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
Read the full storyNational 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.
Read the full storyEach 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
Read the full storyThe 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
Read the full storyWith environmental approvals now secured for the Dungeness rock wall and dredging project, Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto says the ball is now firmly in the State Government’s court, calling for urgent funding commitments to deliver long-overdue marine infrastructure upgrades across the region.
Mr Dametto said securing environmental and planning approvals was often the hardest part of delivering major regional projects; “Much of the heavy lifting has been done with navigating environmental regulations, planning requirements, and departmental red tape.” He said that “Now it’s time for the Government to step up on a number of Hinchinbrook marine projects that are costed and simply need funding to get construction started.”
The Dungeness project, costed at $12 million, will dredge the Enterprise Channel and construct a rock wall to restore safe and reliable marine access while protecting the channel from re-silting during weather events. In April, Mr Dametto formally wrote to Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki outlining a suite of infrastructure projects in Hinchinbrook that have already undergone significant departmental assessment or environmental approvals and were now ready for delivery.
Among those were the proposed relocation of the Cassady boat ramp at Forrest Beach and the long-overdue restoration of all-tidal access at Port Hinchinbrook, both identified as regional priorities in the State’s own Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecasting Study 2022.
Mr Dametto affirmed; “We’ve had positive movement behind the scenes at Port Hinchinbrook, particularly since Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) came onboard,” in addition with there being "ongoing discussions with the liquidator and the mortgagee of Port Hinchinbrook, some very promising meetings are scheduled for late May, and I’m hopeful they’ll bring us closer to a final resolution on the long-standing access and dredging issues."
“These projects are not only about restoring infrastructure for boat users, they’re about restoring confidence in our region’s future and unlocking Hinchinbrook’s full potential as a tourism and lifestyle destination." He finished with; "These are not pie-in-the-sky asks. They are well-developed, ready to go, and supported by our councils, departments and communities. What we need now is funding in the budget to make them happen."