Australian plague locusts are an endemic pest that threatens our agricultural industry, devastating crops, and causing losses of up to $30 million.

By harnessing cutting edge science, experts can forecast locust outbreaks with greater accuracy, helping mitigate economic impacts.

The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) uses advanced analytics to improve early detection and rapid response. However, forecasting locust populations is challenging.

The APLC has been developing a simulation model to predict locust population dynamics across their entire range. This model predicts the development, survival, and behaviour of locusts across all life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults.

However, locusts inhabit a vast range of more than 2 million square kilometres, so deploying the model is challenging. Field surveys alone cannot provide enough coverage to initialise the model.

But artificial intelligence is changing the game. The APLC has partnered with the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) to develop a new AI-driven model. The machine learning algorithms developed have incorporated 37 years of locust data with high-resolution weather, vegetation, and soil records to generate more accurate short-term forecasts (up to 90%).

These AI models will not only initialise the population dynamics model but also enhance field survey targeting, leading to more reliable on-the-ground surveillance. Additionally, they will support better planning and resource allocation.

Thanks to a growing ecosystem of models, the APLC is now better equipped to predict locust populations, making it easier to forecast their changes in response to Australia's highly variable climate. This will enable governments and industry to prepare and respond more effectively.

The APLC plans to integrate this AI-driven forecasting system into a new online data dashboard. This will further support enhanced locust predictions, enable real-time monitoring, and improve response strategies.

Reform of global agricultural subsidies and tariffs at the World Trade Organization would support better environmental and food security outcomes, according to the latest ABARES Insights paper.

Executive Director of ABARES, Dr Jared Greenville, said taxpayers and consumers bear the brunt of hundreds of billions of dollars spent every year on agricultural support policies that inadvertently create adverse environmental impacts.

“Some forms of agricultural support distort production decisions in a way that encourages excess production and the use of inputs above and beyond what the market demands,” Dr Jared Greenville said.

“This excess can lead to environmental harm in the form of more emissions and more chemical use.”

The most environmentally harmful agricultural support policies, such as tariffs, price floors and payments linked to agricultural inputs and production, cost taxpayers and consumers around the world US$472 billion a year, between 2019 to 2023. This figure climbs to US$671 billion a year when export restrictions and other market price-deflating policies are included.

Europe and Asia provided the most environmentally harmful support as a share of farm income between 2019 and 2023. Australia and New Zealand recorded some of the lowest levels.

The report, Addressing Environmental Harm: Reforming Agricultural Support, details how removing and redirecting environmentally harmful support has the capacity to improve environmental outcomes.

Dr Greenville said the report details that “what is good for efficient global agricultural production is also good for the environment”.

“It is possible to minimise the environmental impacts of agriculture without compromising food security,” he said.

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Hinchinbrook’s Kylee Frankee has been awarded the Exceptional Tradeswoman, Technician, and Operator Award at the 2025 BMA Mitsubishi Alliance Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) Awards. With 16 years of experience as an Electrical and Instrument Technician, Kylee has earned a reputation for her expertise, leadership, and dedication to supporting apprentices and advocating for mental health in the workplace. A passionate mentor, she also champions programs for women and Indigenous youth in the resources sector. Proudly representing Hinchinbrook, Kylee’s achievement highlights the power of small communities producing big talent.

Local Tradie Wins Resource Industry Award

Hinchinbrook was proudly represented at the 2025 BMA Mitsubishi Alliance Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) Awards, as Ingham local Kylee Frankee was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the resources sector.

Kylee took home the Exceptional Tradeswoman, Technician, and Operator Award, standing out in a wide field of nominees. With 16 years of industry experience, she has built a strong reputation as a highly skilled Electrical and Instrument Technician, as well as a respected mentor and leader in her field.

Her influence goes well beyond her technical expertise. Kylee is a passionate advocate for mental health in the workplace, supports apprentices through hands-on training and personal development, and actively promotes leadership among her peers. She is also a proud supporter of programs like the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, helping to inspire and guide the next generation of tradespeople, particularly women and Indigenous youth, toward rewarding careers in the resources sector.

Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto MP, praised Kylee’s achievement, describing it as a strong reflection of the region’s values.

“As the State Member for Hinchinbrook, I speak on behalf of the entire electorate when I say we are incredibly proud of Kylee,” Mr Dametto said.

“It was an honour to attend the event, witness Kylee’s passion and professionalism firsthand, and meet so many other inspiring women who are driving change and innovation in the industry.”

Miss Frankee said she felt truly humbled to be recognised.

“If you’d told my younger self this was possible, I’m not sure she would’ve believed it,” she said.

“I’m proud of my journey with South32, and prouder still to represent the Hinchinbrook Shire. It’s a reminder that big things can come from small places. Growing up in a small regional town shaped who I am, and I hope this moment shows other young girls from communities like ours that they can build strong, successful careers in these industries.’”

A heartfelt round of applause goes out to the incredible Cardwell community for their generosity and kindness in supporting the Community Tip Jar initiative. Donated by Terry and Mamiko, this simple jar became a powerful symbol of what can happen when people come together for a good cause. Through loose change, quiet contributions, and shared goodwill, a total of $190.60 was raised and all donated by everyday people with a shared desire to give back, or simply empty their pockets.

The chosen recipient, QF23 Cardwell Coastguard, plays a vital role in keeping our local waters safe, and this donation will directly support their ongoing efforts, as they put "keeping our boaties safe". But more than just the amount raised, it's the collective act of giving that deserves recognition. The Cardwell community has shown that generosity and care for one another still thrive.

To everyone who added a coin, of any amount, thank you. Here's to the quiet heroes in our community who continue to lead with heart.

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If your child was born after March 2024, the Hinchinbrook Shire Council warmly invites your family to attend the 2025 Baby Welcoming Ceremony at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library.

At this special event, your little one will be officially welcomed as a member of the Hinchinbrook community by the Mayor. Each family will receive a gift bag, a personalised certificate, and a commemorative sapling to symbolise the setting down of new roots and the special new bud added to your family tree.

Parents and carers who have already registered for this year’s ceremony do not need to register again and the ceremony will take place from 9.00 am on Saturday, 17 May 2025.

Registration for new families will open soon, so keep an eye on the Hinchinbrook Shire Council's Facebook page!

For further information, please contact the Hinchinbrook Shire Library on: 07 4776 4614 or email: library@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.

WHAT: Hinchinbrook Baby Welcoming Ceremony.
WHEN: Saturday 17 May, from 9.00am.
WHERE: TYTO Conference and Events Centre 73-75 McIlwraith St, Ingham.

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With the winter boating season approaching, all boaters are reminded to be aware of the latest life jacket regulations to ensure everyone's safety on the water.

If you are operating an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length and you are boating alone, you are required to wear a life jacket at all times. Children under the age of 12 must also wear a life jacket at all times when on these smaller vessels. Additionally, if you are boating at night, wearing a life jacket at all times is mandatory, regardless of whether you are alone or accompanied.

For boats that are larger than 4.8 metres in length, children over one year old but under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket if the boat is open or has an open area.

These updated regulations have been introduced to protect your life and the lives of your passengers. Life jackets are a simple but essential safety measure that can prevent tragedy in the event of an emergency. Make sure your equipment is compliant, your jackets are accessible and well-fitted, and that everyone on board understands the rules. Stay safe on the water this season, and happy boating!

Contributed with thanks by Steve Whipps of the Australian Coast Guard Association

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I want to extend warm wishes to all our families, both local and those visiting our beautiful region during Easter and the school holidays. I hope everyone enjoyed our stunning parks, beaches, and vibrant communities, including Lucinda, Taylors Beach, Forrest Beach, and Halifax.

In light of the recent challenges we have faced, I encourage everyone to support our local businesses and accommodation. They are the backbone of our community and play a crucial role in our economic recovery. Your patronage not only helps them thrive but also strengthens our local economy.

On behalf of my family, I hope you had a happy and safe holiday season. This time of year, is not only about celebration, but also about connection and support within our community.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that your Council, including the Mayor and fellow Councillors, are your advocates. We are here to assist you and ensure that your voice is heard.

Currently, Council is undertaking the budget preparation process for the 2025-2026 Financial Year. We are committed to examining all aspects of our budget to identify areas where we can streamline costs while ensuring we maintain a clear vision for our Shire’s future.

Together, we can build a community that meets the needs of all residents. I hope you all had a joyful and safe Easter.

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The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre’s weekly Café Crawl brought a burst of Easter cheer to members last week, thanks to the warm hospitality of the team at Majestic Café.

Located on Lannercost Street in Ingham, Majestic Café went above and beyond to make the group feel welcome, setting the scene with a beautifully arranged table and festive Easter treats. The surprises didn’t stop there as each napkin was marked with a lucky number for door prize draws, and a few lucky attendees even discovered hidden prizes beneath the tables.

The HUB crew couldn’t speak highly enough of the thoughtful touches and cheerful atmosphere that made the day so memorable.

"It was such a thoughtful touch that really brought the Easter spirit to life for all our Cafe Crawl members,” one member shared.

As for the food, the caramel tarts were a standout favourite, impressing even the most seasoned Café Crawl regulars. The day was a delightful reminder of the kindness and community spirit that makes Ingham such a special place.

The Café Crawl meets weekly, visiting a new local café each Tuesday to connect, share stories, and enjoy good company over great food. New members are always welcome. To register for the next outing, simply contact Mei at The HUB on (07) 4776 1822!

Mark your calendars and get ready, Ingham! The gloves are coming off and the excitement has begun heating up ahead of Kingdom Boxing’s Kingdom Cup Pro-Am Boxing Ingham event set for the 7th of June, at the iconic Andy’s Roadhouse on the Bruce Highway.

This family-friendly event promises a thrilling evening of grassroots boxing action, featuring a powerful lineup of local talent and fighters from across the state. Whether you're a seasoned boxing enthusiast or just looking for a great night out, there’ll be something for everyone.

Organised by the passionate team at Kingdom Boxing, the evening will showcase a mix of amateur and professional bouts in a high-energy atmosphere complete with food trucks, a bar, a mega meat tray raffle, awesome prizes, and a live DJ to keep the energy pumping between rounds.

Tickets are expected to sell fast, with a range of options available beginning at $10 for children aged 6 to 17 years of age with kids under 6 scoring FREE entry! Additional ticket options include Family Passes for $70 (2 adults + 2 children) along with individual adult tickets priced at $30 each.

General door admission will be available on the night of the event if tickets are still available, and attendees should be advised both door admission and bar sales will all be cash only.

Searching for a VIP experience? A limited number of Gold and Standard Ringside Table Packages (seating 10) are available and will be perfect for groups looking to get up close to the action!

Online ticket sales will open next month via TryBooking, but for ringside table bookings and event enquiries, please contact Sophie on 0488 930 745.

Kingdom Cup Boxing Ingham is set to be a major highlight this June, and you certainly don’t want to miss out on the action!

If you’ve picked up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life recently, it may have been delivered by Leslie, our newest paper deliver man. For nearly a month now, Leslie has been part of the team and he’s loving it.

He enjoys the hustle of the job and brings the energy to get the newspapers delivered on time. And though he says his day is too busy to stop and read the newspaper himself, he always makes sure his mum gets a copy because she loves reading it.

Leslie’s mornings start early, he’s up at five, has a shower, takes his tablets, and is out the door. One of his support workers meets him at home, and together they grab a coffee, run a few errands, and then hit the road to collect the newspapers for delivery.

The paper run takes them around 30 to 45 minutes, and Leslie moves with purpose; dashing in and out of shops with a 'Hello!' and a smile, always letting staff know the newspapers have arrived. He places them neatly on the counter, ready for eager readers.

The physical side of the job doesn’t faze him at all as Leslie keeps active by mowing lawns and lifting weights on the bench press. He says the job is actually helping him get stronger each week from carrying the heavy bundles of newspapers. To stay fit and mobile, he rides his push bike everywhere and owns two that he proudly maintains and enjoys.

A huge thank you to Leslie for his energy and commitment, to his support workers who assist him each week, and to the Lifelong Supports coordinators who help make this all possible. You’re all helping keep the community connected one paper at a time.

The Hinchinbrook community is warmly invited to save the date and attend the 98th Feast of Saint Anthony on the 8th of June, at Saint Anthony’s Church, located at 18 Fulton Drive.

Bemerside’s annual Feast of Saint Anthony celebration is the only one of its kind held in the Townsville diocese and after over 90 strong years, the next generation continues to honour the important religious event, with some visitors travelling great distances to attend.

The cherished celebration will begin with Mass at 11am which will then be followed by a procession in honour of Saint Anthony at 2:30pm.

From 12pm right through until 6pm, there will be a variety of food and drink stalls, a BBQ, a licensed bar, and a jumping castle for the kids to enjoy to furthermore offer a wonderful day out for the whole family. The talents of Anthony Fracchia will also be on show for the afternoon to add an extra layer to the celebrations.

Come along to honour tradition, enjoy delicious food, and share in the vibrant spirit of community this June and feel free to contact Angie on 0427 761 522 for all inquiries.

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Herbert River growers turned out in force for Queensland Sugar Limited’s latest market update, where insightful discussions were had over current global challenges and local opportunities. With the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical landscape, the session offered a timely chance for growers to connect, ask questions, and stay informed. Plenty of smiles, plenty of smarts — and, as always, plenty of cane talk.

It should come as no surprise that Hinchinbrook homes an incredible array of beautiful native wildlife, from shy gliders to bold cassowaries! Whilst many are iconic North Queensland symbols, some are becoming increasingly threatened, and it’s important to note how you can care for each of these gorgeous creatures.

Brushtail Possums

Don’t be surprised if you hear a scurry in your roof at night as it may be a brushtail possum. These adaptable marsupials are common in Hinchinbrook and often set up home in sheds, house eaves, and tree hollows. In urban areas, they navigate fences and powerlines to forage for fruit, however, if you suspect a possum has moved in uninvited, check for fur, droppings, or entry points in your roof. Trapping and relocating should only be done with care and locals are encouraged to contact North Queensland Wildlife Care Inc. on 0414 717 374 for help with injured or orphaned possums.

Agile Wallabies

Often spotted grazing around the TYTO Wetlands or on the edges of town, agile wallabies are a familiar and cherished sight, recognisable by the white stripes on their cheeks and thighs. Unfortunately, these gentle animals are particularly vulnerable to cars, dogs, and illegal hunting and its strongly encouraged to call the wildlife care number connect with a local carer if you find an injured wallaby or orphaned joey.

Southern Cassowaries

The southern cassowary is an elusive but majestic resident of Hinchinbrook’s rainforests. These endangered birds are known for their deep, booming calls and striking appearance, complete with a helmet-like casque atop their heads, however, if you’re lucky enough to spot one, keep your distance as cassowaries can become aggressive if threatened. It’s advised to never feed them, and if you come across an injured bird or orphaned chick, call the Cassowary Recovery Team hotline on 1300 130 372.

Mahogany Gliders

Seldom seen and officially endangered, mahogany gliders are a true treasure of North Queensland. These nocturnal gliders live in the forests between Townsville and Tully, soaring from tree to tree with ease, unless development interrupt their flight path. To help, the region has introduced clever solutions like rope bridges and launching poles along major roads to keep gliders off the ground and out of danger.

So keep your eyes peeled Hinchinbrook, and you may spot one of the region's most treasured wildlife wonders next time you're out and about!

This year, Ingham Post Office is celebrating 90 years of service and keeping regional Queensland connected. Built in 1935, the post office has become one of the region’s most prominent community hubs and was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List in 2012. Over the decades, it has connected generations of locals through letters, telegrams, phone calls, and now digital services.

The region’s postal history dates back to 1871, when services began with a steamer mail run from Cardwell and a fortnightly horseback mail service between Townsville. Ingham’s first purpose-built post office was constructed in 1875, just as the sugar industry began to boom. It was 60 years later in 1935, when Ingham Post Office as it is known today was built.

Throughout its history, the post office has played a key role in local life, from delivering vital wartime communications to serving as a weather station recording rainfall for local farmers. In the decades following WWII, it became one of the first in the region to introduce an automated telephone exchange, which was operated by local women on the switchboard.

From its heritage-listed walls to its evolving role in communication, the Ingham Post Office remains a cornerstone of the community, 90 years strong.

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The Ingham Post Office has artefacts like this tough leather satchel, used to deliver letters by foot when the town flooded. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton.

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Dawn Service - Ingham
4:15am the DAWN PARADE will assemble at Mafeking Tree, opposite the Police Station. At the service conclusion all those attending are invited to the RSL Club for breakfast.

RSL Remembrance Ceremony - Ingham
6:00am a ceremony will be conducted at the Ingham War Cemetery by the Herbert River Sub-branch of the Returned Service League of Australia.

Commemoration Ceremony - Forrest Beach
7:00am a commemoration ceremony will be conducted at the Forrest Beach Memorial.

Parade and Commemoration Ceremony - Halifax
8:00am Schools and local organisations are invited to march, starting at Halifax State School. the Parade will commence at 8:05 and march to the Lions Clock and back.

Parade and Commemoration Ceremony - Ingham
9:20am Schools and local organisations are invited to participate, assembling in Rotary Park adjacent to Honeycombs Sales & Services. Marching in the northern lane of Herbert St, to Palm Tce, to the Cenotaph where the commemoration ceremony will follow. Wreaths are to be placed on the Cenotaph, and the Last Post and Reveille will be sounded.