Queenslanders Urged To Stick To Science As Melanoma Rates Remain Highest Worldwide Health experts are urging Queenslanders to rely on proven medical advice, not social media myths, when it comes to sun safety, as the state continues to record the highest melanoma rates in the world. Dermatologist Associate Professor Erin McMeniman, from Princess Alexandra Hospital and the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine, says misinformation about sunscreen is spreading online at an alarming rate. “Particularly in Queensland, most people receive enough sun exposure to produce vitamin D simply through their daily incidental activities, such as hanging out the washing or checking the letterbox,” she said. She warns that unprotected sun exposure remains the leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers, with 4,085 Queenslanders diagnosed in 2021 and 385 losing their lives. “Skin damage can occur after 10 minutes exposure when the UV index is at 3 or above. In Queensland, the UV index is 3 or above all year round, even in winter,” she said. In recent weeks, UV levels have reached 14 and 15, classified as “extreme”, further emphasising the need for regular sun protection. Despite these well-established risks, a range of myths persist online, including claims that sunscreen causes cancer, that tans prevent sunburn, or that darker-skinned people cannot get skin cancer. Assoc Prof McMeniman says these claims are not only false, but dangerous. “Unprotected sun exposure has been proven to cause cancer.” She adds that sunscreen found in make-up is rarely strong enough to provide real protection. “You need SPF30 or higher rating to be protected against sun exposure,” she said. “If it’s not SPF30 or above, you should be wearing additional sunscreen under your makeup when you’re in the sun for an extended period.” Assoc Prof McMeniman says one of the biggest concerns is the rising number of Queensland children experiencing sunburn, with nearly half reporting at least one burn in the past year. “Sunburn in childhood, frequent sunburn and sunburn that blisters the skin all increase a person’s susceptibility to UV-related cancers,” she said. Adults over 60 remain the most at-risk group due to limited sun safety education when they were young. However, she says younger generations are benefiting from decades of awareness campaigns, with melanoma rates now slightly declining in those under 40. As Queensland heads into another Summer of intense UV levels, the message from experts remains clear: slip, slop, slap and slide, every day.
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There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown bushtucker. Bringing native Australian plants into your garden is a delicious way to connect with the land and enjoy fresh, seasonal flavours straight from your backyard. Here are four native plants that are easy to grow and a joy to harvest. Riberry Riberry, also known as lilly pilly, is a versatile shrub or small tree that brightens the garden with its glossy foliage and colourful fruit. The berries have a unique, spicy flavour with hints of clove and cinnamon, making them ideal for jams, sauces, or desserts. It's a magnet for birds and pollinators, so while you’re enjoying the fruits, your garden is also supporting local wildlife. Kangaroo Apple Kangaroo apple is a striking shrub that offers a distinct visual interest to the garden, with vibrant purple flowers and sweet, tangy fruit. The berries are delicious when fully ripe and can be enjoyed fresh or in creative dishes such as salads or preserves. Lemon Myrtle Lemon myrtle is a fragrant, evergreen plant prized for its intensely citrus-scented leaves. Perfect for teas, marinades, desserts, or sauces, this rainforest native is both ornamental and highly functional. It can be pruned to a manageable size, making it suitable for gardens of any scale. Lemon myrtle’s year-round leaves and aromatic qualities make it a must-have for any bush-tucker garden. Midyim Berry The midyim berry, or midgen berry, is a low-growing shrub with sweet, tangy berries that resemble blueberries. Its copper-toned new growth adds aesthetic charm, and the fruit is perfect for jams, sauces, or simply eating fresh. It also supports pollinators and provides food for native wildlife, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to cultivate a productive and ecologically friendly space. Why Grow Bushtucker? Native edible plants are naturally adapted to Australian soils and climates, often requiring less water and maintenance than exotic alternatives. They support biodiversity, offering food and habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife. And, of course, they taste incredible, fresh, unique, and full of nutrients. A true taste of Australian bush bliss.
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Rachel Cauchis' Newest Optometrist Joining the team around the start of May, the practice’s newest optometrist has quickly settled into his role and has now been here for around seven months. When asked how he is finding it, he laughed, saying how much he enjoyed the office culture, showing he has meshed well with the other optometrists and enjoys the light-hearted environment of the workplace. Originally from Sydney, he studied optometry at the University of New South Wales. His move north came after a rural placement where he was encouraged to get in touch. After a phone call with Travis Cauchi the practice manager and co-owner, he decided to take a chance, packed everything up and thought, “Why not give it a go?” In practice, one of his favourite pieces of equipment is the slit lamp, which gives a magnified 3D view of the interior structures of the eye and allows him to closely examine eye anatomy and detect potential eye disease. He has a strong interest in picking up and managing eye disease, particularly in a regional setting where access to specialist care can be limited. He enjoys working closely with visiting ophthalmologists and doing his best to manage patients locally when travel is difficult. He sees professional development as something that happens every day, learning through experience and exposure to a wide variety of cases. While most of his patients are elderly, they are also his favourites. He enjoys their life stories, their humour and the genuine appreciation they show, which he finds incredibly rewarding. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring local waterfalls, travelling to Cairns and Townsville, and playing basketball with the local community. He is rarely without his film camera and considers himself more of a beach person, happy to sit by the water for hours.
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The Queensland Government has delivered its first major update to crocodile management in almost a decade. The new plan prioritises community safety, with increased patrols and an expansion of removal zones. It represents a commonsense approach to crocodile management. The Government’s Queensland Crocodile Management Plan puts human safety first and was developed with feedback from communities in North and Far North Queensland, including Ingham. The plan will implement increased crocodile management measures, including more patrols in high-risk areas and expanded removal zones. This evidence-based strategy demonstrates the Government’s commitment to listening to local communities and has been shaped by expert recommendations and extensive scientific research. Key changes for Ingham: Tyto Wetlands in Ingham to be upgraded to an Active Removal Zone, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake proactive patrols of this area and any crocodile found to be removed. Regional communities will continue to be consulted on the plan, with a designated four-week annual consultation period and updates made on a rolling basis. A mandatory review will be conducted every five years to ensure the plan continues to reflect the needs of the communities it impacts. The Government will also continue to remove crocodiles from the wild that pose a threat to public safety. Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the people of his electorate voted for change, and he was proud to deliver it in his first week as local Member. “Hinchinbrook now has a seat at the government table and work has already begun to deliver the fresh start we promised – starting with a new crocodile management plan that puts the safety of people first in Ingham,” Mr Chiesa said. “Upgrading Tyto Wetlands to an Active Removal Zone is the commonsense approach that’s needed and has been lacking for far too long under the former Government.” Mayor of Hinchinbrook regional council, Ramon Jayo, said it was a practical step to protect the area but to remain Crocwise. "TYTO Wetlands and the surrounding precinct remain one of our most popular destinations. While crocodiles are a natural part of life in North Queensland, proactive management is essential to keep visitors safe. Recent changes by the Queensland Government will allow for increased patrols and the targeted removal of crocodiles that pose a risk to the community. Crocodiles are part of our environment, so staying Crocwise is about using common sense—be alert near waterways, keep your distance, and never take chances."
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The final sitting week of Parliament for 2024 included significant debates and decisions that will.
The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) moved two disallowance motions aimed at standing up for regional Queensland. The first, opposed the former Government’s gill net fishing bans in the Gulf of Carpentaria, similar to what was done on our East Coast to the detriment of many local commercial fishers in Hinchinbrook. The other motion challenged overzealous lifejacket regulations that impose unnecessary conditions on
boaties. The first motion was voted down by both major parties and the second motion was adjourned to 2025.
The Government’s Queensland Community Safety Bill passed with the support of the KAP. The new laws will amend the Youth Justice Act 1992 to remove the provision of detention as a last resort. It will also mean juvenile offenders could now serve adult sentences for certain offences.
On behalf of Hinchinbrook constituents, I submitted three Questions on Notice. The first was to the Premier, enquiring about the need for a Minister for Men, similar to the current Ministerial portfolio for Women. I also delivered a parliamentary speech on this topic. The remaining two questions were directed at the Health Minster about enhancing public dental services at the Ingham Hospital and revisiting the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS).
Ministerial meetings were another key focus. I met with the Deputy Premier and Environment Minister to discuss projects like Port Hinchinbrook, Dungeness, and the trunk infrastructure required to unlock housing blocks across Hinchinbrook. I also met with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads to brief him on critical road projects in Hinchinbrook including the Woolcock Street/North Shore Boulevard corridor, Gairloch, and Dallachy Road projects.
Although it’s early days, I must say each meeting last week was positive and I look forward to updating everyone on the progression of these projects in the New Year.
Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook
Ingham will soon be treated to another wonderful celebration of Italian culture with the return of the Australian Italian Festival scheduled for Saturday 7 June, and Sunday 8 June 2025!
An annual celebration of all things food and culture, the Australian Italian Festival continues to make headlines across the state, with the atmosphere beautifully complimented by Ingham’s gorgeous TYTO wetlands and parklands.
Since its establishment in 1995, the festival has grown exponentially with the support and dedication of passionate members of the Italian community and the wider Hinchinbrook Shire.
A commendable milestone, the 2025 event will see the Australian Italian Festival celebrate its 30th year, with the committee more than excited to transform the TYTO Parklands into a full-scale piazza hosting around the clock entertainment, competitions, market stalls, and of course, mouthwatering Italian food!
Many locals and travellers alike journey to Ingham to experience the rich culture and culinary talents hosted by the plethora of food vendors stationed across the parklands, offering delicious Italian meals from traditional pizzas to gourmet gnocchi dishes.
A common saying underpinning the festival’s annual success reads “come for the food, and stay for the entertainment”, and when considering the talents the event stages each year, you cannot help but agree.
With artists and musicians including Fortunato, Attori, and Robert Grant featured in 2024’s lineup, attendees also enjoyed performances from the Carina Dancers, a Fire Show produced by the Enigma Crew, and a historical swordplay production by Prima Spada.
With additional free entertainment provided for children, the Australian Italian festival stands as a family friendly event with plenty for all ages to do and see!
The committee made up entirely of volunteers has been busily organising 2025’s event and asks the community to save the date for another spectacular celebration of Italian cultural heritage.
What: Australian Italian Festival
When: Saturday 7 June and Sunday 8 June, 2025
Where: TYTO Parklands, Ingham
More Information: www.australianitalianfestival.com.au
Photo Caption: 2025’s Australian Italian Festival will mark 30 years of celebrations!
At Council’s main landfill site at Warrens Hill, works are currently underway to remediate one of the solid waste disposal pits known as Cell One. This pit has recently reached capacity and under Council’s license agreements, this cell is to be capped and made safe to minimise the likelihood of environmental harm.
As landfill cells reach capacity they are to be capped and contoured to minimise surface water impact and mitigate against the regionally high rainfall. Environmental harm can and does occur when water interacts with buried waste and potentially generate damaging leachate. This water can come from direct rainfall, runoff or the ground water table impacting the waste.
Generally, the water is prevented from contact with the waste by a combination of impermeable membranes and placement of clay material to isolate the waste. Further surface profiling is used to minimise and redirect cross land water flow from the Cell. Where required, pumps are used to maintain the separation of ground water from the waste.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said capping a landfill is essential for environmental reasons.
“Sealing it means that there is no water penetration, if water were to get in, it rubs with the waste that's buried there, and then it creates the leachate,” he said.
“If that leachate escapes into the environment, it could cause environmental harm.
“Cell one at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre has been operating for at least 20 years, and now it has reached its capacity, so under the terms of our license condition, we had to undertake the relevant works.”
The Cell one capping experienced a failure and is currently undergoing remediation works. The cap failure is the subject of litigation between Council and the designer of the cap.
On Monday 9 December the Hinchinbrook Emergency Service Cadets had their graduation, acknowledging the hard work they have dedicated to the service.
18 Cadets received their end of year graduation certificates marking the completion of the 2024 Program, while one Senior Cadet who is now over 18, graduated the whole program, having been a cadet for the past four years.
On the night all Cadets graduated the year and some received special awards.
Keldon Fletcher was awarded the Don Prichard memorial Award for the Cadet of Year and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Cadet of Year. Keldon also received the Blue Light - Cadet Volunteer of the Year.
Meanwhile, Keira Erkkila received the Academic Cadet Award. Kingsley Nipper received the cultural support award. Ella Cross graduated from the program having spent 2020 to 2024 with the Hinchinbrook emergency service cadets and is on her way to CQ University next year.
All cadets who attended received recognition for graduating the 2024 Program.
A framed cadet momento was presented to unit coordinator Mark Regazzoli, for his five years in the position.
Hinchinbrook Emergency Service Cadets has been active for five years and coordinator Mark Regazzoli, has been coordinator throughout that time.
Mark said that in order to graduate the cadets must show various attributes.
“We class them on their academic leadership, communication, organisational skills, uniform dress code, conduct and volunteering,” he said.
“Volunteering is a big issue. It's very hard to get good volunteers, so we encourage them to do that.
“Their general conduct during the year, how they perform, how they behave, their respect to leaders and public comes into account as well.
“Every cadet that commits to the program and does the full year of training gets a graduation certificate - to do that they must have attended 95% of the training year.”
Mark is extremely proud of his group and said it was great to see some develop into hard working cadets.
“I have seen some kids here turn up meek, mild and reserved and turn into really open, honest and committed cadets,” added Mark.
Proudly supporting the young minds of the region, the Cardwell RSL has recently awarded high achieving students across select schools within the Hinchinbrook Shire with a warmly welcomed bursary to aid with their transition into secondary education.
Each academic year, the Cardwell RSL kindly asks teachers to present successful and motivated students as notable candidates to receive a bursary to financially support the transition between Year 6 to Year 7.
“We have made this bursary available to three schools we have close connections with, the Cardwell State School, Kennedy State School, and the Murry River Upper State School,” explained Cardwell RSL President Lang Robert.
“The bursaries are awarded to appropriate students the teachers feel are worthy recipients, not necessarily because of academics, but specifically the children who try.”
Noticing the upfront expenses the shift from primary school to high school enrolment presents, members of the Cardwell RSL felt empowered to make a change in the lives of local families and support promising young students. Annually, the Cardwell RSL gifts $2,000 across the three schools as part of their celebrated bursary program, a wonderful initiative made possible by both the surrounding community and the club’s dedicated volunteers.
“The volunteers at the Cardwell RSL who work tirelessly, raised over $1,800, and we have donated this back into the Cardwell district and community,” added Lang.
“We’re just pleased to be able to help these kids out.”
Over the past few weeks Lang and members of the Cardwell RSL have been in attendance of Cardwell State School, Kennedy State School, and the Murry River Upper State School’s end of year assemblies to award students with the bursaries, with many members of the community strongly thanking the club for their support.
“Thank you to the Cardwell RSL for the difference you continue to make in our small community and thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping others,” shared the Cardwell State School.
I am deeply privileged to have been elected as Councillor for a second term by the residents of Hinchinbrook Shire.
It is an honour to continue serving this vibrant community, and I am excited to work closely with all of you over the next four years.
As the Community and Cultural Services Advisory Portfolio Councillor, I look forward to continuing my work with various initiatives and committees, including Art and Culture, “First 5 Forever” program, North Queensland Sports Foundation "Move It" program, Human Social Recovery Sub-Group as Chairperson, Regional Arts Development Fund panel member, Community Activity Grants panel member, Youth Development Advisory Committee, Australia Day Advisory Group, and Taylors Beach Progress Association, just to name a few.
Liveability in our district remains a key focus together, we think it, work it, achieve it.
I am particularly excited about expanding our efforts in fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Council will continue to promote arts and culture, as these are vital components of a vibrant society that celebrates diversity and creativity. Additionally, I am committed to enhancing our youth development programs, ensuring that the next generation has the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
Council will also maintain our focus on health and wellbeing initiatives like the "Move It" program, encouraging everyone to stay active and engaged. In the aftermath of recent challenges, our work with the Human Social Recovery Sub-Group will be crucial in ensuring that all community members feel supported and resilient.
Our district's liveability is not just about infrastructure and services, it’s about creating an environment where people feel connected, valued, and empowered to contribute to the community’s growth. I believe that by working together, we can address the challenges we face and turn them into opportunities for innovation and progress.
I’m very excited to be able to submit a column in this newspaper on a rotation with other Councillors, sharing community highlights.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! May your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and special moments with family and friends. I look forward to an amazing 2025 ahead.
Macknade Mill is the oldest continuously operating sugar mill in Australia.
Located on the banks of the Herbert River near Halifax, Macknade commenced crushing in August 1873.
The Macknade plantation and mill were established by brothers Frank and Arthur Neame, from Kent in England. The Neame brothers sold the sugar venture to Melbourne-based merchants in September 1882 but then reacquired the mill in early 1886. In 1896 the mill was purchased by the Colonial Sugar Company Ltd (CSR) for £6,500. Today, the single milling train factory crushes about 1.4 million tonnes of cane to produce about 125,000 tonnes of raw sugar.
From the comments I receive concerning Council’s waste management practices, it appears that a great portion of the public is not aware of the current legislative arrangements in place, arrangements that Councils are obliged to follow and implement.
All Councils in Queensland are responsible for waste and must comply with the Queensland Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy. The strategy, adopted by the Queensland State Government in 2019, provides the framework for Queensland to become a zero-waste society, where waste is avoided, reused and recycled in keeping with the former State Government’s target of zero waste to landfill by 2050.
The strategy is designed to encourage more recycling and re-use of waste rather than simply dumping at landfill. Recyclable material is free to dispose of if properly sorted, whilst waste to landfill is at a cost to you – a cost that will continue to rise as a deterrent in support of changing the community’s attitude towards more recycling and re-use.
Under pinning the strategy is a Waste Levy, that all Councils must pay the State Government for waste disposed to landfill. There is no levy on recyclable material. The levy is currently $94 per tonne.
Fortunately, at this point in time the full cost of waste disposal is yet to be felt by domestic households, as the State, whilst imposing the levy, also refunds an amount attributable to the domestic component of waste. In essence, Council pays the State the levy amount, and the State then reimburses Council for the domestic component. Last financial year, Council paid the state $602,370 in levies and received $333,289 back in rebates.
There is no indication at present as to how long the State will continue to fund the rebate before rate payers have to absorb the full cost of waste disposal.
To lessen the waste levy payments, waste to landfill must be minimised. This means the community must be encouraged to recycle. Many in the community are already doing so, but sadly the majority are not.
Hinchinbrook’s recycling recovery rate stands well below the State average of 179kg, at 72kg, and this therefore necessitates a stricter form of user pay. Community members doing the right thing by recycling should not be penalised by increased community charges through general rates to offset the actions of people that do not recycle.
Council has had to review past initiatives such as the Rural Bulk Disposal Program as same does not encourage people to recycle, and the practice cannot be individually scrutinised in keeping with the intent of the strategy.
The underlying principle is that recyclable material is free to dispose of if properly sorted, whilst waste disposed direct to landfill will cost more and more. You can minimise the cost to yourself and the community by maximising the amount of waste you recycle.
For more information, please visit Council’s website at
www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/water-waste-and-roads/waste-and-recycling.
As planting and spraying operations increase across Queensland this summer, all chemical users are reminded of their responsibility to minimise spray drift and protect surrounding areas.
Key tips for responsible spraying include checking weather conditions, using appropriate equipment, keeping detailed spray application records and communicating with neighbours about nearby crops that may be at risk.
DPI and Cotton Australia are partnering to promote best practices, including reading chemical labels carefully to ensure products reach their intended targets.
They also encourage sprayers to connect with neighbours to identify susceptible crops and coordinate activities.
Michael Reid, General Manager of Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) emphasised the importance of timing and monitoring conditions.
“The best time to spray is during light, steady breezes and moderate temperatures.
“Avoid spraying on windy days or during thermal inversions.
“If conditions aren’t suitable, postponing is often the safest choice,” Mr. Reid said.
Michael Murray, General Manager of Cotton Australia, highlighted the importance of monitoring inversion conditions using the Weather and Networked Data (WAND) towers, particularly for growers in Southern and Central Queensland.
“Inversion conditions, which increase spray drift risks, are common during summer evenings and nights.
“We urge growers to check the WAND site at www.wand.com.au, which is accessible on mobile devices,” Mr. Murray said.
Factors such as weather, droplet size, boom height, travel speed, and application method all influence the likelihood of spray drift.
To comply with the Chemical Usage (Agricultural & Veterinary) Control Regulation 1988, users must also measure and record weather conditions at the application site.
For more information about using agricultural chemicals safely and effectively in Queensland, including record-keeping requirements, contact the DPI on 13 25 23.
Tips for spraying correctly
• Keep your knowledge of application methods up to date. Attend equipment manufacturer or product manufacturer field days when these are organised in your area.
• Read the agricultural chemical product label and follow the instructions accurately. Many products have specific spray drift management instructions dealing with optimal weather conditions and spray equipment.
• If you don't understand a label instruction, ask someone who does before commencing the application. Product labels provide contact details of the manufacturer who can provide reliable technical advice to assist you if necessary.
• If you're not sure about what you're doing, consider engaging a professional contractor.
Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
As the 2024 season draws to a close, we would like to thank all growers who chose to market their GEI sugar exposure with Wilmar. We look forward to providing you with the same high level of service and superior financial outcomes next year.
The Grower Marketing team met in Townsville recently for a two-day workshop to review our achievements in 2024 and plan for success in 2025. A key theme was the passion the team has for our growers, the industry and our communities.
During the workshop, we discussed the results of our recent grower survey and how we can continue to provide a superior service to existing Wilmar marketing growers and other growers as well. I would like to thank all of the growers who completed this survey as the data and insights have been invaluable to the marketing team and Wilmar Sugar and Renewables in general.
We took some time out of our workshop to present a donation to Food Relief NQ, which was one of the charities nominated by survey participants. The team also spent two hours packing 250 hampers to help local families struggling with the cost of living this Christmas. We will be making similar donations to Ronald McDonald House and CQ Rescue.
With the end of the 2024 production season in sight, we know there is a lot of work still to be done. Our Grower Marketing consultants have been reviewing pricing commitments for your business and will be reaching out over the coming month to assist with the final wash up of the season. If you have any queries or concerns, please reach out to your local consultant to discuss your options.
From myself and the team, we hope you have a well-deserved break over the Christmas period and get to spend quality time with your family and friends.
The 2024 Shop & Win The Hinchinbrook Way promotion will come to a conclusion when the prize draw takes place in the Hinchinbrook Shire Council foyer, during late night shopping this coming Thursday. This year’s campaign, designed to encourage residents and visitors, to support all local businesses within the 4850 postcode and especially focusses on the Christmas shopping period.
This years’ promotion has built on the success of the inaugural “Shop and Win in Hinchinbrook 2023” campaign and has been made possible through the very generous continued support of the major sponsors - Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Powerlink Queensland, Windlab (Gawara Baya) and Mobbs Marr Legal. The combination of this financial sponsorship and complementary support, provided by many local businesses, will result in this year’s prize allocation worth over $16,000.
This year has seen a substantial increase in participation from the community, evidenced through the massive volume of receipts lodged in the collection boxes that are more than double in numbers from last year. The business community have been very proactive in promoting the campaign and raising awareness and are reporting a noticeable increase in community participation.
In addition to the project management of the overall promotion, Hinchinbrook Chamber has incorporated a comprehensive marketing campaign via social media and radio, with the assistance from Hinchinbrook Shire Council managing the printed media promotion.
With a substantial prize pool, 15 different prize baskets have been created for the winners; with prizes ranging from Gift Vouchers from local businesses, children’s toys and many other gift lines. The drawing of the winners will take place during the final Late-Night Shopping event in the CBD on Thursday 19th December 2024 at 6:00pm in the Council foyer.
Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) says it has successfully challenged Wilmar Sugar to extend its crush end date for Herbert region mills giving more farmers a chance to minimise standover cane.
The QCAR Herbert River team met with Wilmar management at the Victoria Mill on Thursday (December 5) to contest a notice to growers advising the Herbert mills’ expected finish time and date would be 6pm Tuesday, 17 December.
QCAR Herbert District Chairman Matthew Pappin had argued Wilmar’s notice was invalid as the miller did not first consult with QCAR and it had not given 10 business days’ notice – both conditions outlined in QCAR’s Cane Supply Agreement (CSA).
Mr Pappin said the 17 December date had risked farmers being unable to push through the district’s remaining 270,000-odd tonnes of cane.
“There’s a lot of farmers out there, if the weather does fine up, that can remove more or potentially all of their crop,” Mr Pappin said.
QCAR Herbert River District Manager Lawrence Di Bella said Wilmar, in adhering to QCAR’s CSA, agreed in principle during the meeting to move its crush cut-off time for QCAR members to midnight on 19 December.
“We estimated the Hinchinbrook community, excluding the milling sector, stood to lose about $22.8 million if we don’t harvest the remaining cane.
“Both QCAR and Wilmar have agreed to be flexible in extending the finishing date further pending weather and cane supply to allow all growers to harvest cane.
“Wilmar has also indicated it is prepared to keep mills open as long as possible to let growers supply cane pending its quality and commercial viability.
“Under the QCAR CSA, farmers can supply cane between 6 to 7 units with payments being made from Wilmar.
“Cane less than 7 CCS units ‘Shall be determined by the Mill Owner for use in the Adjustment Payment at the end of the Crushing Season and subsequent cane payments for the Relevant Season’.”
The average CCS for cane crushed at Wilmar’s Macknade and Victoria mills was 11.58 CCS for the week ending November 30 compared to the season to date average of 12.47 CCS.
Mr Di Bella said QCAR would be asking harvesters, in support of Wilmar’s requests, to raise base cutters out of the mud as much as possible and to increase harvester fan speeds to reduce dirt and trash going through the mills, help maintain throughput and give the industry the best chance to get the 2024 crop off.
“Growers are urged to liaise with their harvesting contractor as soon as possible, and for the contractors to contact the mill if they believe they can supply cane,” Mr Di Bella said.
He said QCAR also discussed with Wilmar a harvester ‘buddy system’ “where-by harvesters can work together to get cane off.
“QCAR has agreed that to make this work contractors will need to contact Wilmar CS&T Manager Chris Winship in writing to seek approvals and will need to nominate days in which the buddy system will occur; this is to allow for bins to be scheduled accordingly,” Mr Di Bella said.
He added both QCAR and Wilmar were committed to giving every grower the best opportunity to harvest remaining crops, adding Wilmar advised it intended, at this stage, to supply 100 per cent of contracted cane.
Mr Pappin said farmers prior to the meeting, some of whom still had 30 per cent of their cane in the paddock, had told QCAR they were anxious wet weather could leave them just days to harvest.
“Personally, I’ve got 10 per cent left in the paddock, that’s the little bit of cream on the top at the end of the season that makes your total tonnes, cleans up your farm, allows you to get your fallows done properly,” Mr Pappin said.
He said longer crushes could create difficult circumstances for farmers including flooding of plant cane, trash from freshly cut ratoons smothering crops, and no time to do earthworks and other tasks.
Mr Pappin said the 2024 season had been disappointing with Wilmar delaying the season start after siding with Canegrowers, followed by further interruptions from mill breakdowns and union strikes.
He said farmers were also frustrated about Herbert’s equity system, disparities between harvesting times, and Wilmar’s struggle to process a total tonnage significantly lower than previous years.
“We had just under three million tonnes crushed in December, we should have finished four million tonnes by the middle of November,” QCAR Herbert River member Luciano Mammarella said.
“It’s just not good enough … and it’s the same old excuses (from Wilmar).
“Their attitude is when it’s breaks, they fix it but that’s the wrong attitude. My opinion is that it’s like the dog that chases its own tail.”
Mr Mammarella said he would like to see contracts introduce set finishing dates with consequences for breaching these.
Mr Di Bella said it would be a “challenge in some areas” to get cane off before Christmas, citing recent rainfall totals of up to 500mm in parts of the district over the past 2 weeks.
He said 2024 was the fourth year running Wilmar had declined requests to start the crush at the start of June.
If we would have started on the 4th June, as QCAR requested and Canegrowers Herbert River opposed, we would not be in this situation we are now,” he said, adding the mid-June start stemmed from the existing CSA Canegrowers had in place.
“The QCAR CSA does not have a fixed date in it, allowing us the flexibility to start when we have the best opportunity to get our crop off,” Mr Di Bella said.
For more information concerning discussions that took place please between QCAR and Wilmar, contact Mr Di Bella on 0448 084 252.
The festive season, while joyous for many, can bring unique challenges for families navigating financial and emotional pressures. For those in need, help is just a phone call away. Families experiencing difficulties with relationships, budgeting, housing, or other concerns are encouraged to contact Family and Child Connect at 13FAMILY (13 32 64) for advice and support.
This community-based service aims to keep children safe and families together by connecting them to the right resources at the right time. Whether you need guidance on managing child behaviour, building healthier family relationships, budgeting, or addressing housing and healthcare concerns, Family and Child Connect can help.
The service also works closely with families to determine the type and level of support needed, offering connections to more intensive programs if necessary, with domestic and family violence specialists also available for consultation.
In addition to phone support, Family and Child Connect can arrange face-to-face meetings at home or another safe location. Referrals can also be made online via https://familysupportreferral.org.au.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact 13FAMILY (13 32 64) to access help.
For four and a half years the team at Bakehouse on Central has been cooking up treats, and at this time of year their delicious Fruit Cake and delectable Christmas Puddings are extremely popular.
Both items are available now and throughout the festive period, as well as plenty of fresh bread, and other Christmas goodies.
In fact, Bakehouse on Central is now taking orders for anything you might need for your Christmas parties and gatherings. From sweet treats including Italian Biscuits, Crostoli, Gingerbread Biscuits, Christmas decorated Iced Cupcakes and more.
In addition, for the first time, this year Bakehouse on Central is offering a new dessert option for your Christmas lunch. Indulge in a refreshing Cassata, a frozen ice-cream dessert, that spreads Christmas cheer inside and out, and best of all it makes the dessert at Christmas lunch easy.
Co-owner of Bakehouse on Central, Serra Previtera said she loves Christmas especially the family time.
“We come from a traditional Sicilian background, and all of our family are here, so we are very lucky to have a big Christmas family gathering,” she said.
“Getting together and eating lots of traditional food, plus keeping that tradition alive – is my favourite part.”
Bakehouse on Central also have a loyalty program for customers, for every seven coffees you buy, you receive one for free, and it’s the same for loaves of Café sized bread.
Open in the build-up to Christmas, Bakehouse on Central is then closed from Wednesday 25th December and will reopen Monday 13th January.
The team at Bakehouse on Central wish all Hinchinbrook residents and loyal customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Halifax Meats has been owned and operated by the Edmonds family for 15 years, and for the last few years David and his brother Paul, have been running the popular local butchery.
Becoming a butcher was something David always wanted to be and the profession is part of a long-standing family tradition.
“I'm fourth generation, so it's just in the family,” said David.
“I think I have always had a passion for meat. Growing up in and around butcher shops I was working in them every school holidays and it just becomes part of your life.”
One of the reasons David loves being a butcher at Halifax Meats is because he is able to work side by side with his family every day.
“The main thing for me, is I get to work with my brother every day,” he said.
“We are a family shop and that’s what makes us who we are.”
You will recognise Halifax Butchers by the colourful mural that adorns the external wall and can be seen from the street.
“We have a mural on front of the shop, and when we needed to update a few things, we decided to add even more colour!” shared David.
“My kids love Bluey, and I thought a mural was something fun and interactive.
“The kids love it and in the tourist season, we love that people stop to say G’day and take a few photos out front”
Serving the small Halifax community is something that is also very important to David.
“There are a lot of good people in the town,” he said.
“In a small town, it's great because we have a really good sense of community here, so customer service is important to us.”
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