Just over 18 months ago, Mayor Ramon Jayo made a phone call that changed the future of print media in the Hinchinbrook region. His request was simple: “We don’t have a newspaper here anymore; I’ve seen what you’re doing with Burdekin Life Newspaper and I’m calling to see if you’d do the same in our region.” At the time, representatives from Life Publishing Group were on the Sunshine Coast for the Queensland Country Press Awards and, unbeknownst to them, they were about to win Best Free Newspaper in QLD for the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper. But, despite being thrilled to win on the night, the real prize has always been bigger than awards. The mission of this young, vibrant, independent publishing group is clear: give the community a free voice in print. Every printed newspaper is free to pick up, every online article free to read. No paywalls—just local news, written for and about local people. Life Publishing papers stand apart for their uplifting, positive storytelling, avoiding shock tactics while reporting fairly, respectfully and with kindness. “At the heart of our newspapers is good news,” said Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith. “We believe that community news should be uplifting; it is there to connect the community, document local history as it happens, and become a source of local pride.” Since launching on Tuesday 26th November 2024, Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper has been dedicated to these core foundations and has, over the last year, ingratiated itself within the community. The path, however, has not always been straightforward. Just 10 weeks after the newspaper launched, the biggest floods in a generation hit the region and the lives of people, businesses, and even the newspaper came to a grinding halt. Hinchinbrook Life’s on-the-ground journalist, Daniel Heggie, was marooned in Forrest Beach, and there was a period where it was almost impossible to get news out. In addition, many local businesses—who are at the heart of bringing the newspaper to the community by booking advertising—were on the point of closure. “It was very scary at the time,” shared Rachael. “We did the only thing we could think of doing to help, and that was to run a special Flood Edition of the newspaper, documenting the disaster as it unfolded. For many residents who did not have power, that first flood edition could have been some of the first footage they had seen of the event.” Over the following weeks, as normality began to return, the newspaper stood strong as a place for people to connect and share stories. “The next few months were a real turning point for us,” explained Rachael. “We were becoming a central part of the community, it felt like a big communal hug was enveloping everyone and we were a part of that.” Another huge milestone for Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper was the official launch event held at the Herbert River Sub-Branch RSL Club. “It was an absolute honour to have the Premier of Queensland and Hinchinbrook local, David Crisafulli, open the event – we invited him on a whim and were beyond ecstatic when he accepted. “Having David endorse the paper was really special, and we are thrilled to receive his ongoing support to this day.” “As we celebrate the completion of our first year, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the community – to all the readers for enthusiastically picking up the paper every week, to all our loyal advertisers for choosing to support the paper, and to the Councils and local Chambers for their alliance. “Lastly, I would like to thank our on-the-ground team – Sherie Hensler-Adams for her passion for the community and for working closely with local businesses to deliver advertising with care and kindness. "Also, to our dynamic journalist Victoria Velton, who is everywhere and anywhere taking photos and writing stories. Victoria is diligent and kind, two characteristics I greatly admire. "Thanks also to our broader office team who work behind the scenes every week, and to Trish Jandt and Daniel Heggie, who were a central part of the initial launch team. "We have had a wonderful first year and look forward to many more years to come!"
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A modern pontoon project is now underway at Dungeness, thanks to a $454,000 investment from the Crisafulli Government in partnership with Council, providing safer and more efficient access for marine operations at the gateway to the Hinchinbrook Channel. The new pontoon on Denney Street is designed to support commercial operators and boost economic benefits for the community and will make marine access easier and more efficient for businesses that rely on it. Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was proud to be supporting regional Queensland communities. “This upgrade is being funded through the Crisafulli Government’s Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme in partnership with Hinchinbrook Shire Council,” Minister Mickelberg said. "It’s a great example of how we’re backing the Hinchinbrook community with practical infrastructure that makes a real difference. In just our first year, we’ve focused on delivering projects that matter, and we will continue to do so as we advocate around the decision-making table." Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said the pontoon reinforces Dungeness as a key departure point for Hinchinbrook Island, the reef, and the region’s world-class fishing grounds. “This pontoon project is just the start of our plans for this beautiful area many locals call home,” Mayor Jayo said. “This project complements our advocacy efforts to secure real investment in infrastructure upgrades. “These include the Dungeness Marine Access and Lucinda Sewage projects. “Together, these initiatives represent a commitment to a thriving future where visitors and locals can enjoy world-class experiences in a pristine environment.” The 13-metre new pontoon will help strengthen Dungeness as a destination, boost tourism, and deliver economic benefits for the whole region. Fabrication of the gangway and pontoon is currently in progress, with delivery of the piles and pontoon scheduled later this month. Arborist, piling works and earthworks will follow. Installation of the abutment and gangway will complete the upgrade, with all works expected to finish before the Christmas break, weather permitting. The structure measures 13m in length and 3m in width. It weighs 12,889kg and has a flotation area of approximately 37 sq m.
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Dogs, wildlife and aggressive people are among the leading causes of incidents involving Ergon crews and contractors across Queensland. After 289 reported incidents state-wide in the last 12 months, Ergon’s metering contracts manager Sarah Bradford is appealing to customers to do their bit to keep workers safe. “One of the biggest hazards we are facing in the field has nothing to do with electricity at all – it’s actually our customers. “The type of abuse and threatening behaviour being reported really does pose an additional risk to our crews that we don’t need, whether it’s meter readers, maintenance workers or in an emergency response situation." Network contact centre staff have also been copping abuse and threats over the phone in a year when they supported Queenslanders through Cyclone Alfred and major flood events. “Our 24/7 Faults Team is taking calls about life-threatening emergencies at all hours, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect and courtesy they give to customers,” Sarah said. Aggressive animals are a constant threat to crews on the frontline of customer service. In the last year there have been 148 dog-related incidents and 60 incidents related to wildlife. “While you may not see your pet as a threat, experience tells us that any dog can pose a risk, regardless of size or temperament." “We’re asking customers to ensure their pets and livestock are locked up and completely separated from worksites to provide a safe environment for our crews and meter readers. “If we cannot confirm safe access to your meter or other equipment, we will not risk entering your premises to do any work. “We are sincerely grateful to the majority of people who are doing the right thing to keep everyone safe, and we hope we can get through to the minority who aren’t,” Sarah said. For more information on safe entry, visit Safe entry to your property | Ergon Energy.
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Hinchinbrook Shire Council is calling for more than $22 million in investment to upgrade Lucinda’s sewage network and deliver reliable marine access at Forrest Beach, securing growth and connectivity for the region’s coastal communities. The call comes ahead of the Hinchinbrook state by-election, with voters heading to the polls later this month. Mayor Ramon Jayo said investment is essential to make Lucinda and Forrest Beach among the best places to live, thrive, and relax as a gateway to some of Queensland’s most iconic fishing destinations. “Imagine working out west and coming home to paradise on your days off, where the ocean meets the cane fields. Infrastructure makes this lifestyle possible,” Mayor Jayo said. “These projects in Lucinda and Forrest Beach will strengthen Hinchinbrook’s position as one of North Queensland’s most desirable lifestyle regions — a place where opportunity meets natural beauty.” Lucinda is a gateway to world-class fishing and a community ready to grow. Council is calling for $18 million to upgrade sewage capacity through a new trunk network and treatment plant. They're also seeking $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. These prjects will unlock housing potential, boost tourism, and attract new residents who want to live where the coast meets the cane fields. Mayor Jayo said the call for investment isn’t just about convenience. "This is about unlocking opportunity for tourism, emergency response, and community growth," Mayor Jayo said. The Hinchinbrook state by-election will be held on Saturday, 29 November 2025. Visit https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/election-events/hinchinbrook-by-election on the Electoral Commission Queensland website.
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Bio-tourism projects:
Bio-tourism is at the forefront of much of Hinchinbrook’s economy. The region relies on its waterways for many aquatic-based recreational activities. However, some believe that many bio-tourism projects are stuck in bureaucratic delays, stalled in the approval process while the region suffers.
"Cut red tape. Why does it take so long to get approvals? 20 years ago, it wouldn't have taken this long, and maybe the departments need more funding. The reason why the approvals are so slow is because there's no money." - Steven Clare, Independent.
"Marine access is absolutely critical. The approval is now with the Federal Government, and the way to get things done is to get you guys a seat at the table, so the State Government and the Minister for Environment can drive it at a federal level and get it done." - Wayde Chiesa, LNP.
"Unfortunately, now we're at the behest of the Federal Government in their environmental approvals process, which could take somewhere between two and two and a half years. Ridiculous timelines that were expected to wait to get this infrastructure happening." - Mark Molachino, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP)
"I agree that the Hinchinbrook area has the most fantastic natural resources in terms of national parks, the Great Barrier Reef, ... the way to secure more funding might include greater promotion, advertising, getting people wanting to come to this specific area to see the natural beauty that's available." - Amanda Nickson, Family First.
"We're wasting money on the Port of Hinchinbrook. It is a failed private business; we're wasting that money to stretch that out, when we could be funding new developments for a Coast Guard at Forrest Beach that goes straight out to the reef." - Aiden Creagh, the Greens.
"You need to navigate the game with your Council wishlist and then talk directly to the Federal members. Well, I can do that, and that's the sort of system that we've got to work with. So let's drive it, make it happen." - Maurie Soars, Labor.
Insurance levels rising:
The rising cost of insurance was a major concern, with many businesses found unprotected after the weather event in February this year.
"Australia is a country of natural disasters, whether it's cyclones and rain events here or bush fires further south. So to me, this sounds like it's actually a national issue. Yes, it impacts our area, but it's an issue much bigger than just north Queensland." - (Family First)
"I will use my experience in Regional Development Australia, working with all levels of government to put submissions in to drive down the price of insurance because it is too high and it is impacting our district." - (LNP)
"I don't have my house insured, it can't be afforded. I think there should be a subsidy from the government for people with homes to help pay for their insurances." (Independent)
"There is rising insurance prices ... (we) need to stop the economy from getting worse." - (Greens)
"We were promised an operational reinsurance bill. It seems to be failing us at this point, especially with the extreme weather elements. So, I would suggest advocating at a national level, from a state members level, to get this reinsurance pool on time, on track and back in alignment" - (Labor)
"But we talk about insurance, stamp duty is a big part of that as well. That's a big cost that goes on top. So I think a way to make it fairer between us and Brisbane would be to base stamp duty based on insured value rather than your premium." - (KAP)
Bruce Highway:
Many candidates highlighted that funding to repair and make the Bruce Highway safe is already secured but not yet utilised.
"I would love to see it upgraded. I've been stuck there many times in floods. I would also like to see a rail infrastructure actually be implemented, as we do have a massive rail industry. It should also be there to help out with the floods and be built up so that we don't have the issues that we are having." - (Greens)
"They said they couldn't flood proof the entire Bruce. We understand that, (it's) still got a lot of floodplains. But to keep that line of connection with our commercial and social requirements from our national highway has to be a must." - (Labor)
"What we need to do is (ask) when is this project going to start? I mean, the money is sitting there. How long do the residents have to wait for this project to be done and delivered so that we can flood proof as part of the highway?" - (KAP)
"I think it's just a matter of continuously advocating like a broken record, that this issue isn't going away, but it's important that we need it to be prioritised, because it's a matter of safety for all families in the community." - (Family First)
"We are the starting the detailed planning on the Gairloch crossing. The other thing about delivery, I can deliver. We're in government. You can say to me, where's it at? I can ring the Minister for Main Roads, and I can deliver for the people of this river. So we can flood proof this area." - (LNP)
"Australia is a big country with far too many people, we just don't have the money to flood proof the Bruce Highway, it's just not going to happen. Keep doing what we're doing, pick the low spots and just keep chipping away at it as we can afford it." - (Independent)
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