A major $50 million upgrade is set to strengthen a flood-prone stretch of the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Innisfail, improving safety, drainage, and reliability for North Queensland motorists.

Detailed designs have been finalised for the Gairloch to Ripple Creek section near the Seymour River, with the project expected to go out to tender in the coming months. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.

The resilience works will include reconstructing the highway to a higher standard, widening the road, installing wide centreline treatments, and replacing ageing culverts to improve drainage. The goal is to reduce the frequency and duration of closures during the disaster season, keeping communities and supply routes open for longer.

The project forms part of the $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program (QRRRP), jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Australian Government is investing in practical upgrades that strengthen essential connections in the north.

“These works on the Bruce Highway will make a real difference for North Queenslanders who rely on this route for essential travel, supplies and emergency access,” Minister McBain said.

“By replacing ageing culverts and strengthening the pavement, we’re ensuring this stretch of highway can better withstand the floods that impact the region year after year.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said delivering resilient infrastructure is a key priority for the Crisafulli Government.

“Betterment projects like this are smart investments in our state’s future, using the lessons we’ve learned from past disasters to strengthen us for the future,” Minister Leahy said.

“Our upgrades to the Bruce Highway will be transformational for our state and benefit every Queenslander, particularly in our regions and the north.”

“We can’t stop severe weather from occurring, but we can improve our resilience to its impacts, and that’s what these Gairloch to Ripple Creek road improvements are all about.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the works represent a long-term investment in the reliability of North Queensland’s most important transport corridor.

“We are committed to building stronger infrastructure, making sure Queensland is better prepared for disasters in the future,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“For more than a decade this section of road has been a choke point as it floods regularly during the storm season and holds up logistics, so we are going to deliver the road improvements the region has been asking for.”

“Workers will be on-site in the next year building a more durable stretch of road that ensures safer and more reliable travel on the Bruce Highway while reducing the time and cost of road closures and repair works.”

This upgrade follows the $48 million Gairloch Floodway project, also funded by the Australian Government and currently in the design phase. Meanwhile, both levels of government are working together to finalise the scope of a further $205 million in betterment funding to strengthen the Bruce Highway and other key regional roads damaged during this year’s extreme rainfall.

The Cardwell RSL Bingo players enjoyed a meal as they wound up for their Christmas break at Terry and Mamiko’s Fish and Chip Shop opposite the Jetty. This was their second dining-out experience for the year, and the local RSL and its associated groups continue to share their patronage among local businesses.

Congratulations to Tookie and Janet for organising Bingo each week. 2026 has been a very successful year for everyone involved with the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch.

"On behalf of the Management Committee, I’d like to wish all our patrons a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2026." - Robert Lang.

Contributed with thanks by Robert Lang, President of the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch.

Our home is our castle is a phrase that you may have heard before.

The great Aussie dream of being able to buy a block of land to build on is the goal of many, but there is a concerning increase in what that “home” or dwelling may be.

The classification rating for an approved dwelling is there for a reason. It ensures that the structure proposed to be built on the land meets the building requirements set by the National Construction Code.

Some requirements include that the dwelling meets the wind rating category for the area, complies with energy efficiency requirements, and meets the minimum habitable floor height for flooding, to name a few. It means that the dwelling is approved and safe for habitation.

This structure is what is called a Class 1a structure, or habitable dwelling, with all plumbing and services connected and certified as a Class 1a habitable dwelling.

The increase in people constructing sheds on their land and then living in them is concerning because this type of construction is classified as Class 10a structures, and they do not meet the required standards for a Class 1a habitable dwelling.

These are not approved dwellings. They do not meet the building code for a habitable dwelling and are therefore not legal to occupy either as a permanent or part-time place of residence.

This is not a local council law; this is statewide legislation. However, it is up to the local council and, in particular, the Development and Regulatory Services Department within the local council to manage.

To add to this, if you choose to invest money in making a Class 10a structure more homelike, it may not add value to the property when you go to sell it, as it is not an approved habitable dwelling.

This is not a new issue and is not isolated to our shire. However, the building code is there for a reason—to make our home our castle. If you have any concerns or enquiries, call Council on (07) 4776 4600, and our planning department will be happy to assist.

The 2025 crushing season is now done and dusted, and what a season it has been. From all reports, the Herbert mills finished on a high, processing a total of 3.82 million tonnes of cane — slightly above the crop forecast of 3.70 million tonnes.

That’s a fantastic result, especially when we think back to February when things looked far less certain.

This outcome is something we can all be proud of.

Sugar remains the backbone of our district, and the more cane we cut, the better it is for our local economy.

Every tonne matters, and this season’s performance reinforces just how important this industry is to Hinchinbrook.

The provisional season commercial cane sugar averaged 12.82 units, reflecting solid sugar content, and the average bin weight held steady at 6.6 tonnes.

These are figures that speak to the resilience and hard work of everyone involved.

I want to extend a big thank you to all who made this possible.

That’s our farmers, harvesting contractors, train crews, the milling sector, and the sugar terminal teams.

Behind these workers are families who supported them through long hours and demanding schedules, and their contribution deserves recognition too.

This season wasn’t without its challenges. Weather events and significant debris left in fields after flooding made conditions tough, yet the industry pulled together and got the job done.

The final bin was tipped at Victoria Mill at 2:27pm on 23 November 2025, with Macknade Mill finishing a few days earlier on 20 November 2025.

These milestones mark the end of a season that tested us but ultimately delivered a strong result.

To everyone who played a part, thank you.

Your efforts keep this district moving forward and remind us of the strength of our community when we work together.

There’s nowhere quite like the Herbert River delta — where crocs sun themselves on muddy banks, sugarcane hums in the breeze, and clouds cling to the peaks of Hinchinbrook Island like slow-moving smoke. It’s the kind of place that feels unchanged by time, equal parts beauty and bite. Locals know the tides by heart and tell stories of “Old Charlie,” a crocodile said to have ruled one particular bend for decades.

Whether myth or memory, it’s all part of Hinchinbrook’s charm: raw, unfiltered nature sitting side by side with generations of hard-working cane farmers. Bring a camera, an open mind, and a dash of respect — this is North Queensland at its quirkiest and most real, where the sugar’s sweet but the rivers have teeth.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo is calling on more consulates to bring their services to regional Queensland following the success of the Italian pop-up consulate in Hinchinbrook.

The two-day event attracted more than 40 appointments, providing vital assistance to residents without the need to travel to Brisbane or Canberra.

“This is an invaluable service to our community, and I truly wish more nationalities would take it up,” Mayor Jayo said. “We’ve seen how time-consuming progress can be when operating outside of Canberra, so bringing these services to the regions makes a real difference.”

Consul Luna Angelini Marinucci from the Consulate of Italy in Brisbane said the visit was about connection and respect.

“It’s important we go into the regions, see the places, meet the people, understand the immigration stories, the canefields, and show maximum respect — that’s the real passport to making a difference,” she said.

Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

As we move towards the end of the year, it has been a valuable time to reconnect with growers across the Herbert.

Our recent market update sessions were well attended, and we appreciated the opportunity to sit down with growers, discuss the current price environment, and talk through the options available to help manage risk. These sessions are an important way for us to understand what is happening on farms and to make sure we’re providing the right support at the right time.

One of our key initiatives to support growers is the early opening of the 2026 Pre-Season Payment. With the significant fall in sugar prices and the resulting impact on monthly advance payments, we know many growers are facing cash flow pressures leading into the Christmas period.

To help ease that pressure, growers who market with Wilmar can now access a $5 per tonne payment on their nominated 2026 season cane from 1 December. Repayments will not begin until the 2026 crush starts, and the current interest rate is 5%. This option is there for growers who need some extra breathing room heading into the New Year.

This month, we also say farewell to Franco Zaini, who is finishing up after an incredible 23 years in the sugar industry, including the past eight years with the Grower Marketing team. Franco has supported growers across the regions with professionalism, honesty and genuine care, and his contribution to both the industry and our team has been significant. We thank Franco sincerely for his dedicated service and wish him all the best for the next chapter.

As the year winds down, we would like to acknowledge the hard work and resilience shown by growers in what has been a challenging year for pricing. On behalf of the Grower Marketing team, we wish all growers and their families a safe and Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy some well-earned time with loved ones, and we look forward to working with you again in 2026.

This festive season, NQ Travel & Cruise is celebrating the joy of giving — and the joy of exploring — with our popular Christmas Gift Vouchers now available in store. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or wanting to surprise someone with the promise of a future adventure, a travel gift voucher is a meaningful way to wrap up an experience they’ll never forget.

As Ingham’s local, accredited travel specialist, I’m passionate about helping our community see the world with confidence. Backed by the award-winning Travellers Choice network and more than 15 years of industry experience, NQ Travel & Cruise offers personalised itineraries, trusted global suppliers, and the reassurance that every detail is handled with genuine care.

With the new year just around the corner, many travellers are already planning their 2025 and 2026 holidays. January appointments are filling quickly, so if you’re thinking about starting your travel plans, now is the perfect time to secure your spot. Call 07 4440 3310 to lock in your appointment today.

"Wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy travels from NQ Travel & Cruise." - Kathleen Lynch, Owner and Manager at NQ Travel & Cruise.

It’s that time of year again when the ovens start to warm up and Mick’s Bread Kitchen begins preparing for one of its busiest and most delicious seasons. As Christmas draws near, Mick’s is once again inviting locals to get in early and place their festive orders before the shelves are cleared.

The kitchen team is already planning a mouth-watering range of holiday favourites that will be available in the lead-up to Christmas. Keep an eye out for their much-loved Christmas Fruit Cakes, baked fresh in-store and available in both small and large sizes, perfect for gifting or sharing around the table. The ever-popular Plum Puddings will also make a return, but numbers are limited, so early orders are strongly recommended.

Fans of sweet festive treats can look forward to the bakery’s famous White Christmas Slice, Rocky Road, Rumballs, and Apricot Balls, each one handmade with care and packed with nostalgic Christmas flavour. If you can’t decide which one to take home, Mick’s Christmas Snack Packs offer a little of everything and make the perfect gift or grazing treat for gatherings.

Of course, no visit to Mick’s Bread Kitchen is complete without one of their legendary pies. Made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, each pie is baked to perfection with a signature flaky pastry and hearty fillings that keep customers coming back for more. From traditional beef and steak varieties to gourmet options packed with rich flavour, they’re the ultimate comfort food and perfect for a quick lunch during the festive rush.

Beyond the baked goods, Mick’s Bread Kitchen will also be serving piping hot and iced coffees, and while the festive range takes centre stage, regular favourites are still rolling out daily. From sushi to cream buns, matchsticks, and freshly baked bread, the team continues to deliver the comforting flavours the community loves all year round.

Christmas always comes early at Mick’s, and with so many festive goodies on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to start planning your orders. Get in early, beat the rush, and make your Christmas table shine with a touch of local tradition by Micks Bread Kitchen.

Homemade Nuts & Bolts

Nothing says Christmas quite like a big bowl of homemade nuts and bolts! It’s a snack that marks the true start of the festival season, and with November now here, there’s no better way to prepare for the month ahead than by whipping up a batch of these tasty little savoury treats.

Just like many Christmas traditions, every household has its own version of this classic recipe. Some swear by Nutrigrain and pretzels, while others mix in Ritz, cheese crackers, or peanuts for extra crunch. But one thing everyone agrees on? There’s never enough garlic or butter.

To make your own batch, toss your favourite cereals, crackers, nuts, and pretzels in a melted mix of butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and seasoning salt, then bake low and slow for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. The result: a golden, crispy party mix that’s equal parts nostalgia and deliciousness.

Best of all, nuts and bolts keep beautifully in an airtight container (if you can resist eating them all straight from the tray). It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, very customisable, great for road trips, or wrapping up as a homemade gift. So what are you waiting for? Jump into the kitchen and put together some Christmas cheer!

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This holiday season, Bike & Power Ingham is the go-to destination for riders looking to upgrade their gear or find the perfect electric bike. From Kawasaki’s global powersports line comes the Elektrode 20, an electric balance bike designed for riders aged eight and older. With a powerful 750 W in-wheel motor, three selectable speed modes, and a large-capacity 48V battery, the bike delivers up to three hours of riding time and speeds up to 39 km/h. Adjustable seat and handlebar positions, premium disc brakes, and a lightweight aluminium frame make it ideal for everyday fun, off-road play, and building confidence on two wheels.

The Elektrode 20’s motocross-inspired design and striking lime green finish ensure riders feel part of the Kawasaki family from the moment they swing a leg over. Built tough with high-quality components, 20-inch wheels, and foldable pedals, it combines durability with excitement for young riders stepping up from smaller models or just beginning their motocross dreams.

Bike & Power also has festive bargains across Kawasaki KLX and KFX models, providing cash savings for those looking to treat themselves or the family this Christmas. The team at Bike & Power invites the community to visit in-store and see the range of the latest electric and petrol-powered bikes from Kawasaki.

Make this season one of fun, adventure, and outdoor thrills! Come in-store to Bike & Power Ingham at 51 Herbert Street, Ingham, and find the perfect ride for Christmas today.

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This Christmas season, Ingham Agencies is the place to stock up on top-quality tools and safety gear. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, their store at 21–25 Halifax Road, Ingham, has everything you need to work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

Now that the crush season has wrapped up, Sugar Dissolving Oil 20L is the ideal choice for washing down equipment and getting machinery back to its best. Designed specifically for cane machinery, it provides effective lubrication for light-loaded gears and bearings, slides, chains, cams and rams. It also helps free bolts or parts that have seized due to sugar build-up, and its water-washable formula makes clean-up fast and simple. Available now in convenient 20-litre drums.

For hand protection, Ingham Agencies stocks MACK Traction Nitrile Disposable Gloves. With a heavy-duty diamond grip, resistance to oils, chemicals, and punctures, and sizes from S to 2XL, these gloves are perfect for every task in the workshop or on-site.

Milwaukee’s Black Friday deals are also in-store at Ingham Agencies, offering unbeatable savings on power tools, battery packs, and hand tool sets. From M18 FUEL power packs to circular saws, soldering kits, and combination wrench sets, there is a deal for every tradesperson, but stock is limited.

Come in-store to Ingham Agencies today and see the full range for yourself. Whether you’re upgrading your welding gear, preparing your workshop with gloves, or securing premium Milwaukee tools, these Christmas deals make it easy to finish the year well-equipped and ready for 2026. Don’t miss out, visit Ingham Agencies at 21–25 Halifax Road, Ingham, and claim your festive savings before they’re gone.

Bring the taste of Italy to your festive table with Lou’s Food Emporium. From panettone and Pandoro Classico to homemade treats and Italian classics, there is something to delight every palate. Try panettone in a variety of scrumptious flavours, each one perfect for sharing at family gatherings or gifting to friends and neighbours.

Discover a variety of Christmas cakes, chocolates, rocky road, and homemade Italian sweet treats that add a special touch to every celebration. Planning a festive platter? Order early to secure your favourites and make entertaining simple and delicious.

Lou’s coffee is always piping hot, perfect to grab and go before Christmas shopping. And with the heat of an Aussie summer, their frappes are a refreshing favourite. With plenty of flavours and topped with whipped cream, they are the ideal cool-down treat on a busy festive morning.

Looking for the perfect gift? Lou’s offers Christmas hampers, ready to go or customised to your liking. Each hamper is carefully packed with quality products, giving you an easy and thoughtful present for family, friends, or colleagues.

Their deli is brimming with continental smallgoods, imported and Australian cheeses, salamis, olives, fresh pasta, sauces, biscuits, sweets, and gourmet delights, all selected for exceptional taste and quality. Cheeses and salamis can be cut to your preferred thickness, exactly how you want them.

Visit Lou’s Food Emporium on Ingham's main street and explore the full range of festive and everyday products. With friendly service and a beautiful selection, everything you need for a memorable Christmas is right here.

Cardwell is set to welcome the festive season with a heartwarming community celebration, as locals gather for an evening of Christmas carols, fun activities, and festive cheer. The event will take place at the Cardwell Community Hall, located at the corner of Gregory and Brasenose Streets, on Saturday, 6 December 2025 from 5:00pm.

Families and friends are invited to enjoy a joyful night of song and celebration. The highlight of the evening will be a lively sing-along of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols, bringing the community together in the spirit of the season. For children, there will be plenty to keep little hands and minds busy, including a craft centre where kids can get creative, as well as the opportunity to post letters to Santa, ensuring that festive wishes are sent straight to the North Pole.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a free sausage sizzle will be available for attendees! Offering a chance to enjoy a warm meal while catching up with neighbours and friends, and sharing in the joy of the holiday season.

Event organisers are encouraging everyone to come along, bring the family, and embrace the spirit of Christmas together. Whether you’re attending for the music, the food, or the chance to see the kids’ excitement as they post letters to Santa, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly celebration.

For more information, residents can contact Thea on 0447 660 248 or email cardwelllions@gmail.com

WHAT: Christmas Carols in Cardwell
WHEN: Saturday 6 December 2025 from 5:00pm
WHERE: Cardwell Community Hall, Cnr Gregory & Brasenose Streets, Cardwell

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Henry Wickham Rubber Baron And Tobacco Planter

By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

Do you know that Sir Henry Alexander Wickham, father of the rubber industry, once lived in the Herbert River Valley? He made the automobile industry possible when he removed rubber plant seeds from Brazil for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

No relation to George Wickham, Henry Wickham was born in London in 1846. He spent much of his adult life as an explorer and pioneer planter living in diverse tropical locations, experimenting with many crops.

After being refused employment at Kew to disperse rubber seedlings for the global rubber industry, he abandoned his plantation in Brazil, arriving in Townsville on 22 January 1877 with his wife, Violet Carter. They travelled straight to the lower Herbert carrying with them young tobacco plants and sapling coffee trees.

There was a strong settler demand for tobacco and snuff that was not being met by imports, while the indentured Melanesian workers, as well as the Indigenous peoples, preferred the tobacco introduced by Europeans to the native variety.

Refashioning his past, Wickham described himself as an American tobacco expert, showing local shopkeepers samples of tobacco he claimed to have grown and cured in Brazil. He immediately started taking up land, calling his holdings Maragen.

In 1876, John Eustace Hammick moved to the Herbert and took up a selection, calling it Coolamatong. Joining Wickham in a business partnership, they put in experimental plantings of tobacco.

Wickham distributed samples of their tobacco far and wide and exhibited at the National Agricultural and Industrial Association’s exhibition held in Brisbane in 1879. On that occasion, they received second place for their tobacco. They began to expand their range responding to market taste. In 1881, Messrs. Gaujard and Elson, Brisbane, became their marketers. Well-cured samples were declared ‘par excellence’ and locals thought the tobacco was ‘well manufactured’.

While Hammick and Wickham travelled away promoting their product, Violet was left for weeks on end to face growing and curing tobacco in an unfamiliar environment alone. Her diary reveals her to be a courageous woman with a good sense of humour.

For nine years, Wickham and Violet persevered. Nevertheless, despite attempting to pander to consumer tastes, demand fell and their efforts faltered on climatic conditions, taste and Wickham’s poor business decision to sell tobacco that had not been cured long enough.

Hammick broke the partnership leaving Wickham in debt. The Wickhams continued farming for another 18 months but meanwhile, Wickham hatched a plan in 1884 to survey Maragen for sale as the Mount Maragen Town Selection. No township eventuated and most of the surveyed town blocks were absorbed as cane land. Practically penniless, Violet and Wickham sailed for England in early 1886.

Ever the adventurer, Wickham moved on to further adventures in other tropical plantation areas, while today, on the Herbert, Mount Maragen remains as a distant echo of Sir Henry Alexander Wickham.