The conclusion of the $25 million capital replacement program of Kalamia Mill is nearing, with the last evaporator being installed at the mill ahead of the 2024 production season.

The Kalamia Mill, owned and operated by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, is in its final stage of a three-year program to replace the evaporators; the first evaporator was installed in 2022, and the following two installed in 2023.

Utilised at an important early step in the sugar manufacturing process, the evaporators dispel water from the sugar cane juice, which is concentrated in a syrup, before the sugar crystals are formed.

Senior Project Engineer Chris Lammas said the four new vessels replaced older ones that had reached end of life.

“This work represents an almost total renewal of the evaporator station at Wilmar’s Kalamia Mill, which should deliver improvements to rate and reliability,” Mr Lammas said.

“I’ve lived and breathed this project for four years.

“It’s the biggest and most expensive capital program I’ve worked on.

“It’s involved a lot of people with a multitude of skills from across the business, as well as external contractors.”

All four vessels were engineered, fabricated, and installed in-house, with major components fabricated at Wilmar's Burdekin Centralised Workshop, located at Brandon’s Pioneer Mill, before being transported 16km to Kalamia Mill.

Manager Projects David Innes said the capital replacement program had provided an opportunity to standardise and improve Kalamia Mill’s evaporator station.

“The existing evaporators were of different sizes and capacities. The new ones are all seven metres in diameter and have a heating capacity of 3200sqm. This creates greater efficiencies in design and construction,” he said.

“Approximately 100 tonnes of steel went into the fabrication of this evaporator and a further 33 tonnes of stainless steel tubing is installed on-site,” Mr Innes said.

The fabrication and transport of the last vessel took more than 10,000 labour-hours.

The new evaporators are part of a much larger program to replace end-of-life vessels across Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ eight mills.

More than $200 million is being invested in capital and maintenance work across Wilmar’s sugar factories and cane rail assets this year.

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Senior Project Engineer Chris Lammas has worked on the evaporator replacement program for four years

The bottom cone of the new evaporator is moved through Ayr on its way to Kalamia Mill

The bottom cone of the vessel is set down at Kalamia Mill

Photos supplied

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Are you a local wanting to give back and assist in the medical needs and decisions of the Burdekin region?

Then the Burdekin Community Advisory Network (CAN), hosted by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service is the group for you.

Specifically designed for community members of provide assistance, advocacy and ensure that health services at met, CAN allows the Townsville Hospital and Health Service know the preferences and needs of the region.

Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said community members should consider getting involved to have their say on important health matters.

“We are looking for energetic and interested people to be the voice for their community and help us ensure we provide the health care the community wants and needs,” Mr Keyes said.

“If you are a resident of the Burdekin and want to make a difference to healthcare in your community, then we are looking for you.”

Completely voluntary, representatives will be a part of the Network for at least two years.

Expressions of interest close on February 14 and applications can be submitted here: https://forms.office.com/r/1wPp3PdUhU

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A long-term flying fox roost management plan will be developed for the region after a grant of $37,100 was secured by Burdekin Shire Council from the Queensland Government.

The plan will help Council and the community to manage the impacts of flying foxes on public health, community safety and amenity, while also protecting the important ecological role of these native animals.

Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan welcomed the funding and said it would enable Council to engage an experienced consultant to develop the plan with input from various stakeholders.

"Council is grateful for this grant, which will allow us to address one of the most challenging environmental issues in our region,” Mr Brennan said.

“Flying foxes can cause problems for residents and businesses when they roost in urban areas so we need a balanced and sustainable approach to manage their presence and minimise their impacts.”

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science Leanne Linard said the Miles Government is committed to supporting local councils to manage the effects of flying foxes on their communities.

“We know that flying foxes can present challenges when they co-exist with residents, but these protected native animals also have a vital ecological role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants, as well as keeping our native forests healthy,” Ms Linard said.

“The successful projects in this latest round of grant funding will help to reduce the impacts of urban flying-fox roosts and support local communities to co-exist with flying foxes.”

Mr Brennan said the plan would include a comprehensive analysis of the local context, the available management options, the hierarchy of controls, the decision support framework and the management strategies for different scenarios.

"The plan will provide us with a clear and consistent framework to guide our actions and decisions regarding flying-fox roost management,” he said.

“It will also help us to comply with the relevant legislation and policies, and to align our efforts with the best practices in the field.”

Mr Brennan invited the community to participate in the development of the plan by providing feedback and suggestions through an online survey and a community information workshop.

The online survey will be available on Council's website mid-February and the community information workshop will be held at Burdekin Memorial Hall on February 21 at 6pm.

“Council want to hear from our community members about their views and experiences with flying foxes, and their expectations and preferences for roost management,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to have a say and contribute to a long-term solution that works for our region.”

Mr Brennan thanked the Queensland Government for its support and said Council looked forward to working with the consultant, the stakeholders and the community to develop and deliver the long-term flying-fox roost management plan.

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Flying foxes began roosting in Home Hill towards the end of 2023. Photo supplied

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As power was restored to the final home in the cyclone-hit zone six days on from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossing, Ergon Energy once again shared their appreciation of the community’s support throughout the process.

Posting on social media, Ergon Energy Network said it has been an incredibly tough time for tens of thousands of people, and their teams have been genuinely moved by the kindness of the community.

“Thank you for the cold drinks, the ice blocks, the much-needed coffees and delish baked goods, the offers of pools to cool off in, and the invitations for BBQs and frosty beverages,” the post read.

“Thank you for the friendly waves, the words of encouragement when we had very little left in the tank, and to the people who took the time to say ‘g’day’.

“Thank you for looking out for each other: the very genuine care for your neighbours and for vulnerable members of our community. That Qld spirit shone bright and strong.

“We're so proud of our crews who put in long, long hours in frankly brutal conditions. Mother Nature really turned on a ‘welcome to North Qld!’ summer special for our teams from across the state, and even our long-time locals were feeling the strain.”

Ex-TC Kirrily crossed the north Queensland coast two weeks ago on Thursday, January 25, causing power outages for over 66,000 customers across the cyclone-hit zone including over 9,000 here in the Burdekin.

“I’m really happy with the response of the Burdekin residents and how accommodating they’ve been; people just couldn’t do enough for us,” Ergon Energy Area Manager Matt Oar said.

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Rebecca Grogan from Burdekin Community Association’s Second Bite program with Home Hill’s Leesa Nelson. Photo supplied: Ergon Energy Network

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The Home Hill Comfort Stop is set to receive a makeover as part of Burdekin Shire Council's commitment to enhancing the amenity and attractiveness of the popular rest area.

A total of $105,000 has been allocated to refresh the paved areas and replace the ageing picnic furniture and mosaic at the site.

Council's Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said that the Home Hill Comfort Stop is a valuable asset for the community and visitors and is so popular with visitors to the shire that regular refurbishments are required to keep the facility as a sought-after tourist stop.

“The refurbishment will see the installation of new concrete pavers, grinding and texture coating of the existing concrete and an update of the picnic tables and seating,” Mr Brennan said.

“The upgrade will also create a new water feature to replace the existing mosaic.”

Mr Brennan said the works have commenced and are scheduled to be completed by March.

"The Home Hill Comfort Stop is a well-known and well-used facility that provides a welcome break for locals and travellers,” he said.

“It showcases the history and culture of our region and offers a range of services and amenities.

“We want to ensure that it continues to be a comfortable place for everyone to enjoy.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of the public while we carry out these works.

“Council officers will do their utmost to minimise any disruptions and keep the facility open as much as safely possible during this time."

For more information visit Burdekin.qld.gov.au or phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800.

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Upgrades to the Home Hill Comfort Stop are scheduled to be completed by March

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Burdekin Shire Council has conducted an aerial survey of feral deerpopulations from February 6-7 as part of its Feral Deer ControlProgram.

Carried out bythe Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the survey established abaseline population of feral deer in the region, covering the areasof Woodstock, Giru and Rita Island.

The informationgathered will then assist to inform Council's management strategiesand actions.

Burdekin ShireCouncil’s Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said the survey wasan important step in addressing the environmental and economicimpacts of feral deer.

“Feral deer area serious pest that damage crops, degrade habitats and pose a risk toroad safety,” Mr Brennan said.

“Council iscommitted to reducing the numbers of feral deer and protecting thenatural resources and agricultural industries.

“The aerialsurvey will provide accurate and reliable data on the distributionand abundance of feral deer, which will help to plan and implementeffective control measures.”

You can reportferal deer sightings using Feralscan app or contact Council's PestManagement Officer on 07 4783 9800.

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 King Charles has sent a message to the people of Queensland, sharing his and his wife Queen Camilla’s concern and admiration following recent weather events.

As well as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossing over north Queensland, including the Burdekin, people across Queensland have faced Tropical Cyclone Jasper, southeast Queensland storms on Christmas night and Boxing Day and further rain in the state’s south.

Governor-General David Hurley shared the message from the King on Monday as he and his wife Linda Hurley visited Tamborine Mountain, the Gold Coast, Samford, Murrumba, and Caboolture earlier in the week.

“My wife and I have been deeply concerned by the devastating impacts of recent weather events across Queensland,” the King shared in his message.

“The destructive fires of late last year, and the more recent tropical cyclones which have brought torrential rain and widespread flooding have, I know, brought unbearable pressures on the lives of those in many communities.

“We are full of admiration for those brave rescue crews and all the others who help protect life and defend property in difficult and often very dangerous circumstances.  

“That spirit of mateship and helping those in need reflects the very best of Australian characteristics and makes us so proud of the resilience and determination of the Australian people.

“Our constant thoughts and sympathy are with all Queenslanders who are being continually impacted by these events.”

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The Burdekin Industry Breakfast is back for 2024 and starting with a bang, welcoming two guest speakers to illuminate the morning event.

The first speaker will be Rhian Aguirre, the Senior Manager of Operations and Maintenance of Ark Energy Corporation.

Established in 2021, Ark Energy has become a leader in Australian renewable energy company specialising in wind, solar, and hydrogen, and is dedicated to the decarbonisation of the energy supply of their parent company, Korea Zinc Co.

Rhian will discuss Ark Energy’s goals, completed projects and future plans for the company.

The second speaker will be Ranee Crosby, CEO of Port of Townsville.

The Port of Townsville is Northern Australia’s largest container and vehicle port, and the country’s leader is export of copper, zinc, lead, sugar, fertiliser, and molasses.

Ranee will provide an overview of the Port, of current and future projects, and of how the Port influences and supports the Burdekin region.

The Burdekin Industry Breakfast is a highly-popular event, with tickets expected to sell out.

Get your ticket today!

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WHAT: Burdekin Industry Breakfast
WHERE: Burdekin Theatre
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21, from 7am to 8.30am

TICKETS: $15 each and include breakfast
REGISTER: https://www.trybooking.com/CPAPS

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Attendees of the last Industry Breakfast for 2023. Photo supplied

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This past week was spent down in Canberra, holding the Albanese Labor Government to account, fighting for the issues that matter to our communities, and ensuring your voice was heard loud and clear in our nation’s capital.

Beginning this week was a solemn ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, paying my respects to the heroic servicemen and women who have laid down their lives for our nation. The Australian War Memorial is a constant reverent reminder of the importance of the decisions we make in Parliament every day.

Sadly, as we work through this sitting week, I have been utterly disappointed to see the web of lies the Albanese Labor Government are spinning, such as with their Stage Three Tax Cuts backflip. They have proven time and time again their focus is not on everyday Aussies, with no plan to ease the cost-of-living crisis, with more red tape bearing over our farmers’ and fishers’ futures, and with skyrocketing energy prices from Labor’s reckless race to renewables.

Only from pressure by the Coalition, we welcome the announcement of an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) supermarket inquiry into price gouging. I am looking to seeing some fairness for farmers and cattle producers, and most importantly for you at the checkout.

With the recent weather events, I also want to make sure all impacted locals know of the help currently available. The Federal and State Governments have announced three separate grants for Burdekin Shire Council and Townsville City Council residents: the Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants, the Essential Services Hardship Assistance Scheme, and the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grants. Please search www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.disasterassist.gov.au for more information and how to apply.

Thanks for reading folks, and please contact me at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au or phone my office on 4944 0662 if there is anything I can do to best work for you.

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Andrew Willcox

Member for Dawson

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National television audiences were given insight into the charm of the Burdekin last week as ABC aired an episode of ‘Back Roads’ that was filmed across the region in 2023.

The host of the Australian observational documentary series, Heather Ewart, travelled to Home Hill in May last year to film an episode centred around the sugar cane industry and the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival.

“Sugar cane is king in this part of the world,” Heather said.

“It’s the reason the town of Home Hill exists, a community that grew up around a sugar cane mill.”

The episode opened with primary school teacher Nikki Vass giving Heather a tour through the town.

“It’s certainly changed a lot since when I was a young child,” Nikki said.

“All of these shops used to be full, with things like furniture stores, hardware shops and my favourite, the material shop.”

Heather then witnessed authentic Burdekin experiences in a cane fire and a cane cutting competition at the festival.

Delving into the region’s cane cutting history and Italian heritage, she then interviewed Alfie Musumeci on his family’s ties to the region before joining Desley Musumeci and her monthly cooking group, Pandemonium.

“Some of them are recipes that our grandmothers had and if they’re not passed on to the future generation, those recipes are going to die with them, so we have to pass our knowledge onto younger people to learn how to do it,” said Pandemonium group member Teresa Scuderi.

Then diving further back into the Burdekin’s past, Heather met Jim Gaston, a Birri Gubba man and Gudjuda Ranger who shared the work of the Gudjuda Reference Group, including cultural tours and “turtle rodeo”, the capturing and tagging of sea turtles off the coast of Bowen.

“When I first went to school, it was always Captain Cook, and when I went to high school, they were teaching us French, and I said, ‘Why can’t we be taught our language?’ and I got the cane for that,” Jim said.

“That made me worse in wanting to get up there and promote our culture and who we are.”

Trekking north to Ayr, the host sat down with Les Henaway and his wife Denese, where Les shared the history of his grandfather who was a victim of ‘Black Birding’, a practice that brought South Sea Islanders to work in the cane fields through coercion and force.

Ms Ewart then returned to the Vass family, where Chris shared his poem ‘Family’ and Gloria prepared the family’s weekly feast.

“I just really believe that this is something we have to do to keep the contact and also make them realise, especially the little one’s coming through, how important it is to have family connections,” Gloria said.

Joining the Vass family for lunch, Heather concluded that Home Hill is about more than sugar cane.

“No matter what their cultures or where people have come from, they’ve laid down firm roots here, and what’s at the heart of it for all of them is family,” she said.

The episode of ‘Back Roads’, titled ‘Home Hill’, is available to stream at iview.abc.net.au.

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Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation Senior Ranger Jim Gaston and Back Roads Host Heather Ewart. Photo supplied: ABCTv

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Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $195

DOB: 1/5/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: yes

Other Cats: Yes, but prefers independence

Indoors/outdoors: Indoors

This beautiful lady is a cuddle machine, simple-natured and sure to be adored by her human.

Tootsi loves being a little shadow, following her human around. She is quick to play and loves her toys.

While she is happy to share her space, she also loves being an independent feline, and having full reign of the household.

Tootsi is desexed, microchipped, up to date on her vaccinations, and has been flea, tick, and worm treated. She is available now for a meet and greet. Submit an animal enquiry form to register your interest: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

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Three individuals have been arrested in relation to a series of break and enters in the Burdekin last week.

Police allege on January 25, six businesses were targeted in a series of break and enters offences including an electrical store on Queen Street, a bottle shop in Drysdale Street, a service station on Eighth Ave, a steel fabrication company on Breen Street, a tyre shop on Bruce Highway, and a convenience store on Chippendale Street.

Later that day, an 18-year-old man attended the Ayr Police Station, and was charged with multiple offences, including 13 counts of enter premises and commit indictable offences, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and arson of a motor vehicle, and one count of enter dwelling.

On January 26, police located and arrested a 15-year-old male in Home Hill, and charged with 16 offences, including 10 counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one count of arson and enter dwelling.

On January 30, a 14-year-old male was charged with nine offences including six counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, two counts of unlawful use of a motor chicle and one count of arson of motor vehicle, that occurred around January 25.

The 14-year-old will be dealt with under the provision of the Youth Justice Act.

Investigations are ongoing.

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More than 50 business owners and residents gathered outside the Ayr Police Station last week to rally against spiralling youth crime, which many believe is due to insufficient police presence in the region.

A petition has now been launched and Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP will soon be taking to the floor of parliament to raise awareness for the community’s frustration about the surging crime rates.

Mr Last said the sheer number of frustrated community members at the event demonstrated the community was not prepared to stand by while their homes and businesses were being ransacked by young thugs.

“This community has taken a stand and said enough is enough and I plan on making sure the state government hears the Burdekin’s frustrations loud and clear on the floor of parliament,” Mr Last said.

“Just because this community has a smaller population than a bigger south-east city does not mean they should be left without the necessary police resources needed to combat the spike in crime and this petition will be another call for more to be done.”

Mr Last is concerned community safety was being left in the hands of residents and wants the minister to “explain to the residents and business owners in the Burdekin why they should be left conducting patrols after hours just to ensure their cars are still in the driveway the next morning and their businesses haven’t been smashed.”

“The reality is that there were 322 less police officers in Queensland between July 2022 and December last year and that is not good enough,” he said.

The petition, launching this week, appeals for more plain clothes officers and government funded security patrols in the Burdekin and will be available both online and in paper to sign.

“At a time when everyone is feeling the impacts of cost of living, victims of crime are being left out of pocket for repairs and any avenue to deter young offenders from returning again,” Mr Last said.

“I certainly won’t stand by and let those in the south east turn a blind eye because these offences aren’t occurring in inner city Brisbane.”

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Many people today own a caravan and travel around the countryside. Just imagine the trials and tribulations of caravanning on Queensland Roads in 1928 and 1929. Thomas John McMahon, a journalist and photographer was working for the Queenslander newspaper in 1928 -1929.  He travelled in a caravan named Queenslander which was on a truck from Brisbane to North Queensland. The journey began on May 2, 1928 in Brisbane, travelling through Ipswich, Esk, Nanango, through to Maryborough and up the coast through Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Home Hill, and Ayr. He arrived in the Burdekin in December 1928. Thomas had with him his wife and an occasional man who was his mechanic and helper. They camped in tents. The caravan was his office and his darkroom where he developed his photos, as well as carrying his goods and chattels which he needed.

According to Thomas, Home Hill was not yet on a government map even though it had been existence for over fifteen years. Travelling by train was easy from Bowen to Townsville but getting to Home Hill from Bowen by road was another matter. It took seven and a half hours to travel over the 70 miles between Bowen and Home Hill. The road was very difficult to negotiate as were the gullies, sandy bottom creeks and two rivers with their steep slanted banks. The black soil was greasy because of the wet. It was with great difficulty that the caravan navigated the road. Home Hill became a welcoming town to him as the petrol tank of the truck needed repairing which was carried out by Jack Reid, the plumber.

The land in the town section had increased from £50 to £100 from 1913 to over a £1,000.00 in 1929. Farm land had risen in value. The towns of Ayr and Home Hill are blessed with underground water. From their camp in Home Hill, the reporter and his wife sighted twenty-six windmills. The government provided an Irrigation Scheme for the sugar-cane farms of the district. Thomas interviewed Mr Harry Ramsden, late of Charters Towers. Mr Harry Ramsden was known as “The Cyanide King” because of his working with gold in Charters Towers. He took photos of the new swimming pool at Home Hill Rural School, the Power Irrigation House, and irrigating the sugar-cane. He and his wife were impressed with the ladies of the local CWA.  

A week later, after the petrol tank had been repaired, his vehicle was ready to tackle the crossing of the Burdekin River to Ayr. The traffic bridge was not built at this stage. The Burdekin River rose so quickly the reporter had to cross the river by train with his caravan. Even this was hazardous as the water was still rising whilst the train crossed the Burdekin Railway Bridge.

Thomas McMahon detrained his caravan at Ayr.  The sugar cane crushing season was nearing completion. He took photos of our worthy councillors, The Ayr Shire Chambers, Queensland National Bank, the War Memorial and a few more of the main street of Ayr and The Sacred Heart Church.  He and his wife then left for Giru and  Townsville where they spent Christmas. After Townsville, the Queenslander proceeded to Charters Towers in February 1929. The journey from Townsville to Ravenswood Junction (now Mingela, also known as Cunningham’s Waterholes) took nine hours to negotiate the terrain. Caravanning today is not quite so bad.

Reference is from TROVE  Queenslander papers December 1928 through to February 1929.

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Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

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homas McMahon’s photo of the Home Hill Power House in 1928

Queen Street, Ayr in 1928, as captured by Thomas McMahon

Photos supplied

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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) plays a significant role in Burdekin Community Recovery?

In my role as BCA’s CEO, I’m the Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Welfare Coordinator and member of the Townsville District Human and Social Recovery and Resilience Committee.

The team and I help to provide Human and Social community recovery planning and operations.  We work with council, state government agencies, other service providers and community groups to provide recovery assistance to affected members of the community during and post a disaster event.  This may include emotional, social and physical well-being services.  

Both the BCA Support Centre (130 Queen St, Ayr) and Burdekin Centre for Rural Health (12a Chippendale St, Ayr) are designated Burdekin Community Recovery Hubs, by local and state government. Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support.

I’m pleased to say that we were able to assist the community by making the BCA Support Centre available for the Burdekin Shire Community Recovery pop-up hub this week.

People suffering hardship or requiring emotional support as a result of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, were able to visit the Support Centre. They were assisted by State Government Community Recovery workers, Red Cross personnel and BCA staff. The ways in which they were supported included emotional support, food relief, referrals to other services and government financial assistance to help them recover from the effects of the cyclone.

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Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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BCA staff Rebecca Grogan, Aimee Cursio, Jennine Brown and Melissa Swindley welcomed State Government Community Recovery worker Tammie Harrison (second from left) last week

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