Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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Council confirmed it is not closing the Groper Creek Caravan Park, but the Home Hill Boat Club has decided to surrender its caravan park licence, paving the way for Council to take control of the site. Photo: Burdekin Shire Council.
Burdekin Shire Council and the Home Hill Boat Club (HHBC) have stepped in to clarify the future of the Groper Creek Caravan Park, addressing closure rumours and clarifying that the HHBC has decided to surrender its caravan park license, paving the way for Council to take control of the site.
The clarification comes after rumours circulated in the community that Council was preparing to shut the popular Groper Creek facility.
"The Groper Creek Caravan Park is operated by the Home Hill Boat Club, not Council," Mayor Dalle Cort said.
"The Committee has advised that due to financial pressures it is no longer in a position to continue operating the facility."
The Boat Club has attributed their decision to surrender their license to mounting pressures of compliance demands.
The club say they received a Council report on the 8th of June outlining numerous areas of non-compliance with Council requirements, including issues relating to potable water, wastewater and ablution facilities.
The committee said it had since worked closely with Council to address the issues, but the scale of the financial and legislative requirements had ultimately proved unsustainable for the volunteer-run organisation.
"Unfortunately, due to significant financial and legislative challenges that are beyond the capacity of the HHBC to resolve independently, a public meeting including stakeholders, park users, local residents and council was held," the committee said.
"The overwhelmingly majority in attendance supported the decision to relinquish the caravan park licence."
The club said Council had advised the caravan park would be converted into a three-star community park under Council's control and maintenance.
"The HHBC is very saddened with this outcome but due to the requirements and compliance imposed it is unsustainable for the club to continue to manage and operate the caravan park," the committee said.
The parties said they would be working in conjunction to transition the site.
Remember September, Pankind’s flagship fundraising campaign, brings communities together each year to remember those affected by pancreatic cancer while raising vital funds for research and support. Photo supplied
Burdekin residents are being encouraged to lace up their walking shoes or ditch a daily vice next month to support those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Pankind’s Remember September 2026 campaign is calling on the community to take action against Australia’s third biggest cancer killer, with two challenges available.
Participants can Move It by walking or running 78km throughout September, representing the 78 Australians who die from pancreatic cancer every week, or Give It Up by going without a vice such as coffee, sugar or alcohol for the month.
More than 4,500 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, with 80 per cent dying within 12 months. The five-year survival rate is just 13 per cent, dropping to around six per cent in rural and regional areas.
Pankind CEO Michelle Stewart said research was key to changing those outcomes.
“Remember September is about solidarity, action, and progress. Every step taken and every dollar raised fuels research that could help Australians live longer and live better after diagnosis.”
Since its inception, Pankind has invested more than $20 million in research grants across 76 projects at leading Australian institutions, and those wishing to become involved in this year’s fundraiser are encouraged to register online via www.rememberseptember.org.au.
Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell with Federal Minister Kristy McBain and Treasurer Jim Chalmers at Cloncurry Airport. Photo supplied
Cloncurry Airport could face an operational downgrade this wet season, potentially restricting FIFO aircraft and affecting mining operations across North West Queensland unless a further $10 million is secured for a permanent runway upgrade.
Cloncurry Shire Council has warned heavier jet aircraft could be prevented from using the runway if conditions create the potential for a repeat of the major failure experienced earlier this year.
The airport sustained significant damage in January when heavy rainfall associated with a monsoon trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji damaged sections of the runway.
Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell said safety would remain the priority.
“It's not a decision we want to make, but we need to ensure our facility is safe,” Cr Campbell said.
“The technical advice we are getting is that if we have a severe weather event like we had during this year's wet season, we will need to downgrade the airport to ensure we do not have another catastrophic failure of our key asset.
“It’s critical that we protect our airstrip to prevent failure. The best solution would be to secure the required $10 million and have the upgrades completed prior to the wet season.”
The Commonwealth and Queensland governments have committed $11.5 million through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with approximately $2 million used for emergency repairs that restored the runway to near-normal operations.
However, Council says another $10 million is required to complete its broader $26 million rehabilitation program.
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Planning for the major upgrade began about four years ago after inspections identified the airport was approaching the end of its useful life.
The project would not only rehabilitate the runway but support Council’s plans to develop the site into a broader aviation precinct capable of accommodating larger aircraft.
Cloncurry Airport serves as a major gateway for the North West’s resources sector, supporting mining operations including Ernest Henry, Dugald River, Eloise, Austral Resources, Eva Copper, True North Copper and Rocklands, alongside future projects such as CopperString.
“We've been working towards doing a major upgrade to the airport for probably four years now, where it was getting to the end of its life,” Cr Campbell said.
“We were looking at growing our airport to be an aviation precinct.”
Council had sought $14.5 million through the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, however its application was unsuccessful.
Cr Campbell said updating the application with market-tested tender prices was treated as a resubmission, moving the project from round two to round six of assessments and causing further delays.
“The final advice that the CEO got gave us some confidence that we would be better off updating with the tendered prices,” he said.
“But that was considered a resubmission and pushed us back. Instead of us being in round two, we ended up being assessed in round six.”
Council is now calling on either the Queensland or Federal Government to provide the remaining funding before another major weather event places the runway at risk.
“We don't care if the funding comes from Canberra or Brisbane, but we need that extra $10 million to get the work done so we can continue to be a major contributor to the economy,” Cr Campbell said.
Back (from left): Tracey Gabiola, Ainsley Ferrando, Helen Kross, Carolyn Bell, Dr Ben Lawry.
Front (from left): Tamika Crank & Rayf Pugh, Ayla Armstrong & Callie Armstrong, Chantel Ferrando & Maverick Rush, Stacey Butler & Remi Malaponte, Laura Cowan & Freya Cowan, Jessamy Nicolaides & Ava Nicolaides. Photo supplied.
The Burdekin is booming with babies after six newborns arrived in less than four days at Ayr Hospital. The new Burdekinites are among 30 babies born at the hospital between May and July, making it the region’s busiest baby boom in more than half a decade.
A four-day birthing spree at Ayr Health Service has capped off the facility’s busiest maternity period in over five years, with six infants arriving in under 96 hours.
The maternity unit welcomed a total of 30 newborns between May and July, marking the highest three-month tally at the facility since 2020. The total represents eight more births than the local average for the same period over the past six years.
Director of nursing Tracey Gabiola said she could not remember a time when the local maternity service had been as busy.
“While it has been an extremely busy time for our staff, particularly during a hectic few days at the end of May where six newborns arrived in less than 96 hours, staff enjoy working in a service where they can share in the joy of welcoming babies and supporting parents,” she said.
“These are incredibly special moments, and we feel very privileged to be involved.”
Ms Gabiola commended the adaptability of the health service workforce.
“Whether responding to an emergency or assisting with the delivery of a baby, the team always steps up and I am incredibly grateful to them for always rising to the challenge.”
Local mother Stacey Butler, who gave birth to daughter Remi Malaponte during the May delivery cluster, said it was important to be able to give birth in her hometown.
“We are very fortunate to have the facility and the staff here so we can have our babies in our community,” Ms Butler said.
“I really didn’t want to have to leave home and be away from my family and friends to give birth to my little girl.
“She is perfect, and it means the world to me that she was able to be born in her hometown and surrounded by her loved ones.”
Cancer Council Australia’s Daffodil Day is returning this year for the 40th time, and no one in the Burdekin is embracing the occasion quite like Raelene Grantz and her Delta Diner team. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.
Cancer Council Australia’s Daffodil Day is returning this month for the 40th time, and among those embracing the occasion in bright yellow is Raelene Grantz and her Burdekin Delta Diner team.
Daffodil Day is held each August to raise money for cancer research, prevention and support services, with the daffodil symbolising hope in the ongoing fight against cancer.
That fight is personal for Raelene. After being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago—and watching her twin sister battle it around 12 years prior—Raelene has made a point of doing her bit to support the cause.
Her latest effort has seen the Delta Diner decorated in yellow over the last month as Daffodil Day approaches on the 20th.
As well as posters and daffodils, Raelene has also put out a donation collection box with QR codes linking to a donation page.
She said the endeavour was her “little way of helping.”
“Cancer has touched my husband, my family, myself and some of our staff members over the years,” she said.
“It’s an ongoing [battle], and it’s not letting up. We just have to keep doing our little bit with fundraising and supporting people through their journeys, and this is our way of doing it.”
Raelene said the support so far had been overwhelmingly positive and encouraged others to get behind the cause by making a donation at the store.
CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan warns that Australia cannot wait until 2029 for action while overseas competitors race ahead. Photo: CANEGROWERS.
Australia should start building its biofuels industry now—creating regional jobs, investment and fuel security at home instead of sending Australian dollars and opportunities overseas, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan has said.
Welcoming the Federal Government’s newly released consultation paper on a national demand mechanism for low-carbon liquid fuels, Mr Galligan called it the most significant step forward in national policy on this issue in decades.
However, he also warned that Australia cannot wait until 2029 for action while overseas competitors race ahead.
“Australia has talked about biofuels for decades, and it's been five years since the Federal Government released it first bioenergy roadmap, yet while we analyse and assess, other countries have built industries,” Mr Galligan said.
“The decision by the Federal Government to consult on the implementation of a demand-side policy to support a low-carbon liquid fuel sector is warmly welcomed. The direction is right, but the pace matters. Investment decisions are being made now and industry needs certainty now.”
The consultation paper proposes an initial national volume requirement for cleaner fuels, potentially commencing in 2029, before a proposed transition to a carbon-intensity system from 2035.
Importantly, it proposes covering petrol and recognises ethanol as an eligible fuel. However, imported cleaner fuels could also satisfy the requirement, with no guarantee that the resulting demand would support Australian production.
“If we move too slowly or allow the massive new global demand for low-carbon liquid fuels to be satisfied largely through imports, Australian dollars will help fund factories, jobs and regional development overseas while available capacity here remains underused,” Mr Galligan said.
“We should not replace our dependence on imported fossil fuels with a new dependence on imported cleaner fuels. That risks leaving Australian families, businesses and essential industries exposed again when the next global shock disrupts supplies and drives up prices.”
More than 90% of the liquid fuels used in Australia are either imported directly or refined locally from imported crude. Yet Australia has abundant agricultural feedstocks, established regional processing capacity and growers ready to play their part.
The government’s paper identifies 360 million litres of operational ethanol capacity in Australia. The sugar industry processes around 30 million tonnes of sugarcane in a typical year, and industry estimates suggest it could ultimately produce more than 2.5 billion litres of ethanol a year – equivalent to approximately 14% of Australia’s petrol needs.
“We are not starting from scratch,” Mr Galligan said.
“Australia already has the feedstock, infrastructure, expertise and production capacity to make more bioethanol today. We should use what we have now while building what we need next.
“Sugarcane is a major renewable biomass resource. It can make an immediate contribution through ethanol, while its biomass can also support the development of advanced fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.
“It can deliver real fuel security, real emissions reduction and real regional jobs – but that will not happen without clear policy settings that create demand for Australian-made fuels.”
Mr Galligan said Australia must learn from the past and keep more of the value created from its agricultural resources in the country.
“For too long, Australia has exported raw commodities only to import the higher-value products made from them. We cannot repeat that mistake with cleaner fuels,” he said.
“We need a national framework that gives investors confidence to build here, produce here and create value here. Australia has the resources, the growers and the regional capacity. What we need now is the policy certainty to get on with it.”
Mr Galligan and CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens are in Canberra this week briefing federal ministers and senior departmental officials on the opportunities biofuels offer Australian agriculture, regional communities and national fuel security.
Mr Galligan will also join leaders from the sugar, manufacturing, bioenergy and national-security sectors for a media stand-up at the top of Federation Mall, Canberra, at 2.30pm on Thursday, 20 August.
Supplied by CANEGROWERS
Burdekin residents and business owners will have the chance to chat directly with the nbn Local team when they visit Ayr on Thursday, August 27.
The community drop-in session will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Burdekin Plaza (116 Edwards Street, Ayr). The event offers locals a practical way to learn about regional connectivity upgrades, including nbn Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and Fixed Wireless services.
Representatives will be available throughout the day to answer questions, assist residents in checking their eligibility for full fibre, and demonstrate how enhanced digital infrastructure can benefit local households and businesses.
Many properties across Ayr, Home Hill, and Brandon may already be eligible to upgrade to full fibre. Transitioning to an FTTP connection unlocks access to faster, more reliable broadband—supporting seamless video calls, high-definition streaming, rapid downloads, and better performance across multiple connected devices simultaneously.
The session is free to attend, with no prior bookings required. Locals are encouraged to bring their questions and find out what connectivity options are available at their address.
Event Details
Burdekin Communications owner Paul Benvenuti (right) was named the first-ever Garmin Marine Hall of Fame inductee during Garmin’s annual training seminar at SeaWorld Resort. Photo supplied.
A Burdekin local beat out stiff competition to claim an inaugural national award on the Gold Coast last month.
Burdekin Communications owner Paul Benvenuti was named the first-ever Garmin Marine Hall of Fame inductee during Garmin’s annual training seminar at SeaWorld Resort.
Mr Benvenuti earned the award ahead of hundreds of leading marine electronics specialists from around Australia. The honour recognises his long-standing service and commitment to the Garmin brand, having installed, serviced and maintained its GPS-enabled products for more than 30 years.
Mr Benvenuti said he was “extremely proud” of the recognition.
“To be recognised by Garmin amongst such a respected group of people in the marine industry was both humbling and a very proud moment for me, my family and Burdekin Communications,” he said.
While he admitted surprise at receiving the award, presenters said there was “only ever going to be one winner.”
“When we were thinking about doing this award, there was always only ever going to be one guy that we’d be putting forward as the first recipient,” Garmin ANZ Manager Gordon Triplett said.
“And yet, he was genuinely surprised that he got the award. He didn't think it would be him at all, and I think that’s a perfect measure of the guy.”
Mr Triplett said the honour rewarded Mr Benvenuti’s strong sales, long-standing loyalty to the brand and positive customer feedback, describing him as “very easy to do business with.”
Although the sole recipient, Mr Benvenuti was quick to thank Garmin representatives, his customers, and his past and present staff for their role in his success.
“An award such as this may be presented to one person, but it represents the efforts of many people who have contributed along the way,” he said.
“This award is something I am extremely proud of, but it is also a recognition I am very happy to share with everyone who has been part of the journey.”
New facilities at the Redlands Research Facility will strengthen Australia’s fruit fly management and support the horticulture industry. Photo source: Pexels
Australia’s horticulture industry is set to benefit from almost $5 million in new investment aimed at strengthening fruit fly management, protecting export markets and improving the nation’s ability to respond to exotic outbreaks.
The Australian and Queensland Governments are jointly funding new infrastructure at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries’ Redlands Research Facility, where the National Export Market Access Centre for Horticulture will be housed.
The Australian Government is contributing $4.7 million through its Building Resilience to Manage Fruit Fly Package, with the overall investment expected to deliver new facilities to support research into fruit fly management and horticultural market access.
Fruit fly is considered one of the most significant biosecurity threats facing Australia’s horticulture industry, with outbreaks capable of affecting productivity and disrupting valuable international trade.
The new infrastructure will include fumigation facilities, a netted orchard and dedicated pest management testing areas.
The facilities will support research needed to meet the requirements of international trading partners and help Australian growers maintain access to overseas markets.
The investment will also strengthen Australia’s capacity to respond to exotic fruit fly outbreaks and reduce the potential impact of fruit fly-related trade restrictions on growers and exporters.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the investment formed part of the Albanese Government’s broader commitment to strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system.
“The Albanese Government has delivered over $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing since coming to Government, because a strong biosecurity system underpins a strong horticulture and agriculture industry,” Minister Collins said.
“Effective fruit fly management is critical to protecting growers, which is why we are supporting the sector to strengthen their resilience against the pest.
“This $4.7 million investment from the Albanese Government will strengthen Australia's fruit fly research capability and help ensure growers and exporters can continue to access valuable export markets.
“By investing in the infrastructure and scientific capability needed to meet trading partner requirements, we are helping build a more resilient and competitive horticulture sector.”
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the project is ‘critical’ for growers.
“This project is a critical initiative to protect Queensland’s horticultural industry and support our producers and exporters,” Minister Perrett said.
“It’s critical, home-grown research that is leading the way in securing and growing export markets for Australian horticulture and our fit-for-purpose facilities are ensuring that success.
“This investment will help ensure the long-term future and prosperity for Queensland horticulture, strengthening biosecurity measures and safeguarding Queensland producers against the devastating impacts of fruit fly.”
The new National Export Market Access Centre for Horticulture is expected to provide a dedicated national hub for research into fruit fly, pest management and the requirements needed to maintain Australia’s horticultural export opportunities.
The investment is designed to strengthen the industry’s resilience while supporting growers and exporters to navigate the biosecurity challenges posed by fruit fly.
HONEYCOMBES CELEBRATES FOUR FINALISTS IN PRESTIGIOUS JOHN DEERE TECHNICIAN AWARDS
Honeycombes Sales and Service is proud to announce that four of their Ayr based team members have been named finalists in the 2026 John Deere Technician Awards, recognising excellence across the agricultural service and partsindustries throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The Honeycombes finalists include Adam Patane, recognised for Apprentice Service Technician of the Year, Mark Cullen in the running for Service Technician of the Year, and Demi Russell and Bradley Sibson as finalists for Parts Technician of the Year.
The awards highlight the people behind the scenes who help keep the wheels of agriculture turning – the technicians and parts specialists who help farmers, contractors and businesses stay operational when every hour counts.
“To have four Honeycombes team members recognised as finalists in the John Deere Technician Awards is an outstanding achievement and one we are incredibly proud of. Adam, Mark, Demi and Bradley are a great example of whatcan be achieved when we invest in local people - creating opportunities to build rewarding careers close to home, while developing the skills and expertise that give back to our communities and support the agricultural businesses thatkeep regional North Queensland moving.” said Mark Barrett, CEO.
We congratulate Adam Patane, Mark Cullen, Demi Russell and Bradley Sibson on being recognised among the industry’s best. We’re proud of your achievements and wish you every success at the Awards ceremony.
World-class careers don’t have to start in the big cities. At Honeycombes, we’re developing the next generation of industry leaders right here in regional Queensland
THEY STARTED WITH AN OPPORTUNITY. SO CAN YOU.
APPRENTICE SERVICE TECH REGIONAL FINALIST
For Apprentice Service Technician finalist Adam Patane, a career in agricultural machinery was a natural fit. Growing up on a third-generation family farm, Adam saw first-hand the impact machinery downtime can have on farming operations and developed a passion for keeping equipment moving.
Since joining Honeycombes as an apprentice in 2023, Adam has embraced every opportunity to learn, building his skills across diagnostics, hydraulics and diesel systems while earning a reputation for his positive attitude, attention to detail and strong work ethic.
“For me, it’s not just about fixing machines — it’s about making sure customers feel supported and confident,” Adam said.
PARTS TECHNICIAN REGIONAL FINALIST
Demi Russell’s passion for the industry was shaped early by her mother, who spent more than 35 years in parts and taught her the value of hard work and strong relationships.
“After school, I would often help her, which instilled in me the importance of a strong work ethic and building genuine customer relationships,” Demi said.
Now raising her family of four, Demi brings that same care and commitment to supporting customers and the agricultural community every day.
“I take pride in knowing that what I do helps keep machines in the paddock, supporting local businesses, strengthening the local economy, and contributing to a sustainable future for my family and community,” she said.
SERVICE TECHNICIAN REGIONAL FINALIST
Over the past six years, Mark Cullen has become a trusted name among Honeycombes customers, recognised for his technical expertise, reliability and ability to find solutions when they matter most.
“I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work and getting them back up and running,” Mark said.
That passion began early while helping his father with truck servicing and repairs, sparking a lifelong interest in machinery and supporting the people who rely on it every day.
Whether in the workshop or out in the field, Mark is known for his calm approach, problem-solving skills and commitment to helping customers keep their operations moving.
PARTS TECHNICIAN REGIONAL FINALIST
For Parts Technician finalist, Bradley Sibson, helping customers minimise downtime is personal.
Having grown up on a cane and cattle property, Bradley understands the pressure farmers and contractors face when equipment isn’t operating as it should. That understanding drives the way he approaches his work each day.
“I understand how critical it is to keep machines running… I take pride in being someone customers can rely on,” Bradley said.
Customers consistently praise Bradley for his communication, responsiveness and determination to find solutions. Whether sourcing hard-to-find parts or exploring alternative options, he is known for going above and beyond.
His decades-long passion for wildlife photography saw Graham spend hours, sometimes days, waiting for a bird to turn just the right way. Photos supplied
Burdekin local Graham Cumming offered up a snapshot—or 100—of his award-winning photography work during an exhibition in Townsville last month.
Graham, 88, displayed around 116 self-captured birdlife photographs to his Arcare Aged Care neighbours and visitors, using the facility as a makeshift gallery from 13–19 July.
The photographs depicted an array of North Queensland birdlife, with many taken decades ago in Ayr, where Graham used a makeshift darkroom in his shed to print them.
Arcare Lifestyle Coordinator Brooke Gottschling said the exhibition gave Graham a chance to showcase his decades of dedication to the craft, receiving glowing reviews in the process.
“Graham wanted to showcase some of his talent … and to show people what he used to do,” she said.
“The residents all loved coming out and having a good look. We had a few family members come in as well, and they enjoyed walking around the facility and seeing the pictures.”
His first exhibition of such scale, Graham called the experience “absolutely fantastic,” although admitted there was a hidden purpose to the display.
His decades-long passion for wildlife photography saw Graham spend hours, sometimes days, in his own purpose-built hide, waiting for a bird to turn just the right way.
That dedication yielded not just award recognition, but a body of work comprising more than 200 photographs.
When he moved into his new Arcare residence not long ago, he quickly realised they couldn’t all fit on his wall.
As a result, Graham made each piece in last month's exhibition available as a free keepsake, personally signing each one.
He said they were able to “get rid of a fair few,” capping off a fulfilling week.
As Year 10 students across the region reach a pivotal crossroads in their secondary education, choosing the right environment for Senior School (Years 11 and 12) becomes one of the most significant decisions a family can make.
At Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) the senior years are designed as a launching pad, empowering young men and women to step confidently into higher education, vocational training or direct pathways into the local workforce.
Combining strong academic offerings, practical vocational training, dynamic co-curricular activities, and a welcoming community atmosphere, BCHS continues to prove why it remains a choice for senior education in the Burdekin region.
Flexible Pathways Tailored to Every Student
Every student’s journey following high school is unique. BCHS provides diverse Senior Learning Pathways to suit individual goals, strengths, and ambitions:
BCHS has a dedicated Careers Advisor Teacher, Mrs Dalle Cort, offering one-on-one career guidance and accessible academic support. Senior students receive the personalised attention needed to reach their full potential.
The Marist Foundation: Community, Pastoral Care, and Values
Rooted in the Marist tradition, BCHS places equal emphasis on academic performance and character development. Built on core values of Family Spirit, Simplicity, Presence, Love of Work, and Love of Mary, the school ensures senior students are known, valued, and supported through the pressures of Years 11 and 12.
Pastoral care is integrated into daily school life. Through leadership opportunities, house competitions, retreat programs, and community outreach, BCHS fosters confident leaders ready to contribute positively to society.
Beyond the Classroom: Enrichment & Community Spirit
Senior life at BCHS extends well beyond textbooks. Senior students regularly participate in:
Enrol Now for Senior School at BCHS
Whether your child is looking to transition from Year 10 into Year 11, or seeking a supportive move into a new school community for their senior years, Burdekin Catholic High School invites local families to discover the BCHS difference.
Enrolment Prospectus and Principal tour bookings are available online or via the school office. Secure your child's spot for Senior School today!
QRIDA is providing assistance to eligible primary production businesses affected by the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and associated severe weather between December 24, 2025 and April 24, 2026. Photo source: Shutterstock
Burdekin primary producers affected by severe weather and tropical cyclone events earlier this year can access financial assistance to help rebuild and restore their operations.
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) is providing assistance to eligible primary production businesses affected by the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and associated severe weather between 24th December 2025 and 24th April, 2026.
Eligible businesses can access Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $2 million to help re-establish their primary production operations following the disaster.
Producers may also be eligible for Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans of up to $100,000 to assist with essential working capital expenses.
The assistance is designed to help affected primary producers manage the financial impacts of the disaster and support the recovery and continuation of their businesses.
Primary producers impacted by the disaster event are also encouraged to complete the Queensland Government’s Disaster Impact Survey.
The voluntary survey helps the Queensland Government understand the extent of damage caused by recent disasters and assess the need for additional assistance to support affected communities and businesses.
Producers seeking information about disaster financial assistance available through QRIDA can visit the QRIDA website or contact the authority on 1800 629 946.
The Disaster Impact Survey can be completed through the Queensland Government’s Business Queensland website.
Primary producers are encouraged to assess the assistance available and complete the survey to ensure the impacts of the disaster are captured as recovery needs are considered.
Family law is an increasingly complex area requiring knowledge, experience and a practical approach. At Connolly Suthers, our Family Law team is committed to providing clear, personalised advice tailored to your unique financial, emotional and legal circumstances.
Below are some of the most common questions we receive about property settlements following a separation.
When can I apply for a property settlement?
If you are married, you do not have to be divorced before negotiating or finalising a property settlement. A property settlement can generally be reached at any time after separation.
However, once your divorce becomes final, you generally have 12 months to commence court proceedings or seek Consent Orders if an agreement has not been finalised.
For de facto couples, the general time limit is two years from the date of separation to commence an application.
Should I see a lawyer even if we already have an agreement?
Yes. Even if you and your former partner have reached an agreement, it is still important to obtain legal advice.
A lawyer can help ensure the agreement properly reflects your intentions and can assist in formalising it so that it is legally binding, enforceable and provides certainty moving forward.
Will my superannuation be included in a property settlement?
In many cases, yes. Superannuation is generally considered "property" for the purposes of a property settlement.
However, how it is treated will depend on your individual circumstances and the overall division of assets.
Need advice?
Every family law matter is different. Obtaining legal advice early can help you understand your options and ensure your rights are protected.
If you would like to discuss your circumstances with one of our experienced Family Lawyers, contact the Connolly Suthers Ayr office on (07) 4790 4790, email law@connollysuthers.com.au, or visit www.connollysuthers.com.au.
Our Family Law services include:
Supplied by Connolly Suthers
Burdekin Shire Council announced on Facebook that foundational infrastructure for an incoming water fountain at the site had been “ripped from the asphalt.” Photo: Burdekin Shire Council.
A new near-million dollar pump track has become the latest victim of vandalism in the Burdekin just days after being unveiled.
Government officials cut the ribbon on the facility at Anzac Park earlier this month, after more than a year of planning and development.
But within a week, Burdekin Shire Council announced that foundational infrastructure for a water fountain at the site had been “ripped from the asphalt.”
A Council spokesperson said the damage has stalled the delivery of the fountain, with ratepayer funds redirected to repairs instead of improving other parks and facilities.
The incident is the latest in a string of vandalism cases reported across the region, with damage to war memorial signage at Charlie’s Hill, the destruction of public lavatory facilities in Alva Beach, and damage to public plant boxes all reported since last December, among other incidents.
Council said it was “disappointed” by the damage to the newly opened pump track and urged residents to take greater care of public facilities.
“We encourage everyone to take pride in our shared community spaces and help us keep them safe for everyone to enjoy,” the spokesperson said.
“Together, we can help protect the places that bring our community together.”
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