The mayor for Hinchinbrook Shire, Ramon Jayo has addressed growing concerns regarding access to the Warrens Hill refuse facility, explaining that a combination of environmental and logistical challenges is currently limiting its availability.

The first point the Mayor addressed was that the council is tackling significant environmental issues at the site, particularly with leachate management and balancing waste deposits with water levels. The recent rainfall, totaling over 2000mm in just a few days, has further complicated matters.

In addition to these environmental concerns, the council is prioritising the urgent removal of flood-affected waste from the community. A large-scale effort is underway, with over twenty trucks and an equal number of excavators and loaders working tirelessly to clear the debris.  

The high volume of truck movements means that access for smaller vehicles is currently limited. The Mayor explained that in order to clear waste efficiently, the trucks must not be delayed by conventional vehicles, which would slow down the overall process.

The Mayor urged residents to keep in mind that the bulk of the rubbish in flood-affected areas has yet to be cleared. While some may still have small amounts of debris, the council's priority is to clear larger quantities from those who are still awaiting service.

Mayor Raymon Jayo also reassured the public that a second round of pick-ups for flood-affected goods will take place if necessary.

The Mayor asked for patience and understanding, emphasising the need to consider the wider community and the challenges faced by all.

As recovery works are continuing, I would just like to assure residents that assistance is still available and is only a phone call away.

Flood damaged goods kerbside collection is continuing and it is pleasing to see that our roads and streets have in the main been cleared of most damaged material. Thank you to MAMs and all contractors and personnel involved in achieving such a good result in a very quick time frame. Flood damaged goods kerbside collection is continuing in the wider areas at the moment and if you have any concerns, or think you may have been missed, please contact Council as soon as possible. Regular wheelie bin collection services are now functioning as per normal. If you have lost any wheelie bins, please call Council to arrange a replacement straightaway.

The Community Recovery Hub is continuing to operate out of the TAFE building to assist you with personal and financial matters and the wonderful people from the Department of Communities are continuing to run pop up centres in the smaller communities as needed. The pop ups will shortly be discontinued, but the main hub in Ingham will continue to provide all assistance required. Information on opening hours and locations may be obtained by visiting Council’s website January 2025 Flood Event Information page https://rb.gy/vc0xo6.  Thanks to the wonderful SES personnel, a further Community Outreach activity was carried out through our worst flood affected areas late last week.

In total, 755 residences were surveyed, with 375 residents completing the survey with the SES volunteers and 374 residents not home.  However, Community Recovery Information Sheets and support service numbers were left with in mailboxes for the resident’s attention for when they return home. If you were not home at this time and if you require further information or assistance, you may ring Council on 4776 4600 or even contact the SES direct on 132 500.

Funding to assist sporting and community organisations in continuing clean-up operations has also been made available above the Grant funding recently advised and Council has written directly to all organisations registered with Council requesting details of possible assistance required. Please let Council know prior to 28 February 2025 so that relevant arrangements can be made.

Reports received indicate that all electricity, Telstra and NBN facilities have been restored and working as normal. If that is not the case and you continue to experience difficulty, then we need to know so that we can look into the issue with the relevant providers and get the problem fixed for you.

The Rural Fire Service and SES remain willing and able to assist in house clean ups if required. You can arrange an appointment by contacting SES direct on 132 500.

I reiterate that assistance in various forms to help you recover from this event remains available and that many amazing people from many different State and Federal Agencies are still about and ready to activate if required. This assistance, in most cases, is only a phone call away.

Contributed with thanks to Mayor Ramon Jayo.

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Thrown into the deep end, Lisa Scobie, Forrest Beach Takeaway Owner, did not expect to be running Forrest Beach Disaster Management Group during a disaster.

Lisa contacted Forrest Beach Area Warden Gary Berkley to find out that he was not in the area and unavailable to assist Forrest Beach, so she stepped in to help the local community at a time when she was needed most.

On Sunday 2 February Lisa had taken initiative to door knock Wattle Street, to ensure people's safety for the next 24 hours, and on Monday she contacted Helen Stanton from Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving and she said that’s when things really started happening.

Lisa didn’t know she would be called upon to become the area warden, but she stepped up to the task.

The Forrest Beach Takeaway was set up as the Forrest Beach Disaster Hub and Lisa knew that, with communications were down, the shop would be a good way to centralise things.

With thanks to Jason from Blue Spark Electrical, the takeaway shop was able to regain communications thanks to his Starlink internet modem, and with a generator in place, they had power too.

After the first evening, Lisa said things just fell into place and the whole week ran itself.

“We had identified some key people. Helen Stanton was in charge of our comms. We had our medical people doing necessary checks and referrals and people that we already knew were unwell, and they worked in conjunction with Jo," she explained.

"We had the Surf Life Savers doing the welfare checks in conjunction with the firies. And we went and had a look at the school to make sure we had a helicopter landing zone,” said Lisa.

Lisa and the Disaster Management Group set up a barbecue outside of the takeaway shop, for people in need of hot food. After a few days of this, the strip of shops at Forrest Beach was named the Recovery Hub and the name stuck.

Power was restored for the majority of Forrest Beach on the Friday evening, with some getting power on Saturday afternoon, and after this things slowly got back to normal, Lisa also had her takeaway shop open for normal business on Sunday.

Recent high tides and heavy rains have washed large logs and other debris into the offshore waters of the Hinchinbrook Shire region, creating a significant hazard for fishers and boaters. Strong currents have carried these obstacles into commonly used waterways, increasing the risk of collisions, particularly for those travelling at high speeds or in low-light conditions.

Coast guards are warning anyone heading offshore before daylight to exercise extreme caution, as floating debris can be difficult to detect in the dark. A collision with a log or other submerged object could cause significant damage to vessels, potentially injuring occupants or even throwing them overboard. In severe cases, this could result in life-threatening situations, especially if safety precautions are not in place.

To reduce the risk, boaters are advised to slow down in low-visibility conditions, maintain a proper lookout, and ensure all safety equipment—such as life jackets, emergency lights, and communication devices—is in good working order. Mariners should also consider carrying additional safety gear, such as flares and emergency beacons, in case of unexpected incidents.

Local marine authorities are urging boaters to report large debris sightings so potential hazards can be monitored and, where possible, removed to prevent further danger.

With unpredictable weather patterns persisting, mariners are reminded that preparation and vigilance are key to staying safe on the water.

Stay alert, navigate cautiously, and watch out for debris in the area.

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Monday last week marked Random Acts of Kindness Day, a time to celebrate generosity and compassion. One heartfelt gesture in Ingham this week has reminded us all of the power of kindness during difficult times.

While visiting the flood-affected region, Carey Group People and Culture Lead, Kristian, made a generous personal donation that had a ripple effect of goodwill. His contribution touched Marina, the owner of the Majestic Café, who used the funds to provide breakfast for approximately 50 State Emergency Service (SES) workers.

Marina was deeply moved by Kristian’s support, expressing her gratitude for his generosity during a time when the Ingham community is still recovering from recent floods. With emergency workers tirelessly helping locals rebuild, the simple gesture of a warm meal was a meaningful way to show appreciation for their dedication.

The impact of Random Acts of Kindness Day extends far beyond just one moment. Acts like Kristian’s serve as a reminder that even small gestures can make a big difference, particularly for those facing hardship. In challenging times, kindness can foster connection, hope, and resilience within communities.

As the people of Ingham continue to recovery, little acts of kindness like these can help make life a little easier.

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Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the 13th issue of Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper – lucky 13!

What a few weeks it’s been! The biggest flood in a generation to hit the region and what a blessing to have a weekly paper back in circulation to help you all stay connected.

A huge thank you to our journalist Daniel Heggie for navigating his first North Queensland weather event while still grasping the reins of a brand-new newspaper.

From assisting with rescue efforts to being the ‘on-the-ground connector’ for all communications - Daniel has done a fantastic job.

A huge thank you also goes to your local Sales Manager, Sherie Hensler-Adams, who was out snapping photos, helping businesses and being a wonderful representative for the newspaper during such a tough time.

Also, thank you to our young distributors Harley and Julian who, along with Sherie, have been braving the weather and the roads to ensure the paper is delivered.

It was a moment of immense pride for the whole newspaper team when we finally went to print with the special Flood Edition a few weeks ago. We were so grateful that the roads opened and we could get the paper through from Townsville and into your hands.

To deliver this paper was incredibly meaningful to all of us, and we were determined to do you proud – the paper we produced is a moment in history which we had the honour of documenting for you.

In fact, information and coverage of the floods will be shared with you for many weeks, months, possibly years to come – I don’t think we’ll run out of stories for a very long time!

Back in 2017 I was caught in the middle of Cyclone Debbie when it hit Airlie Beach. I was seven months pregnant at the time and we had no running water for a week, no power for two weeks.

Despite not living in the Hinchinbrook, I can completely relate to much of what you guys have been through over the last few weeks. I have also spent a lot of time in the region, meeting business owners and community members, and my heart bleeds for you all.

I wish you all the best in your recovery and as your local newspaper, we are here to help in any way we can – whether that be by sharing your stories or supporting your businesses.

Sherie has created a special Flood Relief package where local businesses can receive massively discounted rates to help you spread your message and drive your business forward.

I’d like to finish this note by thanking our current advertisers. At just 10 weeks old this brand-new newspaper was, like all of you, hit with a ‘once in a generation’ flood event. There was a period of time when we didn’t know how we would recover. But thanks to all our loyal advertisers for sticking with us in the toughest of time, we came through.

Without your support we would not be here, thank you.

Readers: Please take the time to read all the advertising in this newspaper – these are all the businesses that make your free weekly paper possible – please go and support them like they are supporting you.

Spend your money at their shop, book their services, eat at their restaurants, recommend them to your friends – it is by doing this that you can help ensure the continuation of this newspaper for years to come.

Rach
Editor-In-Chief
Life Publishing Group

Quote of the Week “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’” (Mary Anne Radmacher)

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Most of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables 500 Herbert employees are now back at work, after two weeks of disruption from the major flood event.

General Manager Operations Mike McLeod visited Wilmar’s Victoria and Macknade mills last week to check on employees and get a firsthand briefing on the flood damage. He also met with workers at Wilmar’s Herbert Centralised Workshop in Lannercost Street.

Mr McLeod’s visit took place a day after the bulk of Wilmar’s Herbert workforce was finally able to return to work, following two weeks of localised flooding and road closures.

“It was really good to be able to get up to Ingham, visit all of our sites and check on our people,” Mr McLeod said.

“Last Monday (17 February) was the first day that all of our employees were able to get to work. Prior to that, only a small portion of the workforce was able to travel to their work sites.”

Mr McLeod said crews had now finished the bulk of the clean-up and were working on planned maintenance activities. Major contractors were also back at the sites progressing capital projects.

He said that, in the background, the business was continuing to assess damage and develop repair plans.

“Due to the significant amount of time lost from the flood, we’re re-evaluating our maintenance plan to ensure we complete critical work ahead of the start of crushing in June.”

“Our absolute priority is on getting the maintenance program back on track and being ready for the 2025 season.”

Mr McLeod paid tribute to the Herbert team’s ability to bounce back and get on with the flood recovery work, even though some had been directly impacted by the disaster.

He also thanked the many teams across Wilmar’s broader business for supporting the Herbert flood recovery efforts.

Over 100 people attended Andy’s Roadhouse on the weekend for a barbecue, live music and good vibes.

People sat back, enjoyed live music and catching up with friends in a social setting, a much-needed light-hearted social occasion after devastating flooding swept through the region.

In attendance was Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, who said it was great to catch up with many of his mates.

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Andy Barra, owner of Andy’s Roadhouse said he decided to run a special Flood Recovery Concert to say thank you to everyone in the region for their hard work and to lift spirits following the challenging event.

He thanked businesses for their donations to keep Andys Roadhouse afloat during the flooding and also Tropic Distributors for sponsoring the Flood Recovery Concert.

“Today, the major sponsor is tropic distributors. They donated all the bread, all the sausages, all the onions, they donated the lot! Plus, they also donated $5,000 of fuel,” said Andy.

“This is to say thank you to the people of Ingham and district, Townsville, and we thought we'd put something back into it, and that's why we've got the bands playing free, everything is free. There's no charges for the band or anything.”

Marketing and Sales Manager of Tropic Petroleum Andrew Peters said the event was all about giving people a good time.

“It's about getting the people out of their homes. People look out their front yard and they’ve got all their furniture and everything there, so we try and give them a different outlook, where they don't have to spend money to go somewhere,” he said.

“It's just to try and create a little bit of positivity, we can't rebuild anybody's house, but at least we can give them a good experience for a couple of hours.”

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter MP said he was thrilled to show his support at the Flood Recovery Concert and said it was wonderful to see people in good spirits.

As recovery efforts from the recent major weather event continue, selectability is working through the impacts to operations and supporting our hardest hit regions as they continue to deliver services to vulnerable regional Queenslanders, despite not having a physical premises to base themselves.

As one of our most affected regions, the Ingham team, led by regional coordinator Julie Ross, has continued to provide support to their consumers, looking for innovative ways to stay connected amidst adversity.

“I am incredibly proud of the entire team and community for coming together during this event,” said Julie.

As an essential service, selectability employees have been providing phone support to consumers where possible both during the event and after.

“We have seen strong displays of community and dedication during this time, including a generous donation from the local Coles,” Julie said.

“With their support, we were able to prepare and hand out close to 50 food bags for consumers once roads were clear enough to drive on.

“The community was without these services for a long period of time, so we wanted to ensure those they had enough until they had access.

“From milk, bread and pasta, to hygiene items and cakes, consumers were very excited to receive supplies!”

Contributed with thanks to selectability

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In the aftermath of the devastating flood that swept through our community, the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre (HCSC) is striving for ‘business as usual’ despite one of their office buildings being lost to the flood.  

Usual services are up and running and HCSC has strived to support the community whilst managing the relocation of staff and equipment from the flooded building, the Centre, on Townsville Road.  This building will be under repair for some time, so all services and events will be delivered from the HUB on McIlwraith Street.

The weekly Canasta group, meeting for the first time since the disaster, gathered at the HUB to share stories, support one another, and enjoy their favourite card game.  For many members offers not only entertainment but also a sense of community.

“After everything we’ve been through, just sitting together, laughing, and playing feels like a step toward normalcy,” said one attendee.

A mammoth effort has been the coordination and distribution of donated goods into the community.  Many individuals and businesses from all over Far North Qld have rallied together to send donations.  

HCSC staff have been responding to requests from the general community and have coordinated the delivery of essential items to our most disadvantaged seniors in need.

HCSC has partnered with community groups, support services and local council to share resources and offer helping hands. While the flood brought hardship, it has also strengthened our community bonds.

Contributed with thanks to Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre

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There's a mighty river in the north of this land we call Down Under.
And each year its gentle snaking flow can be raged into a thunder.
In the year of 2025 when it burst beyond controlling,
the Herbert rushed through Ingham town, the floods came up, the floods went down -
but the people kept on rolling.

As it swept the roads and houses, picking up tv sets and sofas,
and the lizards drifted through the streets - this was not a time for loafers.
While the SES - all volunteers - were the heroes out patrolling,
the currents sucked up utes and cars, and ripped through coffee shops and bars -
but the people kept on rolling.

Then a gateway bridge was washed away - which had cut the town's supply line.
And the Ergon station was a swamp - as more water filled the skyline.
There were townsfolk out in tinnies - helping their neighbours and consoling.
For days on end they had no power, or water in this endless shower -
still the people kept on rolling.

Some have lost their living and their homes, and their hearts are surely aching -
but the gutsy Herbert River mob are a long way yet from breaking.
And the valiant mayor and councillors - they have won their points for polling.
Each gave their all and had no rest, all members strived to do their best -
and the people kept on rolling.

It has smashed the records on the charts from the flood in ‘67 -
and has rivalled history's biggest flood - back in 1927.
When the sewage spread these streets were not fit for bathing or for strolling.
The homes they built on stilts up high, that never flood, did not stay dry -
but the people kept on rolling.

See, this town was built on floodplain paths of the Herbert when it’s raging.
And for five-score years and fifty now this town's culture has been aging.
All the sporting teams will soon go back to their soccer, league or bowling.
‘Cos choppers circled down and stopped, with parcels, fuel and food they dropped -
and the people kept on rolling.

As the bridges flood and roads are creeks and the central street’s a river -
there are ballsy Herbert River folk who will stand up and deliver.
They'll be out in force to give their all - while the trolls will keep on trolling.
When turkeys, chooks and bullock beef are sucked towards the coral reef -
Ingham people keep on rolling.

So this mighty flood of ‘25 may have left the town depleted,
but the honest Herbert River folk will be strengthened - not defeated.
And the cows will calf, and cane will grow, as the horses keep on foaling.
And when old man Herbert roars again, we know he will, but can't say when -
see the people keep on rolling.

Contributed with thanks to Jonny Paul

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Queensland’s community clubs are again swinging behind those impacted by the state’s severe weather with a $75,000 donation and an offer for free drinks with friends in the Herbert River.

The support from Clubs Queensland clubs kicks off with the donation collected from clubs in the North Queensland region. The donation will be handed to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre at a dedicated event for the local community at Herbert River RSL on Friday 28 February from 2pm.

Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan said Operation Clubs Care: Have a Beer on Us was initiated by community clubs, including Brothers Rugby League Townsville and Cowboys Leagues Club, wanting to help after floods devastated the north.

“Our clubs only exist because of our communities, so they want to return the favour and provide that support to communities in times of need,” Mr Egan said.

“These severe weather events are not new for North Queenslanders but that doesn’t mean anyone is immune to their devastating effects. It is just heartening to know that when the chips are down, the clubs will rally around one another to help them get back on their feet.”

Herbert River RSL Manager Kerryn Brock said this Friday afternoon’s free community event provided the community with a chance to take a breath, relax and enjoy a few drinks on the house.

“No one has been able to come up for air yet,” Ms Brock said. “This event will be a way for people to come together, have conversation, enjoys some drinks and nibblies and present this incredible fundraising amount to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.

“It’s extremely important to make sure the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre has the finances to keep supporting those in our community that do need that help right now.”

In the weeks since Chamber last provided an update, so very much has changed in the Hinchinbrook Shire, as a result of the February rain event.

Now as our community slowly commences the process of rebuilding lives, homes, businesses and more broadly our community, we know the journey ahead will be at times difficult and challenging.  

Having acknowledged that, we also know that as a community, we have always come together to support, encourage and work together, when and as required and we know with absolute confidence, that in time we will recover and rebuild.

Many of our local businesses have been significantly impacted as a result of this flooding event and because of this, Chamber commenced the process last week of undertaking an initial survey to gain a better understanding of specific impacts, to enable data to be available more immediately to raise awareness to government agencies and visiting politicians.  

Once the roads were able to open, there has been a strong and immediate response from insurance companies, government support agencies and other organisations offering to provide any assistance to the community, as it commences its recovery.
 
This week’s Chamber meeting provided an excellent opportunity to bring together many of these representatives and connect them to the business owners who were able to attend.  The evening provided a broad oversight of the grants, support and services currently available locally and gave assurance that help is here to assist those who have been impacted.

One of the key messages provided was the need for the business community to complete the Queensland Government survey, which will provide critical information regarding impact and its economic effect.  This survey data will provide evidence to the government, when formulating the level of funding support that may be offered moving forward.  All business are strongly encouraged to complete this survey, if they have not already done so:-
Disaster impact surveys | Business Queensland

For anyone who was unable to attend this meeting or for those who require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact either Administration Assistant Christina Spencer on 0407569550 or President Mary Brown on 0409356252 or email admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au.

Contributed with thanks to Chamber President Mary Brown

I believe the Month of February 2025, will gain a new place in the history books as the event that has reset the historical benchmark for floods and their impact, in the Hinchinbrook Shire.  

Our community has been through some incredibly challenging and sometimes distressing times, in the past few weeks and we also acknowledge that for many, the hard work is just beginning, as we move to the recovery phase.

As Chair of the Local Disaster Recovery Group, I can assure the community that no time has been wasted in commencing the process of planning, bringing together the various stakeholder groups to gather information on impact, provide input on potential solutions and to commence the process of formulating  the Hinchinbrook Recovery Plan 2025.

The Recovery Plan, is a framework that brings together as many relevant and impacted community groups, government agencies and representative organisations, to inform the “community lead” pathway to recovery, that will guide how the Hinchinbrook Shire rebuilds into the future.  The plan will incorporate short, medium and long term goals,  to achieve and in addition to the practical outcomes, will be valuable advocacy document when communicating with political leaders and decision makers.

The announcement last week of former State Member and Deputy Mayor of Hinchinbrook – Andrew Cripps, as State Disaster Co-ordinator, to assist all impacted communities navigate their pathway as we emerge from these weather events, has been welcomed.  

Andrew has an existing knowledge of some of the key issues that impact these communities and not wasted any time in getting on the ground in the Shire to speak to community.  Andrew was also able to attended the first meeting of the master recovery group, last Friday and this has provided some early insights into the challenges being faced.

The structure of the recovery framework, in simple terms, includes myself as Chair, Cr. Pat Lynch as Deputy Chair, Chairs of Sub Groups that engage with the various stakeholder groups being:-
• Infrastructure – Cr Andrew Carr
• Economic – Cr mark Spina
• Human and Social – Cr Donna Marbelli
• Environment – Cr Kate Milton

The chairs of the sub groups continue to reach out to the community, to gather information and understanding of impact, to enable them to provide the best possible details and data into the meetings, that will then be captured and incorporated into the recovery planning.