The Burdekin Shire Council is among 30 North and Far North Queensland councils now eligible to apply for a share in a $19.2 million funding package aimed at restoring flood-damaged community assets.

The Community Recreational Assets Recovery Program has been launched to support recovery from the North and Far North Tropical Low disaster event, which impacted the region between the 29th of January and the 28th of February 2025.

The funding, jointly provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will be managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).

The program focuses on repairing and rebuilding key community recreational assets such as parks, playgrounds, walkways, bikeways, clubhouses, community centres, beach access points, and picnic areas—helping to return normalcy to local life.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said community infrastructure plays a key role in lifting spirits after a disaster.

“We want to give Queenslanders assurance that our Government is working with the QLD Government to help communities recover and rebuild,” Minister McBain said.

“Programs like this deliver tangible outcomes and stand as visible reminders that no matter the scale and breadth of a disaster, we will overcome it and by restoring community recreational assets we are helping return life to normal for residents affected, providing places for people to make positive memories once more.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government is committed to working alongside councils throughout the process.

“We are stronger when we work together, and I’m pleased all levels of government are partnering working to rebuild recreational assets in their communities,” Minister Leahy said.

“QRA officers are ready and able to support all eligible councils with submissions for this funding, and will assist those successful with delivery of works and just as flooding events evolve over time, our recovery does as well, and tailored funding channels like this reaffirm our unwavering support for disaster hit regions.”

Burdekin Shire Council can submit funding applications through the QRA until the 11th of July 2025, with all approved projects to be completed by the 30th of June 2027.

For more information or to apply, visit the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.

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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has delivered more than half a billion dollars worth of projects and services for the Burdekin electorate via the Crisafulli government’s first budget.

Focussed on the key issues directly affecting local communities, Mr Last said essential services and infrastructure saw increased funding and election commitments were ‘fully honoured’.

“Across the Burdekin electorate, almost $600M in projects and services have been supported in this budget including every single election commitment,” Mr Last said.  “This year’s budget delivers on the priorities that Queenslanders supported at the last election while laying the foundation for long term budget repair.”

“Projects such as the installation of a CT Scanner at the Ayr Hospital and upgrades at Burdekin Netball are now backed with full funding.  Funds allocated for land to house the new fire station in Ayr means the project can kick into gear to deliver a modern station and relocate emergency services staff away from potentially carcinogenic chemicals.”

“The budget also locks in previously announced projects including upgrades to the Bruce Highway, increased social housing and improved resources for our Police.  Funding has also been confirmed for programs to tackle youth crime and to boost the number of healthcare workers across the state.”

“Confirmed funding for the infrastructure and services that we rely on means progress on the issues that matter to us locally and across the region.  The expansion of the Townsville University Hospital, for example, means faster access to high-level medical care in our time of need and the Crime Prevention School will help to prevent crime right across North Queensland, including in the Burdekin.”

Mr Last said the budget would add to previously announced plans and programs to support the Burdekin’s key industries and provide funding to local government for several important projects.

“The Burdekin’s economy relies on the sugar industry and the expenditure announced in the budget will provide support to the sugar industry and, therefore, the district as a whole,” he said.  “A 15% discount on irrigation water and works to address rising groundwater are among short and longer-term measures to back agriculture.”

“The cost of irrigating is one of the largest costs that farmers face and, for years now, we have seen prices increase based on a whole range of factors.  The budget funds a regional water assessment and other programs to get to address the underlying issues contributing to those cost increases and provide certainty for farmers.”

“While the budget is responsible and is built on respecting taxpayers’ money, it delivers on our commitments and allows us to continue to deliver the services and infrastructure families access every day; including by partnering with councils across the state.”

“In the Burdekin LGA, the Works for Queensland program will see council deliver almost $1.8M in projects.  That funding will deliver projects across the district including upgrades at pools in both Home Hill and Ayr.”

“This is a budget that invests in a stronger, more productive economy that will benefit all Queenslanders.”

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On Tuesday, June 24, Rights in Action brought more than just a free barbecue to Anzac Memorial Park—they brought a chance for families to connect, ask questions, and access vital support.

The Townsville-based advocacy organisation deliberately planned the event as an informal gathering to introduce their new Inclusive Education Toolkit, a free resource designed to help parents and carers of children with disabilities understand their rights and find the support they need in schools.

“This came about because we noticed there was a gap,” said Sally, Community Engagement Lead at Rights in Action. “Inclusive education kept coming up as an issue when we spoke to communities, so that’s what we focused on here.”

The event, their first community barbecue in the Burdekin, drew families alongside local service providers, creating a relaxed space for sharing information and building relationships.

“I’ve done quite a few visits to Ayr, and we found that people just want to get to know you,” Sally said. “They don’t want to talk to someone on the phone—so we thought, 'why not come out, have a barbecue, and invite some parents down.'”

The Inclusive Education Toolkit, along with webinars and additional support, is freely available online. Rights in Action can also provide direct advocacy to families who need it.

By combining good food with genuine connection and practical help, Rights in Action delivered more than a meal—they delivered a real good deed.

To access the toolkit or learn more, visit www.rightsinaction.org.

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The Townsville-based advocacy organisation deliberately planned the event as an informal gathering to introduce their new Inclusive Education Toolkit. Photo supplied

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In recent weeks, I’ve noticed a growing conversation within our community around the issue of homelessness. Sadly, the Burdekin is not immune to this challenge, and we are seeing an increase in both homelessness and housing stress. I am advised there are currently around 500 people experiencing homelessness in our region, with more than 800 displaced individuals unable to access secure, stable housing.There are many contributing factors - mental health, the national housing shortage, rising living costs, or simply an inability to find appropriate accommodation. Some may also choose to live this way. Regardless of the reason, I encourage everyone to approach this issue with compassion. Police and Council do not have the authority to move people on, and I ask that we all remember to be grateful for the roof over our own heads and extend kindness to those less fortunate.Another frequent topic raised with Council is the need for improved transport between Ayr and Home Hill. I want to assure residents that Council has explored multiple options over the years, and I have also raised this issue during my term as Mayor. However, without additional government funding, expanding current services remains unfeasible. For the existing route to become viable, government assistance is essential.On a brighter note, the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company's Debutante Ball once again proved to be a spectacular evening. Congratulations to all the debutantes and their partners. Events like these continue to showcase the incredible spirit within our community.Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

Council adopted its 2025/26 budget last week, and I’d like to thank all council staff for delivering a sensible and responsible outcome that reflects today’s economic climate.With just a 1.5% increase in general rates and only modest rises across water, sewerage and waste services, this budget strikes a careful balance. That Burdekin Shire Council can deliver such a low increase, well below the current CPI, while still meeting community expectations is a testament to our strong financial position. As a friend of mine likes to say: “Would you rather be paying interest, or earning it?”The increases to water, sewerage and waste charges were necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of these essential services. These areas are managed as separate business units within Council and are designed to operate on a cost-neutral basis, covering their own costs without generating profit.This approach is not only financially responsible, but fair. It ensures that people who don’t use these services aren’t paying for them. By keeping each service accountable for its own costs, we avoid placing additional pressure on general rates and protect ratepayers from cross-subsidisation. I hope this helps explain the increases a little better. Please remember, I am always willing to discuss this with the community. All Councillors’ contact details can be found on the Burdekin Shire Council website.

For most people the mention of the word budget prompts images of page after page of numbers and the need for a quick overview but, for one Burdekin student, last week’s state budget heralded a unique opportunity.

Ayr State High School’s Sophie Robertson was one of 47 high school students from across the state who got to witness the hustle and bustle of budget day firsthand at Parliament House in Brisbane before catching up with Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

“It’s great to see one of our local students provided with this opportunity because most people will never have the level of access that Sophie and other students enjoyed, especially on budget day,” Mr Last said. “From meeting the Premier to taking part in their own mock budget media lock-up and watching the delivery of the budget from the public gallery, it really is an all-access pass.”

“This is a new initiative that is designed to both educate and empower our future leaders.  The fact is that the decisions made during the budget process, and in parliament, have a direct effect on the state’s future and the younger generation deserve the opportunity to understand how and why those decisions are made.”

Sophie was joined by students from schools throughout regional Queensland including Longreach, Cloncurry, Chinchilla, Tara, Mount Isa, Mackay, Gladstone, Gympie, Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim, and Brisbane.

The students engaged in interactive workshops, behind-the-scenes tours and watched the State Budget being delivered to gain a better understanding of the economy and how they can help shape Queensland’s future.

Premier David Crisafulli said this was an exciting opportunity for the students.
“From Far North to Western Queensland and throughout the South East, we wanted to give students from across the State the opportunity to learn how the Budget is developed and how it will improve the lives of Queenslanders.

"It was an honour to meet the students at Queensland Parliament to help them understand our Budget and the impact it will have, before they take what they learn back to school to share with their classmates.”

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the new initiative would help students gain valuable insights into the Budget process.  “Today’s students are tomorrow’s future leaders and it’s exciting to give them a behind-the-scenes look at the Budget,” he said.

Mr Last said the delivery of over $4.7 Million in infrastructure upgrades to schools in the Burdekin electorate illustrated the Crisafulli government’s commitment to education.

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At just 16, Jack Roveglia is already a familiar face behind the counter at Harvey Norman Ayr. Since starting almost two years ago, he’s found more than just a job—it’s become a space where his interests and ambitions can thrive.

“I’m a salesperson,” he says, simply—but that title only scratches the surface.

Jack’s love for technology has been nurtured since young. “I’ve always liked electrical things—working with wiring and circuits. That’s what interests me,” he says. “When I saw a job ad for Harvey’s, I thought that’d be good. I could help people and be in a space I enjoy.”

Now in Year 11, Jack is planning a future in electrical engineering, a field that aligns with both his academic focus—physics, math methods, specialist maths—and his natural curiosity.

“I don’t know exactly what role I want (after university) yet,” he says. “But I know I like circuitry and the tech side of things. I figure through uni placements and experiences, I’ll work it out.”

Though the job doesn’t involve hands-on circuitry, it’s brought him closer to the world he wants to inhabit. “When customers ask something I don’t know, I’ll go search it up. It’s something else I know now,” he says. “I’ve built up my knowledge just from learning on the job.”

Raised in the Burdekin, Jack was born in Townsville but grew up between Home Hill and Brandon. He says the simplicity of the region is what he loves most. “You’ve got Townsville for the big stuff, and Ayr’s just a quiet place. Most of my schoolmates are part of the community anyway. It’s a good place to grow up.”

He’s also come to appreciate what makes customer service in a regional centre unique.

“In big stores like Townsville or Brisbane, you might never see the same person twice,” he says. “Here, we’ve got regulars. I work weekends, and there are people who come in almost every Saturday or Sunday—sometimes just for something to do.”

Those regular interactions have helped Jack build strong relationships with customers—and confidence. “I try to simplify things for people,” he says. “I like helping people understand.”

That attitude reflects a wider trait Jack sees in himself: “I’d say I’m ambitious, helpful… and maybe someone who’s not afraid to put their hand up. I like to stand up and volunteer.”

Jack’s journey is just beginning—but if the past two years are any sign, the future’s looking bright—and probably running on circuits.

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Jack’s love for technology has been nurtured since young. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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OPINION PIECE By Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox

It’s no secret that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is under financial pressure. Costs have ballooned, and participation rates are rising faster than anticipated. Reform is clearly needed. But how the government plans to tackle reforms is all cloak and dagger.

Before the May election, Labor stuck to its usual script, spruiking only they could be trusted with healthcare and made promises of no cuts to health. Yet just two months into a new term, Labor is making cuts to the NDIS and doing so without a clear plan or any consultation.

From July 1, funding cuts will reduce hourly rates paid via the NDIS scheme to Allied Health professionals and their travel allowances to visit patients for in home appointments halved. These cuts will hit regional and remote communities hardest. With zero foresight to the future of the sector they are down right cruel to providers, participants and their families.

As the Federal Member for Dawson, I’m deeply concerned about what this means for our region and other regional and remote communities across Australia.

Health professionals who travel long distances to support patients with disabilities may now face the difficult choice of no longer travelling for in home care appointments, or passing the extra travel costs onto their patients. Some may shut their doors altogether.

If help can’t travel, the burden falls on caregivers to get to the nearest provider, meaning more expenses, lost time, and the sacrifice of work and other commitments. Reducing access for mobility impaired people in this way will also shrink services in regional centres, like Mackay and Townsville.

These cuts have also been announced with next to no lead time, leaving many practices scrambling to find ways to keep skilled health professional employed and to remain viable. The shock to the system could result in many professionals working with mobility impaired patients leaving the sector.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association has called for an immediate reversal, warning the changes will mean fewer services, reduced hours, and worse outcomes. They say it will put more pressure onto an already strained hospital system. I support these views and call on the government to rethink their actions.

Reforms must start with identifying inefficiencies in the system, and tightening up eligibility criteria, not hitting those who do the valuable work and those that need the help most.

Labor says it wants to fix the NDIS, but cuts without strategy isn’t the answer.

The question remains, does Labor have a real plan to reform the NDIS, or are they simply cutting until the system collapses onto our public hospitals?

People with mobility impairments in regional areas should be a top priority, not collateral damage of the government’s pursuit of budget repair headlines.

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Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox says cuts to NDIS could impact access to regional healthcare. Photo supplied

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Last Thursday, Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr celebrated 20 years of serving the community by doing what they do best: serving the community.

The two-decade milestone was marked by a well-attended special event at the Burdekin Theatre, which saw grants totalling $65,000 awarded to five deserving organisations across the Burdekin.

“The whole idea of a Community Bank is to provide banking services to our communities, to generate profits, and to then distribute those profits back into those same communities,” said Chairman Darren West.

“This has only been made possible by the support of our Home Hill, Ayr and Bowen communities, and those people and organisations who decided to bank with us.”

Reflecting on the journey from concept to cornerstone, West shared how far the bank had come since its earliest days.

“We opened in 2005 with a portfolio of $11 million,” he told the crowd. “Today, our book stands at $251 million. That didn’t happen overnight—it happened because people believed in the idea and backed us.”

He also recalled the bank’s very first act of giving back. “Our first contribution to the community was in 2008—just $1,075. We were so chuffed,” he said. “Now, we’ve distributed over $1.5 million across the region.”

The event also saw Special Guest Speaker David Robertson, Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank take the stage, providing guests with valuable market information, including Australia's financial position amongst other global powerhouses and global forecasts for the coming year.

The event signified a momentous milestone, not only for Bendigo Community Bank, but also for the Burdekin as a whole.

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Jan Stirling, Paul Benvenuti, Con Christofides, Robyn Haller
Zack Campbell, Elisha Barker, Sean Doyle, Max Musumeci, Bruce Berruti
Susan Catanzaro, Dave Catanzaro, Greg MacElroy
Gloria Vass, Cailin Gosling, Kate Casswell
Paula and John Mottin
The two-decade milestone was marked by a well-attended special event at the Burdekin Theatre.
The event also saw Special Guest Speaker David Robertson, Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank take the stage
Natalie Saroglia and Ross Romeo of CORES Queensland with their grant award
Burdekin Chaplains pictured with their recent grant
Representatives from the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre with their grant
Burdekin Community Association members with their awarded grant
The Burdekin Men’s Shed proudly displaying their grant award

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The 2025 Burdekin Show burst to life under mostly clear skies and a soft winter sun, drawing thousands through the gates for a full day of colour, noise and classic country show charm.

From the moment the gates opened, the showgrounds buzzed with the sounds of laughter, engines, livestock and live music. Smoke drifted from food stalls frying onions and churning out steak burgers, while kids chased each other between pavilions, faces sticky with fairy floss.

Side Show Alley roared to life early, with shrieks echoing from the top of the Hurricane ride and the steady thud of mallets hitting high-striker games. In the main ring, the Flare Action Sports team launched their quad bikes skyward, drawing gasps from the crowd as they twisted mid-air. Over at the animal nursery, toddlers squealed with delight at piglets and goats, while parents snapped photos with melting ice creams in hand.

As the afternoon gave way to dusk, a warm orange glow settled across the grounds. Then, as the last of the show entries were judged and the dachshund race crowned its winner, Side Show Alley lit up. Neon lights blinked against the evening sky and the smell of wood chips and hot sugar filled the air. The Fireworks Spectacular wrapped up the night with a booming finale—sparks showering over the crowd, kids perched on shoulders, eyes wide, and hearts full.

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Find the social Pics here: https://tinyurl.com/25sydp6y

Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch This Friday

The Burdekin Water Festival is back for 2025, and it's bigger, brighter, and bursting with excitement! Kicking off this Friday 4 July with the Community Launch at Populin’s Hall, the night will showcase this year’s Junior and Senior Ambassadors under the vibrant theme “Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe”.

From fashion parades to the “European Summer,” Long Lunch on 30 August, and the iconic Grand Parade and Mardi Gras on 6 September, the Water Festival promises months of unmissable moments. Expect dazzling floats, thrilling rides, international street food, and live entertainment for the whole family, not to mention the return of the Tug-O-War and beloved competitions.

The Burdekin Water Festival continues its legacy as one of Queensland’s longest-running celebrations, so pack your bags, mark your calendar and join the journey!

Full program at: www.burdekinwaterfestival.com.au

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This week was definitely more relaxing from a professional standpoint—let’s call it the calm in the midst of the storm.

I had Friday off, as a few of my mates from Sydney came up to visit. Our expedition started in Townsville on Thursday, where we spent the night before heading down to Airlie Beach, with a scenic pit stop right here in the Burdekin to show my mates around my new home-town.

Having not known much about the place before arriving, they were pretty pleasantly surprised by North Queensland. We had a blast, and they definitely left with a better understanding of why I speak so highly of this place—and how that admiration goes far beyond not needing to wear three layers in winter.

And for all the fun I had, my coworkers were back in the office picking up my slack. Huge thanks to them for giving me the space to enjoy what felt like a much-needed moment of mental disconnection—and for, in general, helping me grow and flourish as a young journalist over the last few months.

As great as the break was, it’s now back to business. I’m looking forward to what the next few weeks bring.

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Have you checked the calendar? The winter school holidays have rolled around once again, marking the halfway point of the 2025 school year, the conclusion of term two, and the commencement of 14 days of endless fun! With so much to do and see in and around the Burdekin Shire, we’ve compiled a list of what’s hot this winter for you and your kids to enjoy…

ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover
Calling all radio enthusiasts and future broadcasters! The Burdekin Library has partnered with 97.1 Sweet FM to debut ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover on Friday, the 4th of July for an exciting opportunity directly in the Home Hill studio. Teenagers aged between 12 and 18 years are invited to take the microphone and learn everything there’s to know about radio production, scriptwriting, and recording with our very own home-grown professionals and special guest, Charlie Scuderi. The opportunity will provide attendees with hands-on media experience, allowing teenagers to learn something a bit different, and possibly broaden their career aspirations. The FREE event is set to run from 10am to 11:30am and bookings are absolutely essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch
An evening overflowing with community spirit, entertainment, a fabulous fashion show, and good vibes will adorn Populin’s Hall on Friday the 4th of July from 6pm onwards! With a wonderful mix of both Junior and Senior Water Festival Ambassadors set to make their debut, this event will serve as the perfect family night out these school holidays!

DIY Bookmarks
Get crafty with the Burdekin Library’s FREE DIY Bookmarks workshop on Monday, the 7th of July from 10am to 11am at the Ayr Branch on Graham Street! Kids aged 10 years and over are invited to make reading a little more fun and create their own handcrafted bookmark with plenty of markers, stickers, recycled book pages and more ready for imaginative little minds to run wild with! Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

DIY Board Games
Roll the dice and follow your creative intuition with the Burdekin Library’s DIY Board Game workshop on Wednesday the 9th of July! Set to be hosted at the Home Hill Branch, young crafters aged five years and over are invited to join in for a FREE fun filled session running from 1pm to 2pm! Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

Circuit Chill & Create
The Burdekin Library’s Circuit Chill & Create FREE workshop will run once again these school holidays but this time round, with a frosty twist! Kids aged eight years and older are encouraged to see where their creativity takes them as they craft winter themed greeting cards and personalised stickers on Thursday, the 10th of July from 10am to 11am at the Burdekin Library’s Ayr Branch. Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

Spend Time in the Sunshine
Although the frosty temperatures may tempt you to keep under the covers these winter school holidays, there are far too many awesome places out within the community, waiting for you and your family to explore! We’d be here until next year covering each and every hidden local gem, however, here are a few notable mentions that will get the blood pumping and warm you up in no time; from a hike up the mighty Mt Inkerman or a brisk walk, run or jog along Alva or Wunjunga Beach to the adrenaline inducing Home Hill Ninja Warrior Park at Watson’s Green!

With your itineraries full, and your energy levels high, it’s time to make the most of these school holidays, right here in the Burdekin Shire!

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Craft like you've never crafted before with the Burdekin Library's FREE school holiday activities (Photo Source: Burdekin Library)
Charlie Scuderi will lead teenagers through 97.1 Sweet FM's first ever ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover (Photo Credit: Mark T. Rasmussen)
Give the Home Hill Ninja Warrior Park a crack these school holidays! (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)
Pay Wunjunga Beach a visit and warm up with a jog along the sand (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)
Enjoy a family night out at the Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch this Friday evening (Photo Credit: Sharron Bozzetto)

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Queensland primary producers who have completed a Farm Business Resilience Plan (FBRP) are being invited to participate in a research initiative led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Bureau of Meteorology. The study aims to gather insights on the use of digital tools that provide climate information to support agricultural decision-making.

Eligible participants will engage in confidential interviews discussing their experiences with weather and climate risks, as well as the strategies outlined in their FBRPs. To acknowledge their time and contributions, participants will receive a $100 payment.

This research is part of the broader Climate Services for Agriculture program, which includes tools like My Climate View—a digital platform offering tailored climate projections for various agricultural commodities across Australia. The program is funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and is designed to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate variability and change.

By participating, producers will contribute to the development of more effective climate services and tools, aiding in future drought planning and the refinement of FBRPs. This initiative underscores the importance of integrating scientific research with practical farming strategies to bolster the sector's adaptability and sustainability.

For more information and to express interest in participating, please visit: https://brnw.ch/21wTj5k.

By Andrew Willcox MP – Federal Member for Dawson, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities

The sugar crush across Dawson is on again, and it’s a timely reminder that cane trains are on the move and caution is needed around level crossings. Please, everyone — stay aware and remain safe on our roads.

As the federal member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities, I am incredibly proud of our local sugar industry. Behind wheat, sugar is Australia’s most exported crop, generating around $2 billion in revenue every year — and a significant portion of that is grown right here in Dawson.

The industry provides a livelihood for thousands, with strong flow-on effects to other parts of our local economy. Our region truly is the sugar capital of Australia.

But our industry is more than just the sweet stuff in our coffees. Sugar is also used to generate electricity and in the production of bio-blended fuels — making it a quiet powerhouse in Australia’s renewable energy future.

In my new portfolio role, I’m keen to share the positive stories emerging from our sugar sector to ensure investment and innovation continue to flow into this region.

Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill is home to a 38-megawatt cogeneration plant that transforms cane byproducts — like bagasse — into renewable electricity. The plant currently supplies about 30 per cent of Mackay’s electricity needs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 200,000 tonnes annually.

Right next door, the Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant (MRBPP) is pushing the envelope in research and development. Operated through a collaboration between Mackay Sugar and the Queensland University of Technology, the facility is helping demonstrate how sugarcane biomass can be converted into advanced biofuels, green chemicals, and other commercial-grade bioproducts.

Further south, Wilmar’s Plane Creek Mill — already a household name for its sweet treats — is also Australia’s largest sugar-based manufacturer of ethanol. Its ethanol is used in fuel blends, including emerging applications in aviation, adding another layer of value to the humble cane crop.

It’s a future that excites me. The industry is no longer just about farming and milling — it’s now about research, technology, and new frontiers in clean energy and manufacturing. With so much innovation underway, the potential applications of sugar byproducts are expanding dramatically, opening doors to greater investment and regional opportunity.

So next time you stir sugar into your morning cuppa, take a moment to consider the possibilities. You’re not just sweetening your drink — you’re connecting with one of Australia’s most dynamic and forward-looking industries.

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