It's been just over a month since Ruralquip welcomed new ownership, and while the transition marks an exciting milestone for the business, for customers, it’s been business as usual.

The new owners say maintaining continuity has been a top priority, with the full team of existing Ruralquip staff retained to facilitate a smooth handover.

“We're pleased to confirm that all existing Ruralquip staff, many of whom have served the local community for years, remain part of the Ruralquip family”, the owners said. “Their knowledge, dedication, and strong relationships with customers are the heart of what makes Ruralquip so valued. We're proud to support that legacy and continue building on it.”

Over the past month, the new ownership group has worked closely with the team to minimise disruption to day-to-day operations, and are thankful for the community’s ongoing support throughout the transition.

“We're incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received and sincerely thank Ruralquip's loyal customers for their patience and support.”

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Shannon Musumeci | General Manager
Rhonda Moretto | Office Manager
Wayne McDougall | Retail Manager
Karen Muguira | Purchasing Officer
Will Sager | Despatch Officer
Cassia Calder | Marketing & Warranties
Chris Visagie | Retail Assistant/Special Orders
Gabrielle Body | Retail Assistant
Jonn Morris | Retail Assistant
Kyle Hald | Retail Assistant
Nicholas Tallar | Retail Assistant
Matthew Brett | Retail Assistant
Daniel Ham | Steel Department Manager
Brendan Cody | Steel Department Assistant
Dylan Cranitch | Steel Department Assistant
Michael Wright | Steel Department Assistant
Bruce Davison | Workshop Foreman
Steven Sutcliffe | Delivery Driver/Workshop Assistant

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David Jackson OAM doesn’t just report the news—he lives it, and for more than half a century, he has been at the heart of Home Hill, capturing its stories, shaping its history, and championing its people.

Born into a family of local news pioneers, David’s roots in journalism were almost predetermined. His grandfather founded the Home Hill Observer in 1923, his father carried it through wartime, and David, alongside his brother, took the reins in 1974. “Even when Dad was in Changi, the paper didn’t miss an edition,” he recalls. “That’s the kind of commitment that shaped us.”

David’s early life was hands-on, steeped in the craft of print. He learned hot metal printing, set type by hand, and mastered heavy commercial presses. “It was a dirty, tough job, but you gained pride in what you produced,” he says. By 14, he was attending council meetings, taking notes, and reporting local governance—a training ground that would serve him for decades.

As the industry evolved, so did David. Computers replaced hot metal, photos became central to storytelling, and regional journalism shifted under the pressures of modern media. Yet through it all, he adapted while keeping the community at the centre of every story. “You get involved in the community, and the people become part of your story,” he says.

That community influence, though, has spanned well beyond journalism. Having chaired the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, spent 42 years in Rotary, and held leadership roles across numerous local organisations, David has become a bedrock of the local community--officially recognised in 2007, when he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal. “It was never something I chased—it was about being part of the town. The award was a bonus,” he says, crediting his wife, Desley, for decades of unwavering support.

David remains at the forefront of local reporting through the Home Hill News, connecting readers well beyond the Burdekin. “People in Brisbane, Canberra, even overseas still want to read about Home Hill,” he says. “It’s their connection to the town, to its stories and heritage.”

Over decades of chronicling the region, David has become part of the story himself—a cornerstone of local journalism and a symbol of what it means to actively support your community, and as he continues to capture the events and moments that define our town, his work stands as a lasting record of its people, its history, and its spirit.

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Whitsunday Myrtle was established in January 2013 by Grace Evans at Airlie Beach, after enjoying many cups of Lemon Myrtle tea and spending much time researching its health benefits. It began its market distribution in January 2014 offering a range of natural handmade products.

The scientific name of the Lemon Myrtle tree is Backhousia citriodora of the Myrtaceae family. It grows all the way along the eastern boarder of Australia from the Atherton Tablelands in the north to as far south as the northern borders of New South Wales. It prefers well-drained soil and does not like cold temperatures. With the help of a botanist, Grace decided to delve deeper into the chemical composition of the Lemon Myrtle plant and work out a way of serving this plant on a platter with a buffet of choices encompassing its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, calmative and sedative properties.

Most of the soap products, body oils and creams invariably incorporate the fragrant essential oil ‘Citral’ derived from the Lemon Myrtle tree, particularly its leaves. In the Whitsundays, the leaves are harvested for tea and leaf spice or distilled for extraction of the essential oil ‘Citral’ which is the predominant essential oil produced by this amazing plant. The Lemon Myrtle has the highest source of ‘Citral’ compared with lemongrass. Steam distilled Lemon Myrtle oil is typically 90-98% pure. Fresh leaves alone yield between 1-3% ‘Citral’.

Lemon Myrtle when used topically provides remedial benefits that may assist with healing and general well-being of our bodies. Aboriginal people use the Lemon Myrtle plant for medicine and flavouring. In Australia, during World War II the Lemon Myrtle tree leaves were used as flavouring for lemonade soft drinks. Recently, the Lemon Myrtle plant has been grown under Australian natural agricultural conditions for essential oil production.

Whitsunday Myrtle believe in making effective natural products from the finest essential oils incorporating the Lemon Myrtle, along with other plants beneficial properties, in creating products for specific purposes.

"We believe in buying ingredients only from companies that do not conduct or commission tests on animals. Our products are locally handmade by real people in the Whitsundays," shared Grace.

"We are proud of every single ingredient we use in our products and we list them on every soap, pot, bottle, sign and web page to ensure that the user is well informed.

"Join us in discovering the wonders and benefits the Lemon Myrtle tree has to offer, as you refresh, revitalise and reinvent your well-being with our Australian handmade natural products today!"

Whitsunday Myrtle products are available at Complete Health Pharmacy in Home Hill.

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Whitsunday Myrtle was established in January 2013 by Grace Evans at Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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As Queensland enters October, the latest health data shows a mixed picture of respiratory illness across the state, with influenza cases easing but RSV and COVID-19 continuing to place pressure on hospitals.

Influenza cases dropped by 27 per cent in late September, with 2,706 new cases recorded during the week of 15–21 September. Despite this decline, overall flu activity remains elevated, particularly in Central Queensland, where more cases are being reported among school-aged children.

To date, 77,956 influenza cases have been confirmed in 2025, with 7,514 people admitted to hospital and 194 flu-related deaths recorded between January and September. On average, 169 hospital beds were occupied daily by flu patients in the most recent reporting week, down from 208 the week before.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains a concern, especially for infants and young children. While case notifications fell from 905 to 718 in the most recent week, hospitalisations increased. An average of 54 hospital beds were occupied by RSV patients daily, compared to 44 the week prior. Of the 28,302 RSV cases recorded this year, more than 7,000 were in children under two years old, and over a third of RSV-related hospital admissions were among this age group.

COVID-19 case numbers are trending downward, with 487 cases reported in the most recent week. However, older Queenslanders remain the most at risk. Of the 33,593 cases recorded this year, nearly a quarter have been in people aged 75 years and over. In total, 6,253 people have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 this year, with most not up to date with vaccinations.

Health officials continue to encourage Queenslanders to remain vigilant as respiratory illnesses persist through spring.

For ongoing updates, visit Queensland Health’s Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance website.

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Burdekin seniors get ready, because Seniors Month is returning October 2025. From 1-31 October we’re celebrating older Queenslanders and their ongoing contribution to the state – whether as volunteers or in the workforce, community leaders or carers, grandparents, or advocates.

Seniors Month is all about increasing the social connectedness of older people and their communities, because we all want to be connected to our communities and the important people in our lives, cared for and supported if care and support are needed, and celebrated as valued community members.

Throughout the month community groups and organisations are hosting inclusive events and activities throughout the state.

The Burdekin Community Association Inc has once again created the Burdekin’s Queensland Seniors Month flyer. The flyer is available on Facebook, our website in at our premises.

BCA events include:
Thu 16th October – BCA Seniors Day Out Bus Road Trip
1st Stop – Horseshoe Lagoon Conservation Park, 2nd Stop – Giru Bowls & Recreation Club
9.00am to 2.00pm
$15.00 per person which includes Lunch
Bookings essential – contact the BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr.  Ph: 4783 3744

Tue 21st October – BCA Get Online Week
Free Information Technology Session and Sausage Sizzle
9.30am to 12.00pm
BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen Street Ayr
No booking required

Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran

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Burdekin seniors get ready, because Seniors Month is returning October 2025. Photo source: Vista Living Senior Care

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The Bendigo Bank Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company are set to bring the colourful, quirky world of Dr. Seuss to life in their latest production, Seussical Jr, opening Friday 17 October at The Lighthouse in Ayr.

Audiences will be swept away on a musical journey through the imagination, featuring beloved Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, and Gertrude McFuzz. With catchy songs, vibrant costumes, and a heartfelt storyline, Seussical Jr promises to be a dazzling experience for families, dreamers, and anyone young at heart.

Performances will run across several weekends until Sunday 2 November 2025, with tickets priced between $20 and $30. Each ticket includes not only your seat for the show but also a selection of scrumptious home-cooked nibbles and sweets. Patrons are welcome to bring along additional snacks to share with family and friends, making it an even more memorable night out.

The Lighthouse is a fully licensed venue, and guests are reminded that BYO drinks are not permitted. Accessible seating is available upon request when booking tickets.

The Burdekin Singers have long been known for their community-driven productions that showcase local talent, and Seussical Jr is shaping up to be another crowd favourite.

Step into the magical world of Dr. Seuss, where imagination knows no bounds — and discover just how far “the thinks you can think” can take you.

What: Seussical Jr presented by The Bendigo Bank Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company
When: Friday 17 October - Sunday 2 November
Where: The Lighthouse, Ayr

Grab your tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1471609

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Home Hill’s Burdekin Memorial Hall will host the Burdekin Fights Back Gala Afternoon Tea on Sunday, 19 October, raising funds for the North Queensland Cancer Council and Gluyas Lodge in Townsville. The event will feature entertainment by Ricky Romeo and be guided by local MC Emma Halliday.

Guest speakers will include Dr. Paula Heggarty, GP and Associate Professor of Rural Medicine at James Cook University, and Tegan Marsden from the North Queensland Cancer Council. Attendees can also participate in a cent sale, lucky door prizes, and a mega raffle.

A buffet afternoon tea will be served, with tea, coffee, and a licensed bar available. Organisers hope to include contributions from local businesses and home cooks for the afternoon tea, and anyone interested in donating cakes, slices, or savoury items is encouraged to contact on 0407118671.

Tickets are $40, which includes a free cent sale sheet, and are available at [https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1462482].

What: Gala Afternoon Tea
When: Sunday the 19th of October from 2pm
Where: Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill

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Home Hill came alive on Sunday, 28 September, as the 2025 Canefields Ephemera launched in style at Mann Lloyd Gardens. Six striking installations by local artists transformed the gardens into a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and regional identity. Among the showcased works were Uli Liessmann’s Dancing in the Park, Rhesa Menkens’ Palmacrame and Tribute to My Father, Allan Petersen’s Antler Gully, Rebekah Oakes’ Frederick the Frog, and Lisa Gianni’s Heart of the Burdekin.

The highlight of the afternoon was the $5,000 Ephemera Prize, awarded to Gianni for her powerful life-sized Hebel block sculpture celebrating the region’s sugar cane heritage. Judges praised the event as a vital platform for local talent and cultural engagement.

Installations will remain on display until 9 November, with the public invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award via the Home Hill Harvest Festival Facebook page.

Art in Bloom at Mann Lloyd Gardens

On Sunday, 28th September, art lovers gathered at Mann Lloyd Gardens in Home Hill to celebrate the launch of the 2025 Canefields Ephemera. The event featured six striking installations created by talented local artists, each bringing their own unique vision to life among the gardens.

Artists showcased included:

Uli Liessmann – Dancing in the Park

Rhesa Menkens – Palmacrame and Tribute to My Father

Allan Petersen – Antler Gully

Lisa Gianni – Heart of the Burdekin

Rebekah Oakes – Frederick the Frog

The highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of this year’s $5,000 Ephemera Prize, proudly sponsored by the Home Hill Harvest Festival. The prize was awarded to Lisa Gianni for her powerful work Heart of the Burdekin — a large sculpture comprised of carved Hebel block, stacked to create a life-sized artist’s depiction of sugar cane. Lisa, who has entered the Ephemera for the past three years, was proud to accept the prize and thrilled to be part of such an exciting event.

The works were judged anonymously, with one of the event judges sharing their admiration:

“It was my pleasure to serve as a judge at the 2025 Canefields Ephemera today. I truly value the opportunity to be part of such a creative initiative, and I want to express my strong support for this event. Canefields Ephemera is an important cultural highlight for our region. It not only celebrates artistic talent but also nurtures creativity, community engagement, and regional identity. The event provides a valuable platform for artists to share their voices, and I am confident it will continue to grow in significance and impact. I would be delighted to contribute as an artist in 2026, and I look forward to seeing Canefields Ephemera continue to welcome and nurture artists from across our region.”

The Ephemera installations will remain on display at Mann Lloyd Gardens until 9th November, offering the community and visitors plenty of time to view these creative works.

Visitors are also invited to take part by voting for the People’s Choice Award on the Home Hill Harvest Festival Facebook page: facebook.com/hh.harvest.festival

The Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee warmly thanks all of the artists for their creativity and passion, and extends sincere appreciation to our sponsors and community for supporting this unique cultural event.

Written by Carlene Muilwyk

Photos by Malanie Napier Memories and Photography

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Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

Uli Liessmann's poses in front of his entry, 'Dancing in the Park'.

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Families are invited to lace up and put on their walking shoes to join in a morning of fun, entertainment, and community spirit at this year’s Step Up for Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability event.

The walk will take place along Townsville's scenic Riverway on Sunday, the 12th of October, from 8am to 12pm, with all funds raised staying in the local region. Money raised will go directly toward providing support, services, and vital information to empower people with Down syndrome and their families.

More than just a walk, Step Up! Townsville is a celebration, a chance for the community to come together, enjoy activities, and show support for inclusion and awareness. Families can look forward to plenty of entertainment and opportunities to connect while stepping up for a great cause.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children, free for under 4s, or $35 for a family pass (2 adults, 2 children).

To book your tickets, visit: www.downsyndrome.org.au/.../step-up-townsville.

For more information, contact (07) 3356 6655, email office@downsyndromeqld.org.au, or visit www.downsyndromeqld.org.au.

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What: Step Up! Townsville
When: Sunday, the 12th of October, from 8am to 12pm
Where: Townsville's Riverway

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Guys, it finally happened—I officially laced up the boots again for the first time in what seemed like an eternity when I made my Night Soccer debut a few weeks ago.

It almost felt like a foreign experience. Beyond my clear regression in skill, I genuinely thought I might pass out after the first minute of play, because as enjoyable and relaxing as my time out of the game has been, it's definitely left a huge void in my physical activity. But maybe this experience was the slap in the face I needed to get properly active again.

When I first moved to the Burdekin, I hit the ground running, keen to dip my toe into the array of sports the region has on offer. That eagerness, for whatever reason, plateaued, and I've found myself fully embracing a lifestyle devoid of strenuous activity. Now, I guess it's time to rekindle that enthusiams—and, as aforementioned, what better place to do it?

Beyond showing me first-hand how unfit I am, sport offers a place to connect. In a town with such a love for all things sports, it's no wonder the community is so connected. Whether a spectator or a player, beyond the cheers and jeers, highs and lows, it's crazy how much a ball, white lines and some goals/hoops/nets can bring people together.

Anyways, I hope you guys have been enjoying the paper. As always, please let us know anything we can do to improve, or any stories you may have for us!

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The next generation of Burdekin basketballers had the chance to learn from two of the nation’s finest last Wednesday when Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson and Opals star Tess Madgen visited the region to run a grassroots training camp as part of Basketball Australia’s She Hoops program.

From 9am, around 40 young players were put through a series of drills and games over 90 minutes, sharpening their skills under the guidance of two of Australia’s greatest basketball exports.

She Hoops, led by three-time WNBA MVP and Olympic medallist Jackson, is Australia’s largest resource for women in basketball—an inclusive, one-stop platform designed to empower, educate, and inspire women and girls from grassroots through to elite level, encouraging them to thrive as athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators.

Coming from a country town herself, Jackson stressed the importance of bringing these programs to rural regions.

“More often than not, we go to towns and kids are so passionate, but they don’t understand the opportunities that are present through the sport,” Jackson said.

“Tess and I are from the country ourselves, so we understand the barriers around participating in these areas. We’re just like them, but we just followed our dreams—they can, too.”

Since launching in 2022, She Hoops has already seen a 25% increase in female participation in basketball, with early signs suggesting it is helping reverse the trend of girls dropping out of the sport between the ages of 14 and 16.

Beyond the numbers, Burdekin Basketball representative Courtney Pennisi said the visit was a milestone moment for the community.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think that Lauren Jackson would be visiting us here,” she said. “This town never gets this sort of opportunity, so we’re incredibly lucky to have them both here.”

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Opinion Piece By Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

Coal has powered Australia for generations, and it still does today. Coal is the central reason the lights turn on, the fridge stays cold, and the air con works. Coal remains the cheapest form of electricity in Australia, and without it, our country would be vastly different, in a poorer way.

But it is not just the electricity it provides. Coal provides our country with economic security. It drives investment, and the revenue raised in taxes and exports generates the wealth to fund much of our vital public infrastructure. It is not just the thermal coal that runs our power stations; it is also the metallurgical coal exported around the world to manufacture steel.

In the Bowen Basin alone, there are around 44,000 people employed directly in the coal
industry. That is not counting people employed in service support roles, the ports, the rail and in the businesses that get a boost when these workers spend locally.

As the member for Dawson and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign
Capability, I am acutely aware of the role coal plays not only in our Central Queensland region but in the success of our country. To the workers in the industry and associated businesses, I say thank you. Whether you're driving trucks in the Bowen Basin, welding buckets in Paget, loading ships at the ports, or running a small business that supports the industry, your hard work is what keeps this country powering ahead. Your work matters. Your job matters. You matter.

But, unfortunately, our coal industry is under attack, not from overseas, but from policy
decisions being made in our own backyard. The Albanese Government talks a big game about
jobs and regional Australia, but their actions are driving investment away from the very industry that helped build this nation. In sad news, major miners BHP and Anglo recently made sweeping redundancies on the back of lower confidence and return on investment. My thoughts are with every family touched by this news during this time.

It may be easy to attack the mining companies for these decisions, but we have to ask why
these decisions are made. Under the current Labor government, it's getting harder and harder to justify investment when the goalposts keep shifting and the Prime Minister would rather prop up wind and solar. The truth is, these are businesses with shareholders (including many super fund holders) that are expecting to see a return on investment, and if those returns are not what they should be, then the investment goes elsewhere. Think about this - would you choose to put your money in the bank with the lower or higher interest rate returns?

Not long before these cuts were announced, the heads of BHP and Rio Tinto were meeting with
Trump, and you can probably guess what those meetings were about – "Come and invest in the
USA", where coal, and by and large mining, is not demonised but encouraged. The major mining
companies are being very clear. The investment landscape needs to be more than viable. It
needs to be a safe bet.

Coal is more than a resource. It's a sovereign asset. It's the backbone of regional Queensland. And if we don't protect it, we risk losing not just jobs, but the heartbeat of towns right across Central Queensland and beyond.

Coal keeps the lights on. Australia can not afford for investment in the Coal industry to dry
up. Backing the Coal industry is backing Australia.

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Andrew Willcox MP has highlighted the importance of coal to Australia’s energy,
economy, and regional communities.

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The commitments and achievements of local individuals and groups play a key role in offsetting concerns raised due to national and international events according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

While acknowledging that the effects of horrific events will ripple through our community, Mr Last said it is important to take a balanced approach and that there were many positives which, sometimes, didn’t receive the praise they deserved.

“It is very easy for major events to directly impact the way we feel about ourselves and our own community, even when there might not be a direct impact,” Mr Last said.  “There are definite benefits from the accessibility we now have to all forms of media, but there are also negative effects and it’s more important than ever to take a broader view.”

“You don’t have to cast a net too wide or look too far into the past to see examples of locals making a positive impact on our community.  Regardless of whether you look at regular or one-off events, I think it is vitally important that we acknowledge what the people responsible for those events have achieved.”

“In just the last few weeks we have seen events like the Burdekin Water Festival and the Giru Show attract bumper crowds and, without dedicated volunteers, those events simply don’t happen.  We’ve also seen, for example, the Burdekin Community Association celebrate 50 years and that is something that the community should be immensely proud of.”

“Whilst there will always be people who want to cause harm and divide our community, there are so many more people who make a positive contribution and that includes by volunteering.  The positive impact of volunteers cannot be understated, and I am glad to see that there is more support on its way for those volunteers and the organisations, and communities, they help.”

“The Crisafulli government is holding an inquiry into volunteering because we recognise the positive benefits that volunteering offers; but we also recognise there can be challenges.  The fact that over 570 Queenslanders and organisations have made written submissions to the inquiry shows how much we rely on volunteers.”

The Burdekin’s proud history of volunteering was quite well known but, Mr Last said, some types of volunteering may be overlooked.

“Sporting and service clubs and our volunteer emergency services are well known throughout our community, but those groups aren’t the only options for people interested in improving the community,” he said.  “Groups like our chambers of commerce and industry representative groups contribute thousands of hours to our community and, despite their importance, their achievements can be overlooked.”

“While the inquiry will provide solutions to make volunteering more effective, the essential component is people who are prepared to take on voluntary roles and I would encourage all community members to consider volunteering as a contribution to our community.”

“Not only do they achieve so much for our community, they also play a key role in ensuring we can all remain positive about a brighter future for us all.”

Contributed with thanks to Dale Last MP

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The Basque Club of North Queensland's Basques in Australia exhibition is underway in Ayr, with the official opening at the Masonic Hall on Sunday 28 September drawing a strong local crowd to honour the profound influence of Basque families on the Burdekin community.

The exhibition, which had already been shown in Townsville and Ingham, drew around 80 people to its Ayr opening, many eager to connect with a heritage that has been part of the Burdekin for generations. Ten large panels of photographs and written stories traced the experiences of Basque families who migrated to North Queensland, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. Many of these families settled in Ayr, working in the cane fields and contributing to the region’s growth.

Residents recognised familiar faces in the photographs, sparking conversations and memories about the role of Basques in shaping the local community. The panels highlighted everything from cane-cutting and recreational life to the contributions of women who helped maintain cultural traditions while supporting their families.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the exhibition highlights the lasting impact of Basque families in the region. "So many Basque families made the Burdekin their home, contributing greatly to our community over the years," she said. "I commend the Basque families in our community for keeping their heritage and culture alive, and I pray that future generations continue to embrace it."

The Basque Club of North Queensland, led by President Pedro Mendiolea, coordinated the event. With more than 150 members across the region, the club has long worked to preserve Basque history and share it with wider North Queensland. For the Burdekin, the Ayr launch was an opportunity to acknowledge that history in a very local setting.

The exhibition had particular significance, as it coincided with statewide and international celebrations of culture. August marked Multicultural Queensland Month, while 8 September was the internationally recognised Dia de la Diáspora Vasca, a day when Basque communities worldwide honour their people living outside the traditional homeland on the border of Spain and France.

The launch also reinforced the Basque Club’s ongoing role in keeping cultural ties alive. The club, based in Townsville, regularly hosts lunches and gatherings, and many Burdekin families remain active participants. Sunday’s opening continued that tradition of blending social connection with cultural preservation.

The Basques in Australia exhibition remains on display in Ayr until 3 October, giving residents and visitors the chance to take in the photographs and stories at their own pace. For the Burdekin, it was a moment to look back on the resilience, hard work and community spirit of Basque migrants whose legacy continues to be part of the district today.

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Burdekin Shire Council has officially opened the upgraded Butler Road Floodway, delivering safer and more reliable access for local residents, farmers, and road users.

The new floodway replaces the former structure, which was badly damaged during past flood events. Council says the design will improve water flow management, enhance road safety, and ensure essential access during periods of heavy rain.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the project was a significant investment in rural road infrastructure.

“This project delivers real benefits to the community by improving road safety, reducing maintenance needs, and supporting our rural industries with more reliable access,” Cr Dalle Cort said.

Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the upgrade reflected the Crisafulli Government’s approach to disaster recovery.

“This project delivers meaningful, tangible results for our community, and it’s a shining example of how all levels of government can work to deliver effective disaster recovery,” Ms Leahy said.

The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Burdekin Shire Council thanked the community for their patience during construction and said the upgrade forms part of its broader commitment to maintaining and improving rural road networks across the region.

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The new floodway replaces the former structure, which was badly damaged during past flood events. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

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