The team at Life Publishing Group with their new gazebo - Hinchinbrook Life Sales Manager Sherie Hensler-Adams, Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief Rachael Smith, Burdekin Life Sales Manager Jack Bridgett

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A stunning blue sky winter’s day greeted happy attendees at the Rotary NQ Field Days Exhibition held at the Townsville Show Grounds on Friday and Saturday last week.

Highlights included drone drop shows, chain saw demonstrations, the duck race and a robotic dog used to round up cattle.

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In particular, the robotic dog drew crowds with its playful personality and impressive repertoire of tricks, including standing on two legs and forming a heart shape with its forearms, delighting children who squealed with excitement.

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Mayor Nick Dametto officially opened the event at 10am on the Friday morning and crowds enjoyed exploring the engaging displays, petting the farm animals, learning more about bees and listening to the clickety clack of old machines from the Machine Preservationists Society.

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa was present on the day, greeting constituents and enjoying everything the event had to offer.

Link to Country was a big part of the event with Nicole Chiesa at the forefront of engaging with school students from across the region.

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Orchestrating the attendance of 180 school children, including students from Abergowerie State School, Nicole organised 11 interactive stalls for the youngsters to explore.

These included the mini tractor-pull for students aged four to nine, the beehive educational stall, the old machines and VR headsets, to name a few.

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Overall, attendees experienced a re-energised NQ Field Days event, full of country charm, bringing the regional communities together in the heart of Townsville.

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Cinzia McEwen of CBA and Damian Firmi of the Ingham Dirt Bike Club. Photo supplied.

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In recognition of their incredible contribution to the community, Commonwealth Bank Ingham Branch have nominated Ingham Dirt Bike Club for a $1,500 donation.

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“Community organisations play an essential role in supporting people when it matters most, and we’re proud to support that work,” Branch Manager Cinzia McEwen says.

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“Through our Community Donations program, our branches have seen firsthand how this support helps local organisations extend their reach and continue delivering vital services. Our teams live and work in the community and have a strong understanding of local needs and the organisations responding to them.”

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“Ingham Dirt Bike Club plays an important role in the local community by providing a safe, inclusive and family friendly environment for riders of all ages and skill levels. Through organised events, training days and competitions, the club promotes active lifestyles and youth engagement, helping to develop skills, confidence and sportsmanship.  

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Beyond the track, the club fosters strong community connections by bringing families and local businesses together, supporting regional events and contributing to the social fabric of Ingham. Their ongoing commitment to safety, development and community participation makes a meaningful difference across our local community, and we’re proud to support the important role they play.”

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Since its inception, CommBank’s Community Donation program has supported hundreds of grassroots organisations across Australia, helping fund essential equipment, services and programs. The donation program empowers branch teams to back causes they know are making a tangible difference in their local communities.

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An aerial view of the sandbar. Photo credit: Jug Winston & Coast Guard Ingham QF14

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With the busy dry season upon us, the number of locals and visitors heading out to sea for sightseeing or fishing will rapidly increase. Boaties need to be aware that exiting the Enterprise Channel from the Dungeness boat ramp means crossing the sandbar both going out and returning.  

Currently there is no channel through the sandbar.  

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The general rule of thumb is that whatever the tide chart says at any given time, there is only half of that depth of water on the sandbar. Boaties need to ensure that they are tide aware, and plan their trip to leave and return when there is plenty of water below the bottom of their hull.

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(Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps, Commander, Lucinda Coast Guard.)

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Stabilisation works have been completed on the Palmerston Highway. Photo sourced: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

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Reconstruction works jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) have been completed on the Palmerston Highway, a key freight route in Far North Queensland.

Two significant landslips – one where the road sunk two metres and shifted two metres sideways – have been repaired.

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The upslope sites, including one that measured 20-metres high and 75 metres at its widest point, were stabilised with more than 6500 metres of soil nails – the length of about 60 football fields – along with high tensile mesh and coir netting.

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At the downslope landslip, 83 concrete piles measuring up to 19 metres were installed over 160 metres. A capping beam was built on top of the piles to secure them together. The beam will also act as a retaining wall for the road embankment. The structures used more than 1450 cubic metres of concrete.

Damaged sections of rainforest in the road corridor have also been rehabilitated.

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State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the completed works were a testament to the commitment of both governments to the recovery of Far North Queensland.

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“The Atherton Tablelands is the agricultural powerhouse of Far North Queensland, and the Palmerston Highway is its connection to the coast, so having this route fully restored is absolutely critical for our producers, our businesses and our communities,” Mr Chiesa said.

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“This is complex, world-class engineering carried out in one of Australia’s most sensitive natural environments and tourist attractions, and the result speaks for itself.”

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Works under the DRFA to repair damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper on other key range roads including Kennedy Highway (Kuranda Range), Gillies Range Road and Mossman – Mount Molloy Road are ongoing.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood and Gulnay Traditional Owner, Clarence Kinjun at the Official BESS Project Office Opening. Photo supplied

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council and renewable energy company RWE have signed a $3.45 million Community Benefit Agreement for the proposed Tully Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), marking a major milestone for the region’s clean energy future.

The agreement will deliver long-term investment into the Tully community over a 23-year period, including the establishment of the RWE Tully Community Fund to support local initiatives and projects.

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Under the agreement, the fund will provide $125,000 annually through Council’s community grants program, alongside an additional $25,000 per year to support a dedicated local trainee position responsible for administering the fund.

Funding will begin during the project’s construction phase, with priorities guided by an RWE Tully Community Benefit Group to ensure investment decisions remain community-led and tailored to local needs.

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The agreement was developed collaboratively between RWE and Cassowary Coast Regional Council and informed by the project’s Social Impact Assessment.

RWE Renewables Europe & Australia CEO Dan Belton said the agreement reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the region.

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“We are proud to partner with Cassowary Coast Regional Council on a Community Benefit Agreement shaped through genuine collaboration and informed by community feedback,” Mr Belton said.

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“The RWE Tully Community Fund has been specifically tailored for local communities and will provide long-term support to the initiatives that matter most to local residents. This agreement, and the opening of our project office in the heart of the town, reflect our long-term commitment to Tully and surrounds. We also encourage local businesses and contractors to speak with us about the 28 work packages currently open as part of the project’s development phase.”

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said the agreement would provide lasting benefits for the local community.

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“This agreement represents an important long-term investment into the Tully community and demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between Council, industry and the community,” Cr Millwood said.

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“The establishment of the RWE Tully Community Fund and support for a dedicated local trainee position will help ensure tangible benefits flow back into local communities for many years to come. We also welcome the opening of the Tully Project Office, which provides an accessible place for residents, local businesses and stakeholders to connect directly with the project team and stay informed as the project progresses.”

The newly opened Tully Project Office will operate as an information hub and community engagement space throughout the life of the project.

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The proposed Tully BESS is expected to become the largest battery energy storage project in Far North Queensland.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has called for tenders from suitably qualified contractors to demolish and remove the structures at 7–17 Herbert Street, Ingham.

The building has been declared unsafe and failure of the property owner to respond to formal notices now enables Council to proceed with relevant demolition powers in the interests of public safety.

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Mayor Ramon Jayo said the move was about balancing community expectations with due process.

“We know the community is frustrated and has been waiting to see action,” Mayor Jayo said.

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“But the fact is that property owners also enjoy certain rights and legal processes must be undertaken correctly to ensure Council compliance with legislative requirements.”

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Any works will need to meet strict safety and environmental standards, including the management of hazardous materials such as asbestos.

Tenders close at 2pm on Wednesday 10th June 2026.

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Visit the website for more information on Council’s tender opportunities: www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/our-council/procurement-and-tenders/current-procurement-and-tender-opportunities/

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Be advised a temporary one-lane road closure works will be undertaken along Pappins Road, Helens Hill from: Wednesday 3^rd June 2026 to Monday 8^th June 2026, weather permitting.

During this period, ongoing pavement stabilisation and sealing works will be carried out.

Motorists may experience minor delays of up to five minutes under traffic control while works are underway. Traffic management measures will be in place to ensure the safety of both workers and road users.

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Council appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation while these essential works are completed. For more information email council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s customer service centre on (07) 4776 4600.

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New apprentices, from left Tristan Milan (boiler making), Mitchel Jayo (fitting and turning), Deegan Mancinelli (electrical) and Rhys Stewart (electrical). Photo source: Wilmar Sugar Australia

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has welcomed 18 first-year apprentices across its operations this year, with the new recruits already settling into roles spanning electrical, fitting and turning, boilermaking and diesel fitting trades.

The apprentices officially commenced in February and are now working across the company’s Sugar and Renewables division as part of one of Queensland’s largest apprenticeship programs.

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Group Manager Mechanical Engineering Tienie van Blerk said the new apprentices had adapted well to their roles and embraced the company’s workplace values.

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“They've integrated really well into the business and are demonstrating the values of teamwork and passion in their day-to-day work,” Mr van Blerk said.

“I'm really impressed by how keen they are to learn from our experienced trades and become the best they can be.”

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Group Manager Electrical Instrumentation and Control Chris Pickering said apprentices at Wilmar benefited from exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies and industrial systems.

“The sugar industry is known for turning out really well-rounded apprentices and our factories have some of the most advanced technological platforms available,” Mr Pickering said.

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“Our electrical trades are working with advanced automation and control systems, modern power generation and distribution systems, and smart instrumentation. Most electrical apprentices only get exposure to a narrow range of equipment. Ours are trained across a large range of industrial plant.”

General Manager Engineering Istvan Torok said the apprenticeship program played an important role in the company’s long-term workforce development and retention strategy.

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“We have one of the largest and most successful apprenticeship programs in Queensland,” Mr Torok said.

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“Not only do we have a very high completion rate, but we have a high retention rate among our newly qualified tradespeople. These first-year apprentices will become the highly-skilled tradespeople we rely upon to keep our factories, locos and mobile fleet running efficiently. They'll also become mentors for future generations of apprentices at our sites.”

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables currently employs around 120 apprentices across the business.

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Applications for the company’s 2027 apprenticeship intake will open on 9th June.

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The Federal Government is seeking feedback on proposed Right to Repair reforms that aim to repair access for agricultural machinery and support independent repairers. Photo source: Shutterstock

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The Federal Government is seeking feedback on proposed Right to Repair reforms aimed at expanding repair options for farmers, drivers and small businesses while helping reduce machinery downtime and maintenance costs.

Released last Thursday, the discussion paper outlines plans to extend Australia’s existing Right to Repair framework to agricultural machinery and make improvements to the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme, which has operated since 2022.

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The scheme requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with access to service and repair information at a fair market price, supporting competition and consumer choice in the repair industry.

According to the Federal Government, a review of the scheme found it had been broadly successful, contributing to a $2.4 billion increase in annual turnover across the independent repair sector.

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Under the proposed changes, farmers and regional businesses could gain faster access to repair information for agricultural machinery, helping reduce costly delays during critical periods such as planting and harvest seasons.

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The Productivity Commission estimates expanding Right to Repair laws to agriculture could increase annual GDP by $97 million through increased grain outputs alone by reducing downtime during harvest.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the reforms aimed to give farmers greater flexibility and support regional repair businesses.

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“Our Government’s Right to Repair reforms will give farmers genuine choice about who repairs and services their machinery, while ensuring independent repairers have access to the information they need to compete fairly,” Ms Collins said.

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“By extending Right to Repair laws to include agricultural machinery, these changes will help reduce downtime, lower repair costs and keep farm operations moving when it matters most. This is a win for farmers, a win for regional businesses and a win for competition.”

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Minister for Small Business Anne Aly said the reforms would support small businesses and operators relying on machinery to stay productive.

“We know small businesses can’t afford to be out of action when machinery breaks, so we’re making it easier for small businesses, farmers and drivers to keep moving with access to fast and affordable repairs,” Ms Aly said.

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Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said the reforms were designed to strengthen competition and improve access to repair services.

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“Whether it’s repairing a car or a tractor, Australian drivers and farmers deserve access to choice and competitive prices,” Dr Leigh said.

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Treasury is now seeking feedback from stakeholders and industry representatives on the proposed expansion to agricultural machinery and other improvements to the existing scheme. The consultation period is open until Friday, 3 July, 2026, with further information available via consult.treasury.gov.au.

Growers are being asked to absorb the cost of poor milling performance while serious questions remain over the long-term capacity and reliability of the local milling sector, CANEGROWERS Herbert River Chairman Steven Marbelli has said. 

Mr Marbelli said recent media coverage had focused too narrowly on the crush start date, when the real issue was whether growers should be expected to carry the cost of milling performance problems. 

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“CANEGROWERS is refusing to gamble with members’ long-term profitability,” Mr Marbelli said. 

“Starting earlier may look like the easy option, but if it shifts the cost of poor milling performance onto growers, it is not a solution. 

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“This is not about delaying the season for the sake of it. It is about standing up for growers, protecting their returns, and making sure the mill is held to the agreement growers negotiated.” 

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CANEGROWERS Herbert River is supporting a 16 June commencement date for the 2026 crush, in line with the position backed by the overwhelming majority of members who responded to a recent grower survey. 

The organisation has formally issued Wilmar Sugar with a Notice of Dispute and is seeking mediation through the Australian Disputes Centre over Wilmar’s proposed 9 June start date. 

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Under the Cane Supply Agreement, the nominal intended start date is the first Tuesday of the crushing season on or after 15 June, unless Wilmar and the growers’ bargaining representative reasonably agree otherwise. 

Mr Marbelli said CANEGROWERS Herbert River did not believe there had been a material change in circumstances to justify moving away from that agreed framework. 

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“The crop forecast is around 4.1 million tonnes,” he said. 

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“Under the agreement, a 4.125 million tonne crop should be crushed within 149 days. Even a 4.75 million tonne crop carries a performance guarantee period of 154 days. 

“Wilmar is proposing to start earlier while budgeting for a 24-week season, or about 165 days, for a crop of around 4.1 million tonnes. 

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“That raises the central question for growers – why should the season be pushed earlier if the real issue is mill performance?” 

Mr Marbelli said growers carried the financial impact when cane was crushed outside the optimal window, whether at the start or end of the season. 

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“Lower CCS has a direct impact on grower returns, while the mill receives the first four units of sugar regardless,” he said. 

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“Growers lose when the season drags on, when cane is stood over, and when cane is crushed before it has reached its optimal sugar content. 

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“That is why this dispute is about more than one week in June.” 

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Mr Marbelli said poor milling performance and delayed crushing seasons had become a spiralling issue for the local industry, with growers increasingly carrying the financial burden. 

“Mill infrastructure should be maintained and upgraded so the crop can be crushed within the agreed optimal window,” he said. 

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“Performance guarantees exist for a reason. They protect growers when the mill cannot crush the crop within the agreed timeframe. 

“But repeated reliance on performance guarantee payments is no substitute for the maintenance, reliability and investment needed to crush the crop properly and efficiently.” 

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CANEGROWERS Herbert River is also concerned that accepting earlier start dates could set a damaging precedent for future seasons. 

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“If the district accepts an earlier start for a crop of around 4.1 million tonnes, growers are entitled to ask what happens when the crop is larger,” Mr Marbelli said. 

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“Do we keep shifting the season earlier and earlier, or do we deal with the real issue – milling performance? 

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“CANEGROWERS is not prepared to accept a situation where growers are expected to absorb the cost of milling constraints year after year. 

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“Our focus is on holding the mill to the agreement, protecting grower returns, and securing the long-term future of the Herbert River sugarcane industry.” 

“Protecting growers is not a gamble. It is exactly what CANEGROWERS has been doing for 100 years.”

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Last Saturday I was honoured to be invited to the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Annual Presentation Night and to witness a historical moment in the club’s history when Melissa Hall was awarded Life Membership of the club.  

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Melissa’s well-deserved recognition of exemplary service to the club was indeed a special moment in the club’s history, but what made it all so much more special for Melissa and the club was that Melissa is the third member of the one family to be awarded Life Membership, with her father, Lenny Chiesa (1986), and mum, Pam (1989), also life members. Congratulations Melissa, and congratulations also to all the Chiesa family who, on my observation on the night, still have three generations of family actively involved in surf lifesaving at Forrest Beach.

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Congratulations also to Helen Stanton, who was also recognised for a lifetime of service to the club and lifesaving by Life Membership, and congratulations to all club members and supporters on a massive year on the beach, winning through many events and carnivals. As a club, you do our community proud. With the net out of the water at the moment, we hope you all take the opportunity to have a well-earned break through the winter.

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Congratulations also to the Taylors Beach Progress Association on the running of another successful family fishing classic over the weekend. With a record-breaking 287 entrants and an ever-growing prize pool, the event is growing significantly in popularity and is well and truly entrenched as a major family event in our community annual calendar. Congratulations to Jim and the team—job well done. I am going to nominate next year and get amongst those magnificent prizes myself.

I receive many comments from the public about the perception that we are experiencing significant water line breakages of late. The fact is that we are, although I wouldn’t say the number is extraordinary or above what normally has occurred historically. Would you be surprised if I told you that in Queensland, a water main breaks every 73 minutes?

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There are many reasons why water lines break: movement in the ground, water hammer from unauthorised openings, pressure fluctuations due to lightning strikes on pump stations, as occurred in November/December last year, and of course the occasional deep ripping by monstrous tractors about the place, to name a few.

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A big issue is, of course, the age of the infrastructure, and this is not an issue facing us alone. The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ)’s recently released report highlights the scale of the ageing infrastructure challenge facing Queensland councils and the communities they represent.

‘The Last Drop: Fixing Queensland’s Infrastructure Cliff’ report indicates that a $5 billion shortfall in funding for urgently needed water and wastewater renewals is needed to address the issue facing Queensland councils.

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It also presses home the need for a dedicated funding source for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Queensland, it’s one of our key asks in the upcoming State Budget.

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‘The Last Drop’ lays bare the “perfect storm” facing water and wastewater services, with ageing assets causing a pipe to break every 73 minutes across the state, a worsening trend since 2018.

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The LGAQ has indicated that councils and ratepayers cannot shoulder this significant burden and financial risk alone, and that’s why LGAQ is continuing to call on the State Government to act now.

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In Mount Fox, a community of around 100 people, something pretty impressive is happening and it’s all about recycling.

When we first introduced the Mount Fox Community Recycling Hub, the goal was simple: make recycling easier and more accessible, and see what happens. What we’ve seen since then has been nothing short of encouraging.

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Since the trial wrapped up in October last year, the community has continued to build on that momentum. Between October 2025 and May 2026, 16,800 litres of recyclables were collected across 15 services.

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For a town this size, that’s a significant effort and proof that small actions really do add up.

What stands out most to me isn’t just the numbers, but the consistency. Even with road works on the Mount Fox Range, recycling volumes increased by 23 per cent. That tells me this isn’t just a one-off success. It’s become part of everyday life. Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about making the right choice, day in and day out.

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And the Mount Fox community has shown that when you make it simple, people are more than willing to get involved.

I’ve also been really pleased to see the respect shown toward the facility. Contamination has stayed low, there’s been no damage or misuse, and residents have taken real pride in keeping the site clean and functional.

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I want to sincerely thank the Mount Fox community for embracing this initiative and working together to make it a success. That sense of ownership and community pride is what makes projects like this thrive.

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I also want to acknowledge the Council team who helped bring this initiative to life.  

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From planning through to delivery and ongoing support, their work has made it possible for a small community like Mount Fox to access a service that makes a real difference.

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At the end of the day, good waste management isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about people, and Mount Fox has shown that when communities are given the right tools, they step up and make them work.

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And that’s something worth talking about.

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SKY Renewables Growers Town Hall Meeting at the Noorla Bowls Club in Ingham. Photo supplied

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Enthusiasm for a biofuels industry built off Hinchinbrook’s sugarcane industry is growing in Ingham, with more than sixty canegrowers, community representatives and business leaders assembling for a town hall meeting last Monday.

With low sugar prices and rising costs hitting the local industry hard, there has never been a more important time for growers to look at diversifying their income streams.  

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SKY Renewables, a growing Queensland-based biofuels proponent and host of the town hall meeting, has been working with canegrowers in the Burdekin since 2018 to refine a proposal that links highquality Queensland agricultural feedstock, world-leading technology and increasing global demand for products like sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.

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Project Lion aims to turn the tops and trash of the cane plant and fallow crops into these low-carbon liquid fuels using a combination of thermal gasification and Fischer-Tropsch technologies.  

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SKY Renewables Founder and CEO, Simon Yim, said that the early recognition of the importance of feedstock, and persevering with direct engagements with primary producers in North Queensland, are what set the company apart.

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“We are passionate about engaging growers from day one. Without secure feedstock, biofuels projects simply do not get off the ground”, Mr Yim said.  

“We understand that canegrowers in the Hinchinbrook do things differently to the Burdekin, but the principle remains the same: paying growers an attractive price for a product that is underutilised and undervalued.

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“However, it makes complete sense that we partner with growers in the Herbert River and Hinchinbrook district to help firm up our projects.

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“We are just wrapping up pre-feasibility studies and will move to front-end engineering and design so we can finally get a biofuels industry going here in North Queensland.  

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“We look forward to sharing the benefits of the opportunities this new industry brings with local growers”.

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Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Jayo said ‘Keeping our communities connected is critical. Not just for residents, but for agriculture,’ here shown with Wayde Chiesa MP, member for Hinchinbrook, talking with Tony Perrett MP, Member for Gympie & Queensland Minister for Primary Industries during recent visit to the region. Photo sourced: Tony Perrett MP’s Facebook page.

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Fifteen months on from the 2025 severe weather events, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is delivering a major, multi-year disaster recovery program, repairing damage across more than 300 roads and essential infrastructure assets.

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Funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the $36.2 million recovery and reconstruction program is restoring critical infrastructure and community assets across the Shire following impacts from the North and Far North Tropical Low (January–February 2025) and the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, including Tropical Cyclone Koji (December 2025).

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the recovery program was critical to restoring confidence and connectivity across the region.

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“This is about delivering for Queensland by rebuilding vital infrastructure, reconnecting communities and restoring safety where you live after a challenging disaster season,” Mr Chiesa said.

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Mayor Ramon Jayo said the scale of the program reflects both the extent of damage and the importance of rebuilding stronger.

“Fifteen months on, this work is still ongoing because of the scale of the impact across our region,” Mayor Jayo said.

“These events significantly affected our roads, infrastructure, and community facilities, and this program is about restoring what was lost while ensuring Hinchinbrook is better prepared for the future.”

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A key component of the program is a $28.38 million road and infrastructure recovery effort, delivering repairs across more than 300 roads, streets and access routes throughout the region.

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“Keeping our communities connected is critical. Not just for residents, but for agriculture, freight, and emergency services. These works ensure our network remains safe, reliable, and resilient,” he said.

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Council also undertook an extensive emergency response, with more than $2.5 million invested in Counter Disaster Operations, including coordinating response efforts, managing road closures, deploying crews, and supporting affected communities.

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Immediate recovery works valued at $2.51 million were carried out to restore access, stabilise infrastructure, and ensure public safety in the aftermath of the events.

In addition, $2.51 million is being delivered through the Community and Recreational Asset Recovery Grants program, supporting the restoration of 41 community facilities across the Shire, including parks, walking tracks, the TYTO precinct, and key public buildings.

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Mayor Jayo said the recovery effort is focused on both infrastructure and community wellbeing.

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“This is not just about rebuilding roads, it’s about restoring the places people rely on every day and ensuring our community remains connected, active, and supported.”

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The program is being delivered in stages, with major reconstruction works continuing through to 2027 and 2028 in line with funding timeframes.

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This is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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Regina Veivers has been appointed the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station following a 26-year career serving regional Queensland communities. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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After more than two decades serving regional Queensland communities, becoming the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station is a milestone Regina Veivers says reflects both personal achievement and the evolving face of policing leadership.

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“Being appointed as the first female Officer in Charge of Ingham Police Station is something I feel incredibly proud and humbled by,” she said.

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“Whilst it is a significant milestone personally, I also see it as a reflection of the positive evolution of policing and leadership within the Queensland Police Service and the broader community.”

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Regina said the appointment marked the culmination of 26 years of hard work, growth and experience across a wide range of policing roles. Over the years, her career with the Queensland Police Service has seen her serve several communities across the Townsville and Mount Isa Districts in operational and supervisory positions including prosecutions, domestic and family violence response, quality assurance and frontline policing.

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Regina strongly believes each of those experiences has helped shape her leadership style and in turn, reinforced the importance of empathy, accountability and strong relationships between police and the community.

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“My policing career began with a genuine desire to help people and make a positive difference in the community,” she reflected.

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“Policing is not just about enforcement, it’s about supporting people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, building partnerships and creating safer communities.”

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Regina said she hoped her appointment would encourage more women to pursue leadership opportunities within policing and beyond.

“I hope it demonstrates to other women within policing and the community that leadership roles are achievable and that diverse leadership perspectives strengthen organisations,” she said.  

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“Leadership opportunities are available to anyone willing to put themselves forward, work hard and remain committed to their values,” she said.

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Over the course of her career, Regina said she had witnessed significant positive change in the opportunities available to women in policing.

“There are now far greater opportunities for women to step into operational and leadership positions, and there is stronger recognition of the value that diversity brings to decision making, culture and community engagement,” she said.

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“Importantly, I have also seen increasing support for flexible leadership styles, collaboration and wellbeing-focused approaches which benefit policing as a whole.”

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Having lived in the Hinchinbrook region for more than two decades, Regina believes her connection to the community has continued to grow through years of working alongside local officers, community members, support services and partner agencies.

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“Ingham is a unique community with a strong sense of resilience, pride and connection. It’s a region where relationships matter and policing is most effective when trust and communication sit at the centre of everything we do.”

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Regina said policing in regional communities came with unique challenges, particularly during natural disasters and times of increased social pressure but also offered some of the most rewarding experiences.

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“In regional policing you work closely with the same community members over many years, which allows you to build genuine relationships and see the direct impact of your work,” she said.

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“I have seen firsthand the willingness of people to come together and support one another during difficult times. Being able to contribute positively during those times is something I value deeply.”

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Regina strongly encourages young women considering a career in policing or leadership to back themselves and embrace new challenges.

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“My advice would be to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone — get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she said.

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“Leadership is about being authentic, treating people with respect, remaining resilient and being willing to be a lifelong learner. There will always be challenges, but there are also enormous opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and in your community. Every interaction is an opportunity.”

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