Mark 10th Birdlife Art Awards More than 280 people gathered to celebrate Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s 10th Birdlife Art Awards at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Friday night, 1 August 2025. This milestone event continues to honour the rich birdlife of the Hinchinbrook region through the eyes of talented artists from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. It features an impressive 106 entries across various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and m
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Sporting and recreation clubs across North and Far North Queensland impacted by early 2025’s severe flooding can now apply for a share in a $30 million funding package to help repair and rebuild their facilities. The Sport and Recreation Recovery Program (SRRG) — a joint initiative by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) — offers up to $1 million per facility for eligible not-for-profit sport and racing clubs, as well as local cou
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Locally loved artist, Katie Louise, has graced the region once again, painting a beautiful mural on the wall of the infamous Frosty Mango building located 40km South of Ingham along the mighty Bruce Highway. Hailing from Townsville, Katie’s paint brushes have coloured many surfaces across North Queensland where she has artistically captured the unique qualities of several communities including the Atherton Tablelands, Charters Towers, and now Cardwell. Katie’s recent piece within the shi
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Former players, supporters, and families reunited in Ingham over the weekend of 18–19 July 2025 to celebrate the 55-year-long legacy of the Wallaman Rugby League Club, with attendees travelling from across Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and all corners of Queensland. Though no longer active, the Wallaman club holds a proud place in local sporting history. Formed in 1970 under challenging circumstances, the club faced early struggles just getting a team on the field. With determina
Read the full storyAs planting and spraying operations increase across Queensland this summer, all chemical users are reminded of their responsibility to minimise spray drift and protect surrounding areas.
Key tips for responsible spraying include checking weather conditions, using appropriate equipment, keeping detailed spray application records and communicating with neighbours about nearby crops that may be at risk.
DPI and Cotton Australia are partnering to promote best practices, including reading chemical labels carefully to ensure products reach their intended targets.
They also encourage sprayers to connect with neighbours to identify susceptible crops and coordinate activities.
Michael Reid, General Manager of Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) emphasised the importance of timing and monitoring conditions.
“The best time to spray is during light, steady breezes and moderate temperatures.
“Avoid spraying on windy days or during thermal inversions.
“If conditions aren’t suitable, postponing is often the safest choice,” Mr. Reid said.
Michael Murray, General Manager of Cotton Australia, highlighted the importance of monitoring inversion conditions using the Weather and Networked Data (WAND) towers, particularly for growers in Southern and Central Queensland.
“Inversion conditions, which increase spray drift risks, are common during summer evenings and nights.
“We urge growers to check the WAND site at www.wand.com.au, which is accessible on mobile devices,” Mr. Murray said.
Factors such as weather, droplet size, boom height, travel speed, and application method all influence the likelihood of spray drift.
To comply with the Chemical Usage (Agricultural & Veterinary) Control Regulation 1988, users must also measure and record weather conditions at the application site.
For more information about using agricultural chemicals safely and effectively in Queensland, including record-keeping requirements, contact the DPI on 13 25 23.
Tips for spraying correctly
• Keep your knowledge of application methods up to date. Attend equipment manufacturer or product manufacturer field days when these are organised in your area.
• Read the agricultural chemical product label and follow the instructions accurately. Many products have specific spray drift management instructions dealing with optimal weather conditions and spray equipment.
• If you don't understand a label instruction, ask someone who does before commencing the application. Product labels provide contact details of the manufacturer who can provide reliable technical advice to assist you if necessary.
• If you're not sure about what you're doing, consider engaging a professional contractor.
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