Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is concerned that the government-backed renewables plan that is being rolled-out across Australia will have damaging consequences in Dawson, continuing to drive up the cost-of-living for the community.

Mr Willcox stated that Energy Minister Chris Bowen has implemented a panicked market intervention to achieve 82 per cent renewables by 2030 target by expanding the Capacity Investment Scheme. He believes this will come at great cost to taxpayers in Dawson, destroying agricultural land, driving up food prices and tearing down our food security.

“Labor has to rip up farming land to achieve their irresponsible target but when supply goes down, prices go up. Hurting our food production capability by removing agricultural land means families in Dawson will pay even more for their food,” Mr Willcox said.

“Labor must tell taxpayers, communities and struggling families in Dawson, how many hectares of productive agricultural land and native vegetation, the very thing renewables were apparently meant to protect, will be impacted by its reckless race?

“Questions have to be asked, where is the Greens on protecting the environment on this and the Australian Conservation Foundation, who have been intimidating farmers that legally manage vegetation on their farms?” Mr Willcox stated.

“I fear federal Labor and the now all Labor states will abandon proper environmental approvals because Chris Bowen doesn’t want to miss their target.

“Labor must guarantee tough approvals processes and that there won’t be shortcuts for these projects.

“On top of wind turbines and solar panels, 28,000 kilometres of transmission lines at a minimum cost of $80 billion will also tear through regional communities.

“The Nationals believe this demonstrates why we should also have the conversation about nuclear and let the market decide about energy options, rather than taxpayers having to do all the heavy lifting.

“Labor has the wrong priorities for our nation. If you overburden farmers and reduce productive farmland, then you directly increase the price of fresh food at the checkout for families in Dawson,” he said.

Since Labor has been in office, food has increased by 8.2 per cent, gas by 28 per cent and electricity by 18 per cent.

Opinion piece.

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An emergency kit is necessary during disaster season and it is vital that we all get prepared.

Fires, flooding or cyclones could force you out of your home, or keep you stuck there for an extended period of time.

Your kit should include these basics, but you can think about what items your family might use if you had to stay at home for up to three days.

• Food items include bottled water and non-perishable canned food (And don’t forget a can opener!)

• Non-powered items such as a torch, portable phone charger and cable and portable radio are important if there is a power outage, as well as spare batteries.

A portable radio is vital to listen in to emergency broadcasting.

• Important documents could include emergency contact numbers, passports and insurance documents.

• A first aid kit and medications are vital in an emergency, you can also pack hygiene supplies such as a toothbrush, soap and toilet paper.

• If you have a pet, don’t forget! They need their own supplies too, such as food and water, bowls, a leash and a lightweight crate for transportation.

• Disasters can be scary, but they can sometimes be boring too. Pack a few entertaining items such as a good book, playing cards or board games.

Water supplies could stop working. You can’t get to the shops or maybe you can, but the shelves are bare when you get there. Avoid being ill-prepared by stocking up on essentials before a disaster strikes.

You can also include more items, particularly if you live in a remote area. Think about your situation and pack a kit that is right for you.

Keep your kit in a strong waterproof storage container and store it in a safe place in your home that you can get to easily in the event of an emergency.

You can find more information about household emergency kits at getready.qld.gov.au/check-out-what-you-need

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Discover why it is vital to pay attention to external home maintenance in the lead-up to storm season with this helpful checklist.

To start with, check on the status of your insurance policy, whether it is up-to-date and what it covers. If your policy doesn’t adequately cover your home, contents and car, you could be liable to pay out-of-pocket for damages.

On top of that, if your gutters and downpipes haven’t been regularly maintained, you could be unknowingly voiding your home insurance.

A good clean out of your gutters and downpipes is pretty much a non-negotiable part of storm preparation. If your gutters are full of debris, water can’t drain away from your residence.

This can cause a host of problems, such as water flowing into wall cavities and roofs, leading to serious complications like electrical short circuits and power outages.

If you have storm water sumps or drains around your home, it is critical to make sure these are cleaned out to ensure that they can drain water effectively.

Trim tree branches and remove any weak or dead branches from trees around your property, as they can fall onto your home or become airborne during strong winds.

It is important to check the condition of your roof. Look out for loose tiles, eaves or screws that need repairing.

Once these problems are resolved, there will be a limit on the amount of damages that can potentially occur during rough winds or intense storms.

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In the face of Australia's unpredictable weather patterns and the ever-present threat of natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, storms, cyclones, extreme heat, and severe weather, staying informed is crucial. Recognizing the need for a unified and streamlined approach to emergency information, the Australian Government has introduced the Australian Warning System (AWS), aimed at providing consistent and clear alerts during potential or active emergency situations.

The AWS marks a significant shift in the way emergency incidents are communicated, ensuring that Australians have access to standardized information and warnings across all natural disasters. This initiative is particularly valuable, as it empowers individuals and communities to understand and respond to hazards effectively.

One of the key advantages of the AWS is the introduction of three standardized warning levels, each accompanied by distinct colors and icons to convey the urgency of the situation. The first level is "Advice" (yellow), indicating that an incident has commenced, but there is no immediate danger. Individuals are advised to stay informed, as the situation may evolve. The second level is "Watch and Act" (orange), signifying a heightened level of threat where conditions are changing, prompting the need for proactive measures. The third and most critical level is "Emergency Warning" (red), alerting that immediate action is required as there is a significant risk to life. Any delay at this stage could prove fatal.

Understanding the symbols and colors associated with each warning level is crucial for swift and accurate response during an emergency. Icons accompanying each warning provide a quick visual reference for the type of hazard involved, while the color and level convey the severity of the situation. This standardized approach ensures that individuals can easily interpret the urgency of a warning, regardless of the specific nature of the hazard.

For comprehensive information and resources related to the Australian Warning System, individuals are encouraged to visit www.qfes.qld.gov.au/aws. This online platform serves as a valuable resource, offering insights into the AWS, detailing the meaning of each warning level, and providing guidance on the appropriate actions to take in response to each alert.

The AWS not only enhances public awareness but also plays a crucial role in promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience. By ensuring that Australians are well-versed in the AWS and its warning levels, the government aims to minimize the impact of emergencies and facilitate swift and effective responses from individuals and communities alike.

The Australian Warning System emerges as a vital tool for keeping citizens informed and safe. With its standardized approach and user-friendly design, the AWS empowers individuals to navigate emergency situations with confidence, knowing what actions to take based on the severity of the warning. Stay informed, stay safe – make the Australian Warning System your ally in times of crisis.

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A much-loved kindergarten educator is retiring after an almost 30-year career with Ayr Community Kindergarten.

Sandra Maynard has nurtured countless Burdekin children since the kindergarten’s establishment in 1994, with some of those even bringing their children back to the kindergarten years later.

C&K Ayr Community Kindergarten Educator Sandra Maynard lives by a saying: “Each child is an individual and is a wonderful part of a mosaic. It would be very boring if that mosaic was all one colour.”

These are words she strives to implement every day she walks through the doors of the kindergarten.

Sandra became involved in the kindergarten community when her daughter attended C&K Home Hill Community Kindergarten in the early 1990s.

She became a part of a committee who worked to establish a kindergarten in Ayr, ultimately opening in 1994.

“It was a group of really great community minded people who established this kindy here,” she said.

“I was always an involved parent and I saw how wonderful kindergarten was for the development of my own children.”

Sandra volunteered at the new kindergarten while her children attended and was asked to return some years later, her natural gift for childcare an asset to the organisation.

She’s been involved on and off ever since, whether it be in an educator, special needs assistance, committee or fundraising capacity.

Sandra said the “times have changed” over the years but she welcomes a return to the loose approach of play and bush kindy.

“You can see how much it develops children just by being out in nature,” she said.

“Everything little thing they do, they’re socialising, they’re learning teamwork and resilience, it’s all very important and it all happens in this little 0 to 5 age bracket.

“If they can leave here as confident, resilient and kind children, it’s a good start for them.”

The kindergarten hosted a morning tea last Saturday, November 18, an opportunity for current and past parents and students to say farewell before Sandra finishes work on December 7.

She plans to spend more time with family and pursue her many interests, although she will continue to volunteer in the community and at the kindergarten when she can.

“Sandra’s been a huge part of the kindy,” said Acting Director Tracey Town.

“She just has such a natural ability with the children.

“It’s her gentle and kind nature and approach, her ability to empathise with the children and families.”

Tracey said Sandra’s presence will be missed in the kindergarten.

“She’s always there when you need her,” she said.

“She brightens up the day and has that ability to make everybody comfortable, relaxed and welcome.

“She’s a really genuine person with a huge heart so she will be sorely missed.”

Sandra has been mentoring two new Assistant Educators, Madelyn and Melissa, and Tracey takes comfort from the fact that a little bit of Sandra will remain through them.

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Ayr Community Kindergarten Assistant Educator Madelyn Cornford, Acting Director Tracey Town and retiring Educator Sandra Maynard. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

A morning tea was held on the weekend to give current and past parents and students an opportunity to say farewell to Sandra. Photos supplied

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As a cricket fan, I hadn’t had the opportunity to watch nearly as much of the World Cup as I would’ve liked, so when Australia made the final of the tournament in India, I knew I had to make an effort to watch it.

I wouldn’t say staying up until 2:00am Monday morning was much of a choice; as Australia started their run chase and Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne closed in on the target, I simply couldn’t turn it off.

Defeating India in India is no small feat and I’ll admit I wasn’t confident, but listening to Australia bowl on the radio as I drove home from Townsville on Sunday night and watching the rest after I got home, it was clear that Australian Captain Pat Cummins had a plan and was implementing it perfectly.

From what I’ve seen, every player played their role throughout the tournament, and as Glen Maxwell hit the winning runs and the team stormed the field in elation, I was filled with a pride for this Australian team that has waned over the years.

My love of cricket is peaking just in time for an exciting Australian summer of cricket, a time of year I look forward to every year.

It’s also got me very keen to get back out on Barry Richards Field this Saturday after missing the last few weeks.

Make sure to check out our sport section at the back of the paper this week; from BMX and motorbike racing to boxing and bowls, our local athletes are celebrating some wonderful achievements.

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A local fishing group is spreading their love of the outdoors by donating equipment to local schools, charities and organisations.

Burdekin Blokes & Boats was started as a Facebook group by Ben Hovell, Stephen Gort and Brandii Talbot to provide a way for local fishing fanatics to come together and meet other likeminded people while getting to explore the Burdekin region's beautiful waterways and reefs.

The group held an inaugural event in July 2023 and host a meet and greet on the first Saturday of every month with pool and darts competitions along with fishing raffles and meet trays to be won.

Burdekin Blokes & Boats said portions of the proceeds from each meet are channelled into supplying donations of fishing equipment to local schools, charities and organisations to encourage more locals, especially youth, to head out and enjoy fishing in the region’s spectacular waterways.

So far, the group has donated to Home Hill State High School, The Prawn Stop Home Hill Harvest Festival Raffle, Burdekin Special School and Brandon State School.

“The donation to The Burdekin School was particularly close to our heart as we have children living with autism, one of which attends the school and we have personally experienced their brilliant work with children in the region,” the group said.

“It will always be our hope that we can not only bring locals together to enjoy our fishing community but also that we will continue to grow and to support our local Burdekin organisations and business.”

Find Burdekin Blokes & Boats on Facebook for more information.

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Burdekin Blokes & Boats have donated fishing equipment to charities and organisations throughout the region. Photo supplied: Brandon State School

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Thousands of dollars’ worth of mangoes have reportedly been stripped from their trees on a property near Home Hill.

The Groper Creek Road property, which houses mango trees and cane fields, has been leased by Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation since December 2022 and the group were planning to use profits from the mangoes to maintain and upgrade the farm.

Bindal Traditional Owner and Gudjuda Reference Group Ranger Eddie Smallwood believes the theft  would have occurred within the last three weeks.

“It’s just a kick in the guts because we were utilising these resources to pay rates and upgrade the farm,” he said.

“People have to realise that if you see mango trees, you can’t just go and strip them.

“You’ve got to find out who owns them because people rely on mangoes; it only happens once a year in November and December.

“It if was a misunderstanding, that’s fine, we can have a yarn about it, but we were utilising that crop to help put the resources back into the land.”

The organisation hopes to develop the 24-acre property into a working mango and cane farm and training facility with plans to build accommodation, an event space and nursery, with the alleged theft potentially delaying these plans.

“We’re trying to utilise it as a big hub,” Mr Smallwood said.

“We’re going to turn it into a nursery where we’ll have native plants, bush tucker, native seedlings and grasses.

“That’s one of the opportunities we’ve got here to get training for our younger people and people who are willing to look at the cane industry.

“It’d be good to get people skilled up as the cane farmers are looking for workers all the time.

“It’s only early days yet, we’ve got to seek funding to get it up to scratch, but we were relying on this first lot of crop from the mango trees to help pay for the rates and other expenses on the property.”

Police have been informed of the incident and Mr Smallwood plans to install cameras on the property in the near future.

He is calling for anyone who may have information to get in touch.

“We’re right next to a loading dock where haul out drivers would’ve been coming in and out, so they might have seen someone here,” he said.

“If they have, it would be good if they could contact me or contact the Home Hill Police Station.

“I also want other mango farmers to be wary of thieves.”

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Bindal Traditional Owner and Gudjuda Reference Group Ranger Eddie Smallwood

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Ergon Energy Urges Caution

Ergon Energy Burdekin is calling for farmers to be cautious when completing hazard reduction burns or with cane fires.

The Burdekin team of Ergon Energy were called to a burnt power pole, following a cane fire earlier this week.

Power was quickly restored to the affected areas, after the fire was controlled, and Ergon Energy crews were able to access the site.

Ergon Energy Work Group Leader Lawrence Hitchcock explained that controlled burns could pose a threat if the fires get too close to power poles and other electrical assets.

“More than a dozen power poles were brought down by landowner’s burns getting out of control last year bringing down poles, powerlines and cutting supply to entire communities in some cases," Mr Hitchcock said.

“In addition to the inconvenience of widespread power disruptions, fallen powerlines can cause serious injury or even death to people and livestock that come into contact with it.

“Just as troubling is a power pole that’s only partially burnt because it will be significantly weakened and potentially snap during high winds or storm activity without warning.

"So, we’re asking any landowners who are about to burn to ensure vegetation is cleared within a five metre radius of the base of a pole."

Rural Fire Service A/Assistant Commissioner Peter Hollier said taking precautions before and during hazard reduction burns could significantly minimise the risk of damaging property and electricity infrastructure.

“It is imperative landholders are well aware of their surroundings and remain vigilant to ensure they, their families and properties are safe while conducting any bushfire mitigation work,” Mr Hollier said.

“To minimise the chances of fire damaging power poles and property, I would encourage property owners to trim or clear any long grass, foliage and rubbish around their electricity infrastructure and remain with any planned burns they carry out.”

To report a network fault, contact Ergon Energy on 13 16 70. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, contact 000.

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Burdekin Ergon Energy teams completing urgent power works following a cane fire burning down a power pole. Photo supplied

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A secret audit of Queensland’s roads has revealed almost half of Queensland’s Bruce Highway has a two-star safety rating or less.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said he is disappointed but not surprised the electorate of Dawson had the lowest overall star rating, with 63.4 per cent rated two stars or lower, and roads throughout the Burdekin rated between one and three stars.

Further south, Mr Willcox said much needed infrastructure projects like the Mackay Ring Road Stage 2 and the Goorganga Plains Flood Immunity project have been delayed by the Australian Government’s 90-day review.

“The previous Coalition Government committed $10 billion towards much needed safety upgrades on the Bruce, and instead of the new government grabbing the horse by the reins and just getting on with it, they have held these projects up further in a 90-day review which has blown out to over 200 days,” he said.

“This is unacceptable to have these projects with committed funding just sitting dormant.

“Earlier this year during our wet season and following flooding, QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey visited Mackay to inspect flood damage and announced alongside State Member for Mackay that ‘it’s good to see that our roads have held up as well as they have’.

“It was extremely disappointing to hear this from the State Local Member and her Minister when I had constituents contacting my office with safety concerns and pothole complaints.

“Our state representatives know Dawson’s economic contributions and they should have us travelling on gold plated roads, but instead we have the worst roads in the state.”

Mr Willcox said he is pleased that no projects in Dawson will be scrapped following the review.

“Now that we are over this ridiculous and unnecessary review, I am calling for no more delays,” he said.

“Both the Albanese and Palaszczuk governments need to stop dragging the chain, stop playing the blame game, stop arguing, and just get on with your jobs.”

The Queensland Government conducted the audit following a right to information search by Nationals Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien revealing road safety data provided to state governments by the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP).

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

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Saturday night saw members of the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club join special guests to celebrate 60 years of the club’s service in the region.

Many great achievements were commemorated on the night, including the recognition of long-term members Roy Musumeci, Bill Bojack and Sam Harris for their service.

Congratulations to all involved!

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Photos supplied: Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club

At 10.40am on Friday 3 November, Ayr Highway Patrol Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, McDesme. The driver, a 53yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19 December.  

At 4.30pm on Monday 6 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 43yr old Charters Towers woman, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) driving with a relevant drug in her saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 December.  

At 4.50pm on Thursday 9 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr. The driver, a 32yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for unlicenced driving, driving an unregistered motor vehicle and driving an uninsured vehicle and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19 December.

At 2.30am on Saturday 11 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Brandon. The driver, a 25yr old Cairns man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .126, and unlicenced driving. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 December.

At 7.05am on Saturday 11 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Airdmillan Road, Ayr. The driver, a 22yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .170, fail to display L plates and drive unaccompanied on a Learners Permit. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 December.

At 6.55pm on Saturday 11 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Young Stret, Ayr. The driver, a 32yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January 2024.  

If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.

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Following concerns raised by community members, Member for Burdekin and former Police Officer, Dale Last MP, has called for a review of Police numbers in the Burdekin.

Mr Last said the district has seen more than 200 premises broken into in the last year and people are concerned for their safety and the safety of local Police Officers.

“By and large the community supports our local Police and believe that, currently, there are not enough resources to address the issues we are seeing in the community,” he said.  

“People deserve to feel safe and our local Police need the resources to be able to round up offenders and put them before a court.

“Over recent years we have seen Police called on to respond to a wider range of incidents and that has increased the workload substantially.  

“In smaller centres like the Burdekin, there simply aren’t the number of Police to easily absorb a substantial increase in the workload.  

“We need to see staffing levels assessed to ensure that when people in the Burdekin need assistance, we have adequate Police to ensure a timely response.”

Mr Last said a large part of the assessment would focus on ‘calls for service’ and stressed the importance of crimes being reported.

“In the last financial year the number of Police Officers in Queensland fell by 204 so Officers are in high demand,” he said.

“The fact is that, if people don’t report crime, we won’t see an increase in Police numbers and then, when people need Police, there is a higher chance that they won’t be able to respond as quickly.  

“I know from experience that, when a community works cooperatively with their local Police, the outcomes are better for both Police and the community.”

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Former Queensland Senator and Burdekin Shire Councillor Ian MacDonald AM was presented with his Australian Honours in Townsville in September after being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division in June.

Mr MacDonald was one of 157 Queenslanders to be recognised in The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List “For significant service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to local government, and to the community of Northern Australia.”

He was presented with his award at an Investiture Ceremony in Townsville on Friday, September 22 by The Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM.

“To each of the 157 Queensland honourees in the King’s first Birthday Honours – congratulations,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“It is no small feat to be selected for such an esteemed list, so each recipient should be proud of their achievements.

“The 2023 cohort represent some of the best Queensland has to offer across the fields of healthcare, music, science and the public service.

“Our honourees now leave a lasting legacy for the people of Queensland and for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was also quick to congratulate Mr MacDonald, speaking in Parliament in August.

“Dawson is the home of some amazing people,” he said.

“The Honourable Ian MacDonald AM dedicated his life to the people and Parliament of Australia.”

Mr MacDonald served as a councillor from 1979 to 1990 and was instrumental in renaming the Shire of Ayr to the Shire of Burdekin.

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Ian MacDonald AM. Photo supplied: Governor of Queensland

For well over 30 years, the graduating class of Ayr State High School have been giving back to their local community with the yearly visit during Graduation week to the Regis Ayr Aged Home.  

Students look forward to the opportunity each year to spend the morning with the residents.  

A morning of singing Christmas carols, exchanging Christmas cards with the residents and morning tea is a highlight for both the students and the residents.  

Usually some of the students have family members at the Home which make the visit even more special and again this year that was the case.

It is important for the students as they enter the world beyond the school gate that they have a sense of who has come before them and who are the people in our community that we need to acknowledge and pay respect to.  

In this visit, our students show that they are equipped to be the next generation to take their place in our community.  

Well done students and a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Regis Ayr Aged Home for continuing to support this long held tradition.  

Contributed by Ayr State High School

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Ayr State High School’s graduating class performed Christmas carols at Regis Ayr Aged Home last week. Photos supplied

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