region, but locals keen to discover what's happening in their own backyard.

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"There's always something new happening across the Cassowary Coast, and we have different deals and information available throughout the year," she said.

"It's nice to know what's on in your own backyard."

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Michelle also encouraged community members to consider volunteering with the Visitor Information Centre.

"We're always looking for volunteers to join us," she said.

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"If you'd like to learn more about what we do, drop in and say hi to the team."

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The Visitor Information Centre's new home at the Homestead Shopping Centre is now welcoming visitors and residents alike, continuing its long-standing tradition of connecting people with the best experiences the Cassowary Coast has to offer.

Tully Falls National Park is among several Cassowary Coast protected areas expanded as part of the Queensland Government's statewide conservation initiative. Photo source: Tripadvisor  

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Several national parks across the Cassowary Coast have been expanded as part of the Queensland Government's latest investment in protected areas, including significant additions to Tully Falls National Park and Herberton Range National Park.

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More than 82,000 hectares have been added to Queensland's protected area network statewide, with the Crisafulli Government committing $111 million in the 2026-27 State Budget to support future acquisitions, conservation efforts and visitor infrastructure.

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Locally, Tully Falls National Park received an additional 2,203 hectares, while Herberton Range National Park expanded by 4,723 hectares. Smaller additions were also made to Tully Gorge National Park, Maalan National Park, Little Mulgrave National Park, Japoon National Park, Gadgarra National Park and Djiru National Park.

The investment will support the strategic acquisition of environmentally significant land while continuing practical conservation efforts including pest and weed management, fire preparedness and upgrades to visitor infrastructure across the State's protected areas.

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Statewide, the expansion includes the establishment of Dhuny Yumba (Home of the Wombat) National Park near St George, protecting critical habitat for the endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat. Since November 2024, Queensland has added more than 259,000 hectares to its protected area network.

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Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Queenslanders expected practical action to preserve the State's natural assets.

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“Queensland is home to some of the most remarkable natural places anywhere in the world, and it’s our responsibility to protect them for the generations that follow,” Minister Powell said.

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“That’s why we’re taking a practical approach - protecting the right places, investing in looking after them properly and making sure they continue to support regional communities, local jobs and visitors for generations to come. This is about growing Queensland’s protected areas sensibly and strategically, while making sure we never lose sight of the job of caring for the places we already have.”

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The protected area investment forms part of a broader $139 million commitment over four years, including $34 million ongoing annually to grow Queensland's protected area network and enhance visitor experiences.

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With some of Far North Queensland's most treasured landscapes among those receiving additions, the announcement highlights the continued environmental significance of the Cassowary Coast and its role in Queensland's conservation future.

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Mission Beach and Dunk Island remain among the Cassowary Coast's most iconic tourism destinations. Photo source: Visit Queensland

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Tourism operators across the Cassowary Coast are being encouraged to explore a new round of State Government funding aimed at supporting Queensland's next generation of visitor attractions.

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Applications are now open for Round Two of the $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund, part of the Queensland Government's Destination 2045 strategy to grow the state's visitor economy through new and enhanced tourism experiences.

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The fund supports projects that showcase Queensland's unique attractions by encouraging private investment, creating local jobs and attracting more visitors, with applicants required to match government funding to help deliver lasting economic benefits for regional communities.

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Applications close on Monday, 10th August, with more information available via www.detsi.qld.gov.au.

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Cardwell is among the communities set to benefit from a share of $7.6 million in funding to restore and strengthen North Queensland coastlines impacted by the 2025 Tropical Low. Photo source: Tripadvisor

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Cardwell is among the North Queensland communities set to benefit from a share of more than $7.6 million in funding to restore and strengthen coastlines impacted by the 2025 North and Far North Tropical Low.

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The funding, delivered through the Coastline Rehabilitation Grant Program, will support 12 projects across four northern councils, with works spanning from Cardwell to Injinoo at the tip of Cape York. Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the program forms part of the $73 million Environmental Recovery Package aimed at helping communities recover from severe weather events while building long-term resilience.

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The projects will focus on restoring beaches and coastal areas that suffered significant erosion and damage during the 2025 Tropical Low, while also strengthening natural coastal defences to better withstand future weather events.

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Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the investment would help preserve some of the State's most treasured coastal destinations.

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“From Cardwell to Cape York, this investment is about ensuring Queensland's coastal destinations continue to be places where people can live, work, holiday and connect with the natural environment,” he said.

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Further details on the successful projects are available on the Queensland Government's environment website via https://www.qld.gov.au/environment.

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