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 storyThe flooding in the Hinchinbrook Shire has left thousands of homes and people without power, as Ergon Energy made the decision to turn off power on Sunday 2nd February.
At Ingham Substation on Thursday water had receding and Ergon energy were completing tasks, to gain an understanding for when power is likely to be turned back on.
Area Manager Herbert for Ergon Energy Katrina Lennon announced that they will turn it on as soon as possible.
“We are getting it on as soon as possible. It will be a staggered approach, because they're all set off different feeders, so not everyone's lights are all going to come on at once,” she said.
“We treat our most critical sites so we prioritize that to the critical infrastructure in town, so that we can get those main priorities re-energized sooner rather than later, so that will see a staggered approach happening as soon as this cell is working.”
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki MP understands what people in Ingham and surrounding areas are dealing with and mirrors Katrina Lennon’s expertise.
“We have over 100 Ergon staff around Ingham ready to help with any connection faults,” he said.
“This community has suffered so much over the last few days, and Ergon and the state government is throwing everything in support of them, while there may be a slim chance of re-energisation of the substation today, everything is being done and if it is re-energized, it will be one of the quickest ever to come back online.
“The people of Ingham have suffered, and the state government is throwing everything in support of it.
“Already, Ergon, this week, has put on reconnected 20,000 homes across North Queensland, and I pay tribute to their staff that are working around the clock to deliver for Queensland.”
Ingham Substation was re-energised on Thursday 6 February.
Minister for Communities, Amanda Camm MP was also present at the substation and said she is working hard to get power back to the community.
“My department is working very closely with Minister Leahy's department in the community recovery effort and while we are still in the midst of this disaster, everybody and all resources of the government are working very hard to reconnect power to this community,” Amanda Camm MP said.
Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook said he thanks the Ergon Energy team and all their efforts to try and get the substation up and running as soon as possible.
“It's no secret, we've been going through hell right here for the last seven days,” he added.
“We're not out of it yet. There's a lot of work that needs to be done. Connecting supply chains is paramount right now, but also connecting your electrical network around the Hinchinbrook Shire so we can get power back into those homes, those businesses, so we can start to get on our feet, is our priority.”