The Queensland Government is investing $2 million in targeted action to tackle the state’s escalating feral pig problem, easing the burden on regional communities and supporting the agricultural sector.

Following years of limited progress, feral pig populations have exploded across Queensland, causing widespread damage to crops, natural ecosystems and waterways. In 2023 alone, ABARES reported $95 million in production losses and control costs due to feral pigs in Queensland.

The new investment includes $1 million to develop a Queensland Feral Pig Action Plan, designed in consultation with key stakeholders and tailored to meet the unique challenges of different regions. The remaining $1 million will support the development of innovative control methods over the next three years.

This initiative adds to the government’s broader $50 million, four-year commitment to strengthening biosecurity across the state.

Regional feral pig coordinators, funded by the state government, are already on the ground in six key areas—Cairns, Longreach, Mareeba, Townsville, Mt Isa, and more—working alongside landholders, local councils, and agencies on coordinated control measures including baiting, trapping and aerial shooting.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said reducing feral pig numbers would take investment, innovation and teamwork.

“We need to make a dent in feral pig populations, not only to protect primary production but to mitigate biosecurity risks,” Minister Perrett said.

“Feral pigs cost primary producers millions of dollars every year.

“We know the only way to get on top of this growing problem is to have a coordinated plan with everyone from landholders to the Government working together.

“Whether you’re a grazier out west, a sugarcane farmer up north, a strawberry grower on the granite belt, a natural resource manager in the Wet Tropics, a traditional owner on the Cape, or part of a local, state, or Commonwealth government agency—your ideas, expertise, and action are essential.”

Senator Gerard Rennick from People First Party was in Ingham last Thursday to get the word out about what his party is all about.

He said that peoples main concern was the direction is heading in.

“They feel as though the Australian or the major parties aren't putting Australians first. They're putting foreign interests first,” he explained.

“They're looking for parties who have solutions and can actually provide some vision and direction, vision in where they want the country to be, and that is ultimately a country that can stand on its own two feet to be prosperous, and make sure that our children get the same opportunities their forefathers gave to us.”

Senator Rennick said that the people’s concerns align with his parties policies entirely.

“We want to protect the individual and the families,” he said.

“We want to lower taxes. We want smaller government. We want to give greater choice in childcare and superannuation, and we want the government to get back to doing those big macro things like building infrastructure and funding it domestically in order to make sure we keep the wealth here.”

Describing their party's approach, the Senator Rennick said, "Our point of difference is that we are solutions-focused, but we also want to be very professional and polished and measured in how we go about dealing with our colleagues in Canberra.”

“We need to adopt a collaborative approach that we can influence outcomes, rather than a combative approach.

“We want to be a different minor party. We want to be collaborative. We want to be progressive. We want to have solutions, rather than complain about the problems.”

With a background including a Masters of Tax Law, a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Masters of Applied Finance, the candidate said they are well-prepared to address the economic challenges Australia faces.

The candidate also advocated for lower immigration, the removal of renewable energy subsidies, the establishment of an independent judicial commission, and stronger protections for whistleblowers.

Hiya Hinchinbrook Shire!

I am Victoria, you're newly arrived journalist of the Hinchinbrook Life.

What a weekend I have had! It began with snorkelling in the Whitsundays and getting sunburnt on a boat trip on Saturday and culminated with me driving almost five hours to get to this lovely town in the heart of cane country. Utterly exhausted, and would you believe I forgot to pack my laundry powder? I think I would have forgotten more if I didn't keep notes and lists!

Since starting with the Life Publishing Group three months ago I have travelled a whopping 1500kms to move my life from Brisbane, all the way up the coast and pit-stopping in Airlie Beach for my training, to finally reach Hinchinbrook this weekend.

It's been a long but adventurous journey and I am very glad to be here!

Now that I'm here, I'm keen to make the most of it. With my camera charged, note-pad and pen, I'm already in the field hunting stories and capturing community moments that truly encapsulate the spirit of the people up here in sunny North Queensland.

If you see me about town, say hello! I can't wait to meet everyone and learn more about this town and all that is happening here. Always happy to stop for a chat (unless I have to run off to an interview!), let's make the most of our time here together.

Kindly, Victoria

Fun fact: Laundry detergents were developed because of a soap scarcity in WW1!

When disastrous floods swept through the region in February, the town of Ingham found itself in a crisis unlike any it had seen in recent memory with devastating flood waters surpassing the levels they reached in the historic floods of 1967.

Amidst the chaos of the floods the local medical practices Hinchinbrook Healthcare and Ingham Family Medical Practice banded together in times of uncertainty and provided a glimmer of light to Ingham residents, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resourcefulness.

Hinchinbrook Healthcare was among the first to respond, despite losing power for almost a week, they refused to wait for outside help and sprang into action. Under the leadership of Dr Stewart Jackson, the team acted swiftly, after obtaining a generator with the help of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network  and leveraging their miraculously intact internet connection, they were able to resume consultations within days. The clinic provided invaluable urgent medical care for flood related injuries, chronic conditions, even going above and beyond to arrange private retrievals for patients requiring vital cancer or dialysis treatments.

Hinchinbrook Healthcare however, was not alone in rising above the flood waters to meet the challenge. Nearby, Ingham Family Medical Practice contended with similar battles. Despite their facility being spared the floodwaters, prolonged power outages handicapped essential medical infrastructure, putting vaccine supplies in jeopardy and crippling computer systems. The practice however, remained unfazed and persevered, continuing to deliver basic services amid the sweltering summer heat due to the lack of air-conditioning.

Throughout the crisis the steadfast and unwavering dedication of both Hinchinbrook Health and Ingham Family Medical Practice, along with the instrumental support North Queensland Primary Health Network provided indispensable reassurance to the residents of Ingham enduring personal hardships. The presence and resolute persistence of the Heroes of Hinchinbrook became a symbol of hope and stability in an otherwise tempestuous period.

Their deeds laid the foundation for the emergence of community resilience as neighbour supported neighbour, exemplifying the intrinsic strength which resides within collective community action. As the floodwaters cleared and recovery began, residents of Ingham expressed their profound appreciation for the efforts of the medical teams, acknowledging their sacrifices made to deliver critical care in tumultuous times.

Today, as the community recovers, the actions and experience of these two medical practices underscores the key role primary healthcare providers play in disasters. Their adaptability, ability to collaborate and continue delivering care whilst staring down immense challenges serves as proof of their commitment, underpinning the utmost value of local healthcare during emergency situations and disasters.

Queensland’s peak agriculture body— the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and its members Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), and Canegrowers—are calling on the Queensland and Australian Governments to take a long-term approach to support the agriculture sector.

With two significant weather events already hitting Queensland this year and a possible third on its way, climate resilience, preparedness and response are front and centre with Queensland’s farmers who are once again facing devastating losses, including damage to crops, infrastructure, and essential farm resources.

As the sector works to recover, industry leaders are urging the government to review and enhance long-term disaster recovery measures to ensure farm businesses can rebuild quickly and build resilience against future events.

QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said urgent changes to disaster recovery support frameworks are needed to enable farms to build their capacity to prepare for natural disasters and also to return to full operation after an event with minimal disruption.

“Queensland is Australia’s most disaster-prone state and extreme weather events are unfortunately no stranger to our farmers and regional communities. Farmers have done an incredible job in proactively building their resilience and managing risk, but they need targeted, long-term support to recover quickly and prepare for future events. We need to ensure preparedness and response frameworks reflect the realities of modern farming and the weather risks that challenge the agriculture sector,” Ms Sheppard said.

“The cost of recovery is rising, and disaster funding needs to keep pace. We have seen some really positive announcements and reforms from the Queensland and Federal government which have been sincerely welcomed by industry, however further measures are needed so that we can be more effective in the way in which we support Queensland farmers to recover and prepare for future weather events."

Canegrowers CEO Dan Galligan said the State and Federal governments’ announcement earlier this month to increase disaster recovery funding for primary producers to $75,000 was a step in the right direction.

“We are grateful for both the Federal and Queensland governments’ recognition of the scale of the challenge faced by farmers when it comes to recovery efforts following a natural disaster,” Mr Galligan said.

“This increase reflects the increasing costs of recovery for growers who have been hit hard by recent flooding and will take years to bounce back. This month’s weather events have particularly impacted sugarcane growers at Rocky Point who have had their cane paddocks inundated and who are now playing the waiting game while they wait for flood waters to recede.

“We also welcome recent updates to disaster funding regulations, which formalise new rules allowing growers to use recovery grants for replanting lost crops – a long-standing gap in Queensland’s disaster recovery framework.

“Both of these are crucial steps forward, however there is still a need for a longer-term approach to disaster and recovery funding, with further on-the-ground resources needed.

“For the sugarcane industry, this includes updating the definition of a primary producer to reflect modern farm structures, including those with off-farm income, indexing grants to match rising recovery costs, improving workforce support to help businesses retain staff during recovery periods and establishing a dedicated pool of rural recovery officers embedded within industry groups to expedite recovery efforts.”

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) CEO Rachel Chambers has called for urgent improvements in disaster response and recovery for the horticulture sector following recent extreme weather events.

“Horticulture faces a variety of challenges in disasters—damage impacts can differ widely due to factors such as farm infrastructure, crop types, and workforce structures. The impact on operations can also depend on the size and scale of the business, and in many cases, assessing crop impact particularly in the case of tree crops, can take months or even years,” Ms Chambers said.

“Given that availability of food has once again shown to be at risk in these events, QFVG is calling on behalf of the entire horticultural supply chain for a more resilient transport network along with urging policymakers to ensure that support for growers is timely and fit for purpose.”

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray stressed the need for improved risk management strategies for farmers.

“We need to introduce preparedness grant funding for all natural disasters, similar to existing drought assistance, and remove the 9 per cent stamp duty on crop and parametric insurance to encourage independent risk management,” Mr Murray said.

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Flood-affected soybean growers in Queensland growing regions say the best way concerned Aussies can help growers get back on their feet is at the supermarket checkout.

For North Queensland soybean grower, Christian Lago, it has been a season of constant weather challenges and lots of uncertainty.

“Our soybean season in the Burdekin region has been a challenge from the start”, said Mr Lago.

“Before Christmas, we were struggling to get soybeans in the ground thanks to wet weather and a delayed cane harvest, and then, the paddocks we did plant have been through flooding rains in early February, followed by more heavy rainfall in late March,” he added.

“We’ve got about four weeks to go before we harvest and, to be honest, there’s a lot of uncertainty whether our soybeans will make it into the silo thanks to the vagaries of the weather.”

Soy Australia Industry Development Officer, Judy Plath, said growers in the Mackay region had also experienced difficulties getting soybeans planted before and after Christmas due to wet weather and the late cane season.

“There has certainly been a reduction in the area of soybeans planted in the Mackay region this year due to weather challenges,” she said.

Soybean grower, Paul Fleming, has heard reports of destroyed and damaged soybean crops throughout his district, and says the best way consumers can help soybean growers get back on their feet is by buying Aussie-grown when they shop.

“People wanting to help can support Aussie soybean growers by making sure they put Aussie-grown soybean products in their shopping trolley,” he said.

Mr Fleming, who is a Board member of the peak industry body for soybeans, Soy Australia, believes most people don’t realise that a lot of soy-based foods in the supermarket are made with soy ingredients imported from places like China.

“If consumers choose brands that support Aussie farmers, they can make a huge difference to local soybean growers and help us keep afloat during difficult times,” he added.

“Companies like Vitasoy, for example, buy a lot of soybeans from the Northern Rivers and exclusively use Aussie-grown soybeans in their soy milk and yoghurt range,” said Mr Fleming.

“In fact, Vitasoy are the only Aussie soy milk manufacturer using Aussie-grown soybeans in their milk.

“Other brands use clever marketing to stop consumers from realising they actually use imported soy in their milks.”

“When you see wording like 'made in Australia with 99 per cent Australian ingredients' on your soy milk, then you can be confident that the company is supporting Aussie farmers,” said Mr Fleming.

“The same goes for soy-based foods like tofu or tempeh.

“The ingredient list should be virtually 100 per cent Aussie.”

The Hinchinbrook Shire Library remains closed due to flooding, and the Halifax Library is open under limited opening hours, but Street Libraries are open around the shire.

Lynn Romano created a Street Library Last year at the bus shelter at Toobanna State School, so avid readers or travellers can read books and magazines at any time.

“My son, he loves to read. I have to say, I'm not a big reader myself, but I know reading is something we should do,” said Lynn.

“We do a bit of traveling with the caravan, and we have seen libraries in other places, and I just thought, well, it would be a great thing to have locally so people could access free books.

“When we've been in caravan parks, people would often leave books in the camp kitchen, they were passing them on in that way. So that was part of the journey and thinking about what to do here.

“It's near the school, I know lots of kids don't really like reading much and don't actually have many books. I just thought it might be a good place to have it. It's easy for people travelling past, easy for kids and for people in the community as well.”

Despite Toobanna school and homes receiving flooding, Lynn said that the library was safe, and the airtight container left the books with zero damage or mould.

“I went back to check it was okay after the flood and I put extra books in. It is quite full with books and magazines now,” said Lynn.

Lynn said that Street Libraries are all about sharing books in a free exchange.

“You don't have to leave books if you don't have any, but if you have something that you've already read, why not pass it on to somebody else?” said Lynn.

Street Libraries are all about inviting neighbours, travellers, or other community members together in sharing the joy of reading.

There is also a Street Library located on Hawkins Street in Ingham.

Victoria grew up in Brisbane and went on to pursue a Cert III in Business Administration while also qualifying as a swimming teacher through AustSwim. Their career path led them to roles as a receptionist and swimming instructor, where they worked hard to fund their Diploma of Arts.

Later  serving as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology, Victoria further sharpened their writing and editorial skills.

Victoria's family live in Macknade and moving to the region will be an opportunity for them all to reconnect regularly, something Victoria is looking forward to.

Victoria has been perfecting their journalism skills in the Whitsundays for the past three months working for Hinchinbrook Life’s sister newspaper, Whitsunday Life as a cadet journalist.

Here, Victoria has got to know the community on a personal level and is now looking forward to doing the same in the Hinchinbrook.

"I am greatly anticipating the move to Hinchinbrook, the wet weather and crocodile warnings couldn't keep me away!” said Victoria.

"I look forward to meeting new faces and catching up with old friends.”

Victoria’s passions lie in artistic expression and adventure. A talented and dedicated creative, they spend their spare time sewing, embroidering, and crafting stories. Whether designing intricate patterns or bringing characters to life on paper, Victoria finds joy in expressing themselves through various forms of art.

A love for the water runs deep, whether it’s swimming in the ocean, creeks, or pools, Victoria is always there. Boating, snorkelling, and fishing, Victoria embraces every opportunity to be out on the water with friends.

Last year, Victoria had the incredible chance to live and work in Ireland, connecting with family roots, bottle-feeding calves, holding newborn lambs, and cooking hearty roasts with loved ones. The experience only deepened a love for travel, culture, and new experiences.

Honest, vivid, and exploratory, Victoria is always eager to try something new. Whether embarking on a new creative project, diving into a fresh adventure, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, they embrace life with enthusiasm and curiosity.

If you see Victoria around, don’t hesitate to say hello! They love meeting new people and sharing stories about their passions and experiences.

A striking symbol of resilience and awareness now stands along the highway in Ingham—its vivid blue branches reaching out as a reminder that no one has to struggle in silence. The Blue Tree Project, a national initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health, found a home in the town in July 2023, thanks to a collaborative community effort.

Councillor Donna Marbelli first saw a Blue Tree while driving between Townsville and Ingham and knew the town needed one of its own. The search began for a tree that met the criteria—it had to be dead and visible from the road—before being transformed into a beacon of hope.

The project was a team effort, with support from the council, W and T Forden Garden Bails and Tree Lopping, and Canegrowers Mitre 10. Cr Marbelli said the tree serves as a powerful symbol of mental health awareness, reinforcing the importance of open conversations.

“Our town’s Blue Tree is a symbol of strength and support,” she said. “It’s a powerful reminder that it’s okay not to be okay and that no one should struggle in silence. Mental health affects us all, and we encourage open conversations in our community. It also reminds everyone that help is always available—you are not alone.”

Cr Marbelli said she was proud to see Ingham take part in the movement and was pleased the tree was in such a prominent location.

“It’s great, and I’m so glad we’ve got one. I’m so glad it’s on the highway so that travellers going through can see that our town cares about mental health.”

A brand-new travel agency, NQ Travel and Cruise, is set to open its doors in Ingham today, offering expert travel planning and personalised service to the community.

Owned and operated by Kathleen Lynch, a seasoned travel professional with over 15 years of experience, NQ Travel and Cruise is a full-service agency dedicated to creating custom itineraries tailored to every traveller’s needs. Whether it’s a relaxing cruise, a dream holiday, or a meticulously planned adventure, Kathleen brings her extensive knowledge and passion for travel to ensure every trip is seamless and memorable.

“I am thrilled to bring NQ Travel and Cruise to Ingham,” said Kathleen Lynch.

“My goal is to provide exceptional, personalised travel experiences, helping clients turn their travel dreams into reality.”

The agency is located at 73-81 Lannercost Street, Ingham, and will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with an appointment-only service from 1:00 pm, securing clients a dedicated, one-on-one service. As a solo operator, Kathleen encourages clients to schedule an appointment to ensure a personalised and uninterrupted consultation.

In addition to offering tailored travel services, Kathleen plans to host exclusive client events twice a year, providing an opportunity for travellers to connect, gain insights on upcoming travel trends, and explore new destinations. She is also committed to delivering highly detailed and curated travel experiences, ensuring every aspect of a client’s journey is meticulously planned for maximum enjoyment and ease.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact NQ Travel and Cruise.
Ph. 4440 3310

For 16 years, Marina Nowak has run her cafe with a focus on fresh, homemade meals and a welcoming atmosphere. Everything is made fresh to order at Majestic Cafe, and the returning customers love it!

Majestic Cafe has a mixed customer base of locals and travellers, and it thrives on word of mouth.

“Someone said to me, ‘Oh, I met someone from Darwin who said they had a fish burger, and we've come in here to try this fish burger!’” said Marina.

“We do everything fresh, we make our own patties, crumbed steaks, everything's made in-house, we use very little packaged product.

“Because we do it fresh, if you want something, you have to wait for it, because we cook it as you order. We don't have that pre-made sort of stuff!”

Over the years, the cafe has built a loyal customer base.

"We've had people with us since the day we opened," Marina shared.

"We’ve catered their weddings, their kids’ christenings, it is a family atmosphere here.”

Marina takes pride in creating a welcoming space where everyone feels at home, and it’s her friendly staff who help to create this vibrant environment.

"There are no bosses here. We all work together, cooking, cleaning, whatever needs doing. Everyone here loves to cook and connect with people,” said Marina.

Marina’s journey at Majestic Cafe began over 40 years ago. She started out as a waitress, but when the business came up for sale, she decided to purchase it and has not looked back since.

While local customers are the backbone of the business, tourism is vital. "We need that mix of locals and travellers to keep the town sustainable," explained Marina, who loves welcoming visitors to the region.

After 40 years, Marina remains passionate.

“It’s always been a passion for me. We don’t portray that we’re chefs or anything like that. We just love to cook and love to see people enjoying what we give them.”

R U OK?’s Conversation Convoy is coming to the Hinchinbrook region, aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention and offering an opportunity for the community to come together, learn, and show support. The R U OK convoy will be at the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Afternoon Tea in Rotary Park on April 9th from 3:30 pm - 5:30pm.

The event offers a chance for individuals to learn, engage, and ask questions in a relaxed setting. Families, friends, and colleagues are encouraged to attend, whether to learn how to support others or to seek help themselves.

The R U OK? Convoy is part of a nationwide initiative to equip regional Australians with the knowledge and tools to start vital conversations around mental health. It’s not always easy to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK, but doing so could change a life.

Mental health is important and Provisional Psychologist Aaron Christopher from Optimise Health and Wellness said it’s important for a number of reasons.

“If we have positive mental health, it allows us to view the world in a better way, allows us to be our best selves, and appreciate the world around us,” he said.

“If we fall into poor mental health. Those negatives start to stick a bit more, the world becomes a bit darker, and our options seem a bit more bleak. So, being able to have those conversations to improve our mental health allows us to be more open to the more positive aspects of the world.

“Having those initial conversations are ridiculously important, because sometimes we just need to be able to talk to someone and just feel heard.”

Aaron and his wife Kara, who is director of Optimise Health and Wellness, recently worked at the Recovery Centre and Aaron said 90% of people there just wanted to share their story and, by talking, people were able to lift that burden.

Aaron said being able to talk to someone is one of the key benefits of improving mental health.

“When we are in our own head, it spirals, and that becomes what we obsess about, we have the conversations inside ourselves," said Aaron.

“When we are in a negative head space, and it builds on itself like compounds. When you talk to someone else and feel heard, that connection allows you to feel like you're not alone. Being heard and hearing someone empathise validates your feelings.

“Lifting that burden allows you to be more open and expand those thoughts. So once that burden is gone, you stop thinking about those negatives, you stop ruminating, and you are then more open to other thoughts and more positive things.

“You’re able to be more appreciative and have that gratuity for the world and that gratefulness is now more apparent.”

Bring along your loved ones or just yourself, enjoy some chat and come together to support the message of hope and help in a safe space.

WHAT: R U OK? Conversation Convoy
WHERE: Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre Afternoon Tea
WHEN: Wednesday 9th April 3:30 pm - 5:30pm

Maintaining good mental health doesn’t always require major life changes — sometimes, it’s the small, everyday habits that make the biggest difference. Whether it’s social connection, gratitude, or exercise, finding what works for you is key. Here are simple ways to improve your mental well-being.

Social Connection
Engaging with others is a vital aspect of mental wellbeing. Whether it’s having a casual chat, checking in with friends and family, or participating in local sports, social interactions can provide a sense of belonging. Reaching out, even in small ways, helps strengthen relationships and build support networks.

Finding Joy in the Everyday
Discovering what brings joy can be deeply personal. For some, it’s walking the dog or tidying the house, while others find happiness in reading, playing games, or simply enjoying a well-prepared meal. Recognising and embracing these little moments can contribute to a more positive mindset.

The Benefits of Journaling
Writing down thoughts and moments of gratitude can be a powerful tool for mental clarity. Journaling helps people reflect on what they have, even the small joys of life, like a delicious breakfast or a peaceful morning. This simple habit can serve as a reminder of positivity, fostering a healthier outlook.

Exercise for Mental Health
Physical activity is closely linked to improved mental health. Whether it’s a short walk, lifting weights at the gym, or swimming a few laps, movement benefits both the body and mind. The key is to find an activity that suits personal ability and lifestyle.

By incorporating these small yet meaningful habits into daily life, individuals can take proactive steps toward improving their mental wellbeing.

Forrest Beach Takeaway isn’t just a place to grab a bite—it’s a cornerstone of the community, where homemade meals and fresh local seafood are served with a side of connection. For nearly a decade, Lisa and Richard Scobie have poured their hearts into the business, building more than just a menu; they’ve built a place where locals and visitors feel at home.

Neither Lisa nor Richard had experience in the food industry before taking over the takeaway, but returning to the Forrest Beach community was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. The transition to business ownership wasn’t easy, and Lisa admits the learning curve was steep.

"It was really hard. I didn't expect it to be as hard as it was, but there is so much that we had to learn and that we're still learning now,” she said. “The changes economically that have happened in the last 10 years to business in Australia are absolutely mind-boggling."

One of the most important decisions they made was to stay committed to locally sourced seafood—particularly Spanish mackerel—despite rising costs and strict government-imposed quota restrictions.

"Imported products are a lot cheaper than our local product, but we've had to make the decision that we don't want to sell any imported fish. We only have Spanish mackerel, and if we have something different, it is locally caught."

Beyond seafood, the takeaway has expanded its offerings, balancing classic Aussie takeaway fare with authentic Asian dishes. From Monday to Thursday, they serve up hearty homemade meals, with their talented cook bringing a taste of Balinese cuisine to the menu.

"We have an extremely talented cook, and she does a lot of her authentic Balinese cooking, which is very popular."

The shop also prides itself on making its own pasta sauces, crumbed chicken, pizzas, lasagna, cakes, sweets, and biscuits, all available fresh in-store. Friday nights are dedicated to pizza.

More than just a place to eat, Forrest Beach Takeaway has also become a training ground for local youth.

"It's not about making fish and chips. It's about learning how to work in a work environment,” Lisa said. “We’ve been incredibly successful in making sure our juniors have gone on to do exactly what they want, whether it's studying, full-time employment, or apprenticeships."

Lisa and Richard have built more than a business—they’ve found a sense of belonging in Forrest Beach, a community they cherish.

"We're lucky, and we are very happy to be at the beach. You share the good moments and the tough ones with people. You feel all the losses in the community, but you get to celebrate the wins as well."

Lisa and Richard look forward to many more years of serving great food, mentoring young locals, and being part of the fabric of Forrest Beach.

There's been a lot of talk recently about the Olympics. The 2032 Games will be a major event for Queensland, but there’s no doubt it will be a costly exercise, one that risks draining the state’s budget while delivering little for our regions. Brisbane is set to reap the lion’s share of the benefits, while the rest of the state is left to fight for a fair slice of the funding.

With less than a decade to prepare, all levels of government are scrambling to ensure we’re “Olympics-ready.” But while the focus is on venues, accommodation, and high-performance sports precincts, regional Queensland is still battling the same old problems; roads that are falling apart or not fit for purpose, a lack of essential services, and the constant feeling of being left behind. I find it hard to justify billions on Olympic infrastructure when the roads we drive on daily, and our hospitals that we rely on, are not adequately resourced.

That’s not to say the games will bring no benefits to the regions. It’s good to see sports like sailing coming to Townsville and the Whitsundays, and other parts of the state securing some events and funding. But let’s be honest, the vast majority of Olympic spending is being concentrated in Brisbane. If the games are going ahead, whether we like it or not, then regional Queensland must do everything in its power to claim its fair share of the funding pie.

With the state government committing to go ahead with the Olympics, I believe it must not come at the cost of nation building infrastructure. We cannot afford to neglect our roads, rail, water, and energy infrastructure priorities, these are the foundations that will truly build Queensland and strengthen our state for generations to come.

It will be a true test for the state LNP government to deliver the projects regional Queensland desperately needs, while simultaneously holding the Brisbane Olympics party that south-east Queensland wants.

OPINION PIECE
Contributed by Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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