‍

“Going through this ordeal in Ingham has put into perspective how we live our lives. We may have lost a lot, but nothing compared to a lot of people. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. Last week the most I had to stress about was missing my mum, my family, slow internet, too hot, what’s for tea again tonight. Now we have homes under water, people without food, no electricity and loss of life. I would not change my mind about moving to Ingham. The the amount of support we have been shown from total strangers has renewed my faith in people. Neighbours that don’t really know us have been a great support. What a great town, we are proud to now be Ingham locals” (Jenny Carmody 6/2/2025)

Over the past two weeks the Hinchinbrook region has experienced a ‘once in a generation’ flooding event. It is one that many locals are comparing to the 1967 floods where the river rose to 15.20m and the 1927 floods which where the river rose to 15.40.

Deputy Mayor Mary Brown said “this will be the flooding event that future generations talk about. When we were kids the 1967 floods were the biggest in recent memory, the 2025 floods will now become this for the next generation”.

The past week has seen relentless rain and severe weather, with the full extent of the damage becoming clearer by the day. Approximately 30,000 properties, stretching from the Tableland to the Burdekin, have faced power disruptions due to flooding, high winds, fallen trees, and landslides.
Ergon Energy Networks dedicated teams have already restored power to over 20,000 of those properties, and today, they are focusing their efforts on the most heavily impacted and hardest-to-reach areas.
Currently, 6,778 customers in flood-affected Hinchinbrook LGA remain without power, and restoring service to these areas is the primary focus of operations.
More than 100 field staff from outside the impacted region are supporting local crews, with 20 specialists working directly at the critical Ingham substation. This substation is vital, supplying power to nearly 7,000 homes and businesses. Broader network assessments, both overhead and underground, are also underway, with hopes to complete these inspections today, weather permitting.
Meanwhile, generation teams are stationed in Lucinda, where the barge has been a lifeline for both supplies and crews. Efforts to support power generation are continuing at key sites identified by the Local Disaster Management Group.
In addition to ongoing restoration work, Ergon Energy are tackling other significant outages. Crews are back in Cardwell, and progress continues at Ollera Creek, where the installation of a large second pole is scheduled for today.
Work is also being coordinated with Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Transport and Main Roads (TMR) teams on bridge repairs.
Travel throughout the region remains a significant challenge. There is currently no road access between Ingham and Cardwell, Halifax, or Lucinda, nor between Halifax and Macknade.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s forecasts are being closely monitored, as further heavy rainfall would only complicate the situation. Additionally, low cloud cover is hindering helicopter patrols and supply deliveries.

Ergon Energy is working around the clock to restore power to Ingham, where residents remain without electricity after severe flooding. The community, already grappling with widespread flood damage, is now isolated, and crews have been dispatched to assess and repair the damage as quickly as possible.
Crews from Townsville began aerial patrols over Ingham and the surrounding areas Tuesday morning but were temporarily grounded due to poor weather conditions. These aerial inspections are crucial to identifying faults in the overhead power network, which will help Ergon develop a restoration plan as floodwaters recede.
Ingham has been particularly hard hit by both the floods and power outages. To ensure public safety, Ergon de-energized the Ingham Substation on Sunday as floodwaters rose. This substation is a critical supply point for thousands of customers across the region, including local staff from the Ingham depot.
Before power can be safely restored, crews will need to inspect and test key equipment at the substation, including transformers. Additionally, they will patrol feeder lines and conduct damage assessments in the affected areas. Unfortunately, until these inspections are complete, accurate restoration timeframes cannot be provided.
Safety Comes First
Due to the extensive damage, Ergon crews are facing significant logistical challenges in getting the necessary equipment and generators into the region. However, teams from across Northern Queensland are ready to deploy and are exploring all possible solutions to expedite the restoration process.
In the meantime, Ergon advises that any homes inundated by floodwaters must be inspected by a licensed electrical contractor before they can safely be reconnected to the grid. These contractors will also be responsible for any necessary repairs.
For the most up-to-date restoration timeframes, residents can visit Ergon Energy's Outage Finder: Outage Finder Text View | Ergon Energy
Generator Safety: A Critical Reminder
As residents begin to recover and rely on backup power, Ergon reminds everyone of the importance of safe generator use. Generators can be life-saving, but when not operated properly, they pose serious risks. For essential safety information on generator use, visit: Electrical Generator Safety | Ergon Energy
Ergon Energy appreciates the patience and resilience of the Ingham community and will continue to provide updates as restoration efforts progress.

‍

Flooded Ingham Substation
Line repairs at Ollera Creek ahead of TMR highway works

‍

The Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (HDLMG) convened on January 30 to discuss the potential impact of approaching weather conditions and to begin preparations for any possible events.
Chair of the HDLMG, Mayor Ramon Jayo, stated, “While the exact path of the current low-pressure system remains uncertain, we can be sure that significant rainfall is expected across the district, including both the lower and upper catchment areas. Given the heavy rainfall we’ve experienced over the past few days, our drainage systems are already at capacity, so flooding is likely, particularly in some areas.”
The latest forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology indicates that monsoonal rain is expected to develop across North Queensland from Friday, with the potential for this to continue into next week.
As the wet conditions persist, flash flooding is also expected to become a heightened risk, especially as catchments become saturated and more responsive to heavy, short bursts of rainfall.
There are also concerns that the tropical low 13U, which is approaching the region, may bring intense rainfall and damaging winds. This could lead to life-threatening flash flooding along the tropical east coast between Cairns and Bowen starting Friday night and continuing through the weekend. A Severe Weather Warning may be issued as the system crosses the coast.
At this time, there is a moderate (25-35%) chance that a tropical cyclone could develop in the Coral Sea or Gulf of Carpentaria over the weekend or into next week.
Tides along much of the Queensland coast, including through the Torres Strait, are expected to reach the Highest Astronomical Tide level in the coming days. This could cause minor flooding in low-lying areas during the high tide on Friday and Saturday.
Preparedness Measures Underway
In response, the HLDMG has initiated the usual preliminary measures for potential flooding. Sand and sandbags will be made available for residents, and machinery will be deployed to assist isolated areas. The distribution sites are as follows:
   • Site 1 – Halifax Petrol Station: Sand and bags (one pallet of premade sandbags)
   • Site 2 – Taylors Beach (Progress Park): Sand and bags
   • Site 3 – Cordelia (near Carr’s shed): Sand and bags
   • Site 4 – Shire Hall Carpark: Sand and bags (two pallets of premade sandbags)
What Residents Need to Know
Residents are urged to prepare for potential flooding by assembling emergency kits and ensuring they have enough food and water in case of an extended event. For advice on how to prepare for emergencies, visit the Council’s Disaster and Emergency Information page.
As conditions develop, residents are reminded to stay informed through official sources, including the Bureau of Meteorology, the Council’s Disaster Dashboard, and local radio and television broadcasts.
For further assistance or information, please contact the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

‍

The 2024 Cane Crushing season wrapped up on the 18th of December, leaving a number of sugar cane crops still standing in the fields. While this premature end signals a direct loss for local businesses, it's not just the unharvested cane that could have lasting effects—it’s the quality and sugar content of the cane that really matters.
The key measure for growers is Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS), a standard used to assess the sugar yield from the crop. Growers are paid based on both the volume of cane they harvest and the CCS levels, which reflect the quality and sugar concentration. If the CCS falls short of expectations, it can mean a significant financial hit, with some farmers even receiving no payment at all. This typically becomes a concern in January when payments are processed and payment adjustments are made.
While many in the Hinchinbrook region are aware of the impact these fluctuations can have, the wider community may not realise how closely the quality of the sugar cane is tied to the prosperity of local businesses and families.

Cane Season Effects Whole Region

At the beginning of a cane season, grower collectives in the Herbert River district, such as QCAR and Canegrowers, will nominate what they believe their estimated commercial cane sugar (CCS) maybe for the season based upon data from prior seasons. Growers are then paid by the mill based on an average calculated from their estimated CCS. If the CCS is not reached, then growers may not receive payment, or they may be paid less to match the correct average.

Queensland Cane, Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Herbert District Manager and Senior Agricultural Officer Lawrence Di Bella produced the following table, demonstrating the importance of CCS.

CCS level                             Cane price/t                      Gross return/ha
(costs to grow and harvest the crop must be deducted from this amount to reflect the net return /ha) 
 
12                                         $51.04                                 $4083                                  
13                                         $57.34                                 $4587
14                                         $63.64                                 $5091

Calculations are based upon the following assumptions:
   • $700 tonne of sugar price
   • 80 tonnes/ha crop assumptions. 

“Our district average usually hovers around an annual 13 to 13.5 units of CCS based upon a five-year rolling average. It's really important to make sure that we try to keep that average up as high as possible,” said Lawrence.

“If the CCS drops below six, then the mill does not pay the grower at all, leaving the grower meeting all harvesting and production costs. At the end of the 2024 harvest, we did see some growers achieve CCS levels below six leaving them out of pocket.”

“It’s a balancing act between getting good CCS and high yields, with the weather playing massive roll in what outcomes a grower can achieve from their crop.”

Lawrence also calculated that cane farmers brought into the district in excess of $200,000,000 gross income into the district from last year’s crop.

President of Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce Mary Brown said that, to her understanding, there will be significantly reduced revenue coming into the district from sugar in January because of the lower-than-average CCS received last year”.

“It does have a direct impact on the spending capacity across the community, which does flow on to each and every business in some way, shape or form,” she added.

“When you add that to the already significant cost of living pressures, where it's known nationally that disposable income is already quite limited, this is another layer of pressure.  

“What it also does is when people are feeling cash flow constraints, they tend to become more conservative in their spending because of the uncertainty.”

The period after Christmas is usually a slow period for businesses, but Chamber reiterates that this time of year is more important than ever to help our local businesses.

“It's those small businesses that are there to help with sponsorship of schools fete, sporting organisations and broader community events,” said Mary Brown.

“Those businesses contribute a lot through sponsorship or donation, so it’s a great way for us, the consumers, to give back and support them during this challenging time.

“The potential impacts could be that there might be reduced trading hours and we've already seen it during this slower January period.”

The Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce says that now is a good time for businesses experiencing quieter months to review their operations. The chamber is also hosting workshops to help businesses with their professional development.  

Hello everyone

I hope you all had a great long weekend.

I am writing this on Friday the 24th of January, before the Australia Day awards, but I want to express a huge congratulations to all of the nominees. As a nominee you have displayed an outstanding contribution to the Hinchinbrook community and it is a great honour.

As I approach my first month living in the Hinchinbrook region I am blown away at the love and care that is in this community. Some people live and breathe Hinchinbrook and their dedication to making this community what it is today.

Majority of you here reading this are used to the hot weather up here, but I must admit coming from Adelaide this heat is truly something else.

In Adelaide, we get some warm days, but our evenings are usually cool, until about February and March, and then evenings are consistently warm. But here, the evenings are still roasting hot.

I leave the gym in the evening and am met with a wall of humid, sticky heat. I don’t know how I see people going on their runs but good on them.

Hope you all have a wonderful week, and enjoy the paper.

Quote of the week
‘All individuals should live in the singular pursuit of their individual dreams’

The Ingham Lions Club has wrapped up an incredible 2023-2024 Lions year, celebrating a range of achievements, community contributions, and milestones that showcase the club’s dedication to the Hinchinbrook region.

From July to June, the club was actively involved in numerous community events, including manning the gates at the Ingham Show, supporting the Townsville to Cairns Children’s Cancer Bike Ride, and hosting the Maraka Festival BBQ. The club also contributed to the Camp Kanga initiative, Tasman Turtle, and Christmas Cheer, among other events, spreading goodwill and fostering community spirit.

In addition to their long-standing projects, the Lions undertook new initiatives, including supporting the Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Get Out, Get Active and Connect program, celebrating Wilmar Macknade Mill’s 150th anniversary, and hosting Carols at Forrest Beach.

Beyond local efforts, the Ingham Lions were actively represented at conventions, attending district, national, and international events. Highlights included a group costume win at the Lions District Q2 Convention and marching alongside 11,000 members from 160 countries at the Lions International Convention in Melbourne.

The club celebrated its 62nd anniversary in March 2024 with a special dinner attended by the District Governor, where two new members were inducted. A successful membership drive saw the addition of seven new Lions, ensuring the club’s legacy continues to grow.

Over the year, the Lions raised $30,750 in donations, supporting vital causes such as the Ingham Hospital ($8,500 for equipment), Meals on Wheels ($16,000 for a cold room), Ronald McDonald House, flood disaster relief, and medical research.

The Ingham Lions Club remains a cornerstone of the community, thanks to generous support from local businesses, volunteers, and the wider Hinchinbrook community. Their efforts highlight the power of kindness and community spirit, ensuring a brighter future for all.

‍

Australia Day is our National Day of Celebration, a day we can all be proud of and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in the best country in the world.

The thing I love about living in a free country is on Australia Day, we are free to celebrate however we wish, whether it’s attending formal events, enjoying a barbeque with mates, camping or exploring the outdoors with family and friends, or just taking some time out to reflect, we are all free to do Aussie Day our way.

This year, because the 26th of January fell on a Sunday, some were fortunate enough to score a long weekend with the public holiday falling on Monday. To ensure maximum public attendance and to allow families to enjoy the spoils of a weekend away, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Cassowary Coast Regional Council decided to hold their official ceremonies on the Friday evening. While this raised a few eyebrows, I think most people appreciated the chance to attend the ceremonies whilst having the Sunday to themselves to relax and celebrate.

I would like to congratulate all the Australia Day award winners and nominees from Hinchinbrook. Being nominated for one of these awards is a great honour, as it means that you have been recognised for your outstanding contribution to our community. In my role as the Member for Hinchinbrook, I witness daily the incredible efforts of everyday people doing extraordinary things to make Australia a better place for us all through community service and volunteering.

In addition to the formal award ceremonies, it was heartening to see celebrations taking place across our district. Although I couldn’t physically be at them all, it was great to know events were being held in Cardwell, Rollingstone, Toomulla, Forrest Beach, Ingham, Burdell and with many of our public pools and leisure centres hosting Aussie Day functions. This is a true testament to the Australian spirit. A big thank you to the local council staff, community groups and volunteers who worked hard to make this happen.

The resurgence of support for Australia Day gives me hope of a proud nation under one flag moving forward together.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging every road user to re-evaluate their driving behaviours as the state faces a devastating start to 2025, with more than 15 lives tragically lost on Queensland roads in the first few weeks.

The figure more than doubles the fatalities recorded during the same period last year and is the highest lives lost toll for this period since 2020.

It comes amid the state-wide road safety blitz, Operation Mistletoe, which has seen officers right across Queensland deployed on high visibility road safety operations with the aim of reducing the lives lost on Queensland roads.

Despite consistent and targeted police action, the start of 2025 has seen 17 people lose their lives on Queensland roads, from crashes as at 20 January 2025.

QPS Road Policing and Regional Support Command, Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said these crashes are deeply concerning.

“These tragic numbers are not just statistics, they represent fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and friends whose lives have been cut short,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.

“Police are out there doing everything they can on the roads to try and bring this figure down and ensure people can return home to loved ones or their families.

“To then observe the deadliest start to the year since 2020 is truly harrowing.

“We’re pleading with every road user to make the right choices, because every decision you make on the road has the power to save a life or take one.”  

The QPS continues to analyse road data from 2024, to learn if there are ways to better inform road safety operations for the 2025 year.

Towards the end of 2024, the QPS observed a growing trend in deaths involving vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and users of personal mobility devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes.

“Pedestrian deaths more than doubled with eight lives lost during 2024 compared to three in 2023, while eight people lost their lives on personal mobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-skateboards during 2024, compared to two lives lost in 2023,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.

“We also saw an increase in deaths of motorcycle riders with 79 lives lost in 2024 compared to 77 motorcycle rider deaths in 2023.

“In the year ahead, QPS is leveraging this intelligence and technology to deploy targeted and tactical road safety operations to make Queensland’s roads safer, but enforcement alone won’t solve this.

“Road safety requires a shared commitment from every road user.

“Whether you’re a driver, rider, passenger, or pedestrian, your actions matter. Together we can prevent further tragedies.”

To learn more about road safety and QPS’s initiatives to help make Queensland’s roads safer, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/road-safety

This week, the Hinchinbrook Community Centre hosted its first-ever "Canasta & Cards" activity, a new initiative designed to combat social isolation and foster a sense of belonging. Canasta & Cards offered attendees a chance to engage in friendly competition and lively conversation.
The initiative was developed by HCSC to create a safe and welcoming space for people to connect.  HCSC Community Support Worker Shannen, noticed how many people in our community feel disconnected, especially older adults and those living alone. Her solution was to hold social card games as they are a simple yet powerful way to bring people together.
Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet new people. "This has given me an opportunity to connect," said an attendee.
"It’s given me the option to connect with others outside of the group.”
HCSC are hosting many social activities for those feeling isolated. As Shannen put it, “It’s not just about the games; it’s about building relationships and reminding people they’re not alone.”
Canasta & Cards is a weekly activity held every Wednesday at The Centre on Townsville Rd.  The next gathering is scheduled for Wednesday 29th from 2pm – 4pm.
For more information on this, or the other activities on offer, visit our Facebook page or contact the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre on 4776 1822.

Contributed with thanks to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre

‍

While the off-season in the sugar industry is often seen as a time for rest, Herbert River Canegrowers is turning it into a period of growth, innovation, and community support. As a pivotal organisation for local cane farmers, Herbert River Canegrowers is dedicated to preparing its members for the upcoming harvest while equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
This year, Herbert River Canegrowers is offering a range of workshops and training courses designed to address both the immediate challenges facing the sugar industry and the broader, long-term trends reshaping the sector. These programs aim to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of local growers, ensuring they stay competitive and sustainable.
One of the key challenges facing the local sugar industry is a shortage of semi-skilled workers, particularly in farming and transport operations. The problem has been exacerbated by an aging workforce, with experienced workers retiring and less young people entering the industry.
"The workforce gap is widening every year," said Canegrowers Herbert River manager Frank Scardamaglia. "It’s becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and retain skilled labour, particularly in critical areas like harvesting. Without the right people in place, operations can face significant delays."
In response, Herbert River Canegrowers is offering practical solutions, providing training for current workers while creating pathways for new entrants to the workforce. An Escort Pilot Course is fully booked out in February, which will be held at the Canegrowers conference room in Ingham. A Haulout Course will be run in May by an experienced Canegrower’s trainer. A Transport & Workplace Health & Safety Roadshow is also planned for May, offering essential updates on transport safety legislation to ensure that both growers and contractors operate safely and efficiently.
Canegrowers Herbert River is committed to fostering inclusivity and leadership. The Women In Sugar Herbert (WISH) group, a branch of Canegrowers Herbert River, will embark on a trip to Brisbane and Rocky Point this year. This initiative is designed to empower women in the sugar industry by fostering connections, sharing experiences, and strengthening both personal and professional networks.
Nurturing future leaders is another priority for Herbert River Canegrowers. The Young Growers Development Group will travel to Cairns mid-year, bringing together emerging industry leaders to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in sugarcane farming.
This initiative will offer young growers the opportunity to learn from industry experts, network with peers from across Queensland, and gain insights into advanced farming technologies and sustainable practices.
Herbert River Canegrowers remains committed to supporting its members and the sugar industry with programs designed to build resilience, promote innovation, and foster leadership within the industry. For more details on upcoming workshops and events, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. Alternatively, drop by our office or contact our team on (07) 4776 5350 or via email at hroffice@canegrowers.com.au.
Contributed with thanks to Canegrowers Herbert River manager Frank Scardamaglia

‍

Mary Patane has lived in Ingham all her life, and over the past 67 years, she has witnessed the township undergo plenty of changes since her primary school days spent at Macknade State School.

“It’s changed a lot, and I don’t think there are many businesses that are there now that have been there since I was a kid – I’m thinking of dress shops, fruit shops, but no, none,” explained Mary.

“I went to Macknade State School which is still there - it’s a smaller school, but when I was going there were 100 students, and I liked school, and enjoyed going and because I went to a small school, some of the friends I made then, are still some of my friends now.”

Just last week on Wednesday the 22nd of January, Mary and her husband Sam Patane celebrated 48 years of marriage, and in that time, the pair have raised two children and made countless memories together. Time spent with loved ones certainly is a core value of Mary’s, and having just visited her daughter, Helen, in Brisbane, Mary cannot wait until she can see her son Tony and two grandchildren (aged five months and nine years old), when they visit again from New Zealand.

Mary’s late father moved to Australia from Sicily when he was just three years old, and she still speaks Sicilian here and there with her mother, who recently celebrated her 94th birthday!

“We had a few outings because December is a busy month, and for her birthday the five of us took her out for lunch as she likes going out, she gets all dolled up, and it’s nice that we can still go out together,” shared Mary.

“My mother is bilingual, and it’s actually quite funny if you’re to observe us, because she’ll start a sentence in English, and finish it in Sicilian!”

Still today, Mary finds herself gathering fresh tomatoes and preparing them as her father did to make exquisite pasta sauce to enjoy. When Mary isn’t working, calling or travelling to see her children, you’ll find her crafting and sewing up a storm, taking a minute to work on a puzzle, or visiting her mother in the aged care home.

On the 15th of January, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, together with representatives from the Australian and Queensland Governments, officially opened the Port Hinchinbrook (Cardwell) Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP). The event was attended by representatives from all levels of government, including Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood, Division 1 Councillor Chris Littlemore, Senator Anthony Chisholm, and Member for Mulgrave Terry James, representing the Deputy Premier.

Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook, praised the collaborative effort behind the project, which addresses significant environmental concerns.

“The STP in Cardwell has been years in the making and is a testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Mr. Dametto said.

“Before this, untreated sewage overflowed into the Great Barrier Reef, an issue no government could ignore.”

The $19.3 million project, delivered on time and on budget by Haslin Constructions, was funded by $6 million from the Federal Government and $13.3 million from the State Government, including a critical $7 million shortfall secured late last year.

Mr. Dametto also thanked the Hon. Bob Katter MP for securing federal funding and residents for their support in lobbying for the project.

“This is a turning point for Port Hinchinbrook,” Mr. Dametto added. “It addresses an environmental crisis, boosts liveability, and supports the region’s growth.”

The completion of the $19.3 million sewerage treatment plant marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development and normalisation of Port Hinchinbrook. This project is the final stage in the normalisation process, addressing the estate's privately owned infrastructure, which includes roads, culverts, and pump stations.