Hinchinbrook Shire Council Acting Mayor Mary Brown said the Crisafulli Government’s Residential Activation Fund would support the delivery of critical trunk infrastructure across two key growth areas in Hinchinbrook Shire. “These projects are a game-changer for Hinchinbrook, unlocking nearly 200 new housing lots on flood-resilient land and setting the stage for sustainable growth,” Cr Brown said. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Queensland Government for backing this vital infrastructure invest
Read the full story
In a heartening reminder of the value of rural health care, the Ingham Health Service recently celebrated nine years since the reopening of its maternity service — and what better way to mark the occasion than with the birth of four babies in just 24 hours? On the 7th and 8th of April, four mothers; Giorgia Firmi, Marites Carao, Hannah Bestmann, and Leah Dingwell, welcomed their little ones into the world, creating a unique bond not only between their babies, but among themselves as part of thi
Read the full story
An elusive and endangered species, the mahogany glider is receiving new hope thanks to a collaborative conservation effort underway in North Queensland. The project, centred south of Ingham, is helping to link critical glider habitat while also delivering rare sightings of the species in the wild. Indigenous ranger Chris Muriata is one of the few people lucky enough to see a mahogany glider in its natural habitat. “To finally see one – it made me happy,” he says. “It was in vegetation at the
Read the full story
There was a real sense of celebration in the air as United Petroleum Ingham officially reopened its doors this week, a welcome sight for many a traveller and local alike. United Petroleum’s General Manager of Retail, Grant McGregor, said, “We have eagerly reopened the doors of our Ingham site and extend a warm invitation to the community to experience the unparalleled quality and convenience we offer. As one of Australia's fastest-growing fuel and convenience brands, United Petroleum is excited
Read the full storyOPINION PIECE
Recently, a Townsville mother endured a terrifying home invasion when three teenagers allegedly broke in and held her at knifepoint before stealing the family car. This was on Mother’s Day and all while her children were asleep. No one should feel this unsafe, vulnerable and scared in their own home.
The Queensland Government's Making Queensland Safer (Adult Crime, Adult Time) Amendment Bill 2025, which we anticipate will go to a vote in the next Parliamentary sitting, aims to increase penalties for youth offenders who commit certain crimes. However, the Adult Crime, Adult Time laws already cover offences such as unlawful use of a motor vehicle and break and enter, yet we continue to see far too many home invasions and car thefts. Clearly these laws are not having the desired impact.
To effectively deter would-be criminals and restore residents’ peace of mind, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) is again calling for Castle Law to be legislated in Queensland. Castle Law is based on the fundamental right to self-defence. Its introduction would give victims the legal right to use whatever force is necessary to protect themselves, others in the home, and their property if faced with an intruder.
Currently, Queensland law only allows the use of force deemed "reasonably necessary" in all the circumstances, a standard that is open to broad interpretation. As a result, homeowners defending themselves may face serious charges such as assault or even murder.
We are calling on the Crisafulli Government to amend their draft legislation currently before the House to include Castle Law. If they fail to act, we will launch another parliamentary petition. Last year, our petition to introduce Castle Law was strongly supported by Queenslanders, gathering over 40,000 signatures in just five weeks!
Should the incoming government refuse to legislate Castle Law, and if the renewed petition is again an overwhelming success, we will introduce our own Castle Law bill into the Queensland Parliament and force the Parliament to debate and vote on Castle Law.
I hope the new LNP Government has learnt from Labor’s mistakes, Queenslanders want the right to defend themselves with whatever means necessary. Castle Law is about galvanising the rights of victims.
Contributed with thanks to Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.
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)
.jpg)
