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 story
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.
Read the full story
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
Read the full story
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
Read the full storyOpinion Piece
Like many locals, I remember a time when crocodile numbers were low due to hunting. As kids we swam in the Herbert River, water-skied at Taylors Beach, and fished at Forrest Beach without fearing crocodiles. Today, those activities come with the real risk of encountering a man-eater.
These apex predators have been spotted across our district, the TYTO Wetlands, Rollingstone, Lucinda and many other swimming spots. Since crocodile hunting was banned in 1974, they have become more active and have lost their fear of humans.
Under the Labor Government we were told to live with crocodiles and report the large and aggressive ones so that they could be assessed for removal. But many North Queenslanders have demanded a more proactive approach. That's why this year Katter’s Australian Party has for the third time introduced a bill into Parliament to do just that. The Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2025 (the Bill) aims to actively remove crocodiles from populated areas where they pose a risk to human life.
We’re not calling for an all-out cull, but the population needs to be managed better. Geographically, Queensland is a massive state, we just want our beloved swimming holes and beaches back, the crocodiles can enjoy the rest of it.
Recently, the Bill came under fire from Terry Irwin, who publicly criticised the proposal, claiming it would take us “back to the dark and destructive days” and offer a false sense of security. This is ironic coming from an American who capitalised on conservation and turned caged crocodiles on the Sunshine Coast into an empire. Public opinion was not on her side.
Steve Irwin did an incredible job pushing for protection of these animals at a time when numbers were low. However, times have changed, and populations have rebounded.
Under an LNP government, I believe this is the best chance we have at restoring some balance to our waterways. North Queenslanders will be watching to see if they support our calls.
We look forward to the Parliamentary Committee report which is due late August, debate and a vote will follow in the coming months.
Contributed by Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
.jpg)
