TOP NEWS

Turtle-y Epic!

Tasman Turtle Picnic Day Shire Success Scores of locals and travellers flocked to TYTO Wetlands as Tasman Turtle returned with craft, food, activities, and family fun. With a rock climbing wall, circus acts, laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone. Music filled the air, even getting Tasman dancing, and the park buzzed from start to finish. Faces were covered with ice cream and fairy floss, but most importantly big smiles. Deputy Mayor Mary Brown happily remark

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Hinchinbrook Heroes Honoured In King’s Birthday Awards

Two respected members of the Hinchinbrook region have been named in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, receiving national recognition for their dedication to the community and their service over many years. Patrick Brown, Officer in Charge at the Ingham Ambulance Station, has been awarded the Ambulance Service Medal, one of the highest honours available to an Australian paramedic. With 46 years of experience, most of it in rural and regional Queensland, Mr Brown has long been regarded as a stea

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Jayden McNeill The Mindful Solver

By Victoria Velton In the quiet coastal town of Taylor’s Beach, Jayden McNeill is solving more than just colorful puzzles; he’s solved his way to global recognition. A Rubik’s Cube champion with international acclaim, McNeill’s story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion. It all started when a seven-year-old Jayden received a Rubik’s Cube for Christmas. Like many, he shelved it after failing to solve it. But years later, inspired by classmates in high school, he revisited the cube and

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More Than Fantasy

A Tool For Real-World Readiness When most people hear “LARPing” (Live Action Role-Playing), images of medieval knights and fantasy creatures might spring to mind. But for a growing community in Townsville, LARPing has evolved far beyond weekend cosplay, it’s becoming a valuable tool for real-world training and personal growth. The newly launched Townsville chapter of Swordcraft, Australia’s largest medieval battle and role-playing game, brings enthusiasts together every fortnight. What began as

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Fuelling Change Don’t Let Queensland Lag Behind!

April 15, 2025

CANEGROWERS has welcomed Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki’s comments supporting the development of a domestic biofuels industry, during his speech to the Queensland Energy Club in Brisbane today.

“The sugarcane sector is ready to see a biofuels industry take off in Queensland, with cane as a key feedstock,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

"It's great to see the Treasurer not just showing support, but taking on an important leadership role in driving the development of this emerging industry."

However, Mr Galligan, who sits on the State Government’s recently formed expert panel on biofuels, said that it’s time to move from talk to action.

“The airline industry is on board, the bioenergy sector is keen, and the emerging SAF industry is pushing forward with pilot projects – like the one recently launched by biofuels company Licella at the Isis Central Sugar Mill in Childers.

“The government clearly wants this too, so let’s make it happen.”

Mr Galligan noted that developing a biofuels industry in Queensland, with sugarcane as a central feedstock, is a key focus of the industry’s 2030 strategic roadmap – Sugar Plus: Fuelling the Future of Food, Energy and Fabrication.

“Queensland’s sugarcane industry already produces ethanol and green electricity, so we are well positioned to supply a sustainable aviation fuel industry that could help power the future of Australian air travel,” Mr Galligan said.

“But to give the industry the confidence to make the switch to biofuels production, a national feedstock strategy, supported by offtake agreements, is essential.”

As members of Bioenergy Australia, CANEGROWERS and the Australian Sugar Manufacturers have been advocating for the development of a national biofuels feedstock strategy for over a year.

“Our global competitors are way ahead on biofuels. We can’t afford to fall further behind. We need decisive action and meaningful government investment now,” Mr Galligan said.

“The development of a biofuels industry in Queensland won’t just help Australia meet its emissions targets – it will also boost energy security, boost the economy, and stimulate regional agricultural and industrial growth.

“We appreciate the Treasurer’s support, but what we really need now is a strong commitment from both State and Federal governments. That starts with a national feedstock strategy,” Mr Galligan said.

A sweet takeoff: Queensland’s sugarcane industry is ready to fuel the future of aviation through a homegrown biofuels industry. Photo supplied

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