The Hinchinbrook Shire Council has recently shared an important reminder to beachgoers, highlighting that reckless behaviour when accessing the region’s coastal reserves will not be tolerated.

Despite previous warnings, there are still reports of recreational vehicles driving over foreshore vegetation, causing damage to the environment. Additionally, both Council and the Queensland Police are continuing to receive complaints about illegal driving, unregistered vehicles, speeding, littering, and overall disregard for these sensitive natural areas. Such actions contribute to sand dune instability, leading to coastal erosion and the destruction of vital habitats for nesting shorebirds, sea turtles, and other wildlife.

To minimise environmental impact and ensure safety, Council urges all beach users to access beaches only via designated entry points. It is recommended to travel along beaches during the two hours around low tide when the sand is firmer between the waterline and the high tide mark.

Beachgoers should avoid high tide periods and the intertidal zone, drive cautiously to avoid destabilising the sand, and show consideration for other beach users and wildlife.
Queensland Police and Council Officers are authorised to enforce these rules and violators can face fines under normal road rules.

Please remember to:
   • Travel at a maximum of 50 km/hr, with a recommended speed of 20 km/hr
   • Reduce tire pressure when driving on sand, following manufacturer guidelines
   • Be respectful of others using the beach
   • Leave only footprints, and enjoy responsibly

Do not:
   • Drive on sand dunes or over vegetation
   • Disturb wildlife
   • Neglect these rules and spoil the experience for others

Beach users can report violations to Council or the Queensland Police either by phone or through the online portal at forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/Hooning.

The Hinchinbrook Shire Council appreciates the community's cooperation in protecting and preserving the natural environment.

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In 2025, the Ingham Coast Guard will transition to the newly established Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), in line with the Queensland government’s restructuring. As part of this change, theflotilla will adopt the new name MRQ Lucinda, effective February 1st.This marks a new chapter for the service after 52 years of dedicated operation, and is part of a state-wide effort to streamline marine rescue operations for better coordination and support.

The Ingham Coast Guard has long been a vital part of the local community, covering avast area from the northern tip of Hinchinbrook Island to Palm Island, and out to the surrounding reef. Their dedicated team of volunteers has provided rescue and safety services to boaters and maritime users across one of Queensland's most rugged and scenic coastal regions. The shift to MRQ Lucinda signals both a continuation of this proud legacy and an exciting new chapter for those who depend on their expertise and support.

A Legacy Of Marine Excellence

The Ingham Coast Guard have been operational for 52 years from Lucinda and they cover a broad area, from all the way to the top of Hinchinbrook Island and down to Palm Island, plus out to the reef in that enclosed area.

The Ingham Coast Guard are equipped with two boats, one for smaller tides and lower crews and another larger boat, for rescues far out to the reef.

Both boats are equipped with Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and Commander Steve Whipps said it is vital for night time dispatches.

“If someone is in the water, you can spot them by heat sensing. It's also got night vision on it and that helps us find things in the dark,” said Steve.

At the Ingham Coast Guard they do lots of training, to ensure that all volunteers are fit, able and qualified to conduct rescues.

They have some young volunteers but due to work, and other commitments it is hard for them to volunteer their time, that is why the Ingham Coast Guard are majority retirees and the average age is an impressive 72!

Steve said they are always looking for more people to help out.

“We need more people, we are always looking for new recruits around the 65 to 70 mark,” said Steve.

“We need that age group who've got the time and still got the fitness to do the job.

“If someone wants to come and join up, the first thing I say to them is that, if I ring you at three o'clock on a winter's night, are you going to get out of bed and come and do the job?”

Ingham Coast Guard also offer courses for people wishing to complete certifications.

They offer first-aid courses and certification renewal, a marine radio license course, and navigation courses.

Ingham Coast Guard To Become MRQ Lucinda

In a move aligned with Queensland’s government restructuring, the Ingham Coast Guard is transitioning to the newly established Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) in 2025. As part of this change, the flotilla will adopt the new name MRQ Lucinda - effective on the 1st of February.

This change is being made to better align with marine navigation charts, which prominently feature Lucinda, reducing confusion among boating and yachting enthusiasts who frequently navigate the Hinchinbrook coastline. Currently, Ingham is not listed on marine charts, which can lead to complications for watercraft operators.

Since its formation in 1961, the Ingham Coast Guard has been supported by the local community, and that support remains unwavering. The name may be changing, but the Coast Guard’s core mission - ensuring the safety of lives on the water - will remain unchanged. The hardworking volunteers, who have always been a vital part of the team, look forward to this exciting new chapter and will continue to be there when needed.

Although the name change is a significant milestone, the commitment to safety, service, and community remains at the heart of everything the Coast Guard does. The team thanks the Ingham and surrounding communities for their ongoing support and looks forward to continuing to serve as MRQ Lucinda.

Contributed with thanks to Steve Whipps, Commander Qf14, MRQ Lucinda.

Many members of the Hinchinbrook community were left both puzzled and concerned when a local beach goer captured and shared a photo of a dozen deceased fish washed up along the shoreline of Taylor’s Beach.

Observed as Spotted Grunter, Mullet, Flathead, and Archer Fish, similar instances occurred upstream at Victoria Creek in early December of 2024. It’s believed the changing weather conditions are to blame, resulting in low dissolved oxygen levels in area’s waterways.

“Fresh water, hot weather, and small tides make for low oxygen levels in the creeks which isn’t good for the fish population,” shared fisherman, Brett Gossner.

Lynda Kelley had previously come across news of the unusual occurrence online, and once she saw the shoreline firsthand, she felt the need to alert the community to her Christmas Day discovery.

“I posted so people would be aware and maybe not go swimming for a couple of days,” explained Lynda.

“I don’t know more than what people have said about too much fresh water trapped by inactive tides - there were fish on the tide line, and out on the sandbars.”

As outlined by the Australian Government Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, low-oxygen water presents a great risk to aquatic ecosystems, and commonly occurs following recent flooding, or as a result of congested waterways due to a build up of sticks, grass or crops. Although worrying, the natural occurrence is not permanent, and oxygen levels will return to normal within days or sometimes weeks.

Further information surrounding the impacts of low oxygen water can be found online at www.dcceew.gov.au.

Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful time over Christmas.

Before the New Year, I was living in both the Whitsundays and in Hinchinbrook but now I am up here in Hinchinbrook all the time. No more 10 hours of driving every single week, and I think it will be for the better!

Over the Christmas period I travelled to Adelaide where my family live and it was really nice to see them and also have some time catching up with friends too (maybe too much fun!) So much fun in fact I will be doing Dry January.

Over the weekend I enjoyed some time down in Townsville, I went to the cinema to watch Nosferatu and Paddington in Peru. I used to love visiting the cinema back in Adelaide but since moving up to regional Queensland I hadn’t been to the cinema in months. I decided to watch two movies in one day because both films interested me and I really enjoyed it. I liked Nosferatu for its creepy atmosphere, dark lighting and great acting, and Paddington was good for its light heartedness.

Townsville is quite a big drive for a cinema trip, so I am looking forward to the JL Kelly Theatre showing of Heretic later this month. My parents have seen it and they say I will enjoy it, so I’m looking forward to that one!

Going into the New Year, I look forward to continuing to serve the community with this free newspaper and I hope we all have a great 2025.

Quote of the week

‘If we’re kind and polite the world will be right’ - Paddington

Many members of the Ingham community were left stunned when the smell of smoke and the sound of nearby sirens filled the air just after 5pm on Thursday the 2nd of January.

The Queensland Fire Department were called to a two-storey house located on the corner of Ardrossan and Yeldham Streets at 5.20pm, with a spokesperson adding that the blaze was quickly contained at 5.45pm.

Three Queensland Fire Department crews attended the scene as well as paramedics with a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirming the building was empty at the time of the fire.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman has confirmed police are not treating the fire suspicious, outlining the Queensland Fire Department have confirmed the cause of the fire was an electrical fault within the fridge with damage contained to the fridge and a nearby cupboard.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Ingham Palliative Carers Committee has been dedicated to supporting the community and helping those in need of navigating ongoing health issues.

Recently, the committee was able to drive their level of assistance even further when Brian and Theresa Hurley bequeathed an incredible $203,000 to the non-profit organisation.

After careful consideration, the committee decided to use the donation to purchase a vehicle, which they named "The Hurley Bus" in honour of the couple's generosity.

‘The Hurley Bus’ has already begun to transport frail and palliative patients in Ingham to and from medical appointments, and any other outings that passengers may like.

Currently the bus has done three trips, all have been medical but current President of Ingham Palliative Carers Committee Judy Cardillo wants the people of Ingham to know they offer more.

“We'll try to accommodate any plans anyone's got. That's what we're hoping to do. It's not just for trips to Townsville,” said Judy.

Judy is hoping that ‘The Hurley Bus’ makes it easier for people in Ingham to have access to transport.

Judy hopes to make frail, aged and palliative people gain access to more accessible transport and also aims to make the journey as pleasant as possible.

Every journey has a driver and an assistant who is there to ensure everyone has the best possible day. They have lots of volunteers for ‘The Hurley Bus’ and most are awaiting their first trip.

If you or anyone you know needs access to a vehicle, ‘The Hurley Bus’ is available for you, contact Judy Cardillo 0428 921 822.

With the New Year underway, I hope everyone enjoyed a well-deserved break and is feeling refreshed for the year ahead. This time of year is a great chance to reflect, recharge, and gear up for what the next 12 months will bring. For Hinchinbrook, there is plenty of work to be done in 2025, and I’m ready to hit the ground running. This year my focus will be on pushing ahead with our major road and marine infrastructure projects
that are critical to the future and growth of our region.

In the northern part of the electorate, I look forward to seeing the detailed design finalised for the Gairloch project. This project also includes the Seymour River stretch where far too many accidents have occurred in recent times. The Dallachy Road project near Tully is due to commence construction at the end of the wet season and it will be great to finally see some concrete and steel coming out of the ground and work commencing to flood mitigate the southern approach to Tully.

In Townsville, the Woolcock Street corridor, running through Burdell, Deeragun, and Mount Low, will be a major priority as the need to alleviate congestion during peak times grows by the day. This problem must be rectified so that more housing options can be unlocked in Townsville’s north.

In the new year we are expecting to see progress with the rock wall and dredging project at Dungeness and in Port Hinchinbrook it appears the State is set to continue the process of acquiring the remaining properties under liquidation. Another major focus of mine is getting the Cassady Creek boat ramp moved closed to the mouth of the creek. These facilities are not only important for locals, but they also play a major role in
attracting visitors to our region.

While it’s still early days, the government has shown encouraging support for the key projects that matter to Hinchinbrook. I’m optimistic that as we head into the New Year, we’ll be in a strong position to push forward and deliver the projects our Hinchinbrook community truly deserves.

I hope you all are enjoying what remains of the New Year break and here’s to a successful and productive year ahead!

Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook

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Queensland’s weather can change in an instant, and December’s flooding across the Hinchinbrook Shire and surrounding areas may be a sign of what’s to come this disaster season. While we can’t prevent floods, we can take steps to be better prepared and reduce their impact on our lives through understanding flood risks, warning systems, and implementing preparedness plans.
The impacts of floods vary, from positive effects like replenishing ecosystems during droughts to devastating consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and long-term recovery challenges.
In Queensland, three types of flooding occur: riverine, flash, and storm surge. Riverine flooding happens from prolonged rainfall, causing rivers to overflow, flash flooding is a rapid occurrence due to heavy rainfall in a short period, while storm surges happen when sea water is pushed inland during a cyclone.
In preparation for predicted flooding, the Hinchinbrook community can access the Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Emergency Disaster Dashboard via disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au to understand the flood risks in the area. Along with updates concerning the immediate Hinchinbrook region, locals are also able to register for alerts via the Bureau of Meteorology to be notified of up-to-date warnings.
Some useful preparation steps include creating an emergency plan, ensuring flood insurance, maintaining your property, and packing an evacuation kit. Understanding the risks and taking proactive measures can reduce the impact of floods on your family and property this disaster season.

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Queensland has experienced its deadliest year on the roads in 15 years, with 302 lives lost in 2024. This marks a tragic 25-person increase over 2023 and a 33-person rise compared to the five-year average. The state’s worst road toll since 2009 has prompted calls for drivers to be more vigilant, especially as the summer holiday period brings increased traffic.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, The Honourable Brent Mickelberg, emphasised the need for caution.

“At this time of year, we know people typically spend more time on the road than usual,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“There is still no excuse to speed, lose focus, not wear a seat belt properly, or drive when you’re affected by drugs or alcohol – it’s just not worth the risk.”

The major contributing factors to road fatalities remain the Fatal Five: speeding, fatigue, distraction (including mobile phone use), incorrect seatbelt use, and drink and drug driving. Speeding continues to rise as a key factor, particularly among motorcyclists, who made up 77 of the fatalities, a 25.5% increase from the five-year average.

Young drivers aged 16 to 24, who make up 13% of the state’s licence holders, were involved in almost 30% of fatal crashes, while senior drivers accounted for 98 deaths, a 32% increase from previous years.

Regional Queensland, particularly the Southern region and North Coast, saw the highest number of fatalities, with more than 60% of the state’s fatal crashes occurring outside urban areas.

Minister Mickelberg also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve road safety, including advocating for increased federal funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway.

To access more information on road safety, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/.

Hinchinbrook’s smallest and rarest tern, the Little Tern, has made its seasonal return to Lucinda to raise its young, with the birds expected to stay until late January.

With only around 1,200 of these tiny terns breeding along the entire eastern seaboard, the discovery of ten nests on Lucinda Spit has captured the attention of several local and regional groups, including Birdlife Australia, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Mungalla Rangers, and the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. In response, a temporary fence has been erected around the nests, which will remain in place for about three to four weeks to protect the fragile young.

These delicate birds, weighing only about an eighth of a seagull’s weight, are nesting on the sand and among spinifex plants near the water's edge. Their eggs are cleverly camouflaged in the sand, shells, and coral rubble - an effective natural defence against predators. However, this camouflage also makes it easy for vehicles, dogs, or even walkers to accidentally crush the eggs and chicks.

Lucinda's Little Terns faced a setback last year, losing all their nests to high tides during Christmas 2022 and to Cyclone Jasper in December. However, this year, hope is high as two chicks, born in late November, have already reached the flying age and can be seen on the water's edge, under the watchful care of their parents and other adult terns.

Contributed with thanks to Wetland and Coastal Birds Coordinator for Birdlife Australia, Simon Kennedy.

A face Hinchinbrook knows and loves, Sherie Hensler-Adams has joined the Life Publishing Group team with the position of Sales Account Manager for Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper!

A local through and through, Sherie has lived in Hinchinbrook for 42 years after moving to the area in her primary school days and has since married a local boy and raised a family.

Her daughter now teaches close to home as a secondary educator in Gilroy, and her son works in the mining industry. Sherie enjoys and values spending her downtime with her adult children and many pets! Along with currently pet sitting a pup for her son, Sherie’s home is a hive of activity with two dogs, two cats, and three chickens forever keeping her on her toes as well as her casual green thumb endeavours.

When Sherie isn’t wearing her Sales Account Manager hat, she enjoys spending time outdoors no matter the activity, whether its boating, fishing, jet skiing or venturing on a leisurely camping trip with her family and friends.

Sherie was the Sales Account Manager for the former Herbert River Express up until the newspaper ceased publishment in 2020, and in her eight wonderful years with the local paper, she honed her skills and discovered her passion for the position. In having the opportunity to publish the news of the region once again, Sherie was more than excited to become part of the Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper team, explaining that helping to bring the publishment to the region means the world.

“As we’re a small community, we really need a local newspaper that’s a community-based newspaper,” shared Sherie.

“It’s a great thing that there’s one here again, and the Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper is a very positive newspaper, and that’s what I like about it.”

Members of the community are more than welcome to reach out to Sherie on 0498 589 226 or via email to sherie@lifepublishinggroup.com to discuss any advertising inquires.

How lucky am I to have the first Councillor contribution column of the 2025 New Year. A great opportunity to wish everyone health and happiness for the year ahead. Last year is done and dusted and the new year is an open book full of opportunity. I believe it’s important to start the year with goals of kindness to others and faith in humanity.
My Council Portfolio is Natural Resource management, Biosecurity and Parks and Gardens, it’s interesting and I work with some great people. I’m always advocating for educating our community to be aware of threatening weeds and Biosecurity issues. Knowledge is the best tool we have in the fight against pests and diseases.
Farmers and Community members work with Council to make our home the best place it can be, we don’t always see it or know it’s happening but there are so many quiet achievers that mow grass, control invasive plants, pick up litter, water plants in front of their shops and generally just do good things for our community. To these people I say thank you, you are one of the reasons why Hinchinbrook is such a great place to live.
It’s that time of year now that everything grows, especially in the Parks and Gardens space. I know we all love the green grass, and we all get really good at mowing our lawns every four days! We have been on skeleton staff through the Christmas break because everyone deserves to have time with their family over the Holidays. The few devoted staff who have been working are doing the best they can to keep it under control. Please try to bear with us as we get back into the swing of things and make the town look great again. I’d also like to thank these staff members as it has been terribly hot, you guys are doing an amazing job!
Just a reminder to everyone that it’s coming up to that time of the year again where we need to get ready for the wet season. Hopefully we’ll have a mild season, but if we don’t, we need to be Disaster ready. Those who are new to the area or aren’t sure what to expect can access all the information from Council, please get in touch with our wonderful staff and have a look at our website.
Have a fabulous year everyone, Peace and Love to you all.

In the formative years of 1885-86, the fledgling community of Halifax undertook an enduring initiative that would leave its mark on the township for generations. 
Along Macrossan Street, a row of trees was planted. This arboreal lineup included eight Mango trees (Mangifera indica), a Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina), and an African Mahogany (Khaya spp.).

This initiative was more than a beautification effort; it was part of a visionary public works program conceived and carried out by six pioneering settlers. These settlers played a pivotal role in fostering economic stability in Halifax —Harald Hoffensetz, August Anderssen, Austin W. Carr, Niels C. Rosendahl, John Alm, and Francis Herron.
 
 

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Happy New Year everyone! Welcome to 2025 and I wish you well and every success for this year.
2024 turned out to be quite a difficult year for our district in terms of our main industry in sugar. The extremely wet ground conditions early in the year, mid-year and end of year proved quite trying for all involved, resulting in not all cane being harvested and not all fallow being planted. I would like to thank all in Hinchinbrook for the champion efforts put in under the circumstances, and if the wet season is kind to us, we can look forward to a reasonable crop for the district this year.
I am looking forward to 2025 as I believe we will finally see a number of projects that we have long laboured with come to fruition. The ducks are starting to line up and environmental approvals are being considered with new realism and purpose by the State Government, which will enable projects such as the Taylors Beach Foreshore Revetment Wall, Dungeness, and all tide access and flood mitigation works throughout the district to progress. We also have a number of new projects commencing this year as part of the most recent Works for Queensland funding program including a half basketball court for Garbutt Park Ingham, revamp of the Borello Park Lucinda playground, Taylors Beach playground shade covering and the Palm Creek pump track to name a few.  I am proposing to utilise my weekly column in our fabulous new local paper, the Hinchinbrook Life, to keep you updated on progress being made. We have a lot to look forward to.
Just prior to Council closing for Christmas, it gave me immense pleasure to acknowledge the significant contribution to our district by Gian Mario Deambrogio. Mario as he is more affectionately known, has provided mechanical services to our district for over 60 continuous years at Trebonne, and there would not be many people who have not been acquainted with Mario in one manner or another. Congratulations Mario and thank you for not only being a good business to our district, but also for the countless hours of volunteer service to the then Cannossian regime of Trebonne throughout the years.

Until next week.

A New Year – A Time To Reflect And Reassess!
With a New Year commenced, now is the perfect time for business owners to reflect on the year that was and reassess the goals and ambitions for the upcoming year.  January 1 represents the halfway point of the financial year and often during this post festive season there is opportunity to ensure the business is tracking as planned or expected.  
Certainly 2024 has provided some challenges for the business community both locally and nationally, however there has also been new opportunities emerge in the broader North Queensland area, with announcements regarding major infrastructure projects commencing in the region.  
The Hinchinbrook business community has enormous skill capacity that already services the local agricultural and civil sectors. These same skills are in high demand with many regional projects and businesses in the Hinchinbrook Shire well positioned to provide services to a broader external client base.
The lifestyle that Hinchinbrook Shire offers is being discovered by a growing number of new residents and this is also a reason to be hopeful in 2025. For many years the Hinchinbrook Shire has struggled with declining population, however as the tide slowly turns to a more positive trend, this will open the door to new clients to support local businesses. The New Year provides a timely reminder to review the marketing strategy for your business, consider its current effectiveness and whether there is another audience that can be connected with and converted to new clients?  
This year Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, industry & Tourism Inc., will be exploring options for delivering workshops that will help each business reach their goals, and support owners on the pathway to success. If you haven’t already considered membership with Chamber, perhaps now is also a good time to explore the benefits of becoming a member?