TOP NEWS

Government Inaction Has Flying Foxes In Fight For Survival

James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink. Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species. JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece sai

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Ingham Pauses To Honour Fallen Police Officers

National Police Remembrance Day Today, the community of Ingham came together to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Queensland Police Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The National Police Remembrance Day Service, held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, offered a solemn and poignant moment for reflection, remembrance, and respect. Since 1861, 151 Queensland Police officers have lost their lives while protecting and serving communities across the state.

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HINCHINBROOK Cadets Shine At ESCAPE Week In Brisbane

Each year, a team of Hinchinbrook Emergency Services Cadets travels to Brisbane to attend the prestigious ESCAPE Week, a program that brings together cadets from across Queensland to experience life at multiple emergency services. This year, three Hinchinbrook cadets participated: two senior cadets attending as leaders and one as a program participant, accompanied by Cadet Coordinator Mark Regazzoli. The week kicked off at Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), Bribie Island, where cadets underwent an

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Compassion On Wheels

The Hurley Bus Since launching in December last year, the Hurley Bus has already completed more than 400 bookings, providing free transport for elderly, frail, and palliative community members. The service, run entirely by volunteers through the Ingham Palliative Carers Committee, offers a safe, reliable, and compassionate way for people to stay connected and attend important appointments. The eight-seat bus is wheelchair accessible and travels throughout Ingham, the surrounding districts, Card

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Councillor Column Andrew Carr

April 15, 2025

Happy Easter Hinchinbrook, I cannot believe that it is that time of year once again. I hope everyone has the time and opportunity to be able to catch up with family and friends if possible and the weather finally improves.

The February 2025 floods triggered the activation of Council’s Disaster Recovery Subgroups. As Chair of the Hinchinbrook Recovery Group Infrastructure Subgroup, I want to highlight its role: coordinating the recovery of housing, buildings, and essential infrastructure like power, water, transport, and communications across the region.

Once a disaster event is declared, funding programs such as Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DRFA) are announced, which is administered by Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA). DRFA programs allow organisations to assess the damage that may have occurred during an event, make submissions, coordinate and manage the restoration and repairs and finalise claims through the project acquittal process.

Residents may have already noticed some repair work carried out, such as clearing of debris, pothole patching, cleaning of table drains and minor grading along some roads. These activities are being undertaken as emergency works, a priority of this program is to temporarily repair an essential public asset to enable safe operation.

Subsequent Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) require submissions to be made to QRA for approval of funding. Once a submission has been assessed and approved, the procurement process for the restoration works will begin.

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

IN OTHER NEWS

Local MP Makes Bold Bid for Townsville Leadership
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Victoria's View | 30 September 2025
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Lions Launch Disaster Recovery Fund For Flood-Affected Families
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Hinchinbrook Thanks Senior Sergeant Geoff Bormann For His Service
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Out of the Floods, Come the Warmbloods
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