Sponsored by the Lions Club of Tully, assistance dog Tully has completed her training with Lions Assistance Dogs and will soon begin supporting her future owner. Photo supplied

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The Lions Club of Tully is making a lasting difference beyond the Cassowary Coast through its sponsorship of an assistance dog that is now preparing to transform the life of someone living with mental health challenges.

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Labradoodle Tully, named in honour of the local community, has recently completed her training with Lions Assistance Dogs and is expected to be matched with her recipient this month after more than a year of dedicated preparation.

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Sponsored by the Lions Club of Tully, Tully has been trained as a Psychiatric Assistance Dog, learning a range of specialised tasks designed to support someone living with a psychosocial disability. Among her skills are recognising signs of anxiety, responding with calming behaviours, seeking help from others when required and assisting her future owner in everyday life.

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Trainer James said Tully had made remarkable progress throughout her training.

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"Tully has been working incredibly hard, and we've been focusing on balancing her task work with plenty of settling sessions in between," he said.

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"She's picked up new tasks almost immediately and absolutely loves working with people. It's been wonderful to watch her grow, and I know she's ready to change her recipient's life in the best way possible."

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Client Services Coordinator Marcello thanked the Lions Club of Tully for its ongoing support throughout Tully's journey.

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"We truly couldn't do this without you, and I know Tully would thank you too if she could," he said.

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Lions Club of Tully regularly fundraises for organisations like the Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. Photo supplied  

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Over the course of more than five decades, the Lions Club of Tully has quietly helped shape the local community, with its members dedicating countless volunteer hours to projects that have left a lasting mark across the Cassowary Coast.

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Chartered in May 1971, the club first met at the Railway Refreshment Rooms before later calling the Isaac Henry Restaurant, Hotel Tully and, more recently, the Mount Tyson Hotel and Mirrors Restaurant home. While meeting venues have changed over the decades, the club's commitment to serving the community has remained constant.

In its 55-year history, Lions Club of Tully members have rolled up their sleeves to deliver countless projects across the region. From constructing parks, shelters and community facilities to supporting hospitals, schools and local organisations, the club's legacy is one of service, generosity and community spirit.

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Among its many achievements are the construction of Lions Pioneer Park and facilities at Hull Heads, the establishment of the Warrami Station Rodeo, support for Tully Hospital through equipment and infrastructure upgrades, and years of community fundraising, catering and environmental projects.

Lions Club of Tully has also played a vital role in supporting the region during times of hardship, helping families recover after Cyclones Larry and Yasi by assisting with clean-up efforts, sourcing caravans for displaced residents and distributing vouchers for essential household items and generator fuel.

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"Our local community is our first and foremost to support in any which ways we can," Lions Club of Tully Secretary Irene Braddick said.

"Lions Club of Tully is about making great friends with like-minded people who want to serve their community, and communities, like ours, are very lucky to have lots of service groups in the area all working for the same cause."

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With a group of passionate volunteers spearheading efforts across the region, the club continues to support the community through initiatives including the Lions Children's Vision Screening Program, Youth of the Year, community catering, Christmas fundraising events and local projects. In the past, the club has also supported assistance dogs, childhood cancer research and youth exchange programs, continuing its long tradition of service to the region.  

"We are always looking for new members to join our happy little club," Ms Braddick said.

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Ms Braddick warmly invites anyone interested in giving back to the community to attend a Lions Club of Tully meeting and learn more about the organisation's work. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 6:30pm at the Mount Tyson Hotel. For more information, email tullylions@gmail.com or call 0422 013 387.

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What: Lions Club of Tully Meet Up

When: Monday, 10th August, 6:30pm

Where: Mount Tyson Hotel, 23 Butler Street, Tully

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Map of the reporting zones. Image sourced: wettropicswaterways.org.au

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Ongoing efforts by landholders, community groups and industry are continuing to make a positive difference to waterway health across the Wet Tropics, with the latest report card showing conditions remain steady despite increasing climate pressures.

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The Wet Tropics Waterway Health Report Card found waterways across the region continue to achieve "good" to "moderate" health, reflecting years of work to improve land management, restore riparian vegetation and reduce sediment and nutrient runoff.

Wet Tropics Waterways Chair Dr Simon Costanzo said the results highlighted the value of collective action across the region.

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"Across the region, people are taking action — improving farming practices, restoring riparian vegetation and participating in clean-up and rehabilitation projects — and together it's making a difference."

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Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the findings reinforced the importance of ongoing partnerships between communities, industry and government.

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"Nobody loves the Reef more than Queenslanders, and these results are encouraging because they show the positive impact of practical, on-ground action to improve and protect water quality," Minister Powell said.

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"The findings reinforce why the Crisafulli Government is investing a record $330.5 million to improve Great Barrier Reef water quality and support action across Reef catchments, because healthy waterways are essential to a healthy Reef and to protecting these natural assets for future generations."

The report card is released annually by Wet Tropics Waterways and draws on independent scientific monitoring from multiple organisations to assess the long-term health of rivers, estuaries and coastal waters.

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The latest findings demonstrate that while climate pressures continue to pose challenges, ongoing community action is helping protect the waterways that are vital to both local communities and the Great Barrier Reef.

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More detailed information about the Wet Tropics Waterway Health Report Card and results can be found at wettropicswaterways.org.au/wet-tropics-report-card

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(Contributed with thanks by Terrain NRM)

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Motorists encouraged to stay vigilant as escaped cow sightings increase. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Motorists across the Cassowary Coast are being urged to remain vigilant following a rise in reports of cattle wandering onto local roads, creating a serious safety risk for drivers.

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Residents have taken to social media in recent weeks to warn others after several cattle were spotted on busy roads throughout the region. One post last week reported a white cow standing in the middle of Lower Tully Road at night, with several motorists confirming they had encountered the animal as late as 10:30pm. Drivers described the experience as frightening, particularly given the limited visibility at night, while others said they had narrowly avoided collisions with cattle on multiple occasions when rounding corners on local roads.

Additional sightings have also been reported along Tully Heads Road, Tully Hull Road and sections of the Bruce Highway, prompting renewed calls for motorists to exercise extra caution, especially when travelling after dark. Some residents noted that livestock on roads is a common occurrence in rural areas, including around Georgetown and Croydon, highlighting the need for drivers to remain alert whenever travelling through farming districts.

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The Queensland Government reminds motorists to slow down in areas where livestock or wildlife may be present, obey warning signs and scan the road ahead for potential hazards. If an animal is on the roadway, drivers should carefully assess the situation and take the safest possible action to avoid placing themselves or other road users at risk.

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Anyone who strikes an animal or comes across an injured or distressed animal is encouraged to contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625). Motorists can find more information about safely sharing the road with wildlife and livestock on the Queensland Government's transport website www.qld.gov.au/transport/saftey/rules.

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Tully Support Centre Inc has received $9,840 through the Queensland Government's Empowering Queensland Women grants program. Photo source: Tully Support Centre Inc

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Women across the Cassowary Coast are set to benefit from two locally delivered initiatives following the latest round of the Queensland Government's Empowering Queensland Women grants program.

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Cardwell UFO Festival Inc and Tully Support Centre Inc are among 30 community organisations to receive funding through Round 2 of the program, which has distributed almost $280,000 statewide to support women's economic security, financial confidence and employment opportunities.

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Cardwell UFO Festival Inc has been awarded $10,000 to deliver its From Culture to Commerce: Indigenous Women's Tourism Product Development Program.  

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The initiative will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls in the Cardwell region to develop tourism-ready products and build creative enterprise skills that can generate income. Participants will explore topics including cultural art creation, storytelling for commercial products, tourism trends, photographing and digitising artwork, designing gift lines, pricing and packaging products, and social media and online selling.

Meanwhile, Tully Support Centre Inc has secured $9,840 for its Independence and Empowerment Workshops, which will be delivered across Tully, Cardwell, Mission Beach and Kurrimine Beach.

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The workshops are designed to support women and girls who have experienced domestic and family violence and/or sexual violence, covering topics including financial health, planning and empowerment, threats and fraud, and personal growth and safety. The program aims to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to overcome isolation, exploitation and the impacts of domestic and family violence.

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Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the Empowering Queensland Women grants support community-led programs that help women build financial capability, develop new skills and connect with employment opportunities.

“The Round 2 recipients will deliver projects which support a wide range of women. We recognise that women face differing challenges depending on where they live or their personal circumstances or their cultural background – but these supported initiatives aim to help them overcome barriers to economic participation,” Minister Simpson said.

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The Government has invested almost $280,000 through Round 2 of the program, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded to community organisations across Queensland. For the Cassowary Coast, the funding will provide practical support for women through opportunities to develop businesses, strengthen financial literacy and build confidence, ensuring more women are equipped to participate fully in their communities and local economies.

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council is calling on community groups and eligible residents to apply for funding through two grant programs designed to support local projects, events and infrastructure improvements.

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Applications are now open for the Community Grants and Support Program and the Community Infrastructure Grants Program, with submissions closing on Friday, 28th August.

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Together, the programs aim to help deliver projects that create lasting social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits across the Cassowary Coast.

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The Community Grants and Support Program has $120,000 available during the 2026–27 financial year, split across two funding rounds. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for minor community projects without the need for a co-contribution, while major projects can receive between $2,001 and $7,500, with a 10 per cent in-kind or financial contribution required.

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Council is also offering $225,000 through the Community Infrastructure Grants Program, which supports the development, renewal and enhancement of community facilities that provide a public benefit. Minor infrastructure projects can receive up to $5,000, while major projects are eligible for between $5,001 and $30,000, subject to co-contribution requirements.

Funded projects are expected to align with Council's 2025–2030 Integrated Corporate and Operational Plan by strengthening community resilience, supporting infrastructure, encouraging social inclusion, promoting health and wellbeing, and protecting the natural environment.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood encouraged eligible organisations and community members to take advantage of the opportunity.

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"These grants help bring local ideas to life, whether that’s through community events, wellbeing initiatives, environmental projects, infrastructure improvements or programs that build stronger social connections," Mayor Millwood said.

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"By investing in projects that strengthen resilience, encourage inclusion and support community wellbeing, we are helping to build a stronger future for the Cassowary Coast."

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Applications must be submitted through Council's SmartyGrants portal and will be assessed before recommendations are presented at the September 2026 Local Government Meeting.

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Preparations are well underway for this August’s Cassowary Coast Business Bazaar. Photo source: Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network Inc.

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The Mission Beach Village Green will come alive on Thursday 20th August, as the Cassowary Coast Business Women's Network Inc. hosts its inaugural Business Bazaar; a festival-style evening designed to celebrate the region's vibrant business community.

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Set to run from 4:30pm to 9pm, the free event will transform the Village Green into a bustling marketplace where residents and visitors can shop, dine, network and discover the incredible range of products and services available across the Cassowary Coast.

Alongside the Village Green's permanent traders, businesses from across the region will set up pop-up stalls, demonstrations and displays, giving attendees the chance to meet the faces behind local enterprises and learn more about what they offer.

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Live music from Alisa Q will create a relaxed atmosphere while local restaurants, cafés and shops remain open for late-night trading, encouraging guests to make an evening of it by browsing, enjoying dinner and supporting local businesses.

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The event will feature everything from health and wellbeing providers, travel specialists and real estate professionals to artists, retailers, celebrants, tradespeople and technology experts. Visitors can enjoy mini massages, fitness demonstrations, exclusive event specials, giveaways, raffles and opportunities to chat directly with business owners. Businesses already confirmed include Mission Beach Dive, Plenty Restaurant, Shanti Café, Helen Wiltshire Gallery, Remedy Natural Health, Tropical Property, Red Sky Travel, COSCA Innisfail, In Balance Health, Mind and Body Reformed, Ozzie Oilers, nbn, HDevolution and many more. Pop-up stallholders are also encouraged to participate, with spaces available for $50.

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Businesses wishing to book a pop-up stall or anyone seeking more information can email bookings@ccbwn.org.au or visit trybooking.com/DNAUQ.

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What: Cassowary Coast Business Bazaar

When: Thursday 20th August, 4:30pm-9pm

Where: Mission Beach Village Green, Mission Beach

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Award-winning wildlife artist Daryl Dickson uses her intricate paintings to celebrate Australia's unique wildlife and inspire conservation. Photo supplied

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Award-winning artist, author and conservationist Daryl Dickson has spent more than two decades combining her passion for art with a lifelong commitment to protecting Australia's unique wildlife. Currently living with her husband at Mungarru Lodge Sanctuary in Far North Queensland, she’s surrounded by the ancient rainforest and remarkable native species that have become the heart of both her life and her work.

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“It’s the tropical landscapes, the magnificent forests and the amazing wildlife that has shaped my art and our lives,” Ms Dickson said.

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Sharing her home on the traditional lands of the Girramay People with some of Australia's rarest and most threatened species, including the endangered mahogany glider, has profoundly influenced Ms Dickson’s artistic journey, and years spent rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife have also given her an extraordinary opportunity to study many elusive animals up close, allowing her to capture them with remarkable precision.

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“I really do live and breathe wildlife – it occupies so much of my life, it’s an inspiration for my art, it’s what fills my quiet hours, and what brings me joy – it really has been such an exceptional privilege to live in this landscape and share it with such stunning creatures,” she enthused.

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“The opportunity to observe these rare and beautiful creatures informs every detail of my work – it’s such a rare privilege and for an artist who paints in fine detail it has been wonderful. I had never dreamed that I could be so lucky.”

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Ms Dickson's original works are held in private collections across Australia, Europe and the United States. An accomplished author and illustrator, she has published the acclaimed coffee table book Celebrating Australia's Magnificent Wildlife – The Art of Daryl Dickson and illustrated several children's books celebrating native fauna. For her, art is not only a creative pursuit but also a powerful tool for conservation.

“Art is a brilliant way to engage not only people who love wildlife, but also people who just enjoy art – it’s an opportunity to share information about endangered species and their conservation in a gentle way,” said Ms Dickson.

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“I hope it inspires adults and children to love and value wildlife and wild places and also brings focus to little known species like our mahogany glider.  

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“There’s a quote I read sometime ago that says ‘what we don’t know we can’t love, and what we don’t love we won’t protect’ – this is the case for our little known gliders and many other species.”

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Ms Dickson’s contribution to both art and conservation has earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious Wet Tropics Cassowary Award for Art, the William T. Cooper Conservation Award, Cassowary Coast Citizen of the Year, and numerousfirst-place honours at art exhibitions throughout Queensland.

Beyond the easel, Ms Dickson remains deeply committed to protecting the region she calls home. She is President of the Wildlife Queensland Cassowary Coast–Hinchinbrook branch and a long-time member of the Mahogany Glider Recovery Team, using both her conservation work and her artwork to encourage a greater appreciation of Australia's unique wildlife.

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“My husband and I share this wonderful life, wildlife and our arts business on the Cassowary Coast. Life is busy and rich, and we owe a debt to this place for all it has gifted to our lives and work in the last three decades,” she said.

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“Sharing our love of this place, in any way we can, is the aim of all we do here. It is too precious to lose.”

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Wayde Chiesa MP with Ingham SES new recruits 2026. Photo supplied  

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The 2026-27 Queensland SES Support Grant Program is set to strengthen preparedness across the Hinchinbrook, through projects that aim to make sure local SES volunteers are ready to leap into action the moment disaster strikes and to support our community through recovery afterwards, whether it’s storms, floods, cyclones, or search and rescue operations.  

Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said this investment is a major boost for our local SES volunteers and for everyone who calls our community home.  

“Our SES volunteers are always there when our community needs them most, and this investment is about making sure they have the facilities and equipment they need to do their job safely and effectively,” Mr Chiesa said.  

“The command building, vehicle replacement and facility upgrades will strengthen the capability of the Halifax, Ingham and Rollingstone SES Units and help volunteers continue their incredible work protecting local families during emergencies.  

As part of the funding, the Halifax SES Unit will receive $142,874 for a new command building, while the Ingham SES Unit will receive $71,871 to replace operational vehicles.  

Mayor of Hinchinbrook Council and chair of the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group, Ramon Jayo, said the funding would strengthen the capability of SES volunteers in Hinchinbrook and support a more effective response during emergencies.  

“This funding will help ensure our SES volunteers have access to the facilities and equipment they need to respond safely and effectively when our community needs them most,” Mayor Jayo said.  

“The proposed upgrades to the Halifax command building and the replacement vehicle for the Ingham unit are practical investments that will support emergency response operations and strengthen local disaster preparedness across the Hinchinbrook Shire.”  

The Rollingstone SES Unit will also benefit from $27,782 in facility upgrades, with the funding through Townsville City Council.  

The investment forms part of the State Government's statewide commitment to strengthen SES capability, with 35 projects funded across Queensland and an additional 12 priority SES vehicles fast-tracked for replacement.  

Queensland SES Acting Chief Officer Danny Baade said the funding would improve the safety and operational capability of SES volunteers across Queensland.  

“It’s vital that our members are supported in disaster preparedness and response," Mr Baade said.    

“Whether it’s floods, cyclones, or search and rescues, this funding will allow our units to be equipped to help Queenslanders when they need it most.”  

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Project details:  

Recipient: Hinchinbrook Shire Council  

SES Unit: Halifax  

Project: Command building  

Funding: $142,874  

Recipient: Hinchinbrook Shire Council  

SES Unit: Ingham  

Project: Vehicle replacement  

Funding: $71,871  

Recipient: Townsville City Council  

SES Unit: Rollingstone  

Project: Facility upgrades  

Funding: $27,782

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Volunteer firefighters across the Cassowary Coast were recognised during Rural Fire Service Queensland Week. Photo source: Queensland Fire Department

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Volunteer firefighters across the Cassowary Coast were recognised for their dedication during Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) Week 2026, with a Far North brigade taking out one of the service's highest regional honours.

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The Killaloe Rural Primary Producer Brigade, near Port Douglas, has been named the Northern Region Brigade of the Year, recognising its outstanding commitment to emergency response, disaster preparedness and community service.

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Rural Fire Service Queensland Week, held from 26th July to 1st August, celebrates the more than 27,000 volunteers who help communities across the State prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

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The Queensland Government also used the week to recognise the contribution of volunteer firefighters through continued investment in new appliances, brigade stations, equipment and facility upgrades. More than a dozen new firefighting vehicles werehanded over to brigades during the week, building on the delivery of more than 100 new appliances across Queensland last financial year.

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Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said Rural Fire Service Queensland Week was an opportunity to thank volunteers for the vital role they play in protecting communities.

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"Our volunteer firefighters are there when Queenslanders need them most, giving their time to help protect lives, property and communities across the State," Minister Leahy said.

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"The Government is backing our volunteer firefighters with the new trucks, new brigade stations, upgraded facilities and equipment they need to respond safely and effectively.”

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Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith said the work of Rural Fire Service Queensland volunteers extended well beyond emergency incidents.

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"The work of our RFSQ volunteers is truly outstanding. They are not only protecting life and property during emergencies but also turning up to training nights, preparedness meetings and community events," Commissioner Smith said.

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"They are the friendly faces their neighbours can count on to help them stay informed, prepared and educated."

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For the last three years, Olsen Industrial Electrics has been operating out of South Mission Beach and is quickly building their reputation as the areas go-to specialists for complex industrial electrical works.  

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The business is family owned and operated with technical expert Brad Olsen an RPEQ certified electrician leading the engineering side whilst wife Angela Olsen runs the AC Hydro Wash operations.  

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Their two young children Astrid & Axel might not be old enough to be on the tools just yet but Brad says ‘they’re the heart of the business’. Keeping the business family focused whilst also having job satisfaction is the best of both worlds.  

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Their skillset is way beyond standard electrical work as they specialise in large scale industrial systems. Not only do they repair broken systems but they can also create design and install bespoke systems.  

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‘There’s no limitations on us; we do all your in house engineering, the drawings, motor rebuilds, pump wet ends rebuilds, design, install, servicing and maintenance’  

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The team have also welcomed onboard Jack Hogan who is 6 months into his apprenticeship and is valued member of the team.  

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Known for tackling jobs that no one else can, Olsen Electrical understand the pressure’s local businesses face when machinery breaks down. Working in a rural setting it’s important to get up and running as quickly as possible. Wether it’s a banana packing line, irrigation system, switchboards or other crucial farming equipment Olsen Electrical will act fast to keep your business moving.  

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Enquiries can be made to Olsen Electrical on 0427 070 285 or send them an email to sales@olsenelectrical.com  

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Council contractors are scheduled to commence works on the Ernest Street footpath upgrade project on Monday 3^rd August, weather permitting. Photo source: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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A major upgrade to Ernest Street in Innisfail will get underway next month, with works aimed at improving safety, accessibility and the overall appearance of the town centre.

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Construction is scheduled to begin on Monday 3rd August, weather permitting, and will see the existing footpath replaced with a new exposed aggregate concrete surface. New streetscape planting and landscaping will also be added as part of the project to enhance the look and feel of the Innisfail CBD.

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The project is expected to be completed by mid-December and will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption.

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Throughout construction, businesses will remain open and pedestrian access will be maintained, with the community encouraged to continue supporting local traders.

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Temporary traffic management, pedestrian detours, construction noise and changes to roadside parking can be expected as works progress. Short-term parking zones will also be introduced at various stages to help maintain customer access and deliveries.

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Council said property access and essential services, including power, water and telecommunications, are expected to remain available throughout the project, with advance notice provided if any temporary interruptions are required.

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Cassowary Coast Mums Club Collective founder Tahlia Morrison says the group's mission of connecting local mothers will continue, despite the organisation's closure. Photo source: Mums Club Collective

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Just seven months after its inception, the Cassowary Coast Mums Club Collective (MCC) has announced it will close as a not-for-profit organisation, marking the end of a much-loved initiative that has brought local mothers together through friendship, support and shared experiences.

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MCC’s founder and local mother of three Tahlia Morrison said the decision had been a difficult one, with the growing administrative demands of operating a not-for-profit prompting her to reassess the group's future.

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"It really wasn't an easy decision and honestly, I've probably been thinking about it for a lot longer than people realise," Tahlia said.

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Established in January 2026, MCC was born from Tahlia’s own experience of navigating motherhood in a regional community. After returning to the Cassowary Coast, she identified a gap in opportunities for local mothers to connect and set out to create a welcoming space where women could find friendship and a sense of belonging.

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"Mums Club started because I saw a need," she said.

"I was a mum in a regional area, I knew how isolating motherhood could feel and I wanted to create something that made it a little easier for mums to find their people."

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What began as a small community initiative quickly evolved into a thriving network of mothers from across the Cassowary Coast. Through regular catch-ups and events, MCC provided a supportive environment for women navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood, leaving a lasting impact on many families throughout the region.

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While the collective will no longer operate in its current form, Tahlia said its mission is far from over, confirming the popular Coffee Catch Ups will continue on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 9:30am at Castaways Bar & Grill in Mission Beach, offering a simple and sustainable way for local mothers to stay connected.

"The heart of Mums Club was always connecting mums, creating friendships and making motherhood feel a little less lonely and I don't think that needs to end just because the organisation is wrapping up," Tahlia said.

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"At the end of the day, Mums Club was never really about being a not-for-profit organisation. It was always about mums having somewhere to go, and I'm actually really excited about stripping it back to what it was always about and finding a way to keep that going in a simpler, more sustainable way."

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Although the organisation's chapter may be coming to an end, the connections it created and the community it fostered are set to endure, with Tahlia expressing heartfelt gratitude to the mothers who embraced the collective and the many individuals who supported it throughout its journey.

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"I hope everyone who was part of Mums Club knows that it mattered," she said.

"It mattered to me, and I know it mattered to a lot of mums who came through the doors."

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Despite the difficult decision to close the organisation, Tahlia said she remains immensely proud of what the collective achieved and the connections the group was able to fuse within the community in just seven months.

“We weren’t changing the world, but we were creating little pockets of connection for mums who might otherwise have spent the day feeling pretty lonely, and I think that’s actually really important,” she said.

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"The organisation might be wrapping up, but the reason we started it in the first place isn't going anywhere. Mums still need connection, friendship and somewhere they can show up exactly as they are. So, we'll keep doing that, just in a simpler way."

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Draft illustration of proposed Innisfail CBD Waterfront precinct. Image source: Cassowary Coast Regional Council

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Cassowary Coast Regional Council is inviting the community to have its say on the future of the Innisfail Waterfront precinct, with planning underway to guide the area's long-term redevelopment.

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The project aims to ensure the precinct remains safe, functional and suitable for both community and marine use, while building on the vision outlined in the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation Master Plan.

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With existing marine infrastructure and community assets nearing the end of their intended lifespan, Council says the renewal presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the waterfront as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

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Planning is centred around six key themes, including revitalising the waterfront, enhancing the tropical landscape, improving accessibility and connectivity, celebrating Innisfail's culture and heritage, encouraging tourism, and creating an inclusive community space.

As part of the consultation, Council is seeking feedback on a range of potential future uses, including recreational fishing and boating facilities, visitor accommodation, tourism opportunities and the possible inclusion of a water play area.

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No decisions have been made, with community feedback set to play an important role in informing future planning, which would be delivered in stages and remain subject to funding, approvals and further consultation.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood said the project represented an exciting opportunity for the region.

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"The opportunity to revitalise and restore life into the Waterfront precinct is an exciting time for Innisfail and its surrounding communities,” she said.

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"As part of the Innisfail CBD Revitalisation Master Plan, enhancing the river's attractiveness provides the potential to become the drawcard for the city, placing Innisfail in a stronger position to attract future funding and economic growth.

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"With a focus on balancing commercial operations, recreational activities and tourism, the proposed development of the Waterfront precinct will become a place of community pride and connectivity."

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Community consultation is open until Monday 10th August, with residents able to provide feedback online, via paper surveys or at upcoming engagement events.

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The State of the Region Roadshow panel saw speakers from telecommunications services, economists, and industry specialists. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Community leaders, businesses and residents gathered at the Ingham Powerhouse on Tuesday 21^st July for the State of the Region Roadshow, with speakers highlighting Hinchinbrook's strong economic foundations and future growth potential.

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Presented by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Townsville and North West Queensland in partnership with the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the event featured independent economic insights from Regional Economic Advisory Principal Economist Matthew Kelly.

According to RDA Townsville and North West Queensland, the presentation highlighted a region with a strong industry base, desirable lifestyle and significant potential for continued growth, while encouraging discussion around the opportunities ahead for the Hinchinbrook community.

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Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism President Mary Brown said one of the most encouraging aspects of the evening was seeing official data confirm trends many locals had already observed.

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"Personally, the most encouraging information coming out of the roadshow was the economic trend data provided by economist Matt Kelly, with data continuing to show pleasing population growth trends in Hinchinbrook Shire," Mary said.

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"Whilst those of us living and working in this space on the ground have been seeing this trend and receiving anecdotal advice of these positive changes over the past 10 years, it is very heartening to see the official data now reflecting this trend."

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Mary said the presentations reinforced her confidence in the region's future.

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"Listening to all the presentations, it reinforced my long-held belief that despite some of the short-term challenges that impact our community over the years, the Hinchinbrook Shire is well placed for a very optimistic future, that will be achieved when those who are prepared to invest in that future are supported by strong political leadership and favourable policy decisions that support regional communities."

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RDA Townsville and North West Queensland thanked Hinchinbrook Shire Council for welcoming the roadshow, the Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism for hosting the community session, Deputy Mayor Mary Brown for her support, and the panel members and community members who contributed to the discussion.

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Residents interested in exploring local employment opportunities can visit Jobs Townsville North Queensland and discover what Hinchinbrook has to offer www.jobsnorthqueensland.com.au

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