Canegrowers in the Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook regions are being encouraged to attend free disaster resilience workshops aimed at helping farmers better prepare for floods and other extreme weather events.

The workshops will be held on 1 April in Tully at the Tully Support Centre and 21 April in Ingham at the Canegrowers Herbert River office.

Delivered by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries in partnership with Canegrowers, the sessions will focus on helping growers understand how river pathways and floodwaters could impact their properties.

Participants will take part in a one-on-one property mapping activity designed to identify key assets, irrigation systems and natural water flow across their farms.

The workshops will also provide growers with a satellite imagery map of their property to assist with future planning, as well as information on financial assistance available following natural disasters.

A number of experts will attend the sessions to share insights, including representatives from government agencies, river improvement trusts and regional planning organisations.

The workshops form part of the Queensland Government’s Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The Tully workshop will run from 8.30am to 1.30pm on 1 April at the Tully Support Centre, while the Ingham session will take place from 8.30am to 1.30pm on 21 April at the Canegrowers Herbert River office.

Attendance is free, however registrations are required. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

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Primary producers impacted by severe weather in early 2025 have been given more time to access financial assistance, with the deadline for disaster recovery grants now extended by six months.

The Australian and Queensland governments have announced that applications for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 will now close on 14 August, 2026. The funding supports farmers and producers affected by the North and Far North Tropical Low that caused widespread damage across the region.

The grants are jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and can be used for a range of recovery costs, including clean-up work, replacing damaged infrastructure, replanting crops, disposing of damaged goods, purchasing equipment and covering additional labour costs.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the extension would help producers still working through recovery.

“These grants are a lifeline for primary producers who have faced significant weather events over the past year,” Minister McBain said.

“We’re extending this deadline to ensure that primary producers who have been impacted by multiple disaster events over the past year have more time to complete clean-up and recovery activities.”

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the additional time would give farmers greater flexibility while managing ongoing recovery.

“Having been on the ground in Queensland last week to see the damage to crops, fences and equipment firsthand, I know this support is critical to helping impacted farmers and producers to get back on their feet quicker,” she said.

Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the extension recognised the challenges producers continued to face.

“This extension reflects our commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Queenslanders as they recover from the devastating impacts of the tropical low event in early 2025,” he said.

Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy said farmers had shown strong resilience.

“This extension is about giving them the time and support they need to recover and rebuild. We’re here to help every step of the way.”

CAPTION: The application deadline for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 has been extended to 14 August 2026. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Australia’s agricultural production is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year, four years ahead of the National Farmers Federation’s 2030 target.

New forecasts released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) show farm gate production will reach a record $101.4 billion in 2025–26, rising to $107.4 billion when combined with fisheries and forestry. Exports across agriculture, fisheries and forestry are also expected to hit a record high of almost $85 billion.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the result reflected the strength of the sector.

“This forecast gives Australians 100 billion reasons to thank our farmers, whose hard work, resilience and skill is helping power our national economy,” she said.

“It shows that the Albanese Labor Government’s work to diversify trade opportunities is helping our farmers and producers to export more of Australia’s world-class agricultural products than ever before.”

The National Farmers Federation first set its $100 billion target in 2018, when the sector was valued at around $88 billion. Since 2022, production value has increased by 15 per cent, with exports now reaching around 190 markets.

NFF President Hamish McIntyre described the forecast as a “landmark moment for Australian agriculture”.

“In 2018, $100 billion was seen as ambitious. Today we’re forecast to reach it ahead of schedule,” he said.

“It proves Australian agriculture can compete with the best in the world.”

CAPTION: Australia’s farm gate production value is forecast to reach a record $101.4 billion in 2025–26, surpassing the National Farmers Federation’s $100 billion target ahead of schedule. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Australian sugarcane growers and industry partners are invited to attend an upcoming online presentation examining the key challenges limiting crop productivity across the industry.

The webinar, titled Agronomy Constraints to Sugarcane Productivity, will be delivered by leading sugarcane agronomist Dr Barry Salter and will explore factors contributing to the yield plateau currently evident in the Australian sugarcane sector.

Topics to be covered include soil compaction, waterlogging, marginal soils, and observations about soil fertility following a recent industry-wide leaf and soil survey. The session will conclude with a live question-and-answer segment, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with Dr Salter.

Dr Salter, Manager Translation Research at Sugar Research Australia (SRA), has worked as a research agronomist in sugarcane for more than 20 years. His work has focused on farming systems including fallow cropping, minimum tillage, row configurations, nutrient use efficiency, enhanced efficiency fertilisers and interactions with varieties.

The webinar will run from 2pm to 3pm on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Growers and industry stakeholders can register online to attend via https://lnkd.in/ggfyVWPM.

SRA’s Dr Barry Salter will lead the webinar. Photo source: SRA

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The Cassowary Coast is home to some of the most unique ecosystems on Earth, but these environments face constant pressure from pests and invasive species.

Among the most damaging are feral cats, which pose a serious threat to native wildlife. They prey on small mammals, birds and reptiles, spread disease, and are recognised as one of Australia’s most destructive invasive species, significantly impacting biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Concern was recently raised online when residents noted the damage a local cat colony was doing in the seaside town of Cardwell. Many called for trapping and rehoming, alongside suggestions for mandatory desexing and greater owner accountability for wandering and abandoned pets that contribute to feral populations.

Managing pests is a shared responsibility across the community. Whether you are a landholder, farmer, resident, tourism operator or council employee, everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of invasive species.

With the recently celebrated World Wildlife Day, invasive and pest animals have been the forefront concern for many native wildlife carers and communities.

Under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014, landholders are required to take reasonable steps to manage biosecurity risks on their property. Local councils support this effort through education, guidance and programs such as trapping and trap hire.

A spokesperson from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council said, “Cassowary Coast Regional Council is aware of a population of feral cats in parts of Cardwell and is working with residents and businesses to help identify and trap the animals.

“Feral cats can create issues in communities as they can be unsightly, produce strong odours, spread disease and pose a threat to native wildlife, particularly small mammals and birds.

“Residents are strongly discouraged from feeding wandering cats or allowing pet cats to roam, especially if they are not desexed.

“Council provides cat traps for hire and will assess trapped animals, with suitable cats considered for rehoming. Cats that cannot be rehomed may be humanely euthanised.”

Residents who have feral cats on their property can contact council to arrange access to feral cat traps or seek further information.

For more information about hiring a cat trap, visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au or contact council on 1300 763 903.

Caption: Every year Feral cats kill millions of native species. Photo credit: Invasive Species Council, Australia

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The Government is delivering further relief to disaster-affected landholders, automatically deferring land rent payments for those recovering from the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji and associated severe weather.

A 12-month rent deferral will apply to eligible state land tenure holders across several North and Central Queensland communities, providing much-needed breathing room for landholders as recovery efforts continue.

The measure will support almost 3,000 tenures, including primary production, residential and business leases across the Cassowary Coast and other Regional Councils.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the additional relief would support communities still dealing with the impacts of severe flooding and extreme weather.

“We know North and Central Queenslanders have endured a tough start to the year with the monsoon trough, flooding and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji,” Minister Last said.

“We are delivering targeted support through automatic land rent deferral across almost 3,000 tenures.

“This is about supporting our farmers and regional Queenslanders by giving them time to focus on their recovery and get their operations back on track.

“We’re focused on helping Queenslanders recover faster and rebuild stronger for the future.”

The Government is monitoring the current flooding across Queensland and is on the ground meeting with affected communities. There is disaster relief is on the way to support the recovery efforts of those impacted.

The land rent deferral will automatically be applied to eligible land tenure holders.

For more information please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/rents/hardship-deferral

Caption: Cane crops damaged in flooding. Photo credit: Queensland Reconstruction Authority

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This year CANEGROWERS celebrates its 100-year milestone. In 1901 and the introduction of the ‘White Australia Policy’ it was hard to envisage what the industry would look like after the withdrawal of indentured labour. Farmers and millers danced around each other trying to work out the best way for the industry to be represented.

The report of the 1912 Royal Commission into the Australian Sugar Industry indicated a need for government control of raw sugar prices. In 1915 the Queensland government enacted legislation to achieve that control: the Sugar Acquisition Act which allowed the Queensland government to acquire all sugar manufactured in Queensland and sell it on to the Commonwealth Government at cost.  And the Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices Act to ensure a fair division of raw sugar returns between millers and growers.  

Lack of unity across the agricultural community prompted the Queensland government to embark on a comprehensive reorganisation of farm industries. It enacted the Primary Producers’ Organisation Act of 1922 which legislated for the formation of commodity industry bodies with power to compel all persons in that industry to become members and pay levies.  

The Primary Producers’ Organisation and Marketing Act of 1926 replaced the former Act making special provisions for the sugar industry with compulsory membership and a compulsory farmer levy paid to the Queensland Cand Growers Association (QCGA). It provided for mill suppliers committees, district cane growers’ executives, and the Queensland Cane Growers’ Council (QCGC) which became the governing body of the Queensland Cane Growers’ Association (QCGA).

The QCGC was made up of two cane grower representatives from each of the mill areas. The local District Executive of the QCGA was formed in 1926. HRFL members A.L. Musgrave was elected as the first secretary of district executive, and George Geeson as first president while W. M. Tooth, former president of the HRFL became the first Herbert River representative on the QCGC.

The steps that brought this district executive into existence are unknown. Annette Veree Ford who wrote a thesis on the QCGA Herbert River district branch found that there were no records kept until 1933.  What is known is that the district executive inherited the HRFL’s active membership and readymade area branches and invited the district executive to hold meetings in the HRFL building and rent office space in which to carry out administrative tasks.

The district executive’s roles duplicated those of the HRFL: conducting large district meetings; negotiating with CSR on cane price and supervising labour arrangements; and the political and social community role of petitioning state or federal government representatives on both industry and wider community needs. To those roles was added those pertaining to production and marketing.  

In February 1932 the Herbert River Cane Growers Association (HRCGA) was formed. Prominent member of the HRFL T.J. McMillan, was elected as the first president. When the HRCGA decided that its “status and dignity” warranted its own building it gained a perpetual lease of an allotment on the opposite side of Lannercost Street, defiantly facing the HRFL building. The new farmers’ building was opened in 1934.

Image 1: Caption: Farmers’ building opened in 1934. Image source: State Library of Queensland. Image number: 96364

Image 2: Caption: The Canecutters: A Tribute to the Sugar Field Workers of Herbert Valley. Image supplied

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The Herbert River Crushers U19s kicked off the 2026 senior rugby league season with a trial match against Brothers RLFC on Saturday 14 March at Jack Manski Oval. With several new recruits from across the region, along with the addition of St Teresa’s Abergowrie boys this season, the team was always going to need some time to gel.

Heading into the break 16–0 down, the boys regrouped, tightened up their discipline and reduced their early errors to win the second half 16–8, eventually going down 24–16 to the back-to-back premiers.   Continued on page 31.

New Blood Bulks The Crushers Ranks

Introducing the team’s lineup are new recruits Haley Gaidan (lock), Jared Dau (centre), Maddyx Mancuso (front row), Captain Mitch Maher (fullback), Aiden Stedman (half/hooker) and Hezekiah Nona (half) all showed plenty of promise in their first outing as River boys, putting in strong performances. Local juniors Connor Matsen (lock/hooker), Shaun Devietti (front row) and Tristan Milan (front row) also played big minutes, taking on the powerful Brothers forward pack. While ist jus pre-season prep for now, onlookers anticipate their first game, an away vs Norths Devils on Saturday, 11 April.

Contributed with thanks by Peter Reitano

The Herbert River Crushers U19s kicked off the 2026 senior rugby league season with a trial match against Brothers RLFC on Saturday. Photos supplied

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council wishes to advise residents that landslip remediation and slope stabilisation works will be carried out on Wallaman Falls Road from 23 March 2026 to 30 November 2026.

Crews will be on-site from 6:00am to 4:00pm each day, weather permitting. During this period, the road will remain open however, motorists are advised of the following:

• Expect delays of up to 30 minutes
• Follow all traffic signage and obey speed limits
• Consider alternative travel times to minimise inconvenience

Council acknowledges the inconvenience these works may cause and sincerely thanks the community for its patience and understanding as we deliver important improvements to this transport corridor.

These works are being delivered under the joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Council will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.

Visit https://hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4776 4600 for more information.

Caption: Wallaman Falls from the lower viewing area. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Are you driven to lend a hand in times of need, to make a difference?

With firefighter Jason Blewitt leaving the Forrest Beach auxiliaries to take up a position in North Mackay, and with other upcoming personnel changes, the Forrest Beach Fire Station are currently looking for community-minded locals to join the team.

The Forrest Beach auxiliary station is an on-call station that responds to emergency situations when needed. The current crew includes tradespeople, a teacher, a train driver and a couple of retirees who are under the QFD retirement age of 65. It shows the QFD auxiliary service caters for a wide variety of people and fits around everyday life.

Full training is provided for all recruits and if this sounds like something you may be interested in, an invitation is extended to come down on Wednesday nights between 6:30pm and 8:30pm at the Forrest Beach Station on Maple Street to speak with members of our crew, or visit the QFES website for more information.

Locals may have noticed the big red truck around town more often on Wednesday nights. The Firies are not trying to scare anyone, just these outings help the crew become more familiar with fire hydrant locations, street names, and how house numbering changes where streets intersect. So if you see the truck outside your house on a Wednesday night with its lights flashing, it does not mean your neighbour’s house is on fire. It simply means they are getting to know the local area better.

If you see them out and about, feel free to go over and ask any questions about becoming an Auxiliary On-Call Firefighter.

Caption: Have You Thought About Becoming A Firefighter? Photo credit: Queensland Fire Department (QFD)

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On Sunday 29 March, a free event hosted by Link 2 Country Pty Ltd will be held at the Noorla Bowls Club in Ingham covering many topics of interest for contractor before this years season. For a 5pm start, 4 major company will head the information night, discussing points of their relevant feild.

Link 2 Country Pty Ltd – Nicole Chiesa, with support from Jodie Morton of Safety & Learning Techniques will be holding an open conversation about workforce needs for the 2026 season. With ideas for online support, a Sugar Contractors Directory and raising industry visibility, and exploring pathways and opportunities for people wanting to work in the sugar industry. Giving practical, real-world approaches to staying organised with records and pre-starts (including QR codes).

Then Canegrowers Herbert River will deliver a local industry update and what's happening on the ground with information about the upcoming haul-out training course, 100yr celebrations and QRIDA disaster funding. Providing definition of a primary producer and re-planting, alongside discussions on late bin phone number and other transport issues.

Westpac will present Business overdrafts – secured and unsecured options. Credit cards – personal or business liability options depending on business structure and equipment finance – including deferred repayments to allow investments time to generate returns, with the ability to structure repayments to match seasonal cashflow. And insurance premium funding that is helping free up cashflow by funding insurance and WorkCover premiums over $5,000 and smoothing seasonal expenses.

Finally GlueTread AU will reveal a new product and talk about a heavy-duty tyre repair system specifically designed to fix sidewall damage, punctures and slices on tractor and off-road tyres, keeping gear rolling when it matters most. With tractor sample repair kits available for inspection, along with information on their range of products and exclusive discount available for event attendees.

Please RSVP by calling Nicole on 0427 560 558

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Proudly serving Halifax, Ingham and surrounding Hinchinbrook communities, AA Business Services delivers honest, local support that helps clients manage their finances with confidence. Overdue tax returns are welcome, with efficient systems allowing late lodgements to be completed quickly and with minimal stress. Business Activity Statements and tax returns are prepared and lodged electronically, helping clients receive refunds as fast as possible.

At the heart of the business is Alida Lee, a registered tax agent with more than 25 years of experience. She specialises in individual tax returns, rental properties, sole traders and small businesses, offering practical advice and straightforward solutions without the complexity or high fees often associated with larger firms.

Whether it’s keeping small business finances organised, navigating tax obligations, or providing clear guidance for everyday clients, AA Business Services works closely with the Hinchinbrook community to deliver reliable, cost-effective support. Friendly, approachable and professional, Alida ensures every client feels confident and informed throughout the process.

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Across our Shire, I know there’s been a lot of discussion recently about housing, growth and what the future may hold for our community.

Those conversations are important, and as a Council we are listening closely.

At the same time, there are also practical steps being taken behind the scenes to make sure our essential infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our region over time.

Right now, plans for significant trunk sewer infrastructure works are underway in Ingham and Toobanna with the support of the Queensland Government. It’s the type of project most people won’t see day-to-day, but it plays a very important role in ensuring our community has the services and infrastructure it needs now and into the future.

Much of this work is underground with new trunk sewer pipes and additional pump station capacity that strengthen the backbone of our wastewater network. While it may not be visible, this kind of infrastructure is critical to maintaining reliable services across our Shire.

I also want to reassure residents that these works do not affect existing homes.

There is no requirement for current properties to connect to the sewer network, and the project will not change the rural character or lifestyle of surrounding areas. Future development decisions remain in the hands of private landowners and developers, who must still go through the usual planning and approval processes.

Council’s role is simply to ensure the major infrastructure connections are in place to support the network when they are needed.

Projects like this are about responsible planning.

By investing in essential infrastructure now, we are helping make sure our Shire is well prepared for the years ahead. This work also forms part of the broader planning that supports our community as we continue to recover and rebuild following the 2025 North Queensland floods.

While much of this work happens quietly and out of sight, it’s encouraging to see steady progress on projects that help support the long-term sustainability of our region.

These works are proudly funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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Plot twist: epic adventures sometimes start at a four-lane, all-tide boat ramp. Welcome to Dungeness, the Hinchinbrook region’s marine launchpad. With generous parking, wash-down bays and even a live webcam to check conditions before towing, this spot is built for smooth starts.

Once launched, the opening kilometres of the Hinchinbrook Channel are often sheltered and cinematic with mangroves sliding past, sandbars shifting with the tide, and mountains rising like a backdrop painted by nature’s art department. Add a casual family fish from the public jetty or a foreshore picnic and you’ve got an easy win day.

As always, be croc-wise, respect no-go zones and slow down where the birds do. Dungeness boatramp is the green room before the main performance so launch here: hinchinbrookway.com.au

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Hi Readers,

I thought I’d share a little history of the JL Kelly Theatre, along with an update on where things currently stand.

The JL Kelly Theatre has long been one of the cultural heartbeats of our district. Many of us have walked through its doors over the years whether it was to watch a movie, attend a school concert, enjoy a theatre performance, or take part in a community gathering.

The building first opened in 1953 as the JL Kelly Memorial Hall, named in honour of James Laurence Kelly, a respected Chairman of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council who served the community for many years. The hall was created as a tribute to his leadership and dedication to the people of the district.

In its early days, the building was much more than just a hall. The upper floor housed the town library, while the downstairs area was used for meetings, functions and community events. It quickly became a central gathering place for the Herbert River community dances, celebrations and social events that brought people together.

As the years passed and the needs of the community changed, the building evolved as well. In 1987, the hall underwent a major redevelopment and reopened as the JL Kelly Theatre, transforming it into the performance venue many of us know today.

Since then, the theatre has continued to play an important role in the life of our shire.

I know many of you are really missing the cinema experience — and trust me, I am too.

As many are aware, insurance claims can take time, but we’ve now cleared that hurdle. We are moving ahead with two separate projects at the JL Kelly Theatre to get the venue back to its best.

The first project focuses on restoring the theatre itself following flood damage. Works will include replacing moisture-affected flooring, restoring seating, addressing mould, and repairing interior finishes to bring the space back to at least its February 2025 flood standard.

This insurance-funded tender is now open and closes on 18 March 2026, marking an important step toward welcoming everyone back into the theatre.

A separate project will deliver a much-needed refurbishment of the theatre foyer to improve the overall visitor experience at one of Hinchinbrook’s most valued venues. This work will begin following the remediation works.

The foyer upgrade will be delivered through the Works for Queensland Program, proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Together, these two projects will help restore and improve the J.L. Kelly Theatre so the community can once again enjoy movies, performances and events in a refreshed and welcoming space.

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