Last Wednesday, Ryan Jones delivered an engaging and informative speech at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting, focusing on the Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust (BSRIT). Established in 1941, the Trust plays a vital role in managing the Burdekin and Haughton rivers, particularly in the aftermath of significant flooding events.
Jones outlined the Trust’s history and evolution, highlighting its formation in response to devastating floods in the 1930s and subsequent improvements aimed at flood mitigation. He detailed recent projects that have successfully repaired riverbank erosion and stabilised critical areas, funded through collaborations with the Australian and State Governments and the Burdekin Shire Council.
Significantly, he discussed the Trust’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the natural river levees and ensuring the health of local ecosystems, which benefits both the agricultural community and the broader environment. The $3.75 million in recent works underlines the Trust's crucial role in safeguarding the region against flooding and supporting sustainable practices.
Overall, Jones' presentation not only shed light on the Trust’s vital work but also underscored the importance of community involvement in these initiatives. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes surrounding the management of the Burdekin Shire’s rivers, making for a compelling and insightful discussion.

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Robert Antoniazzi, Ryan Jones and Meghan Wilson at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce event. Photo supplied

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Council organised a disaster management meeting in preparation for the upcoming disaster season, with 50 attendees present on the day. The disaster management team presented updates to the community ensuring a comprehensive, multipronged communication strategy.
Key speakers included the Executive Officer of the Townsville District Disaster Management Group, part of the Queensland Police Service, and meteorologists from the Bureau of Meteorology.
They provided a long-range forecast from November to January, noting that Burdekin's historical maximum average temperature of 28.2°C had risen to 28.7°C last month, reflecting an above-average trend seen across most of northern Queensland. Rainfall in the Burdekin was below average, similar to last year, although 2022 saw significantly less rainfall.
Looking ahead to the high-risk weather season, the Burdekin catchment area faces potential flooding risks due to above-average soil moisture levels caused by unseasonal rainfall earlier in the year. Across Queensland, there is a general trend of exceeding maximum temperatures, with a 97% chance of median temperatures surpassing 32°C. Minimum temperatures are also likely to exceed 23°C.
An increased fire warning is in place due to a combination of vegetation growth and weather patterns, including wind and rainfall. Although there is a possibility of exceeding median rainfall, there is expected to be a balance towards the end of the season. Historically, the average rainy season in Ayr brings 824 mm of rainfall, and last year, two minor floods were recorded due to the Burdekin River, while Horton experienced a few moderate floods.
The public can access all the information discussed at the meeting online. The meeting aimed to encourage preparedness for cyclone season and active disaster readiness steps within the community.

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Victor Hewett, Tony Melrose, Luke Shelley, Shaun Byrnes, Brad Bleeker, Jessie Gray, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Eileen Devescovi. Photo Credit: Miah Lampard

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Open Minds is proud to announce that Ross Romeo from Far North Queensland has been awarded the esteemed Jeff Cheverton Individual Award at the 28th Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards. This accolade, sponsored by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on the lives of people living with mental illness.
Ross Romeo, who has been the state coordinator for CORES (Community Owned Response Eliminating Suicide) for over 14 years, has been a driving force in expanding the program's reach across Queensland. Originally developed in Tasmania, the CORES intervention training program teaches communities how to effectively respond to and prevent suicide. Thanks to Ross’s leadership, the initiative has flourished in Queensland, starting in rural areas and growing into a statewide program.
In 2023, CORES expanded into several new communities, including St George, Roma, and remote areas of the Balonne Shire. The program’s growth shows no sign of slowing down, with plans for further expansion into Toowoomba City and Mareeba in 2024.
Ross expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Burdekin community, who have supported CORES from the very beginning. “Our volunteers, who are the backbone of our entire program and the entire community, including family and friends, have been so supportive, from those that have donated funds, to the people who believed in our cause from day one,” he said. "Our endeavour has expanded to other communities as well, and we’re thankful for the ongoing support."
Ross’s dedication to suicide prevention has transformed communities across Queensland, providing vital training and resources where they are needed most. The Jeff Cheverton Individual Award is a fitting recognition of his tireless work and the positive impact he continues to make.

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Ross Romeo accepts his award. Photo supplied
Ross Romeo after being awarded for his hard efforts. Photo supplied

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Last Wednesday morning the councillors and senior staff cooked breakfast for all Council staff in the theatre forecourt. It was a great chance to get the whole team together for an update from our new CEO Matthew Magin.
Matthew explained his vision for Council and also announced who will be filling the two directors' roles. Congratulations and good luck to our directors. It's so good to have local people with great experience filling these senior roles in our Council.

This week I have been down in Brisbane for the Local Government Association Queensland Annual Conference. What an experience it was. The workshops, networking and trade stalls were the three best takeaways from the trip. A lot was learned, and hopefully, some good relationships have been developed.

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I’d like to take a moment to formally welcome our two new homegrown Directors to the team. We welcome Director Infrastructure, Planning, and Environmental Services James Stewart and Director of Corporate and Community Services Kim Olsen.
Both are home grown, have a deep connection to our region and are committed to ensuring Council achieves the best outcomes for our community. I am confident that, with their leadership, we will continue to move forward with our shared vision for a thriving Burdekin.
I had the pleasure of walking up the street recently as part of our Activating Our CBDs campaign. It’s fantastic to see so many people getting involved, and I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses. As part of this initiative, we have a survey available online - please take the time to fill it out and share your thoughts.
Council is welcoming input from the community on what they believe will help breathe new life into these critical areas in Ayr and Home Hill. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps shape the future of our CBDs.
Lastly, a reminder that we’re in the peak of magpie swooping season. Please be cautious when out and about, especially near known nesting areas.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Queensland graziers are being urged to keep an eye out for pasture dieback and consider management options.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) principal pasture agronomist Gavin Peck said the condition, which caused premature death of tropical and sub-tropical grasses, spread to new areas last year.

“Previously, pasture dieback generally affected high-yielding sown-grass pastures in regions with more than 600mm of average annual rainfall,” Mr Peck said.

“However, last summer it spread into western districts of southern, central and northern
Queensland where there was good summer rainfall.”

Mr Peck encouraged graziers to check early growth and condition now so they had time to manage towards assisting natural recovery, or to renovate or replace the pasture if required. 

“Initial symptoms of pasture dieback include leaf discolouration and unthrifty growth, before the pasture dies in patches.

“The dead patches are then colonised by broadleaf weeds or legumes—both of which are unaffected by pasture dieback.

“Some grass species recover and re-establish very well from the soil seed bank. Other moresusceptible species such as Kikuyu don’t seed readily and can struggle to recover without intervention.”

Mr Peck said graziers should check dieback-affected pastures for natural recovery and decide if they needed to replace the pasture.

“Paddocks that have surviving plants or good density of new grass seedlings can rapidly recover, especially with the use of broad-leaf herbicides to control weed competition.

“Severely affected pastures that do not have good grass seedling density or have had chronic multi-year pasture dieback can be renovated or replanted to legumes and more tolerant grasses.

“Given the early season break some areas have experienced, there is still time to kill the surviving grass (with chemical or cultivation) and start a fallow to establish a new pasture.”

DAF principal pasture agronomist Stuart Buck, who leads pasture dieback research in Queensland, said the condition was caused by pasture mealybug, a sap-sucking insect which was mostly spread by wind.

“Pasture dieback is likely to occur when pasture mealybugs are present in warm and wet conditions with a dense body of susceptible grass,” he said.

“Suspected pasture dieback can be reported through the Pasture Dieback App, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play, or by calling DAF on 13 25 23.

“Reporting pasture dieback through our app takes less than 5 minutes.

“By uploading photos and describing the pasture species affected, you will help us better understand the spread of dieback.”

DAF has a range of dedicated tools and resources to help graziers identify and manage pasture dieback including the Queensland Pastures newsletter and pasture dieback workshops available on the FutureBeef website.

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Principal pasture agronomist Stuart Buck in dieback-affected pasture in Central Queensland. Photo credit: DAF

Bisset mealybugs

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With just days to go until Queensland votes, Canegrowers is calling on political leaders to commit to meaningful reforms that will reduce crippling power prices and remove unfair stamp duties that stifle farmers' ability to manage risk. 
 
Canegrowers CEO Dan Galligan said that Queensland’s sugarcane growers are being squeezed by electricity prices that have skyrocketed by 145% since 2007, putting immense pressure on productivity and competitiveness. General price inflation over the same period was only 56%.  
 
With current tariff structures penalising farmers who use power to grow food and fibre, Canegrowers is demanding a shift to more equitable, consumption-based tariffs.  
 
The organisation has joined with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation in calling for the threshold for large electricity customers to be raised from 100 megawatt hours (MWh) per annum to at least 160MWh/a, ensuring that more growers can access fairer tariffs.
 
“The current demand-based tariffs are designed for constant, year-round use – not for farmers who have to rely on electricity in bursts during the season,” Mr Galligan said. 
 
“What we need is real competition and genuine tariff reform, not cosmetic fixes that leave farmers out in the cold,” he said​. 
 
Canegrowers is also pushing for the abolition of the 9% government stamp duty on crop and parametric insurance products, which remains a barrier to farmers safeguarding their businesses against natural disasters. 
 
“This is a no-brainer,” Mr Galligan said. “By taxing insurance, the government is discouraging farmers from managing their own risks.  
 
“Removing the stamp duty will empower farmers to protect themselves from floods, droughts, and cyclones, reducing reliance on government aid. It’s a win for growers and a win for the state.” 
 
Despite the clear benefits, neither major party has committed to abolishing the stamp duty.  
 
“The lack of political will to address this issue is disappointing,” Mr Galligan said.

“Farmers are being left exposed because a 9% tax makes essential insurance unaffordable for many. Political leaders need to act now, before the next disaster strikes. 
 
“We’re just days away from the election, and neither party has committed to lowering power prices for agriculture or scrapping stamp duty on insurance.  
 
“This is the last chance for leaders to show they’re serious about supporting Queensland agriculture.” 

Contributed by Canegrowers.

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Rural Quip, a staple in the Burdekin community for over four decades, has been locally owned and operated since 1981. With deep roots in the region's agricultural landscape, Robert Oar’s experience and passion for farming has fuelled the success of the dynamic business. From their beginnings in engineering to becoming a key player in the industrial and farming supplies sector, Rural Quip has evolved while maintaining its strong community ties.

Robert’s background in engineering began as a boilermaker at Kalamia Mill, but his entrepreneurial journey truly took off when he purchased Andersen Engineering, later transforming it into Rural Quip. By joining the Australian Industrial Sales (AIS) National Buying Group in 1998, the business gained access to new suppliers and competitive deals, which allowed them to meet the demands of a broad customer base extending from Bowen to Woodstock and Giru.

As the business grew, so did its commitment to customer service. Robert takes pride in his team’s ability to fulfill customers’ orders swiftly, a hallmark of Rural Quip’s operations. Their shelves are stocked with products needed day-to-day, ensuring that customers can rely on the business to have the right tools and supplies on hand.

Notably, to celebrate Rural Women’s Day earlier this month, Rural Quip is proud to highlight the five women who play key roles in its operations, demonstrating the company’s support for women in rural business.

Rhonda Moretto (Office Manager), Karen Muguira (Purchasing Manager), Gabby Body (Despatch and Goods), Chloe Williams (Advertising and Warranty), and Deneal Kratzmann (Retail Sales Assistant).

With their dedication and expertise, the business continues to thrive, adapting to the evolving agricultural landscape while maintaining its focus on customer satisfaction and competitive pricing.

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Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
120,922
2,082,002
Pioneer
41,335
962,369
Kalamia
45,416
1,127,241
Inkerman
56,851
1,252,933
Burdekin
264,524
5,424,545
CCS
Invicta
14.34
14.32
Pioneer
14.29
14.30
Kalamia
13.74
13.91
Inkerman
14.20
14.06
Burdekin
14.20
14.17
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
53%
14.45
Q183
8%
14.81
KQ228
17%
13.89
Q208
8%
14.30
WSRA17
8%
12.89
Q232
5%
13.09
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just under 265,000 tonnes of cane for the week. Throughputs were down at all mills this week due to either wet weather impacts or unplanned stops. Inkerman experienced a significant stop following an Ergon power outage.
The season-to-date total is now 5.42M tonnes, which represents 66% of the Burdekin region’s crop forecast of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 14.20, which is well below budget due to the wet event and subsequent burnt cane left in the paddocks.
The highest CCS, of 17.1, was from a rake of Q240 1R in the Leichardt (Inkerman) productivity district.
Remember to always use your train brain and give way to trains at road crossings.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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Farmers are often considered the backbone of the Australian economy. Yet with long hours, high demands, and tough conditions it’s easy for them to put their health on the backburner. 

Now, new research from the University of South Australia hopes to provide farmers with a dedicated pain management resource, to help them better manage chronic pain.
 
Currently, there are no farmer-focused chronic pain management resources available to help Australian farmers better manage chronic pain.
 
UniSA PhD student Indika Koralegedera says the new resource will be designed in consultation with farmers and rural-based clinicians.
 
“Agriculture is one of the most perilous occupations due to its high prevalence of chronic diseases, suicide, work-related injuries and accidents, disability, and mortality,” Koralegedera says.
 
“But despite increased risks of injury and chronic pain, research shows that farmers often prefer to deal with problems on their own, rather than seeking professional help.”
 
Researchers are now calling for farmers who have experienced chronic pain (as well as rural pain health experts) to engage in up to three online video workshop discussions to establish and provide feedback on a pain management resource for farming and rural communities.
 
Koralegedera says the study hopes to deliver improved pain management supports for the farming community.
 
“Chronic pain has an immense impact on many communities, so finding ways to optimise pain-management techniques is imperative,” Koralegedera says.
 
“Gaining perspectives from farmers and regional health professionals is key to delivering a valuable support to better manage chronic pain.”

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By Angelo Licciardello, QCAR Burdekin District Manager

The QCAR Burdekin team welcomes all Burdekin Life readers to our first fortnightly column.
As a familiarisation exercise, I would like to introduce our expert team at the heart of Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) head office at 142 Young Street, Ayr.
Melissa Boulter is our Office Manager, Lee-Anne Gelling is our Executive Assistant, and Bernadette Rehbein is our qualified Payroll Officer. This dynamic trio provide a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, our members and our stakeholders.
Week 18 Crush: The unwelcome rain and recent QSL port issue has taken the gloss off a promising period of harvesting and crushing. With the wet season fast approaching we need a lot to go right to complete the harvest in full. Late finish, late harvest – data shows that production drops off significantly the following year on ratoons that are taken off beyond September. Personally, and I have never been a farmer, when do we look forward to or aim for early crushing starts and rotation crops as a way of managing this in our district. Having said that QCAR is here to help in any way we can. Sorry I cannot control the weather or drive a loco.

P & K Farm: Was ready to be harvested before the rain. 30mm @ School end, 34mm @ Castellanelli end. The plot closed 4 October 2024 as a plant source.
   • Plant Cane: Knockdown application of Rattler and 24D will control grass and vines.
   • Grub Control: Liquid Imidacloprid application into cutaway with contractor equipment.
   • Ratoons: Slashed for control.
Upcoming Events:
   • Grown in NQ 2024 Ag Innovation showcase 31 October/1 November – DAF Research Centre, 45 Warwick Road, Bowen
   • GRDC Grains Research Update, 26 November, Ayr Showgrounds
   • Inkerman BCAS Tour – 22 October 2024

ANGELO’S AGRONOMIC TIP:
If possible, add Carbon with Nitrogen. Animal manure is a good way to add both carbon and nitrogen. This will minimise the fast decomposition of soil organic matter.

QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello can be contacted on 0437 401 837 or email angelo.licciardello@qcar.org.au OR QCAR Head Office 4783 2111

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Melissa Boulter, Lee-Anne Gelling and Bernadette Rehbein

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

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This week we released our first look at the comparative pool performances for the 2024 season.
Our quarterly Pool Performance and Comparative Outcomes report enables growers to compare our results and associated marketing fees with those of our competitor, QSL.
The latest report, published this week, is the first analysis to include 2024 season pricing.
It must be remembered that it is early in the 2024 season and there is much that can change, but the trend of Wilmar pools outperforming continues.
Wilmar’s Production Risk Pool is currently paying more than $20/t IPS than QSL’s Harvest Pool. When combined with the 70 per cent advance payment versus QSL’s 65 per cent for the first four months of the season, the cash flow boost Wilmar growers enjoy is significant.
Looking over a longer timeframe, the three-year analysis indicates that growers who use 70 per cent forward pricing are approximately $1.47/cane tonne better off using Wilmar grower marketing as their GEI exposure manager.
For a 15,000 tonne cane grower this equates to more than $22,000/year in your bank account for the last three years.
The superior returns to growers are achieved by keeping fees and charges low and maximising the premium generated from physical export sales.
This evidence is visible in the detailed breakdown of the Allocation Account performance published on the back page of our quarterly report.
You have until 31 October to finalise your choice for your GEI marketer for the 2025 season.
Remember, if you aren’t priced, you aren’t locked in. To make a change for 2025, contact a member of our Grower Marketing team.

Wilmar’s Production Risk Pool continues to outperform QSL’s Harvest Pool.

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If you have seen media reports, you will be aware that mental health is a very real challenge for us globally, but more importantly for all of us as individuals. Latest data shows around 1 in 4 will experience a significant mental health issue in any 12 month period, and 1 in 2 during their lifetime.
The Mental Health Australia – Report to the Nation revealed many things such as:
   • The 18 – 39, followed by 40 – 59 year age groups had the lowest levels of mental health, but for many, mental health issues first emerged during adolescence through to early adulthood.
   • The highest risk factor amongst all groups for having a mental health issue is having previously suffered a mental health condition.
   • Anxiety and Depression still head the list of most common mental health conditions.
   • Cost of living, cost of housing and worries of global conflict continue to impact mental health of many in the community.
   • Access to mental health services has continued to improve along with the feeling that we can ask for help anytime.
While statistics can tell us a story, there is another element to consider - wellbeing. The biggest protective factor against mental health crisis, is personal wellbeing. Wellbeing is the sense that we are purposeful, connected and belong. It is often coupled with a positive, helpful pro-active outlook on life. In this dimension, we are feeling less secure financially, but more of us are confident of getting help and more of us are willing to give it.
What can help?
Firstly, we can all do things that help support our wellbeing. Simple things that give us direction purpose and meaning in life, things that help connect us socially in positive ways. Health and fitness activities are good, but you can add the benefit of social connectedness to your personal wellbeing simply by playing community sport. Next, finding things that feed your soul, things that inspire awe are far healthier than things that give us short bursts of dopamine and lead to addictive patterns.
Thirdly, get help. Nationally around half of us will feel we need to get help or support for ourselves or someone else. But only 36% actually manage to reach out and get that help.
Workplaces and Schools are changing, we have all had to respond to the Mental Health challenge. At Ayr High, we have been teaching about Mental Health and Wellbeing topics for many years. Like many workplaces and businesses, we also support multiple events like Mental Health Week where there will be a variety of awareness raising activities for staff and students this week. These go along with No to Bullying, RUOK and other events throughout the year.
But maybe more importantly, what has continued to grow is the level of support available for students. The team of people available to support students directly with social/emotional needs including mental health and wellbeing includes a Psychologist, a School Based Youth Health Nurse, a Chaplain, Youth Support Worker, CEC (Indigenous Support), a Behaviour Support Specialist Teacher, as well as our Guidance Officers and a Head of Department (Support Services). The objective is to reduce the barriers to support by ensuring we have the right sort of support available for every student. For the Ayr High family, we want to change the statistic so that every person who needs support for their Mental Health, gets it!

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The Lower Burdekin Scouts and their leaders, along with some families, participated in the 2024 RUSH event in Charters Towers over the weekend of 12 to 13 October. They joined 78 other teams and hundreds of participants for a fun-filled weekend of adventure, challenges, and exploration.

The Scouts loaded their trailer early Saturday morning and made the trip to Charters Towers, stopping briefly for morning tea along the way. Upon arrival at the Charters Towers Scout site, they set up their tents and enjoyed lunch before setting out to explore the town and its local parks.

Back at the Scout grounds, the group played games before preparing dinner. After their meal, they relaxed with a screening of Wonka, then settled in for the night.

Sunday started bright and early with a pancake breakfast before heading to the Charters Towers Showgrounds, where the RUSH officially began. The day was packed with excitement as teams took on a variety of challenges, including hiking up to the lookout, navigating billy carts, knot tying, rock climbing, target shooting, CPR drills, and even a visit to the local cemetery. Teams also raced around Charters Towers, collecting information and completing tasks.

The event concluded at the showgrounds, where participants gathered to hear the results and celebrate a successful day. After lunch, the Scouts packed up their gear and returned home.

A big thank you goes out to the organisers and leaders for making this weekend of fun and adventure possible.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Berkery.

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Lower Burdekin Scout members ready to start the Knot Tying Challenge!

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Hope In a Suitcase for Foster Children in the Northern Region.
In a world where stability can feel elusive for children in foster care, the "Hope in a Suitcase" initiative shines as a beacon of compassion and care. Supported by the Catholic Women's League in the Burdekin region, this heartfelt program replaces the cold, impersonal plastic bags often used for relocation, with colourful suitcases filled with comfort and essentials.
"Hope in a Suitcase" is a heartwarming initiative founded by Rachael Clancy, to support children in foster care. Rather than moving from home to home with a plastic bag, these children are provided with a suitcase filled with personal items such as pyjamas, a toothbrush, new clothing, and something to cuddle, offering them not only comfort but also a sense of dignity.
The Ayr Catholic Women’s Branch, along with the Home Hill Catholic Women’s League and the Burdekin Catholic Parish, have embraced this initiative as part of a broader CWL State-level effort launched by the Catholic Women's League in 2023. For two years, the campaign has focused on filling suitcases with essential and personal items for foster children. Local community members, including volunteers from the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, have contributed by knitting bibs and other items to add to the suitcases.
In September and October 2024, the initiative continues with a renewed call for donations such as reading books, colouring books, and pyjamas for children of all ages. The local Catholic League and its supporters are deeply grateful for the community's contributions so far. The effort resonates with many, as providing these suitcases gives foster children something they can call their own, a small but significant gesture in a challenging time.

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Catholic Women’s League, promoting the initiative of “Hope In A Suitcase” In The Burdekin. Photo Supplied

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