The Burdekin community’s response in a call to establish CT scanner services at the Ayr Hospital saw thousands sign a petition and a shire-wide campaign last year, as many came forward with their own stories of how the after-hours inaccessibility of a CT scanner had seen them or their loved ones transferred to Townsville.

Six months on from the launch of the petition, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called for assurances the project has not fallen on deaf ears.

“With the calendar now reaching six months since the petition was opened for signatures and a promise by the Minister that a business case was being prepared, this community deserves to know that this project hasn’t just been tucked away into a cupboard,” Mr Last said.

“In recent weeks I have written to the Townsville Hospital and Health Services Board calling for an update on the business case, because as this community has made it clear, we are not willing to let this issue lie.

“Let’s not forget that in many cases these CT scans are used to assist in the treatment of potentially time-critical conditions such as strokes, where every second matters.”

Mr Last said with as many as 15 patients a week needing to be transported to Townsville for a CT scan, and the June budget now only months away, time was ticking on ensuring the project received the consideration it deserved and did not become a political football at election time.

“Almost six months ago, I said that I would keep working on this issue until the machine is in place and patients are receiving their scans in Ayr.  

“I also said I will work cooperatively with the Minister as long as we saw continual progress and I will honour both of those commitments for as long as it takes.

“We know there is added pressure on our hospital and frontline services, so when a simple solution to easing that burden and ensuring that patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible is put forward, there shouldn’t be any obstacles placed in the way.”

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A team of researchers at Deakin University recently partnered with local media and natural hazards experts to deliver the Burdekin Aware and Prepared Community Forum.

The forum, held on Saturday, February 24 at Burdekin PCYC, saw community members come together to share their experiences of living through natural disasters and how information was communicated by different organisations.

The project’s lead researcher, Dr Gabi Mocatta, said the team was grateful for the support of the Burdekin community.

“We’ve done some research on how the Burdekin Shire does disaster communication and how well it’s done here, which is one of the reasons we wanted to come to this community,” she said.

“The council-run Local Disaster Management Group seemingly does an amazing job of getting the community resilient and knowledgeable and that’s perhaps a model that can be emulated across other parts of Australia.

“It is a community service that people have done, for their community but also for other places in Australia, so it’s amazing that people make that effort.”

The forum was one of three held across Australia as part of the Awareness, Education and Communication for Compound Natural Hazards project, funded by the Natural Hazards Research Australia, with a forum already held in Dandenong, Victoria and one to be held later this year in Tenterfield, New South Wales.

The data collected from the forum will be drafted into a communication framework, which will seek the feedback of members from the three communities, before a report will be written for Natural Hazards Research Australia to be made available for emergency managers across Australia.

The project is still seeking feedback in the form of an anonymous survey.

Scan the QR code to complete the survey.

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Caption: L-R Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Pethybridge, LDMG Chair Lyn McLaughlin, Lead Researcher Gabi Mocatta, Sweet FM Manager Charlie Scuderi, Local Disaster Coordinator Eileen Devescovi and Kirsten Diprose and Erin Hawley of Deakin University

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When reflecting on her role as President of the St Vincent de Paul Home Hill Conference, Kaylene Rinella admitted that the work of the conference can fly under the radar.

Providing assistance to the whole of the Burdekin in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, Kaylene and her team of passionate volunteers provide a hand up, not a handout, and rely on dedicated community support to do this.

“We’re just trying to help people survive, really, help people get through,” Kaylene said.

“We’re seeing so many new families that we haven’t seen before; things are just getting so expensive.

“We just want to be there for those people who are really struggling.”

Kaylene commenced in the role of President five years ago and was vice president prior to that, involved in the conference for over 13 years.

She first signed up to volunteer at Vinnies Ayr when her accounting experience was recognised, and she was invited to work with the conference.

Bringing exuberance to the role, Kaylene has reinvigorated the conference, growing its services and budget to include emergency food relief in collaboration with Burdekin Community Association, emergency accommodation assistance, loans through the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), clothing, school supplies, car and electricity bill relief, toiletries and more.

St Vincent de Paul relies on the generosity of community to fund these activities, whether it be through fundraising, donations of furniture and goods or volunteering.

Recent donations from Home Hill Rotary Club Inc, Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club and local schools exemplify the Burdekin’s generous spirit.

“We’ve got a great network,” Kaylene said.

“I’ve been doing it for such a long time and people have put so much trust in me, it’s wonderful.

“This work makes me feel good.”

Whether it be for picking up and moving furniture or volunteering at Vinnies Ayr, the St Vincent de Paul Home Hill Conference is always on the look out for volunteers to assist their mission.

For more information on volunteering, joining the conference or donating funds, furniture and goods, email kaylene.rinella@svdpqld.org.au.

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Question Of The Week:

Please share with us one personal experience during your campaign trail so far that has really reinforced the reason you are running.

Pierina Dalle Cort

Mayoral Candidate

Another day, another frustrated rate payer. There is a lack of urgency and efficiency in addressing issues. Surveyors, planners, and their clients are frustrated with the system. I keep hearing it is just too hard to do business with Burdekin Shire Council. Ratepayers have had to endure unnecessary costs. What is council’s legal bill in the last 12 months? Economic development is crucial to Burdekin’s survival. This is the Burdekin, a rural community not Brisbane City Council.

Lyn McLaughlin

Mayoral Candidate

I began my campaign by travelling across our Shire and visiting key projects delivered in the current term of Council. This was a fantastic way of reminding myself that I am a representative for every resident in every township and community, and to see firsthand the difference Council has made across our region. It was also a great opportunity to meet with residents, discuss what they love about our Shire, and areas they believe should be focused on moving forward.

Michael Backo

Councillor Candidate

During the campaign I have attended Community Forums and one message that I had received and have taken on board is that the community feels like they aren't being heard. The reason why I am running is because I want to be a voice for our community. I want to engage with the community and hear their ideas and concerns and vote for what the community wants. I want to be a voice for the community.

Amanda Hall

Councillor Candidate

In the weeks since announcing my candidacy for Councillor with Burdekin Shire Council, I have had nothing but positive feedback. The recent candidate forums held at the Kalamia Hotel in Ayr and at the Home Hill Community Sports Club were particularly informative as candidates had a chance to address the community and answer questions. Speaking with people, it is clear they are looking for strong voices and a change within Council and I believe I can deliver both.

Michael Fraser

Councillor Candidate

Attending and sitting in on the past two council meetings, has allowed me to better understand what being a ‘councillor’ means. If elected I would be eager to be part of a progressive team and help to achieve goals. Since deciding to nominate I have received a lot of support from family and friends, which gives me confidence that I would be able to carry out the role as councillor with the Burdekin’s best interest at heart. 

Warren Francis

Councillor Candidate

I am pleasantly surprised at the depth of interest the community has in bettering the Burdekin. I see this in their questions and ideas for improvements into our future. I am excited about representing such an enthusiastic group of people with my energy and knowledge from working with the Burdekin Shire Council and the State Emergency Service. We can achieve so much by working together cooperatively towards common goals to sustain and develop the Burdekin’s future.

ELECTION: ON THE FRONT-LINE

Question Of The Week:

Please share with us one personal experience during your campaign trail so far that has really reinforced the reason you are running?

Mark Haynes

Councillor Candidate

I have been overwhelmed by the support given to me by the people of the Burdekin. When I secured the Containers for Change depot for the Burdekin the residents showed that they are keen to support new ventures. Setting this up under the NQ Green Solutions social enterprise model was a great outcome for the Burdekin community as this scheme helps with the cost of living and increased employment opportunities. I’m looking forward to exploring many more opportunities and bringing the voice of the residents to Council.

Max Musumeci

Councillor Candidate

The majority of the people I speak to are happy with what’s been done in my last four years as councillor. One particular experience, however, was a particular conversation I had with a rate payer who I have not been able to help. Hearing him saying he wanted me to return was somewhat surprising and exactly what I needed to hear at that point. He understood that if there was any way I could help him, I would. It was the positive reinforcement that I needed.

Michael Detenon

Councillor Candidate

The Campaign trail so far has reinforced my decision to run as I see how passionate other people are about our great Burdekin Shire. As a proud born and bred local myself it is great to see so many other people, whether they have moved to town or been here all their life, show such interest in the future of all our towns and I like the idea of continuing to be able to put forward the community’s ideas to both grow and improve our region. 

Delfine Vasta

Councillor Candidate

Since starting on my Campaign trail, I was a little nervous about the whole venture but I have been so overwhelmed by the support and guidance I have received from the community; it has reinforced that the reason I am running for Councillor is for the Community and to be their voice in Council. At the end of the day, it is the Burdekin residents who will be electing the next six Councillors and Mayor so our job is to do what is right for them.  

John Furnell

Councillor Candidate

 There has been a multitude of experiences that have inspired me to run for a second term. It’s helping that one person with their individual concern. It’s positive projects completed eg water park, projects underway eg macro algae, industrial estate and new ones to begin eg water filtration plant. My father served in the air force in Townsville so it will be great to see Charlies Hill progressed. The Burdekin has achieved a lot, there is a ‘never end’ to being a continually improving community.

 Scott Worlein

Councillor Candidate

I have had a lot of people ask why I don’t have signs up like most other candidates. The signs seem like a good idea, but I want people to vote for me because they know what I have done for the community for many years now. I’m a person of action, getting things done to keep our community safe and doing good for our community. One of the reasons why I’m running is because I want to help my community.

Callan Oar

Councillor Candidate

Since nominating, I have had many people come up to congratulate me. Nearly all these people have in some way exclaimed that “we need change”. This election, change will be inevitable as three existing councillors have not nominated for re-election. I know that I can bring positive change to council. I am not just another yes-man, but can and will work with whoever I need to, to make the best decisions for the whole Burdekin Shire.

Jayson O’Keeffe

Councillor Candidate

Something I’ve noticed in the last few weeks is when people have raised concerns over issues they have, there might not have been any feedback given to the person that has raised that issue. I would like to find out if the person hasn’t followed through or if it simply wasn’t resolved and a response wasn’t given.

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At just 42 years old, Laurence Pavone was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

This set him on a path to give back, make a difference and leave a lasting legacy for his young family in the form of a charity called Laurie’s Love.

In 2019, 10 months on from his diagnosis, Laurence sadly passed away, but Laurie’s Love forged ahead in his absence, continuing his legacy of love, compassion and community spirit.

The much-loved local charity is due to host its biggest event yet next weekend, the Laurie’s Love Gala Ball, and Laurence’s wife Julie is planning a huge celebration to thank the Burdekin community for its support.

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Cover Caption: Julie and Laurence Pavone with their three children Claudia, Mason and Layla. Photo supplied

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“The Infinite Love Is The Cure”

Laurie’s Love Partners With Brain Cancer Centre Ahead Of Gala Ball

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Laurence Pavone made an indelible impact on the Burdekin community.

When he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive, inoperable brain tumour, in December 2018, it inspired him to help others and leave a legacy, founding Laurie’s Love in the hope of not only raising funds for brain cancer research, but also bringing his community together.

“During his pain and anguish and facing certain death, all he could think about was helping someone else so that they don’t have to go through this,” said Laurence’s wife Julie.

“He never once felt sorry for himself.”

Upon launching Laurie’s Love on his birthday in April 2019, Laurence was met with the utmost support and compassion from the Burdekin community.

He gave the foundation a motto that he said encapsulated the love he had received after people heard about his diagnosis: ‘The infinite love is the cure’.

Friends and community members held fundraisers at every opportunity, from sausage sizzles and car washes down the main street to the launch of major events Row for a Cure and the first Gala Ball, both held in the months after Laurence passed away in October 2019.

“Laurence was very community minded and was involved in a lot,” Julie said.

“Given his age, his personality and just who he was, so many people empathised with the situation.

“We were overwhelmed with the support and still are five years on.”

These days, the Laurie’s Love heart logo can be spotted on bumper stickers, shirts and wristbands all across the region.

The foundation’s message has spread into local schools after the annual ‘Day for Laurie’ was launched, held in August each year, where school students are asked to wear red and black or a Laurie’s Love shirt.

“It’s not about Laurence anymore, it’s about the message of giving back to the community, doing something for other people, and the kids and the schools have really taken that on board,” Julie said.

“It’s really teaching the next generation how to be good members of a community and what you can do to make your community a better place.”

After three massive Row for a Cure events, Laurie’s Love is hosting it’s first Gala Ball since 2019 on Saturday, March 9, with tickets very quickly selling out.

The foundation has partnered with the Brain Cancer Centre for the event, with all funds raised to fund a researcher to work on brain cancer research under the Laurence Pavone Post Doctoral Fellowship.

Television personality and brain cancer advocate Carrie Bickmore will speak at the event, sharing her journey and instilling hope in a community that has been affected by this disease too many times.

“Laurence is still bringing the community together through these events, even though he’s not here, so it makes me very proud to be a part of it and be the face of what he started,” Julie said.

“I think he would be blown away but at the same time, I don’t think he’d be surprised at what this town is capable of.

“He’d be very, very proud of our community and I think he’s left a massive legacy on this town.

“He’s passed on the love, and that was his biggest thing.”

To find out more, visit www.laurieslove.org.au.

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Caption 1: Laurence and Julie Pavone. Photo supplied

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Burdekin residents can now access a range of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services under one roof, as not-for-profit charity, selectability, today officially opens the doors to a new Mental Health Hub.

The new facility, located in the previously disused Caledonian Hall, is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership Program.

selectability Chief Executive Officer Debra Burden said the Mental Health Hub provided a central location for those across the region to connect to vital support.

“We believe that all regional Queenslanders have the right to access high-quality mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services locally,” Debra said.

“Before developing our plans for the Mental Health Hub, we carried out extensive community consultation to understand the service gaps.

“This included a community survey which found 93 per cent of respondents believed there was a need for a dedicated mental wellbeing facility.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with the Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership Program, which supported the project with an $808,000 grant, to address this unmet need.”

Burdekin-local Regional Coordinator, Karisa Bojack, said the Mental Health Hub would bring huge benefit to the community.

“I am looking forward to working with groups and individuals across the region to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide in the Burdekin,” Karisa said.

“We offer NDIS individual and group support; support coordination and recovery coaching; along with a range of mental wellbeing, suicide prevention and carer support programs.

“No appointment or referral is required, just drop in to see the team at 182 Edward St, Ayr (the former Caledonian Hall).”

The official opening of the Burdekin Mental Health Hub is scheduled for Monday March 11 2024, from 11:00am.

For more information, visit selectability.com.au.

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Caption 1: Regional Coordinator and Burdekin-local Karisa Bojack

Caption 2: selectability has officially opened the doors to its new Mental Health Hub in Ayr. Photos supplied

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The Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) Home Care Service delivers a wide range of services for seniors and their carers.

Home Care Packages Program (HCP)

The HCP Program provides support to older people with complex care needs to live independently in their own home. We can offer services to eligible seniors on a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 package. Services include in-home support services, transport, home maintenance/repairs/modifications, access to allied health services and other care related services relating to the client’s health, safety and wellbeing.

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

The CHSP is an entry level home help program to assist older people who can mostly, but not completely, live and cope on their own an don’t yet need high levels of support at home. Services include domestic assistance, social support (friendly visits/shopping/outings), personal care (showering/bathing/medication monitoring), respite care (support for the carer), transport and home maintenance (lawn mowing/whipper snipping/rubbish removal).

Please contact the Home Care Service Team to discuss services or obtain information on Ph 4783 3744, The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, bca@bcaburdekin.org.au, www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au.

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Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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You don’t know what you don’t know.  Makes sense, right?

But where do you go when you need to know something? Ever thought about popping into the Neighbourhood Centre to ask? We aim to be helpful to anyone who comes into the Centre with an issue.

It takes a lot of courage to walk into somewhere new. When you walk through our door, there is no judgement, no shame. Just friendly faces, a listening ear and a safe space to take a moment to find your direction. And whilst we may not show it – trust us, we will be high-fiving you for taking that big first step.  

Linking community members with services, supports, activities, resources, and information is a huge component of the work at the Centre. It is important for our staff to develop links across all sectors of our community. We work hard to ensure that the information we hold here at the Centre is up to date – it takes a lot of time and effort to do – but it is worth it to see the relief on people’s faces when they know they do not have to keep doing the rounds of information gathering.

Every time you walk through our door is an opportunity for us to learn. As community members ourselves, we don’t have all the answers, however, we will take the time with you to learn together. We can't tell you how many times we have learnt from our community members that have enabled us to pass this on to others.  

So come on in, take a deep breath, and let’s work together.

The Team

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire has over 200 kilometres of beaches within its boundaries?

That's more than the distance from Ayr to Airlie Beach. The Burdekin Shire is home to some of the most pristine and diverse coastal environments in Queensland, with sandy shores, rocky headlands, mangroves and access to coral reefs. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway, a fishing adventure or a wildlife encounter, you'll find it in the Burdekin Shire. Here are some of the best beaches to explore in this amazing region:

- Lynch’s Beach, Alva: This is a popular spot for fishing, diving and kite surfing, as well as for camping and caravaning. Situated along the roadway, you'll find the Ayr Surf Lifesavers Club, and your gateway to the S.S. Yongala, one of the world's best wreck dives, where you can see an incredible array of fresh and saltwater marine life. At low tide, the beach makes for excellent exploring with hundreds of soldier crabs, endless shells and an abundance of wildlife.

- Wunjunga Beach: This is a secluded and scenic beach, ideal for birdwatching, fishing and picnicking. One of the best ways to enjoy all that Wunjunga has to offer is by setting up a tent or caravan at the Funny Dunny Park camping grounds that offer limited short-stay camping for self-contained vehicles.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your sunscreen, hat and camera and head to one of our beaches for an unforgettable coastal experience.

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Home Hill State High School teacher Louise Nicholas has progressed to Finalist of the Queensland AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, an award to recognise notable female rural leaders who are advocating, empowering, and celebrating for changes in agriculture.

Louise is excited to have progressed to become a Finalist for the award.

“It’s still sinking in,” she explained.

“I was nominated two years ago and didn’t progress to this stage, so it’s all new.

“This time around, my project is further refined and is better matured.”

Her project, ‘Grow Your Own’, is committed to progressing and advocating for students to pursue careers and futures in agriculture and industry.

“There is a lack of trained workforce in industry and agriculture, and to encourage our students to pursue careers in industry, we have partnered with local industry and agricultural businesses and farms to show students what’s on offer,” Louise explained.

“We also work closely with agricultural bodies like Central Queensland University and AgForce, who support us in taking students out on tours of farms, of workplaces and sites.

“Exposure is really what we’re trying to do. To show the students what’s out there, and that farming and a career in agriculture isn’t sitting on a tractor all day anymore.”

Louise aspires to extend the Grow Your Own initiative across Queensland and showcase the diverse industry opportunities that are available for students, while fostering growth and success in their own communities.

“There is so much out there,” Louise said.

“And exposing students to the diverse and various aspect of industry and agriculture is critical.

“It encourages students to enter a career in industry that they may not have known was an option.”

Louise is also a big advocate for the Food and Fibre component of the Australian Curriculum, wishing to encourage further commitment of Queensland schools to deliver the component with confidence.

“Food and Fibre is outlined is the curriculum but not a lot of schools deliver it, because the teachers don’t feel confident in delivering the material.

“I am also advocating for teachers and professionals to upskill.”

Louise will travel to Brisbane on March 11 for the final interview with the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award panel, with the winners named during the following days.

Each state and territory winner receives a $15,000 grant from Westpac to fund their project, business, or program.

“To win allows me to better propel the initiative and extend it across Queensland, to better agriculture education in schools, and support students pursuing careers in industry and agriculture in their local area.”

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Louise Nicholas with her students, supporting students to pursue careers in industry and agriculture. Photos supplied

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Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The sugar market remains in no man’s land as the window between the close of the 2023-24 Brazilian crush and the start of the 2024-25 season seems impossibly short. The final production for this season’s output is yet to be determined, but is heading towards a record harvest.

Projections for the 24-25 season are fluid in the analysts’ spreadsheets. The early number of 640+ million mt of cane is being wound back, due to the dry weather in December and January being factored into the yield. February was forecast to be a wetter month, but has not delivered as much moisture as desired. Ranges now in the market cover 600-635 million mt, with Wilmar at the upper end of that scale.

Another important variable is the production mix between ethanol and sugar. This ratio pushed the market to the upside last year with the final coming close to 50:50. There is an obvious incentive to increase this percentage with ethanol parity trading closer to US14c/lb versus the US22c/lb for #11. Reports suggest that mills are rushing to increase crystallisation capacity. However, as we are acutely aware, it takes some planning to design, build, and install mill components so a step change in capacity may be constrained.

There is talk of further investment at the Brazilian docks to ease loading bottlenecks, which global logistics managers will support.

If the dry weather persists, the new season crush might start earlier. This will be bearish in the short-term, as more sugar becomes readily available, but will potentially bode well for constructive pricing later as yield prospects will be cut. Watch this space.

Following a poor and patchy monsoon, the Indian crop has performed better than expected. Nevertheless, India is not expected to be a significant player in global trade for the foreseeable future, with any increase in production siphoned to the ethanol production.

Doubt remains about how quickly the Thai crop will be cut out. The outlook for next year is not for a massive recovery of cane hectares, as competing crops maintain a viable alternative in Thailand. This should support the far-east premium as Australian sugar will remain in strong demand.

Finally, the speculative community is keeping its powder dry. After liquidating a significant net bought position for much of the 2023 season, they are yet to move far away from a small net long balance in the 2024 calendar year. At the end 2023, we witnessed the impact of the head exiting in unison, so it is important to keep a bead on the signals that were used to drive their investment flows.

For more information, contact your local Wilmar Grower Marketing consultant.

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This graph charts the Brazilian crop size and the sugar-ethanol mix since 2017-18.

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The rural event of the year is fast approaching with Burdekin Boars and Barras taking over Clare this weekend.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, and with something for everyone, the Burdekin is invited to get behind the rod or the rifle to help fundraising efforts for the Clare State School P&C Committee.  

Involving fun for the whole family, the event schedule includes the coveted weigh-in presentations for all pigs, fish and crabs, a well-stocked licensed bar, Rotary food tent, Lillie’s Cubby House, live music by none other than Tammy Moxon, plus face painting and merch stall selling the very best branded clothing and accessories.  

With over $7,000 worth of prize money on offer in junior, senior and open categories across all classes, this is set to be a weekend of fun and excitement.

Find out more and get your tickets at burdekin-boars-barras.spiffystores.com.

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WHAT: Burdekin Boars and Barras Competition 2024

WHERE: Clare Sports and Recreation Club

WHEN: Saturday March 2 and Sunday March 3

TICKETS: $10 Junior and $20 Senior

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In an announcement that further boosts Queensland’s credentials as Australia’s emerging AgTech innovation capital, Brisbane has been named as the home of the AgriFutures evokeAG. global innovation event in 2025.

Connecting the global agrifood innovation community of investors, entrepreneurs, AgTech service providers and agribusiness professionals, evokeAG. provides a digital platform and premier agrifood tech event where farmers share their experiences, startups pitch their potential, scientists showcase their discoveries, global business leaders share their insights and industry experts debate their opinions.

The announcement came after a group of Queensland innovators and industry leaders joined more than 1,800 delegates from across the Asia Pacific attending this year’s event in Perth.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Queensland Government has helped the state’s agricultural industry grow from $17.2 billion to an estimated $24 billion in value, supporting hundreds of thousands of good jobs for Queenslanders since 2015.

“AgTech is a strong part of the sustainable future of agriculture, solving problems and growing businesses,” Mr Furner said.

“Bringing this event to Queensland reinforces the Queensland Government’s commitment to AgTech and adoption.

“I have no doubt Queensland’s agriculture sector will make the most of this event and ensure next year’s evokeAG. held in Brisbane will be the best yet.”

AgriFutures Managing Director John Harvey said he looks forward to hosting the event in Brisbane.

“evokeAG. began as an opportunity to showcase the incredible agrifood tech innovation happening here in Australia, to hear from the rest of the world and to drive innovation in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr Harvey said.  

Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer added that the state’s agriculture has an innovative culture.

“Our farmers have instinctively turned to innovation to solve some of the big farming challenges in Australia, including dealing with drought, floods, pests, soil quality, remote locations, livestock monitoring, and transport and logistics,” Ms Spicer said.

“This in turn is driving a strong homegrown AgTech sector – technologies and innovations developed for farming in some of the toughest conditions in the world.

“As someone who works closely with many regional communities to drive change and enhance economic opportunities in agriculture, I know that hosting evokeAG. in Brisbane next year is an opportunity to showcase the world-class AgTech that we create and harness across Queensland.”

The event will be held in Brisbane from February 18-19, 2025.

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Growers participating in the Burdekin Irrigation project, the Lower Burdekin Smart Irrigation Project and the Major Grants project hosted sugarcane growers from the Mackay-Whitsunday region the Far North and local growers to demonstrate on-farm smart irrigation strategies, tools, technologies, and practices throughout the Burdekin.

The bus tour aimed to increase cross regional relationships and provided an opportunity for growers interested in new advancements in irrigation practices and technology from outside the region to explore on-farm smart irrigation demonstrations.

The three demonstration sites contained a variety of smart irrigation technologies including gravity fed surface drip, high press subsurface drip, automated overhead sprinkles, automated furrow irrigation systems and a myriad of sensing equipment to collect data from each trial site.

Improved irrigation practices supported by the Burdekin Irrigation Project have resulted in an increase in productivity, providing a path to a more sustainable farming enterprise.

Three Burdekin growers who hosted the demonstration sites highlighted the challenges associated with farming in their specific locations and shared the robust process they undertook to address crop demands.

They noted that automation has been the enabler for improved efficiency, but without the practice change there would have been little benefit.

“The bus tour provided an excellent opportunity for growers across districts to see first-hand demonstrations of different irrigation practices side by side with replicated treatments,” explained Terry Granshaw, SRA.

“Whether its sugarcane or any of our legumes that are grown across the district, we want to be making sure we apply the right amount of water to the crop at the right time.

“The demonstration sites compare grower current practices with a changed practice, based off data collected from sensors and current weather conditions.

This information is collected via automation and used in conjunction with IrrigWeb (a crop model used for scheduling and record keeping) Feedback from the growers who attended on the day were very positive and I hope that future cross region interaction becomes the normal within our industry,” he said.

With support from Reef Catchments and Sugar Research Australia, growers from the Mackay-Whitsunday region will join their peers to workshop how learnings from the Burdekin tour can best be integrated with local grounded experience in the region.

To learn more about Water Quality management in the Burdekin region, visit NQ Dry Tropics’ website at www.nqdrytropics.com.au.

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The integrated Engagement and Capacity Building project is funded through the Queensland Governments Reef Water Quality Program and delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Fishers (DAF).

The Burdekin Irrigation Project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation with collaboration between Sugar Research Australia, Farmacist, AgriTech Solutions, Burdekin Productivity Services, Burdekin Bowen Integrated Floodplain Management Advisory Committee, James Cook University, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and NQ Dry Tropics.

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The Lyon’s Grassland Striped Skink had not been observed since 1981 and is known only from a single locality that is heavily grazed by cattle.

That is until the rare lizard was found last year for the first time in over 40 years living in north-east Queensland.

In early 2023, scientists from Queensland Museum and James Cook University were tasked with the challenge of finding the elusive Lyon’s Grassland Striped Skink.

The surveys were part of research by the Resilient Landscapes Hub of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program that is looking for highly threatened reptiles across Queensland.

Dr Andrew Amey from Queensland Museum Network, who led the expedition, said the goal was to find three species of skink which have very small distributions confined to the Mount Surprise area, around 500 kilometres northeast of Ayr.

“These lizards are all hard to find and seldom seen,” Dr Amey said.

“Two are part of a large group of skinks in the genus Lerista, which are only found in Australia and have adapted to sandy soils by reducing their limbs to essentially swim through the soil.

“It shows that parts of Australia such as grasslands and open woodland that are grazed by cattle can still host important biodiversity.

“It was an exciting moment to find all three skinks, but to find the Lyon’s Grassland Striped Skink was an amazing discovery.”

The other two skinks were the Limbless Fine-lined Slider, which is found in the Undara Volcanic National Park, and the Mount Surprise Slider, which was only known from one paddock.

The purpose of the survey was to find if the species still existed and if scientists could find new populations elsewhere.

The small distribution of the skinks makes them vulnerable to damaging events such as bushfires, drought, invasive weeds, and disease.

The Lyon’s Grassland Striped Skink was recently listed as Critically Endangered by the Queensland and Australian Governments in recognition of this.

Dr Amey said animals like these skinks have an important role to play in our ecosystems.

“We need to know if these skinks have healthy populations or if they are declining,” he said.

“We can’t take effective action to protect them if we don’t know where they occur and what threats are impacting them.

“The only way to get this information is go and look for them.”

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Caption: Lyon's grassland skink. Photo credit: Conrad Hoskin

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