Excitement is building as expressions of interest (EOI) to showcase Queensland’s AgTech innovation ecosystem, alongside international agrifood tech and innovation event AgriFutures evokeAG 2025, open in less than a month.
AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 was officially launched last week on April 18, with entrepreneurs, key agricultural stakeholder groups and senior Queensland and Local Government figures coming together to back the event.
AgriFutures evokeAG., to be held in Brisbane on February 18-19 2025, brings together the agrifood tech and innovation community from Australia and across the world.
"Queensland not only has a global reputation for high-quality, sustainable, safe and trusted agricultural products, it is becoming recognised as a powerhouse for AgTech innovation," said Acting Deputy Director-General of Agriculture Elton Miller.
"A key action under the Queensland Government’s AgTech Roadmap is to showcase Queensland innovation at global agricultural innovation events and attract major conferences to Queensland.
"AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 will provide an international platform to demonstrate that Queensland is a prime destination for the development and export of world-leading AgTech.”
Over two days producers will share their experiences, entrepreneurs will showcase their technology and innovations, scientists will showcase their discoveries and global business leaders and industry experts will share their insights on the future.
The 2024 event held in Perth attracted more than 1,800 delegates from Australia and around the world, and organisers are confident evokeAG. 2025 will continue to grow year-on-year.
Julia Spicer, Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur, will host a webinar sharing details about the opportunities to showcase Queensland AgTech and innovation across the State and the EOI process on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 – visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/campaigns/agtech/news/evokeag-webinar for more information.
AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 is supported by the Queensland Government, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Platinum Partner Elders.

AgriFutures evokeAG 2025 will be hosted in Brisbane in February 2025. Photo supplied

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Introducing Kevin Swanson, who is the newly appointed Dealer Principal of Burdekin Motor Group, starting in his new position just eight weeks ago.

Kevin’s career spans nearly 38 years and he has recently moved to the area, drawn by the warmer climate of the Burdekin-Townsville region.

A country-boy at heart, Kevin was born and raised in a country town of just 3800 people.

He left when he was 22 and moved to the big smoke of Melbourne Victoria, where he started his career in the automotive business.

After spending such a long time in major city businesses, however, Kevin is now looking forward to a well-balanced work and family lifestyle in a regional town.

“Working and living in Burdekin-Ayr-Townsville region I couldn't think of a better place,” said Kevin.

“In the short period of time I’ve been here, the local community, the people and staff, everyone has been so welcoming, it’s been so positive thus far.”

Burdekin Motor Group is a strong local business, with top 10 new car brands and with exceptional employees, nearly 50 per cent of the staff have been here between 10-20 years.

In a short period of time, Kevin sees a need to build a larger second-hand vehicle market. He’s noticed that the current used vehicle choice is very low. If it’s not new “What is everyone going to buy/drive?” he asked.

“Most families I’m sure have to go to Townsville to buy a second-hand car - I see that as a missing jigsaw piece for the Burdekin region, and I am excited to grow and support a larger second-hand market for our current buyers and especially for the younger generation coming through.”

Burdekin Motor Group currently has five new car franchises, Mitsubishi, Kia, Isuzu, Nissan, and Suzuki plus the new Burdekin Used Car Centre.

They also have Multi New Car Brands and Used Car Specialist Service Technicians, Parts and Accessory Centre, plus Finance and Insurance Specialists.

Kevin always strives to look ahead and keep abreast of the modern trends, whilst delivering high quality cars and with exceptional customer service.

He looks forward to meeting more local people and being involved in the local community programs-sporting clubs in the region and encourages you to come and say g’day if you haven’t already.

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Kevin Swanson in the car dealership

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“The time for talking is over!

“Immediate, large-scale, effective action is what’s required if we’re to have any hope of halting the march of Red Imported Fire Ants,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens has said.
 
Mr Menkens, who has been touring the Burdekin cane-growing region this week with National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke, accused the state and federal governments of failing in their duty to protect Australians from the dangerous invasive species.
 
“Sugarcane growers have been sounding the alarm on this problem for almost 20 years. Our members in Rocky Point have been on the frontline of this war and they’ve seen firsthand the inadequate and ineffective attempts at containment and eradication to date.”
 
“It has impacted their lives and their livelihoods, but despite their persistent warnings, the state and federal governments have failed to commit the resources necessary to tackle this problem, and now it may be too late.”
  
Mr Menkens said other state and territory governments also shared responsibility for the failure to eradicate the pest. 
 
“This is a biosecurity problem with huge ramifications for the entire country, but until now, other state and territory governments have treated it as a Queensland problem.”
 
“We are seeing the consequences of that approach now, with fire ants already in New South Wales and on the doorstep of Victoria and South Australia. If they reach SA, how long will it be before they’re in West Australia and the Top End? 
 
“We know these pests can travel huge distances via waterways using a technique known as rafting. Now that they’re west of the Great Dividing Range, in the heart of the Murray Darling Basin, they could quickly spread throughout the whole of eastern Australia.”
 
Mr Menkens called on all state and territory governments to join with the federal government and commit whatever resources are necessary to finally win the battle against fire ants.
 
“We need a program that is properly resourced with hundreds, even thousands of boots on the ground every single day seeking out and destroying these nests.”
 
“We don’t need more reviews and broken funding promises. We need leadership, and real, large-scale containment and eradication action, and we need it immediately.
 
“Stop talking about it, just do it.”

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Did you know you can claim a tax deduction for putting up to $27,500 into your super? That means if you put say $10,000 into your super, you could get a tax refund of up to $4,700 depending on what you earn.

Tax deductible contributions into super are taxed at 15% on the way into the fund.  You then claim them as a tax deduction in your personal income tax return and if you’re earning between $45,000 and $120,000 than you get a personal tax refund of 34.5%.  

If you’re earning under $45,000 the refund is 21% and if earning over $120,000 it’s 39%. That’s pretty handy, it’s like the government giving you an immediate return of 6% to 24% on your money on top of any actual interest it earns. On top of that you’ve put it away where it should grow to fund a good retirement lifestyle, smart.

As always, the devil is in the detail so get some advice. The $27,500 is the current annual cap on tax deductible contributions but remember these include the compulsory super your boss pays in. From 1st July that annual cap goes to $30,000 for the new financial year.  

If you super balance is under $500,000, you may also have the option to make ‘catch up concessional contributions’. This allows you to make up for the last 5 years unused concessional contribution cap. I.e., if you’ve only had $10,000 go in per year the extra, unused $17,500 carries forward and you could make a huge contribution in one year.  

Your accountant can run a simple ATO report showing what you’ve got available in catch up contributions or you can get it from your MyGov if you have the ATO linked.  

As of 1st July 2024, any unused cap from the 2018 Financial Year drops off so you should at least consider catching that up before 30th June, or it’s gone. This is especially true for self-employed people who often neglect their super, which can come back to haunt them at retirement.

The key to making big financial decisions, just like making a big purchase, is doing your homework. You wouldn’t buy a boat or caravan without some research. How much is your boss paying in? What about Salary Sacrifice? What is your carried forward allowance? Are you confident your existing super fund is good value and is getting a good return?  

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp.com.au. There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.

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The Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition has made its exciting debut in the region, standing as an educational event where schools showcase their student’s skills in growing the best sugarcane.

Canegrowers Burdekin (CBL) launched the friendly competition in collaboration with Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS), Sugar Research Australia (SRA), and the Burdekin Shire Council’s Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival to highlight the agricultural talents of students and staff whilst creating a sense of community pride through collaboration.

Aiming to foster a hands-on learning experience, the competition hopes to promote environmental awareness and build a deeper understanding in young minds of the region’s celebrated farming process.14 Schools across the region have joined the competition to learn the intricacies of sugarcane cultivation, and sustainable farming practices and Manager for CBL, Greg Watson, believes this event will highlight the importance of the sugarcane industry within the local economy, and as a future career path for students.

“It’s a great opportunity to educate schools and their students on everything involved in growing sugarcane,” expressed Greg.

Each competing school will allow for a 1m x 1m plot for their crop, with BPS and SRA providing 3 – 4 sugar cane billets for the students to plant.

“Each school has a Grower Mentor attached so the students can call on a local grower to come and give them advice to help them tend to and to grow the best plot of sugar cane they possibly can,” explained Greg.

Ayr State School, Airville State School, Brandon State School, Burdekin Catholic High School, the Burdekin Christian College, the Burdekin School, Clare State School, East Ayr State School, Giru State School, Home Hill State School, Millaroo State School, Osborne State School, St Colman’s School, and St Francis Primary School have all rolled up their sleeves and entered the competition.

Planting of the sugar cane billets is already underway, and after 12 months, the cane will be harvested and milled at SRA via their small mill to measure the CCS (sugar content), weight, and overall size of the cane produced. Based on these parameters, a winner will be determined and awarded at 2025’s Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival.

The Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition stands as a newly associated award event of the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival and the winning school will receive a trophy presented at the festival’s Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships along with a $1,000 prize.

“We’ve been ready pleased with how the schools have gotten behind the Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition, and with how the Burdekin Shire Council has supported it as well, and the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is such a wonderful celebration of the sugarcane industry in the region, and this competition is just another way to bring more community support, education and awareness,” explained Greg.

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BPS staff Asha Gould and Rob Milla, Mick the Canecutter from Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, CBL Director Charlie Papale, Senator Susan MacDonald and CBL Chair Owen Menkens with a group of local school students. Photo supplied

Planting underway at St Colman's School with CBL Chair Owen Menkens and Mick The Canecutter from Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival. Photo supplied

Home Hill High School students planting billets under the watchful eye of CBL Director Glenn Betteridge. Photo supplied

Planting underway at St Colman's School with CBL Chair Owen Menkens. Photo supplied

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Thousands of people attended a variety of different Anzac Day events in the region last Thursday. School children learnt the power of history, Veterans remembered their own unique journeys and everyone in the community came together to say thank you to those who gave their lives to defend the freedoms we all enjoy today.

From Ayr to Home Hill, Brandon to Giru, communities came together to remember and pay their respects. Afterwards, games of Two-Up were held and festivity commenced.

The Anzac Day March at Home Hill. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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A woman died in a traffic crash at Inkerman on Tuesday this week at around 1.20pm.

Two cars collided on the Bruce Highway near Wallace Road, approximately 10km south of Home Hill.

The 70-year-old woman from Gumlu, driving the Hyundai I30, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The 61-year-old Ayr woman was injured and transported to Townsville University Hospital by QGAir.

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As many of you know, Sam is on holiday for a couple of weeks so in his absence you will see some of our other team members out and about in the region.

Many of you will be familiar with our Sales Team, Jake Greenfield and Ruby Gorlick, and many of you will have seen our 6-foot red-headed cadet journalist Daniel Heggie taking photos at the Anzac Day events last week.

Daniel is our newest recruit and he brings to the table an impressive background of knowledge and experience, with not only a degree in Journalism, but a Sub-Major in Film, as well as a passion for writing.

Although he was originally born in England, Daniel moved to Australia with his family when he was seven years old, calling Adelaide home since 2007.

Daniel attended Urrbrae Agricultural High School in South Australia, focusing on Agriculture and Science and considered a future career route in the subject as it sparked his interest.

While he was interested in science, however, he later discovered that it wasn’t for him, and soon found his next calling in grade 11 when he began to enjoy English, specifically writing.

Bringing this passion to fruition, Daniel studied Journalism along with Film and graduated university in 2022. He then spent the year of 2023 travelling across Europe as well as the East Coast of Australia.

At the beginning of 2024, he decided it was time to settle into a job and has now been fortunate enough to secure a position here at Core Publishing.

In his spare time, Daniel enjoys mingling with friends, going to the gym, adventuring on a walk and vegging out with a movie or a good book.

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A local family is feeling the love this week, with their local school gathering together to support young Lily Arroita who is living with Turner Syndrome.

This is a rare condition that only affects females and is caused when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing.

Lily was diagnosed in November 2022, which Lily’s mother said was quite late.

“Lily was considered quite old to be diagnosed,” she said.

“Usually, it can be picked up at birth, but as girls get to puberty age, it will often be picked up and that was the case with us.”

Burdekin Christian College (BCC) decided to show their love for Lily by holding a fundraiser ‘Purple Day’, selling butterfly broaches and raising awareness.

Together they managed to raise $300 for Turner Syndrome.

Principal of BCC, Debra Creed enthusiastically shared why this was an important cause to donate to.

“It was important to us that students, parents and our staff understand a parent’s perspective and also the challenges that students with Turner Syndrome face on a daily basis,” she said.

On behalf of the College, Lily presented the cheque to the representatives of the Turner Syndrome Association.

Debra urges all to continue donating as every cent helps support people with Turner Syndrome.

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Lily presenting a cheque to a Turner Syndrome Association representative. Photo supplied

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Local businessowners were once again offered the invaluable opportunity to network with fellow peers and professionals as Burdekin Shire Council’s hosted its Industry Breakfast on Wednesday, May 1, a key event to launch Queensland Small Business Month (QSBM).
Serving as a platform for skill development and gaining insights into the support structures that bolster Burdekin’s business and agricultural communities, the Industry Breakfast featured guest speakers Dominique Lamb, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, and David Jochinke, President of the National Farmers’ Federation.
Dominique Lamb, known for her unwavering support and advocacy for small businesses, discussed the vital role of small enterprises in Queensland’s economy and how QSBM aims to support and celebrate their year-round contributions.
Her insights focussed on the practical support available to help local businesses flourish and the importance of community backing for the retail, trade, logistics, health sectors, among others.
David Jochinke then provided an overview of the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF) work, emphasising the support provided to growers in the Burdekin region.
His address highlighted the NFF’s role as a leading advocacy organisation in Australia’s agricultural landscape.
Following the guest speakers, the Burdekin Chamber provided an update on their activities.
The event was proudly supported by Burdekin Shire Council, Burdekin Chamber and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce.

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Mayor Pierina Dalle Corte speaking at the Industry Breakfast. Photo credit: Jake Greenfield

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Burdekin Shire Council last week announced a new initiative in a bid to manage the flying fox population in Memorial Park, Home Hill ahead of the Anzac Day commemorations.  
On Wednesday April 24, from 5:30am to 7:00am, Council trialled a non-invasive dispersal method that has shown to be effective in other communities.  
The approach involves the use of a small, portable smoke machine that emits a safe, non-toxic, non-irritant and water-based smoke, ensuring no harm to people, pets, or wildlife.  
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said this trial represents a step forward in Council’s long-term management plan for flying foxes.
“Council would like to thank the 68 participants who contributed to the online survey which provided valuable data,” Ms Dalle Cort said.
“The consultants are now incorporating the results into the Flying Fox Management Plan and a draft of the plan will be available soon for community consultation.”

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On-site activities have ramped up on Burdekin Falls Dam as the Queensland Government works to raise the dam by two metres and improve its resilience against extreme weather.
22 jobs will be supported by these on-site activities over the coming months, with the majority from North Queensland, while the project will create more than 350 jobs during construction.
Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said Queensland’s largest dam is about to get even bigger.
“With the project set to create 350 jobs during construction, there will be considerable flow-on benefits for North Queensland,” he said.
“I also look forward to seeing more Townsville and North Queensland suppliers getting involved.
“The 2-metre raise makes sense – both economically and environmentally.”
Drilling and trenching will examine the dam’s foundations, main structure and saddle dams.
The project team will also assess clay and sand from the area.
These on-site activities will help the project team better understand labour, equipment and material requirements to inform construction.
Local suppliers from Townsville and Ayr have been contracted to provide accommodation, office and laboratory testing facilities as well plant hire and plumbing services.
Topographic surveys are also progressing to inform the design process while Sunwater is conducting stakeholder engagement with landholders and Traditional Owners.
Cultural heritage field officers representing the Birriah People are supporting these works.
“The investigations and preparatory works we have commenced are essential to provide us with the information we need to make important project decisions,” said Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton.
“Sunwater continues to engage directly with the community, landholders and Traditional Owners to ensure local interests and expectations are considered and managed during project activities.”
The Burdekin Falls Dam 2-metre raise will increase medium priority water allocations by approximately 150,000 megalitres per year, boosting capacity at the dam from 1.8 million megalitres to more than 2.4 million.
The proposed works on the dam will include raising the spillway and abutments using concrete buttressing, raising and widening the saddle dams, and constructing a new saddle dam on the right bank.
Businesses can register their interest to supply goods and services on the project’s dedicated web registry.  
Sunwater will soon appoint a consultant to undertake a series of investigations into the road network leading to the dam.

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The Burdekin Falls Dam 2-metre raise will increase medium priority water allocations by approximately 150,000 megalitres per year. Photo supplied

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