After an intensive local search effort, the body of Elliot Spinaze, a 22-year-old Ayr man who had been missing since the morning of Saturday, December 30, 2023, was found on Sunday, December 31.

Mr Spinaze was last seen on Graham Street around 3:00am on December 30 before leaving in a grey Hyundai.

The vehicle was located near the Burdekin Bridge later that morning with Police initiating a search of the river involving State Emergency Services (SES) and Mackay’s RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter.

Burdekin SES Local Controller Warren Francis said SES were engaged by police soon after midday on December 30.

“Because it was an urgent matter, we called for assistance from Townsville and Thuringowa,” he said.

“We searched up until nightfall and returned the next day.”

Approximately 20 SES volunteers joined police on both days to assist in the search, relying on drones and ATVs to navigate the river.

“The search was done in heatwave conditions,” Mr Francis said.

“The search was on the riverbank, on the edge of the water, you’re walking in sand the whole time and up the side of the riverbank gets quite difficult,” added Volunteer John Winn.

“It was a direct result of SES searching that led the police to able to narrow down the search area quite considerably,” concluded Mr Francis.

“The police did an excellent job, not only in coordinating the searches but in looking after us as well, so we’re very grateful for their professionalism.”

Mr Spinaze’s death is being treated as non-suspicious.

Remembering Elliot

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 12 to celebrate the life of Mr Spinaze.

Over $18,000 was raised by a GoFundMe set up on behalf of Elliot’s family by Talika Pegoraro to assist in giving him “the send-off he deserves.”

“Elliot was such a beautiful soul, who lit up every life he touched,” Ms Pegoraro said.

“Unfortunately, he lost his battle against the black dog for the last time and was found on the very last evening of 2023.”

Elliot, a former Ayr State High School student, grew up in the Burdekin and was widely recognised as a friendly employee of the Kalamia Hotel.

Elliot’s sister, Charlee, took to social media to thank the community for their overwhelming support.

“Your generosity doesn’t go unnoticed,” Charlee said.

“Left over funds from the GoFundMe will be distributed to different mental health organisations in hopes to raise awareness for anyone else struggling.”

Elliot’s memorial service will take place tomorrow, Friday, January 12 at the Plantation Park Bush Chapel, Ayr, from 2:00pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and attendees are invited to wear a touch of green as a symbol of support for men’s mental health.

For more information on the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/f/elliot-spinaze.

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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Elliot Spinaze’s family are holding a memorial service to celebrate his life on Friday

SES utilised ATVs and drones in the search. Photos supplied

Burdekin Shire Council’s Citizen Ceremony will go ahead as part of the Australia Day celebrations on Friday, January 26 despite initial reports, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has confirmed.

Ms McLaughlin said she was surprised to read that Burdekin Shire had been named as one of 80 Councils across Australia not holding its Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony on January 26, saying this information is not correct.  

“Councillors and relevant Council staff finalised discussion and confirmed planning and logistics for local Australia Day celebrations and citizenship ceremony in early December 2023,” she said.

“During those discussions, it was confirmed that the Burdekin Shire Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony would be held on Friday January 26.

“The error in reporting has been raised with the relevant publications.”

Ms McLaughlin said Councillors believe that staging the Australia Day Awards and Citizen Ceremony on Australia Day is the most appropriate date for the community.  

“The best way to honour and celebrate the recipients of the Australia Day awards and the new citizens is to hold the official ceremony on the same day as the national holiday,” she said.

“This date reflects the values and aspirations of our community and that it is a meaningful occasion to welcome and acknowledge the achievements of our fellow Australians.

“The Burdekin Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony is a time to honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of local residents to our community, while also formally welcoming new Australians through the official citizenship ceremony.

“It is a time to appreciate Australia's rich and diverse history at a local level.

“On Australia Day, we join as a nation to celebrate what makes Australia and Australians great.

“It's a day to look back on what we have accomplished and what we can take pride in our wonderful nation.

“It's the day for us to renew our commitment to making Australia a better place for the future.”

WHAT: Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards Ceremony

WHEN: Friday, January 26 from 9:30am. Doors open at 8:30am.

WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill

TICKETS: Online at https://bit.ly/BSCAusDayAwards2024 or call 07 4783 9880

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When Allan Petersen began researching for his military history book ‘Home Hill Remembers’, he didn’t realise the number of gravesites in the Home Hill Cemetery that weren’t formally recognised as war service gravesites.

This discovery led the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch on a five year journey to honour these servicepeople which came to an end with the installation of plaques and a Dedication Ceremony in August last year.

“In all, 56 graves had no recognition as a war serviceman’s grave,” Mr Petersen, the Sub Branch Secretary, said.

“There were 25 that had no indication of a burial site – just covered in lawn and appeared to be vacant plots.

“16 had a family monument with no recognition as a war serviceman’s final resting place.”

“Some were just buried in the dirt with no recognition whatsoever, so we decided to do something about it,” added Sub Branch President Richard Kelly.

“The ones who didn’t have any recognition, we’ve given them some recognition.”

Mr Petersen continued his research, dedicating hours to collecting names, ranks, enlistment information and serial numbers of the World War I and Boer War veterans.

Divining rods were used to locate unmarked graves before being cross-checked with cemetery records to trace people’s identities.

Once pinpointed, cement plinths were moulded by members of the Sub Branch and polished headstones and bronze plaques were supplied by local undertaker Ken Wright.

With the help of Mr Wright, the local cemetery sexton and two students from Home Hill State High School, the Sub Branch installed the plaques.

The Sub Branch received a grant from the Department of Veteran Affairs for the project.

“It was a combined effort,” Sub Branch member Uli Liessmann said.

“A lot of people did a lot of different things.”

An official ceremony was held at the cemetery on Saturday, August 26, 2023 to commemorate the Australian veterans who now bear military recognition on their headstones.

“What it has done is provide a record of those people who have served the nation,” Mr Petersen said.

“Prior to that, there was nothing, some were just a bare patch of grass; I don’t think that is any way to recognise service men and women.

“It does recognise, rightfully and respectfully, them forever.”

A further 15 sites were identified as those of British military veterans who immigrated to Home Hill, however the Sub Branch was unable to secure funding for the recognition of these graves.

“A lot of them had no relatives here,” said Sub Branch member Bill Lowis.

“They lived here, came here for work, enlisted, served, and then they came back here as damaged people, passed away and they were buried here.”

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L-R RSL Sub Branch members Allan Petersen, Bill Lowis, Richard Kelly and Uli Liessman. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe festive season and you all enjoyed a well-earned break.

2023 was a big year for Australia, and to say it was tough on everyone would be an understatement.

While the Albanese Labor Government was distracted by their divisive and costly Voice Referendum and the Prime Minister enjoyed what felt like more time overseas than time spent in Australia, the people of Dawson were hit with enormous cost-of-living pressures.

The Coalition and I fought hard in 2023 for the issues that are affecting our hard-working Aussies, such as

   • Calling for an ACCC inquiry into supermarket price gouging.

   • Easing the rising cost of fuel.

   • Pressuring the Albanese Labor Government to address inflation and try to stop interest rates from soaring through the roof.

   • Calling for action on the youth crime endemic.

   • Trying to save crucial infrastructure projects from funding cuts.

All while fighting to save our critical industries following unfair taxes implemented on farmers and miners; the ban on the use of commercial gillnets, which will see the livelihoods of our local fishermen and women severely impacted; and Labor’s proposed fair work amendments that will hurt local small businesses.

It seems that the penny has finally dropped for the Albanese Labor Government who has only just called for ideas from his Treasury and Finance officials on how to curb the cost-of-living pressures.

However, with no real plan and no guaranteed relief, it is my job as your Federal Member for Dawson to make sure that the Albanese Labor Government does what they say they will for the people who live and work in our electorate, and I take that job very seriously.

In 2024 I will continue to fight for cost-of-living relief, for the rights of our farmer’s who supply food and fibre to the entire nation, for local businesses, creating opportunities for tourism, for cheaper and reliable energy for all Australians, and for the safety of our residents who are being hurt by these ruthless young criminals.

I am committed to growing a stronger future for Dawson and I invite you to reach out if you have any federal issues impacting our beautiful region.

You can contact my office on 4944 0662 or via email at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au.

Andrew Willcox MP

Federal Member for Dawson

While welcoming moves to hold supermarkets to account and ensure fair prices for farmers and consumers, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, wants assurances of action; not another talk-fest.

As families face increasing cost of living pressures and farmers lose money on crops, Mr Last said the fact that the big supermarket chains were making billion dollar profits proved the current situation was not sustainable.

“This is not the first time we have seen this issue raise its head,” Mr Last said.  

“In the past there has been a lot of talk and a lot of promises but, as the current situation shows, the problem hasn’t been addressed.

“The importance of this issue in rural and regional Queensland can’t be understated.  

“Not only do people who live here traditionally pay higher prices at the supermarket, there is a huge percentage of the population who either work in, or rely on, the agricultural and horticultural sectors for their work and businesses.

“Woolworths and Coles are claiming that cost increases are the reason for huge mark ups on produce.  

“But, at the same time, they are completely ignoring the fact that producers are also facing massive cost increases.

“The horticultural and agricultural sectors were promised cheaper electricity and water by both the current state and federal governments.  

“So, on one hand they have governments not honouring their promise and, on the other hand, they have the big supermarket chains paying them a pittance and then price gouging the consumer.”

Mr Last said that, in addition to the threats to jobs and businesses in regional Queensland, the issue could also have major implications for our food security.

“When producers are being paid prices that are similar to 1978, they have no option but to look at additional markets to keep their businesses viable,” he said.  

“That means we will have more first class produce headed overseas and Queenslanders will have to rely more and more on imports.

“An inquiry into prices, on face value at least, is a good idea.  

“But that inquiry needs to focus on the best interests of producers and consumers because Coles and Woolworths have had it their own way for too long.

“My concern is that an inquiry and meetings drag on and on and that, at the end of it, we are left with more empty promises.  

“This situation needs to be addressed and it needs to happen sooner rather than later.

“The fact is that the farmers don’t set the price you pay in the supermarket and neither do the local supermarket staff.  

“There is a huge power imbalance that benefits Woolworths and Coles head office in the cities and that power imbalance needs to be addressed.

“There are factors at both the federal and state levels that need to be looked at when coming up with a solution.  

“Energy, diesel and fertiliser prices all contribute to increasing costs as well as layer upon layer of additional red and green tape.”

“For the sake of our primary producers, families and regional Queensland as a whole, we need to see leadership on this issue.  

“All options need to be considered and, most of all, the big supermarket chains need to be held to account.”

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett want to see a fairer deal from major supermarkets for families and local producers like DeDomenicos. Photo supplied

I’m Chelsea Ravizza, a student journalist at Griffith University and current intern at the Burdekin Life Newspaper.

After graduating from Ayr State High School in 2021, I began an internship with the Burdekin Local Newspaper before moving to Brisbane to kick off my university studies in 2022. I am currently in my third and final year of a Bachelor of Communications and Journalism at Griffith University and I am loving every second of what my degree entails. I have developed and broadcasted radio packages and podcasts, produced websites, written media releases and many more journalistic pieces which have allowed me to expand my skills and improve my work.

I have always held a passion for writing and dreamt of being a journalist after watching classic films like ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Suddenly 30’ with my mum when I was young. After working in the industry, I have found much enjoyment in interviewing people on the stories that matter most to them, and then having the chance to share these stories with a broader audience.

Currently, I am focusing on my studies, and counting down the days until my graduation in October. Although moving from such a rural area like the Burdekin to a bustling city like Brisbane may seem like a big jump, even the city is starting to feel small to me. After university, I plan to travel both Australia and the world, seeking freelance and remote journalism opportunities whereby I can work externally from gorgeous locations like the Amalfi Coast whilst pursuing my passion for writing.

Having the opportunity to work with Sam and the team behind the Burdekin Life Newspaper will allow me to dive deeper into the workings of developing a newspaper, further broadening my horizon with educated knowledge on various journalistic employment routes. With every opportunity, I am very grateful for the chances I am granted, and I am excited to share the stories of the Burdekin with the Burdekin Life Newspaper.

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As another bustling term for Mayor Lyn McLaughlin comes to a close, I had the pleasure of speaking with her on the year that was, and the future plans for the Burdekin region as we move into a new year.

Mayor McLaughlin reflects on her past year with great appreciation and gratitude as she was able to experience it in good health, surrounded by the strength of her dear friends, and family. Additionally, she believes all the major achievements of the Burdekin community would not have come to fruition if not for everyone working together, and Lyn expressed gratitude for all the opportunities that arose for the Burdekin Shire Council in 2023.

“We’ve got a wonderful community, so much is achieved by other people, and it’s so good to recognise what everyone else does and contributes, both in the Burdekin as well as council,” expressed Mayor McLaughlin.

Particularly, Mayor McLaughlin celebrates one major achievement for the Burdekin region; the $44.88 million Water Treatment Plant for Ayr, as granted by the Palaszczuk Government.

The funding stands as the largest grant the Burdekin has received and will allow the 5-year plan for the Water Treatment Plant to come to fruition in 2025.

“This was a major grant, the largest grant we have ever achieved in the shire, and a major accomplishment for our community,” expressed Mayor McLaughlin.

In addition, Mayor McLaughlin celebrates the commencement of the industrial estate expansion.

“These are two big projects that have been in the pipeline for many years, and to have them started was just outstanding,” she said Mayor McLaughlin.

Mayor McLaughlin believes that although 2023 did not see the completion of the Burdekin’s major projects, she celebrates the finalisation of the Ayr Waterpark, the construction of the new entry to the Ayr Pool and the overall contribution these aspects have made to the youth in the community. Lyn explained the true success of these achievements is due to the Burdekin Shire Council’s strategic planning previously solidified in earlier years, assuring the most beneficial outcomes are produced when applying for and receiving government funding and grants.

Mayor McLaughlin expressed, it’s due to these plans being implemented years in advance, that discussions have begun into the establishment of a youth precent in the area; an idea not yet presented for community consultation. Additionally, strategic planning has been carried out in the areas of road reconstruction, economic development, the renewal of the region’s tourism plan, as well as in the interest of the Ayr Showgrounds.

“It is really important to have a big picture and then work at each project within that,” explained Mayor Mclaughlin.

“There’s always room for improvement, and there’s lots of things we want to do.”

In the interest of completing her term with no distractions, Mayor McLaughlin was not willing to disclose if she will be running in the upcoming election, and explained the community should expect an answer the week of the 29 January.

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Standing L-R John Furnell, Terry Brennan, Max Musumeci, Michael Detenon and John Bonanno. Sitting L-R Kaylee Boccalatte, Lyn McLaughlin and Sue Perry 

The NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase is thrilled to announce two special guests for the 2024 edition: Taylor Henderson and Ethan Beckton.  

These talented artists will not only perform live at the final showcase, but also attend a workshop with performers prior to them taking the stage.

The pair will also judge the finals and share their insights and tips with the aspiring performers.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase is the only talent showcase of its kind in Queensland.  

“The national talent showcase is open to performers of all ages and talent genres, with over $5,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, including professional development and national performance opportunities,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“The Burdekin is delighted to welcome Taylor Henderson and Ethan Beckton to the showcase this year.

“They are both amazing examples of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication and I'm sure they will inspire and entertain our performers and audiences alike.  

“The NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase is a fantastic opportunity for our region and visitors to showcase its talent and creativity, and I encourage everyone to come along and support this event.”

Have you considered entering as an individual or group?

With the event taking place on Saturday March 16, there is still plenty of time to start preparing your piece.

Don't miss this chance to show your skills and passion.  

Fast Track 2024 is organised by the Burdekin Shire Youth Council and will take place on Saturday March 16, 2024.

Registrations open soon, for more information email burdekin@fasttracktalent.com.au.

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Ethan Beckton

Taylor Henderson

Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) has delivered the ‘Be Connected Program’ to Seniors over 50 for more than 14 years? Our Volunteer Tutors have provided hundreds of seniors with the essential digital skills to get online safely and with confidence.

With so many aspects of life now online, from healthcare and government services to finding a job and staying in touch with loved ones and the technology we use changing very quickly, it’s super important that you get online and increase your digital literacy and feel more connected.

Our tutors can help you to use a personal computer or your mobile phone, laptop or iPad. Perhaps you would like to do online banking, access information, videos or movies, set up an online account, use social media or email to feel more connected to your friends and the community reducing loneliness and isolation etc.

To learn more, make a booking or become a Tutor, please contact the Team at The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is looking for community members who would like to help us make a positive impact in the Burdekin community.

We need people with skills and experience to help us re-energise our Management Committee and achieve our goals. Don't worry if you don't know everything - we welcome people from all walks of life and value different perspectives, as this is what makes us more relevant to the wider community.

We want to collaborate with community members on projects that will bring people together and make our community stronger.  This could be mentoring, group facilitation, or working groups for community consultations.

Our Neighbourhood Centre is a place where people can connect and feel welcome, no matter who they are. We are community-led and managed by locals who care about their community and want to make a difference. And the most important part of the Centre? You guessed it - the people!

Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills and gain valuable experience. It can also help you meet new people, expand your professional networks, and show your commitment to personal growth and community involvement.  It doesn’t hurt that it looks great on a resume!

Maybe the Neighbourhood Centre might not be a right fit for you?  That’s okay. We can help link you with many other local organisations and community groups looking for volunteer members. The team at the Neighbourhood Centre are all about making the lives of the people of the Burdekin better every day.

So, if you're looking for a new adventure in 2024, why not talk to us at 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr? We'd love to hear from you!

The Team

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

With the 2024 local government elections being held on 16 March 2024, I would like to share some news with you. I have decided not to run for councillor again next term. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve our community for the past eight years, but I feel it is time for me to step aside and let someone else take on this role.

I know that some of you may be interested in running for councillor in the next election. If you are, I encourage you to come and have a chat with me. I would be happy to share my experience and advice with you and answer any questions you may have. Being a councillor is a rewarding but challenging job, and it requires passion and commitment.

I want to thank you all for your support and trust in me as your councillor over the past two terms. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I hope you are too. I took on this role in 2016 and really wanted our community not to be known as an “aging population” and be more known as a “family-oriented” community.  I think we have taken some massive steps in this direction and hope our next elected members move in the same direction moving forward.  I will always be available to help you with any issues or concerns.

I wish you all a happy new year. Stay safe and healthy and I hope you enjoyed the festive season with your loved ones.

Did you know you there are online resources and educational information on waste management?

Explore the Council's website to discover the advantages of recycling, gain insights on proper waste sorting, understand the recyclable and non-recyclable items, and locate the nearest landfill.

Download posters and flyers to promote recycling in your school or workplace or get the kids involved in good waste management practices these school holidays.

There is some great information about what you can and can’t put in your green waste bin with tutorials on creating your very own worm farm out of your green waste or turning it into fertilizer.

I encourage you to check Council’s website and refresh your knowledge on the proper waste management to ensure your bins stay clear of contamination.

Waste management is everyone’s responsibility. Let's all take a moment to refresh our memories on appropriate waste management practices. Council's website isn't just a resource hub; it's your ticket to staying informed and actively participating in the collective effort to reduce waste and safeguard our environment. Visit Burdekin.qld.gov.au.

Before I take you to the Ballad of The Burdekin Stream, a little history will suffice. North Queensland was first settled in 1861 and the township of Bowen was formed. Settlers spread out over the country and crossing the Burdekin River was an obstacle. Settlers bought their horses, sheep and cattle with them and this caused erosion to the banks of the rivers and creeks (this erosion is mentioned in The Burdekin Stream). In early February 1864, the Burdekin River experienced a great flood and movement of people, animals and supplies would have come almost to a halt. The Township of Wickham at the mouth of the Burdekin River was virtually washed away. One man drowned, Mr. Thomas, a passenger on the schooner “Three Friends”. Mr. Cook broke his leg. The “Three Friends went aground on shore, two cable lengths from high tide water mark. Tom McEwen was master of Three Friends. These incidents are referred to in the ballad.

Frederick Thomas Rayner became the owner, editor of the Port Denison Times from March 5, 1864 until he died on June 6, 1900. The Port Denison Times was North Queensland’s first paper. This ballad was first published in Port Denison Times 7 May 1864.

Old Sadducee was probably Phillip Somer. He was from Sydney. Phillip Somer had a partner Mathew (John) Hervey and they established Dotswood Station. Hervey Range is named for Mathew Hervey. Dotswood Station is now owned by the Defence.  Somer published ballads under the name Remos (Somer spelt backwards). He had a number of ballads published in the “Queenslanders’ New Colonial Camp Fire Song Book” in November 25, 1865, one ballad being the “The Kennedy Men” sung to the same air, Bonny Dundee, as The Burdekin Stream. Someone under the nom de plume of Old Cranky did not like the ballad and he had a verse in the Port Denison Times May 14, 1864.  In PDT of August 20, 1864, Old Sadducee replied on the same day Phillip Somer placed an advertisement in the paper asking for a person to establish a Public House, Store and Blacksmith at the Upper Burdekin Crossing. Phillip Somer died June 27, 1876. Phillip was married and had three children. Some descendants of Phillip Somer still live in the Burdekin Shire today.

Some people back in 1864 were taking note of animals causing erosion to the banks of rivers and streams. Of recent times we complain about the weather bureau not giving us enough warnings of Cyclones and floods. Just imagine how the people would be frightened of the unexpected cyclones and floods with no communication as to what was happening with the weather around them.

References to this article Port Denison Times March till August 1864, “A Thousand Miles Away a History of North Queensland to 1920” by G C Bolton 1972, George Loyau, “The man who wrote bush ballads” by Hugh Anderson together with The Queenslanders New Colonial Camp Fire Song Book and The Sydney Songster Red Rooster Press 1991 Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

THE BURDEKIN STREAM In the far famed valley you’ll find out my source, By Leichhardt’s bold mountain you’ll trace down my course Till, joining my brothers, there’s water ‘twould seem To furnish forth now a magnificent stream.   Chorus

Then up to the valley, to the ocean below, I’m the father of waters as all of ye know, Though my course at the city as nothing may seem, Ye have nae seen the height of the Burdekin Stream.

Of yore noble Wickham, afflicted with thirst, Came in from the ocean, of white men the first, That found my fresh water with fishes did teem, And blest his kind stars, and this life-giving stream. Chorus

Next Leichhardt the explorer came down on my tracks, Tom Burdekin furnished his saddles and packs, For as yet none had ventured so far with a team, Discovered, and called me the Burdekin Stream.   Chorus

But in after ages the white man came forth, And built him a town on my banks to the north, And tore up my waters with paddle and steam, And called it the “Pride of the Burdekin Stream.”     Chorus

And they brought up their property all uninsured, And they took up the country that I had secured, And they tore down my banks with their bullocks and team I’ll be down on them yet, said the Burdekin Stream.   Chorus

So, I called on my brothers one night, on the Clarke, The Bowen, The Suttor, Belyando, and hark To the men’s crying wail, and the women’s loud scream As they gaze on the power of the Burdekin Stream.    Chorus

And I tore down their city, and swept o’er their tent ,And over the tops of their houses, I went. And I stranded their schooner, and laid her abeam In the midst of their “Pride of the Burdekin Stream.”      Chorus

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The mighty Burdekin River in flood. Photo supplied

In the cane fields of the Burdekin, third generation sugarcane farmer Christian Lago has recently completed a Farm Emissions Report with Nutrien Ag Solutions, saying the insights have helped inform his priorities for future emission reduction activities.

“The report used our on-farm production data and scientifically verified, governmental and industry approved models to quantify emissions occurring at each step along the production system,” Mr Lago said.

“It showed that the majority of our emissions are attributed to the application of nitrogen fertilisers, and highlighted techniques for reducing these losses; as well as opportunities for increasing our atmospheric carbon sequestration.”

Nutrien Ag Solutions Sustainability Field Manager Charles Starkings said there’s an increased drive for transparency into the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of Australian industries and businesses due to the COP21 Paris Agreement and national emission reduction target of Net Zero by 2050.

“Market demand is further contributing towards this push for emissions transparency and reduction,

as the preferences of consumers and other key stakeholders shift towards produce and practices

that have a verifiably low GHG footprint,” Mr Starkings said.

“There are both short and long-term opportunities for Australian farmers who are positioned to deliver this product, and the first step in preparing for this is to understand the emissions associated with your farm business.

“A Farm Emissions Report enables farmers to visualise where emissions are occurring within their production system, and then make informed decisions on practice change to reduce future emissions.”

For Mr Lago, the experience of completing a Farm Emissions Report was educational and straightforward.

“We wanted to get an understanding of how our farming carbon footprint is calculated, and what the major contributors are in our system,” he said.

“Good records will definitely make the process easier – we reviewed our production data, energy and fuel use, fertiliser and chemical applications and protected vegetation information.

“It was a very informative process and demonstrated that while we’re on the right track, there are some areas where we can concentrate our efforts to achieve better environmental outcomes.”

The Nutrien Ag Solutions Sustainability Team can now assist in the completion of a Farm Emissions Report.

If you are interested in completing this first step, North East Sustainability Field Manager Charles Starkings at charles.starkings@nutrien.com.au or on 0438 400 988.

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The Australian agricultural industry today accounts for approximately 14% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Of that 14%, 77% is due to the emission of methane, 19% to the emission of nitrous oxide, and the remaining 4% to the emission of carbon dioxide.

Following inspections of farms in the Lower Herbert region, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) member Michael Penna and Senior Technical Officer Lawrence Di Bella viewed firsthand the impacts of the recent floods.

Visiting members’ farms on December 27, 2023, Mr Penna and Mr Di Bella discovered many blocks to be waterlogged with floodwater still present in some blocks.

On some farms, cane trash blankets had shifted due to the flooding occurring just after harvesting and, in some cases, had been deposited on young plant and ratoon crops.

The impacted cane blocks will experience some cane yield losses and stool death may occur where the trash has smothered cane.

During the inspection, some infrastructure damage was noticed on members’ farms with wash outs along drainage lines and some headlands.

Overall, the crop damage is not significant in the Lower Herbert when compared to previous floods.

The crops outside non impacted areas are growing well, and the rain was welcomed.

Additionally, it is hoped that rain and the recent flooding will impact on rat numbers throughout the district with growers noticing dead rats on farms and along roads when travelling throughout the district.

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Cane trash on top of young ratoons in the Lower Herbert area

A drainage line impacted in the Lower Herbert

Photos supplied