Herbert River RSL President Rodger Bow (centre) with the Lucinda QF-14 Coast Guard, in front of the Snow Stafford. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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The Lucinda QF-14 Coast Guard has a powerful new tool for its search and rescue operations, after a donation from the Herbert River RSL.  

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The funds allowed the volunteer organisation to purchase and install new remote-controlled search lights aboard the Snow Stafford, its large rescue vessel. The new lights have now been tested and evaluated, and are fully operational.  

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The lights can be tilted up and down and side to side, providing a much greater range of visibility when searching the water. With an arc of light reaching around 400 metres, the upgrade could make a significant difference when volunteers are called out in difficult conditions.

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“On a dark night when the sea is rough, there’s nothing but white caps. You try and find someone in the water. It’s not easy,” said President of the Lucinda QF-14 Coast Guard Steve Whipps.

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The new lights will go a long way to change that.  

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Steve said a significant part of the Coast Guard’s work begins with concerned family members reporting that someone is overdue on the water, sometimes without knowing exactly where they were headed.

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"I spend a lot of time on telephones from upset wives and partners because their husband or boyfriend hasn't come home, and they were supposed to be back four hours ago. I ask, 'Where did they say they were going? 'I have no idea' they would reply."

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The new lights will give crews greater capability when they head out to find them, providing a powerful and flexible tool for the Lucinda Coast Guard volunteers when they are needed most.

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Riparian vegetation at Halifax, riparian helps reduce erosion and filter runoff. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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The latest Reef Report Card shows an overall improvement in water quality across the region, but Riparian Extent, Seagrass Condition and Marine Water Quality are showing declines. To gain better understanding of what this means we reached out to experts at  Terrain Natural Resource Management (Terrain NRM), a regional natural resource management organisation working across the Wet Tropics to protect and improve the health of the region’s environment.

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Q: What is driving those declines, and how concerned should we be about the trend?

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Terrain NRM: Riparian extent is mainly driven by land clearing for both agricultural and urban development.

Seagrass and marine water quality declines are mostly driven by extreme weather events, particularly floods and cyclones. Major floods cause huge amounts of sediment to be washed into coastal waters, which reduces water clarity and the amount of light reaching seagrass.

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While heavy rainfall, storms and flood are a natural part of the ecology of the Wet Tropics, climate change is causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events so yes, we should be concerned because it impacts communities as well as the environment.

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Healthy riparian vegetation helps reduce erosion and filter runoff but there’s only so much it can do when a really big flood comes through. That’s why there’s an increasing focus on resilience in all the projects because healthy catchments are better placed to withstand extreme events and recover afterwards.

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Q: How should the community interpret the difference between improving water quality results and these declining ecological indicators? Does improving water quality necessarily translate into improvements in the health of these ecosystems?

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Terrain NRM: The two are closely connected but it’s more the other way around - healthy ecosystems create better water quality. Also, they don’t necessarily move at the same pace so we wouldn’t expect to see immediate direct results.

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The improvements in water quality reported in the Reef Report Card reflect changes in land management practices across industries including sugarcane, grazing, horticulture, grains and bananas. Those changes are helping reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients and pesticides leaving our catchments.

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But ecosystems like riparian vegetation, wetlands and seagrass are responding to a much bigger range of influences, including extreme weather. Ecological recovery can take a long time, particularly after a major flood or cyclone.

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Q: Riparian vegetation plays an important role in stabilising streambanks and filtering sediment and nutrients before they reach waterways. What are the biggest pressures currently affecting riparian extent in the Wet Tropics, and what work is being done to reverse that decline?

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Terrain NRM: The biggest pressure identified in the latest reporting is clearing for agricultural and urban development. The reporting excludes vegetation losses from natural events such as cyclones and floods.

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Also, when we’re talking about riparian health, it’s not just about trees. Ground cover is really important too. It helps hold soil together and reduce erosion, particularly in areas where you don’t have a lot of woody vegetation.

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Reef water quality programs started in around 2008-2009. There’s a lot of investment and work since then. They focused heavily on supporting farmers to change practices but there’s also been investment in revegetation and rehabilitation projects, streambank rehabilitation, wetlands restoration etc.

Most of the ‘easy’ stuff has been done so now we’re getting to the more complex stuff where whole communities need to take charge of catchment stewardship. The current Herbert Integrated Project is an example of this where the whole community is involved.

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Q: What are the main factors behind the decline in seagrass condition and marine water quality, particularly in a region where there has been reported positive progress in reducing sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff?

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Terrain NRM: Major floods – they deliver an enormous amount of sediment and freshwater into coastal waters. Strong winds and swell can also stir up sediment that’s already sitting on the seafloor, and nutrients can be recycled from marine sediments.

Even when we’re doing the right things on the land, a major weather event can temporarily overwhelm those gains.

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Q: Looking ahead, what needs to happen in the Wet Tropics to ensure improvements in catchment water quality translate into better outcomes for the rivers, seagrass meadows and marine environment, and are current programs sufficiently resourced to achieve that?

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Terrain NRM: New catchment water quality plans have recently been developed so the next step is to put them into action.

We need to keep doing the things we know work — improving farm practices, restoring wetlands and rehabilitating streambanks, for example — but we also need to keep innovating and also look beyond agriculture.

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In urban areas we need to look at things like managing erosion from dirt roads, better stormwater management, more green space and water-sensitive urban design.

There’s been a lot of investment but the ongoing challenge is more to do with getting longer-term funding commitments. Environmental recovery doesn’t happen neatly within a three- or four-year political cycle — it can take decades.

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Projects tend to be a bit stop-start which makes it hard to maintain momentum. Every time a program ends, there’s a gap before the new one starts and during that time we lose people and knowledge. Longer-term consistent funding would make it much easier to retain skilled people and maintain organisational capacity.

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Q: What practical actions can everyday residents take to help address these issues, and are there particular actions people should be taking?

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Terrain NRM: It’s basically about being mindful of the impact of our actions on the environment. Anything that goes down the sink or stormwater drain ends up in our waterways.

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Things like reducing waste, recycling, avoiding unnecessary single-use plastics, composting food scraps and being careful about how we use household chemicals all help reduce pollution entering the environment.

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Washing the car on the lawn instead of on the drive, picking your dog poo up, reducing use of fertilisers and pesticides in the garden, maintaining vegetation on your property etc.

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For those that are super keen, get involved in volunteer activities like tree planting days, habitat restoration and beach clean-ups.

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Russell O'Brien caught this Spanish Mackeral Photo supplied Cardwell Sportfishing Club

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Contributed with thanks by the Cardwell Sportsfishing Club

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Another enjoyable afternoon was held at the Cardwell Sportsfishing Club clubhouse in August for the presentation of the Weighmaster's Report. With cool and windy conditions outside, members moved indoors for the afternoon. It was also great to welcome a number of new members to the club.

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While the weather gods only provided a handful of favourable days for offshore fishing, members still managed to get out on the reef and into the estuaries throughout the month.

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A highlight was August 10th, when eight boats headed out together and kept in contact over Channel 10. There were some great catches recorded on the day, with several notable catches. This month we finished with 22 members submittingcaptures, and 27 point scoring eligible species.

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Notable Catches
Graham Weston — Gold Spot Cod, 73cm
Lyn Kidd — Trevally, 81cm
Katrina O’Brien — Trevally, 65.5cm
Liam Brosnan — Mulloway, 94cm
Leon Wuttrich — Large Mouth Nannygai, 69cm

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Meritorious Catches
Freshwater: Craig Althaus — Sooty Grunter, 29cm
Estuary: Trevor Kidd — Fingermark, 72cm
Reef: Graham Weston — Gold Band Snapper, 70cm
Pelagic: Lyn Kidd — Trevally, 81cm

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Trophy Fish for August
Senior Male: Liam Brosnan — Amberjack, 122cm
Senior Female: Katrina O’Brien — Barracuda, 112cm
Junior: Nate Ihle — Fingermark, 62cm

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Points Update for August
Champion Female Angler – August
Winner: Jen Abbs — 550 points
Runner-Up: Katrina O’Brien — 534 points

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Champion Male Angler – August
Winner: Greg Abbs — 586 points
Runner-Up: John Andrejic — 582 points

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Champion Junior Angler – August
Champion: Nate Ihle — 127 points

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Champion Angler – Year to Date
Senior Male:
John Andrejic — 3,619 points
Stan Skeates — 3,270 points

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Senior Female:
Wendy Duff — 2,275 points
Deb Clancy — 2,123 points

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Junior: Nate Ihle — 569 points

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"Fish of the Month" for August 2026

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River – Fingermark (Golden Snapper)
Junior:  
Winner: Nate Ihle — 62cm, $200
Runner-Up: Nil

Senior:
Winner: Trevor Kidd — 72cm, $200
Runner-Up: Callan Ihle — 45cm

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Reef – Coral Trout
Junior:No winner. Jackpot increases to $350.

Senior:
Winner: Shann Karlsen — 64cm, $100
Runner-Up: Rod Stewart — 62cm

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If a Fish of the Month category is not won, the prize jackpots to the following month. Winners receive gift vouchers from Tackle World Tully.

Next month’s species to catch are Red Emperor and Grunter.

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The Cardwell Sportsfishing Club is still leading the Champion Club competition with the Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA), with members enjoying a fantastic run of fishing.

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In just two months, the club has recorded an impressive 82 different species. That is already more than the 80 species caught across the entire year last year, highlighting just how successful the club’s fishing has been so far in 2026.

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Tight lines, everyone!

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Paul Tabone presents Andrea Bocelli. Photo supplied: Hinchinbrook Shire Council

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Experience the soaring beauty and emotional power of Andrea Bocelli’s music when internationally acclaimed Australian lyric tenor Paul Tabone brings his tribute concert home to Hinchinbrook.

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In 2016, Tabone shared the stage with Bocelli at the Arena di Verona in front of 20,000 spectators, with the performance broadcast to an estimated 20 million people worldwide. Now described by the BBC as “Australia’s own Andrea Bocelli”,Tabone has performed across the globe, including London’s West End, Broadway, the Sydney Opera House and Teatro Carlo Felice.

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Paul Tabone Salutes Andrea Bocelli will take audiences through some of Bocelli’s most iconic hits and timeless arias, including The Prayer, Time to Say Goodbye, Canto della Terra, Vivere and Bésame Mucho.

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Accompanied live by a world-class pianist and enhanced by full orchestral arrangements, the concert promises an evening of elegance, passion and world-class music. Special appearances from local guest artists will also add a distinctly regional touch to the performance.

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The concert will feature two 40-minute performances with a 20-minute interval and is sure to appeal to lovers of classical music and spectacular live performance. Tickets are available on hinchinbrooktickets.com.au

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WHAT: Paul Tabone Salutes Andrea Bocelli
WHEN: Doors: 4pm, Start: 5pm, Saturday 19th September
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, Ingham

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Thea at the Clubhouse. Photo supplied: selectability Ingham

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Contributed with thanks by selectability Ingham

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Whether she’s tending to the community garden, searching the beach for something to turn into her next art project or experimenting with a new outfit, Thea likes to keep busy.

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But ask her what she enjoys most about coming to selectability’s Ingham Clubhouse and the answer is of something simple.

“I really like being picked up by the bus, being happy and being greeted by everyone,” she said.

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Thea moved to Ingham from Cairns seven years ago with her fiancé and two daughters, settling into a small house on her parents’ cane farm.

Life has changed considerably since then, with Thea’s husband moving into a local nursing home late last year and passed away just a few months later.

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Almost two years ago, Thea was referred to selectability through the Queensland Health-funded selectwellbeing program while looking for some support of her own.

Since then, the friendships she has made through the clubhouse program have become an important part of her life, along with the encouragement she receives to get involved, try different activities and keep exploring her local community.

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At first, Thea describes herself as quite shy, although these days, that’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine.

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“I like listening, chatting with people, and having a laugh,” Thea said.

“I enjoy being part of a group and going on outings with the Clubhouse to explore new places. I like making friends and being somewhere that everyone is welcomed and accepted.”

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The community garden is a particular favourite of Thea’s, combining her love of gardening with the chance to spend time alongside others.

Thea is just as happy cooking, catching up over coffee or heading to the beach and local trails to see what interesting materials might find their way into a future art and craft project.

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Painting is another favourite, and more recently she’s added diamond dot art to her creative repertoire.

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Then there’s fashion.

Thea loves experimenting with clothing, changing up her style and doing her makeup simply because it makes her feel good. And so, while she may have arrived at Clubhouse as someone who was shy and still finding her feet, her friends now know to expect the occasional joke.

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“I do like to be a bit of a stirrer and have a joke with friends.”

After almost two years, it’s perhaps that sense of belonging Thea values most.

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She has made great friends, found activities she genuinely enjoys and, even through the significant changes in her life, Thea has a place where she knows she’ll be greeted with kindness and care.

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If you're looking to make new connections, join fun activities, or have a laugh like Thea, then pop into the Clubhouse at 11-13 Lannercost Street, Ingham and chat with the team.  

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Alternative route during works, depicting the northbound slip lane closure. Image source: TMR

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Motorists travelling through Ingham are being warned to prepare for changes at one of the town’s key intersections, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) set to begin safety upgrades at the Bruce Highway and Lannercost Street intersection.

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The works, which form part of the Bruce Highway Safety Package, are aimed at addressing safety concerns and improving conditions for all road users, including heavy vehicles.

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Construction is scheduled to take place between 6am and 6pm from Tuesday 8th September to Wednesday 14th October, subject to weather, contractor availability and construction progress.

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The most significant change for motorists will be the temporary closure of the northbound left slip lane from the Bruce Highway, locally known as Townsville Road, into Lannercost Street.

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The slip lane will remain closed for the duration of the works, with an alternative circular route in place.

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The upgrade will involve a range of changes to the intersection, including pedestrian infrastructure upgrades, median reconstruction and pavement works. TMR will also undertake signage and line-marking updates, relocate traffic signals and lighting poles, and complete electrical upgrades including Rate 3 lighting.

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Despite the changes, property and business access will be maintained throughout the works.

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Mt Fox Road September Update

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To maintain road safety, the Council-appointed contractor will undertake make-safe grading of the currently unsealed sections of Mount Fox Road, along with any other minor works required within the existing road corridor.

These works will take place from Monday 7th September, 2026 to Thursday 10th September, 2026 weather permitting.  

The road will be closed daily from 8.00am to 3.00pm.  

Motorists are encouraged to drive to the conditions, obey all posted speed limits and exercise caution when travelling through the area.  

Please be mindful of workers, equipment and changing road conditions, and allow extra travel time where required.

Council understands the importance of Mount Fox Road to residents, businesses, visitors and Traditional Owners, and completing the reconstruction remains a key priority.

Remaining road works are subject to agreement among all stakeholders and remains a work in progress as discussions continue.

The community will continue to be updated through Council's communication channels as further information becomes available regarding the project, and the recommencement of reconstruction works.

Contact Council’s Customer Service Centre via email at council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or by phone on (07) 4776 4600 for more information.

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As sweet as her namesake, Nutmeg is a beautiful tortoiseshell girl who found herself in a spot of bother at the local pound. Thankfully, she’s been given a second chance at the happy future she deserves.

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This stunning and lovely lady has now completed all of her veterinary work and is ready to start the next chapter of her lives with a family to call her own. Better yet, she’s looking for her last home, where she can settle in and be cherished forever.

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Nutmeg is a friendly, affectionate cat who enjoy human company and is happy in the company of other cats. She has not yet been tested with dogs, so any introductions would need to be done carefully and gradually. Nutmeg is an indoors only cat.

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Included in adoption fee of $225 DESEXED when of appropriate age, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated. Enquire today at angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption/cats/

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Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Colour: Tortoiseshell

DOB: 01/03/2026

Cat Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Unsure

Kid Friendly: Yes

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AgTech and Environment is a category for the 2026 Innovate with nbn Grants Program. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Regional businesses are being encouraged to put their ideas forward, with applications now open for the 2026 Innovate with nbn Grants Program.

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Now in its seventh year, the program delivered in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute, has $125,000 in grant funding available across several categories, including a new category recognising businesses using innovation to improve productivity.

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If your business fall into any of these categories you could be eligable; AgTech and Environment, Arts, Culture & Tourism, Education, First Nations Business, Health and Wellbeing, Innovation for Productivity, and Women in Regional Business.

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Each category winner will receive $15,000, while one overall winner will be named the 2026 Innovate with nbn Champion and receive an additional $20,000.

The program is open to regional businesses with ideas and initiatives demonstrating how technology and innovation can help overcome challenges, improve the way they operate or deliver benefits to their communities.

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Organisers are also encouraging previous applicants who were unsuccessful to have another go. Applications close at midnight on Monday, October 12th, 2026.

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With regional businesses continuing to find new ways to innovate, adapt and grow, the program provides an opportunity to showcase local ideas and demonstrate the contribution regional businesses are making across Australia.

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The full program details and submit an application at www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/innovate-with-nbn-grants-program

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Contributed with thanks by nbn & Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce Industry & Tourism

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3 RAR Soldiers and Legatee Judy Alce Photo Credit: Victoria Velton

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By Victoria Velton

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The sounds of bagpipes and a tidy display of Legacy merchandise brought attention to the Legacy Appeal outside the Woolworths complex in Ingham this week, as soldiers from 3RAR set up a booth to raise funds for veterans’ families.

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The local stall was managed by Legatee Judith (Judy) Alce, with soldiers from 3RAR travelling to Ingham on Monday 31st of September, Wednesday 2nd, and Friday 4th of August, to lend their support.

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Alongside filling the air with poignant notes from the pipes, the soldiers helped sell Legacy merchandise including badges, bears and the newest addition to the collection, the Light Horse Bear, inspired by Australia’s legendary Light Horse Regiments.

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The annual Legacy Appeal has been running nationally since 1942 and raises vital funds to support the partners and children of veterans who have given their life or health through military service.

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Northern Queensland Legacy is a volunteer-based, self-funded organisation that relies on the generosity of local communities across North Queensland. This year’s appeal is particularly significant, with Northern Queensland Legacy celebrating 80 years of service to the region and holding its largest appeal to date across Townsville, Charters Towers, the Burdekin, Bowen and Ingham.

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Northern Queensland Legacy CEO Nicole Hayes said the organisation was incredibly proud to have the support of every local Australian Defence Force unit.

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“The Legacy Appeal is a wonderful reminder of the enduring partnership between Legacy, the Australian Defence Force and the community,” Ms Hayes said.

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“We are honoured that every local ADF unit is supporting this year’s appeal. Their presence reflects the shared commitment to ensuring the families of those who have served our nation are never forgotten.”

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Importantly, all funds raised through the Ingham appeal stay local, helping Legacy continue programs supporting families in the community.

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Legacy has also broadened its eligibility criteria, removing the requirement for a veteran to have completed Operational Service. Legacy can now support families of all veterans who have given their life or health through military service, allowing the organisation to care for more families.

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The organisation is also encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider volunteering. No military service is required to become a Legacy volunteer and support families in the local community.

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Anyone interested in becoming a beneficiary, volunteer or supporter can contact Northern Queensland Legacy on 4772 7533 or admin@nqlegacy.com.au.

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Hinchinbrook’s sporting talent was celebrated in style last week as the Ingham Lions Club hosted its 2026 Sports Star of the Year Awards.  

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From rising juniors and accomplished seniors to masters competitors, teams and the volunteers behind them, the evening recognised the breadth of achievement across the district.  

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Australian sprinter Jake Doran joined the judging panel and praised the opportunities available to regional athletes, while major awards went to Joshua Gurnick-Stagnitta, Lucas Masters, Filipe Tabu and the Northern Regions Open Boys Squash Team. The night also celebrated the dedication of local volunteers who continue to keep Hinchinbrook sport thriving.

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Read more here: https://www.hinchinbrooklife.com/article/ingham-lions-club-sportstar-of-the-year-awards-2026

Aurora Zorzetto and Pauline Morgan outside the newly opened shop. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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A new combined business space has opened on Lannercost Street, bringing life to one of Ingham’s previously vacant shopfronts.

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Mind Your Admin owner Pauline Morgan has partnered with Aurora Zorzetto to combine Pauline’s personal administration service with Aurora’s shop Rajahe’s Creations.

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"This something I've been wanting to do for the last 18 months," said Pauline.

Rajahe’s Creations features natural displays and handmade creations incorporating materials including crystals, cottons and linens.

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The pair also wanted to bring some life back to the town.

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“To do something for the town, for the people," she said.

“Because we’ve got no shops around the place. Everything’s empty.”

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"We had a lovely group of people, our friends, that came down this morning and we cut the ribbon."

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The new space officially opened on August 18th with Pauline saying the motivation behind the venture was ultimately about contributing to the local community.

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Denis recently recovered her ability to walk after a six week stroke-induced coma. Photo credit: Sherie Hensler-Adams

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In an inspiring story of resilience from Tully Nursing Home, resident Denis Singh has recovered her ability to walk after suffering a stroke, in a “one-in-a-thousand” recovery.

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Following her stroke, Denis spent six weeks in a coma. When she finally woke, she found she had lost her mobility.

For someone who loved catching up with friends for girls’ outings and enjoying an active social life, suddenly being unable to do the things she loved was incredibly difficult- but Denis was determined to regain her independence.

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With the encouragement, guidance and support of David, the full-time physiotherapist at Tully Nursing Home, Denis began working hard to rebuild her strength and mobility.

The regular physiotherapy sessions were challenging, but Denis refused to give up.

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Fourteen months later, she had something very special to celebrate — she was walking again.

Denis said doctors had told her there was only a one-in-a-thousand chance that she would walk again. Her remarkable determination, combined with the ongoing support and encouragement from David, has helped her defy those odds.

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Denis is still working on building strength in her lower back, but she is taking her recovery one step at a time.

These days, she continues her exercises and rehabilitation with David — sometimes even working out to the classic YMCA.

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Denis’s story is a wonderful reminder that recovery takes time, and that determination, support and a positive attitude can make an incredible difference.

“Well done, Denis — and keep walking!” said Life Publishing Sales Manager Sherie Hensler-Adams after uncovering Denis’s story. 

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“With your great-grandchildren cheering you on, you certainly have the best cheer squad around.”  

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“I stand with Australian banana farmers like Steve Lizzio” said Senator Susan Macdonald. Photo source: Senator Susan Macdonald

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Senator Susan McDonald has joined North Queensland banana growers in opposing the potential importation of fresh bananas from the Philippines, declaring: “No banana imports, Albo!”

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The comments come as the Federal Government assesses the Philippines’ request to consider alternative biosecurity measures for importing fresh Cavendish bananas into Australia.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) completed a technical visit to the Philippines in March and commenced a regulated Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (BIRA) in June. A draft report is expected to be released for public consultation in the first half of 2027, although DAFF says the timing is indicative and subject to change.

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During the March visit, DAFF officials inspected five banana farms operated by four companies across Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Davao de Oro.

According to DAFF’s report, the farms ranged from 26 to 546 hectares and all were exporting Cavendish bananas. Moko, black Sigatoka, banana freckle and Panama disease Tropical Race 4 (TR4) were observed to be present at the farms visited.

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Moko and black Sigatoka are significant biosecurity concerns for Australia, while banana freckle and Panama TR4 are already present in Australia and subject to biosecurity management measures.

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For Far North Queensland growers, the findings have heightened concerns about the potential biosecurity consequences of allowing Philippine bananas into the Australian market.

Banana Imports Committee chair and Far North Queensland grower Paul Inderbitzin said the report did not indicate that Australia’s existing biosecurity standards should change.

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“There is nothing in this report that gives any indication that our current biosecurity standards should change, or that the Philippines could meet our appropriate level of protection,” Mr Inderbitzin said.

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“The diseases present at every one of the farms they visited, particularly Moko and black Sigatoka, could virtually wipe-out the Australian industry.”

The Australian banana industry produced 368,701 tonnes of bananas worth $719.4 million in 2024–25, with Queensland accounting for about 94 per cent of national production.

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“Our argument, at its core, is pretty simple,” Mr Inderbitzin said.

“Right now every banana you buy is grown by an Australian farmer.

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“We don’t need banana imports.”

The regulated BIRA process will continue, with DAFF stating that alternative measures would only be considered acceptable if they effectively manage biosecurity risks to Australia’s appropriate level of protection.

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Australia currently does not permit the importation of fresh bananas from any market.

A draft report is expected in the first half of 2027.

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Max Mcdonald Running - Image Supplied  

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By Sian Bantock

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Tully resident Max McDonald took on one of the world’s most prestigious trail running events over the weekend, a competition in the renowned Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) hosted in Europe over the weekend.  

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The UTMB features several race distances including the iconic 174km UTMB, the challenging CCC estimated at just over 100KM, and the OCC - the shortest of the three at 50KM.  

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Max was accepted into the CCC race, a challenging course with rugged mountain terrain, relentless climbs that offer breathtaking vistas. Covering more than 100 kilometers with approximately 6,200 metre elevation gain, the route passes through Mont Blanc Massive of Italy, Switzerland and France.

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Max started his race in Courmayeur, Italy after the initial 3KM the weather changed from sunny and dry to wild, wet and windy.  

He battled through the weather and travelled into Champex-Lac, Switzerland but was hit with unexpected news.

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“An extra 7KM and 500 metre elevation gain was added due to the mudslides in the mountains,” Max said.

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“Finishing was the aim after 80KM in, knowing how difficult it was going to be now at the end. I stopped more than I should have but crossing the finish line was more important than quitting.”

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At just 27, Max demonstrated exceptional perseverance, resilience and mental fortitude, crossing the prestigious trail running event in Chamonix, France in an impressive 17 hours 39 minutes and 02 seconds.  

I always appreciate hearing directly from our community about the issues that matter most to you.

This month, I’m responding to questions from residents on a range of important topics, from cassowary safety on our roads to rates, youth activities and community safety in Innisfail.  

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Thank you to everyone who sent in a question; your input is invaluable and helps keep Council connected to the people we serve.  

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Question from Ally: Mayor, can we please do better at informing drivers on the roads to slow down for Cassowaries - so we can reduce big bird fatality & injury? Reduce speeds, more signage and street calming in known Cassowary corridors.

Thanks, Ally. Yes, protecting cassowaries on our roads is very important, and is something Council is actively involved in.  

Council is a long-term member of the Cassowary Recovery Team, coordinated by the Wet Tropics Management Authority under the federally endorsed Cassowary Recovery Plan.  

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Locally, we work with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Transport and Main Roads on implementing speed limits, erecting warning signage, recent crossing alerts and other road safety measures in known cassowary corridors.  

We know there is always more to do, and Council will keep working with our partners to improve awareness and protect these iconic birds.  

There is an app called Q Wildlife, where you can record sightings and incidents, or you can call the wildlife hotline on 1300 130 372. I urge all drivers to please slow down and take extra care in signed cassowary zones.  

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Question from Jan: when are the rates actually decreasing to an affordable level, and why is it going up?

Thanks, Jan. We understand that any increase in rates is difficult, especially with cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect households across the Cassowary Coast.  

Rates are increasing because Council’s costs to deliver essential services such as roads, drainage, water, waste, public spaces and community facilities continue to rise. Higher fuel prices, ageing infrastructure, severe weather impacts and increased waste costs are all placing pressure on Council’s budget.  

Council has worked hard to keep this year’s increase as low as possible.  

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We’ve limited increases to water and waste charges to cost recovery only, and we’ve retained the on-time payment discount to help ease the burden for ratepayers who can pay by the due date.  

If anyone is experiencing hardship or having difficulty paying their rates, we strongly encourage them to contact Council’s Customer Services team as early as possible to discuss available payment arrangements.  

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Question from anonymous community member: When are you going to implement more events and activities in the region for more adolescents and young adults?

Good question, Council hold various events aimed at our younger community members, such as the annual Tilapia competition, which is coming up at the start of October!  

However, due to limited resources and funding, we are unable to deliver all events directly. Instead, we encourage local community groups, schools, and P&Cs to take the lead in organising their own events and to apply for available grant funding that supports activities for young people in our community.  

Please visit Council’s website cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/grants to learn more.  

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Our young people are the future of the Cassowary Coast, and their voices matter. The Youth Advisory Committee is a fantastic opportunity for them to share their ideas and help shape a region they’re proud to call home.  

I encourage all eligible young people to apply and be part of this exciting initiative. Check out Council's website and search Youth Advisory Committee.  

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Question from John: When will Council work with police to address public drunkenness and antisocial behaviour in Innisfail? Council officers could also consider stronger enforcement in the CBD for smoking within 10 metres of shop entrances and forlittering. What steps can Council take, in partnership with relevant agencies, to improve public amenity and community safety in these areas?

Thanks, John. Council does work with Queensland Police Service on community safety issues in Innisfail, but it’s important to be clear that public drunkenness and antisocial behaviour are primarily matters for police enforcement. Smoking rules and regulations are enforced by Queensland Health authorities, not council.  

Littering is a Council matter, but enforcement usually requires an officer to witness the offence, unless it involves littering from a vehicle.  

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We can all help by identifying problem areas, sharing information and supporting a coordinated local response to keep the Innisfail CBD safe, clean and welcoming.  

People can report issues to us directly via the ‘report an issue’ link on our website  

Thanks again to Cassowary Coast community members who sent in questions. It’s really important that we keep these conversations going, stay transparent, and make sure our community is informed about the issues that matter. So please keep sending your questions through; I look forward to answering more of them next time.

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