Applications have opened for the Crisafulli Government’s new $79.1 million Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grant Program, with regional manufacturers, including those in Hinchinbrook, set to benefit from a significant share of the funding.

The program will be delivered over three years to support small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses to modernise operations, adopt new technologies and expand into global markets. In the first funding round, $12.5 million is available, with individual grants of up to $1.5 million offered on a matched-funding basis. Notably, 50 per cent of the total funding has been earmarked exclusively for regional Queensland businesses.

Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the program could be transformative for manufacturers across the region, where a wide range of industries already play a critical role in local economies.

“From fabricators to food supply, defence, agriculture and transport, some of Queensland’s most successful manufacturers are based in regional Queensland,” Mr Chiesa said.

He said access to matched funding could provide local businesses with the capacity to expand their workforce or invest in upgraded machinery and equipment.

“The new TQMGP could be the difference in a local manufacturer being able to put on new staff or make an upgrade to some of their machinery,” Mr Chiesa said.

“Employing an additional five to 10 people, especially in smaller areas, can make a significant difference to the community.”

Manufacturing contributes $29 billion annually to Queensland’s economy and supports more than 171,000 jobs statewide, including more than 76,000 in regional areas. The government says the grant program is designed to strengthen supply chains, improve productivity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Mr Chiesa encouraged eligible Hinchinbrook businesses to consider applying.

“I encourage all eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to transform their operations and future-proof their success,” he said.

The program forms part of the government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy 2025–2030, which aims to drive innovation and economic growth across both metropolitan and regional Queensland.

‍

Photo source: Facebook

‍

Queensland Youth Week 2026 has been officially locked in, with celebrations set to run from Saturday, 11 April to Sunday, 19 April, and funding now available to support youth-led events across the state.

The Government has announced applications are open for $275,000 in grants, offering individual grants of up to $10,000 for young people aged 12 to 25 to host community events and initiatives.

Queensland Youth Week is a statewide celebration recognising the achievements and contributions young Queenslanders make to their communities.

The grants program is being delivered in partnership with the Queensland Mental Health Commission and aims to empower young people to organise meaningful events and share their stories.

Also returning in 2026 is the Queensland Youth Week Digital Art Competition, which opens on 30 January, with winners sharing a $1,750 cash prize pool. The winning artwork will be used to promote Youth Week 2027.

Minister for Youth Sam O’Connor said young people played a vital role in shaping Queensland’s future.

“Nearly one in five Queenslanders is aged 12 to 25 and these young people are playing a part in shaping the future of our State,” Minister O’Connor said.

“Youth Week is our opportunity to celebrate and support our next generation of leaders and change makers.”

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/youth/get-involved/youthweek.

‍

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is set to benefit from a new Queensland Government initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal dumping and protecting local environments, waterways and public spaces.

The Government has announced the launch of the $17.7 million Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program (FIDPP), which will provide councils across the state, including regional areas like Hinchinbrook, with additional resources to prevent, investigate and enforce illegal dumping offences.

The program is designed to strengthen council-led responses to illegal waste dumping, an issue impacting bushland, roadside areas and waterways across the Hinchinbrook Shire.

Funding will support councils to employ dedicated illegal dumping compliance officers and invest in surveillance equipment, compliance signage, vehicles and other enforcement tools to deter offenders and protect community spaces.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell explained the program will strengthen existing systems in place and give Council the tools needed to identify offenders, deter illegal dumping, and safeguard the local places Queenslanders care about.

“Queensland is blessed with some of the most extraordinary natural landscapes anywhere in the world, and we all have a responsibility to protect it from the harm caused by litter and illegal dumping,” Minister Powell said.

“Whether you live on the coast, in the regions, or out west, every Queenslander deserves clean parks and healthy waterways. This program is a major step toward delivering exactly that.”

Applications close at 4pm on 25 February 2026, with further information available through the Queensland Government’s Environment, Land and Water grants and funding portal.

‍

Illegal dumping is an issue of high concern across the Hinchinbrook Shire. Photo credit: Dave Dudley

‍

Queensland’s sugar industry has launched a new on-farm greenhouse gas emissions calculator to help growers meet growing market, financial and regulatory demands for verified sustainability data.

Released by CANEGROWERS through the Smartcane BMP platform, the tool allows farmers to measure total emissions and emissions intensity per tonne of sugar using internationally recognised standards. The calculator captures Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, with all data securely stored under the grower’s control.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said the initiative responds to shifting market expectations.

“Emissions data is now part of the conversation with buyers, mills, refiners, marketers and finance institutions,” he said.

“This gives growers a practical way to generate credible information and remain competitive.”

The tool is voluntary and available to all growers, whether or not they are Smartcane BMP-accredited, forming part of Module 4 of the program, which links on-farm practices to downstream sustainability and reporting requirements.

“This is about providing useful information, not imposing new requirements, and ensuring farm data stays on the farm where it can be used for decision making,” Mr Galligan said.

He noted the calculator builds on decades of efficiency improvements by growers, making productivity gains and input reductions visible to markets when growers choose to share them.

Smartcane BMP, funded by the Queensland Government and industry investment—including proceeds from the first shipment of Smartcane BMP-accredited sugar to UK refiner Tate & Lyle—aims to strengthen Queensland sugar’s position in sustainable global markets.

“That shipment showed there is genuine market demand for sustainably produced Queensland sugar,” Mr Galligan said.

“This tool strengthens the industry’s ability to meet that demand.”

The emissions calculator is now available to all Queensland sugarcane growers via the Smartcane BMP platform.

‍

Queensland’s sugar industry has rolled out a new on-farm greenhousegas emissions calculator. Photo source: CANEGROWERS

‍

Residents across the shire are being urged to keep an eye out for parthenium, a highly invasive weed that poses serious risks to pastures, livestock and human health.

Parthenium is a Category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. It spreads quickly, particularly in weak or overgrazed pastures with little ground cover, and commonly appears along roadsides, around yards, watering points and other disturbed or bare areas.

The plant is especially aggressive during warmer months, with the ability to flower and set seed within just four weeks of germination, particularly when stressed. Once established, parthenium reduces pasture productivity and makes it harder for improved grasses to grow.

Parthenium is also a significant health concern. Contact with the plant or its pollen can cause allergic reactions including dermatitis, hay fever and respiratory issues in both adults and children.

What does parthenium look like?
Parthenium is an annual herb with a deep tap root and an upright stem that becomes woody as it matures. It can grow up to two metres high, with pale green, deeply lobed leaves covered in fine hairs. Small creamy-white flowers form at the tips of branches and produce tiny black seeds that spread easily.

How it spreads
Seeds are commonly spread by vehicles, machinery, stock, animals, water, hay and feed, with drought conditions increasing the risk as fodder and stock are moved more frequently.

Your legal responsibility
Under Queensland’s biosecurity laws, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation to take reasonable steps to minimise the spread of invasive plants like parthenium. It must not be sold, given away or released into the environment.

What you can do
Maintaining healthy pastures with good grass cover is one of the most effective ways to prevent parthenium. Wash down vehicles and machinery after working in infested areas, take care when moving stock, and monitor areas where hay or feed has been used.
If you suspect parthenium on your property, do not attempt to remove it by hand due to health risks. Instead, contact Council’s Biosecurity Team for identification, advice and control options.

For more information, residents can also visit biosecurity.qld.gov.au or contact their local council.

‍

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is advising residents to keep an eye out for parthenium. Photo source: Shutterstock

‍

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has formally adopted a Vegetation Management on Public Land Policy, outlining how vegetation on Council-controlled public land will be planted, maintained and managed across the shire.

The policy provides guidance on tree planting, pruning and removal to ensure public safety, protect infrastructure and preserve environmental values.

Under the policy, residents are reminded that trees or shrubs must not be planted on public land, including footpaths, without written approval from Council. Any unauthorised plantings may be removed, with costs recovered from the property owner if necessary.

Council advised that vegetation on public land will only be pruned when required for safety reasons, infrastructure clearance, tree health or access needs. All pruning works will be carried out in accordance with relevant standards and will consider both risk management and environmental value.

When it comes to tree removal, Council aims to retain healthy trees wherever possible. Removal may occur if a tree is unsafe, dead or dying, causing damage, posing a safety risk, identified as a weed species, or impacting essential infrastructure. Each case will be assessed by a qualified Council officer or consultant arborist before any removal is approved.

Council has clarified that trees will not be removed to improve private views or personal amenity, due to leaf, fruit, flower or sap drop, shading of lawns, properties or solar panels, or if the tree is healthy and does not pose an unacceptable risk.

Residents seeking further information or wishing to apply for planting approval can contact Council on (07) 4776 4600.

‍

A recent sighting of three southern cassowaries has drawn attention to the continued presence of this iconic species near local schools and residential areas. At approximately 5:25pm on Friday, 31 January 2026, the birds were observed in a paddock opposite MBSS before moving across TMB Road into a field on the northern side of the school. The cassowaries appeared to be foraging, feeding on what looked like discarded bread scraps. The same trio had been reported in the area earlier in January.
Another cassowary sighting was reported at around 5pm on 3 February on the foreshore at South Mission Beach, near Kennedy Esplanade and close to the caravan park. A lone sub-adult cassowary was seen walking across the road to the beach, where it paused briefly before meandering north along the shoreline for approximately five minutes. The bird then crossed back over the road, likely returning to the safety of nearby backyards. The cassowary was described as a healthy, very striking bird.
Sightings such as this are a positive reminder of the success and importance of local conservation efforts. The Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation (C4) represents a strong legacy of grassroots environmental action on the Cassowary Coast. Emerging in the late 1980s and early 1990s, C4 grew from the shared goals of groups including the Wildlife Preservation Society Queensland and the Movement for Responsible Coastal Development.
C4’s mission has consistently focused on protecting coastal and rainforest habitats and the diverse plants and animals that depend on them. Central to this work is respect for the Djiru people, the Traditional Owners of the land, and a commitment to balancing conservation with responsible development for future generations.
While cassowary sightings are exciting, they also come with responsibilities. Southern cassowaries are large, powerful birds with unpredictable behaviour and can seriously injure people or pets if threatened. Community members are encouraged to appreciate cassowaries from a safe distance and never approach them, particularly if chicks are present, as male cassowaries will defend their young.
Feeding cassowaries is illegal, dangerous, and has contributed to cassowary injuries and deaths. Food scraps should be placed in secure, closed bins, and compost bins should have tight-fitting lids. Motorists are urged to slow down in cassowary habitat and remain alert, especially in areas where sightings are common. Parking near cassowaries should be avoided, as birds may associate vehicles with food.
By following these guidelines and remaining “Cass-o-wary,” the community can help ensure that future sightings remain a positive sign of a healthy environment and a shared commitment to protecting one of Australia’s most remarkable species.

‍

The trio have been known to frequent the area. Photo credit: Jeff Larson

Hinchinbrook business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and market stallholders are invited to take part in a free interactive workshop designed to help local businesses grow, adapt and plan for the future.

The Future Ready Hinchinbrook Workshop will be held on Sunday, 22 February 2026, offering practical tools and guidance for anyone looking to strengthen their business skills and long-term strategy.

Running from 8am to 12pm, the workshop will take place in the Function Room at NQ Makers’ Collective and will focus on helping participants take their business to the next level in an ever-changing economic landscape.

Attendees will be guided through interactive sessions and will receive a workbook to take home, allowing them to continue practising and developing the skills learned during the workshop.

Organisers describe the event as more than a networking opportunity, saying it is about equipping local businesses with the knowledge and confidence needed to remain sustainable and competitive into the future.

The workshop is free to attend, but registrations are essential. Interested participants are encouraged to RSVP to Jane on 0400 927 040 by Friday, 20 February. Places are limited, and early registration is recommended.

‍

Hinchinbrook residents are set to benefit from a new Queensland Government funding boost aimed at reducing elective surgery wait times across the Far North.

The Crisafulli Government has announced an additional $2.8 million investment to deliver 560 extra elective surgeries through the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, improving access to care for regional and rural patients, including those from Hinchinbrook.

The funding will help increase surgical capacity in key specialties such as orthopaedics, general surgery, urology, reconstructive plastics and ophthalmology, allowing more patients to receive treatment sooner and closer to home.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the investment would deliver faster care and better outcomes for Far North communities.

“This $2.8 million investment means an extra 560 elective surgeries for people living in the Far North,” Minister Nicholls said.

“For many patients, this isn’t just a shorter wait time - it’s about getting back to work, returning to hobbies and activities, or simply being able to enjoy daily life without pain or discomfort.

“Since being elected, we’ve been working hard to stabilise the elective surgery waitlist and our efforts to date have already seen a 16 per cent decrease in the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service’s elective surgery waitlist.

“These patients are telling us they’re getting back on their feet sooner, and that’s exactly what this investment is about - improving quality of life for Queenslanders no matter where they live.”

The announcement builds on the Crisafulli Government’s record $1.75 billion investment in elective surgery over four years, supporting easier access to health services for regional Queenslanders.

‍

Families across Townsville and the surrounding regions, including Hinchinbrook, are discovering a refreshing approach to paediatric Occupational Therapy at Naturally Kids Allied Health, one that is grounded in play, connection and each child’s unique strengths.
Naturally Kids Allied Health supports children to develop the skills they need for everyday life, including emotional regulation, social interaction, motor coordination and confidence. Sessions are child-led and engaging, creating a positive experience where children feel understood, supported and encouraged to grow.
 
What sets Naturally Kids apart is their strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach, meeting children where they are and building on what matters most to them. Therapy can take place in the clinic, at home, in schools or out in the community, helping children practise skills in real-world environments.
 
Blockbusters Minecraft Group a School Holiday Success
One of the highlights of the recent school holidays was the Blockbusters Minecraft Group, which was a fantastic success for participating children.

Using the popular game Minecraft as a shared interest, the group provided a welcoming and motivating environment where children could connect with peers while working on important developmental skills. Occupational Therapists guided collaborative, Minecraft-inspired activities that supported communication, teamwork, turn-taking, problem-solving and emotional regulation.

For many children, having a familiar and enjoyable interest at the centre of the group helped reduce anxiety and increased confidence to participate. The group setting encouraged cooperation, flexibility and social connection, while allowing each child to engage at their own pace.

The success of the Blockbusters Minecraft group highlighted the power of interest-based, play-driven therapy, where children can build meaningful skills while doing something they genuinely enjoy.
 
More Than Therapy - Real-Life Skill Building
Naturally Kids Allied Health also offers a range of individual and group programs, including:
   • Individual Occupational Therapy sessions
   • Nature-based groups such as Joey’s Mob
   • Sense Rugby, supporting children who may find traditional team sports challenging
   • Creative social groups designed to build confidence and connection
   • Each program is carefully designed to support children in developing independence, confidence and participation in everyday life.

With a strong commitment to accessibility and flexibility, the team regularly supports families beyond Townsville, making services more accessible for regional communities like Hinchinbrook.
For families seeking a positive, practical and engaging approach to Occupational Therapy, Naturally Kids Allied Health offers support that feels natural, meaningful and child-focused.

To learn more or make an enquiry:
www.naturallykids.com.au
07 4440 5256

‍

Hinchinbrook anglers have been making the most of the past week on the water, with barramundi season delivering plenty of excitement since reopening on 1 February.

From the Hinchinbrook Channel to surrounding creeks and estuaries, local fishers have been enjoying the return of one of the region’s most iconic and sought-after species, with many reporting early-season success and lively sessions on the line.

Barra season is now open across Queensland’s east coast and the Gulf of Carpentaria, and in Hinchinbrook, the reopening has once again put rods in hand and boats back on the water after the annual closure.

Highly opportunistic and thrilling to catch, barramundi are a dominant species in local waters and a cornerstone of Hinchinbrook’s fishing culture. The past week has seen anglers taking advantage of warm water temperatures and favourable conditions, with barra back on the menu for many households.

Fisheries authorities are reminding fishers to remain mindful of the rules as the season continues. Barramundi must measure between 58 centimetres and 120 centimetres to be kept. Bag limits apply, with a maximum of five fish per person, or 10 per boat when two or more people are on board. Fishers can keep up to date with size limits, bag restrictions and seasonal closures by downloading the Queensland Fishing 2.0 app.

Reel it in, and send your fishing photos via email to Chelsea@LifePublishingGroup.Com to see yourself featured in Hinchinbrook Life!

‍

Email your fishing pics to Chelsea@LifePublishingGroup.Com! Photo source: Fisheries Queensland

‍

A crab pot clean-up carried out last year in the Hinchinbrook Channel is continuing to serve as an important reminder about the impact abandoned and incorrectly set fishing gear can have on local waterways.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers conducted a two-day clean-up operation in a popular creek system near Ingham and Lucinda, removing a total of 36 unlawful crab pots from the water. Several of the pots were still “ghost fishing”, continuing to trap marine life long after being abandoned.

Officers found some pots containing dead marine animals, while others held live crabs and fish, which were safely released back into the channel. In addition to the pots, officers also removed ropes tied to mangroves with no pots attached — clear signs of old and discarded crabbing gear — as well as other marine litter, including plastic bags.

The clean-up highlighted the difference responsible fishing practices can make, with officers thanking fishers who had their crab pots correctly set and clearly marked, and who took their rubbish home after a day on the water.

Abandoned pots and loose ropes can pose serious risks to marine life and damage sensitive mangrove and creek systems that are vital to Hinchinbrook’s fishing and tourism industries.

Authorities are reminding crabbers to always mark pots correctly, remove unused ropes and gear, and ensure nothing is left behind once crabbing is finished.

Keeping waterways clean not only protects marine life but also helps preserve the Hinchinbrook Channel for future generations of fishers and boaters.

‍

The 2025 clean up saw 36 unlawful crab pots removed from the Hinchinbrook Channel. Photo source: Fisheries Queensland

A recent enforcement action in the Hinchinbrook region is serving as a reminder to fishers about the serious penalties associated with illegal fishing activities.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers in Ingham took possession of two illegal gillnets after they were located during a Queensland Police Service (QPS) operation relating to other matters. The discovery prompted a follow-up investigation by QBFP.

During a subsequent search of the fisher’s property, officers allegedly uncovered a further three illegal gillnets along with two sawfish rostrums, a regulated and protected species. In total, the fisher was found to be unlawfully in possession of five gillnets measuring approximately 200 metres in combined length, with mesh sizes ranging from 50mm to 190mm.

The unlicensed fisher was issued fines totalling $8,345 for the offences, including possession of the illegal nets and the protected sawfish remains.

QBFP has thanked QPS for their assistance in identifying the illegal fishing gear and regulated fish during the initial operation.

Authorities are reminding the community that illegal fishing poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and protected species, and that compliance with fisheries regulations is essential to maintaining healthy waterways across North Queensland.

Members of the public can report suspected illegal fishing online at any time and remain completely anonymous via www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/reporting.

‍

An unlicensed fisher was hit with fines totalling $8,345. Photosource: Fisheries Queensland

‍

Hinchinbrook Shire Council will undertake coconut palm maintenance and de-nutting works across the district over the coming months as part of its ongoing public safety program.

Council advised that, in line with its Coconut Palms De-Nutting and Reduction Strategy, a number of coconut palms will be de-nutted where required, with some trees also scheduled for removal.

Several palms that were previously assessed as juvenile have now matured to a stage where they require de-nutting twice annually, or are nearing that point. To reduce safety risks and long-term maintenance demands, Council has determined that some palms will be removed in appropriate locations.

An important component of Council’s strategy is maintaining the overall coconut palm population below 300 palms across the district. As part of this approach, juvenile palms are proactively removed to manage future maintenance requirements and minimise risks to public safety.

Council said the strategy ensures a sustainable number of coconut palms can be safely maintained into the future, particularly in high-use public areas.

The de-nutting works will take place at multiple locations, including 42 palms at Taylors Beach, 177 palms in Lucinda, 68 palms at Forrest Beach, and five palms in Ingham.

These works form part of Council’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and enjoyable public spaces by reducing hazards associated with falling coconuts and fronds.

Council has thanked the community for its understanding while the essential maintenance program is carried out. For further information, residents can contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600.

‍

Coconut palms will be de-nutted where required across the shire. Photo source: Shutterstock

‍

Treating water catchments as one connected system is key to improving the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, and a new project in the Herbert River catchment is putting that approach into action.

Spanning almost 288 kilometres from the Atherton Tablelands to the coast near Ingham, the Herbert River catchment covers around 10,000 square kilometres and is one of the four largest contributors of fine sediment entering the Great Barrier Reef. The river system crosses a diverse landscape, including grazing land, sugar cane farms, state forests and national parks within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

While a number of reef water quality programs have been delivered in the region over the past 15 years, significant work remains to meet the Reef 2050 water quality targets.

The newly launched Herbert Integrated Project aims to improve water quality outcomes while also delivering social and economic benefits for local communities. The project began with extensive consultation, involving stakeholders along the length of the river and its tributaries.

On-ground works are now underway, with initial activities including technology-led feral pig control in the Ingham region, lantana removal on the Atherton Tablelands, and whole-of-farm planning in partnership with local cane growers. The project will also bring together historic and current water quality monitoring data to provide a clearer picture of conditions across the entire catchment, alongside the development of a whole-of-catchment management plan.

The Herbert Integrated Project is funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and is being delivered by Terrain NRM, in partnership with Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd, CANEGROWERS Australia and TropWATER at James Cook University.

‍

Herbert River catchment. Photo supplied