Hiya Hinchinbrookshire!

With Remembrance Day and Plant A Tree Day, I can’t help but reflect on what I can do to make a difference through my own small actions. On 11 November, I remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and consider how we might live up, even in a small way, to the service they gave for our country.

That’s why events like Plant A Tree Day are so important. You are literally planting a better future. By helping in small ways, such as planting a few trees, I can do my part to protect and nurture the environment. I hear about the destruction of our green spaces from disasters and pests almost every day, so I donned my gloves and planted my share of trees.

After speaking with the organisers, I learned that the area we planted was another link in a chain that will become a wildlife corridor for our native fauna, now that the patch of invasive parra grass had been killed back. Hopefully, the trees we planted will grow strong and healthy, providing a thriving ecosystem for many years to come.

Victoria

Quotes: 'That is why young men die in battle for their country’s sake and why old men plant trees they will never sit under.' - from 1955, Essays in The Public Philosophy by Walter Lippmann. 'The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, the second best time is now.' - popular saying.

The stinger net enclosure has been reinstalled at Forrest Beach just in time for stinger season, ensuring swimmers can enjoy the water safely during the warmer months.

Beachgoers are reminded to always swim inside the stinger net and between the red and yellow flags. Protective clothing, such as a lycra stinger suit, is recommended, and visitors should avoid hanging off the floating pontoon or venturing near the edges of the net. Fishers are also urged to take care when launching boats.

Box jellyfish are commonly found in calm, shallow waters and thrive in hot conditions, so vigilance is essential. Lifesavers are on patrol at the following times:

Saturday: 1pm–5pm
Sunday: 9am–5pm
Public holidays: 9am–5pm

Vinegar stations are available at the top of the beach and near the boat ramp to treat stings if they occur. Visitors with questions are encouraged to speak with the lifesavers on duty.

With the stinger net in place, Forrest Beach is ready for a safe and enjoyable summer in the water.

‍

By-Election Update

With nominations closing today, 11 November, there has been considerable shuffling among the minor parties, while the major parties have their campaigns in full swing.

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Queensland (One Nation) party saw Lisa Buchtmann withdraw due to personal health issues, while the Labor, Greens, and Family First parties only recently announced their nominations.

Joining major party contenders Mark Molachino for Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) and Wayde Chiesa for the Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP) are the following candidates:

• Maurie Soars for the Australian Labor Party, announced on 3 November 2025.
• Amanda Nickson for Family First, endorsed on 6 November 2025.
• Aiden Creagh for the Greens, confirmed on 8 November 2025.
• One Nation has confirmed they have a new candidate to contest the By Election as of 10 November.

As campaigning ramps up, questions remain: Will KAP hold the seat without its long-serving local MP? Can the LNP or Labor make enough inroads to close the gap and potentially claim victory?

This by-election offers a snapshot of shifting political dynamics in regional Queensland, particularly in a seat long held by KAP. In the 2024 general election, Nick Dametto secured 46.42 per cent of the primary vote for KAP, with the LNP on 28.22 per cent and Labor on 14.03 per cent.

With Dametto’s departure and a new slate of candidates, the vote could swing. If the LNP or Labor achieve strong gains, it could indicate broader changes in how regional electorates respond to both major and minor parties alike.

Next week, we’ll be publishing a special Q&A with the candidates — comparing apples with apples on their policies, plans, and visions for how they aim to improve the region if elected.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling on all by-election candidates to back a bold vision for the future with $26.75 million in strategic investment across three interconnected projects.

Hinchinbrook is proud to be a vital contributor to North Queensland’s economy, offering world-class fishing, thriving agriculture, and a lifestyle that attracts visitors from across Australia.

With continued investment, the region can build on its strengths — delivering better connectivity, stronger resilience, and a sustainable future.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said Hinchinbrook works hard not just for itself, but for the broader regional Queensland community.

“From reef to rainforest, Hinchinbrook is a region of opportunity. These investments will deliver better connectivity, stronger resilience, and a more sustainable future for our community,” Mayor Jayo said.

Council’s priorities include:

Marine Access at Forrest Beach

Forrest Beach is Hinchinbrook’s premier lifestyle destination, but reliable marine access remains a challenge. Council is seeking $4 million to upgrade the Cassady Creek boat ramp and $750,000 to prepare a business case for new ramp and jetty facilities. Mayor Jayo said reliable marine access isn’t just about convenience — it’s about unlocking opportunity for tourism, emergency response, and community growth.

Lucinda Sewage Infrastructure

Lucinda is a coastal gem and gateway to world-class fishing, but growth needs a foundation. Council is calling for $18 million to upgrade trunk infrastructure and treatment facilities, enabling housing development, tourism expansion, and FIFO/DIDO attraction. Mayor Jayo said upgrading Lucinda’s sewage network is the key to housing, tourism, and attracting workers who want to live where the reef meets the rainforest.

Recycling Waste Facility

Council is committed to a sustainable future through a $4 million Recycling Waste Facility at Warrens Hill. The project will maximise recycling, extend landfill life, and create five direct jobs. Mayor Jayo said a modern recycling facility will cut landfill waste, create jobs, and position Hinchinbrook as a leader in the circular economy.

The Hinchinbrook state by-election will be held on Saturday, 29 November 2025. For more information about voting, visit https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/hinchinbrook-by-election on the Electoral Commission Queensland website

I thought I would like to give an update on the Hinchinbrook Drainage Advisory Group.

As a result of the February flooding events, the Council Disaster Recovery Groups were activated. From these initial meetings, stakeholders put forward the idea of forming a group to create a forum to look at drainage throughout the Hinchinbrook Shire. Hence, the Hinchinbrook Drainage Advisory Group was formed.

Some of the stakeholders in the group are:

HSC – Hinchinbrook Shire Council
HRIT – Herbert River Improvement Trust
LHWMA – Lower Herbert Water Management Authority
HRCG – Herbert River Catchment Group
QCAR – Queensland Cane Action Reserve
WILMAR – Wilmar Sugar Australia
DTMR – Department of Transport and Main Roads
QR – Queensland Rail
DPI – Department of Primary Industries
DETSI – Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
SARA – State Assessment and Referral Agency


One of, but definitely not the only, areas of concern was blockages of mangrove drains and the inability to maintain these vital and fragile areas back to functioning waterways.

The group has held monthly meetings and onsite visits to examples of these areas. From these visits, it helped the government departments gain a better understanding of the matters relating to mangrove maintenance works required in the Lower Herbert Catchment.

The group has identified four trial sites, which involve Queensland Government department tenure, landholder onsite drains, as well as HRIT and LHWMA infrastructure. All of these sites require maintenance in the mangrove areas.

Recently, the group was successful in gaining support from the DPI to conduct well-overdue maintenance at these four trial sites. Works will still require a development application submitted through the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).

Once the sites have received maintenance and been rehabilitated, they will serve as an example of a workable process that can be used throughout our Shire to deliver consistent and sustainable results.

Once again, it is great to be able to pick up a copy of Hinchinbrook Life and read through what will be happening throughout our Shire. Thank you for the opportunity once again.

Sugarcane has been the backbone of Hinchinbrook’s economy for generations, and today it offers even greater potential through its versatility.

It produces not only sugar but also bioenergy, bioplastics, and other innovative products that can drive a sustainable future.

Global sugar prices fluctuate, and when they fall, the impact on our community is immediate.

That’s why the future lies in diversification — transforming sugarcane into more than sugar.

Sugarcane is a powerhouse crop with enormous potential beyond traditional production.

It can help power Queensland’s clean energy future through bioenergy, including renewable electricity, biofuels, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Bagasse, the fibre left after crushing cane, already generates electricity for the grid.

With the right investment and policy support, we can expand this capability and create new industries that deliver jobs, innovation, and resilience for our region.

Townsville Enterprise, which advocates on behalf of Hinchinbrook Shire to state and federal political entities, lodged a submission to the Queensland Government’s Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities, highlighting the significant potential of this industry.

A report by Licella found that Queensland’s sugarcane biofuel sector alone could create 8,000 new full-time jobs and 1,000 construction jobs, deliver $10 billion in new investment, add $5 billion to Queensland’s GDP, and meet more than 10% of Australia’s aviation fuel needs through SAF.

These figures demonstrate that bioenergy is not just an environmental solution — it is an economic game-changer.

The Burdekin and Hinchinbrook regions already produce over 11 million tonnes of sugarcane annually.

With coordinated policy and investment, these regions can lead Queensland’s renewable transition.

Opportunities to use leftover cane fibre for electricity or refine cane into fuel for cars and planes will only grow, but decisive action is needed now.

This is why Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling on all candidates in the Hinchinbrook by-election to commit to supporting this vision.

It is not just about sugar; it is about securing jobs, attracting investment, and building national fuel security. If Brazil, India, and Thailand can do it, how come the Smart State of Queensland can’t?

Sugar has served us well, but its future lies in complementing traditional production with new, sustainable industries.

This is our opportunity to turn Hinchinbrook into a hub for bioenergy innovation, an opportunity that has been waiting far too long. To make it happen, we need every single level of government on board.

The Island That Forgot It Was An Island

It’s hard to believe that Hinchinbrook Island — one of Australia’s most pristine wilderness escapes — wasn’t always recognised as an island. For years, it was thought to be part of the mainland until surveyors in 1843 discovered the narrow channel separating it.

Today, that very gap known as the Hinchinbrook Channel is a natural maze of mangroves and crocodile country, beloved by kayakers and nature photographers. The island itself is a sanctuary of misty peaks, rainforest, and waterfalls — and it gave the Shire its name.

So next time you look across from Lucinda or Cardwell, remember: the mighty island that defines Hinchinbrook’s identity once hid in plain sight. Turns out even nature plays a cheeky game of “who moved my cheese.”

One of the Australian Army’s largest support battalions has opened its expansive workshops to local schools, aiming to inspire the next generation of recruits.

Approximately 250 high school students from Townsville, Ayr, Ingham, and Tully attended the open day in October. Among them were Indigenous students from the Clontarf Foundation.

Students had the opportunity to meet ADF career specialists and speak directly with 3CSSB personnel while touring some of the largest mechanical workshops and military supply warehouses in the country.

They also engaged with cutting-edge drone technology and participated in physical fitness training sessions.

The 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion (3CSSB), based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, plays a critical role in supporting the 3rd Brigade with essential transport, supply, and maintenance services—enabling the Brigade to move, train, and fight effectively.

With more than 500 officers and soldiers across over 40 employment categories, 3CSSB is actively supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) Careers to attract new recruits to join the ADF by highlighting some of its roles, including vehicle mechanics and operators, fuel and cargo specialists, electronics technicians, and more.

3CSSB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Long, said the event helped open young minds to career paths they may not have previously considered.

“There’s a wide range of benefits to pursuing a logistics role in the military,” LTCOL Long said.

“But you also gain trade qualifications with civilian equivalencies, giving you the flexibility to transition into employment beyond the military.”

“We need skilled people to maintain these platforms and ensure our capabilities will be up to meeting whatever challenge is thrown at us. Townsville is a key garrison city with a strong defence and industrial base. These trade qualifications offer individuals the chance to build lasting careers right here in the region.”

Key trades showcased during the open day included recovery mechanics, vehicle technicians, electronics technicians, and material technicians—all currently in high demand as the 3rd Brigade prepares for growth.

ADF Careers Senior Recruiting Officer, Major Peter Cherry, said it is an exciting time to join the ADF in Army logistics.

“Events like this show the community the breadth of roles that the ADF has to offer and the opportunities that come with a career in the ADF,” MAJ Cherry said.

For more information on ADF Careers and pathways such as the Gap Year program, visit adfcareers.gov.au or call 13 19 01

On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, Cardwell State School students visited the Cardwell RSL Sub Branch for a sausage sizzle and a talk about Remembrance Day. The students enjoyed the change of venue and the comfort of the air-conditioning, and their knowledge of our military history was impressive.

The following day, Thursday, 6 November, Kennedy State School visited the Cardwell RSL for their own sausage sizzle.

All three local schools have also entered the Queensland RSL-sponsored “Draw to Remember” program, creating military-themed artwork on footpaths and other surfaces.

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

Construction works have begun as the Ingham Health Service prepares for the installation of its new computed tomography (CT) scanner.

Director of nursing Janine Johnson said it was an exciting time for the health service as the CT installation project kicked off.

“We’re very excited for the CT scanner to be installed as it will be the first publicly available scanner for residents of the Hinchinbrook region,” she said.

“We anticipate that approximately 1,200 scans will be performed by this machine each year, saving our patients from travelling far from home for life-saving medical imaging.”

Hospital staff and visitors are advised to be aware of construction works, as they may affect the way they usually enter the building.

“The walkway from the public car park to the Community and main admin entrances will be closed for the next six to eight weeks,” Ms Johnson said.

“We’d recommend visitors accessing the hospital via the main entrance on McIlwraith St.

“For those that need to access the emergency department, parking is available on the grassed and bitumen car park at the rear of the building, near the ED entrance.”

Ms Johnson also cautioned visitors and staff to be aware of construction works as they came in and out of the car park.

“Please obey and observe all traffic instructions for the safety of all,” she said.

The Ingham Health Service CT Scanner project is expected to be completed mid-next year.

At Cardwell Meals On Wheels' 44th AGM

Cardwell Meals on Wheels Inc. 44th Annual General Meeting was held on 16/10/25 at Cardwell RSL. Terry & Mamiko catered for our Annual Dinner and the meal was delicious. It was well attended by volunteers, clients and the kitchen staff and Winston Boysen from Churches of Christ Rockingham Home for the Aged as our special guests and following the formal procedures, everyone enjoyed a great evening of dining, fun and laughter.

During the evening, we held a minute silence for our long-serving President, Beverley Rose Altadonna, a position she held for 23 years, who passed away suddenly in September. Bev will be sadly missed by our organization.

Our Committee for 2025/26 – President Don Porter, Treasurer Allison Chellingworth, Secretary Lee

Porter, Committee Members – Arlie Robinson, John Newsome, Sue Hart, Bilie Fletcher, Mandy McGree, Carol Palmer, Katrina O’Brien, Peta Johnson, Lynn Crawford and Mandy Carucci.

Secretary Lee Porter thanked all the volunteers for their continuing support during the year.

Volunteers and clients were given a 2026 Calendar, which was produced by Stan Skeates, with amazing native animal photos from our volunteers Stan and Debbie Clancy.

If you would like to volunteer an hour or two a month, please contact our Convenor Lisa Cartwright on 0428980104 or email cardwellmow@hotmail.com

(Contributed with thanks by Lee Porter, Secretary of Cardwell Meals on Wheels)

It would be great to stand before you today knowing no wars are going on around the planet, but unfortunately, there are two going on in Africa, one still only partially settled in the Middle East, and of course, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

When the Armistice was signed between the Germans and the Allied forces at the 11th hour on the 11th day and the 11th month in 1918, this First World War was supposed to be the war to end all wars. In the intervening hours from the document of surrender being signed and the cessation of hostilities, 2,700 more casualties were inflicted. This was a complete waste of lives, just like the preceding 4 years.

On this 107th anniversary of the end of World War 1, we haven't as a species been able to live together without conflict, and with the constant development of new weaponry, especially artificial intelligence-based, nothing looks like changing any time soon.

This was not the intention of the victors, if there were any, as the Great War, as it was known, was deemed to be the war to end all wars. Those brave Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen who gave their lives so we could live in peace and with freedom would be very disappointed that we still resort to war, which brings nothing but pain and suffering to the planet daily.

Today, we gather here to honour the sacrifice of all those who have served this country in times of peace and at war. Without their contributions in the defence of our way of life, none of us would be here today. It is a debt this nation can never repay, and having ceremonies like this one keeps their memories alive.

From school children to grandparents, for one minute of each year, we gather to Remember them. It's a very small sacrifice on our part, especially considering what those brave men and women gave for us.

It was interesting to read that the British Royal Artillery lost over 60,000 men in World War One; coincidentally, that's around the same figure that Australia lost. So it was a war that marked the rapid evolution of Artillery and the invention of the Maxim Machine Gun. Both these massed weapons inflicted a devastating impact on both sides of this war.

The genuine wish for peace by those signing the Armistice didn't last a generation, with the Second World War commencing in 1939. And Australia lost another 40,000 brave young souls.

Within 10 years of the cessation of both these wars, those numbers were doubled due to death from wounds or suicide.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could stand here before you next year and claim that there are no wars on our small planet, and no more mothers are weeping over lost children.

LEST WE FORGET

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

‍

WILLIAM MARKEY – An Irish born soldier of the AIF

By Dr Bianka Vidonja Balanzategui

Who would have thought that in researching the origins of the naming of Markey Street, Ingham, which, according to a Hinchinbrook Shire Council document, Future Road Names - Hinchinbrook Shire Council, is named for Thomas Markey, I would discover an oversight in local RSL records and on the cenotaph, William John MARKEY.

According to the Irish-born soldiers of the AIF, Private William John MARKEY. No. 373 was born in County Antrim, Ireland, to William and Ellen Markey. He came to Australia as a 19-year-old and was working on the Herbert at Victoria Mill when he enlisted on 13 April 1915 to fight for Australia in World War 1. He embarked on 25 May 1915, in Brisbane on the Ascanius. He was a member of the 2nd Australian Division Light Trench Mortar Battery, Australian Infantry. He was killed in action on 5 August 1916, aged 23 years. His personal effects: a bible, wallet and photos were returned to his mother on his death.

Ingham-born Aircraftsman Class 1 Thomas Markey 152019, on the other hand, enlisted to fight in World War 2 in Townsville at the R.A.A.F Recruiting Unit, and formally joined up in Brisbane in 1943, at 18 years of age and was given the duties of aircraft hand. Thomas was born on April 26, 1925, to Patrick Markey and his wife, Jane (née Dunlop). His occupation was mail contractor, but he also worked in his father’s sawmill at Log Creek. He did not see overseas action but tragically died less than three weeks after enlistment in Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, on 4 August 1943, of an unspecified illness. He is buried in Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane. His name is located on panel 115 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. On both the cenotaph and the honour board in the Ingham RSL, Thomas Markey is recorded as a casualty of World War 2.

William John Markey is one of the 11 soldiers whom the All Souls Church, Victoria Estate is dedicated to. He is honoured at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial and in the Commemorative Area Australian War Memorial - Panel 20. On his record held at the Australian War Memorial, it says that the cenotaph on which his name should appear is Herbert River, as that is where he enlisted. Since the RSL Board has been alerted of the omission, it has taken steps to rectify it. The Board is working towards having his name inserted on the RSL Honour Board and etched into the cenotaph. On Anzac Day 2025, William John Markey’s name was read out on the Roll of Honour.

This Remembrance Day, you may like to keep in your thoughts of the fallen not only Ingham boy Thomas Markey, but also William John Markey, an Irish boy, a long way from home, who lay down his life for his adopted country, Australia.

“Chugga-chugga, choo-choo, here comes the train, rollin’ towards the sugarcane!” 

That’s the sound of a sweet new collaboration that’s taken off like a rocket, with George the Farmer and CANEGROWERS’ new song and video Sugarcane Train racking up more than 68,000 views in just three days.

The companion educational video, Learn About Sugarcane with George the Farmer, has also captured imaginations with over 65,000 views since Friday.

The upbeat tune Sugarcane Train takes kids on a musical ride from paddock to packet -showcasing how Queensland’s sugarcane is planted, grown, harvested and turned into everything from sugar to fuel, electricity and bioplastics.

“Sugarcane is one of Australia’s most vibrant, versatile and sustainable crops, and it’s great to see it come to life through George the Farmer’s unique storytelling,” said CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan.

“George’s new tune is fun, factual and might just get stuck in your head for days – and its incredible early success shows just how much kids love learning where their food and fibre come from.

"It also continues CANEGROWERS’ long-standing commitment to helping students and teachers understand our industry and its people.”

The Sugarcane Train song and educational video are the first in a new suite of George the Farmer resources developed in partnership with CANEGROWERS, with curriculum-aligned STEM materials for Prep to Year 4 students set for release in time for the 2026 school year.

These classroom materials are packed with fun, hands-on activities – from designing cane farms and building model harvesters to exploring how farming cares for the land.

“Kids can’t resist singing along – and Sugarcane Train is the perfect way to show how clever, creative and sustainable our farmers really are,” said George the Farmer creator Simone Kain.

‍

Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Thank you to all growers who nominated Wilmar Grower Marketing as their GEI marketer for the 2026 season.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the growing number of new growers who have chosen Wilmar for the first time. We don’t take any nomination, new or existing, for granted and remain committed to delivering strong returns, flexible products and personalised service to maintain your trust in this vital part of your business.

This year has been particularly challenging on the pricing front. Just 8 months ago, the March 26 futures contract was trading close to 20 USc/lb, with the AUD sugar price above $650/t. We are now facing a $465/t price and futures at 14 USc/lb.

Our recent October Pool results have reinforced our decision to relaunch the Managed Pool as the Managed Pool Plus (MPP), with the key difference being its extended time horizon for price management compared to the Production Risk Pool (PRP).

At the end of October, the MPP was forecast at $560/t Actual versus the PRP at $515/t. During the month, the 2025 Season price fell by about $70/t Actual, while the MPP dropped $40/t and the PRP $60/t, reflecting the MPP’s higher hedge profile.

The Grower Marketing team are fielding lots of enquiries from growers seeking guidance on sugar price outlooks. While no one can predict prices with certainty, our analysts expect global sugar stocks to build over the next 12 to 18 months due to large crops in India and Brazil, assuming normal weather.

Ethanol remains another key factor, with prices influenced by oil markets, relative feedstock prices, and government regulation. The recent dip in sugar prices below 14 USc/lb has already prompted some Brazilian mills to switch from sugar to ethanol, showing price signals are working to rebalance supply and demand.

Across all regions, growers are underpriced for the 2025 season, and even more so for 2026. While that is a challenge shared across the industry, it is important to look ahead. If you could lock in $525/t today for the 2025 season, would you take it? The 2028 season has that price available now, and pricing even a small portion early can help manage risk and secure a solid base as markets evolve.