Looking to reduce your power bills, protect your home or business from outages, or upgrade to a more sustainable energy solution? SpinFX NQ now offers professional Solar PV and Hybrid Installations across North Queensland, servicing Ingham, Forrest Beach, Lucinda, Cardwell, Georgetown, Mount Surprise through to Karumba, Forsayth, Croydon, and Einasleigh.

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing property, or upgrading your electricity systems,  SpinFX NQ provides top-quality solar panels and battery solutions tailored to your needs. Our expert electricians carry an extensive range of equipment and parts from leading brands, including Sungrade, ensuring reliable, long-lasting results.

Solar battery systems are a smart investment, allowing you to store energy generated by your solar panels for later use. This means you can draw on your own power at night, during peak times, or in the event of a power outage, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering your electricity bills. With government rebates and incentives available now, it’s a great time to invest before rebate reductions take effect on 1st May 2026.

SpinFX NQ also offers fully automatic generator and genset change-over installations, providing peace of mind for businesses with critical power needs. From cold rooms and freezers to fuel pumps, our systems ensure operations continue without interruption.

Owner Jesse Spina explains why solar is a priority for SpinFX NQ, "We got into solar as a lot of our clients were enquiring about it and have had numerous reports of their power bills going up",” he explained.

“And what better place to do it other than North Queensland? We have the best sun in the world, and there's an abundance of it,” said Jesse.

“Solar wasn’t really affordable a few years ago but prices have since dropped and with government incentives, it is much easier to afford it and we also provide finance options to help cash flow"

Don’t wait! Now is the perfect time to install your battery system and lock in savings before costs rise. Call SpinFX NQ today on 0447 774 854 for a free quote and ensure your home or business is powered by reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable electricity solutions.

Caption: SpinFX NQ now offers professional Solar PV and Hybrid Installations across North Queensland’ Photo credit: SpinFX NQ

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The Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook has continued to serve the Hinchinbrook District over the last year.  Some of the events that have happened for the club are it’s Changeover night where the new board was sworn in with Madeleine D’Urso handing the role of President over to Sari Russo.  Also on that night 2 of the clubs hardworking members received awards.  Keith Josey received a Paul Harris Fellow award (Life Membership) while Anne Accorsini received a Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire pin that is a step up recognising the further work Anne has done within the club.

Since that time the club has also been involved with sponsoring such local groups such as the Herbert River Show Society, Herbert River Netball, Ingham Art Action Group and have over recent years supported local schools with the Ingham State High School Creative Generation trip, Gilroy Santa Maria Velocity Raptors trip overseas and most recently Chris & Tracey Castles in the Outback Airrace that raised money for the Royal Flying Doctors.

The club also helped out at events such as Hinchinbrook Gallery Opening Events, Maraka, Forrest Beach Christmas Carols and they have also continued to sing Christmas Carols at the Ingham Nursing Homes each December.  Club member Madeleine D’Urso took the lead in arranging the combined club Rotary, Lions and Apex clubs to come together to run a food stall at the recent Tones and I concert.

Presently the club is preparing to assist with the North Queensland Field Days in Townsville. Club members are also heavily involved with other committees around the district.

The club meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month with the 4th Wednesday being a Dinner Meeting which partners are welcome to attend.  Besides those Dinners the club is involved with other such social events as Dinners with other clubs and their own Christmas functions.

Contributed with thanks by Peter Reitano.

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It’s been a fantastic start to the year at Logilytics, and we want to say a genuine thank you to everyone who’s supported our family-owned business. Your trust keeps us doing what we do best: getting your IT and connectivity where it needs to be, be it at home or at work.

If your internet is slow, unreliable, or holding your team back, we can help with some great options available right now:

• Free* fibre upgrade to your premises (eligibility and availability are pathway dependent)
• Pathways organised if required — if extra internal cabling is needed to complete the fibre upgrade, we’ll handle it end-to-end
• Certified Starlink providers — we can supply and install Starlink for rural properties, worksites, and locations where traditional services don’t deliver

From smoother streaming and faster downloads at home, to more reliable video calls, cloud apps, and POS systems in business, we’ll recommend a fit-for-purpose solution and install it properly — no guesswork, no runaround.

Start 2026 with internet that actually keeps up. Call 07 4448 4707, message, or drop in and chat with the team today.

*Free fibre upgrade subject to eligibility, pathway, and service availability. Terms apply. Internet plan charges apply.

Caption Install: ‘We’ll recommend a fit-for-purpose solution and install it properly — no guesswork, no runaround.’ Photo supplied

Caption Team: Logilytics thanks everyone for supporting them and their family-owned business. Photo supplied

The contract to deliver the remedial works has been awarded to Advanced Aqua Blasting, a locally owned company established in 1998 by David Gianotti. AAB first secured work at Lucinda in 2009 and has since partnered on projects across the state.

The company will employ 10 Advanced Aqua Blasting staff on the project and has reinforced its purchase-and-employ-local policy throughout mobilisation. Local businesses including Diggers Plumbing, Lucinda Electrical Services, Henry Solari at NQ Garages and Sheds, Bark Concreting, Bike and Power Ingham, Devietti Ag and Machinery, and welding specialists from Ingham Agencies have contributed equipment, trades and materials.

The remediation process involves detailed welding repairs, with 2 staff from Ingham Agencies. Advanced Aqua Blasting staff will do precision abrasive blasting of steel headstocks, full repainting, and the fitting of Denso jackets to protect piles from ongoing marine exposure.

For AAB, as a locally owned company, to be entrusted with extending the life of such a critical asset for the Herbert River sugar industry, securing that contract meant so much.

“The sugar industry is the lifeblood of the Ingham district and the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal is critical for the shipping of the raw sugar to refineries. How vital the terminal was to the local sugar industry was evident in the aftermath of cyclone Yasi, where the sugar had to be road transported to Townsville.”

“Advanced Aqua Blasting won the contract through having a proven track record in working with QSL, where high safety, environmental protection and quality are the benchmarks achieved before and are expected again.”

Prioritising local trades, subcontractors and suppliers is central to AAB’s approach, and shows a long-term project like this will benefit the wider community.

“Advanced Aqua Blasting is not only a local company employing locals, but also a family company. Working beside owner David Gianotti is his son in law Damian, his son Tamatoa, his wife Juvie and his brother Geoff.”

“This multi-million-dollar contract is 4 years in length, so with the employ and buy local mindset and with 6 scaffolding staff from out of town living in the district for 10 months of the year, the economic flow on will be substantial.”

“Over its four-year lifespan, the project represents sustained economic activity for the region, supporting jobs, suppliers and local businesses while protecting the infrastructure that underpins one of North Queensland’s most important industries.”

Advanced Aqua Blasting is proud to uphold the responsibility and standards required for such complex marine remediation works. The company has brought the skills and expertise needed to carry out this specialised work in a challenging marine environment, supporting the long-term future of the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal and the regional industry it serves.

Caption LEADERS: Back row L-R Andrew La Spina, Daniel Castorina, David Ruggieri, all QSL Lucinda staff. Front row L-R Damian Floyd of Advanced Aqua Blasting, Monica Accornero of QSL Lucinda, David Gianotti and Geoff Gianotti of Advanced Aqua Blasting.

Caption CROWDSHOT: All the attendees of the briefing session, across both QSL and AAB. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

Caption LEARNING: Project workers gathered at the Slipway restaurant for a briefing session. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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From the Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba to the Criterion Hotel in Warwick, 19 of Queensland’s heritage-listed landmarks received funding support for much-needed conservation work, with grants of up to $50,000 each.

Now, from the title of the grant to the example places listed, you wouldn’t expect a wallaby to fit in. But out in Forrest Beach, one woman is preserving heritage one “pouch potato” at a time.

Tracey Stoddart is a qualified macropod carer who raises orphaned kangaroos and wallabies until they are strong enough to return to the wild. Tracey applied for the grant and was successful in securing a total of $7,000, supporting the joeys in her care, which represent a quieter but equally important form of heritage preservation.

The funding helped improve her macropod enclosure with new fencing, shade cloth and irrigation, as well as assist with the cost of specialised formula used to raise joeys. She was allocated $3,000 in Round 7 and $4,000 in Round 8 under the Wildlife Carers Assistance category.

“I got water actually pumped and plumbed into my enclosure from the house, which saved me having to go backwards and forwards about six or seven times a day with watering cans to change water. So now I’ve got pressure and water in there, which is fantastic. It also helps me get food for my animals, which is very expensive, and I go through lots of it because I have a lot of animals,” said Tracey.

At present, her backyard nursery is home to a small mob of joeys at different stages of development.

“At the moment I have nine animals: four eastern greys, three red kangaroos and two ring-tailed wallabies. They come to me in all conditions, too.” She remarked, saying that not all rescues are hairless pinkies, “but they all need care and love,” she said.

Tracey works largely independently under her own wildlife permit, though she maintains connections with local rescue networks.

As an advocate for native wildlife, Tracey is also a proud member of the Hinchinbrook Wildlife Support group on Facebook and a former member of NQ Wildlife Care. Through her efforts as a surrogate mother to a mob of macropods, she is helping keep heritage and history alive and hopping for the next generation to enjoy and love.

“I take them in. I get them from all over. I’m with a couple of wildlife groups, but mainly I work on my own permit, under my own service. I specialise in macropods, especially the larger species,” said Tracey.

While she focuses on larger red and eastern grey kangaroos, Tracey admits she has a soft spot for ring-tailed wallabies, describing them as “exquisite and divine” little creatures that she occasionally takes on from time to time when she doesn’t have too many of the larger species in her care.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said preserving Queensland’s heritage remained a priority for the Government.

“Queensland’s heritage-listed places tell the story of our state; they are precious pieces of our past that give us a glimpse into the lives and times of those who came before us,” Minister Powell said.

“The Government is conserving these heritage assets because it is important for Queenslanders and creates opportunities for locals and visitors seeking enriching experiences that connect them with our history.”

While the grant program often focuses on historic buildings and landmarks, Tracey’s work highlights another side of heritage, the native wildlife that has shaped Australia’s identity for thousands of years.

With upgraded facilities and consistent care, Tracey’s joeys will eventually leave the safety of their interim nursery and return to the wild, helping to preserve a small but vital part of Australia’s living heritage.

Heritage doesn’t always come in the form of brick and mortar. Sometimes it is a fuzzy, floppy-eared joey — living heritage that is central to the Queensland and broader Australian way of life — nurtured by carers like Tracey in their own backyards.

The improvements funded by the grant help protect this living heritage, which has been part of Australia for millions of years, ensuring it keeps bounding forward.

Caption POUCHES: The nine joeys currently in Tracey’s care, all tucked up in handmade pouches, ready for their afternoon naps. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

Caption TRACEY: Tracey Stoddart holding one of her favourite little ‘pouch potatoes’, a ring-tailed wallaby. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

Caption ENCLOSURE: The grant funds enabled Tracey to upgrade and improve her rehabilitation enclosure, including features like running water and shade cloth installations. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Jo Sheppard, CEO, Queensland Farmers’ Federation

Energy is an essential farm input, alongside water, that underpins much of the agricultural sector across North Queensland. Decisions around water and energy use have the potential to significantly impact farm profitability, productivity and, in turn, long-term farm business sustainability.

In Northern Queensland’s horticulture and sugarcane growing regions, irrigation represents one of the largest energy inputs for producers. Electricity prices, pump efficiency, water delivery systems and emerging automation technologies all influence operational costs. For many producers, even small improvements in efficiency can deliver meaningful gains.

At the same time, energy systems are changing. New energy technologies are emerging on farm, and large-scale energy infrastructure continues to expand across regional communities.

For the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), ensuring farmers and regional communities have access to reliable and up-to-date information is essential, so they can understand the opportunities and challenges, and make informed decisions about their businesses, their land and their future.

In 2023 QFF launched the Queensland Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit to help farmers and regional communities begin to better understand the opportunities and risks in relation to hosting renewable energy developments on their land.

To help farmers continue to navigate these conversations around utility-scale renewable energy, as well as other topics such as energy tariff selection, and emerging energy technology options, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) delivers the Energy Information Service for Landholders (EISL). EISL is a free, independent phone-line service providing practical, up-to-date support for farmers and landholders, which can be accessed Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm on 07 3329 7500.

The service connects landholders with reliable information about energy tariffs, emerging technologies, government and industry programs, landholder hosting arrangements, coexistence considerations, and consultation processes. It ensures producers understand both the opportunities and risks and helps them know who to contact when new projects are proposed in their region.

EISL is complemented by The Queensland Ag Energy Hub, a website which provides industry-specific resources tailored to Queensland agriculture. The Hub includes case studies from sectors such as cane and horticulture farms, guidance on energy efficiency upgrades, and practical tools to help producers assess their own energy use. You can visit the Hub at https://www.qldagenergyhub.com.au/

Later this month, QFF’s Energy Engagement and Education Advisor (EEEA), will attend the Queensland Community Energy Forum in Proserpine. The forum will bring together landholders, community members, industry and government to discuss energy developments in the Whitsunday region.

Through the EEEA role, QFF works with our peak industry members, including CANEGROWERS, Cotton Australia and Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers, and regional producers to strengthen engagement between the energy sector and agriculture. Early consultation is essential if productive agriculture and reliable energy infrastructure are to co-exist in regional communities.  

QFF is committed to working with our members, industry and regional communities to advance agriculture, supporting on-farm water and energy decision making and driving sensible policy decisions to ensure farmers are supported to continue growing world class food, fibre and foliage across Queensland.

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Photo by Wendy Short.

Subject: All Souls Anglican Church, Victoria Estate. Hinchinbrook.

Submit your photo to the comments on the Ingham Photography Group Facebook page when the next prompt is announced for a chance to have your photo featured in the paper.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises that works for the Mount Fox Road Resilience Strategy are scheduled to commence shortly.

These works form part of a coordinated program delivered under the joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The community is invited to attend a project meeting to discuss the upcoming works with contractors and Council representatives:

WHAT: Mount Fox Road Resilience Strategy Meeting
WHEN: Friday, 13 March 2026, 4:00pm
WHERE: Mount Fox Cricket Grounds, Weather permitting

This consultation provides residents with the opportunity to learn more about the works funded through DRFA to support Queensland’s recovery from the North and Far North Tropical Low (from 29 January 2025).

The meeting is open to all community members, including local businesses and industry representatives who frequently use the route.

For more information contact (07) 4776 4600 or council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au via email.

Caption: Mt Fox’s crater, a relic of North QLD’s volcanic past. Photo sourced: ‘Keep Mt Fox Beautiful’ on Facebook

Caption: Endangered species like the Koala live in Mt Fox. Photo sourced: ‘Keep Mt Fox Beautiful’ on Facebook

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Meeting the seasonal labour demands of the sugarcane harvest remains a significant challenge for growers and contractors across the Herbert River district.

To help address this, Canegrowers Herbert River will again run its highly practical Haulout Driver Training program in Ingham. The course equips new entrants with the skills, confidence, and safety knowledge required to work effectively during the sugarcane harvest.

The three-day intensive program gives participants hands-on experience behind the wheel of halout tractors under the guidance of experienced local grower trainers. Trainees gain practical knowledge of haulout operations, harvest procedures, and, most importantly, safe work practices essential for the fast-paced harvest environment.

Chair of Canegrowers Herbert River, Steven Marbelli, said the program plays a vital role in ensuring a skilled local workforce is available.

“Our industry relies on competent operators to keep the harvest moving efficiently and safely. This training provides a genuine pathway into employment while supporting growers and contractors who are actively seeking reliable staff,” Mr Marbelli said.

“It’s about building local capability and ensuring the Herbert River sugar industry remains productive and sustainable for the future.”

Manager of Canegrowers Herbert River, Frank Scardamaglia, highlighted the importance of the program in responding to labour shortages.

“We know growers and harvester contractors are feeling the pressure each season to secure skilled and reliable workers. This course directly responds to that need by preparing participants with practical, real-world experience and the confidence to step straight into harvest operations,” Mr Scardamaglia said.

“It also provides people from a wide range of backgrounds the opportunity to re-skill, enter agriculture, and potentially build long-term careers within our region.”

The program has secured funding from SmartAG Queensland.

Canegrowers Herbert River will also help participants transition into employment within the sugar industry.

Expressions of interest are now open. Anyone interested in participating in the Haulout Driver Training program in Ingham is encouraged to contact Canegrowers Herbert River on 07 4776 5350 to register their interest and learn more.

Applications close on May 1.  This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Canegrowers Herbert River to strengthen workforce development, support local growers and contractors, and ensure the region’s sugarcane harvest continues to operate efficiently each season.

HAULOUT COURSE FAST FACTS

3 day practical haulout driver course

operations of a cane haulage vehicle

workplace health & safety associated with sugar cane harvest work

effective work practices and workplace communication

practical (hands-on) experience with tractors

machinery and maintenance of machinery

REGISTER NOW - Applications Close 1 May

Contact herbertriver@canegrowers.com.au 07 4776 5350

Caption: Get ready for this cane crushing season with a 3-day haulout course. Photo supplied

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Isn’t it interesting how things seem to coincide and seemingly come together in time. You will recall that last week I mentioned our planned delegation to Canberra to address the Federal politicians on matters important and critical to our region to enable our economic growth, one in particular being the emerging sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel supply chain. As one of Australia’s leading sugarcane regions, we can contribute feedstock and logistics to processing, refining, and export.

Unfortunately, I did not attend due to the flood threat to our district, but the delegation did meet and push the cause with a number of members, including the Minister for Renewable Energy, Chris Bowen. Feedback is that the Minister is keen on progressing the concept, and we will now wait and see what action is taken.

We are all looking closely at what effect the war on IRAN is having, or going to have, on our fuel supplies and, more immediately, on fuel prices. Prices in Ingham have already risen sharply which does not augur well. I read this morning that Australia is holding around 30 days of refined fuel supply, well below the International Energy Agency recommendation of at least ninety days. This apparently leaves Australia vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, as appears to be presently occurring.

I can report that the Australian Sugar Manufacturers (ASM) is also calling on the Australian Government to introduce a strong national ethanol mandate to unlock the most affordable pathway to sustainable aviation fuel and biodiesel, while strengthening Australia’s sovereign fuel capacity. ASM states that a national mandate would provide the certainty needed to drive investment in domestic ethanol production and support the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biodiesel. ASM has identified that a national ethanol mandate would provide certainty to unlock billions of dollars in private investment, deliver the lowest-cost carbon abatement in transport fuels, support the development of affordable sustainable aviation fuel and biodiesel, strengthen Australia’s fuel security and sovereign manufacturing capabilities, and create regional jobs and economic opportunities.

I believe it is becoming quite clear to us all that Australia is facing a clear choice: continue relying on imported fuels or build a domestic industry that delivers affordable emissions reductions and regional economic growth. A national ethanol mandate will transform Australia’s sugar manufacturing sector for generations, and we definitely need to start becoming much more vocal about same.

As you may or may not be aware, the Queensland State Government has over the past year been conducting an inquiry into the Queensland sugar industry bioenergy opportunities through the Queensland Primary Industries and Resources Committee. The committee recently had its final public hearing and, I understand, was told of the significant role that the sugar manufacturing sector can play in supporting Queensland’s renewable energy future, regional economic growth, and long-term energy security. That is, of course, significantly reliant on farmers continuing to provide the feedstock to enable manufacturing to occur.

What I am not hearing or seeing yet is how farmers are going to be brought in as an integral part of this process given the existing Cane Supply Arrangements in place where, effectively, farmers are only paid for crystal sugar and a little bit for other things like molasses, but definitely not renewable energy outputs.

The elephant in the room remains.

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The Thorsborne Trail doesn’t shout, it whispers. Stretching 32 km along Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest island national park, this world‑class hike stays wild thanks to a strict permit cap of just 40 people on the trail at any one time.

Usually completed over 3–5 days, many walkers prefer the slower pace, taking extra time to absorb the beaches, rainforest saddles and tidal creeks along the way. The best window to hike is April to September, when temperatures are kinder and creek crossings more predictable: though tides, weather and park alerts always make the final call. Expect soft sand slogs, steep pinches and serious “leave no trace” ethics.

The reward? Freshwater swims at Zoe and Mulligan Falls, empty coves, and nights filled with stars and sea air. Permits book fast. Go slow. Breathe deep. Let the island do the talking. Start planning: hinchinbrookway.com.au

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Working Together for Hinchinbrook’s Water Management

As a representative of the Hinchinbrook Council on the Lower Herbert Water Management Authority (LHWMA), Chair Cameron Barber and Board members made up of members of the Cane Growing community. I am also a member of the Drainage Advisory Group, which includes representatives from the Council, Canegrowers Association, QCar, Herbert River Trust, Qld Government departments to advocate and find solutions to our local water systems.

Our collaboration has proven invaluable, as we tackle the pressing issues that affect both urban and rural areas in Hinchinbrook. The collective expertise and perspectives brought together in these meetings have led to innovative solutions aimed at ensuring our waterways are well-managed and sustainable. The challenges we face are significant; all water from urban and agricultural areas must navigate through systems that, unfortunately, are often blocked and in disrepair. Due to outdated legislation and finical impediments.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the important roles played by Chair Cr. Carr, Mayor Ramon, and Deputy Mayor Mary. Their advocacy and coordination efforts with the community have been instrumental in driving progress. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that the concerns of our residents are heard and addressed, fostering a spirit of collaboration that is essential for effective water management.

While the issues are complex, I am optimistic about the path forward. The commitment from all parties involved demonstrates our shared responsibility to protect and enhance our water resources for current and future generations. Together, we are working to ensure that Hinchinbrook's waterways are resilient, accessible, and capable of supporting our vibrant community. With continued collaboration, I believe we can overcome the challenges ahead and build a brighter future for everyone in our region.

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A fun-loving little boy with a big heart and an even bigger purr. I’m playful, curious, and always ready for the next game or adventure. Every day I’m growing more confident, exploring a little farther and trying new things with my foster friends cheering me on.

I adore playing with the other foster kittens! We tumble, chase, and wrestle until we’re all worn out. I’m also getting used to the dogs in my foster home. I’m taking it slow, but I’m learning they aren’t so scary, especially when they’re calm and gentle.

I’m ready for my forever home and can’t wait to bring lots of fun, affection, and my trademark loud purr to the family who chooses me.

Complete an animal enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Included in adoption fee of $240 desexed when of appropriate age, micro-chipped, up to date vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treated.

DOB: 10/11/2025

Sex: Male

Breed: DSH

Colour: Silver, stripes and white

Kid friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors only

BIN: BIN0000268254643

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Thousands of Queenslanders living in community housing will benefit from cost-of-living relief and better thermal comfort in their homes thanks to the new Queensland Community Housing Energy Upgrades (Q-CHEU) program jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments.

Applications are now open for up to $4,500 in rebates to help eligible community housing providers deliver energy efficiency and thermal comfort upgrades to around 4,000 community homes across Queensland.

Upgrades could include:  

• insulation and shading for homes
• installation of efficient electric appliances like hot water systems, ovens and cooktops and split-cycle air conditioners
• solar systems such as solar panels.

The Q-CHEU program is the latest part of a broader $116 million investment by the Australian and Queensland Governments to improve energy performance for up to 32,000 social housing properties across the state.

Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said the Commonwealth's Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative is a great example of policy delivering positive results for people.

“No matter their circumstances, all Australians deserve to benefit from cheaper energy bills and more comfortable homes and that’s why the Federal Government is investing $1.1 billion to upgrade the nation’s stock of social and community housing – with 100,000 dwellings to be upgraded,” Mr Wilson said.

“Upgrades like shading, insulation energy efficient appliances will deliver instant and permanent hip pocket relief for Queensland’s community housing tenants.”

Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the scheme would help to reduce the cost of living for some of the state’s most vulnerable people.

“This is a practical program that will change the lives of our community housing tenants by helping to cut their power bills and making their homes more liveable,” he said.

“Our tenants in community homes are on low incomes, so reducing energy costs and improving thermal comfort will make a real difference especially during our scorching hot Queensland summers."

Community Housing Industry Association Queensland CEO Julie Saunders said the Q-CHEU program would deliver meaningful benefits for both tenants and providers.

“By backing upgrades like insulation, solar and efficient hot water systems, the Queensland Community Housing Energy Upgrades program will deliver real cost-of-living relief while improving the liveability of homes across the community housing sector.”

Applications can be submitted until 30 October 2026, with all upgrades works to be completed by 30 June 2027.

For registered community housing providers seeking more information or wishing to apply, visit www.housing.qld.gov.au/initiaitives/queensland-community-housing-energy-upgrades-program.

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A lunar eclipse, also called a blood moon, is an astronomical event that occurs when the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. Lunar eclipses occur during eclipse season, when the Moon’s orbital plane is approximately in line with Earth and the Sun.

On March 3, this rare event occurred, but it was also a night of storms and heavy cloud cover across Queensland. Some were lucky enough to spot the striking red face of the Moon at its peak through breaks in the clouds. The next one visible in Australian skies will not occur for another three years.

Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipses

31 Dec 2028 – 1 Jan 2029
20 – 21 Dec 2029
25 – 26 Apr 2032

Caption: During a total lunar eclipse, Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light, allowing only red hues to illuminate the Moon: Image credit: timeanddate.com

Caption: The ‘Blood Moon’ as it appeared in clear New Zealand skies. Photo credit: AstronzNewZealand

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