New operating hours are being trialled at the Murray Upper Waste Transfer Station as Council reviews the long-term sustainability of waste services across the region. Photo supplied: Cassowary Coast Regional Council  

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council will trial reduced operating hours at the Murray Upper Waste Transfer Station as part of a broader review of waste services across the region.

The station’s last day of regular trading was Saturday 29th August, with the new trial arrangement to begin on Sunday 20th September. Under the temporary schedule, the Murray Upper facility will open every third Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4pm.

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The trial forms part of Council’s Resource Recovery and Waste Strategy 2026–2030 and aims to determine how waste services can remain sustainable while continuing to meet community needs.

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Council said increasing costs associated with maintaining current service levels, including rising fuel prices, were among the factors prompting the review. Throughout the trial, Council will monitor usage of the Murray Upper facility, operational costs, access to alternative waste services and any changes in demand.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood said no final decision had been made on the facility’s long-term operation.

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“Council is trialling these changes before making any final decisions on the viability and sustainability of waste services within the region, whilst continuing to meet the needs of the community,” Mayor Millwood said.

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Residents will continue to have access to the region’s other waste transfer stations during the trial. The closest alternatives are Cardwell, which opens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 9am to 1pm, and Tully, which operatesseven days a week with varying opening hours.

Free waste vouchers will continue to be accepted at all Cassowary Coast waste transfer stations, including Murray Upper.

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The findings from the trial will be used to help Council determine the future operation of the Murray Upper facility.

Cassowary Coast landholders are invited to pull up a chair and talk all things biosecurity as a new community information series gets underway this September.

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s From Pub to Paddock series will bring practical advice about feral pigs, invasive weeds and other pests directly to local communities, beginning at Hotel Euramo on Wednesday 23rd September at 5:30pm.

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The informal session will feature Wild Pigs Program Coordinator and local cane farmer Arthur Santagelo, alongside Senior Biosecurity Officer Rowan Ward.

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Landholders will have the opportunity to learn about local feral pig management, collaborative efforts underway across the region and practical approaches to managing pests and weeds on their properties.

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Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said cooperation was an important part of addressing local biosecurity challenges.

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“Feral pigs and invasive weeds don't stop at property boundaries, which is why sharing information and working together is so important,” Mayor Millwood said.

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“These sessions are about making it easier for our farmers and landholders to talk directly with people working in biosecurity, ask questions and get practical information they can take back to their properties.”

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A second session will be held at Mena Creek Hotel on Wednesday 28th October.

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Those attending the Euramo event can book a table by calling Hotel Euramo on 4066 7700.

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What: From Pub to Paddock

When: 5:30pm, Wednesday 23rd September

Where: Hotel Euramo

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Tully banana grower and Australian Banana Growers' Council director Leon Collins says Panama disease TR4 is an extremely difficult disease to manage, with 11 farms now affected in the Tully Valley. Photo source: Shutterstock

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A devastating fungal disease is continuing to spread through the Tully Valley, with 11 banana farms now affected by Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4).  

For local growers, the detections are particularly concerning, with the Cassowary Coast, including Tully and Innisfail, forming the heart of Australia's banana-growing industry, while Queensland accounts for about 94 per cent of national production.  

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Australian Banana Growers' Council director and local banana grower Leon Collins said TR4 attacks the plant's vascular system, eventually causing it to wilt and die.

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“It’s a fungus that attacks the tree. It starves the tree of its nutrients and water, and the tree will wilt and die,” Mr Collins said.

“It’s a very hard disease to manage. It’s very variable, and it can turn up anywhere in your property at any time. It is a truly terrible disease to have.”

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First detected in the Tully Valley in 2015, TR4 cannot currently be eradicated once it becomes established. The fungus can survive in contaminated soil for more than 50 years and can be moved through infected plant material, soil and water.  

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Mr Collins said the Tully Valley had borne the brunt of local detections.

“Tully Valley has been where the detections have been and every farm on the Tully River is now affected,” he said.

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Despite the growing challenge, Mr Collins said the geographical spread of North Queensland's banana industry offered some protection.

“We are diverse and spread out and this will help us get through the problems we have with TR4,” he said.

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Attention is also firmly on finding banana varieties capable of surviving the disease.

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QUT researchers have spent decades investigating TR4 resistance, including developing QCAV-4, a genetically modified Cavendish banana that has demonstrated high resistance to the disease in field trials and has been approved for commercial planting and consumption in Australia. Researchers are also investigating gene-edited, non-GM bananas and improvements to the naturally TR4-resistant Goldfinger variety.  

But for growers already dealing with the disease, Mr Collins said a practical solution cannot come quickly enough.

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“It’s not soon enough for most growers, especially those in the valley,” he said.

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“Everyone’s hell for leather trying to find a resistant variety around the world now, and at the moment, no one’s got one.”

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For an industry so heavily concentrated in Far North Queensland, the race to find a long-term answer has implications well beyond the Tully Valley.

AutoPot systems automatically deliver water and nutrients. Photo credit: As Green As Garden Centre

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At As Green As, gardening is all about working with the tropical climate, and as the seasons change, there are their top three mistakes to watch out for that can make a big difference to how your plants perform.

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1. Forgetting the changing sun

A spot that stays beautifully shaded through winter can become full sun during summer. Plants that have been protected from the heat can suddenly become sunburnt, so think ahead about where the summer sun will fall before choosing where to plant.

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2. Missing the spring feed

Spring is the perfect time to give plants a boost as they enter active growth. At As Green As, Organic Link fertiliser is a favourite, with feeding recommended approximately every three months.

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3. Forgetting some favourites don't love tropical summers

Lavender, rosemary and many pretty flowering plants can thrive through our cooler months but struggle with summer heat and humidity. Growing them in pots allows greater control over sunlight, watering and drainage. As Green As has a wide range of ceramic and plastic pots to suit.

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For those wanting to keep growing vegetables throughout summer, As Green As also has hydroponic systems and AutoPot self-watering setups, from beginner-friendly kits through to larger systems.

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AutoPot systems automatically deliver water and nutrients without pumps, electricity or complicated timers, making them ideal for busy gardeners and they are currently 40 per cent off!

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With plants, pet supplies, aquarium products, hydroponics, garden supplies and giftware, As Green As is open seven days a week, making it easy to get your garden ready for the tropical months ahead.

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Cassowary Coast residents are encouraged to nominate the individuals, groups and organisations making a difference in the community for the 2027 Australia Day Awards. Photo supplied: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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Cassowary Coast residents are being encouraged to shine a spotlight on the people and organisations making a difference across the region, with nominations now open for the 2027 Cassowary Coast Australia Day Awards.

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The annual awards recognise outstanding contributions through community service, leadership, volunteering, sporting achievements, environmental initiatives and projects or events that strengthen the region.

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Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said the awards provided an opportunity to thank those whose efforts often make a significant impact within their communities.

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“These awards are about recognising dedication, community spirit and service. They remind us of the extraordinary contributions being made across the Cassowary Coast and give us the chance to say thank you to the people and groups helping our region thrive,” Mayor Millwood said.

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Seven categories are open for nominations in 2027: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Contribution Award, Community Event/Project of the Year, Community Volunteer Champion Award, Sports Person of the Year and Sustainable Environment Award.

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The awards aim to recognise everything from individual achievements and inspirational leadership to successful community initiatives contributing to the social, cultural, economic and environmental prosperity of the Cassowary Coast.

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The 2027 Australia Day Awards Ceremony will be held at Mission Beach Resort on Friday 22nd January, ahead of Australia Day on Tuesday 26th January.

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Community members are encouraged to consider the individuals and organisations whose contributions deserve recognition and submit a nomination through the Cassowary Coast Regional Council website.

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Cardwell RSL celebrate the new backup generator. Photo supplied: Robert lang, Cardwell RSL Sub Branch President

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The Cardwell RSL Sub Branch has strengthened its ability to support the local community during natural disasters with the addition of a new backup generator.

The generator is housed in a newly constructed shed, built by local builder Barney Glass, while the electrical connection was completed by local electrician Adrian Cammelleri.

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Cardwell RSL Sub Branch President Robert Lang said the new generator would provide an important backup for the organisation in the event of a natural disaster or power outage.

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“The Cardwell RSL Sub Branch is delighted to have a new back up generator in case of a natural disaster,” Mr Lang said.

“Without the generous support from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) this project would not have been possible.”

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“The FRRR sponsors many projects throughout Australia assisting remote communities to strengthen their resilience to wild weather events.”

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The new generator adds another layer of preparedness for the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch, which regularly plays a role in supporting the community.

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Members are among the many local volunteers who give their time to the community each week, including providing meals, refreshments and raffles at the sub branch every Sunday.

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The project also highlights the contribution of local businesses and organisations, with the shed construction and electrical work both completed by local tradespeople. With Cardwell and surrounding communities regularly exposed to severe weather, the new backup generator will provide an important resource when it is needed most.

Women and girls across the Cassowary Coast are being invited to a series of free sessions designed to build confidence around finances, planning and making informed financial decisions.

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Hosted by the Tully Support Centre through the Empowering Queensland Women Grants program, the Financial Health, Planning and Empowerment sessions will be held across Kurrimine Beach, Mission Beach and Cardwell this week.

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Guest speaker Bernice Hookey, a proud Waanyi and MuruWarri woman, business owner, facilitator and advocate, will lead the sessions. Ms Hookey is the founder and executive director of M7R Empowerment and has worked across Indigenous leadership, cultural inclusion, education and health equity.

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The first session will be held at Kurrimine Progress Hall on Tuesday 8th September from 4pm to 6pm, followed by the Mission Beach Library meeting room on Wednesday 9th September, and Cardwell RSL on Thursday 10th September, both from 4pm to 6pm.

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The sessions aim to provide practical tools and information to help women strengthen their finances, plan for the future and feel more confident making financial decisions.

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The events are free and open to women and girls aged 16 and over, with light refreshments, snacks and nibbles provided.

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Places are limited and registrations can be made by contacting the Tully Support Centre on 4068 1004 or maxine@tullysupportcentre.com.au.

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This week’s reader of the week is David Musumeci, Exercise Physiologist at Tully Nursing Home, who is flicking through paper between trying out the new equipment donated by Mission Beach Meals On Wheels. The residents are loving the donation and send their thanks!

FNQ Motors recently donated $400 to Tully Support Centre as part of their Community Benefits Program, a scheme that donates $100 from each vehicle purchase to a beneficiary nominated by the customer.

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FNQ Motor Group estimates the program will generate more than $5,000 in community donations each month, providing a significant boost to organisations and groups across the region over the course of the year.

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For Cassowary Coast customers, it means buying a car can now do more than simply get them from A to B — it can also help support the people, causes and organisations that matter most to them. This one’s a good deed that really does go the extra mile.

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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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