Learning environments across four schools in the Burdekin are receiving a welcome boost as part of the 2026/2027 State Budget handed down last week.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the boost to infrastructure at Brandon State School, East Ayr State School, Jarvisfield State School and Millaroo State School strengthens the future for some of the Burdekin’s youngest residents.

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The 2026/2027 State Budget will deliver upgrades to the school oval at Brandon State School; additional shade and lighting at Jarvisfield State School; upgrades to the multipurpose court at Millaroo State School; and a new hard shade structure at East Ayr State School.

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“Our small schools are at the heart of our community, so I am proud to see the Crisafulli Budget delivering for our rural students with the improved learning environments they need to continue to grow and learn,” Mr Last said.

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“The investment of more than half a million dollars will see sporting areas upgraded, new shade areas and a boosted tuckshop across the four schools.”

“At the same time we’re providing an increased $150 Back to School Boost and Play On! Sports Vouchers meaning our youngest residents have access to improved learning environments and strengthened opportunities.”

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Mr Last said the boost for Burdekin schools reflected the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to help Queensland kids catch up, keep up and stay in school.

“This year’s $23.1 billion Education budget will see a half a billion dollar increase to strengthen the foundations for a fresh start for all Queenslanders,” Mr Last said.

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“In conjunction with delivering the infrastructure our schools need, the Crisafulli Government has already delivered 1350 more teachers and teacher aides across the state to help kids catch up, keep up and stay in school.”

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“As the Member for Burdekin, I’m proud to work closely with the schools in my electorate to ensure our regional students are afforded the learning environments they need to succeed.”

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Supplied by the Office of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP

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Brothers Josh, Ross and Chris Pirrone on their Pirrone Brothers farm just outside Ayr

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A first-of-its-kind, Burdekin-grown zucchini flower vodka has beaten a horde of international competition to win gold at last month's World Drinks Awards in London.

The drink, which uses zucchini flowers grown by brothers Josh, Ross and Chris Pirrone just outside Ayr, took out the ‘World’s Best Botanical Vodka’ title at the prestigious event.

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Pirrone Brothers co-owner Josh said the victory justified his last-minute decision to fly across the world, collecting the accolade on behalf of the family business and Yeppoon-based Reef Distillers.

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“I told [the organiser] I’m only gonna come if we win. He said, ‘I can't tell you, but it'll be worth your while’, so I just booked it on that,” Mr Pirrone said.

To qualify for the award, the zucchini flower vodka first had to rank highest nationally—which it did, after a round of blind sampling.

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The five highest-scoring countries were then deemed finalists, before Pirrone Brothers were announced winners at the 2 June event.

The ceremony brought together producers, distillers, and drinks professionals from around the world to the Waldorf Hotel, celebrating innovation and excellence in the industry.

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Mr Pirrone relished the opportunity to network with international distillers, albeit with some language difficulties. He said the victory was made sweeter by the sheer level of competition their unique concoction beat out.

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“Making small talk with the guests at the pre-drinks was pretty hard, because there were French people, Italian dudes…,” he said.

“Some of these guys had been doing it for 10, 20, 30 years. It’s their livelihood. So to win the award against them was pretty cool.”

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The idea for the award-winning spirit was first conceived in early 2025, with the recipe, production and branding process taking almost a year before being finalised in December.

Mr Pirrone said he initially approached multiple distillers with the idea of producing a vodka using his farm produce, before eventually partnering with Reef Distillers.

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“I just wanted to do a vodka and I spoke to a few people, but there wasn’t much interest,” he said.

“When I got in touch with Reef Distillers, Laura suggested using the zucchini flowers, and it kind of clicked from there.

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“It wasn’t intentional. It was more of a collaboration of ideas and we just ran with it.”

The drink's success has encouraged the family to explore other unique avenues, with Mr Pirrone revealing an eggplant pickle could be the next product to hit the market.

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“We’ve got an eggplant pickle recipe that we’re fine-tuning at the moment,” he said.

“Hopefully in the next two or three months we’ll start selling that and put it out there.”

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The luncheon on Sunday 19^th July, will feature a special guest appearance from ABCF Director Vanessa Fowler. Photo source: website/Allison Baden-Clay Foundation

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A Burdekin woman inspired by recent domestic violence awareness events is bringing a community luncheon to the region next month, hoping to spark further conversation around coercive control, respectful relationships and the impacts of domestic violence.

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The ‘Strive to be Kind’ luncheon, organised by local resident Alexandria Lange in conjunction with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre and the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation (ABCF), will be held at Silver Screens n’ Coffee Beans on Sunday 19th July to raise awareness and support for domestic violence prevention initiatives.

“It's about spreading the message of kindness … and awareness of domestic violence and its impacts on the community,” said Ms Lange.

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“I attended the DV prevention walk in May, and was really impressed by what the DV network and the police did there. I also attended the PCYC event, and have just been greatly inspired by all those people.

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“I wanted to see more events like that happening so we can spread the message further—the message of kindness, and of community coming together to create safer, respectful relationships in our communities.”

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The luncheon will feature a special guest appearance from ABCF Director Vanessa Fowler OAM.

The sister of Allison Baden-Clay, who was tragically murdered by her husband in 2012, Ms Fowler played a major role in the formation of the Foundation, taking on multiple executive roles.

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She has since been the driving force behind Strive To Be Kind Day.

Bowen martial-arts instructor Deb McLean will also present on the day.

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Ms Lange called the pair “inspiring,” and hopes attendees leave with a similar impression.

“I really hope this luncheon encourages inspiration—one more conversation, one more act of kindness, one more person to support the foundation's work. If we can do that, then we've already made a huge difference,” she said.

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Ms Lange encouraged the community to support the event in any way possible.

“I would really love it if the community got behind us—community members, businesses, everyone,” she said.

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"If you could contribute in any way, whether that's buying a ticket and coming along to the event, or donating to the ABCF. It doesn't matter how small.”

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The event will begin at midday, with a meal and raffle prizes up for grabs. All proceeds will be donated to the ABCF.

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Tickets can be purchased at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr.

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Invicta Mill (pictured) led weekly throughput with 129,947 tonnes crushed (season to date 350,719 tonnes). Photo source: website/Wilmar

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The Burdekin sugar industry has pushed through the 900,000-tonne mark for the 2026 season, with mills recording another strong week of crushing and CCS levels continuing to track well above budget.

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For the week ending 20 June 2026, total cane crushed reached 346,651 tonnes, bringing season-to-date throughput to 900,378 tonnes. The weekly total was described as above budget, with steady factory performance across all four mills.

Invicta Mill led weekly throughput with 129,947 tonnes crushed (season to date 350,719 tonnes), followed by Pioneer with 78,843 tonnes (183,432 tonnes season to date), Kalamia with 76,682 tonnes (186,631 tonnes), and Inkerman with 61,179 tonnes (179,596 tonnes).

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Average weekly CCS for the region rose to 14.23, well above the budgeted figure of 12.98 and slightly higher than the season-to-date average of 13.97. Individual mill CCS results were also strong, with Kalamia recording the highest weekly result at 14.86, followed by Pioneer and Invicta both at 14.31, and Inkerman at 14.03.

Industry officials reported that Invicta and Inkerman mills undertook their first cleaning intermissions for the season last week, with Kalamia and Pioneer scheduled to follow on Tuesday 23 June as part of routine maintenance to sustain factory performance.

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Variety performance data showed Q240 continuing to dominate the crush at 40 per cent, delivering 13.83 CCS. KQ228 accounted for 31 per cent at 14.51 CCS, followed by Q183 at 15 per cent with a strong 14.88 CCS. Smaller plantings included SRA23 at 5 per cent (14.73 CCS), WSRA17 at 3 per cent (13.91 CCS), and Q208 at 2 per cent (13.73 CCS).

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The highest CCS recorded for the week was 17.30, achieved from a rake of Q183 plant cane supplied from the Mulgrave productivity district.

With school holidays approaching, cane supply officials are urging caution around the rail network.

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Locals and visitors are also being reminded to “use your train brain” and always give way to cane trains as the season continues to ramp up.

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After almost a decade of planning, consultation and community advocacy, the Bowen Pipeline Project has entered a critical phase with water sales now open

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Every region reaches defining moments that shape its future.

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North Queensland supporters of the Bowen Pipeline Project believe this could be one of them.

After almost a decade of planning, consultation and community advocacy, the project has entered a critical phase, opening water sales and giving local growers, businesses and investors the opportunity to participate in the Locals First program.

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While the project itself is about delivering water, the broader conversation is about what secure water makes possible.

The Bowen-Burdekin region is already one of Australia's most productive agricultural areas, supplying around one-fifth of the nation's vegetables and supporting thousands of jobs across farming, transport, processing and local businesses.

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As the region continues to grow, reliable water will play an increasingly important role in supporting agricultural production, encouraging investment, and providing confidence for future generations.

For many producers, water is more than a seasonal necessity. It provides the certainty needed to invest, expand operations, adopt new technologies and plan for the long term.

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Increasingly, it is also recognised as a valuable asset in its own right.

Across Australia's established water markets, water ownership is often considered alongside land ownership as an important part of long-term agricultural productivity and business resilience.

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Bowen Pipeline Company Director Sean Brown said community interest in the Water Sales Program had reflected a growing understanding of water as both a productive resource and a long-term investment.

"People are recognising that water has value beyond immediate production," Mr Brown said.

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"Secure water provides confidence for farming businesses today while also creating opportunities for future generations."

A key feature of the current Water Sales Program is the project's Locals First approach, giving local growers, businesses and investors priority access before allocations become available more broadly.

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The current program is also an important milestone in progressing the project.

Strong participation will demonstrate customer demand and community confidence, while helping support the next stage of project development and discussions with government funding partners.

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Beyond the direct benefits to agriculture, secure water has the potential to strengthen regional employment, encourage new investment, and support industries that will continue to drive North Queensland's economy well into the future.

Importantly these benefits extend beyond today's businesses.

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They are about creating opportunities for young people to remain in the region, supporting local communities and ensuring future generations have the confidence to invest, work and build their lives in North Queensland.

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After nine years of work the Bowen Pipeline Project has reached one of its most significant milestones.

For supporters, this is more than a water sales program. It is an opportunity for the region to demonstrate its confidence in a project designed to support long-term growth and prosperity.

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To learn more about the Bowen Pipeline Project Water Sales Program visit bowenpipeline.com.au/water-sales.

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Water for Growth. Water for Generations.

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Supplied by Bowen Pipeline Company

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, alongside Nationals Leader Senator Matt Canavan, and other Coalition members, as well as Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, and regional local government leaders in Canberra to protest the federal cuts to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Photo supplied.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has joined local government leaders and Coalition leadership in Canberra to warn that the Albanese Labor Government’s cuts to disaster funding will push regional councils into financial strain.

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Standing alongside Nationals Leader Senator Matt Canavan, Shadow Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Maranoa David Littleproud, and regional mayors attending the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly, Mr Willcox condemned the decision to overhaul the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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The proposed shift to a 50–50 cost-sharing model replaces a framework that previously provided up to 75 per cent federal support for major disasters. Modelling from the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) suggests that, under the new approach, Queensland communities would have lost more than $1 billion in “betterment” funding over the past 13 years, previously used to rebuild more resilient infrastructure.

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Drawing on his experience as former Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor during Cyclone Debbie in 2017, Mr Willcox said regional Australia cannot sustain the change.

"Before I came to this Parliament, I chaired the Disaster Management Group as Mayor of the Whitsundays during Cyclone Debbie. It was one of the most destructive cyclones to ever hit our shores, causing billions of dollars in damages across the country, with infrastructure and industry damage in Queensland alone exceeding $1 billion," Mr Willcox said.

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"Back then, we relied on the federal government covering between 64 and 75 per cent of the recovery costs, with our council contributing the first $240,000. If this deceptive 50-50 split had been in place back then, and the state couldn’t afford the balance, our council would have gone completely broke.

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"This is a cold cost-shifting exercise by a Labor Government trying to shift its core responsibilities. The communities I represent in Dawson contribute an absolute powerhouse of wealth to this nation through sugarcane, tourism, massive horticultural crops, and mining, but the geographic price we pay is living in a disaster-prone area. This is a direct hit to our productivity.

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The Coalition has pledged to oppose the changes in the Senate, calling for the Emergency Management Minister to reverse the decision and maintain funding support for regional communities.

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Supplied by the Office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

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Burdekin Shire Council mayor Pierina Dalle Cort (centre) expressed confidence in Mr McVeigh (right) as the new president, whose appointment follows Carl List’s (left) two year stint at the helm. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Six-year Rotarian and former Australia Day Citizen of the Year John McVeigh has officially taken charge of the Rotary Club of Ayr.

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The Burdekin local was sworn in as the new president at last Thursday’s annual Ayr Rotary Changeover event, which also saw new members honoured and special recognition for two key club contributors.

In attendance on the night was Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, who expressed her confidence in Mr McVeigh as the new president.

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“Ayr Rotary is in good hands with John McVeigh,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“He’s very dedicated to everything he puts his hand up for … and everything seems to thrive under John’s leadership.”

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A teacher at Ayr State High School for 30 years, Mr McVeigh steps into the role following years of contribution to the club as a member.

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His rein will follow Carl List’s two year stint at the helm, who shared words of thanks for those who helped him during his own tenure before wishing McVeigh “all the best.”

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“I’d like to think I left [the club] the way I found it,” Mr List said.

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Mr McVeigh said his term will focus on connecting the community and local service clubs, and attracting more members.

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“My plan is not just to look at the 12 months, but how we want the club to look in five years’ time,” McVeigh said.

“We need more members, and part of attracting new members is going out, talking to people, and giving them confidence that there are people at the club who are willing to mentor them.

“And to all the service clubs, we’ve all got the same cause, we just fly different banners. I’d love Ayr Rotary to link with the service clubs … because I think there's a lot we can do.”

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Mr McVeigh announced at the Changeover that board discussions on upcoming fundraisers, projects and grant applications are set to commence in the near future.

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The event also saw Rotarians Stacey Koia, a member since 2017, and former club president Carl List receive Paul Harris Fellows recognition for their substantial contributions to the club.

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New and returning members Aaron Kelly, Rosetta Tama, and Scott Morrison were presented with membership badges on the evening, while Rotary Youth Exchange student Nico was presented with an Akubra Hat as a farewell gift.

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Ms Wade (centre-right) was officially sworn in during an SES ceremony last Monday following an extensive selection process involving council and SES members. Photo supplied.

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Ayr State High School acting deputy principal Cheryl Wade has been appointed local controller of the Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES).

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Ms Wade, who relocated from Cairns late last year for her role at Ayr State High School, was officially sworn in during an SES ceremony last Monday following an extensive selection process.

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While Ms Wade described the appointment as “very rewarding”, she said she was prepared for the demands of the voluntary position.

“What does it mean to me? O.M.G,” she laughed.

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“I’m going to be a very busy woman, but I was made that way. I was deputy principal before I took this role on and will continue to stay in that role.

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“The difference now is that I'm helping bring a team together, with a lot of planning and working alongside [Burdekin Shire Council] during disaster seasons.”

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Ms Wade brings with her three years of prior SES involvement in Cairns. She said she is eager to make her mark in her new role, citing team togetherness and enhanced training programs as key elements that will guide her tenure.

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“I want to see the Burdekin better supported with SES and to grow the team. I’m a face and advocate for the team, but our crew is very diverse. My role is about bringing that team together as one,” she said.

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“I'm also focusing on training of volunteers; training for heights, driving boats and boat safely in rapids, and working towards their certificate if they're interested. It’s about up-skilling people and then drawing on the vast experience of our older members.”

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Ms Wade said her tenure will also focus on increasing support for the more rural areas in the region.

“I suppose the biggest thing [for Burdekin SES] is being a presence here and being supportive within the region. We are the lifeline,” she said.

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“I want to expand more into the outer regions where storms and floods have a big impact. We need Rita Island and Giru communities to continue to step up—being involved allows them to actually get the support they need for their areas, and it's important that everyone's included.”

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Ms Wade said Burdekin SES is open to any volunteers interested in helping keep the community disaster ready. She urged anyone aged 16 or over with interest in joining the diverse crew to enquire through council.

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“We’ve got young people all the way up to some in their late 80s. Everyone is welcome to reach out," she said.

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Jono Caspanello and his father, Warren Caspanello. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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What began as a passion project for Home Hill's Jonathan Caspanello has evolved into a successful fashion and lifestyle brand, with the 23-year-old entrepreneur crediting his regional upbringing for helping shape both the business and the person behind it.

“It [Home Hill] was the kind of community where everyone got around each other, supported one another and celebrated each other's successes, and those values have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to influence both who I am and the way I approach business today,” he said.

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Since launching Caspa Collective at just 21-years-old, Jono has grown the label into a recognised brand with a strong social media presence, loyal customer base and a growing community of supporters.

After moving to Brisbane to complete a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Australian Catholic University, following in the footsteps of his mother, Kavette, Jono discovered a passion for fashion, branding and content creation while working as a teacher aide.

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“I’ve always enjoyed creating things. Whether it was ideas, projects or content, I liked bringing something from imagination into reality,” he said.

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His entrepreneurial journey began close to home, inspired by watching his father, Warren, build a successful business from the ground up. Combined with a fascination for social media and the ability of brands to connect with people through storytelling, design and culture, it sparked a desire to create something of his own.

While Caspa Collective now operates primarily from Brisbane, the Burdekin remains at the heart of the brand's identity. Even its name carries a personal connection, with "Caspa" derived from Caspanello.

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“I wanted a name that reflected who I am, where I come from and the journey, I'm on. The word ‘Collective’ was equally important because the brand has never been just about me. It's about the people who support it, wear it, model it and help bring ideas to life.”

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Over the years, Jono has learned that building a successful clothing brand involves far more than designing apparel. Through a largely self-taught journey into entrepreneurship, he has developed skills across content creation, branding, social media, website development, manufacturer liaison and campaign production.

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“One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that consistency matters more than perfection,” Jono reflected.

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“When you're starting out, it's easy to think everything needs to be perfect before you launch something. The reality is that you learn by doing. Every collection, photoshoot, campaign and product release teaches you something new.”

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Another lesson has been the importance of building genuine connections.

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“People connect with stories, personalities and communities far more than they connect with products alone,” he said.

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That support network starts close to home, with his sisters Rylee, Elly and Deni, along with his father and extended family, all playing a role in helping the brand grow.

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“When you're building something from the ground up, it's often the people closest to you who become your biggest supporters. Their encouragement, willingness to help and belief in what I'm building have been invaluable,” he said.

“Every person who wears a Caspa Collective piece, shares a post or recommends the brand to someone else contributes to its growth. That's why community remains at the heart of everything we do.”

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Looking to the future, Jono believes Caspa Collective is only just getting started. More than a clothing brand, it has become a reflection of his journey, his Burdekin upbringing and the community that helped shape him; a reminder that with hard work, persistence and a willingness to take a chance, even the simplest idea can evolve into something far greater.

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“If I could offer one piece of advice to other young people from regional communities who have an idea they're passionate about, it would be this: don't let where you come from limit what you believe is possible,” he said.

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“Growing up in a small town can sometimes make opportunities feel further away, but technology has changed that. Today, you can build a business, launch a brand and connect with people all over the world from almost anywhere. You don't need all the answers before you begin, and you certainly don't need everything to be perfect.

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“The biggest regret is often not trying at all. Start before you're ready, stay patient, keep learning and trust the process. Small steps taken consistently over time can create opportunities you never imagined possible.”

It is show season and we should start seeing it all come together over the next week as the party comes to town. The show society has been doing a great job over the years and each year they seem to find a way to keep it fresh and entertaining. Whilst my boys are all grown up and not making me buy show bags anymore. We do still like to go along and check it out.

The water festival had its launch last Friday and I’m told it was a great night. Wonderful to see so many entrants participating and getting involved. I look forward to many months of activities and fun things to do.

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I got myself down to groper creek briefly last week and it was great to see all the nomads in town and set up to enjoy our beautiful weather. The area looked absolutely spectacular and I can see why so many regulars come back every year. Welcome back and thanks for coming to join us again.

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The crushing is underway and this a timely reminder to use your train brain. I spoke to one farmer this week who got a bit closer to a cane fire than he liked, so I’ll take this opportunity to remind all of us in the industry to where your PPE and take care. It’s very easy to get complacent, especially when everyone is in a rush.

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Take care everyone.

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“It would be mission impossible to count the number of times the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and senior Labor ministers promised there would be “no changes” to Capital Gains Tax or negative gearing.” Photo source: Website/Andrew Willcox MP

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Supplied by the Office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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Tax, the three-letter word Labor loves most, goes hand in hand with the other three-letter word Labor does best—lie.

It would be mission impossible to count the number of times the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and senior Labor ministers promised there would be “no changes” to Capital Gains Tax or negative gearing. They said ‘no changes’ before the election, after the election and even earlier this year. Literally hundreds of times, they gave Australians the same assurance. Repeatedly challenged by the media, they doubled down every single time.

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Then, on Budget night, only a few weeks ago, the government announced that the changes would be brought in. These tax changes are not “intergenerational fairness”. They are nothing more than a tax grab designed to fund Labor’s wasteful spending and economic incompetence.

And the people who will pay the highest price are young Australians with aspiration.

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Under Labor’s changes, existing investments will be grandfathered. Those already in the market keep the current rules, while younger Australians looking to build wealth through investment face higher taxes and fewer opportunities.

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A young couple hoping to invest in a rental property will no longer receive the same negative gearing benefits. A young worker wanting to build a share portfolio, trade crypto, or invest in a small business will face a higher Capital Gains Tax burden than previousgenerations. Labor claims to stand for fairness, but there is nothing fair about pulling the ladder up behind you.

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Taxing aspiration is profoundly un-Australian.

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The economic consequences will also be severe. Labor itself admits these changes will place upward pressure on rents, although it claims the impact will only be around $2 a week. This is the same government that promised households would be $275 better off on their power bills. So, if the government’s own modelling is pointing to increased costs, the reality will be a disaster for renters. 

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With interest rates again marching north and home ownership becoming harder, more Australians, especially younger Australians, are relying on the rental market. Yet Labor is actively discouraging property investment.

The economics are simple. Fewer investors mean fewer rental properties, tighter vacancy rates and higher rents. That hurts every Australian renter.

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These changes will also discourage people from moving investment capital into more productive opportunities. Investors who remain under the existing rules will be reluctant to sell assets because any new investment will fall under Labor’s new tax regime. Flipping houses will become a thing of the past, meaning less stock returning to the market for prospective homeowners. Instead of encouraging economic activity and investment, Labor is creating uncertainty and stagnation.

The Coalition opposes these damaging new taxes and will repeal them in government.

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Australia should be a country that rewards hard work, encourages investment and supports aspiration, not one that punishes people for trying to get ahead and set up their future.

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Stop the lies – Reverse the Tax.

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Burdekin Shire Councillors John Furnell (back-left), Max Musumeci (back-centre), Callan Oar (back-right), Fina Vasta (front-left) and Michael Detenon (front-right) with Mayor Dalle Cort (front-centre) at the conclusion of the 2026/27 budget meeting. Missing: Councillor Amanda Hall. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Burdekin Shire Council has handed down a $106.9 million budget for 2026/27, introducing a 1.5 per cent general rate rise to fund major upgrades to roads, drainage, and water infrastructure.

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The “Sustainable Growth, Security Tomorrow” budget allocates $36.2 million for capital works and $70.7 million for operational activities.

While waste services rates will remain steady, residents face a 3 per cent increase in water access charges and a 6 per cent hike in sewerage charges to fund the ongoing delivery of high-quality services.

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Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the budget adopts a practical, forward-looking approach that balances financial pressures on households with the need to maintain essential services.

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“Sustainable Growth, Security Tomorrow is about investing in the infrastructure our community needs now while preparing for the future,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“We understand the financial pressures many households are facing, and this Budget has been carefully planned to balance those pressures with the need to continue delivering essential services.”

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More than $24.6 million will flow directly into the region's transport and flood mitigation networks. Key projects include a $5 million road and kerb reconstruction at the Ayr Industrial Estate, a $2.8 million upgrade to Upper Haughton Road, and a $1.15 million sealing project on Thompson Road.

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The drainage network will also receive a major boost in the form of $3.6 million Ayr Town Drain improvements and a $1.6 million drainage upgrade at Wickham Street Anzac Park.

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Mayor Dalle Cort said strengthening these networks is critical to the local economy and agricultural productivity.

“Our road and drainage networks are essential to the functioning of our community and economy,” she said.

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“This year’s program focuses on strengthening infrastructure, improving flood resilience and supporting future growth across the Shire, while also supporting local industry and agricultural productivity through improved access and freight reliability.”

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Essential water and sewer services comprise another major pillar of the budget. Council has allocated $1.96 million specifically for sewerage infrastructure upgrades alongside significant drinking water investments.

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Major water utility projects include the $1.5 million South Ayr Water Treatment upgrade, a $1.2 million pipeline augmentation in Home Hill, and a $1 million sewer relining and manhole rehabilitation project.

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“While often out of sight, these services play a vital role in our community, from supporting public health to protecting the environment and ensuring everything runs safely and reliably,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

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Community liveability and lifestyle projects will progress under the budget, backed by state and federal funding programs. Notable allocations include $1.2 million for the Home Hill Swimming Pool upgrades, $500,000 for the Burdekin Be-Active Trail, and $440,000 for the Plantation Park Nature Based Play Area carpark.

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Member for Burdekin and Shadow Minister for Rural & Regional Affairs Dale Last stands next to the Bruce Highway in 2024.

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Five narrow bridges north and south of Ayr are set for replacement as part of the next stage of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.

The Federal and Queensland governments this week announced 52 new tenders for design and construction works along the Bruce Highway, with projects affecting more than 200 kilometres of roadway across the state.

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Among the North Queensland works slated for the coming year are bridge replacements at Palm Creek, St Margaret Creek, Emmett Creek, Mackenzie Creek and Alligator Creek between Ayr and Townsville, alongside further safety upgrades, pavement strengthening and overtaking lanes.

The announcement comes as 11 projects under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program have now been completed, while work continues on another 46 projects. A further 10 projects have recently commenced, with almost 60 more expected to begin progressively from 2026.

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Over the next 12 months, the program will deliver more than 300 kilometres of wide centre-line treatment, more than 145 kilometres of pavement strengthening, 23 intersection upgrades and two new rest areas.

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Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the release of 52 additional tenders demonstrated the scale of the program.

"The Albanese Government is committed to improving safety on the Bruce Highway, and these latest tenders represent another significant step in delivering upgrades that will help save lives and support regional communities and industries,"Ms King said.

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Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the next wave of projects showed the program was continuing to move ahead at pace.

"We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce and works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns," Mr Mickelberg said.

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The Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program is jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis and is expected to deliver projects through to 2030.

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Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said AgForce’s report estimates the regulatory cost per business for referral and annual compliance could be as much $139,000 per referral. Photo source: Facebook/Senator Matthew Canavan

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Queensland farmers are facing billions in new costs, with the next phase of Labor’s land clearing laws due to come into effect on July 1.

A new report by peak body AgForce, ‘Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Reform Impacts on Queensland Agriculture’, shines a light into the enormous burden farmers will face under the changes.

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said AgForce’s report estimates the regulatory cost per business for referral and annual compliance could be as much $139,000 per referral. This is an ongoing cumulative cost of $3.5 billion on Queensland agriculture alone, per year.

The report also estimates a $5.87 billion in permanent reduction of Queensland farmland value, due to the changes in the continuous use exemption, with 1.1 million hectares of Category X land captured and more than 4.3 million hectares of total land captured.

Senator Canavan said Labor’s confusing and rushed EPBC Act reforms has resulted in poorly designed regulation not always delivering better environmental outcomes.

“The EPBC framework was originally designed to assess one-off development proposals, not the cyclical and ongoing land management activities that occur as part of normal agricultural production,” Senator Canavan said.

“Farmers are extremely concerned they are unintentionally breaking the law, with limited to no information to assist in making decisions. It has resulted in genuine fears farmers could get taken to court and be put out of business.

“If this is just Queensland, imagine the impact on the rest of the nation. This also comes after Senate Estimates revealed the impacts, costs, nor environmental outcomes of the EPBC reforms haven’t been modelled, after a last minute deal with the Greens.”

AgForce general president Shane McCarthy said AgForce is concerned a regulatory impact statement into how the changes could affect farmers, regional communities, food security and food sovereignty was not conducted.

“Producers should be encouraged to actively manage weeds, invasive regrowth, fire risk and land condition,” Mr McCarthy said.

“If regulation creates uncertainty around those activities, there is a real risk of achieving outcomes that are worse for both the environment and agricultural productivity.”

Shadow Agriculture Minister Darren Chester said in the 2026-27 Budget, the government committed to reducing regulatory burden by $10.2 billion each year, which includes the implementation of the EPBC Act reforms.

“Labor must explain, how does this figure account for the increased regulatory burden on agriculture, and will the regulatory burden on agriculture be costed each year?” Mr Chester said.

“The fact that many farmers still cannot determine with confidence whether routine agricultural activities trigger federal requirements demonstrates the framework is not yet fit for purpose.

“At a time when our farmers are facing increased input costs, it is madness for the Albanese Government to make it harder for Queensland's farming families.”

Shadow Minister for the Environment Andrew Bragg said effective policy should build on that stewardship rather than creating barriers to active land management.

“Landholders could be forced to obtain permission for something as simple as managing weeds and invasive regrowth on private property,” Senator Bragg said.

“Australian consumers expect farmers to be growing food, not navigating legal uncertainty. Every dollar spent on unnecessary approvals, referrals and compliance is a dollar that cannot be invested in food production, environmental stewardship or regional communities.

“This is why the Coalition will improve the operation of the EPBC Act, including cutting green tape to provide certainty for stakeholders. We will focus on protecting the environment, while safeguarding the livelihoods and prosperity of Australians.”

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Supplied by Office of the Hon Senator Matthew Canavan

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Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham (second from left) is excited to meet with growers and share insights into global sugar markets during Wilmar's Global Traders Roadshow this week. Photo supplied

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By Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing, Simon Hood

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June is shaping up to be a busy month, and we look forward to catching up with growers across our milling regions through a range of events and activities.

This week, our Global Traders Roadshow returns, bringing together Wilmar's global trading experts and local Grower Marketing team to discuss the latest developments in sugar and currency markets. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the people monitoring global markets every day, while also asking questions about pricing options and current market conditions. We are looking forward to connecting with those of you who have put their name down to attend.

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We're also reminding growers that nominations for the 2027 Managed Pool Plus close on 30 June. If you've been considering the pool, now is the time to act.

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The Managed Pool Plus is designed for growers seeking a longer-term approach to pricing in volatile markets, with active management across both sugar and currency markets. The 2025 season has highlighted the value of this strategy, with the pool delivering a result above the seasonal average, demonstrating the benefits of disciplined pricing over an extended window rather than relying on short-term market movements. While past performance is never a guarantee of future returns, the result reinforces the value of having experienced market specialists actively managing price risk through changing market conditions.

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If you'd like to learn more before nominations close, speak with your local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager or catch us at one of the Global Traders Roadshow events.

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Beyond the markets, we're proud to continue supporting the local communities that support our industry. Throughout June, Wilmar Grower Marketing is once again sponsoring several regional events, including the Sarina Tractor Pull, Proserpine Cane Awards and Ingham Tractor Pull.

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These events celebrate the people who make our industry what it is and provide a great opportunity for families, growers and the wider community to come together. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces, celebrating another season and continuing the conversations that matter most to our growers.

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We hope to see you at one of our roadshow sessions or community events over the coming weeks

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