Transitioning to secondary school is a significant milestone, and at Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS), they are dedicated to making this journey both exciting and seamless for students and parents alike. With a strong sense of community, outstanding academic programs, and a commitment to student success, BCHS ensures that every child is supported as they take their first steps into high school life.

To help students feel at home, BCHS invites all Year 5 and 6 students from the Burdekin region to take part in our highly anticipated Taster Day—a fun-filled experience designed to introduce students to the high school environment in an engaging and supportive way.

What’s in Store for Your Child?

From the moment they arrive, students will be welcomed by our friendly staff and student ambassadors, ready to answer any questions and guide them through the day’s activities. The event is designed to give students a firsthand experience of high school, helping them feel confident and excited about their future.

Taster Day Highlights:

Welcome & Introduction – Meet our teachers and students in a warm, friendly environment.

‘Getting to Know You’ Games – Break the ice with interactive activities.

Guided School Tour – Explore our facilities and classrooms.

Hands-on Curriculum Activities – Engage in exciting projects across all learning areas.

Q&A Session – A chance for students to ask questions and gain insight from teachers and current students.

Educational Rotations – Experience the variety of subjects and opportunities available at BCHS.

Taster Day Schedule

Drop-off Time: 9:15 AM

Lunch: Pies, sausage rolls, and fruit

Afternoon Tea: Fruit, Zooper Doopers, and a small pack of chips/popcorn

What to Bring: Hat & water bottle

What to Wear: Current school sports uniform

Pick-up Time: 2:30 PM

This immersive experience is a wonderful opportunity for students to build friendships, explore new subjects, and gain confidence in a high school setting. BCHS is more than just a school—it’s a place where every student is encouraged, challenged, and supported to reach their full potential.

For parents seeking a school that fosters faith, learning, and personal growth, Burdekin Catholic High School provides an education that truly believes in every child’s ability to succeed.

Join us for an unforgettable Taster Day and experience the BCHS difference!

For more information or to register your child, contact the school office on 4782366.

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Hi Everyone,

I’m truly enjoying getting to know the Burdekin community and exploring the region as a whole.

Starting fresh in a new area can be a bit daunting, but I’ve been met with such warmth and kindness from everyone here.

Though change can feel challenging at times, I’ve found that stepping out of your comfort zone often leads to wonderful, unexpected experiences.

So far, I’ve discovered some new favourite lunch and dinner spots, met some incredible people with fascinating stories, and treated myself to a few pieces from the fantastic shops Burdekin has to offer.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out, I’d love to meet as many of you as possible, while I am in Burdekin and share your stories.

Ruth

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." Wayne Dyer.

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Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to take a moment to share a brief additional note this week, as we approach Ramon's funeral this Saturday. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family during this difficult time.

For those wishing to attend, his funeral notice can be found on page 19.

Last week, I mentioned that we were considering including a memorial piece on Ramon's life in this week's paper. I understand this would have provided an opportunity for many of you to connect and share in the grief.

However, after careful consideration, Ramon's family has expressed a wish for this not to proceed at this time. Out of respect for their wishes, we have decided to honour their request.

Our thoughts are with everyone in the community who knew Ramon and holds special memories of him. I can only imagine how deeply he will be missed.

Rach

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An historic increase in funding for state schools will help students catch up, keep up and finish school according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

Mr Last said the additional $2.8 Billion in funding over 10 years was the biggest injection of funding ever delivered to Queensland state schools and was confirmation of the state government’s goal of delivering a better future for Queensland’s children.

“Education is about opening doors for students and the Crisafulli governing is committed to opening those doors as widely as possible and keeping them open,” Mr Last said. “This funding is another step in reducing the workload on teachers, so their focus is on what they do best, helping our children achieve their full potential.”

“We know that the earlier we identify challenges that a student faces, the better chance we have of delivering the right supports to assist that child to learn and participate better in school.

“It is all a part of the bigger picture of boosting the proportion of students leaving school with a Year 12 certificate, improving attendance and also improving NAPLAN results. From a teacher’s point of view, we are improving access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning to provide them with support and ongoing learning opportunities.”

Mr Last said the funding was tied directly to specific targets which meant the improvements would remain a key priority for the government.

“Securing the funding took a considerable amount of work but it was a priority because every Queenslanders wants to see a better and brighter future for our children. The agreement we were able to reach in 5 months is something that the previous government had been unable to do in 10 years and that proves how important this is to the Crisafulli LNP government.”

“It really is a milestone because, for the first time, every single Queensland state school will be fully funded, ending uncertainty and delays when it comes to investing in our children.”

“When it comes to our children’s future, we all have a role to play."

Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last standing with some local school children. Photo supplied

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With the Oriental fruit fly last detected on mainland Australia along the North Queensland coast in 1995, the risk of another incursion remains a serious threat to the Burdekin's fruit industry. The pest, which thrives in climates similar to our own, could devastate key crops such as bananas and mangoes—staples of both local farms and the broader Australian horticultural sector. With Burdekin and surrounding regions heavily reliant on these industries, another outbreak could have dire economic and environmental consequences.

A joint PNG-Australia expedition visited remote Treaty Villages in PNG’s Western Province last week to discuss and help manage one of the world’s worst horticultural pests. With just 6km separating the two countries, the project seeks to reduce the impact of fruit fly in PNG while also preventing a potentially catastrophic outbreak in North Queensland.

The last time the pest was detected on the Australian mainland, not far from Cairns, the eradication effort cost at least $33 million, with a further $100 million lost in trade and associated expenses. A future outbreak could have severe consequences for Queensland growers, making prevention a top priority.

Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity Justine Saunders said the project was critical for both countries.

“We already have Queensland fruit fly, but Oriental fruit fly would be much worse in terms of impact to production and trade, as recognised by its listing on Australia’s National Priority Plant Pest List," Ms Saunders said.

“This trip established foundational relationships with the village communities, which the team hopes to strengthen further on a return trip in May 2025. The next phase is to trial control strategies in the hope of reducing the number of fruit flies in the Treaty Villages to assist our neighbours with food security.

“The program has employed and trained more than 30 South Fly rangers since 2022 to trap the insects, collect samples and manage data. It builds on more than two decades of collaboration in plant health initiatives between DAFF and NAQIA. The results of this work could have benefits to share across PNG and with our neighbours in the Pacific.”

The Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) attacks more than 400 different plants, including key crops in North Queensland such as mangoes, pawpaws, bananas, and guavas.

The villages of Berr, Buzi, Jarai, and Mari, where the trial is proposed, rely heavily on the food they grow. Damage to crops has serious health and social implications for villagers. At the same time, stopping the pest at its source is vital to preventing another outbreak in Australia.

The delegation consisted of three officers from PNG’s National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA), three from DAFF, a PhD student, delivery partner INLOC, and the South Fly rangers.

INLOC and the South Fly rangers coordinated the trip’s logistics, which involved liaising with Treaty Village leaders and community members, long boat rides, camping, and unpredictable tides.

With so much at stake, the work being done in PNG is not just about protecting their crops—it’s also a frontline defence for North Queensland’s fruit growers.

A joint PNG-Australia team visited remote Treaty Villages in PNG’s Western Province to discuss strategies for managing the Oriental fruit fly, a serious threat to horticulture in both countries. Photo credit: Darrol Williams

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Flood-affected soybean growers in Queensland growing regions say the best way concerned Aussies can help growers get back on their feet is at the supermarket checkout.

For North Queensland soybean grower, Christian Lago, it has been a season of constant weather challenges and lots of uncertainty.

“Our soybean season in the Burdekin region has been a challenge from the start”, said Mr Lago.

“Before Christmas, we were struggling to get soybeans in the ground thanks to wet weather and a delayed cane harvest, and then, the paddocks we did plant have been through flooding rains in early February, followed by more heavy rainfall in late March,” he added.

“We’ve got about four weeks to go before we harvest and, to be honest, there’s a lot of uncertainty whether our soybeans will make it into the silo thanks to the vagaries of the weather.”

Soy Australia Industry Development Officer, Judy Plath, said growers in the Mackay region had also experienced difficulties getting soybeans planted before and after Christmas due to wet weather and the late cane season.

“There has certainly been a reduction in the area of soybeans planted in the Mackay region this year due to weather challenges,” she said.

Soybean grower, Paul Fleming, has heard reports of destroyed and damaged soybean crops throughout his district, and says the best way consumers can help soybean growers get back on their feet is by buying Aussie-grown when they shop.

“People wanting to help can support Aussie soybean growers by making sure they put Aussie-grown soybean products in their shopping trolley,” he said.

Mr Fleming, who is a Board member of the peak industry body for soybeans, Soy Australia, believes most people don’t realise that a lot of soy-based foods in the supermarket are made with soy ingredients imported from places like China.

“If consumers choose brands that support Aussie farmers, they can make a huge difference to local soybean growers and help us keep afloat during difficult times,” he added.

“Companies like Vitasoy, for example, buy a lot of soybeans from the Northern Rivers and exclusively use Aussie-grown soybeans in their soy milk and yoghurt range,” said Mr Fleming.

“In fact, Vitasoy are the only Aussie soy milk manufacturer using Aussie-grown soybeans in their milk.

“Other brands use clever marketing to stop consumers from realising they actually use imported soy in their milks.”

“When you see wording like 'made in Australia with 99 per cent Australian ingredients' on your soy milk, then you can be confident that the company is supporting Aussie farmers,” said Mr Fleming.

“The same goes for soy-based foods like tofu or tempeh.

“The ingredient list should be virtually 100 per cent Aussie.”

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The Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) Home Care Service delivers a wide range of services for seniors and their carers.

Home Care Packages Program (HCP)
The HCP Program provides support to older people with complex care needs to live independently in their own home. We can offer services to eligible seniors on a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 package. Services include in-home support services, transport, home maintenance/repairs/modifications, access to allied health services and other care related services relating to the client’s health, safety and wellbeing.

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
The CHSP is an entry level home help program to assist older people who can mostly, but not completely, live and cope on their own an don’t yet need high levels of support at home. Services include domestic assistance, social support (friendly visits/shopping/outings), personal care (showering/bathing/medication monitoring), respite care (support for the carer), transport and home maintenance (lawn mowing/whipper snipping/rubbish removal).

Please contact the Home Care Service Team to discuss services or obtain information on Ph 4783 3744, The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, bca@bcaburdekin.org.au, www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au

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Within the Burdekin Shire, a familiar string of words has been repeated time and time again in recognition of the region’s unwavering display of mateship which shines through in the way local businesses support the wider community.

You may have heard “there’s no business like a Burdekin business” and in times of rain, floods, or sunshine the true strength of those simple words comes to light. From sponsoring the costumes your children wear on stage in their school musicals, to the football they kick on Casalegno Fields, the businesses of the Burdekin never fail to support each and every community minded endeavour, and there are plenty of $0 ways you can show your love right back at them.

1.    Support their socials! Give the businesses of the Burdekin’s social media storefronts a little love when you can and throw them a like, follow or comment to brighten their day.
2.    How did they do? Leave them a review! A couple words can go a long way in boosting a business, so why not share your thoughts online via Google, Facebook or even TripAdvisor.
3.    Show your smile! The businesses of the Burdekin host many events through both the Ayr and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce and a simple way you can show your support is just by showing up!

Although there is a world of other ways you can spread the love to the businesses of the Burdekin region, these three $0 ways go to show that even without spending a single dollar, you can make a huge difference in the lives of the businesses who support you.

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Ivica Murry has mastered the art of intertwining the whimsical world of magic and wonder into her everyday life, and now she hopes to help other members of the community do the same.

Just last week, Ivica created an online community titled “The Folk Magick Collective” where she plans to share her wealth of knowledge on the niche practice with the wider Burdekin and beyond.

“Folk Magick is a practical, tradition-based system of magic passed down through generations within communities, often focusing on everyday needs and using locally sourced materials and knowledge,” explained Ivica.

“Folk Magick is generally used to address common problems and desires within a community, such as healing, finding lost items, bringing good harvest, or warding off misfortune and my page is for those who are interested in Folk Magick or are full Practitioner’s.”

With a year of practice and a lifetime of study behind her, Ivica pulled strength from her ability to comprehend the true power of both the mind and universe to overcome her five-year long battle with chronic depression.

“My journey to healing started with a book I was given, and I won my battle by using a holistic approach using the natural healing energies from crystals, herbs, candles and meditation,” noted Ivica.

“Folk Magick often incorporates local plants, animals, and beliefs, reflecting the specific environment and culture of a particular region and not all Folk Magick is witchcraft - the term "cunning folk" or "wise folk" is often used to describe those who practice Folk Magick for good.”

Ivica hopes to share the benefits of the craft in a judgement free space without a “hierarchy” emphasising “we are all the same and value each other’s knowledge”.

“My message to those out there, is go for it,” Ivica added.

“If you're interested in Folk Magick, don't let what is presumed by the public as bad, deny those of you who truly just want to be yourselves.”

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Ivica hopes to share the artful craft of Folk Magick with the Burdekin community (Photo Credit: Sarah Brown)

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At just 10 years old, little Ellie Sutcliffe has made the decision to cut, colour and donate her hair to raise both valuable funds and awareness for those affected by blood cancer as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave!

“The reason I was inspired to participate in this wonderful event is because several years ago, my grandfather had a blood cancer, so I want to help raise funds to support the important research done by the Leukaemia Foundation, and to help raise awareness,” shared Ellie.

With the support of her family, friends and entire East Ayr State School community behind her, Ellie has managed to completely smash her initial fundraising goal of $1,000 and has instead raised over $4,000 to improve the lives of those impacted by blood cancer.

“At school to raise money, we have been selling Zooper Doopers and raffle tickets for 50c each,” Ellie noted.

“My friends and family members have been donating to the cause through my fundraising page and as well as the fun things at school, the team at Hotel Brandon donated the proceeds from their meat tray raffles which raised $850 alone!”

The Leukemia Foundation exists as the only national charity in Australia dedicated to supporting those with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other forms of blood cancers. Initiatives like the World’s Greatest Shave directly fund the viral wraparound services the Leukemia Foundation works to achieve in the areas of support, research and advocacy.

On Friday the 28th of March, Ellie cut and coloured her hair to donate to the World’s Greatest Shave along with a grand fundraising total well and truly exceeding $4,000.

“The fact that I have raised over $4,000 makes me feel really proud and happy with the difference I have made,” explained Ellie.

“I’m very humbled by the amazing support from our community!”

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Last Friday, Ellie cut, coloured and donated her hair to support children with cancer (Photo Supplied)

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As the pages of our calendars flipped over to show the 4th of April this week, many locals were left feeling a sense of unsettling nostalgia, recalling the havoc that tore through this very township 36 years ago when Cyclone Aivu made landfall.

Originally formed on the waters surrounding the Solomon Islands, Cyclone Aivu tracked directly towards the Queensland coastline, intensifying greatly, almost to the strength of 1974’s Cyclone Tracy. At approximately 10am on the morning of the 4th of April 1989, winds reaching over 200 kilometres an hour were recorded as Cyclone Aivu made landfall near Home Hill as a Category 4 weather event, leaving a trail of destruction in its path.

Homes were lost, and businesses were destroyed, however the Burdekin community came together like never before to rebuild what the devastating tropical cyclone tore away, just a year on from Cyclone Charlie.

“It’s another one of those days and times in our life when noting can be the same again,” shared a member of the community on a post published on a local community page.

Trees broke through walls, windows and ceilings across the region, as roofs lifted and flew through the streets. Patios detached themselves from buildings as families hid in hallways, bathrooms and under bed frames for hours on end whilst the Federal Government issued requests for assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements in real time.

“The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Bowen, will visit the cyclone-affected areas of North Queensland tomorrow,” released former Prime Minister, Robert Hawke on the 4th of April, 1989.

“I have asked Mr Bowen to inspect damage in the Home Hill and Ayr districts caused by Cyclone Aivu – he will be reporting to me on the extent of the damage and Mr Bowen will also ensure that all possible immediate Federal assistance is provided.”

Still to this day, 36 years later, Cyclone Aivu holds a place as one of the Bureau of Meteorology’s most costly cyclones in Australian history, with records indicating overall losses totalling well over $120 million USD were recorded across the areas of Townsville, Ayr, Home Hill, Mackay, and into New South Wales.

The region has unfortunately seen a string of derailing natural disasters and weather events within the past four months alone. However, in reflecting on the long-lasting memories and terrifying stories of past experiences, locals can find comfort in the Burdekin community’s ability to endure, rebuild, and reconnect what mother nature may attempt to destroy.

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Many locals were left without a home (Photo Credit: William Walker)
The Burdekin Theatre lost a section of its roof (Photo Credit: William Walker)
Railway sheds were destroyed as a result of Cyclone Aivu (Photo Credit: William Walker)

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Queensland has recently become the site of a remarkable paleontological discovery: the identification of a new ancient fish species, Palaeospondylus australis. This specimen, unearthed from the 400-million-year-old limestone deposits of the Georgina Basin in western Queensland, is believed to be one of the smallest known vertebrate fossils in Australia.

The fossil's exceptional preservation in three dimensions offers unprecedented insights into the creature's skeletal structure. This level of detail is particularly significant, as previous Palaeospondylus fossils from Scotland are typically compressed, with skeletal elements fused together, limiting anatomical analysis.

The initial discovery dates back to 2010 when a braincase was found, confirming the presence of P. australis and marking the first instance of this genus outside Scotland. Subsequent excavations have revealed additional fossils, including a nearly complete braincase, providing valuable information about the fish's internal structures.

Analysis indicates that P. australis retained many larval characteristics, suggesting a unique evolutionary position. Its features hint at a distant relationship to modern sharks, offering a potential link between ancient and contemporary vertebrate species.

This discovery not only enriches Queensland's fossil record but also enhances our understanding of early vertebrate evolution. It positions Queensland as home to both Australia's largest and smallest known ancient species, highlighting the region's paleontological significance.

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Photo credit: Queensland Museum Kurilpa

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We've had continued wet weather, which has certainly impacted our roads. At present, they are being patched until we receive disaster relief funding. If you come across any large potholes, I encourage you to contact our Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800 or use the Snap Send Solve app to report them. Please take extra care while travelling during this weather, and don’t hesitate to report any other concerns.
What a fantastic event the Fast Track Talent Showcase was last weekend. This event first started 11 years ago when I was a Councillor, and it has grown tremendously since then. I had the pleasure of speaking with attendees who praised the Burdekin for hosting such a great platform for talent, attracting performers from far and wide.
Over the weekend, I attended Clare State School’s 75th Anniversary. It was a fantastic event, with a great turnout for the roll call. It was wonderful to reminisce, reconnect, and celebrate such an important milestone for the school and community. Amongst the chatter and laughter some would even say, “You haven’t changed a bit!” Congratulations to everyone involved in making this event so special. It was an honour to be part of the celebrations.
BATS – There are many suggested methods for managing these creatures, but Council must adhere to State laws. I wish we could simply tell them where to go, but unfortunately, they have a mind of their own. Council is doing everything possible to address the issue, but the weather conditions make it challenging. If you have concerns, I recommend taking children to another play area in the meantime.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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So, how is everyone liking the rain? I have to say that I do like it, but enough is enough now. Despite farmers still needing to plant, I think we as a Shire have gotten off lightly and my heart goes out to those who have suffered tremendous loss and damage as a result of these rain and flood events. Thank you to Council’s Disaster Management Team who go to great lengths to keep us all updated in a timely fashion while under the constraints of the BOM.
I attended the NQ Fast Track Talent final showcase on Saturday 22nd March and to say I was blown away by the talent is an understatement. Most had us dancing in our seats and clapping our hands, and some even brought me to tears (but I am a bit of a softy). Congratulations to all involved in another successful event.
This past weekend, Clare State School celebrated its 75th anniversary. This event saw past students from as early as the 1950’s and from as far away as Victoria, returning to walk down memory lane and share their stories. Words of congratulations are not enough for those who organized the festivities which ran over the course of the weekend. Principal Troy Patti is one of the best to have governed the children of Clare and I believe as of next year, he will be the longest serving Principal racking up 10 years. Congratulations Troy! There may be only 16 students, but as the saying goes “They may be small, but they are mighty”.
Sweet FM are celebrating their 25th Anniversary in broadcasting this weekend. Make sure you get along to their open day on Saturday 8am to 1pm, 134–136 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill (the former Home Hill Court House). There will be tours of the facility, interviews with past presenters and market stalls.
Don’t forget the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival which begins with the first fire on Friday 30th May followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Saturday 31st May at the Home Hill Showgrounds. Tickets are just $10 per event or you can purchase a weekend pass for $15. Children under 18 are free. You can pre-purchase your tickets by heading to www.sweetdayshotnights.com.au.
I went for the first time two years ago, and WOW!
I am super excited to be involved in bringing to the Burdekin, alongside Pastor Peter Holmes of Burdekin Community Church, Sam Childers, the REAL Machine Gun Preacher. Sam is an American Preacher and an International Speaker hailing from Pennsylvania in the US.
Gerard Butler played Sam in the 2011 movie “Machine Gun Preacher” based on Sam’s life.
I first heard Sam speak around 8 years ago when he was last in the Burdekin and he is truly an icon. This is a free event and I encourage everyone to attend. There will be a collection taken up at the end of the evening. You can see Sam on Friday 11th April at Burdekin Community Church. There will be a sausage sizzle/meet and greet at 6pm and Sam will speak at 7pm.
Until next time stay safe, keep smiling and God Bless.

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Since 2018, Pacific Blue have held an integral role in the running of the highly celebrated Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival however, the work the organisation achieves in and around the Burdekin community extends far beyond sponsorship.

Pacific Blue’s Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund was created to share the benefits of the Haughton Solar Farm with the wider community, providing long-lasting social, economic and environmental value extending beyond the life of the solar farm itself.

Lachlan Sturt, Pacific Blue’s Manager of Stakeholder Relations, believes in supporting local events like the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival and through introducing the Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund, Pacific Blue can continue to strengthen its close connections within the community.

“Since the commissioning of the Haughton Solar Farm in 2019, Pacific Blue’s Haughton Sustainable Community Fund has proudly supported 76 local projects with more than $462,000 in funding,” explained Lachlan.

“These projects span a wide range of initiatives, from upgrading essential community facilities to supporting local sports clubs, environmental sustainability efforts, and vital community services.”

Commissioned in 2019, the Fund has provided more than $300,000 to 52 local sustainable projects including those pioneered by the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, Lower Burdekin Landcare Association, Zonta Burdekin, and the Home Hill Tennis Association Inc. and in light of recent events, Pacific Blue has decided to adjust the terms of the 2025 Fund application process.

“To support the Burdekin’s recovery following this year’s devastating floods, Pacific Blue has brought forward our annual Community Fund, which is now open,” highlighted Lachlan.

“We know how resilient this community is, and we want to do our part to help local groups get back on their feet.

Eligible community groups are encouraged to apply for project funding up to $10,000 from a pool of $80,000 and are able to do so online at pacificblue.com.au or through the QR code.

“The response from the Burdekin community to the Haughton Sustainable Community Fund has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re incredibly proud of the strong relationship we’ve built with the Burdekin community,” Lachlan added.

“Sponsoring the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival aligns closely with Pacific Blue’s mission to leave the world a better place by celebrating the unique stories, traditions, and heritage of the communities we are part of.”

“Supporting events like Sweet Days, Hot Nights not only strengthens our bond with the Burdekin but also reinforces our shared dedication to preserving local heritage, fostering cultural appreciation, and driving regional prosperity.”

The Fund opened on Monday the 31st of March and will close on Friday the 9th of May and all successful recipients will be announced on stage at the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Saturday the 31st of May.

“While our solar farm remains tucked away behind tall sugarcane fields, our presence in the community is well known - not just through our renewable energy projects, but through the partnerships and support we provide,” said Lachlan.

“The Burdekin is a place of resilience and warmth, and we’re both humbled and proud to call it home, standing alongside the community to support initiatives that make a lasting difference.”

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The Home Hill Tennis Association Inc. recieved an allocation from Pacific Blue's Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund in 2024 (Photo Supplied)

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CANEGROWERS Burdekin Ltd (CBL) recently welcomed a visit by Jo Martin, Policy Advisor, Water from the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) to discuss the issues and priorities related to the Lower Burdekin Rising Ground Water challenges.

The consequences of a rising water table and associated salinity issues have been compounding over decades, and unfortunately, the can has been kicked down the road for far too long. A clear position on what is required to make some significant progress on the development of a plan to resolve this long-standing issue is now urgent.

CANEGROWERS and QFF are working on this unresolved issue with a goal to supporting local growers to secure a long-term resolution.

Who Is QFF?

QFF’s members are agricultural peak bodies who collectively represent more than 13,000 farmers who produce food, fibre and foliage across the state. CANEGROWERS is the peak body for the sugarcane industry and is a tier one member of QFF. The peak body members come together to develop policy and lead projects on the key issues that are important to their farmer members and that supports a strong future for Queensland agriculture.

Who Did QFF Meet With in the Burdekin?

CBL arranged for Sunwater to provide a local update to QFF on the Lower Burdekin Rising Groundwater Project, met with stakeholder and QFF member BRIA Irrigators to gain their feedback on the issue and a local grower directly affected by this challenge. CBL also arranged for a presentation from Burdekin Salt & Minerals Pty Ltd on the Burdekin Salt Project which is investigating the feasibility of using saline groundwater systems to produce crystalline salt and minerals.

Key Solutions and Priorities

The Lower Burdekin Rising Groundwater issue is a complex problem which is going to take a range of multi-pronged solutions to address it over time such as; off and on farm groundwater extraction, approval on a Code of Practice to formalise parameters to enable groundwater export, incentivising growers to pump groundwater, water use irrigation efficiencies and scheme modernisation. Given the magnitude of the problem, the solution that will deliver the most bang for buck is groundwater extraction and the Government need to urgently facilitate the approval pathway to enable implementation of the dewatering solution.  Livelihoods are at risk if decisive actions are not implemented soon.

Where to Next

Farmers invested capital in good faith to purchase and develop land in the Burdekin River Irrigation Area and are now faced with detrimental impacts on their productivity and ongoing viability. QFF is actively engaging with government departments with the viewpoint of supporting tangible actions taking place that deliver meaningful outcomes to address rising groundwater and soil salinity in the Lower Burdekin region.

Join CANEGROWERS
If you’re not yet a member of CANEGROWERS – the peak body that truly leads the industry – get in touch with CBL on 4790 3600 to learn more about the benefits of membership.

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