Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Every community in Hinchinbrook needs something, and while we can’t keep everyone happy all the time, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is working behind the scenes to deliver what matters most.
We know what our people want and we will not give up.
Forrest Beach is one of those priorities. It’s not just a stunning coastal destination; it’s the second largest population centre in Hinchinbrook after Ingham.
Our region might be ageing but it is growing, with new residents moving up from the south for a more relaxed lifestyle, drawn by our natural beauty and one of the cheapest rates in the state. But growth needs infrastructure.
For nearly a decade since I became Mayor in 2016, we’ve been advocating for reliable marine access at Forrest Beach.
Right now, our boat ramps are tide-dependent and exposed to wind and wave action, limiting usability and safety.
That’s why Council is calling for $4 million to relocate the Cassady Creek boat ramp and $750,000 for a business case and environmental approvals for new ramp and jetty facilities.
As we head into the Hinchinbrook by-election, we are calling on all political parties to make a public commitment to this project. Our community deserves more than promises — we deserve action.
But marine access isn’t the only issue on the table. Hinchinbrook is also stepping up its advocacy for $4 million to deliver a Recycling Waste Facility at Warrens Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.
This project will transform how we manage waste and recycle resources, creating jobs and cutting landfill.
Over the past year, Hinchinbrook processed more than 24,000 tonnes of material — a 133% increase on the previous year, driven largely by the February floods.
Almost half of that was general waste heading to landfill. We need to change that trajectory. A modern recycling facility will intercept and sort materials before they reach landfill, extend the life of our existing site, and deliver significant environmental benefits.
This is about resilience, innovation, and ensuring Hinchinbrook remains a region of opportunity for generations to come. We’ve done the planning. We’ve engaged consultants. Now we need commitment.
To all candidates: Our community is watching. Make your commitment public. Hinchinbrook deserves nothing less.
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