Queenslanders Urged To Stick To Science As Melanoma Rates Remain Highest Worldwide Health experts are urging Queenslanders to rely on proven medical advice, not social media myths, when it comes to sun safety, as the state continues to record the highest melanoma rates in the world. Dermatologist Associate Professor Erin McMeniman, from Princess Alexandra Hospital and the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine, says misinformation about sunscreen is spreading online at an alarming rate. “Particularly in Queensland, most people receive enough sun exposure to produce vitamin D simply through their daily incidental activities, such as hanging out the washing or checking the letterbox,” she said. She warns that unprotected sun exposure remains the leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers, with 4,085 Queenslanders diagnosed in 2021 and 385 losing their lives. “Skin damage can occur after 10 minutes exposure when the UV index is at 3 or above. In Queensland, the UV index is 3 or above all year round, even in winter,” she said. In recent weeks, UV levels have reached 14 and 15, classified as “extreme”, further emphasising the need for regular sun protection. Despite these well-established risks, a range of myths persist online, including claims that sunscreen causes cancer, that tans prevent sunburn, or that darker-skinned people cannot get skin cancer. Assoc Prof McMeniman says these claims are not only false, but dangerous. “Unprotected sun exposure has been proven to cause cancer.” She adds that sunscreen found in make-up is rarely strong enough to provide real protection. “You need SPF30 or higher rating to be protected against sun exposure,” she said. “If it’s not SPF30 or above, you should be wearing additional sunscreen under your makeup when you’re in the sun for an extended period.” Assoc Prof McMeniman says one of the biggest concerns is the rising number of Queensland children experiencing sunburn, with nearly half reporting at least one burn in the past year. “Sunburn in childhood, frequent sunburn and sunburn that blisters the skin all increase a person’s susceptibility to UV-related cancers,” she said. Adults over 60 remain the most at-risk group due to limited sun safety education when they were young. However, she says younger generations are benefiting from decades of awareness campaigns, with melanoma rates now slightly declining in those under 40. As Queensland heads into another Summer of intense UV levels, the message from experts remains clear: slip, slop, slap and slide, every day.
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There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown bushtucker. Bringing native Australian plants into your garden is a delicious way to connect with the land and enjoy fresh, seasonal flavours straight from your backyard. Here are four native plants that are easy to grow and a joy to harvest. Riberry Riberry, also known as lilly pilly, is a versatile shrub or small tree that brightens the garden with its glossy foliage and colourful fruit. The berries have a unique, spicy flavour with hints of clove and cinnamon, making them ideal for jams, sauces, or desserts. It's a magnet for birds and pollinators, so while you’re enjoying the fruits, your garden is also supporting local wildlife. Kangaroo Apple Kangaroo apple is a striking shrub that offers a distinct visual interest to the garden, with vibrant purple flowers and sweet, tangy fruit. The berries are delicious when fully ripe and can be enjoyed fresh or in creative dishes such as salads or preserves. Lemon Myrtle Lemon myrtle is a fragrant, evergreen plant prized for its intensely citrus-scented leaves. Perfect for teas, marinades, desserts, or sauces, this rainforest native is both ornamental and highly functional. It can be pruned to a manageable size, making it suitable for gardens of any scale. Lemon myrtle’s year-round leaves and aromatic qualities make it a must-have for any bush-tucker garden. Midyim Berry The midyim berry, or midgen berry, is a low-growing shrub with sweet, tangy berries that resemble blueberries. Its copper-toned new growth adds aesthetic charm, and the fruit is perfect for jams, sauces, or simply eating fresh. It also supports pollinators and provides food for native wildlife, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to cultivate a productive and ecologically friendly space. Why Grow Bushtucker? Native edible plants are naturally adapted to Australian soils and climates, often requiring less water and maintenance than exotic alternatives. They support biodiversity, offering food and habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. And, of course, they taste incredible, fresh, unique, and full of nutrients. A true taste of Australian bush bliss.
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Rachel Cauchis' Newest Optometrist Joining the team around the start of May, the practice’s newest optometrist has quickly settled into his role and has now been here for around seven months. When asked how he is finding it, he laughed, saying how much he enjoyed the office culture, showing he has meshed well with the other optometrists and enjoys the light-hearted environment of the workplace. Originally from Sydney, he studied optometry at the University of New South Wales. His move north came after a rural placement where he was encouraged to get in touch. After a phone call with Travis Cauchi the practice manager and co-owner, he decided to take a chance, packed everything up and thought, “Why not give it a go?” In practice, one of his favourite pieces of equipment is the slit lamp, which gives a magnified 3D view of the interior structures of the eye and allows him to closely examine eye anatomy and detect potential eye disease. He has a strong interest in picking up and managing eye disease, particularly in a regional setting where access to specialist care can be limited. He enjoys working closely with visiting ophthalmologists and doing his best to manage patients locally when travel is difficult. He sees professional development as something that happens every day, learning through experience and exposure to a wide variety of cases. While most of his patients are elderly, they are also his favourites. He enjoys their life stories, their humour and the genuine appreciation they show, which he finds incredibly rewarding. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring local waterfalls, travelling to Cairns and Townsville, and playing basketball with the local community. He is rarely without his film camera and considers himself more of a beach person, happy to sit by the water for hours.
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The Queensland Government has delivered its first major update to crocodile management in almost a decade. The new plan prioritises community safety, with increased patrols and an expansion of removal zones. It represents a commonsense approach to crocodile management. The Government’s Queensland Crocodile Management Plan puts human safety first and was developed with feedback from communities in North and Far North Queensland, including Ingham. The plan will implement increased crocodile management measures, including more patrols in high-risk areas and expanded removal zones. This evidence-based strategy demonstrates the Government’s commitment to listening to local communities and has been shaped by expert recommendations and extensive scientific research. Key changes for Ingham: Tyto Wetlands in Ingham to be upgraded to an Active Removal Zone, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake proactive patrols of this area and any crocodile found to be removed. Regional communities will continue to be consulted on the plan, with a designated four-week annual consultation period and updates made on a rolling basis. A mandatory review will be conducted every five years to ensure the plan continues to reflect the needs of the communities it impacts. The Government will also continue to remove crocodiles from the wild that pose a threat to public safety. Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the people of his electorate voted for change, and he was proud to deliver it in his first week as local Member. “Hinchinbrook now has a seat at the government table and work has already begun to deliver the fresh start we promised – starting with a new crocodile management plan that puts the safety of people first in Ingham,” Mr Chiesa said. “Upgrading Tyto Wetlands to an Active Removal Zone is the commonsense approach that’s needed and has been lacking for far too long under the former Government.” Mayor of Hinchinbrook regional council, Ramon Jayo, said it was a practical step to protect the area but to remain Crocwise. "TYTO Wetlands and the surrounding precinct remain one of our most popular destinations. While crocodiles are a natural part of life in North Queensland, proactive management is essential to keep visitors safe. Recent changes by the Queensland Government will allow for increased patrols and the targeted removal of crocodiles that pose a risk to the community. Crocodiles are part of our environment, so staying Crocwise is about using common sense—be alert near waterways, keep your distance, and never take chances."
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The Cardwell and Tully Sub Branches met at the El Arish RSL Hall for a morning tea and a tour of the town's Museum. Incidentally, this gathering occurred on the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific or V.P. Day.
The El Arish Hall committee are to be congratulated for their hard work in keeping these buildings in top condition, and their community spirit was an inspiration to all the visitors. El Arish is an old soldier settlement town and has a very strong connection to our Military past.
The recently commissioned “War Horse to Plough Horse “ exhibit is a brilliant example of what a community can achieve.
Contributed with thanks by Rob Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub-Branch
Jim Hodge may call himself “a newbie” to Hinchinbrook, but after 22 years in Ingham, he has become a well-known voice both in person and online.
Born in Victoria in 1957, Jim spent little time in his birth state before moving around Australia. When it came time to settle, Ingham stood out. “It ticked enough boxes,” Jim said. “It was big enough to have Coles and Woolies, but not the traffic woes of bigger places. And the people were my kind of people.” He admired the strong work ethic of the Italian community in particular, which helped him feel right at home.
Jim’s working life was spent as a postie in New South Wales. He recalls long hours, especially at Christmas, when mail reached its peak. “One year, I didn’t start the round until five in the afternoon after a full day of sorting,” he said. The heavy workload eventually took a toll on his health, and he has been on a pension since his forties.
Life in Ingham has brought both challenges and new beginnings. Jim lost his first wife nearly 13 years ago after caring for her through illness. Today, he is married to Olivia, who has encouraged him to reconnect with the wider world. “Thanks to her, I got out in the world again,” he said. “The spirit wants to go, but the body doesn’t always agree anymore.”
Jim is a regular at the Seniors Morning Coffee Club, which he admits is his main form of socialising. Away from gatherings, he spends much of his time on the computer. While Olivia is active on Facebook, Jim also uses the platform, often adding his perspective to local conversations. “Somebody’s got to rock the boat,” he said with a smile.
Among his strongest views are the need for better community infrastructure, particularly footpaths. “It’s fine in the fancy parts of town, but down Perkins or McIlwraith Street, there’s nothing,” he said as he sees firsthand how difficult accessibility can be.
Before his father passed aged 94, Jim went to visit him as often as he could, always sporting his lucky hat so his father could recognise him. He suffered from dementia linked to a lack of vitamin B12, which has shaped Jim’s awareness of health services in regional areas. His own struggles with eyesight and the long wait for treatment have only reinforced his concerns about access to specialist care in smaller towns.
Candid, humorous, and never afraid to speak his mind, he continues to be an active presence in the Hinchinbrook community, and newcomer or not, Jim Hodge has found his place in Ingham.
The Second World War also left its mark on the region. In December 1942, the American B24 bomber Texas Terror crashed on Mount Straloch, killing all on board – five crew members and seven passengers. Cardwell later became home to the Battle of the Coral Sea memorial, commemorating the fierce battle fought in 1942 against the Japanese by US allies just 800 metres off the Queensland coast.
Post-war developments saw gradual population growth and economic changes. In 1961, the Cardwell Shire Council area had a population of 5,183, and by 1967 the Queensland Government called for applications for the development of a tourist resort at Cape Richards; consequently, Hinchinbrook Island Proprietary Limited were granted the lease. The current jetty – the third constructed at Cardwell – was officially opened in July 1969. Hinchinbrook Island itself, recognised as Australia’s largest island National Park, spans 52 km in length and 10 km in width, with its highest peak, Mt Bowen, reaching 1,142 metres.
Texas Terror: There were heavy storms around Ingham and Cardwell that morning, and the crew would not be expecting such big peaks as those found on Hinchinbrook while flying over the sea. Although coastal residents reported seeing a flash on Mt Straloch on the day of the crash, and later sugar mill workers reported seeing sunlight flash off pieces of metal just below the summit, the search for the "Texas Terror" was concentrated further north.
Lucinda Coast Guard will be conducting a Marine Radio Licence course for members of the public at the Lucinda Base, 19 Patterson Parade, Lucinda, on Saturday, 27th September. It is a legal requirement to hold a marine radio licence if you have a marine radio installed on your boat.
The course covers both LROCP (Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency) for HF radios and SROCP (Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency) for VHF radios. It begins at 8:15am and runs for approximately 7 hours. Please bring your own lunch, tea and coffee will be available.
The course costs $100 and bookings are essential. To reserve your place, please contact Rex on 0439 079 922.
Hello Everyone,
Welcome to the 37th issue of Hinchinbrook Life! It’s hard to believe we’ve been producing your free weekly newspaper for over six months now – and what an incredible journey it’s been!
We’re proud to bring back a local newspaper to the region. Our passion shines through in everything we do – from our journalist Victoria out gathering stories and snapping photos, to our sales manager Sherie, who works closely with local businesses to meet their marketing needs. And behind the scenes, our central office team helps bring it all together each week.
For those new to our story, Life Publishing Group is an independent, locally-owned business. We’ve been publishing magazines for nearly 15 years and added weekly newspapers five years ago – right when many printed publications were shutting down, we took the opposite path and grew.
What started as one paper has grown into five weekly mastheads. Our mission is simple: to connect communities, provide a free local voice in print, and give businesses a platform they can be proud of.
Local businesses have been at the heart of this journey from day one. Their support makes it possible for us to deliver this paper to you free each week.
If you’re a business owner, we’d love to see your ad here. You’ll get free design, strong local exposure, and a real sense of pride in supporting something truly local.
And to our readers – take a moment to check out those ads. Shop local, support the businesses that support your newspaper – and be sure to mention where you saw them!
Thank you for your continued support – it means the world.
Rach
Women across the region are being encouraged to take the next step in their leadership journey, with partial scholarships now available through Women & Leadership Australia.
With up to $5,000 on offer per person, the scholarships aim to empower more women to build their leadership skills, expand their workplace impact, and take on greater responsibilities—regardless of career stage.
Women & Leadership Australia’s programs are designed for flexibility, allowing participants to engage in part-time study that blends cutting-edge theory with practical application.
There are four programs available, each tailored to different levels of experience:
Graduates are seeing real results with 9 in 10 gaining the confidence to step into senior leadership, more than 90% improving their ability to lead change, and 80% reporting positive career progression.
Applications close Friday, the 22nd of August and to learn more and register, visit www.wla.edu.au/industry/register.
Cardwell was transformed into an intergalactic hotspot from 8 to 10 August 2025 as the Australian UFO Festival returned for its fourth year, attracting visitors from across the country. After a year’s absence in 2024, anticipation had been building for months, and the festival did not disappoint, offering three days packed with cosmic conversation, community fun, and unforgettable experiences.
The action began on Friday with free community events, including a Planetarium experience and Stories in the Stars, setting a tone of wonder and curiosity for the weekend ahead.
At the heart of the festival was the C-Files Forum, a two-day program that once again proved to be one of the festival’s biggest drawcards. Guest speakers such as author Rowan Bo and researcher Grant Lavac shared thought-provoking insights into UFO encounters, UAP investigations, and extraterrestrial disclosure. Along with the C-Files Tours, which sold out, took visitors to local UFO hot spots and shared Cardwell’s own mysterious sightings history
Beyond the forums and tours, the weekend celebrated Cardwell’s creative spirit and community connection. The Hinchinbrook Regional Arts Mosaic Workshop and Star People & Ancestral Connections Workshop explored the artistic and cultural sides of cosmic curiosity.
Families flocked to the foreshore on the weekend, especially for Sunday’s Monster Market Day featuring dozens of stalls, face painting and alien crafts, crab races, and a classic Aussie BBQ. A Moon Phases Workshop and a bustling car boot sale added to the variety, ensuring there was something for every type of festival-goer.
From serious discussions on the unexplained to light-hearted fun for the whole family, the 2025 Australian UFO Festival proved why it has become one of the region’s most unique and beloved annual events, leaving visitors and locals alike eager for the next chance to connect under the Cardwell stars.
Since the commencement of the Hinchinbrook Life, I have published weekly updates to keep everyone better informed about State Government and other important local matters from across our region. So much positive feedback has been received, and I am grateful that my contributions are achieving their purpose.
This has only been made possible by the return of a free, local paper and I wanted to take some time this week to give a well-deserved acknowledgement to the Hinchinbrook Life and the hard-working team behind the publication who go above and beyond to not only provide important information and news, but who also create a proud sense of community connection.
The Hinchinbrook Life provides the best of both worlds with an easily accessible online platform for those who prefer to read electronically, as well as a generous supply of printed papers for those who prefer a hard copy. Printed versions can be found at 15 newspaper stands in high-traffic locations and 87 business drop-off points such as cafes, medical clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, takeaway stores, hardware stores, Woolworths and Coles.
As a weekly contributor, I’ve found this paper to be an invaluable platform. As regular readers would have seen, it allows me to engage with the community, provide Parliamentary updates, highlight important local issues, inform policy developments, and celebrate our electorate’s achievements. It’s a direct and personal way to stay in touch with the community.
The proof of Hinchinbrook Life’s success lies in its numbers. Initially, 2,700 weekly copies of the paper were printed, and this has now been increased to 3,000 copies. After being distributed on Tuesday each week, approximately 98% of copies are gone by Thursday.
I would like to specifically acknowledge certain members of the Hinchinbrook Life team. Our local journalist, Victoria Velton, Editor-in-Chief, Rachael Smith, Sales Manager Sherie Hensler-Adams and the brilliant graphic design team, who deserve medals for their patience in creating individual and specific artworks on my behalf and all of the business advertisers. Thank you for all your efforts and the pride you take in the attention to detail.
Equally important are the local businesses whose advertising helps fund the production of this paper. Without their backing, a free community paper like this simply wouldn’t be possible. The combined effort has brought a wonderful benefit to our region.
Contributed with thanks by Nick Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook.
To mark the beginning of celebrations for 2025 National Skills Week, on Saturday, August 23, North Queensland Senior School and training organisation, Tec-NQ, will throw open its doors for an all-ages Open Day with a difference. With 69 trades currently identified as experiencing a national skills shortage, there is no better time to try out a trade.
Tec-NQ Chief Executive Officer Ross Jorgensen said this year’s Open Day will be an all-ages celebration of everything trade, offering something of interest for the whole family.
“Again in 2025, we’ll have a selection of industry partners displaying unique and emerging technical tools of trade. Teachers, trainers, industry partners and students will also be on hand to talk about undertaking a work-based education at Tec-NQ” he added.
There will be hands-on try-a-trade activities for all ages. Kids can rev up a big diesel motor, teens can wire a circuit board, and everyone can test their welding skills on the augmented reality simulator. Plus, engage in interactive activities and small take-home projects.
Tec-NQ is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), an independent senior secondary school and an accredited boarding school with extensive industry networks to deliver trade-based career opportunities for North Queensland students. Tec-NQ House, located in Rosslea, accommodates up to 40 male boarding students from remote and rural communities completing their schooling at Tec-NQ.
The Open Day runs from 9am – 12.30pm on Saturday 23rd August at their campus at 54 Discovery Drive in Douglas. Register for a campus tour and information session at tecnq.com.au
July has been another exceptionally busy month of activities where Hinchinbrook Chamber has either facilitated, collaborated or participated in supporting its membership and the broader business community in a diverse number of ways. With the commencement of the new financial year, drive market visitation and cane crushing season well and truly underway, there has been a noticeable increase in activity and visitors in our community.
Chamber has been extremely active in continuing to support the broader community through the work being undertaken by the Community Recovery Officer. CRO Jane continues to extend the outreach work into the wider community and has been very busy this month, attending multiple events to inform attendees of the recovery support available, as well as engaging individually across her networks.
Chamber has also been facilitating individual appointments for residents to discuss grant information opportunities with Dept of Small and Family Business officer - Gerard Millican, as well as QRIDA Representative Sam Spina. The importance of the support being delivered by the many different government agencies cannot be understated, as these funds are essential to the recovery and rebuilding process to progress, for many in our community.
The very well attended “Women in the Agriculture” coffee morning resulted in many supportive, encouraging and enlightening conversations shared in a relaxed and informative environment. The insight gained from the attendees' perspective was very insightful and will assist in informing future recovery planning.
The third “Markets at the Mosaic” for the year was hosted on July 19 and with the theme being “Christmas in July”. This market day boasts 30 handmade artisans – the biggest markets to date, by way of stall holders, attendance and percentage of visitors from outside the shire. With this time of year showcasing superb weather conditions for our region, and an influx of tourist activity, the markets welcomed a staggering 46% of out-of-shire visitors to this event, with the vast majority surveyed stating they were holidaying for varying amounts of time.
It is indeed encouraging to witness the busyness in the community during this time of the year, and Chamber encourages all business owners to review their marketing plans to ensure they are capitalising on these increased opportunities.
Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Max has his boots firmly planted in two very different worlds: the rugged, hands‑on life of a central Queensland cattle station, and the bustling day‑to‑day routine of boarding school in Townsville.
“I live on a station north of Clermont called Mazeppa,” Max explained. “When I’m not here at school, I live there with my family.”
Home for Max is anything but quiet. Mazeppa Station is a working property that runs both cattle and crops, keeping everyone on their toes year‑round. “We have a mix of cattle and crops, so there’s always plenty to do,” he said. “There’s not really such a thing as a day off on the property.”
Max is no stranger to getting his hands dirty. When he’s home, he’s often found helping his dad with jobs around the station, including driving tractors and mustering cattle, to basic maintenance like greasing machinery and checking equipment.
Max already has one eye on the future. His goal is to gain trade qualifications that will help him bring even more value to the family business.
“I think if I can do an apprenticeship as a mechanic or a diesel fitter or something like that, it’ll be great for working on the farm,” he said.
When he’s not lending a hand with station work, Max makes time for his own kind of fun. A keen rider, he often jumps on his CRF230 motorbike or catches up with friends. “We like to go pigging on weekends and in the school holidays,” Max said with a grin.
Despite the change of pace, Max has taken boarding school life in his stride. At Tec‑NQ House, he’s made strong friendships and settled well into the rhythm of living away from home. “In my free time, I go to Planet Fitness with my mates or watch the Storm play in the NRL,” Max said. “I’m enjoying it so far, it’s much better than regular school.”
Max is one of many regional students who benefit from Tec‑NQ House, a purpose‑built boys-only boarding facility located in Rosslea, Townsville. Opened in March 2022, it provides accommodation for up to 40 senior school students from regional and remote Queensland, helping them access Tec‑NQ’s unique trade‑focused senior school program.
The facility is designed to promote social connection and inclusivity while maintaining a nurturing, homely atmosphere. Students enjoy 24/7 supervised care, air‑conditioned double‑occupancy rooms, modern communal areas, streaming services, computers, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.
Tec‑NQ House balances structure and support. Dedicated staff foster wellbeing and independence, while the on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals. Students also enjoy after‑hours excursions, sports, and social activities. Daily transport is provided to the Tec‑NQ Douglas co-educational campus and work placements.
For Max, Tec‑NQ House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a launchpad. With support and pathways into trade careers, students like Max are shaping their own promising futures, firmly grounded in both boots and books.
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While the weather conditions during the month of July have provided some wetter-than-expected days, visitor numbers in the Shire are still holding quite strongly.
It is very encouraging to witness the strong visitation numbers that are being reported across the Shire and the number of tourists evident in the community, enjoying all our Shire has to offer.
The increased activity generated by the combination of the seasonal visitor influx, cane harvest and milling seasonal demands, and contractor workforce that are delivering construction and insurance projects is generating a greater demand for all types of employment opportunities across the Shire.
Employers are reporting a continued high demand for workers across many sectors, including in the hospitality, aged care, childcare, and disability support services, as well as the harvest and milling sectors.
The current competitive employment market is requiring employers to reassess their recruitment and job marketing strategies in an attempt to fill the numerous local vacancies.
The latest data has revealed that Hinchinbrook Shire has some of the most affordable housing in the state and combined with the very appealing lifestyle and surrounding abundant natural beauty, makes it a very desirable location for many Australians looking to relocate north.
With the major project opportunities that are moving toward commencement, the Hinchinbrook Shire is very well positioned to witness increased development in the foreseeable future.
Whilst the Shire residents continue to navigate the impacts the February flooding had on their lives, which has an understandably strong focus on repairing and rebuilding properties, livelihoods, and community, it is also important to have an eye to future opportunities.
Through the Hinchinbrook Employment and Skills Development Reference Group, Council brings together monthly representatives from secondary schools, training organisations, employment and apprenticeship providers, and major employers.
The purpose of these meetings is to identify these employment and skilling challenges, as well as explore potential opportunities facing employers.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council is committed to delivering long-term, practical solutions for Mt Fox Road — a critical transport corridor that supports local residents, farmers, school communities, and key stakeholders such as Windlab.
Following a series of severe weather events, including the widespread February 2025 rain, Mt Fox Road sustained extensive and serious damage. More than 35 landslip sites were identified across the range, with large sections of the road base destabilised and critical drainage infrastructure compromised. At the height of the damage, there was significant pressure to close the road completely.
However, thanks to the dedication of local contractors and emergency crews, Council was able to maintain limited access, keeping the road open under restricted conditions. Council has now completed comprehensive geotechnical assessments and is progressing to the next phase of the project.
We are preparing to go out to tender for major remediation works. This is not a short-term fix. This remediation work is undertaking full permanent repair of the sites impacted by the flooding events. The scope involves substantial reconstruction of the range section, with funding secured through state and federal disaster recovery programs.
Works will include rebuilding the damaged road surface, improving drainage, including replacing inadequate culverts, and reinstating via stabilising landslips and structural failures associated with the terrain. Whilst Council will do its best to maintain reasonable access during reconstruction works — using stop-and-go personnel and detours where possible — there will likely be times when full road closures are necessary for extended periods to allow work to be carried out safely. This is due to the minimal space available for machinery and materials.
In these cases, it is expected that the road may be closed to all traffic from approximately 8:30am to 4:00pm on any given day. Council will ensure residents and stakeholders receive timely notice of any closures and will coordinate detours and alternate access where possible.
Cutting corners is not an option. We will continue to communicate with affected residents and stakeholders. Council is in ongoing contact with our contractors, government funders, and project partners to ensure that the work is done thoroughly and to the highest standard.
Canegrowers Herbert River Chairman Steven Marbelli and Manager Frank Scardamaglia have met with Wilmar’s leadership team to voice growing frustration over the continued failures in the company’s rail and transport operations. The meeting, held earlier this week, came in response to a string of derailments and locomotive incidents that have plagued the region’s harvest operations and shaken the confidence of growers and harvesting contractors.
With two more derailments occurring recently, the pressure has mounted for Wilmar to not only acknowledge the systemic issues but to urgently formulate and communicate a clear improvement plan.
“Growers and harvester operators have simply had enough,” Mr Marbelli said. “We’re already facing a poor crop due to the February floods, and the ongoing rail breakdowns are now threatening what’s left of this season’s viability.
"The lack of performance from Wilmar’s transport division is unacceptable.”
Mr Scardamaglia reinforced the point that confidence in Wilmar’s ability to crush the crop in a timely manner is at an all-time low.
“It’s not just about the derailments – it’s about a broader pattern of unreliability, lack of communication, and an absence of visible strategy. The performance this year has been far below industry expectations. If Wilmar doesn’t turn this around 180 degrees, we’re going to see serious consequences for growers’ bottom lines,” he said.
Local grower Michael Reinaudo, who is also a harvester contractor and one of the largest growers in the district, echoed these concerns, stating, “We can’t keep investing in our operations only to be let down by a transport system that doesn’t function. Every day there’s a delay is another day we risk losing cane. If this keeps up, some growers simply won’t want to continue growing or supporting the industry.”
Canegrowers Herbert River urged Wilmar to provide a detailed plan on how they intend to stabilise their rail operations and rebuild trust with the grower base. This includes addressing the root causes of the ongoing derailments, ensuring proper maintenance and staffing levels, and communicating with growers more transparently and proactively.
Growers have already made major investments in this season, and many are now being forced to absorb additional costs and delays because of rail failures that are outside their control. With the wet weather earlier in the year already damaging crop yields, growers cannot afford further disruption from operational mismanagement.
Canegrowers Herbert River has committed to keeping its members updated and will continue to hold Wilmar accountable until meaningful improvements are seen across the transport network.
“Wilmar must now step up and deliver real solutions – the industry is depending on it,” Mr Marbelli said.
Contributed with thanks to Canegrowers Herbert River.
National Farm Safety Week, held from the 20th to the 26th of July, served as an important reminder that the health and wellbeing of farmers is critical to maintaining safety on the land. Marking the occasion, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) called for stronger support for rural healthcare services to better protect those who work in one of the country’s most demanding industries.
According to ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin, investing in local, high-quality healthcare is essential for creating safer farming environments across Australia’s rural and remote regions.
“Farming is one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs in Australia, and our farmers face unique health and safety risks every day,” Dr Martin said.
“To support safer farms, we must support the health of the people who run them — that means having skilled, locally based doctors who understand rural and remote life and can provide care when and where it’s needed.”
Dr Martin said Rural Generalists (RGs) — doctors trained to work across multiple disciplines in rural settings — play a key role in delivering that care.
“Rural Generalist doctors bring advanced skills in emergency medicine, mental health, surgery, maternity care, anaesthetics, and more – and are trained to deliver whole-of-life care in settings beyond the urban footprint,” he said.
“Whether it’s responding to a machinery accident, providing mental health support via telehealth, or managing chronic disease, RGs are vital to the fabric of healthy rural communities.”
As the only medical college dedicated to training a Rural Generalist workforce, ACRRM says that improving access to these services is not only good for individual farmers but also for the future of entire communities.
“Investing in RGs will not only improve rural health outcomes — it will help stabilise the rural medical workforce and support the sustainability of rural towns,” Dr Martin said.
“It’s time we recognised that building up rural healthcare is part of building up rural Australia.”
While Farm Safety Week has wrapped up for another year, the message is clear: year-round support for rural healthcare is essential to safer farms, stronger communities, and a more resilient agricultural sector.
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