Budget for 2024/2025 for the new term of Council has been handed down. A minimal increase (1%) in the minimum general rate and moderate rise in fess & charges. Congratulations to the hard work put in by Council staff, especially finance.
Congratulations to Brittany and Joshua Furnell on the birth of Delilah Joy Furnell (3rd July 2024), sister to Ali and our sixth grandchild.
Well done to Julie Pavone, committee and volunteers who recently donated four hundred thousand dollars to the “Brain Care Centre”. There has been over eight hundred thousand dollars raised and donated since ‘Laurie’s Love’ fundraising began.
Burdekin Show 2024 was well organised. Hats off to Chris and his hard working team for another great day. Can’t help the weather but seemed like a very good turn out. I was there for the middle of the day to view my grandchildren’s delight on the jumping castles and the many displays/entries presented by Burdekin locals and business houses. Good work by the Council team who manned the Environment tent to educate fellow locals on recycling and environmental concerns. From the feathered friends, horses, working dog presentations to the Melville Farm animals it was a wonderful morning.
Pacific Blue grants have just been announced so well done to the recipients of funding. How fantastic it is to see local Burdekin based businesses giving back to the local community. For those community organisations looking for funding there are many grants you can take advantage of. If you’ve never done one, just jump in and give it a go – follow the guidelines and if unsure give the Grant provider a call for queries you may have.
One game to go in ‘State of Origin’, well done to the Queensland women and may the best team win in the decider in Brisbane for the men.  
In regards to the Bruce Highway bus crash, my condolences to those who lost loved ones and friends, to those injured swift recovery. To the persons who assisted at the scene, first responders, helicopter crews, hospital personnel our community says thank you, thoughts and prayers to you all.
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Cr John Furnell

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Did you know that Burdekin Shire Council has a Mosquito Management Plan?
The Mosquito Management Plan 2020-2025 provides a framework for Council and the community to manage mosquitoes throughout the region.
As there are many different types of mosquitos in the Burdekin, the focus of the Plan is to identify appropriate mosquito management activities to implement throughout the region. This will reduce the risk to the community of contracting mosquito-transmitted disease. It is important to note that mosquitos are vectors/carriers of disease – not born with disease.
The Plan establishes local priorities and sets out actions that aim to minimise the public health impacts of mosquitoes by clear directions of mosquito surveillance, management, and control activities.
The Pest Management team works with Queensland Health to conduct routine trapping which assists in virus detection such as alpha virus and ross river virus. Over the last few years the methods have changed from traditional chemical fogging to more environmentally friendly practices which also reduce the risk of adverse reactions to vulnerable members of the community. The main control method currently used is a selective bacterial solution applied to waterways that specifically targets mosquito lave, inhibiting their growth.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Established in 1926, the Ayr Golf Club stands as a cornerstone of the Burdekin community, offering an 18-hole, 5,861 metre championship course. With a membership of 200 dedicated individuals, the celebrated club thrives on the support of volunteers committed to promoting golf and creating a welcoming environment for members, visitors, and social players alike.

Golf plays a pivotal role within the Burdekin community, particularly for the aging population, as the sport fosters physical activity promoting strength, mobility, and social connectivity. The Ayr Golf Course recently sought funding through Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank grant program to enhance the course’s facilities and improve the overall experiences of players.

“The Community Bank application was targeted at improving community facilities by providing an on-course toilet block,” said the Ayr Golf Club’s Grants Officer Angie Baxter.

“With significant distances between some holes and the clubhouse, having a toilet available on the course ensures that players don’t have to trek back to the clubhouse to use facilities.”

The Ayr Golf Club was beyond grateful to be awarded an $8,000 grant from Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr, planning for the generous donation to fund the construction of an on-course toilet block.

“The provision of a practical and convenient amenity will enhance the playing experience for Burdekin golfers and would be a significant enticement for clubs, groups and individuals wishing to visit the beautiful Burdekin and play at the Ayr course,” explained Angie.

Throughout the year, the Ayr Golf Club hosts a variety of tournaments, championships, and social events that bring together diverse community groups. These initiatives underscore the club’s commitment of inclusivity and community spirit; values shared with the Community Bank.

The Ayr Golf Club extends a warm invitation to the local community to visit the clubhouse and join in on the Club’s social afternoons each Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

“Members, visitors and guests are welcome to join us for a round of golf, some conversation and refreshments,” said Angie.

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Burdekin locals from all corners of the region and walks of life have been encouraged to express their interest in becoming a member of the Burdekin-based Community Advisory Network (CAN).

The CAN plays a vital role in ensuring health consumers' voices are heard, giving feedback on existing services and identifying areas for improvement. Items discussed at the CAN are raised with the Consumer Advisory Council which looks at issues across the entire Townsville Hospital and Health Service catchment area. Members Joanne Barbagallo and Barb Stockdale have encouraged anyone who has had any interaction with the Ayr and Home Hill services to get involved in the CAN.

Joanne wanted to join the CAN to help improve the delivery of healthcare in the Burdekin.

“We come together for a monthly two-hour meeting and as a group we discuss issues, raise potential healthcare solutions and advocate for better healthcare in the Burdekin,” said Joanne.

“We want everyday people to be part of the CAN, especially people that are using our hospital and health service currently or are caring for someone who does.

“We need their feedback and information to understand the community’s needs.”

Barb said being part of the CAN was a fulfilling way to give back to the community and to provide support for better health care outcomes in the region.

“Over the past four years the CAN has been able to make improvements including changes to the dental service hours to better suit the community, advocate as a collective for important medical equipment, raising awareness about the challenges faced by healthcare staff and more,” explained Barb.

“Being involved in the CAN has given me a new appreciation for the challenging job our healthcare workers face and the impact I can have in improving health in the community.

“It’s not about having prior experience or expertise; it’s about sharing your perspective and helping us to shape a better healthcare system for the Burdekin.”

Expressions of interest close on Friday, 26 July, and more information can be found online at www.townsville.health.qld.gov.au/support-us/consumer-andcommunity-engagement/consultation-hub/.

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Current members of the Community Advisory Network (CAN), Barb Stockdale and Joanne Barbagallo, encourage others to join up. Photo supplied

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Farmers are not just talking about change but are acting and co-investing in agricultural technologies for sustainable management of their farms.  

Practice change with machinery in the sugar industry is pivotal for modernisation. The integration of advanced machinery not only enhances efficiency, productivity and quality but also aligns with sustainability goals while ensuring a safer industry. Continuous adoption of advanced technologies is crucial to maintaining the sugarcane industry's sustainability in the global market. 

Funding through the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation provided grants across the Lower Herbert, Mackay Whitsunday and Lower Burdekin regions for machinery and technology to achieve management practice changes that better match nutrient application to crop requirements and reduce losses through runoff entering the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. 

In the Lower Burdekin, the Major Grants project provided growers with financial incentives to implement additional improvements to irrigation technology, nutrient management practices and precision agriculture. NQ Dry Tropics, supported by Sugar Research Australia, agronomy service provider Farmacist and smart farming company Aglantis, engaged with 33 growers to improve management practices on their farm, delivering over $1 million in incentive grants with farmers investing over $1.2 million of their own money.

A range of on-ground actions were funded to achieve reductions in nutrients and pesticides and improve irrigation efficiency. These included the use of Stool Zippas to reduce fertiliser and chemical run off, GPS guidance and rate control for more precise application and recording of nutrients and pesticide, modems for accurate and trouble-free data collection and management, and improved water use efficiency through increased adoption of automated irrigation technology and infield scheduling tools.

Overall, the Reef Trust Partnership-funded Major Grants projects have delivered over $4 million in incentive grants across the three sugarcane regions and farmers have invested over $6.6 million of their own money. That equates to $1.65 invested by farmers for every grant dollar received. 

The farming practice changes funded through the program are resulting in improved land management, which is positively affecting growers’ bottom lines, boosting the local economy and having a significant impact on end of catchment pollution load reduction. This is a positive outcome for the future of farming in Reef catchments and the quality of water in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. 

Mario Barbagallo explains the benefits of combining GPS, variable rate control and Stool Zippas to improve nutrient and pesticide placement. Credit NQ Dry Tropics.
Scott Harness with his fertiliser box and Stool Zippa closing wheels in the lower Burdekin. Credit NQ Dry Tropics.

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Passionately advocating for the interests of local growers and contractors is Charles Quagliata, the Burdekin District Chair of Queensland Cane, Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR).
As the 2024 crushing season unfolded, anticipation was high among growers and the broader community, however, their optimism was quickly met with challenges.
Several factors led to the delayed crush, including delays in mill readiness, sporadic industrial actions and unexpected rain showers in late June, all of which hindered progress and prevented them from fully utilising the early favourable conditions.
“We were looking forward to making a really good start this year as we had the advantage of having a dry start, but unfortunately there were delays between mills being ready and a couple of days of industrial action,” said Charles.
“It’s very disappointing that we ended up receiving rain at the end of June, where we’ve missed the opportunity to supply close to a month’s worth of cane due to growing evidence that most mills were not properly ready,” he added.
At the core of QCAR's mission lies a commitment to resolving operational challenges and
ensuring the sustainability of the cane industry in Queensland. Charles voiced concerns over ongoing issues with staffing shortages and operational inefficiencies, emphasising the significant impact on both mill operations and the field sector.

“QCAR have constantly and continually engaged with mill management about specific problems, and nothing seems to get done about it.  In fact, it feels as if it is being received on “Deaf Ears”” Charles remarked.

“We are aware that the shortage of staff is an issue, but it’s just one issue! We understand that whilst mills face this issue, so too do we as well in the field as growers and contractors, but unfortunately, the miller’s problems seem to continually fall back on the grower, their third party contractors and in turn, the entire local community and quite frankly, this continual transfer of risk is not acceptable to QCAR and its members.”

“We and our underlying harvest sector colleagues are disgusted with the arrogant reception received from local CS&T operation management when we raise such concerns and observations, and while senior management continue to fail to intervene to curb such conduct, then we have no unjustified reasoning to question our Miller’s good faith, integrity and genuine interest in providing a long lasting processing service to our communities.”
Central to QCAR’s objectives is the optimisation of the crushing season to an efficient 18-20 weeks. Charles stressed the importance of achieving this timeline not only for operational efficiency but also for mitigating the financial burden on growers and the broader community.
Charles also emphasised the economic consequences of extended crushing periods and the need for timely resolutions.

“QCAR’s priority is to get season lengths back to 18 or 20 weeks crushing so we can have all the ratooning done by the end of September, and as our Miller’s very own published data compiled by Dr Lisa McDonald shows, to have an ultimate crop for the next season we need to finish ratooning in September.”

“Ratooning in November and December is just an absolute joke!”  

“This and other research by our various productivity services concludes financially disastrous consequences for the Growers, the Miller and the local communities, particularly for the following season’s crush.”

“We’re just causing a lot of financial impact onto these growers by not having an 18-20 week crushing and it’s a lot of money for the town that’s getting lost.”

Looking ahead, Charles remains optimistic about overcoming the current challenges. He emphasised the necessity of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to ensure a successful upcoming season and a sustainable future for the Burdekin's sugarcane industry.
"As QCAR works towards achieving the best possible outcomes, it’s important that we put an end to disruptions that harm our members," Charles affirmed.
“We look after a lot of local milling issues and engage with members, and the Burdekin District Board will continue to keep an eye on day-to-day operations with the Miller and its Cane Supply and Transport.”
“The growers, harvest sector and broader community are the innocent affected third parties in this dispute between the Mill and the Unions. I demand to see it resolved asap, and without any further belligerence, so we can get this crush properly underway as we’re already too far behind, and in a year where we were initially presented with such dry conditions, it is completely unfathomable that we are in this predicament!”

In the intricate interplay between weather patterns, staffing, machinery and unmasking the reality of mill readiness, Charles stands as a very strong advocate for the Burdekin’s sugarcane industry and is eager to provide the best possible outcome this crushing season.

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Panikos Spryou and Charles Quagliata,  Burdekin district chair of Queensland Cane, Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR). Image supplied

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As preparations for the Home Hill Harvest Festival get underway, the excitement in the Burdekin community is palpable. The upcoming event on 9 November promises to be a spectacular celebration, with a diverse array of activities highlighting the spirit and vibrancy of the region. At the heart of these festivities are the Home Hill Harvest Festival Queens, who play an integral role in the event through their dedicated efforts in fundraising and community engagement.
Each candidate for the Harvest Festival Queen title is sponsored by a local not-for-profit club, sporting organisation, or business entity. Their journey, which includes fundraising and active participation in festival events, culminates in the grand Gala Ball presentation. This year's festival, like those before it, benefits greatly from the energy and dedication of these amazing young women.
Dayna Linton, the 2023 Charity Queen, and Ally-Jo Farry, the 2023 Personality Queen have shared their stories, providing an insider's perspective on the Harvest Festival Queen experience. Both Dayna and Ally-Jo’s stories provide a vivid picture of the commitment and joy involved in participating in this cherished community tradition.
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BURDEKIN NETBALL ASSOCIATION: DAYNA LINTON – Charity Queen 2023
Representing Burdekin Netball Association, Dayna Linton, 19, is an Agribusiness Relationship Assistant at Rural Bank and is currently studying a Diploma of Agribusiness Management. Having been involved with the Burdekin Netball Association from a young age, Dayna's role as Umpire Convener and her passion for developing junior players are testament to her deep commitment to the club.
Memorable Moment: "The most memorable moment for me as a Harvest Festival Queen was when I was on stage and got to look out at the crowd to see all my favourite people there supporting me."
Inspiration to Participate: "As a queen for Burdekin Netball Association, I have seen many other players and members of the club participate as queens before me. I wanted to be a role model like those girls were to me and give back to the club."
Impact on Club Involvement: "It was more the behind-the-scenes things I had to organise for events and fundraising that I became more involved with."
Rewarding Part of Fundraising: "The most rewarding part of raising money for my organisation was knowing what that money will be used for and that it will impact our club for many years to come."
Experience in Festival Events: "I had a lot of fun participating in the Harvest Festival events. The parade was definitely my favourite part, having players aged from 6-17 as part of the float supporting myself and Burdekin Netball was very touching."
Qualities for a Successful Queen: "I think the only quality needed to be a successful charity queen is passion. As long as you’re passionate about what or who you’re fundraising for and willing to be out in the community and give new things a go, that’s all you need."
Advice for Future Participants: "Don’t take it too seriously, enjoy the events and the group of queens you’re with. Get involved wherever you can!"
HOME HILL - AYR LIONS CLUB: ALLY-JO FARRY – Personality Queen 2023
Ally-Jo Farry, 18, represented the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club. Currently a second-year apprentice at Phoenix Hair Studio, Ally-Jo has been a lifelong resident of the Burdekin district and treasures its tight-knit community.
Favourite Part of the Festival: "Throughout the Harvest Festival, my favourite part was seeing the whole community come together as one. I have met some wonderful people, and they are moments that I cherish. Their support towards the events and us queens was phenomenal and that is something I will never forget."
Feeling Winning the Title: "In my eyes, everybody is a winner. It was definitely a shock when I was announced that I had won Personality Queen. I almost cried! I remember sitting on the stage with butterflies in my stomach. Everybody was cheering. It’s definitely a moment in life that I will never forget."
Personal Growth: "Being a Queen has definitely influenced my personal growth. Before doing the Harvest Festival, I never liked speeches as I was never confident enough to stand on stage and talk in front of a large crowd. I have developed confidence in myself to do that, and that is something I’m really proud of."
Balancing Responsibilities: "Trying to balance work life and my commitments was actually a lot easier than I anticipated at the start. Sometimes there were events that I couldn’t attend, but the Harvest Festival committee was always very understanding. One thing that helped was most of the events were either on a weeknight or a Sunday, which I had already finished work."
Fun or Unexpected Experience: "The best event is definitely the pet show. It was the best day seeing everyone come down with their pets. Every pet was so different. There were cats, dogs, chickens, ponies, guinea pigs, and reptiles. Seeing all the different pets in costumes was definitely a fun night."
Role of Family and Friends: "My family, my partner Jaidyn, and his family were definitely my biggest supporters. I couldn’t thank my partner enough. As I didn’t have a car, Jaidyn would drop me off and pick me up from all my meetings and events, for which I am grateful. And of course, my mum and Jaidyn’s family for always being at every fundraiser I hosted or contributing in some way."
Preparation for Events: "When preparing for events for the Harvest Festival, such as my fundraising events, I definitely wanted to do something different that I felt the town would enjoy. Two major fundraising events were my trivia night at the Crown Hotel and my bake sale. The Lions Club was a massive help in organising and making the night perfect, and everyone jumped in to help bake some delicious treats."
Upcoming Events
The 2024 Home Hill Harvest Festival promises a full program of events, kicking off with the Ephemera & Harvest Festival Launch on 29 September at Lloyd Mann Gardens. Highlights include the Students Ball on 4 October, Town of Origin on 20 October, King and Queen of the Hill on 26 October, Derby Day on 2 November, Golf Ambrose on 3 November, the Pet Show/Bolt for Bucks on 6 November, the Harvest Ball on 8 November, and the Grand Parade/Street Party on 9 November.
The Queensland Country Bank Home Hill Harvest Festival celebrates the rich agricultural industry and laid-back lifestyle of the Burdekin region. With events running from September through early November, there's something for everyone.
This year, our 2024 queens will start their fundraising events from 1 August and value the support of the community. Keep an eye out for all the amazing events they will be putting on.
For more information and to get involved, visit the Home Hill Harvest Festival website, www.hhharvestfestival.com.au or follow the festival on social media.

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Float entrants in the 2023 Harvest Festival Parade in Home Hill
2023 Harvest Festival Charity Queen Dayna Linton representing the Burdekin Netball Association in the2023 Harvest Festival Parade in Home Hill.
2023 Harvest Festival Personality Queen, Ally-Jo Farry representing the Home Hill and Ayr Lions Club in the 2023 Harvest Festival Parade in Home Hill.
Ally-Jo Farry being crowed as the 2023 Harvest Festival Personality Queen at the Harvest Festival Ball at the Memorial Hall in Home Hill.
Dayna Linton being crowed as the 2023 Harvest Festival Charity Queen at the Harvest Festival Ball at the Memorial Hall in Home Hill.
Dayna Linton and Ally-Jo Farry standing together after being crowned at the 2023 Harvest Festival Ball

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Selling a home can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, you can navigate the process smoothly and achieve a successful sale. Whether you're a first-time seller or have sold homes before, these tips will help you prepare your home, attract potential buyers, and negotiate the best deal.

   1. Prepare your Home for Sale
Before listing your home, invest time and effort in making it look its best:
   • Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove personal items and excess clutter to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space.
   • Clean Thoroughly: Deep clean every room, including carpets, windows, and appliances. A clean home creates a positive impression.
   • Make Repairs: Fix any visible issues like leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or peeling paint. Small repairs can make a big difference in buyer perception.

   2. Set the Right Price
Pricing your home correctly is critical for attracting buyers:
   • Research Comparable Properties: Look at recent sales of similar homes in your area to gauge the market value.
   • Consider Market Conditions: Assess whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, as this can impact pricing strategy.
   • Consult with a Real Estate Agent: An experienced agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you set a competitive price.

   3. Market Effectively
Effective marketing increases visibility and attracts potential buyers:
   • Professional Photography: High-quality photos highlight your home's best features and attract more online views.
   • Online Listings: Utilise multiple online platforms and social media to reach a broad audience.
   • Open Houses and Showings: Make your home accessible for showings and consider hosting open houses to generate interest.

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Hi everyone! I hope you’ve all had a great week and enjoyed the school holidays!

As always, I’ve been keeping busy, chatting with you all here and there, hearing your stories, or just saying hi, and please feel free to reach out to me via email anytime!

My friends and I have had a big start to the “21st Birthday celebration season”, and it’s been great to catch up with everyone again after everyone heading off for the mid-year university break.

After just over a month off for the break, I’ll be back into the swing of it all next week with Trimester 2 O-Week kicking off on Monday. With graduation just around the corner, my workload consists of the last few subjects left on my “check list”, and I could not be more ready to smash them out! I’ll finish my degree, a Bachelor of Communication and Journalism, in October, and will officially graduate in December… exciting!!

I’ve been seeing plenty of posts on the Water Festival Facebook page of people reminiscing on their time as ambassadors, sharing photos of their extravagant floats, and I’m loving it! You may have seen, my mum, Kari is on the committee, and of course she’s been posting plenty on my time as a junior ambassador for the PCYC in 2015. It was such an amazing experience, and I loved every second of it! My float had a GIANT elephant on it dressed in an amazing outfit handmade by my Grandma, and we themed all our costumes, music and decorations to showcase the Wild & Wonderful (the 2015 theme) vibe of Bollywood, it was so much fun, and we took out Best Junior Float, and Grand Champion Float of the whole festival!

If you or anyone you know is thinking about applying to be an ambassador, do it!

I hope you all have a great week, enjoy the read, and I’ll chat to you soon!

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Barbara Stockdale has been celebrated for becoming the Home Hill Health Service’s first Brighter Lives volunteer.

Barb, as she’s warmly known within the Burdekin community began volunteering at the health service drawing inspiration from her experience of supporting her mum in hospital during the COVID 19 lockdowns. Barb’s decision to give back to her community has been commended by both residents of the Burdekin and Townsville, with her compassionate nature touching and inspiring many.

Wanting to use her spare time to help others, Barb spoke with the health service staff, and was connected to Brighter Lives. A few hours a week, Barb brightens the lives of patients with activities, walks, conversation and companionship, with many acknowledging she’s the most perfect person for such an important role.

Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation is actively seeking more volunteers in rural areas like the Burdekin.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last has sounded the alarm for the Minister to announce a new Fire and Rescue Station in Ayr as local firefighters and the community grapple with the impacts of a toxic compound contamination.
While Labor’s budget included $4 Million toward remediation works at the current station, Mr Last said the lack of funding for a new station meant a lack of certainty for staff and the wider community.
“It’s been more than five years since PFAS chemicals were detected in Ayr’s drinking water and more than four years since the Detailed Site Investigation found its origins were the historic use of firefighting foam,” Mr Last said. 
“In that time we have seen under-funded and half-baked solutions that has left our local firefighters unable to undertake essential training on site for years and a water project unable to progress past tender.”
“If the Minister isn’t in Ayr within the week with funding to provide the Ayr community with a new fire station, it will send a clear message to residents and local firefighters that Labor is happy to turn a blind eye to community safety when it comes to water and emergency services.”
Mr Last said with local firefighters now facing the potential of having to either operate on a construction site or be pushed into a temporary facility, it would be a slap in the face to firefighters and the local community for Labor to not announce funding for a new local fire station.
“These are the people we rely on to save lives and this community will not stand by while an arrogant government refuses to treat them with the respect they deserve,” Mr Last said.
“For years now we have been asking for the Detailed Site Investigation which we now know was provided to the Labor government in February 2020 at the latest.  Even if the remediation works started today it would be more than 4 ½ years that Labor has left staff exposed to carcinogenic compounds.”
“You have to ask what it will take for Labor to do the right thing by the community and our firefighters.  Do we have to wait until someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease or for someone to die before this government actually lives up to its mantra of keeping Queenslanders safe?”
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Opinion Piece contributed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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OPINION PIECE

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is renewing his desperate calls for the Federal and State Labor Government’s to fix the Bruce Highway.

Following the recent fatal tragedy on the weekend near Gumlu, Mr Willcox said Labor’s decision to slash funding to the Bruce Highway in his electorate of Dawson is despicable.

“While the investigation into the cause of this accident is still ongoing, any life lost on the Bruce Highway is one life too many, and we desperately need investment into this road to ensure there are no more victims of the Bruce Highway,” Mr Willcox said.

“The stretch of highway that runs through my electorate, from Mackay all the way up to Townsville has the worst safety rating out of the entire Bruce Highway.

“While Labor is busy investing millions of dollars in the southeast corner to secure votes, innocent lives are being lost, and frankly, it’s disgusting.

“This isn’t about politics or political agendas; this is about the safety of my people and the safety of the people travelling through our region.”

The Department of Transport and Main Roads data of the 15 deadliest lengths of road between 2015 to 2024 shows that 9 of these are located in the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday and Townsville areas.

Mr Willcox explained that the previous Coalition Governments prioritised funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway during their time in office, and yet the State Labor Government has been sitting on this funding.

“I have called on the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, many times to look at funding for this section of highway, I have even invited the Prime Minister and his Ministers to come and see it for themselves,” Mr Willcox said.

“Instead, they pulled millions out of our region and injected it into the southeast corner, all while slashing the funding model from an 80:20 split to a 50:50 split.

“This government is playing with the lives of every person who travels the Bruce Highway, and it needs to stop.

“We deserve better.”

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The construction of the Ayr water treatment plant has reached a new milestone, with a contractor appointed to commence work on the $46.88 million project.

Under the funding allocations made in the 2024/25 Budget last week, the Tallai Project Group were awarded the construction contract following the Burdekin Shire Council’s extensive tender process.

The project consists of numerous stages, with Stage 1 of the new water treatment plant including iron and manganese pre-treatment, coal on sand dual media filtration, disinfection, solids handling, chemical storage, and dosing.

“This is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Ayr, Brandon and Alva communities that will ensure that we can continue to provide safe and reliable drinking water to our residents,” said Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort.

“We are excited to see this construction project nearing commencement after years of strategic planning and design.”

Works are expected to commence at the South Ayr borefiled in September, with the new bores expected to be up and running at the time of completion of the new water treatment plant.  

“The South Ayr borefield will also undergo a complete rejuvenation with the development of up to eight new submersible pumps and delivery infrastructure,” explained Mayor Dalle Cort.

“The water from this borefield will be treated by the filtration treatment plant to remove iron and manganese from the source water eliminating historical discolouration issues at South Ayr”

The 2024/25 Queensland Government Budget funding also provides support for costs associated with refurbishing South Ayr bores to supplement current drinking water supplies and is part of an ongoing management plan following detections of PFAS in the groundwater. Additionally, the Queensland Government will invest $1 million to better understand the groundwater in Ayr through monitoring and modelling the aquifer.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher believes the investments and support directed towards the Burdekin Shire uphold the Queensland Government’s commitment to supporting councils and delivering for Queenslanders.

“I look forward to working with Mayor Dalle Cort to continue to deliver for the Burdekin Region,” said Glenn.  

“We know how important water supply is for our communities and we’re always there to roll up our sleeves and help Councils with their water infrastructure needs.”

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Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort with Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher.

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The initial 2024 season sugar price forecasts from marketing companies indicate that the high physical premiums received by Australian sugar in the 2023 season, are likely to be repeated for this production season.

For Wilmar growers who use Target Pricing, the initial forecast is for $38.43/t Actual to be added to the AUD #11 swap price fixed by the grower. This is in comparison to QSL’s forecast of $21.12/t Actual.

While the initial forecast is below the 2023 season estimate of $53.22/t Actual (QSL $33.91/t Actual), it is important to remember that not long ago this premium was negligible to negative.

This is good news for growers and underscores the strong demand for the quality sugar that is consistently produced out of Australia.

An expected bounce back in the Thai crop, which is the main competitor in Asia for our sugar, may keep a lid on upside revisions from here.

As far as the broader market is concerned, the focus remains on the progress of the Brazilian crop. The ICE #11 continues to trade around 20c/lb as the market continues to digest the volume, ATR, and production mix from the early Brazilian crush.

The May 24 UNICA fortnightly reports indicate that all three sugar production key variables were trailing behind market expectation: tonnes are down, sucrose yield is lower and sugar make is below 50 per cent.

The trend through June was for the crop, yield, and sugar make to firm up. Nevertheless, the speculative community has reduced their short position, and upside resistance will depend on how the rest of the world crop is developing.

As previously noted, the Thai crop is expected to be recovering well this year and the monsoon in India appears to be on track for a normal season. Even if the Indian crop comes in higher, the increased production is expected to be absorbed into ethanol production and therefore, global sugar stocks will not be affected.

Wilmar’s Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham will be touring Queensland in the second week of July. He will be presenting in each of our regions, providing an update on Wilmar’s supply and demand forecasts, as well as an insight into the key destination countries for Australian sugar.

This is always a popular event, so make sure you contact your local consultant for further information.

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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) stands as a program designed to connect young, regional girls with local industries, and has made significant strides under the leadership of dedicated local educator, Sarah Chapman.  

Sarah Chapman, a former Ayr State High School student, Townsville Science Teacher, and recipient of the 2013 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, has been the driving force behind STEM Changemakers, holding the position of Co-Chair of Women in STEM Australia.  

The two-month-long program has been celebrated for the experiences, mentorship, and opportunities it presents to its participants within STEM careers.  

“As a teacher with twenty years of secondary state school experience, I’ve seen countless talented girls in STEM who lacked support at home, or faced too many other life demands,” explained Sarah.

“That’s why six months ago, I decided to be the change I wanted to see in the world and take a year off work to devote my time to changing opportunities for regional girls in STEM; that is where I developed the STEM Changemakers program.”

Within the current workforce, 80% of the fastest-growing occupants require STEM skills, however, only 15 per cent of STEM-qualified jobs are held by women. The program, STEM Changemakers, works to provide girls with tangible experiences with the support of role models to further transform girls’ aspirations, enabling them to perceive a positive future for themselves on a STEM pathway.  

“The girls in the STEM Changemakers program walk away with a reinforced confidence in themselves - they have strengthened communication and networking skills and are able to collaborate with a range of stakeholders in the community,” said Sarah.

A central focus of STEM Changemakers is collaborating with local stakeholders and businesses, one of which being Wilmar Sugar Australia. Wilmar Sugar Australia has presented a real-world industry challenge to the students, involving ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions of the transport of sugarcane to the mills. Nina West, Manager of Design Engineering at Wilmar Sugar Australia, says this challenge not only gave the girls a practical problem to solve but also highlighted the relevance of STEM in addressing global issues.

“There have been amazing ideas resulting from the girls’, some of which we might not have considered without them, and that is exactly what we were hoping for,” said Nina.  

Ayr State High School’s Grade Eight student, Jorja Ahern has been part of STEM Changemakers over the past two months and believes the program has expanded her knowledge and understanding of the diverse career opportunities available.  

“This program has opened up opportunities for my future studies and career path - it has helped me understand the different types of engineering, and what I could achieve as an engineer, and I have found interest in electrical engineering and environmental engineering,” said Jorja.  

Tiana Cameron, fellow Ayr State High School student in Grade Ten, was also part of STEM Changemakers, and developed similar understandings to Jorja, explaining the program provided her with a glimpse into STEM careers.  

“Changemakers has brought me from a girl interested in science to a girl interested in a career in science, and I think that’s my biggest takeaway,” said Tiana.  

On Saturday 22 June, STEM Changemakers culminated, where the girls celebrated their involvement with the program by presenting their STEM solutions to over 200 businesses and supporters. Jorja Jerkic, Mia Formilan, Tiana Cameron, Briella Wassmuth, and Jorja Ahern made their presentations at the Science Precinct in Townsville, and in their audience was special guest, Australian Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Folley, who has supported the girls and the growth of the STEM Changemakers program.  

Sarah’s inspirational and commendable mission has only just begun, and she has made long-term plans for the future to continue supporting young girls in STEM.

“Long-term, I am aiming to work with regional industries to provide targeted skills training that is flexible and responsive to young people’s needs, rapid technological change, and industry demand to ensure Australia’s STEM skills workforce can be more dynamic and responsive to change and allow our young people to be the leaders in solving future STEM challenges,” said Sarah.  

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Jorja Jerkic, Mia Formilan, Tiana Cameron, Ms Sarah Chapman, Briella Wassmuth, Jorja Ahern, and Mrs Claire Brock at the Final Presentation Day.
Bella Lawry, Tiana Cameron, and Briella Wassmuth.
Jorja Ahern, Mia Formilan and Jorja Jerkic.

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