The Lyon’s Grassland Striped Skink had not been observed since 1981 and is known only from a single locality that is heavily grazed by cattle.

That is until the rare lizard was found last year for the first time in over 40 years living in north-east Queensland.

In early 2023, scientists from Queensland Museum and James Cook University were tasked with the challenge of finding the elusive Lyon’s Grassland Striped Skink.

The surveys were part of research by the Resilient Landscapes Hub of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program that is looking for highly threatened reptiles across Queensland.

Dr Andrew Amey from Queensland Museum Network, who led the expedition, said the goal was to find three species of skink which have very small distributions confined to the Mount Surprise area, around 500 kilometres northeast of Ayr.

“These lizards are all hard to find and seldom seen,” Dr Amey said.

“Two are part of a large group of skinks in the genus Lerista, which are only found in Australia and have adapted to sandy soils by reducing their limbs to essentially swim through the soil.

“It shows that parts of Australia such as grasslands and open woodland that are grazed by cattle can still host important biodiversity.

“It was an exciting moment to find all three skinks, but to find the Lyon’s Grassland Striped Skink was an amazing discovery.”

The other two skinks were the Limbless Fine-lined Slider, which is found in the Undara Volcanic National Park, and the Mount Surprise Slider, which was only known from one paddock.

The purpose of the survey was to find if the species still existed and if scientists could find new populations elsewhere.

The small distribution of the skinks makes them vulnerable to damaging events such as bushfires, drought, invasive weeds, and disease.

The Lyon’s Grassland Striped Skink was recently listed as Critically Endangered by the Queensland and Australian Governments in recognition of this.

Dr Amey said animals like these skinks have an important role to play in our ecosystems.

“We need to know if these skinks have healthy populations or if they are declining,” he said.

“We can’t take effective action to protect them if we don’t know where they occur and what threats are impacting them.

“The only way to get this information is go and look for them.”

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Caption: Lyon's grassland skink. Photo credit: Conrad Hoskin

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By Chelsea Ravizza

January 2024 saw a new mammoth monthly record set for the Containers for Change Scheme across Queensland, with 175,805,461 containers returned for a refund and recycling. This outstanding total surpasses the previous record set in January of 2023 of 157,525,681, and Rachael Coleman of NQ Green Solutions continues to be blown away by the Burdekin’s recycling efforts.

NQ Green Solutions recycled 1,133,972 containers in January, and the depot shows no sign of slowing. Recycling almost 350,000 more containers in January of 2024 than January of 2023, Rachael believes this increase can be owed to various factors.

“A number of factors have contributed to our surge in number for January in the Burdekin like the expansion of our Container Collect Service to include areas such as Giru and Ravenswood, our online booking app, sponsorship, large community involvement, and awareness about the scheme and what if offers,” explained Rachael.

The Queensland Government’s Containers for Change Scheme was introduced in November of 2018, and has since received more than 7.75 billion containers, and refunded more than $775 million to Queenslanders.

Rachael and her team have seen many new customers come through their deport in response to the cost-of-living crisis, and Container Exchange CEO, Natalie Roach, believes the Containers for Change Scheme exists as a widely beneficial tool to combat this struggle.

“At a time when many are facing cost of living pressures, Containers for Change has returned more than $780 million to Queenslander’s’ back pockets,” explained Ms Roach.

“Containers for Change has also supported more than 935 jobs across Queensland, with many of these in regional areas, benefitting the local economy.”

The scheme’s expansion to include glass wine and spirit bottles from the beginning of November in 2023 is believed to be one of the main contributing factors to the record-breaking figures.

“We have had an overwhelming response to the addition of glass wine, and spirit bottles to the Container refund Scheme since its introduction, but January saw massive growth across all container variants,” expressed Rachael.

“Since we opened our doors, we have recycled and saved over 37 million containers from landfill, and I couldn’t be prouder of the Burdekin and their participation in the entire scheme, as every week the numbers just blow me away.”

Caption: Charley Ruskin and Caitlin McDonnell of NQ Green Solutions. Photo supplied

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Next month, high school students from four Burdekin schools will attend a potentially lifesaving education program professionally developed and delivered by trained local mentors.

Road Safety Education Limited’s (RSE) RYDA workshop is a whole of school program which includes a full day workshop of practical, interactive and powerful sessions about road safety for students at Burdekin Catholic High School, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Christian College and Burdekin Educational Engagement Program.

The program lays the foundation for safe road use throughout their lives and challenges students to think about the role they play road safety.

RSE CEO & Managing Director Terry Birss said the organisation applauds schools for committing to the educational experience for their students.

“Educating young people and equipping them with the tools they need to make good choices on the road is essential to saving lives,” he said.  

“It is not enough to teach a young person the skill of controlling and manoeuvring a vehicle.  

“We must balance this with the skill of critical thinking and an appreciation for safety on the road.”

The workshop is supported by a range of resources for students and teachers to use including an online digital revision course, pre-workshop classwork and follow-up modules on a range of road safety topics which schools can build into their curriculum.

To date, over 775,000 students have completed the RYDA program throughout Australia and New Zealand.  

The program focuses on teaching young drivers the cognitive skills required to manage distractions, an understanding and acceptance of the rules of the road and the laws of physics.

It helps students to plan their journey and gives them strategies to avoid risk and the resilience and motivation to implement those strategies.  

RYDA also teaches passengers how to contribute positively to the car’s environment and speak up if they’re uncomfortable and to use the road with social responsibility.

RYDA QLD Senior Program Coordinator Hannah Olsen said the support of local Rotary Clubs means the program can be run in all communities by local road safety and education professionals, including police.

“Youth Road Trauma is a community problem that needs a whole of community response,” she said.

“Our local rotary club and RSE are in a unique position to bring together all the essential elements to provide an effective and highly successful road safety education program for young people.”

Drivers are at their highest risk of being involved in a crash during their first year of driving unsupervised.

Young Australians continue to be over-represented in road trauma statistics with 17-25-year-olds making up 10% of the population but representing 22% of all driver and passenger fatalities.  

A range of factors have been linked to the higher rate of injuries and deaths caused by young drivers including driver inexperience, risky driving behaviours such as speeding, driving while fatigued, driving without a seatbelt and driving smaller and/or older vehicles with fewer safety features.  

The risk of crashing diminishes with experience plus the development of decision-making skills so they can recognise risky situations and make safer choices.  

The RYDA workshops teach all of these skills and are aimed specifically at people of senior high school age.

The program will run on Friday March 15 at the TAFE Queensland Burdekin Campus.

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Scouting has been part of the Home Hill community since 1928. On Monday 12 February 12, as part of our community involvement, members of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the Burdekin Council Australia Day event at the Home Hill Memorial Hall. This was a great night seeing and hearing about so many inspirational people in our community.

We also took the opportunity to share the opportunity for youth 5 to 15 years of age (adults too) to come along for four weeks for free to Try Scouting on a Thursday night at our Hall in Twelfth Ave, Home Hill.

This term along with our Thursday night programs our members will attend:

   • 3 Community events

   • 2 Camps/Sleepover

   • 5 Adventurous Activity days

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Contributed by Chris Berkery

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Caption: Home Hill Scouts attended the recent Australia Day Awards Ceremony in Home Hill. Photo supplied

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Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club is inviting the community to the beach for a Family Fun Day happening Saturday, March 2 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

The day will offer fun for the whole family, including a dunk tank, face painting and slip and slide.

Snacks will be available including popcorn, slushies and fairy floss as well as other food and drinks – BYO is not permitted.

The 2024 Family Fun Day is free to enter and will take place at the Ayr Surf Club, Sandown Street, Alva.

Following the Family Fun Day will be a Sock Disco from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

The cost of the Sock Disco is $10 to enter and includes a sausage sizzle and drink.

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WHAT: Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club’s Family Fun Day

WHEN: Saturday, March 2 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm

WHERE: Ayr Surf Club, Sandown Street, Alva

COST: Free entry (Sock Disco $10 entry)

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Rehoming Fee: $195

DOB: 1/1/2023

Sex: Male

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other Cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

This playful little tabby is on a quest to find his furever home! Dubbed Harry Potter, he is affectionate and loving, sure to keep his humans spellbound with his stellar personality.

He can magically make your worries (and a whole bowl of food) disappear!

Harry isn’t a fan of Quidditch, but he flies around at top speed chasing his toys.

The Sorting Hat has decided that Harry is definitely a lap cat, who adores being with his human friends.

Harry is available for adoption, is desexed and microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. Harry has also been flea, tick and worm treated.

To schedule a meet and greet, complete and submit an animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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Caption: Talika Pegoraro

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Friday, February 23 saw Burdekin Catholic Shire Council (BCHS) lift in rivalry with the Interhouse Swimming Carnival. After a fantastic Spirit Week, the three houses were set to bring their best to the pool. The day was filled with highly competitive races, with BCHS showcasing many great swimmers. Importantly, there was also high participation from our non-competitive races to ensure maximum points were gained towards acquiring the House Trophy.

It was great to see the fantastic spirit of each of the houses led by their incredible House Leaders.  The house chants were most likely heard all around Ayr. The staff at BCHS were well supported by officials from the Burdekin Torpedos. Announcements of the winners and age champions will be at the end of the Commissioning Liturgy on Wednesday morning.

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Contributed by Burdekin Catholic High School

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Caption: BCHS’s interhouse rivalry returned at the school’s swimming carnival last week. Photos supplied

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The first of Burdekin Christian College’s pre-carnival spirit activities was dodgeball, a very popular activity with many students participating.  

Mighty Mathew took out the first event of spirit week.

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Caption: Photos supplied: Jarvisfield State School

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The start of the 2024 local football season was delayed again due to the very wet weather. All matches in the area were called off and the Kappa Cup 3rd Round game between Burdekin Panthers and JCU Riverway has yet to be rescheduled.

The actual season is due to start this weekend with all five teams playing MA Olympic. The games were due to be played in Townsville, but the Olympic grounds were unplayable and Olympic wanted to play the games in the Burdekin, but after Monday night’s rain, International Park is also unplayable at the time of writing.

Senior registrations are now open and players must be registered by this Friday to be eligible to play weekend fixtures. Training Shirts are now available to collect at Senior trainings.

Jumper preorders are now open. Form is available on Facebook to order. Cut off is March 8th.

Training at International Park will be happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm for men and Wednesdays at 6:00pm for women, should it ever stop raining.

The Juniors are, unfortunately, in the same position. Pre-season Week 1 was postponed. Again, as well. Let’s hope we can get some drying conditions for next week and get the season underway soon.  

Keep an eye out for details regarding the Working Bee and coaches clinic which were also cancelled on the weekend.

Monday Night Masters was cancelled again, so we will have another go at it next Monday assuming there is not too much more rain. So, it’s usual time, usual place, 6:30pm at International Park. New and old players are all welcome. In fact, it doesn’t really matter if you can’t play. Treat it as an escape.

The Matildas played the first leg of their Olympic Qualifier against Uzbekistan last Saturday and won 3-0 in a rather lacklustre performance. The second leg was played in Melbourne on Wednesday and, barring a catastrophe, the Matildas should qualify for the real thing in Paris.

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Who are you and what do you think qualifies you for the role?

Born and raised in the Burdekin and with over four decades experience in business, I truly understand the needs and challenges of our community. I have developed a strong understanding of effective governance, including through the completion of a Company Director course. Having previously served as Councillor for 12 years, I will continue to support, and leverage my wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide the region forward. My candidacy reflects my lifelong commitment to empowering the Burdekin and its residents.

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

Growth and Development. The 2015/16 Annual Report noted a population of 17,364, with projections reaching 19,500 by 2031. Yet, recent data shows only 16,842 residents. Housing is vital for growth, with pressure on the State Government needed to utilise vacant land. Collaboration with landholders and builders for residential expansion is crucial, especially with the Industrial Estate's ongoing growth and potential future expansions like the Burdekin Dam. Without growth, our rates will only increase, to the detriment of our community.

What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

As a mayor candidate, I recognise the diversity of our community's needs, yet understand the common concern: rising rates impact living pressures. I believe we need to get back to some basics and be discerning about needs versus wants, especially when maintaining existing infrastructure. There is a lack of urgency and efficiency when addressing concerns – this must change, and I will make it my priority to examine the current budget to better support everyday household pressures.

Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

In my initial 100 days, I'll approach each day diligently, starting with collaboration with elected councillors. Henry Ford's words ring true: 'Working together is success. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress'. Listening to and addressing councillors' concerns is vital for our new Burdekin management team. Putting our first budget together by June 30th will be complex—unlike standard Profit and Loss in business. Tightening the Council's budget will be a shared priority as we move forward.

Tell us how you will unite the community and ensure everyone is represented at Council

I am committed to ensuring that both groups and individuals are given opportunity to voice their concerns and are treated with due respect. Currently, there appears to be a deficiency in promptly addressing these matters, which I intend to rectify through a renewed sense of urgency and attentiveness. I will also empower our residents to contribute to development and improvement, not only for a more vibrant and resilient community, but to retain our youth and combat our ageing community.

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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for the role

I have held many roles in my time in the Burdekin: I am a wife, mother, primary school teacher, and proud member of many local sporting, school, church and community associations. Having served as a Councillor for six years, Mayor for 16 years, and as a Board representative on several regional and state bodies, I have a wealth of advocacy and leadership experience. I strongly believe the Burdekin is the best place to live, work, play, visit and invest.

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region, what would it be and how would you go about it?

Ensuring a focus on local government matters, not those managed at a state or federal level. Community resilience remains a key focus, not only in the face of weather events but industry, business and everyday life. Ensuring the Burdekin community has the support, knowledge and resources to flourish, while Council continues to advocate for support and funding from relevant bodies. Examples include the recent Emergency Action Guide (residents), partnership with Smart Hub Burdekin (business) and Pick the Burdekin campaign (industry).

What do you think people want now and how would you give it to them?

Modern local governments no longer only deliver roads, rubbish, water and wastewater: there is a growing focus on liveability, sustainability and community wellbeing. However, essential services and infrastructure will always remain my top priority. Society has an expectation of having everything provided for them, however it is important to ensure our region remains self-sufficient and progressive. I hope Council continues their community consultation sessions in townships, with action plans delivered for Giru, Alva, Rita Island/Jarvisfield and Millaroo/Dalbeg. 

Tell us what your first 100 days will look like if successful?

There will be some new faces in the next term of Council. When I first commenced as a Councillor, I had a lot of questions, so I have always facilitated an informal gathering of elected members once polls are declared. Prior to any formal meetings, Councillors will have the opportunity to meet each other and Council’s senior management, and begin asking questions. Then one of the first formal tasks will be to deliberate and deliver the 2024/25 Burdekin Shire Budget. 

How will you unite the community and ensure everyone is represented?

Council’s Economic Development and Community Development sections are in close consultation with the Chambers of Commerce and key industry, business and community groups. There are several Advisory Groups/Committees who provide feedback on Council decisions, ensuring a broad cross-section of our Shire have a say. People generally aren’t interested until there is an election or affects them personally so I want to emphasise if anyone does have questions or feedback, my door is always open and I happily meet with residents.

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In an emotional triumph for the local commercial fishing industry, six restricted licenses have been granted to commercial operators residing in the Burdekin to allow the use of nets to catch barramundi.

The announcement of the new licenses came after primary commercial fishing licences no longer authorised commercial net fishing activities in Queensland from January 1, 2024, in State and Federal Government efforts to phase out gillnet fishing on the Great Barrier Reef by 2027.

Alva fisher Neil Green was granted one of these licenses two days into barramundi season after he and his daughter, Sienna, campaigned passionately against the gillnet ban for the last eight months.

“We just devoted our time to it because we knew it was worth fighting for,” Neil said.

“To get that phone call at the end to say, ‘You’ve been granted a license,’ it was just tears all around.”

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Cover Caption: Neil Green, Dale Vener, Sienna and Leanne Green and their fishing dog Bozo. Photo supplied

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The Fight Continues

Thanks To Community And Political Support

In June 2023, The Australian and Queensland governments announced plans to phase out gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area by mid-2027 to better protect threatened and endangered species.

With the ban threatening the livelihoods of commercial fishing operators and related suppliers and industries, father-daughter fishing duo Neil and Sienna Green embarked on an eight-month journey of campaigning which saw them present to the Future Fishing Taskforce in Brisbane, meet with politicians, organise protests and appear on countless media channels to spread the message.

As of January 1, their N2 primary commercial fishing licence no longer authorised commercial net fishing activities.

However, in December last year, a new NX license was announced, which allows the use of gillnets to catch barramundi under strict conditions.

Neil and Sienna’s partner Dale were both issued licences on February 3 which are to expire in mid-2027, but the Greens consider this the consultation period the fishing industry never got.

“We fought so much for the last eight months,” Sienna said.

“Because it was rushed, there are quite a few teething issues, but it’s better than nothing and we’re so prepared to work through it.

“We’ve got to this stage, and I truly believe that we’ll be able to keep fighting and try to get it right.”

Only 40 NX licenses are available, with over half already being issued to Queensland fishing operators who met a series of strict criteria.

The NX license allows the use of nets under strict conditions, including the use of cameras on the boat at all times, observers being present on the boat at certain times, and the closure of fishing areas including Bowling Green Bay and Upstart Bay.

“They’re looking at what we catch,” Neil said.

“We’ve always claimed we’re not having interactions with dugongs and sawsharks to the extent that they’re saying we have.

“I think it’s a positive to have the camera, because it’s going to demonstrate what we don’t catch and that’s what the ‘green’ groups are lobbying on.”

Neil and Sienna intend to use this period to trial new, sustainable means of fishing, although they believe gillnets are the safest and most effective way to make a living as commercial fishers, disputing claims that their nets interact with endangered and threatened species.

“I think we’ve got the right apparatus to catch barra, being a gillnet, particularly in our creeks and rivers, and we need to prove that,” Neil said.

“I’m all for trialling new apparatus, but we’re going to have interactions with those endangered species.

“If there’s something better, then we’ll look at it.”

With a state election around the corner, Neil and Sienna will continue the campaign and meet with all sides of government as well as other primary industry bodies.

Neil and Sienna also thanked the community for their support, driving them to continue the fight to offer fresh, locally caught seafood.

“(The community is) obviously who we go out and fish on behalf of, and it’s just been so heartwarming and overwhelming to have that much support out there,” Sienna said.

“If we didn’t have them behind us, we wouldn’t be at this stage.”

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was one MP who supported Neil and Sienna’s campaign heavily and said the interim NX licenses is a small, temporary win for those in our region.

“The availability of these licenses means that we can keep these hardworking professionals in the industry until we can change this decision or change the current government, because if these operators decide to sell all their gear and move on to something else, it will be exceptionally hard to rebuild this industry in Australia,” he said.

“I am disappointed in the way that this decision has been handed down, the lack of industry consultation, and the lack of communication from these decision makers who are destroying so many livelihoods and running people out of business.

“While the temporary licenses will keep these businesses operating, there is still a long way to go.”

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Caption 1: Neil and Sienna Green have started barra season on the water after being granted restricted licenses to continue to use gillnets. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Hi Readers

I’ve added a new item to my list of new year’s resolutions, and that’s to catch a barra.

I know next to nothing about fishing and when I’ve sat in on conversations with experts talking shop, it seems to me like they’re speaking another language.

But, equipped with a fishing rod and tackle box recovered from my Pa’s shed and a cast net I got for my birthday as a child, I’m determined to reel one in – you could say I’ve got all the gear and no idea.

A couple of people who know a thing or two about fishing are Neil and Sienna Green who you would’ve seen on the cover of this week’s edition alongside Niel’s wife Leanne, Sienna’s partner Dale and their fishing dog Bozo.

I sat down with the father-daughter fishing duo to get an update on the Government’s phasing out of gillnets – you can catch their story on page 4.

I was sure to get some tips and tricks from the experts while I sat down with them and will keep you updated on this venture.

You’ll also find more information about the upcoming local government election in this week’s newspaper, with some photos from Burdekin Chamber’s Candidate Forum on page 6 and some comments from the two mayoral candidates on page 7.

Home Hill Chamber of Commerce also hosted a forum this week, however it was after our print deadline, so you’ll see photos from that in next week’s edition.

Election time always arouses different thoughts, opinions and ideas from members of the community, and we’ve been contacted recently about sharing these views in ‘Letters to the Editor’.

As a locally owned, independent and neutral publication, Burdekin Life is open to receiving and printing Letters to the Editor, however these are printed at the publication’s discretion dependent on space available and the contents of the letter.

So, if you’ve got something to share, feel free to send it in to the email address on your left.

One last update from me: the first instalment of the Home Hill Happy Hour, my new show on Sweet FM, was a lot of fun.

I’m looking forward to integrating the show into my weekly routine, so tune in to 97.1 Sweet FM every Tuesday from 7:00pm to hear some of my favourite tunes that I think you’ll enjoy.

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