Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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New funding will support regional councils in expanding recycling services and improving waste management infrastructure across communities such as the Burdekin. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council
The Burdekin could benefit from improved recycling services and waste infrastructure under a new $487 million Queensland Government investment designed to increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
The newly launched Waste Reduction and Recycling Activation Fund forms part of the Government's Less Landfill, More Recycling 2035 strategy and will deliver funding over five years for councils and industry to expand recycling services and resource recovery projects across Queensland.
Among the key initiatives is an $11 million Regional Recycling Transport Fund, aimed at helping regional councils move recyclable materials to processing facilities and making recycling projects more financially viable.
The package also includes funding for kerbside recycling, education campaigns, illegal dumping initiatives, recycling technology and new resource recovery infrastructure.
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the investment would help strengthen Queensland's recycling sector.
"Less Landfill, More Recycling 2035 is our plan, and this investment is how we're getting on with delivering it,” said Mr Powell.
"We've already made strong progress by putting the right incentives in place so councils and industry can invest with confidence and deliver the recycling infrastructure Queensland needs."
Mr Powell said the funding would make it easier for councils to expand services while supporting regional jobs and reducing waste.
Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive officer Alison Smith welcomed the return of transport funding for recycled materials.
"Councils have been consistently calling for this transportation funding to be restored because it is key to increasing recycling rates and reducing the overall amount of waste going to landfill in a state as decentralised as Queensland," chief executive officer Alison Smith said.
Burdekin motorists could return to spending up to $2.20 per litre for unleaded and up to $2.65 for diesel after the reinstatement of the full fuel excise nationwide.
The price hike will follow a four-month period during which the Federal Government reduced the fuel excise, saving some motorists up to $20 per tank.
The government has now confirmed it will not extend the cut for a second time, with RACQ Principal Economic and Affordability Specialist Dr Ian Jeffreys predicting the change will reach bowsers by next week.
“It normally takes around a week to 10 days for the higher excise to flow through to station prices, depending on when retailers purchase new fuel stock,” Dr Jeffreys said.
“That means there will still be cheaper fuel available in the market in the coming days and motorists should continue looking for the best value.”
He said that, amid the return of the full excise, uncertainty in global oil markets could see prices rise even higher.
“Unfortunately, we’ve also seen the global oil price jump from below US$80 per barrel to around US$90 in the past two weeks,” he said.
“If renewed tensions in the Middle East remain high, we could see these increased oil prices persist and ultimately push bowser prices up further in Queensland.”
Ministry Unit Warden Pam Ashworth (pictured) said that while the sale would spell the end of the building as it’s known today, it opens the door for “a new start” for the congregation. Photo: Jacob Casha.
St. Helens Anglican Church in Home Hill has seen generations of love, life, and new beginnings unfold within its walls over the last 49 years.
Ironically, it now prepares for its own new chapter.
The church is among a group of properties owned by the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland earmarked for sale as the diocese works to meet its financial obligations to victims of historic child sexual abuse.
The diocese, which covers almost one-third of the state, was placed into receivership after facing millions of dollars in financial liabilities, with court-appointed receiver Michael Brennan now overseeing the sale of its assets in a bid to raise up to $18 million.
According to an ABC report, Mr Brennan said the diocese had “too many churches, not enough priests, and probably not enough parishioners” to justify the cost of operating all of its properties.
Eleven properties have subsequently been placed on the market, with a further 23 church assets across North Queensland awaiting court approval for sale, including St. Helens.
Ministry Unit Warden Pam Ashworth said that while the sale would spell the end of the building as it’s known today, it opens the door for “a new start” for the congregation.
“Christianity still lives on,” she said.
“The church is an extension of our own families … and we have a wonderful group of people that, hopefully, will see it continue.”
The St. Helens congregation has a history in the town dating back more than 100 years. Its current building on Fourteenth Street was built in 1977, hosting services and becoming a fixture of the town ever since.
Home Hill local Kate Casswell, who was married at St. Helens, said she could understand—albeit regrettably—the decision to sell the Home Hill church, pointing to its close proximity to All Saints Church in Ayr.
“One can see why it’s been slated for sale,” she said.
“We have to accept that times have changed. If Home Hill was established now, [the church] probably wouldn’t have been built in the first place; it’s really only 10-15 minutes across the river to All Saints.
“But that doesn’t make [the sale] less sad. All the special memories made there will live on.”
Church assets in Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen and Townsville are also among properties being sold as part of the diocese’s broader effort to resolve its financial liabilities.
Mrs Ashworth confirmed that stocktaking procedures at St Helens were being undertaken in preparation for the church’s expected sale next year.
She said the congregation would continue meeting at the building until a buyer was found, with discussions to determine where services would be held once the property changed hands.
Judah and Mia's sausage sizzle attracted a steady stream of locals eager to enjoy lunch while backing a worthy cause. Photo: Kari Ravizza.
Two Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassadors have turned sausages, raffle tickets and community spirit into much-needed support for vulnerable animals, raising hundreds for Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue last Saturday.
Held outside Harvey Norman and proudly supported by Burdekin Christian College, Judah and Mia's sausage sizzle attracted a steady stream of locals eager to enjoy lunch while backing a worthy cause.
Alongside sausage sandwiches, drinks and raffle tickets, the event also accepted donations of pet food to help care for foster dogs and cats through Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue.
By the end of the day, the community had helped the Burdekin Christian College students raise $828 for the rescue organisation, while also donating pet food for animals currently in foster care.
Burdekin Christian College later took to Facebook to thank the staff, community members and Burdekin Water Festival Committee members who supported the fundraiser, paying special tribute to Mrs Knight and Amanda for their behind-the-scenes preparation and contributions.
The successful event forms part of the Burdekin Water Festival program, which sees ambassadors host community fundraisers throughout the festival season while developing leadership, teamwork and community engagement skills.
The Queensland sugarcane industry has launched a push to secure the evidence needed to restore paraquat access in cane production, with industry groups warning the herbicide’s removal could leave growers without effective weed-control options.Photo: CANEGROWERS.
The Queensland sugarcane industry has launched a push to secure the evidence needed to restore paraquat access in cane production, with industry groups warning the herbicide’s removal could leave growers without effective weed-control options.
Following the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) decision to remove sugarcane from revised paraquat and diquat labels, Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has joined Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and other agricultural groups in seeking a pathway for continued use.
The APVMA’s decision was based on an unresolved risk assessment relating to birds, while assessments covering residues, trade and mammals were resolved without issue.
QCAR General Manager Tara Malapass said paraquat remained a key tool for early-season weed control in sugarcane.
“It remains one of the few effective options for early-season weed control, and its removal from in-crop use has significant implications for a farmer’s ability to manage weeds effectively and sustainably,” she said.
Mrs Malapass said historical data on bird interactions with paraquat use in cane did not provide the specific evidence now required by the regulator.
“Generating that evidence is the core task ahead,” she said.
QCAR has begun discussions with SRA to establish a cross-industry technical working group to investigate the APVMA’s requirements and develop the evidence needed to support continued paraquat use.
The group will include specialists in chemistry, regulation, agronomy, ecology, spray technology and cropping systems.
QCAR said the work would involve collaboration with other industries, including grains, rice, potatoes and vegetables, which are facing similar challenges.
Mrs Malapass said there was no guarantee the review process would result in paraquat’s continued approval.
“What we can commit to is exhausting every viable avenue, working transparently with farmers and industry partners, and keeping members informed as this progresses,” she said.
Outgoing president Eusebio Aguirre (pictured) is urging the community to step up and “help save the region’s business community”. Photo: Jacob Casha.
A shortage of willing leaders has pushed the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce to the brink, with the longstanding business organisation calling a crisis meeting in a final bid to secure its future and preserve a key voice for the region’s business community.
The Burdekin Chamber of Commerce has sounded the alarm, calling a public crisis meeting in an effort to keep the longstanding organisation from folding.
The move follows the resignation of its last remaining executive members, leaving every position vacant ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September.
In keeping with its bylaws, if a president, secretary and treasurer do not step up by the AGM in a month’s time, the organisation will cease to operate.
The Chamber’s demise would spell the end of a decades-long legacy of business advocacy in the region. Its annual Burdekin Christmas Street Party has also become a beloved fixture on the Burdekin calendar, with the organisation estimating it generated more than $2 million for local businesses last year.
As one final throw of the dice, the Chamber has announced an open crisis meeting at the Queens Hotel in Ayr at 5.30pm Thursday 6th of August.
Led by outgoing president and owner of ELA Solutions Eusebio Aguirre, alongside other former executive members, the meeting will outline each vacant role in a bid to drum up interest and fill the positions on the night.
Mr Aguirre said the meeting was open to all local business houses, urging the community to step up and “help save the region’s business community.”
“I’m worried,” Mr Aguirre said.
“We’ve built [the Chamber] up to be such a great thing—and for what?
“We just need people with passion to step in. We can’t let it fold.”
Mr Aguirre admitted that these were not uncharted waters for the organisation, which held a crisis meeting three years ago for almost identical reasons.
The positions were ultimately filled after a small group of business owners, including Mr Aguirre himself, made a pact on the night to take charge of the organisation.
After fulfilling his three-year term as president, he hopes next month’s meeting can produce a similar outcome.
“We all made a pact—‘if you do it, I’ll do it’. Then, more and more came onboard … everyone was talking about it, and it snowballed into something amazing,” Mr Aguirre said.
“That’s what we’re hoping will happen this time.”
If the Burdekin Chamber folds, it would follow a North Queensland trend which has also seen Charters Towers and Hughenden lose their respective Chambers of Commerce.
Mr Aguirre said the irony of the crisis was that it was not driven by financial distress.
He said the new committee would inherit a “very financially viable” organisation which had increased its membership by almost 100 over the past year. The organisation has also maintained strong attendance across its monthly workshops and networking meetings.
However, Mr Aguirre said the membership support alone was not enough to save the Chamber.
He urged anyone interested in taking on an executive role to attend the 6th of August meeting at the Queens Hotel to learn more.
More than 2200 Burdekin children have taken part in local sport through the Queensland Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program. Photo: Burdekin Roosters Rugby League.
More than 2200 Burdekin children have taken part in local sport through the Queensland Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program, with the initiative helping families offset participation costs.
The previous round of vouchers saw 2,256 redeemed through 50 sporting and activity providers across the Burdekin region, as clubs continue to welcome children across a range of summer and winter sports.
With the latest round of vouchers now open and local sporting seasons underway, Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the timing provided an opportunity for families to access support.
“Despite soccer, rugby league and netball holding the highest number of voucher participants across the state, with Burdekin’s 50 listed sport clubs, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved in a summer or winter sport,” Mr Last said.
“Research shows a long list of benefits that come from kids playing sport and we want to make those benefits available to as many families as possible. Basically, if a child is aged between 5 and 17, and is named on a Medicare card then they are eligible.”
Mr Last said the program would continue after the Crisafulli Government committed $62.5 million each year for the next four years.
“By providing this real cost of living relief, the Crisafulli Government is getting more kids playing sports and a continuation of the success the Burdekin has already seen on the national and international sporting stages.”
“We have already seen a strong uptake of vouchers in regional areas of Queensland and we want that to continue which is why the Crisafulli Government has continued its dedicated allocation of vouchers for children living with a disability and for kids in regional and remote areas,” Mr Last said.
“This is real cost of living relief that is getting kids active, supporting local clubs, and backing families in our community.”
Creativity has always come naturally to local artist Monica Kupke, whose journey has taken her from painting murals at Ayr State High School to building a career as a tattoo artist. Photo supplied.
Creativity has always come naturally to local artist Monica Kupke, whose journey has taken her from painting murals at Ayr State High School to building a career as a tattoo artist; transforming a childhood passion into a profession.
Ms Kupke fondly recalls spending countless hours throughout her childhood painting and sketching in the comfort of her room. By the age of 10, she had begun taking her craft seriously, dedicating herself to mastering realism through graphite and coloured pencils.
"My pieces would end up being really detailed and very time consuming, but I always adored the final result," Ms Kupke said.
During her time at Ayr State High School, Ms Kupke helped design and paint several murals that remain proudly displayed around the grounds today; a legacy she holds close, knowing future generations of students can continue to experience and engage with art during their schooling journey.
"My experience with art class at Ayr State High School was one I'll never forget—it shaped me for the better in so many ways," she said.
"Art is so special. It involves much more than just ink on a page. It can tell stories, involve science, history and so much more. I really hope the new generation keeps traditional art going, as it keeps us human. I hope I have inspired at least one person to pick up a pen and paper."
Over the years, Ms Kupke has developed a style that blends realism with subtle elements of surrealism, and her graphite and coloured pencil works are known for their intricate detail and precision, while commissioned pet portraits have become a particular favourite.
That same versatility now extends to her tattooing, where she specialises in traditional, neo-traditional and fine line black and grey designs. Inspired by fellow artists, pop culture, gaming and the natural world, Ms Kupke said she enjoys creating pieces that are both distinctive and enduring.
"Neo-traditional focuses on bold, colourful elements while still feeling modern and timeless, while fine line black and grey is challenging but incredibly rewarding," she said.
"Capturing light and shadow while incorporating softness and texture is something I really love."
While pursuing a career in the arts can often be challenging, Ms Kupke found herself drawn to tattooing after discovering the craft online. Combined with her background in customer service and her love of connecting with people, it wasn't long before she pursued a tattoo apprenticeship.
"I knew I wanted to do something creative while also being able to express my personality," she said.
Now practising at a local tattoo studio, Ms Kupke said the support she has received from the community that raised her has been invaluable, describing the loyalty of Burdekin residents as "truly unmatched".
"I'm so grateful for the people who have trusted me to tattoo them—being able to help people bring their ideas to life brings me so much joy," she said.
"In my tattooing career, I have met so many amazing souls that have changed my life, and having that close experience with an artist who brings your vision to life honestly makes it all worth it. I really do hope people can share that experience with me while getting tattooed—being comfortable and happy is all that matters to me when you're in my chair."
Ms Kupke sees tattooing as far more than a way to create beautiful designs; she believes the process offers a sense of peace, connection and personal expression that resonates deeply with many people, including herself.
"It's the tattooing ritual and making art that keeps us down to earth and connected," she said.
With an exciting future ahead, Ms Kupke hopes to continue refining her craft to grow as an artist, emphasising that learning is a lifelong journey and hopes to encourage aspiring young creatives to pursue their passions with an open mind.
“Young creatives, don’t give up on your art form, keep working on it – being open to learning is something you should never shut yourself off from as it will keep you locked away from trying new things,” she said.
“Grow, flourish, and watch the people around you – the world offers never ending inspiration, and the best piece of advice is do not be scared and doubt yourself; be you – keep practising and keep working hard – someone will appreciate your art for what it is.”
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FriendlyCare Pharmacy is a not-for-profit, community-owned organisation that has been serving the Burdekin region and beyond for over 100 years. Photo supplied.
If you have ever walked past the membership sign at FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr and wondered whether it was really worth ten dollars, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, for most local families it pays for itself within the very first visit.
FriendlyCare Pharmacy is a not-for-profit, community-owned organisation that has been serving the Burdekin region and beyond for over 100 years. Unlike large chain pharmacies, every dollar of profit generated by FriendlyCare is reinvested directly back into the organisation. That means better pricing for members, and community sponsorships and donations that support the groups and events that matter to Ayr residents.
Membership costs just $10, and when you sign up you receive a $10 welcome credit to spend in-store straight away. Effectively, your membership pays for itself on the spot.
From that point forward, you receive member-only pricing on just about everything in the pharmacy. That includes pharmacy medicines, vitamins and supplements, and all your favourite health and beauty brands. The savings quickly add up, especially for families who rely on their pharmacy regularly.
FriendlyCare Membership also includes access to the CarePoints rewards program. Every dollar you spend in-store or online earns you CarePoints, which you can then redeem to get money off future purchases.
It is a simple way to be rewarded for the shopping you are already doing. The more you spend, the more you save over time. CarePoints work alongside your member-only discounts, so you are benefiting in two ways every time you visit.
As a FriendlyCare member you will be the first to hear about promotions, member-only email offers, and exclusive competitions. These are not available to general customers, and they are sent directly to you, so you never miss out.
Members also have access to the FriendlyCare App, which helps you manage your medications, request prescription repeats from home, set medication reminders, and stay connected to your pharmacy team without needing to call or come in.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of FriendlyCare membership is what it represents beyond the savings. As a not-for-profit, community-owned organisation, FriendlyCare does not send profits offshore or to shareholders. When you become a member and shop with FriendlyCare, you are helping to sustain a local business that gives back to the community.
It is the kind of pharmacy model that is rare in Australia today, and Ayr is fortunate to have it.
Signing up takes just a few minutes. Simply visit our friendly team in-store at FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr and they will get you set up on the spot. You can also join online at friendlycare.com.au.
As a FriendlyCare member, you will receive: a $10 welcome credit to spend in-store immediately; exclusive member-only pricing on most products; CarePoints earned on every dollar spent, redeemable for rewards; exclusive member email offers and competitions; and access to the FriendlyCare App to manage your medications
Join today and start saving for the rest of your life. Pop in and see the team at FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr or visit friendlycare.com.au to sign up online.
Supplied by FriendlyCare Pharmacy
Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Edwards and Munro streets in Ayr last week. Photo: Facebook/Vicki De Non.
Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Edwards and Munro streets in Ayr last week.
The crash occurred at around 12.10pm on Thursday, July 23, leaving a 28-year-old female driver with a broken arm.
Nearby CCTV footage is assisting police with their ongoing investigation into the incident.
Ayr Fire and Rescue crews also attended the scene.
The crash follows a series of other incidents in the Burdekin region this month, including a truck rollover and fire near Clare that left the driver seriously injured before he was airlifted to Townsville Hospital.
Dianna with her daughter. Photos supplied: Queensland Police.
Nearly three decades after Bowen woman Dianne Angwin was murdered in her home, detectives have renewed their search for information, doubling the reward to $500,000 as a cold case review and new forensic testing breathe new life into the investigation.
Dianne Angwin moved to Bowen from Victoria in 1995. Following the breakdown of her marriage, she moved in with her friend Edith “Edie” Lay.
Just over 2 years later, around 12.30am on December 2nd, Edie reported being woken by an unknown man standing over her bed with one hand covering her mouth and a knife in the other.
Dianne appeared at the bedroom doorway before running from the intruder, who chased after her. Moments later, she was fatally stabbed in the neck. A neighbour rushed Dianne to Bowen Base Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
What followed was an investigation that saw police obtaining over 100 witness statements. A closer look at the home left police with no signs of forced entry or disturbance, with no property reported stolen.
The reward for information leading evidence for who might be responsible has increased from $250,000 to $500,000. Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team have begun new forensic testing on evidence collected from the scene and will re-interview witnesses and persons of interest in Bowen, Cairns and Victoria.
“Dianne’s housemate, Edie, died in 2022. As part of our review, police have identified witnesses who Edie confided in, confirming she knew the identity of the man and had not told police at the time of the offence as she was scared for her own safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who has information regarding a relationship Dianne was involved in with a local married man, who had been seen at her unit.
“Information suggests that around the time of Dianne’s murder, she was actively encouraging him to leave his wife so that they could overtly continue the relationship.
“There are people out there with information. Relationships and loyalties change, and I would encourage anyone with information, big or small, to contact police.
Bowen residents with information relevant to Dianne’s Murder are encouraged to attend mobile police facilities and talk with investigators. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Under the new boundaries, Burdekin will gain the Charters Towers area from the former Traeger (now Flinders) electorate, including the Charters Towers township (pictured). Photo: Shutterstock.
The Burdekin electorate will expand west and north to absorb the Charters Towers local government area and southern parts of the Townsville local government area ahead of the 2028 Queensland state election.
The Queensland Redistribution Commission finalised its electorate redistribution last month, stating the changes would “unite areas which share a community of interest and improve enrolment in the district”.
Under the new boundaries, Burdekin will gain the Charters Towers area from the former Traeger (now Flinders) electorate, including the Charters Towers township, while also gaining Wulguru, Roseneath and parts of Stuart from Mundingburra.
In exchange, the electorate will lose parts of the Isaac local government area, including Nebo, Coppabella, Moranbah and Clermont, to the Mirani and Gregory electorates.
The redistribution follows a submission from Charters Towers Regional Council which pushed for its inclusion in the Burdekin electorate.
Charters Towers Regional Council Mayor Liz Schmidt welcomed the result, saying the decision would allow Charters Towers to “further strengthen regional partnerships with the Burdekin”.
“One of the key opportunities is the potential to further strengthen regional partnerships with the Burdekin on issues that affect both communities, including water security, transport infrastructure, agriculture, economic development, workforce attraction and emergency management,” Mayor Schmidt said.
“There is already a strong relationship between our regions and this change has the potential to build on that foundation.”
Mayor Schmidt acknowledged the differing views on the redistribution, citing concerns amongst residents who identify with inland communities about how their interests will be represented.
However, she said the finalised boundaries ultimately “reflected existing regional connections.”
Member for Burdekin Dale Last also supported the change, calling it an opportunity to “rekindle” his relationships with communities set to join the electorate.
“My working life has revolved around supporting people throughout regional Queensland as both a Police Officer, a Councillor on Townsville City Council and then as the Member for Burdekin,” Mr Last said.
"I’m fortunate to have worked previously in the areas that have been added to the electorate, and I look forward to rekindling positive working relationships with those communities and building new ones.”
Mr Last also noted the redistribution was required to address projected population changes, with the Commission finding Burdekin would fall outside the required enrolment range under its existing boundaries by 2032.
“The calculations undertaken by the Redistribution Commission showed that change was needed,” he said.
“Whilst the new areas are not added to the electorate of Burdekin until the next election, I will be taking a keen interest in the issues that affect those areas and offering them my assistance, where needed, to ensure they receive the representation they deserve in the Queensland Parliament.”
Several of the 14 survivors accommodated in Ayr, with Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort (left) and Ayr Police Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields (right). Photo credit: Jacob Casha.
Survivors of the Gumlu bus rollover, which gained national attention earlier this year, have sent a ‘touching’ letter of gratitude to the Burdekin community for its compassion in the aftermath of the fatal crash.
Tragedy struck in May when a FlixBus heading from Cairns to the Whitsundays rolled off the Bruce Highway, claiming one life and leaving dozens injured and stranded.
The incident prompted an immediate, triple-pronged response from the Burdekin community, with emergency services, Burdekin Shire Council officials and the local community rallying to coordinate emergency relief and accommodation to the shaken passengers.
14 survivors stayed in Ayr overnight and were then cared for at the Burdekin Theatre loft the following day, provided with meals and medication before continuing their travels south.
Survivors lauded the Burdekin community's response at the time, particularly thanking Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort for her assistance.
Months later, several of them have joined forces to reaffirm their gratitude, sending a card to Council Chambers containing heartfelt messages of thanks to the community.
Among messages was one from Swedish traveller Anton, which read: “The circumstances were horrendous and it’s going to take a lot of time to process it, of course. Somehow, though, you made me feel at least a little bit at home in Ayr … [and] did what you could. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!”
Another message from Chilean natives Hernan and Barbara said: “We want to thank all the people from Ayr … In a moment we felt so alone, you were the one to hold us and protect us, making sure we had all the necessary support. We hope there are more people like you in the world.”
Mayor Dalle Cort said the card was a “thoughtful gesture that meant a lot to everyone involved.”
“Receiving the card from the Gumlu bus crash survivors was incredibly touching and greatly appreciated,” she said.
“We are proud of the way our community came together to support those affected, and it's heartening to know that support made a difference during such a difficult time.
“This message of gratitude really belongs to the entire Burdekin community.”
Queensland has recorded its first suspected positive case of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza after a deceased petrel washed ashore on Moreton Island. Photo: iStock.
Queensland has recorded its first suspected positive case of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza last Friday, after a deceased petrel washed ashore on Moreton Island.
The Department of Primary Industries confirmed initial testing at the state’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory returned a positive result for the H5 strain. Samples have since been dispatched to the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong for final confirmation, with official results to be released by the Federal Government.
Authorities have stressed that the detection presents no immediate threat to commercial poultry or native wild animal populations. No further cases have been identified across the state, and there is no evidence of mass animal mortality.
Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said biosecurity teams were primed for the detection following previous cases in Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales.
“We have known that a H5 bird flu detection in Queensland was a matter of when, not if,” Dr Crook said.
“The Queensland Government is well prepared to respond. This suspect positive result has not impacted our poultry sector or domestic wildlife. We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant.”
The Minister for Primary Industries reaffirmed that human health risks remain exceptionally low, noting that local food supplies are entirely unaffected.
“The risk to human health remains unchanged,” the Minister said.
“It is safe to continue to eat chicken meat or eggs, and I would encourage Queenslanders to purchase these products as they normally would. The Crisafulli Government remains focused on supporting the poultry industry during this time.”
Australia recorded its first detection of this H5 strain on 20 June in Western Australia, with subsequent cases confirmed among wild marine birds in southern and eastern states.
While commercial poultry operations remain clear, poultry keepers and landholders across regional Queensland are being asked to maintain strict biosecurity measures. Domestic flocks and their feeding areas should be kept strictly segregated from wild birds to prevent potential exposure.
Members of the public who spot sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife are advised not to handle them.
Millions of Australians received a loud emergency warning on their mobile devices this week as the nation's new AusAlert system passed its first nationwide test ahead of its official rollout in October. Photo: Adobe Stock.
Millions of Australians received a loud emergency warning on their mobile devices this week as the nation's new AusAlert system passed its first nationwide test ahead of its official rollout in October.
The 2pm test on Monday, 27th July, broadcast a “Critical Alert” across about 94 per cent of Australia's mobile towers, marking a major milestone in replacing the country's ageing SMS-based emergency warning system.
Developed in response to the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements following the Black Summer bushfires, AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology to deliver warnings instantly to compatible devices connected to mobile towers in an affected area.
Unlike SMS alerts, which can be delayed during network congestion, the new system broadcasts simultaneously, overrides silent mode with a siren-like alarm and full-screen message, and can continue alerting people who enter a danger zone after an emergency has begun.
Townsville Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chairperson Nick Dametto welcomed the successful trial.
"Living in Northern Australia means we're no strangers to natural disasters, so having a unified national warning system that works effectively across our region will be invaluable for our residents and visitors during extreme weather events," Cr Dametto said.
While the national trial was considered a technical success, some older devices failed to receive the alert or displayed overseas warning labels such as "Presidential Alert”.
Queensland emergency authorities will continue using the existing SMS warning system alongside AusAlert while refining operational arrangements before the new platform is introduced nationally in October.
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