Forrest Beach’s stinger net enclosure has been temporarily taken out of the water for cleaning due to an accumulation of seaweed and debris, raising concerns about safety risks for swimmers. The move comes after several box jellyfish were found washed up against the outside of the net, heightening the urgency to maintain the barrier that protects beachgoers during stinger season.

Forrest Beach Surf Club Director of Lifesaving, Lenny Chiesa, emphasised the importance of safety measures, urging swimmers to adhere to safety signs, especially while the net was out of the water and the beach was closed for swimming. He also stressed the importance of wearing protective clothing, such as lycra stinger suits, while swimming inside the net.

"While the net does a great job of protecting swimmers, we know there is a risk of tentacles breaking off inside the net. We strongly advise swimmers to add the extra layer of protection," Mr Chiesa said.

Mr Chiesa also issued a warning to those fishing or boating, urging extra caution as conditions are ideal for box jellyfish who frequent shallow waters in search of baitfish.

"Even wading in the water presents a potential risk," he cautioned. "It's important to be vigilant, not just for swimmers but for anyone interacting with the water."

The stinger net, which provides a vital safety measure during the stinger season from November to May, was removed on Sunday with the help of Uni Net representatives from Cairns and local lifesavers. The process of taking the net out for cleaning is a labour-intensive task, involving high pressure cleaning to ensure the enclosure remains effective in preventing dangerous jellyfish encounters.

"We are fortunate to have a swimming enclosure at Forrest Beach," Mr Chiesa added, acknowledging the crucial role the net plays in allowing locals and visitors to safely enjoy the water during the peak stinger season. While the net is being cleaned, swimmers are reminded to stay vigilant and follow all safety guidelines.

The stinger net will be returned to the water later in the week ensuring that Forrest Beach remains a safe destination for beachgoers during the remainder of the season.

Forrest Beach SLSC has advised the beach will remain closed following the discovery of an influx of hair jellyfish (commonly known as "snotties").

Although the stinger net was originally scheduled to be returned on Friday the 17th of January, a further inspection revealed that the presence of these jellyfish would compromise the net’s effectiveness. This is a common occurrence for this time of year, however, the beach will stay closed until the jellyfish pass through.

In addition to the hair jellyfish, box jellyfish - known for their potentially dangerous stings - are also present in the area. Many beaches along the coast, as far south as Mackay, have reported sightings of box jellyfish. Swimming is strictly prohibited, and all swimmers are urged to obey safety signage.

Boaters should exercise caution as hair jellyfish, while harmless, can still sting and cause mild to severe reactions. Stinger suits are recommended for protection.

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Over 70 people attended the Forrest Beach Progress Association’s first Hoy of the year on Saturday, 11th of January. Many prizes were given out, but most importantly, it was a great day out, and fun was had by all.

Every game of Hoy resulted in a prize, every fifth game winner won a meat tray.

There were also two raffles and a cent sale, and the money raised helped the Forrest Beach Progress Association treat the community.

Forrest Beach Progress Association President Wayne Squires said the Forrest Beach Progress Association is about getting the community together, and they have more things on the horizon.

“We're all about giving back to the community,” said Wayne.

“There's a lot of hours put in, and there are lots of ideas that are coming in, beautifying the main streets, for example.

“Another project we're going to negotiate with council is fully fencing the playground near the toilets on the beach.”

The Hoy was highly competitive and was catered by the QWCA Forrest Beach.

Forrest Beach Progress Association January Hoy

The first Hoy of the year was well received. Many players exclaimed that the match was highly intense, and all were eager to beat their fellow competitors.

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Hi everyone,

I hope you have all had a great week.

This weekend, I enjoyed a trip to Wallaman Falls. It probably wasn’t the greatest idea because it was roasting hot, but I enjoyed the walk, and the waterfall was spectacular. I’m looking forward to continuing to explore the region and especially to finding nice swimming spots during the hot months ahead.

In other news, I’m thrilled that both political parties have allocated funding to the Bruce Highway, regardless of the election outcome. I have travelled on the Bruce Highway often, mainly on my drive south to the Whitsundays, but I have seen enough of it to know that it needs to be updated. Floodproofing and widening the road are what are needed most in our region, and with the new funding, let’s hope that our issues are resolved.

I also want to mention the fires that are currently in Los Angeles. Although they are far away from here, they remind us that it is vital that we are prepared for natural disasters in our region, particularly floods and cyclones.  

It is particularly hot this week so I want to finish by saying stay cool and enjoy the paper!

Quote of the week
"When in doubt, look intelligent" - Garrison Keillor

You may have noticed some beautifully decorated rocks popping up around town. These colourful stones are part of the Kindness Rocks Project, a heartwarming movement in which people along the East Coast and beyond, paint rocks with uplifting messages and vibrant designs to spread positivity.

The project began in 2015 when Megan Murphy of Cape Cod left a rock on a beach with the message, "You've got this." Her simple act of kindness sparked a viral trend that quickly spread. Soon, others began painting rocks with words of encouragement, motivational phrases, or just beautiful artwork, and leaving them for strangers to discover.

What started as a small, local gesture has now blossomed into a widespread movement, with painted rocks appearing all over the coast and beyond. People often share stories of finding these little gems, and some even collect them, carrying them far from where they were originally placed. The Kindness Rocks Project continues to touch lives and remind us that a small, thoughtful gesture can make a big difference.

When you are next on your daily stroll, make sure to keep an eye out for these lovely rocks, or if you want to spread a bit of kindness create your own rock and place it in the community to be found.

The Bruce Highway is the most important road in our region, it serves as the major north-south freight and commuter corridor, connecting various coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns over a total length of 1,673km.

For numerous years, the Bruce Highway has been in dire need of repairs and funding. Last week, the government announced that $9 billion will be funded for the Bruce Highway, $7.2 billion from the federal government and $1.8 billion from state funding.

The Ingham to Innisfail stretch of the Bruce Highway has been identified as a key funding hot spot, and Nick Dametto, MP Member for Hinchinbrook, is thrilled.

“We are all very excited to see not only the Albanese government but the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, make a commitment of $7.2 billion to improvements along the Bruce Highway,” said Mr Dametto.

“We are particularly interested in the section between Ingham and Innisfail. It is probably one of the most treacherous parts of the Bruce Highway with a number of narrow bridges, narrow sections of the highway, and also a number of floodplains.

“To see that money allocated to the Bruce is great.”

Nick Dametto and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter have petitioned for improvements in the area for some time and are happy that funding will occur.

“Bruce Highway is the lifeblood of Queensland. Nothing goes up and down the coast without it, and this section of the Bruce Highway is particularly prone to flooding, especially in that wet season era,” said Mr Dametto.

“That means during those times where not only can we not get our produce out of North Queensland, but we can't get product into North Queensland.  

“It is vitally important to keep the Bruce hallway open as much as possible.  

“When it comes to safety improvements, there have been a number of treacherous accidents that have claimed lives and a number of near misses.  

“Improving, by not only widening of the Bruce Highway, adding overtaking lanes and also the flood mitigation, will be beneficial to all that live and use the highway on a daily basis, but also those trucking in our transport companies.”

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo has identified some areas along the Bruce Highway that he hopes will receive funding.

“The main concern is floodproofing; the section of road through Seymour River and Arnot Creek is also very narrow, and there have been quite a number of traffic accidents there in our jurisdiction,” said Mayor Jayo.

“If once the road does get fixed up for flooding, it will obviously be built to the new current standards and the new current standards do take into account the width of the road for safety purposes.”

Mayor Jayo also said the Bruce Highway is vital to our region's tourism sector.

“A lot of industries travel on that road and a lot of tourism activity. If we don't have good road systems, we don't have good connectivity, then we can't grow our industry, and we can't grow our tourism.

“It all relates back to being able to provide products in a timely and proper manner.

“It is about growing the north and giving us the facilities up here that the south has been using for quite some time.”

Local Paul Coppo lives two different lives. In Ingham, he is a cane farmer, and he enjoys the work, but his other life takes him to southern Africa.

In Africa, Paul helps and assists anti-poacher rangers. The rangers he helps are highly skilled, and before Paul assists them with upskilling, they go through a demanding selection course
and intensive training.

Anti-poacher rangers are funded internationally and are special rangers with skills that help
protect endangered species from poachers who wish to harm animals.

Paul trains rangers by teaching them additional skills like Close-Quarter Fighting (CQF),
survival skills, interrogation tactics, and evidence gathering. Paul also noted that 90 per cent
of the Rangers could not swim, so he developed a Water Confidence and Survivability
Course.

“In a morning, I take them from not swimming to being able to duck dive and survive,”
added Paul.

“We don't turn them into Olympic swimmers, but we give them survival skills, and I am very proud of that, because, to my knowledge, I'm the only person in Africa doing that.

“I go in and try to upskill those people to make them more effective at their job. I want to say that the Rangers are always super motivated, incredibly fit, intelligent, very effective at what they do, and they relish the opportunity to learn.”

Paul doesn’t just train rangers; he also does operations, which involves entering the field, and Paul loves it.

“I enjoy working with the Rangers as individuals. I have established relationships with quite
a few of them, whom I call my brothers; we are very close,” said Paul.

“I love being out in their bush, and it is very demanding physically; on a standard day, you
will do two patrols, averaging about 16 to 25 kilometres a day.

“What I like about it is the rangers and management appreciate every bit of assistance.”

His contributions and skills have seen him recognised as a Game Ranger and Tracker Trainer Specialist.

Paul thoroughly enjoys assisting in training in Africa and said he likes using his unique skill
set to help the anti-poaching rangers become more effective at their jobs.

He sees himself as a wildlife conservationist and says, “I believe I am making a difference for people and animals, which effectively helps humanity. The world becomes a poorer place when you lose a species.

Queensland’s waterways are home to one of nature’s most formidable predators: the crocodile. Since gaining protection in 1971, crocodile populations have steadily increased, making these prehistoric creatures a vital part of the ecosystem. However, they also pose risks to residents and visitors, especially in areas like Hinchinbrook.

Crocodiles are an iconic part of Far North Queensland's identity, but their presence often sparks divisive debates. Sightings along the coast highlight the challenge of balancing coexistence with managing their potential dangers. Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter MP, has advocated for crocodile culls, arguing that rising populations put human lives at risk. Others stress education and responsible behaviour, noting that some attacks may be caused by human actions, such as feeding crocodiles or getting too close to the water’s edge.

Regardless of one’s stance on crocodile culling, statistics show a growing number of crocodile sightings across Queensland.

Hinchinbrook, renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, is no stranger to the challenges posed by crocodiles. As a popular destination for fishing, camping, and eco-tourism, the region requires heightened awareness and vigilance.

Recent reports from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation highlight the urgent need for both residents and visitors to stay cautious and follow safety guidelines.

In Hinchinbrook alone, eight sightings have been reported recently, while Cairns and Townsville recorded 43 and 31 sightings, respectively, in the past 30 days, according to the crocodile sighting dashboard.

Stay Croc-safe

The Queensland Government’s "Be Croc-wise" initiative provides important guidelines to reduce the risk of crocodile attacks:

• Stay at least five meters from the water’s edge and use barriers like logs or eskies if needed.
• Properly dispose of food scraps and bait to avoid attracting crocodiles.
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water.
• Avoid small watercraft in crocodile-prone areas.
• Swim only at patrolled beaches where crocodiles are less likely.

Crocodiles can be found in all waterways and oceans in Croc country and just because you can’t see it, it doesn’t mean there isn’t one nearby and it can’t see you.

With the right education and knowledge, Croc country is still a wonder and a great place for adventuring.
To report a sighting, use the QWildlife app, visit the website, or call 1300 130 372. In emergencies, dial 000 or 112. Your vigilance can contribute to the safe management of crocodile populations.

The 2024 cane season came to an abrupt finish, leaving an estimated 130-140,000 tonnes of standover cane in the fields.

Storms and heavy rains on the evening of the evening of the 17th of December forcing the sugar mills on the 18th of December to receive the last cane for the 2024 season. Numerous fields were unable  to harvested being stood over till the next harvesting season or to be mulched out, to allow farmers to have somewhere to plant in 2025.

Queensland Cane, Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Herbert District Manager and Senior Agricultural Officer, Lawrence Di Bella, said towards the end of crushing season the sugar content in the cane was significantly declining due to new shoots (called suckers) coming through.

“These suckers don't have a lot of sugar in them,” explained Lawrence.

“Due to the difficult harvesting condition more extraneous matter being trash, dirt and mud was entering the factory also.”

“It was quite difficult for the mills to process the cane that was coming in because it was laden with a lot of mud, debris and trash; the harvesters couldn't physically clean it because of the wet conditions that prevailed at the end of 2024.”

Lawrence said the crush should conclude in November, but due to wet weather, industrial action, the late mill starting date, and mill performance issues, the whole season was disrupted. All our industry research on season length supports a conclusion to the harvesting season before December annually.

QCAR has already proposed to Wilmar a mill starting date for the 3rd of June (pending weather events) 2025. The early start will allow us to get the crop off in a timely manner, with the mill finishing date to be locked in for early- mid November.

“We should complete harvesting our ratooning cane by around Melbourne Cup and then we could have roughly two more weeks towards mid-November to get the plough out blocks out,” said Lawrence.

“Any cane that we want to ratoon after Melbourne Cup is at a high risk of low yields the following year failed ratoon crops, or having cane left behind in the field because of wet weather; which is what has happened in 2024.”  

“Two important drivers of cane productivity in this district are the 2 W’s. The weather and Wilmar crushing the crop in a timely manner. Getting the crop off before December will give the industry the best opportunity maximise profits, which flows through the whole supply chain and community. It will also allow growers to attend to new crops before the onset of the wet season, while allowing the harvesting and milling sectors ample time to complete maintenance before the start to the next season.”

This is the second time in four years that there have been standover crops left in the field.  

Lawrence said that research clearly shows that significant rain events in November and December set the stage for next year’s crop yields.

“The late finish had a significant ripple effect right through into 2025 to the point that a lot of growers could not finish fertilising their fields into early to mid-January,” said Lawrence.

There was also a shortage of fertiliser and chemicals, due to companies closing over Christmas New Year period; preventing growers from getting vital farm work done.

The combination of a late crush and rains at the end of 2024 harvest season led to many growers having to wait for field conditions to dry up enough to commence work again. Driving around the district on Christmas, Boxing and New Years days, tractors and spraying equipment was in use, while growers took the opportunity to undertake farm work before the next rains.

Lawrence said, “Last year was a challenging season and he is looking forward to a better 2025 cane season. We can’t continue doing the same old thing every year and expect a different outcome. All sectors of the industry need to come together to ensure that we get the crop harvested in a timely manner, year after year.”


“We need to get the crop off at a reasonable time, because what happens is, if you don’t, you end up with these low-yielding crop the following year, then subsequently you then have a short season, it affects your productivity, affects your viability, right through the whole value chain”

Come and make waves together at the aquatic centre on Australia Day this year! The pool is open and the entrance is FREE, you’ll even get a free feed with a traditional Aussie sausage sizzle. All you need to bring are swimmers, towels and sunscreen, and of course your national spirit to celebrate this 26th together with a pool party like no other.
From 9am the pool is open and with activities and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Jump in the cool waters and enjoy some swimming with your mates, or get your groove on with the live DJ. There will be prizes for those who can seriously bust a move and dance their hearts out.
Outdoor games and activities will also be happening in the pool and on the green. Crafts for the little ones will be available to show off their inspiration and creative skills. Even a bit of touch footy for the bigger kids if the weather holds, parents are encouraged to show a little sporty rivalry and team up against the kids.
During the day, lunch will be provided for free for pool-goers straight from the barbie. A barbeque sausage sizzle will be held from 11:30am to 1:30pm to help fuel you up for more fun in the sun. Just don’t swim straight after you eat, relax to the music or chat with your friends on the grass. Pool-safe practices are always encouraged to help maximise your enjoyment and wellbeing in the water.
The Aquatic Centre has facilities to suit all swimming levels and styles of celebration. Such as a children’s water playground, a 25metre heated pool with disabled access and a 50metre pool that is partly shaded and also has disabled access. Along with plentiful green spaces for picnic rugs and games.
Make your Sunday wet and wild with the team at Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre this Australia Day. From 9am the pool gates are open, so bring your family and friends and gear up in your togs and goggles for a great day by the pool.

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WHAT: Australia Day Pool Party
WHEN: 9am – 4pm
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre, 31 McIlwraith Street, INGHAM.

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As your local Member for Hinchinbrook, I’ve been working hard to address the issues that matter most to our community. One issue I can no longer ignore is the crisis facing men and boys across Queensland.

Recently, I called on the Premier to establish a dedicated ministerial portfolio for men, similar to the one that already exists for women. This isn’t about politics, or male vs female; it’s about addressing the alarming statistics that show men are disproportionately affected by incarceration, suicide, substance addiction, and homelessness.

Everyday, I hear from men in our community who feel left behind. Mental and physical health issues are on the rise, and our legal and social systems often fail to provide adequate support. These are not isolated problems, they are symptoms of a much larger issue that requires specific attention.

The Premier’s response to my call was disappointing. He pointed to the LNP Government’s focus on tackling youth crime, housing, health, and cost-of-living crises, but failed to directly address the unique challenges men face.

While these priorities are important, they don’t excuse ignoring an entire demographic struggling to keep their heads above water. Simply put, our men and boys are not okay. Incarceration rates, suicide rates, substance addiction, and homelessness continue to rise among men. Men’s mental and physical health continue to deteriorate, and the legal bias against men continues to grow across the criminal, civil, and family court systems.

This isn’t about taking resources away from women; it’s about ensuring both men and women receive the support they need. A dedicated portfolio for men could make a real difference, providing the funding, planning, and attention required to address this crisis head-on. I have written to the Premier seeking his reconsideration of my request.

I’ll keep pushing for this change because every Queenslander deserves a level playing field and it’s time to start addressing the challenges our men and boys face.

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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The Hinchinbrook Shire Council, with support from the Department of Primary Industries, would like to remind Hinchinbrook residents of the conditions and rules which apply to the periodic trimming of mangroves within the ‘permitted area’ on Council’s reserve, adjacent to John Dory Street Taylors Beach.

The trimming of mangroves adjacent to properties 56 to 68 John Dory Street Taylors Beach is only permitted due to the unique historical nature of arrangements that have taken place over the past 70 years; and is the only permit of its kind in Queensland.

The periodic trimming of mangroves was once undertaken by individual property owners, who planted these mangroves along the foreshore to reduce erosion caused by wave action from the open waters adjacent. This has proven to be a very effective natural protection strategy, and trimming was undertaken lawfully by residents for approximately 50 years, before the introduction of the Fisheries Act 1999. Since then, the residents at Taylors Beach have required a permit to continue the periodic trimming of the mangrove hedge at this location.

In the interest of Taylors Beach residents and cultural significance of this area, Council is now the permit holder for the ongoing trimming and maintenance of the mangroves in this area and has recently been successful in renewing the permit.

However, the new permit contains conditions whereby only those persons ‘authorised by Council’ may trim mangroves within the designated area, along with a list of other restrictions and conditions which must be adhered to. This includes notification by Council to the Department of Primary Industries of its intent, and must also report back after the ‘authorised works’ have been completed so that the department can inspect the works for compliance.

Unauthorised destruction of mangroves outside of the permitted area, and/or conditions and rules put both Council and the permit itself at significant risk.

Any removal, destruction, or damage of marine plants (not just mangroves) which is not authorised by Council or consistent with the conditions of the mangrove trimming permit will be reported to the Department of Primary Industries and dealt with under the relevant legislation.

By providing this information, Council hopes to ensure residents are fully aware of the new permit conditions and urges people to be mindful of their surroundings.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to Council, the Police, or to the Department of Primary Industries online via their website www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/reporting or by phoning 1800 900 090.

Council is committed to preserving and enhancing our fisheries and natural assets for all to enjoy and appreciates the assistance of the community in achieving this unified goal.

For Halifax resident Barbara Dolby, her life story is a powerful reminder of resilience and survival, rooted in one of history’s darkest chapters. Born in 1946 in the Glyn-Hughes Hospital at Bergen-Belsen, Barbara’s earliest years unfolded in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
The hospital, established by British forces to treat survivors of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, became Barbara’s first home after her birth. British troops had liberated the camp on 15 April 1945, but the horrors endured by its victims, including Barbara’s parents, left lasting scars.
Barbara’s Romanian father was conscripted to fight for the Germans, while her German-Polish mother was imprisoned in Bergen-Belsen. Barbara recounts the harrowing stories her mother still shares.
“They shaved the people’s heads. They told them they’d got to go for a shower, and they had trap doors underneath the floor. They just fell down, and they killed them,” Barbara said.
“They also gassed them, and then they took them away and burnt them. They could smell the burning bodies.”
In 1948, after suffering from carbon dioxide poisoning, Barbara was discharged from the hospital. When her father returned, the family faced a crossroads: they were given the choice of relocating to either Australia or Brazil. In 1950, they boarded the S.S. Amarapoora and arrived in Newcastle, New South Wales, eventually settling in Brisbane.
Barbara began working at the young age of 14, starting as a machinist in the Valley.
“I started off as a machinist in the Valley when I was 14. That’s what my first job was, and I stayed there until I was married,” she said.
Over the years, Barbara’s career evolved.
“I worked a glass and aluminium trade in Cairns; I used to do door frames and windows for housing. We would have gone to Cairns in 1980, and that was when it was still nice, and then it got too big for us,” she said.
Eventually, Barbara and her family moved to Hinchinbrook, where she continues to reside today.
From her beginnings in a hospital for Holocaust survivors to building a life in Australia, Barbara’s story is one of incredible endurance and determination—a journey that bridges history and hope.

How quickly the festive season has passed and a New Year has already begun. Many residents are still enjoying that special time of the year where they are afforded the chance of spending relaxed quality time with family and friends, while others have returned to their jobs to start the year afresh.  

There is a great deal to be optimistic about in the Shire for 2025, especially in relation to opportunities, growth and development in the Economic Development and Tourism portfolio.  Supporting the business community to continue to be sustainable, enable opportunities to capitalize on progressing and developing new proposals, is the fundamental role of this portfolio. Industry business breakfasts will return this year, with the first to be launched in February. These events provide an opportunity to bring together representatives from many different sectors, to provide updates on current activities in the shire and region, as well as providing attendees with the chance to network and reconnect.

This year Council plans to bring together tourism business operators in the Shire, on a regular basis. The purpose of these gatherings will be to develop stronger relationships within the industry, discuss challenges and opportunities, product development and marketing strategy options. Building these relationships will assist in supporting the expansion and further development of this sector in the Shire, which will in turn grow visitation to the area and enhance the local economy. With the number of new tourism operators increasing the services offered in the area, in addition to existing providers and an upswing in private investment over past number of years, Council is very motivated to understand how it can best support the growth of this sector in the Shire.  
The Hinchinbrook Employment and Skills Development Reference Group will continue to focus its attention on the area of skills development, vocational education and tertiary education opportunities, as well as engaging with apprenticeship providers and employers, to explore options to support our local residents and employers to fulfill employment goals and career advancements.  

All these factors combine to assist in supporting and sustaining a strong economy within the Shire, which is vital to ensuring our community continues to be a vibrant and desirable location that will retain and attract population growth well into the future.

TYTO

Named after the Eastern Grass Owl, Tyto longimembris is one of nature's most fascinating nocturnal hunters. This majestic owl is perfectly adapted to life in the wetlands.

Its ability to navigate through tall grasslands on foot is a rare skill among birds. 
Eastern Grass Owls camouflage their nests on the ground, making a nest chamber with a tunnel runway leading out of the tall grass.

Standing up to 42cm tall, with a wingspan of around 110cm, these owls are built for the hunt.                 

Their silent flight allows them to swoop down on unsuspecting victims without a sound.
The next time you hear the rustle of grass in the TYTO Wetlands, you might just be near the domain of this silent stalker!