As the Councillor responsible for Waste and Water Services portfolio, I often hear concerns about rising costs and how Council can continue to deliver services efficiently while keeping pressure off ratepayers. One area that has a major impact on both is landfill management.

Many people don't realise that operating a landfill involves much more than simply disposing of rubbish.

There are significant costs associated with daily operations, environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and the long-term rehabilitation of landfill sites once they reach capacity and are no longer in use. As these costs continue to increase, so too does the challenge for councils to keep waste management services affordable.

The good news is that there are practical ways we can all help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

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Over many years, Hinchinbrook Shire Council has invested in waste education programs and improved waste separation at our transfer stations. Residents are encouraged to sort materials such as steel, timber, concrete, cardboardand reusable household items into dedicated waste streams. This reduces the volume of rubbish ending up in landfill and also creates opportunities for resource recovery, generating income that helps offset operating costs.

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Recycling remains one of the most effective ways to reduce landfill waste. By ensuring recyclable materials are placed in the correct bins and contamination is minimised, we can improve recycling outcomes and make better use of valuable resources.

Composting is another simple solution that can make a significant difference. Food scraps and garden waste make up a large proportion of household rubbish. Composting these materials at home reduces landfill volumes while creating a useful product for local gardens. Compost bins are readily available through local hardware stores and are a worthwhile investment for many households.

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Education also plays an important role. Through ongoing awareness campaigns, bin audits and community engagement, Council can help residents better understand what can and cannot be disposed of through kerbside collection services.

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Council is also working with other North Queensland councils through the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) to explore regional waste management opportunities. By sharing knowledge, investigating new technologies and working collaboratively on common challenges, councils can identify more efficient and cost-effective approaches to waste management while reducing the amount of material sent to landfill.

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We continue to explore innovative solutions, including emerging waste-to-energy technologies and regional partnerships that may provide future benefits for our community.

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Waste management is everyone's responsibility. Every item recycled, reused or composted is one less item going to landfill. Small actions across our community can make a big difference — not only for the environment but also for managing costs and delivering better value for ratepayers.

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I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. What waste reduction initiatives would you like to see in the Hinchinbrook Shire?

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Nissan Pathfinder, one of the unreserved Hinchinbrook Shire Council Abandoned Vehicles for auction. Photo credit: Hinchinbrook Shire Council

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council advises the community that a number of abandoned vehicles and other unclaimed assets will be offered for sale via a public online auction conducted by Pickles.  

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These vehicles were removed by Council from local roads after being abandoned and left unclaimed.

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Auction details:

·                Auction Opens: 10.00am Monday 27 July 2026  

·                Auction Closes: 3.00pm Tuesday 28 July 2026  

·                Auction Platform: Pickles Online Auctions

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Buyers can participate and bid from anywhere in Australia through the Pickles Online Auction platform.

For all auction enquiries, please contact the Pickles Customer Contact Centre on 1300 052 392  

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Introducing Sukki, a six-year-old beauty with striking markings that make her impossible to overlook. This gorgeous girl is searching for a new family to call her own.

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Sukki would prefer to be the only dog in the household, as she can be selective about her canine companions. What she may lack in dog friends, however, she more than makes up for with her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her people. If you’re looking for a loyal best friend who will stand by your side and fill your home with love, Sukki could be the perfect match.

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Included in adoption fee of $495, Sukki is DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, has up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated & and on PROHEART.

Enquire about Sukki through: Angelpawsinc.com.au/pets-for-adoption/Dogs

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Sex: Female

Breed: Staffy X

DOB: 10/04/2021

Cat Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Kid Friendly: Yes

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With tyres hanging from cranes, volunteers hauling white chemical drums through the sand and piles of plastic bottles stacked high on the beach, the scale of rubbish washing onto Hinchinbrook Island is difficult to ignore.

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For Ocean Crusaders founder Ian Thomson, however, the cleanup is a step back to where the journey all began in 2010.

"I picked up a heap of dead turtles out of the Whitsundays. A few of them had died because of plastics, and I wanted to do something about it," he said.

Mr Thomson initially set a solo sailing world record around Australia to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution before establishing Ocean Crusaders as a hands-on conservation organisation.

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"There's plenty of people trying to educate people," he said.

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"We actually need to go pick up the stuff and get it out of the environment and save our wildlife."

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Since 2016, the organisation has removed more than one million kilograms of debris from Australian waterways. With operations now expanding into North Queensland through an Environmental Recovery Grant, the team recently removed 5.7 tonnes of rubbish from Townsville in just 10 days before beginning work around Hinchinbrook Island.

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The current campaign is only the beginning, with crews scheduled to return later this year to clean the northern reaches of Hinchinbrook, the Family and Barnard Islands, Palm Island group and, potentially, areas throughout the Cassowary Coast.

One of the biggest surprises for the Ocean Crusaders team has been where the rubbish is actually coming from. Many people assume debris washing onto Hinchinbrook Island has drifted across the Coral Sea from overseas, but Mr Thomson said the clean-up tells a very different story.

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"People would say the rubbish around here is foreign, but 99.9 per cent of what we're picking up at the moment is Australian rubbish," he said.

"It's coming out of our towns and ending up on our beaches. We've got to stop blaming other countries and actually look after our own crap first."

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In the Hinchinbrook region, much of that rubbish is believed to be carried down the Herbert River during the annual wet season before washing ashore on the island's beaches and becoming trapped in the mangrove forests.

"The big white drums are coming from farms. The tyres are coming off farms," Mr Thomson said.

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"Farmers don't throw tyres away; they're too expensive to dump, so they just put them around their farms, and when they go under, sadly they just wash away.”

Plastic bottles and aluminium cans remain common finds despite Queensland's Containers for Change scheme, while polystyrene continues to dominate many of the organisation's clean-ups.

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"On beaches like this it's a little bit less because it blows further into the mangroves, but in places like Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne around 30 to 35 per cent of what we collect is polystyrene."

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Working just five-hour days over three days, volunteers covered only about two-and-a-half kilometres of beach between George Point and the island's western point.

Even so, they filled a truck and boat with an estimated two-and-a-half tonnes of rubbish.

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"We've only scratched the surface," Mr Thomson said.

The operation has been made possible by Ocean Crusaders' specialised equipment, including a four-wheel-drive truck fitted with a crane and a shallow-draft work boat capable of reaching isolated creeks and beaches.

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"There's not many boats that can do what we did today," Mr Thomson said.

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"It's why councils call us after floods and cyclones."

Following Cyclone Alfred earlier this year, councils across South East Queensland queued for assistance, with Ocean Crusaders prioritising locations closest to river mouths to stop debris reaching the ocean. Now the organisation hopes to apply that same approach across North Queensland.  

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While the work is physically demanding, volunteers say the spectacular locations make every cleanup worthwhile.

Volunteer Moira said cleaning beaches and mangroves offered the chance to experience nature while helping protect it.

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"The whole reason for doing this is to reduce the negative human impact on nature, so that we're leaving a place better than we found it," she said.

She particularly enjoys working through mangrove forests where storm surges trap debris among the trees.

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"I like the trees, the forest, the flowers, the fungi - just the smells in there."

Long-time volunteer Layne has spent almost a decade travelling across Queensland with Ocean Crusaders and took recreation leave from work to join the Hinchinbrook operation.

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"I'll do what I'm told and clean up where we need to clean up," he said.

"I'm more of a mangrove person than a beach person. Beaches are just too hard to walk around on the soft sand."

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During the Hinchinbrook cleanup, one unusual discovery prompted a response from emergency services.

"We found an aluminium phosphide canister," Layne said.

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"What resulted from that was quite interesting. Learning the emergency response processes and procedures from the Queensland Fire Department about how they had to dispose of it."

Volunteer Deborah, who has been with Ocean Crusaders since before COVID, said the organisation regularly takes volunteers into environments few people ever experience.

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"Ocean Crusaders has taken me to some of the most magical places in the mangroves that you would expect to see on a David Attenborough film," she said.

"Blue underneath, green above, full of wildlife. Spectacular."

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She said the team had recovered everything from truck tyres and water tanks to half refrigerators and even what first appeared to be an eight-person spa.

"We finally realised it was the entire top of a boat!" she laughed.

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For Mr Thomson, however, every unusual find reinforces the same message.

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"We're not a 50-kilo-a-day cleaner. We're closer to a one-tonne-a-day cleaner," he said.

"You'll come home tired. You're usually wet or filthy, but when you look at the boat or the truck and you see how much rubbish there is, it's a satisfying feeling of just going, 'We did that. We're making a real, real difference.'"

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Ocean Crusaders is largely volunteer-run, with community members able to register for future clean-up events through the organisation's website.

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The snake that was placed across the only vehicle entry point to the Halifax RV Park. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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The Halifax Progress Association is calling for an end to suspected malicious vandalism at the Halifax RV Park after sharp metal shards capable of puncturing tyres and a dead snake were deliberately left at the park's only driveway entrance.

The first incident occurred on the evening of Monday, July 6, when hundreds of sharp steel fragments, believed to be a type used in reinforcing concrete fibres, were scattered across the entrance to the park.

The following morning, RV park guests alerted attendants at the local SPA to further suspicious activity. The attendants said they notified the Halifax Progress Association, with volunteers attending the site to clean up the area and dispose of a dead snake that had been placed in the middle of the driveway.

Halifax Progress Association representative Michelle Richards said the deliberate placement of the metal posed a serious safety risk.

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"It was scattered all the way across the path, which is a huge safety issue," Ms Richards said, indicating that the metal laid all down the driveway from where the main road met the park’s fenceline.

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"It's the only way in and out."

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Ms Richards said the sharp metal was difficult to see, while she was cleaning up the entrance in the low light of the evening of the first incident.

“I went home with several of them in my shoes.”

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She said the incidents were particularly concerning given the number of families who use the volunteer-run facility.

"The park attracts visitors from all over, including families travelling with children and dogs," she said.

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"The steel shards and the dead snake at the entrance created a hazard for anyone entering or leaving the park."

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Ms Richards believes the latest incidents were not isolated, with several acts of suspicious or malicious behaviour occurring since the park opened for the tourist season.

"There have been little bouts of suspicious activity happening since we opened up the park to visitors," she said.

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"It's very saddening because we're all volunteers. We just want this park to be beautiful and welcome as many people as possible."

She said there had now been more than five occasions of alleged malicious activity directed at the park.

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Queensland Police were notified of the incidents, with Ms Richards saying the matter had been recorded as illegal dumping, although she believes the deliberate scattering of steel shards and the placing of the dead snake was clearly intended to create a negative image of the RV park.

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A vehicle was reportedly seen entering the area at about 5am on July 7, however darkness prevented witnesses from identifying it.

As a possible preventative measure, the association has discussed options including additional security or trail cameras near the entrance, although no decision has been made.

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Ms Richards said the association would continue working with authorities while monitoring the situation in the hope the behaviour stops before someone or their vehicle is seriously harmed.

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The Progress Association has reported this incident to Council, and Council is now following up on the matter.

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Whether its sweet or savory, Micks Bread Kitchen has a freshly made delicacy just for you. Photos supplied.

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Regular customers visiting Mick's Bread Kitchen will notice a few new additions, with the bakery expanding its menu to include creative drinks and new hearty pies alongside returning favourites.

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From artisan breads and pastries to hearty savouries and decadent sweets, Mick's Bread Kitchen has become a popular stop for locals looking for quality food made with care. The latest additions to the menu continue that tradition, giving customers plenty of reasons to call in and see what's new.

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For those after something heartier, the pie warmer is always filled with their freshly baked favourites. Traditional Pepper Steak and Potato Top pies remain popular choices, while the Pizza Pie offers a fun twist on a bakery classic. New to the range is the Pulled Smoked Brisket Pie with Jalapeño and Cheese, with just the right amount of spice for a delicious hearty meal on the go.

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Leading the way is the café's new Lavender and Sakura Nitro Coffee, a drink that's already turning heads. Smooth, creamy Nitro Cold Brew is infused with delicate lavender or sakura, creating a refreshing floral twist that's unlike anything else on the menu. Thanks to the nitrogen the coffee develops a naturally velvety texture with a silky finish- it’s a perfect for choice for those looking to try something a little different.

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For anyone with a sweet tooth, Mick's Bread Kitchen has welcomed back one of its most requested treats: Creme Brulle and Boston Cream Doughnuts. The soft, fluffy doughnuts are filled with smooth vanilla bean custard and finished with a glossy chocolate glaze. Other flavours include Pistachio, Biscoff and Jam, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving.

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Whether you're stopping in for your morning coffee, grabbing lunch or picking up an afternoon treat, there's always something fresh coming out of the oven at Mick's Bread Kitchen. With inventive new flavours sitting comfortably beside bakery favourites, every visit offers another reason to come back.

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This fortnight, the Crisafulli Government delivered its second Queensland Budget, focused on delivering for Queenslanders through investment in the services and infrastructure our communities need.  

This Budget is especially important because it delivers on the commitments I made to the people of Hinchinbrook. During the by-election, I said I would fight for safer communities, improve safety and flood resilience on the Bruce Highway, deliver better health services, support more housing and unlock opportunities across our region. This Budget backs those commitments with real investment.  

Roads remain one of the biggest issues people raise with me, and this Budget delivers funding to improve flood resilience between Gairloch Floodway and Ripple Creek on the Bruce Highway, along with continued Bruce Highway safety upgrades. These projects will keep our communities connected, support local businesses and improve safety for everyone travelling our region.  

The Budget also delivers funding for new hospital staff accommodation. In addition, the new CT scanner for the Ingham Health Service will give local residents greater access to important diagnostic services closer to home. Investment in trunk infrastructure for Toobanna and Ingham will support future housing, while reconstruction works on Mount Spec Road will strengthen resilience and connectivity across the electorate.  

Another significant milestone this fortnight has been securing the future of Phosphate Hill. This agreement provides greater certainty for regional industries, local workers and the agricultural sector that underpins so much of North Queensland. Supporting the industries our farmers rely on is essential to the long-term strength of our region and helps protect local jobs.  

Budgets are about priorities, and this one sends a clear message. It says Hinchinbrook matters. It says our roads, our health services, our communities and our future deserve investment. I will continue working to ensure Hinchinbrook has a strong voice in Brisbane and that we keep delivering for our region.  

Before I close, I want to acknowledge the tragic events that unfolded across our community last week. My heartfelt condolences are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and my thoughts and prayers remain with everyone affected.  

This has been a heartbreaking week for our community. I also want to sincerely thank our emergency services and first responders for their professionalism, compassion and dedication in responding under incredibly difficult circumstances.

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Police and Firefighters on the scene at Butler St in Tully. Photo sourced: Facebook

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An overnight fire has extensively damaged a commercial building on Butler Street after crews rescued a woman trapped inside before bringing the blaze under control.

Queensland Fire Department crews were called to the shop about 11:30pm on Saturday after reports of a structure fire.

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The first crew arrived shortly before 12:20am to find smoke issuing from the building and worked to gain access after discovering the premises was locked.

Firefighters located one person inside, believed to be one of the business owners, Jean. Crews brought her onto a second-floor awning before safely assisting her to the ground with support from partner emergency services.

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The fire continued to burn while rescue efforts were underway but was brought under control soon afterwards and extinguished just before 1am.

A QFD spokesperson said that initial investigations indicate the blaze was caused by an electrical fault in a refrigerator. As the cause has been identified, no further investigation is required.

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The fire caused extensive damage to the interior of the business, destroying stock and equipment. Owners Nick and Jean, who recently took over the shop, are expected to face several months of repairs before they can reopen.

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Despite the damage, the building remained standing thanks to the efforts of the four Queensland Fire Department crews who responded to the incident. No serious injuries were reported.

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A very important piece of work being undertaken by the Queensland Government at the moment is the Review of the North Queensland Regional Plan.

A Regional Plan is essentially a suite of policies and statutory instruments intended to guide land use planning and development in a manner consistent with the State Government’s strategic intent. Local Government must have regard to the Regional Plan when developing, amending, or adopting local council planning schemes, which are the primary instruments dictating and enabling various land use practices within respective local government areas.

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The renewal of the North Queensland Regional Plan is driven by a clear intent: to ensure that the region’s long-term planning framework remains contemporary, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of communities, industries, and the environment. This update reflects the State’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth while safeguarding the unique social, economic, and environmental values of North Queensland.

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A very strong focus of the previous Regional Plan was the protection of Prime Agricultural Areas (PAAs) from non-agricultural activities. There is no doubt that agricultural land must be protected; however, provision needs to be made for non-agricultural activities to be established on prime agricultural land when good reason and pressing circumstances exist.

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As you would appreciate, most of our district is classified as prime agricultural land, and the previous Plan enabled non-agricultural uses to proceed within PAAs only if the new use was complementary to agriculture and served to add value to agricultural activities (for example, a new sugar mill industrial development in the cane fields), and for no other reason.

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We are advocating for this position to be changed to recognise the largely unique circumstances that exist in our community, namely flooding. We need to be able to offer choice in the establishment of uses such as housing and industrial development in more flood-resilient areas of our district, as circumstances beyond people’s control — such as insurance costs and the escalating expense of raised developments — are changing attitudes. Many people are no longer willing or prepared to operate in environments that may be susceptible to floodwater from even relatively minor events.

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We need to be able to offer that choice to enable growth.

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While we truly believe that agriculture in our district must be protected, we will pursue exemptions that enable non-agricultural uses, such as industrial and residential development, to be accommodated in appropriate, well-considered, and easily serviceable areas of our district.

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Victoria Mill behind vast cane fields, as seen from Warrens Hill Road. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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QSL has marked a significant milestone with the transfer of bulk sugar terminal management to Sugar Terminals Limited (STL), ending decades of operational responsibility.

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QSL Managing Director and CEO Mark Hampson thanked the Operations team for its long-standing service, saying it had built a legacy of safely and efficiently exporting Queensland sugar and molasses to markets around the world.

He said QSL had provided terminal management as a service to the industry without profit, helping establish Queensland's reputation as a reliable global sugar exporter.

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While terminal operations have now transitioned to STL, Mr Hampson said QSL remains focused on its core role as Queensland's largest provider of sugar marketing, pricing and payment services, with a continued commitment to delivering value for cane growers and millers.

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QSL has also announced the results of its 2026 Grower Representative Member elections following ballots in the Burdekin, Herbert River and Mackay regions.

In the Herbert River region, representing Macknade and Victoria mills, Vince Russon and William (Robert) Lyon were elected as Grower Representative Members.

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(Contributed with thanks by QSL – Queensland Sugar Limited)

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Carol Sanderson has been recognised with the Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award at the 2026 Volunteering North Queensland Volunteer of the Year Awards. Photo source: Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Inc.

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Carol Sanderson has spent more than half a century giving back to the Hinchinbrook Shire, a lifetime of selfless service recognised in May when she received the Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award at Volunteering North Queensland's 2026 Volunteer of the Year Awards.

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Known for her compassion, resilience and unwavering commitment to helping others, Ms Sanderson has become one of the region's most respected volunteers, dedicating decades to supporting local organisations and community causes.

"Building connections and supporting others has always been at the heart of what I do, and that's what continues to motivate me to volunteer after all these years," Ms Sanderson said.

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"I enjoy the company and the opportunity to meet new people, and most of all, I enjoy helping others and relieving some of the stress they may be carrying, even if it's simply by providing a listening ear and a friendly chat."

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As one of the founding members of the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, Carol helped establish what has become a vital lifeline for local families and individuals experiencing hardship. Nearly three decades later, at 89 years of age, she still volunteers two days a week, playing an integral role in the Centre's Emergency Relief Program by providing food assistance and practical support to those who need it most.

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Carol's journey into volunteering began in the wake of personal tragedy after losing her husband at a young age. What started as a way to find purpose and healing soon became a lifelong commitment to serving others.

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"Through volunteering, I slowly realised that there are always people facing challenges of their own, [and] seeing others navigate difficult situations helped me feel less alone in my grief," Ms Sanderson reflected.

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"It [volunteering] also gave me a sense of purpose and reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone's life."

Beyond the Support Centre, Carol is an active member of the Lions Club of Ingham, where she assists with fundraising and community initiatives, and a dedicated volunteer with Palliative Care Ingham, supporting and advocating for people receiving end-of-life care. She hopes others will discover the same sense of fulfilment through volunteering.

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"Instead of staying home and doing nothing, get out and volunteer," Ms Sanderson said.

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"There are so many opportunities to make meaningful connections, [and] you never know you might help someone through a difficult time, and they may, in turn, teach you something valuable. Volunteering is rewarding not only for the people you support, but for yourself as well."

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Ms Sanderson's decades of quiet dedication have touched countless lives, leaving an enduring legacy of kindness, compassion and community spirit across the Hinchinbrook Shire.

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In 2025 The Betsy won the ‘Most Humourous’ enrty of the Maraka Festival street parade floats. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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The Hinchinbrook community is mourning the loss of Brian Clerk, a respected volunteer and Australian Fire Service Medal recipient, who died following a workplace incident at a cane farm on Scrubview Road, Bambaroo, this past Thursday afternoon.

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Emergency services were called to the property about 2pm following reports two men had become trapped beneath a trailer. Queensland Police Service confirmed a 63-year-old Bambaroo man, Mr Clerk, died at the scene.

A 70-year-old Bambaroo man sustained serious chest and abdominal injuries and was transported to Townsville University Hospital. Police said a report will be prepared for the Coroner in conjunction with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

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Beyond farming, Mr Clerk was widely known for his decades of service with the Bambaroo Rural Fire Brigade, serving as First Officer for 23 years. During that time, he and fellow brigade members responded not only across the Hinchinbrook region but also deployed throughout Queensland to assist with bushfires, cyclones and floods.

Paying tribute, the Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland described Mr Clerk as a volunteer who embodied the spirit of community service.

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“Many of you in the fire family remember Brian for not only being the Bambaroo 1st Officer for 23 years, but also from him and his brigade deploying across not just the Hinchinbrook but all of Queensland for fires, cyclones or floods.

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“Long term commitment such as his, and that shown by the thousands of brigade members across Australia is a demonstration of what makes this country great.

“We truly hope that his family find comfort in that he was cherished by many and respected by all.”

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Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo said the loss had been deeply felt across the district.

“On behalf of Hinchinbrook Shire Council and our community, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families of those involved in yesterday's tragic accidents.

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“The loss of loved ones in such sudden and heartbreaking circumstances is something no family should ever have to endure, but all we can do is offer our prayers and sympathy.

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“The losses are devastating to a small and close-knit community such as ours.

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“Everyone knows each other and is connected in some manner or form, whether through family, friends, sport, or community activities, and we as a community will honour their memory and offer our strength and support to the families as they grieve the terrible loss that has occurred.

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“May they rest in peace.”

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Tributes also came from the Maraka Festival Committee, which remembered Mr Clerk as a familiar face in the annual street parade and a dedicated community volunteer.

“Brian and ‘Besty’ were regular participants in our street parade for many years. Additionally, as a committed volunteer in the community, his tragic loss will be felt.”

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The dual tragedies on Thursday prompted an outpouring of support from across the Hinchinbrook community, with many recognising Mr Clerk's decades of service and extending their condolences to his family, friends and first responders.

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Messages from the community

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John Fisher - The world is a poorer place with this loss. The big fella and the big smile matched a big heart and I personally am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. But he leaves in his wake a long line of good deeds and positive memories.

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Liz Lane - Such sad news. Brian always lit up the room with his smile and laughter. Our love and prayers are with his family and the rural fire community. He will be missed.

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Ian Cameron - I will miss him greatly at our training nights and other RFS functions. And as a friend of over 40 years through basketball. RIP Brian.

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Simone Michael - Such a big loss for the family and community. He had the biggest heart and a warm smile. Brian will be missed dearly.

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Franco Pagliuso - R.I.P. Brian, a gentleman true and true, a gentle giant. Condolences to his family and friends, also we wish Russell a speedy recovery.

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Alicia Cavalli - Such a loss to our community. My heart is also with all the first responders who in small communities like ours are faced with knowing these community members as well. Big hugs to everyone needing one today

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Leonie Leotta - Very sad for his beloved family and the Ingham community. Sincere Condolences to Brian’s beloved Family.

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Carolyn Lynch - Sincere condolences to the families. May they R.I.P.

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The strange capsule lodged in the sand, found at a Forrest Beach. Photo credit: Queensland Fire Department

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Police were first called to Forrest Beach about 2:30pm on Friday, 3rd July, after three unidentified objects were discovered. A fourth object was located the following day, with Queensland Fire Department scientific specialists later securing a total of five objects and rendering a sixth safe while continuing to search the area.

Authorities believe the debris may have originated from a large satellite or the upper stage of a rocket. The Australian Space Agency is assisting investigators to determine the debris' origin and nature.

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Space Debris Washes Ashore At Forrest Beach

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The objects are suspected to be hydrazine propellant tanks or similar pressure vessels, washed ashore and discovered by Forrest Beach locals. Reports state that Hydrazine is a highly toxic rocket fuel that can remain dangerous long after re-entry and are capable of causingsevere burns, respiratory irritation and long-term organ damage through skin contact or inhalation.

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A Public Safety Preservation Act declaration was initially put in place in the area while specialist crews assessed the objects. This declaration was then revoked once they were rendered safe. However, a 50-metre exclusion zone remained around each item until partner agencies could remove them.

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Police have stressed there is no danger to the wider community and the incident is not being treated as a criminal matter. Queensland Fire Department crews remained on scene alongside partner agencies, with emergency services warning that additional debris could still wash ashore over coming days.

Residents are urged not to approach or touch any unfamiliar metallic objects found along the coastline, as they may contain hazardous materials. Anyone who discovers suspected space debris should move away from the area immediately and contact Triple Zero (000).

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The incident prompted a significant emergency response, with specialist hazmat crews wearing protective suits to recover the objects from the beach before securing them for safe removal. The Australian Space Agency continues to support the operation while investigations into the debris continue.

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The Forensic Crash Unit are investigating following a fatal traffic crash at Toobanna, near Ingham, on the morning of 2^nd July.

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Initial investigations indicate about 9:45am a white Toyota Hilux and a prime mover truck collided on the Bruce Highway near Masters Road, approximately 7km south of Ingham.

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The driver of the Toyota, an 80-year-old Toobanna woman was declared deceased at the scene.

The sole passenger of the Toyota, an 86-year-old Toobanna man, was declared deceased on the way to hospital.

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The driver and sole occupant of the truck, a 44-year-old South Gladstone man was not physically injured and is assisting police.

The Bruce Highway was closed in both directions and motorist were urged to avoid the area.  

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Investigations are ongoing.

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The Shed Gym opened its doors just over 12 months ago and is reaching new heights with 20 of its members competing Sydney Hyrox.  

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For those new to the Hyrox craze it’s a high energy global competition that combines functional strength training with endurance cardio. Competitors are faced with eight different workout stations and run 1km intervals for a total of 8km.  

In 2025 Hyrox Sydney had 20,000 participants which was a global record and this year the expected turnout is set to be over 28,000.  

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Owner and coach Jaime Harris reflects on how far the gym has come in a short space of time.

"There was no gym in the area so all the tradies got behind us and the building was up within four months,” she explaimed.

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“From the first slab going down to being open, it’s a gym made by the community for the community.”

The gym offers state of the art equipment with adequate space for a self-guided workout, a private stretching area and an outdoor workout space. They offer a variety of classes throughout the week and round it off by hosting Social Saturday at 6:30am.  

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Jamie says “in the beginning we had eight people turn up to a class now we’re averaging 40 which is pretty amazing”.

Local resident and member Katie Kirkwood started her fitness journey when the gym opened a year ago and regularly attends the group classes as well as 4 PT sessions a week.  

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She has just completed her 2nd Hyrox event and shaved off 7 mins from her first one which was just a few months ago in Brisbane.

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The Shed Gym might be situated in a small town but it’s doing big things “The community has backed us and whilst they continue to do so we’ll keep doing what we’re doing”.

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