Opinion Piece 

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling out the Australian Government following the release of research that suggests its supercharged fuel efficiency standards could cost hard-working Aussies up to $25,000 more by 2029.

Mr Willcox said the Government’s supercharged fuel efficiency standards are another discriminatory blow to rural and regional Australia.

 “According to the FCAI (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries), the top selling cars in Australia such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Outlander could cost up to $25,000 more after Labor’s fuel efficiency standards come into effect on 1 January 2025,” Mr Willcox said.

“The people of Dawson are currently struggling through a Labor created cost-of-living crisis, and this announcement comes at a time when people are worried about how they’re going to put food on the table, let alone how they’re going to be able to afford the extra costs of a practical vehicle."

The new fuel efficiency standards aim to support the growth of electric and battery-operated vehicle sales in Australia, but Mr Willcox suggested they are out of touch with what regional and rural Australia needs right now.

“These policies are tone deaf to the needs of people living in rural and regional areas, especially those living and working in our electorate of Dawson, and it seems that the Prime Minister does not understand what it takes to live in our communities,” he said.

“The reality is that the functionality and reliability of our vehicles can mean the difference between being able to feed your family or not.

“Electric and battery-operated vehicles do not have the capacity to cope with the needs of those living and working in our electorate of Dawson.

“They cannot transport what needs to be transported.

“They cannot carry the weight, they cannot tow the load, and worst of all, they cannot travel the vast distances needed or handle the harsh landscapes.

“This is purely a city orientated policy.

“It’s just not going to work for our tradies, farmers, fishers, and miners in Dawson.

“These vehicles are not up to the task.  

Mr Willcox said regional and rural areas across Australia do not have the infrastructure to support electric vehicles and, util this infrastructure exists, or electric and battery-operated vehicles can cope with the demands of regional communities, hard-working Australian residents cannot be denied the right to drive a vehicle that suits them and their work or lifestyle.

“We’re all committed to ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for Australia, but the Albanese Labor Government seems determined to set extreme deadlines to reach these targets, when what we really need are commonsense approaches that will actually work, and right now, this policy isn’t one of them,” he said.

“Australia is a relatively small market for car manufacturers, and with the stoke of a pen, the Labor Government is ensuring that Australian’s will not only have to pay more for a vehicle, they’re also going to be left with less choice if car manufacturers decide to pull out of the Australian market.”

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On Sunday February 25, Police attended a three-vehicle traffic crash on the Bruce Highway, Inkerman.

Investigation revealed a utility traveling southbound veered onto the incorrect side of the road, clipping a 4WD towing a trailer traveling north.

The utility has then struck the 4WD’s trailer causing extensive damage.

The utility has then clipped another vehicle traveling behind the 4WD causing minor damage.

No persons were injured as a result of the incident.

Police provided traffic control at the scene for several hours while the vehicles were towed.

The driver of the utility was issued an $619 infringement notice for careless driving.

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Caption: A utility driver was issued an infringement notice for careless driving after a triple vehicle crash. Photos supplied

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In the effort of protecting local communities and deterring youth offenders engaging in knife crime, new legislations banning the sale of knives and other items to minors have been passed by the Queensland Parliament.

The new laws make the sale of knives, replica firearms, including gel blasters, and edged weapons like machetes, axes, and swords to juveniles an offence, and Police Minister Mark Ryan believes the passing of these legislations stands as another positive advancement in the government’s comprehensive strategy to support community safety.

“The new laws will help to keep dangerous items out of the hands of young criminals,” explained Mr Ryan.  

In reducing accessibility, the legislations have been designed to disrupt and deter violent offences in youth and furthermore criminalise attempts to use false identification to purchase these items.

The new laws follow research conducted by Queensland Police Service (QPS), including an assessment of crime statistics, comparisons to knife crime in other jurisdictions and considerations of comparable legislative responses in Queensland including the sale of spray paint to minors. Commissioner Katarina Carroll believes the legislations will disrupt dangerous behaviour at the source, and work to allow communities to feel safe in their own homes and on the streets.

“Too many times we have seen the devastation which can result from possessing a knife including lifelong trauma for the victims, their families and the community,” explained Ms. Katarina Carroll.

“The Queensland Police Service welcomes the new laws as another tool for police to use in ensuring the best protection for the community.”

The new laws mark a commendable step to ensure the protection of retailers and community members alike and furthermore work to reduce youth offences and deter knife crime in Queensland.

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Unfortunately, incidents of Domestic Violence continue to occur around the Burdekin. As a result, there have been a number of persons charged with contravening Domestic Violence orders and in some instances, further charged with criminal offences such as assault.

Domestic Violence has a substantial impact on those involved, particularly when children are involved and the community as a whole.

Domestic Violence destroys families and relationships and should not be accepted or tolerated in society.

Police have considerable powers for dealing with Domestic Violence including power of entry to investigate such matters and power of detention.

Don’t let crises situations build up or escalate (e.g. Domestic Violence or family or neighbourhood disputes, the pressures of life including financial matters) until someone is assaulted or hurt, property is damaged or destroyed or Police intervention is required.  

There is a way out for those suffering from Domestic Violence. We encourage those who find themselves in any of these distressing or similar situations to seek help from the below agencies who can offer excellent, confidential and on-going assistance:

There are a number of organisations that can provide assistance to various issues a person may have:

   • Parentline - 1300 30 1300 - is open between 8am and 10pm, 7 days a week. If you call outside of these hours, you will hear a recorded message;

   • Lifeline - 24hr help line -13 11 14 – provides Services and information for people experiencing a personal or community crisis;

   • Domestic Violence Help Line on 1800 737 732.

   • Dispute Resolution Centre Townsville – 1800 908 605

   • North Qld Domestic Violence Support, Townsville 4721 2888

   • MensLine Australia- 1300 78 99 78

   • Burdekin Community Association, Ayr – 4783 3744 – business hours only 9am – 4pm

   • Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800

   • National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015

Police in Ayr regularly see this at first hand and I’m sure many of you reading this column will know of friends, family or perhaps yourself that have been victim or otherwise impacted by this scourge.  

The Queensland Government has provided a website that provides excellent information and advice on this matter and can be accessed at the following address: www.communities.qld.gov.au/communityservices/violence-prevention/trust-your-instinct/domestic-and-family-violence

Don't let your concern become regret. Trust your instinct – call:

   • DVConnect 1800 811 811

   • Womensline 1800 737 732

   • Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78

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Snr Sgt Steve Barton

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OIC AYR

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Who do you think is your biggest competitor? What do you admire about them and what qualities do you have that will ultimately make you better for the role?

If you could throw your support behind a particular local community organisation what would it be and how would you support them?

What’s your vision of the Burdekin in 10 years’ time?

Warren Francis

Councillor Candidate

 1:

I recently spoke to a reputable citizen of the Burdekin who attended the Chamber of Commerce meetings and he said, “There is not one of them you wouldn’t vote for” and I agree that all Candidates are all high quality. I feel my experience working in varied environments in different jobs has strengthened my ability to converse with people. Coupled with my volunteer works makes me an ideal candidate for working with the community.

 2:

 As the Local Controller of the Burdekin SES, I am committed to raising membership numbers by actively recruiting volunteers. I feel that this is an issue that many community organisations in the Burdekin region are struggling with. I would like to work with other community organisations to increase volunteer numbers and offer local community members the opportunity to gain experience to develop their employable skills. This will help to increase the sustainability and resilience of the Burdekin community.

 3:

I would like to see the Burdekin reverse the declining population and work at attracting families back to the area. The Councillors need to be futuristic and think outside the square to attract industry and population. Also to work with current industry to see if they can expand their current operations. Housing, schools, medical and shopping facilities would need to be developed in proportion to the increasing population along with activities and spaces for families to enjoy together.

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Pierina Dalle Cort

Mayoral Candidate

1:

In the current election, my only competitor is the incumbent Mayor – Lyn McLaughlin. While I acknowledge the role she has played over the years, I do believe there has been a lack of leadership and genuine support for the Burdekin community. Having been a successful business owner for 42 years and working with people from all walks of life, I know the skills that are needed. I know how to listen affectively and deliver accurately on everything I do.

2:

Choosing one local community organisation is challenging as there are so many deserving groups who volunteer towards the welfare of our community. One that stands out, is the School Chaplains which Council commenced contributing to during my time as a councillor. Chaplains go beyond all expectations and provide safe guidance and reassuring support often during times when our youth have no one else. Ongoing funding for this organisation is paramount to ensure this service continues. 

 3:

There is much to do over the next decade to deliver on my vision - a thriving region. Town centres that deliver activations to create a sense of community and to support continued development for local business. The expansion of industrial estate will provide diverse opportunity for growth and as a result retain our next generation and attract new population. I will support the expansion of the defence base in Townsville as this in turn will open our region for future possibilities.

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Callan Oar

Councillor Candidate

 1:

I don’t see any of the candidates as my competitors. What I can say is, most of the nominees, if elected, will bring some great skills and experience that I would like to collectively work with. I believe with my skills and determination; I can be the backbone in council that will help the council stand up and be counted. Not just shoved aside because hands are being tied.

2:

I couldn’t answer this question, as there isn’t just one community organisation that I think needs more council support. There are plenty. Council is sitting on great cash reserves that could be more easily used to support community infrastructure. I know there have been schemes available like interest free loans in the past, but typical of council, these prove very hard to acquire.

 3:

A bigger Burdekin. Growth! We need a growth plan now! The Burdekin population has been slowly shrinking for at least 15 years. Sporting and community clubs are struggling. Volunteers declining. Without growth, less people are left to foot the bill. And that bill doesn’t stop growing.

Lyn McLaughin

Mayoral Candidate

1: 

I love the quote, ‘The only competition worthy of a wise person is with themselves.’ However, with International Women’s Day tomorrow, it is empowering and timely to note that our Shire will elect a female mayor on March 16 and I respect fellow candidates’ passion and commitment to our Shire. Ultimately, I respect democratic process knowing I am just one vote among many and work well collaboratively with all elected members of all parties at local, state and federal levels.  

 2:

 There’s so many fantastic not-for-profits and community groups in our Shire, it’s difficult to select and support only one. All are run and supported by dedicated teams of volunteers and I have supported them wherever I could – from making donations and attending events to providing advice. Every bit of support provided goes such a long way: even if you aren’t in a position to financially support them, sharing their Facebook posts can mean a lot, helping them reach new audiences.

 3:

The Burdekin’s reputation as Sugar Cane Capital of Australia will continue to grow, while also innovating in other agricultural products and industries with the successful continued expansion of the Industrial Estate. It’s important that our roads, drainage, footpaths and parks continue to be maintained and renewed as required, which is done through effective asset management plans. Ongoing strategic planning through community consultation ensures Council will continue to have a range of shovel-ready projects ready for funding, developed by Burdekin residents.

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John Furnell

Councillor Candidate

1.

I don’t see myself as competing. I am putting my name forward for the people of the Burdekin to decide if I am worthy. I admire all candidates just for nominating. I admire them for what they have done for the Burdekin thus far in their various roles and admire newcomers to the community eg Warren Francis SES controller and his background of military and police service.    

2.

I would like to support all volunteer organisations as they contribute to the fabric of the Burdekin. I would support them by being an active participant. Currently I am involved with, outside of Council committees, ‘Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club’ First Aid Officer, ‘Burdekin Men’s Shed’ Grants Officer and ‘Friends of the Burdekin Theatre’ Past President/current volunteer, to name a few.  

 3. 

My vision in 10 years is that the Burdekin is a thriving, safe, inviting and connected community. A place where my children and grandchildren enjoy the community and contribute to its future. Infrastructure wise I want to see booming Industrial Estates in Ayr and Home Hill, ANZAC Park Ayr and Memorial Park Home Hill Masterplans completed, a thriving sugar industry, no empty shops and people shopping locally. Continually improving roads, drainage, cultural and park facilities.

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Michael Backo

Councillor Candidate

1:

I do not see other candidates as my competitor, I see them as people that I may get the opportunity to work with soon. I admire all of them for putting their themselves forward to take on this challenging role. I believe that I will be able to work with anyone as I am a flexible person who can adapt to any situation and I can negotiate to achieve positive outcomes.

2:

I would like to get involved in assisting the PCYC as I see the benefits that their programs can deliver to assist the youth of the community to develop their skills and help them achieve their goals and to assist them to become future leaders of our community, for example I see first-hand how the driver program assists the youth to gain the hours and confidence to obtain their driver’s license. 

 3:

My vision for the Burdekin is to assist community members to start their own businesses so that the community can thrive and in turn this would assist the community to attract tourism opportunities and bring more revenue to the district. I would like to see how this could assist with lowering of the rates and make room for more accessible services such as renewable energy projects in the future that could assist with the price of power bills.

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Amanda Hall

Councillor Candidate

 1:

I don't regard the Council election as a competition and I believe all Councillor candidates have their own strengths and passions to offer. However, as a Sugar Cane Farmer, I do have an understanding of what is necessary to run a successful business - and Council is a business - by doing our budget and books. The need to prioritise spending is paramount so that all areas of the Shire are treated equally and receive necessary and comparable infrastructure, services and facilities.  

 2:

My Dad spent time at the Home Hill Hospital before his passing last year and was treated wonderfully as are all the residents. In 2011, through fundraising efforts of Christie Gist and her mother Sharon, "Christie's Dream Room" was opened. To my knowledge, the Hospital receives no financial support for the maintenance and upkeep of this room. Even though Health Services are a State issue, I would like to see Council offer its assistance financially, as the room was built through local effort for our elderly residents.

 3:

It’s impossible to state the importance of infrastructure, services and facilities in 80 words. All are necessary and vital – to ALL areas of the Shire. We all yearn to see our towns safe and thriving once more with no empty, dilapidated shops and well-maintained roads with adequate drainage; good water quality is a given.  Council needs to work with individuals and developers and not against them to ensure growth, prosperity and the creation of jobs. Our Shire can be amazing again.   

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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) delivers the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) and recruits and supports volunteers to visit socially isolated older community members? Through the ACVVS, we support volunteers to provide friendship and companionship to older people in their home and also at Regis aged care.

Visits are available to anyone who:

   • receives government-subsidised residential aged care or a Home Care Package, including care recipients approved or on the National Priority System for residential or a home care package.

   • is socially isolated.

Why it is important?

Some older people can feel alone for various reasons. This Includes:

   • feeling isolated from their culture and heritage

   • little contact with friends or relatives

   • mobility issues that prevent them from taking part in social or leisure activities

   • being different in some way.

Regular visits from volunteers can help to improve quality of life and help older people feel less isolated.

For information about this FREE service or to find out how to become a Volunteer, please contact the BCA Team on Ph 4783 3744, The Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr, bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

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Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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At the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, we believe that communication is incredibly important for any community to thrive. When people can communicate effectively, they can connect with each other, share ideas, and work together towards common goals.

In today's world, there are many ways to communicate, such as phone calls, face-to-face conversations, and online platforms. We're excited to announce that we've launched our new website, which will make connecting with our community even easier.

You can check it out at www.thebnc.org.au.

We understand that not everyone feels comfortable using technology, so we also offer other ways to get in touch with us. You can call us, visit our Centre in person, or even connect with us on Facebook. We always provide a warm and friendly reception, no matter how you choose to communicate with us.

Suppose you're a senior citizen who's not confident with technology. Did you know that the Centre supports the Burdekin Seniors' Computer Club who meets twice a month and is a safe and friendly space where you can learn about computers, phones, and tablets.

We also offer free one-on-one sessions under the BeConnected program.

We want to ensure that everyone in our community can communicate effectively, even if they have lower levels of language, literacy, numeracy, or digital skills. We're exploring ways to help people improve these skills, so if you think this would benefit you or someone you know, please get in contact.

When people can communicate openly and effectively, they're more likely to feel heard and valued, which can lead to a more positive community experience.

The Team

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Did you know that reporting local issues can be as easy as taking a photo and submitting it to ‘Snap, Send, Solve’?

This user-friendly platform is designed to streamline the reporting process, allowing you to select from a list of common issues, add a brief description and location, and submit your report in 30 seconds or less.

To report a local concern to Council, you have two convenient options: you can either download the 'Snap, Send, Solve' app for free or visit the website https://www.snapsendsolve.com/report/queensland. From there, you can fill out a simple online form and attach a photo of the issue.

Whether it's a pothole, a malfunctioning streetlight, or graffiti, you won't need to waste time figuring out who to contact. Plus, you'll receive updates on the status of your report and track how it's being resolved.

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The 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards nominations are now open to celebrate the creation of meaningful partnerships, employment opportunities, and efforts made to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities.

Businesses, community groups, schools, sporting clubs, and cultural organisations are encouraged to nominate for the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards, and Minister Leeanne Enoch believes each nominee stands as an inspirational role model in advancing reconciliation.

“The awards provide us with an opportunity to celebrate our shared journey towards reconciliation highlighting initiates and programs that are advancing reconciliation, strengthening relationships, and improving outcomes for Queenslanders,” explained Ms Enoch.

The annual awards have recognized over 100 initiatives and partnerships for fostering a more inclusive Queensland since their inception in 2003. The 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards saw the celebration of the Waijungbah Jarjums Service as the winner of the overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award, and the health and wellbeing category. Delivered by Gold Coast Health, the Waijungbah Jarjums service improves health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families from pregnancy through to childhood.

Once again, this overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award will be awarded to a nominated initiative demonstrating innovative strategies and exceptional outcomes towards advancing reconciliation in Queensland.

Nominations for the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards close 5pm Monday March 18, and recipients will be announced during National Reconciliation week on May 27 to June 3 and will be awarded with a share of $30,000.

For more information on how to apply visit qld.gov.au/reconciliation.

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For the first time in the business’s history, Oar and Horan Dentists boasts a team of four Burdekin born and bred dentists caring for their community.

The team is proud to announce the appointment of Dr André Le Feuvre, a Burdekin local who spent his formative years in Giru before moving to Cairns to complete his dental studies.

Graduating in 2017, André gained valuable experience working in Cairns, Townsville, and Central Western Queensland throughout this time, working in private practice until his move back to the Burdekin in 2023 with his lovely wife Rachael and their children.  

André has cultivated a clinical philosophy centred on producing high quality workmanship with a long-term outlook and employs a direct, no-nonsense approach to dental care.

Joining the Oar and Horan Dentists team in December 2023, André is proud to return to his community representing the business alongside principal dentists Dr Ramon Oar and Dr Todd Horan and fellow dentist Dr Sian Blakey.

Driven by a passion for the Burdekin community, the team at Oar and Horan Dentists are dedicated to personal and professional care.

Established in the early 1990s as Pulvirenti & Holmes in Queen Street, Ayr, the practise has undergone a variety of name changes over the years with Ramon and Todd commencing the ‘Oar and Horan’ partnership in 2007.

Ramon was born in Ayr and completed a Bachelor of Dental Science degree at the University of Queensland.  

Upon graduating in 1993, he returned to the Burdekin to commence work at Pulvirenti & Holmes and celebrated 30 years of dental excellence at the practise in 2023.

Also born and bred in the Burdekin, Todd achieved his qualifications from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Dental Science with Honors in 2002.

He immediately returned to Ayr to commence his professional career as a general dentist.

In 2007, Todd entered into partnership with Ramon Oar and Oar and Horan was born.

Sian, meanwhile, grew up in the Burdekin and moved to Cairns to complete her studies.  

She graduated from James Cook University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and started her dental career at Oar and Horan in 2017.

The four dentists each bring their own dental passion to the business while remaining fully committed to helping people with their dental needs well into the future, offering a full range of comprehensive dental services including preventative and restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, whitening, endodontics, oral surgery and implants.

They are ably supported by a talented team of hygienists, Rebecca Horan, Gaynor Ewens and Heather de Abreu, boasting a collective 80 years of dental experience, plus a dedicated team of receptionists and dental assistants who ensure the smooth operations of the practise.

Over the years, the staff at Oar and Horan Dentists has grown from five to close to 20, signifying rapid growth and increased commitment to the dental health and wellbeing of the Burdekin.

This growth ensures that the team can continue to offer appointments to new and existing patients in a timely manner.

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Caption: L-R Dr Todd Horan, Dr Sian Blakey, Dr André Le Feuvre and Dr Ramon Oar

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Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr – Bendigo Bank is welcoming Burdekin community organisations to step forward for their 2024 round of Community Grants.

Off the back of a stellar 2023 Community Grant Presentation, where Community Bank-Bendigo reinvested over $278,000 into 28 local Burdekin community groups, Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr are ready to do it all over again.

Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin explained that the grants will work the same as they did last year, with all local community organisations invited to submit their applications.

“I encourage all who apply to include a wish list, so while the one of the first on the list may not be granted, another critical item can be supported,” Ms Michielin explained.

“We are proud of our $278, 052 reinvestment into community groups and organisations last year, and are excited to make another round of significant contributions this year.”

Ms Michielin urges community groups to submit their applications, available from their website as a PDF download, a paper copy from the Branch, or an as email copy for those who inquire.

“Opening March 1, we have allocated six weeks for groups to complete and return their applications, with the Grants closing 5pm April 12,” Ms Michielin explained.

The Community Grant recipients will be presented to groups at an official ceremony on May 27.

To find out more, visit bendigobank.com.au/branch/qld/community-bank-ayr or contact the branch on (07) 4783 3288.

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Caption: The Bendigo Bank team at last years’ Community Grant Presentation Night. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

The online landscape has provided a space for businesses to grow far beyond expectations and in more ways than imaginable.

Holding an online presence in the form of social media pages, an online website, publishing blog posts or elevating Google Business profiles are all means to increase a business’ reach and push the domain to customers who would never physically walk through the store’s front door. In social media applications like TikTok and Instagram, it’s easy for businesses to take advantage of the algorithm, allowing content to reach not only a larger audience but also a tailored audience, realistically filled with potential customers. Following local businesses, influential community members, and showing consistent support of other business’s content through likes, comments, and shares, are all tasks to elevate a business’s profile and prompt search engines. When audiences grow, sales grow, when sales grow, businesses flourish.

In saying this, a business’s online presence can become much more than a means of attracting customers. In the time where social media has become a part of society’s everyday lives, it’s not surprising to discover those seeking employment use applications like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok similarly to websites like Seek, Indeed and LinkedIn. Businesses presenting an online brand which showcases a personalized approach to operations with photos of staff, the business itself, and customer interactions will evidently become more appealing to future employees in comparison to corporate focused profiles.

To employ techniques for successful online growth of a business’s brand, it’s integral to first evaluate the values of the business and how to portray such values in a way to attract a specifically targeted audience. When complete, it’ll become more than simple to hijack the social landscape for business success.

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Sugarcane’s potential as a renewable source of bioenergy, biofuel and bioproducts continues to grow through the concept of the circular bioeconomy.

Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Director Russell Hall believes the sugarcane to be the only 100% renewable energy source.

“We cut it and from the day it starts growing again, it’s creating oxygen and natural capital on your farm and its producing natural energy,” he said.

“Once harvested, it joins the process of fuel, power, plastic, milk, oil, burning modules, it just becomes a whole array of green energy.”

Through the circular bioeconomy, sugarcane can fuel and power the future by utilising existing sugarcane land for sugar production while converting sugarcane waste into bioenergy, biofuel and bioproduct.

QCAR’s commitment to renewables and sustainable agriculture is also seen as a vital opportunity for the industry to capitalise on sugarcane’s unique composition as the globe makes strides in its mission to decarbonise.

Mr Hall recognised the potential for the Burdekin and beyond to participate in this shift by establishing itself as a bioeconomy hub through expansion of land and infrastructure.

“We can be part of the process and get ourselves into the grid by whole crop harvesting, then buy the power, fuel and fertiliser back,” he said.

“Because we’re in the dry tropics, the Burdekin’s got the most sunshine, radiation, the dam, the soil, the water and the infrastructure.

“There’s the first part which is the sugar and molasses process, but if it’s got organic nitrogen, green power and biodiesel or bioethanol, then all of a sudden, that sugar becomes 100% net zero sugar.

“We’re good for the reef, good for the economy and good for the environment, we tick all the boxes.”

This opportunity for the sugarcane industry is seen as a positive for not only farmers and growers, but also for the communities that thrive on the industry.

“The jobs in other renewables are non-existent, whereas sugar mills employ up to 200 people,” Mr Hall said.

“It will expand the industry because, all of a sudden, you’re not sending in 8 million tonne of cane, you’re sending in 12-14 million tonnes of biomass.

“You’re going to building more factories.

“Instead of losing our families, I think there’s enough money in this sort of system to keep young people in the towns.

“The whole community can prosper, whether as a part of it or as a shareholder or even just the supply of cheaper energy and cheaper fuel.

“There’s huge potential for the economy, we’ve just got to have a proactive government on board.”

Mr Hall believes this increased demand will require sugarcane to be cut year-round, seeing a return to Monday to Friday crushing which will again benefit communities and the families who call them home.

“We all know cane is like grass, we don’t have to wait until it gets to 60-70 tonnes to the acre, you can cut it every six months,” he said.

“We want it to be ongoing, Monday to Friday, so when the sun is shining, we can be harvesting cane as a biomass.”

“QCAR is willing to work with incumbent sugar millers to push the concept of a circular bioeconomy.”

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Caption: QCAR Director Russell Hall believes the sugarcane to be the only 100% renewable energy source

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A single Varroa Mite has been detected during a routine inspection at the Port of Brisbane.

The routine inspection, conducted by Biosecurity Queensland, completed diagnostic testing and confirmed that the mite in Varroa Jacobsoni, not Varroa Destructor.

The Varroa Jacobsoni mite parasitizes Asian honey bees, while the Varroa Destructor targets European honey bees.

While the common honey bee within Australia is the European honey bee, secondary testing is being conducted to determine if the mite is carrying any exotic viruses of honeys bees, or if any other exotic bee pests are present.

Biosecurity Queensland is also undertaking tracing activities to identify the potential source and likelihood of spread.

As a precautionary measure, a movement control order (MCO) is not in place to prevent any potential spread.

These movement restrictions apply to all beekeepers who have hives or have had hives in the areas around port of Brisbane in the last 90 days. These restrictions apply to movement of bees, bee hives, bee products, and used bee keeping equipment.

Queensland Beekeepers Association president Jacob Stevens explained, “The Queensland Beekeepers’ Association Inc is in position and ready to provide meaningful support to our impacted beekeepers in the movement control zones.”

“In recent years we’ve provided our expertise and technical knowledge to Biosecurity Queensland to deliver successful eradications of mites detected in Queensland,” he said.

“Queensland has a history of exotic incursions and the QBA is confident our beekeepers will rise to the challenge acting on our call to action to undertake varroa mite surveillance immediately, reporting all results to Bee 123.”

What Beekeepers Can Do:

All Queensland beekeepers are urged to:

   • continue monitoring hives for varroa mite using the alcohol wash method (at least every 16 weeks)

   • report your hive check using the quick and easy Bee 123 form, even if you do not find any suspect mites

   • immediately report unexpected hive deaths, deformed bees, bees with parasites, poor brood patterns and dead brood to Biosecurity Queensland

   • report sightings of Asian honey bees, feral nests/swarms or hives showing symptoms of exotic pests to Biosecurity Queensland

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Women in agriculture are invited to attend a two-day leadership forum in Ayr designed to develop leadership skills, personal confidence and be empowered to make future focused decisions to drive a positive change in their communities.

The Influential Women Community Leadership Forum, to be held 19 – 21 March in the Burdekin Theatre Music Loft, has been supported by Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub as part of their commitment to enhancing the skills and capacity of agricultural communities in North Queensland, and is open to female producers, farmers and agriculture service providers.

“This forum is firmly rooted in rural Queensland, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural women. This is a great opportunity to build their skills and confidence to be leaders and drivers of change in their communities,” said Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub Program Lead and forum organiser, Dr Jane Oorschot.

“The forum facilitator, Heather Ellis from Blue Wren Connections, will guide the participants through two days of group and individual activities to learn about different leadership roles, teamwork, adapting to change, understanding personal values, and self-care to achieve work/life balance.

“We piloted this forum last year in the Gulf Savannah region and received extremely positive feedback on how inspired participants felt about contributing to their local communities.”

Home Hill State High School Agriculture Science Teacher and President of the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association, Louise Nicholas, said she enrolled in the forum to build more connections and further her leadership development.

“I think women play an enormous role in agriculture and we’re seeing more women in high profile leadership positions,” she said.

“In rural and regional areas, we sometimes feel isolated, so it is great to have those connections and networking opportunities to raise each other up and help us succeed in leadership positions.”

Ms Nicholas is one of four finalists in the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards and said the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum will assist her in achieving the goals she set as part of the application process.

“We had to do a project plan and I believe this course will assist me in delivering ‘Grow Your Own,’ a project that will make connections between school students and industry,” she said.

“It’s about getting the students involved, training them up and making connections in the agricultural industry, and hopefully retaining them in our local areas.

“Any opportunity to develop yourself is of benefit, and I’m excited for the opportunity to attend a leadership forum here in the Burdekin.”

Registrations are limited to 20 participants and priced at just $20.  

Dr Oorschot encourages women in agriculture throughout North Queensland to register now for the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum so they don’t miss out on such a valuable professional and personal development opportunity.

“This course is valued at over $1400, but thanks to our partners BlueWren Connections, NQ Dry Tropics, Growcom and Burdekin Shire Council and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, registration is just $20, with very affordable accommodation available at the Country Ayr Motel.

“Numbers are capped at 20 to ensure participants receive a highly interactive and personalised experience, and the program has been designed to be practical, challenging and fun.

“By supporting the skills and capacity within the agriculture sector, together we can become more drought and climate resilient and build flourishing, sustainable communities equipped to make future focused decisions.”

To register for the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum to be held in Ayr 19 – 20 March, visit the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub website at www.tnqdroughthub.com.au or phone Dr Jane Oorschot on 0481 158 989.

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Caption: Home Hill State High School Agriculture Science Teacher and President of the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association, Louise Nicholas

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