Year 11 students at Burdekin Catholic High School took the lead on R U OK? Day, hosting a school-wide community BBQ breakfast. Photo: BCHS

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Year 11 students at Burdekin Catholic High School took the lead on R U OK? Day on 10th September, hosting a school-wide community BBQ breakfast aimed at fostering connection and highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.

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Held annually on the second Thursday of September, R U OK? Day is a national day of action encouraging Australians to connect meaningfully with people in their lives and start conversations that could save a life. The initiative highlights how simple, regular check-ins can support anyone navigating life's ups and downs.

The morning event brought BCHS students and staff together over fresh food, creating an open space to start the day with open dialogue.

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“It was so much more than a breakfast,” a school spokesperson said.

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"Our students took the time to check in with one another, have conversations and make sure people knew they were not alone.”

School leadership praised the senior students for their initiative, kindness, and leadership, noting that their efforts embodied the college's core values.

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While R U OK? Day serves as an annual national benchmark, the school community encouraged everyone across the Burdekin region to make checking in on friends, family, and colleagues a regular habit.

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Carla Healy earned her place on the week-long tour after topping Raine & Horne's “The Sky's The Limit” leaderboards, which recognise the network's highest-performing representatives. Photo supplied

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Raine & Horne Ayr principal Carla Healy has returned from an exclusive study tour in Singapore after being selected as one of eight top performers from across Australia.

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Carla earned her place on the week-long tour after topping Raine & Horne's “The Sky's The Limit” leaderboards, which recognise the network's highest-performing representatives.

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The tour gave Carla the chance to explore Singapore's real estate industry, urban planning and property developments while connecting with other Raine & Horne representatives from across the country.

Hosted by Raine & Horne Executive Chairman Angus Raine and CEO Chris Nicholl, the group visited Singapore real estate company Hutton's to learn about local market trends, urban development and business growth.

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They also visited the Urban Redevelopment Authority's URA Gallery, as well as developments including Aurea at Golden Mile and W Residences Singapore.

Carla said the experience provided an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day running of her Ayr business and gain a different perspective on the industry.

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She described the tour as “an experience like no other”, and said she enjoyed celebrating the achievement alongside the wider Raine & Horne network.

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The itinerary also included visits to Sentosa Island and Mandai Wildlife Reserve, along with a guided food and history tour through Geylang and a farewell lunch overlooking the city skyline at Level33.

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Carla will now travel to Hamilton Island for Raine & Horne's national conference, joining representatives from across Australia for several days of speakers, events and networking.

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“Now off to our Conference which is being held on the glorious Hamilton Island, which will be filled with guest speakers and R&H family Australia-wide,” she said.

“There’s lots to participate in with a celebratory cruise on the MY RASCAL to enjoy. Can't wait!”

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Sixteen volunteers got busy sewing in Ayr last Sunday morning, hand-crafting 42 care packs for cancer patients during Zonta Club Burdekin's annual sewing bee. Photos: Jacob Casha.

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Sixteen volunteers got busy stitching in Ayr last Sunday morning, hand-crafting 42 breast care cushion sets for cancer patients during Zonta Club Burdekin's annual sewing bee.

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The group of volunteers—made up of Zonta members and Friends of Zonta—worked steadily from 9am to produce the sets, each containing a cushion, a drainage or totem bag, and a shower bag.

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The sets will be delivered on demand to the Mater’s North Queensland Minimally Invasive Surgery (NQMIS) Consulting Suites and Townsville University Hospital, where they’ll be given to people with breast cancer or melanoma, or those who have undergone a mastectomy or lymph node removal from the armpit or groin.

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Breast Cushion Coordinator Karen Clarke said the packs were about “spreading joy to those who are going through treatment.”

“Breast cancer affects everybody. This is just to provide that little bit of comfort,” she said.

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“A woman leaves the hospital and she’s in pain. She needs a cushion to put under her arm when she’s watching the television or has a seatbelt on. So this is just a great personal aid.

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Some packs this year were made with darker colours for men.

Karen said the packs were often felt well beyond Townsville.

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“We often get thank you cards from people who have received them—some from as far as Weipa. It just touches everybody.”

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(L-R) Clive Williams, Rita Zappulla, Brien Leibinger, John McVeigh. Photo supplied.

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Contributed with thanks by the Rotary Club of Ayr

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The Burdekin’s two Rotary clubs proudly welcomed Rotary International District Governor Rita Zappulla last Sunday for a special visit celebrating local service, fellowship and the inspiring contribution Rotarians make to their community.

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During her visit, Ms Zappulla met individually with Ayr Rotary President John McVeigh and Home Hill Rotary President Clive Williams before joining a full combined meeting of 23 Rotarians from both clubs at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club.

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As District Governor, Ms Zappulla supports 80 Rotary clubs and more than 1,800 members across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste. Her Burdekin visit allowed both presidents to share their clubs’ major projects, milestones and ideas for strengthening Rotary’s contribution to the Burdekin community.

Ms Zappulla said one of the greatest privileges of her role was representing the district and celebrating the remarkable work Rotarians were doing in their communities. She praised the dedication of Burdekin Rotarians and the strong local support helping both clubs turn their ideas into meaningful action.

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“I’ve been so gratified by the generosity of Burdekin businesses and individuals who have contributed so handsomely to supporting their projects,” she said. “This community is the very best.”

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Ayr Rotary expects three of its major fundraising initiatives—the Community Raffle, Burdekin Phone Book and Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race—to raise a combined $70,000 for local, national and international causes.

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Because the club covers the raffle’s operating costs, local not-for-profit organisations keep every dollar from the tickets they sell. Ayr Rotary President John McVeigh said up to $50,000 would go to local sporting clubs, school P&Cs and churches.  

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“All 10,000 raffle tickets have been distributed,” he said.

“The raffle will be drawn on 14th November.”

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Home Hill Rotary is working towards a $40,000 all-terrain vehicle that would help Home Hill and Ayr police officers reach remote areas across the Burdekin. President Clive Williams said the club was building on the successful 18-month tenure of lifelong Rotarian Alfio Musumeci.

“We’re coming home strong,” Mr Williams said.

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“With the success of the Harvest Festival Mega Markets and Harvest Festival Queen Maddy Gallagher’s fundraising, we’ll make it.”

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Residents who would like to meet new people, share their skills and make a practical difference in the Burdekin are warmly encouraged to connect with either the Ayr Rotary Club or the Home Hill Rotary Club.

With a strong focus on practical skills, industry experience, and employability, Burdekin Catholic High School’s Vocational Learning Program is helping prepare students for successful careers across a wide range of fields Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Burdekin Catholic High School

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Burdekin Catholic High School continues to lead the way in providing senior students with diverse opportunities through its Vocational Learning Program for Years 10–12. With a strong focus on practical skills, industry experience, and employability, the program is helping prepare students for successful careers across a wide range of fields.

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The school offers a suite of dedicated vocational subjects, including Industrial Graphics, Industrial Technologies, Sport and Recreation, Hospitality and Business, which complement Essential English and Mathematics studies. These subjects provide a robust foundation in both academic and practical learning, ensuring students are equipped with the exact knowledge and capabilities needed beyond the classroom.

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A key highlight of the program is the delivery of nationally recognised qualifications directly on campus. Students can undertake a CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways through the school’s specialised Trade Training Centre, gaining hands-on experience in a purpose-built facility. In addition, the SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality is delivered in the school’s industry-standard Hospitality Centre, preparing students for real-world careers in food service and hospitality.

Burdekin Catholic High School also strongly supports students pursuing School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs). Students are engaged in apprenticeships with local employers, combining their classroom learning with valuable workplace experience.

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Beyond the school grounds, students benefit from strong regional partnerships. Many attend TAFE Queensland’s Home Hill campus one day per week to study specialised fields such as Automotive and Electrotechnology. These industry partnerships allow students to gain high-demand skills in sectors that are both locally significant and nationally vital.

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Principal, Lorraine Wolffe said the Vocational Learning Program reflects the school’s deep commitment to catering to a broad range of post-schooling options.

“Our goal is to ensure every student leaves Burdekin Catholic High School confident in their abilities and equipped with skills that will open doors for their future, whether that be university, further training, or direct employment,” Mrs. Wolffe said.

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With a strong blend of classroom learning, industry-standard training, and hands-on workplace experience, Burdekin Catholic High School is proud to provide pathways that prepare students not only for immediate employment, but for long-term, meaningful careers.

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“We want our students to be curious, adventurous and willing to have a go.” Photo supplied.

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Contributed with thanks by Ayr State School

At Ayr State School, we do things differently — and we are proud of that.

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We are serious about learning. Reading is one of our highest priorities. We are committed to ensuring every child develops the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to become a successful reader. Our teachers continually strengthen their practice, use evidence and student data to guide teaching, and work together to make sure every student is supported to make progress.

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But we also believe that a great education is about much more than what happens behind a desk.

It is about giving children experiences they will remember.

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Recently, our 5/6 students swapped the classroom for fishing rods, campfires and an inflatable water park during an overnight camp at the Barra Fun Park. Earlier, our 3/4s camped at Billabong Sanctuary, getting up close with Australian wildlife and learning in an environment very different from their everyday classroom.

We want our students to be curious, adventurous and willing to have a go. We want them to experience their local and regional community whilst building memories alongside their friends and teachers.

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Because some of the most important learning at school doesn't come from a worksheet.

It happens when a child catches a barramundi for the first time, overcoming their nerves and trying something new. When they help a friend, sit around a campfire together or discover an animal they have only seen in a book. They realise, I can do this.

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These experiences build something that matters enormously to us at Ayr State: belonging.

We want every child to feel known, valued and connected. Camps, sporting opportunities, celebrations, excursions, house activities and the many other experiences we create throughout the year give students opportunities to form relationships and discover where they fit within our school community.

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And when children feel that they belong, they are more willing to participate, take risks, persevere and learn.

That same philosophy sits behind our approach to reading. We don't want children simply to do reading. We want them to see themselves as readers. We celebrate their growth, explicitly teach the skills they need, provide support when learning becomes difficult and keep expectations high.

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Our goal is not to create a school where every child has exactly the same experience.

It is to create a school where every child has the opportunity to succeed, to belong and to experience something extraordinary.

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That means carefully planned, evidence-informed reading instruction as well as a fishing rod, barramundi or standing beside a crocodile at Billabong Sanctuary!

That's Ayr State School.

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We learn. We belong. We have a go. And sometimes, we do school a little differently.

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(L - R) – Shae Laidlow, Kirryn Laidlow, Kaydee Miller, Brayden Becke. Photo supplied

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Opening doors to university, trades and employment, Ayr State High School is helping Burdekin students build bright futures.

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The senior years represent an exciting chapter in a young person's education. Whether a student dreams of attending university, pursuing a trade, entering the workforce, or exploring an entirely different pathway, the right opportunities can make all the difference. At Ayr State High School, students can explore their interests, develop new skills and prepare for life beyond school through a diverse range of academic, vocational and employment pathways.

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As a leader in STEM education, Ayr High provides outstanding facilities, specialist subjects and co-curricular opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Ayr High students are regularly selected for prestigious programs including SPARQ-ed’s Senior Research Immersion Program, the National Youth Science Forum, and STEM Girl Power Camp. These opportunities are complemented by Ayr High’s exceptional science facilities.

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Ayr High’s modern, state-of-the-art science laboratories transform curiosity into understanding, turning lessons into discoveries. In bridging the gap between theory and practice, these facilities enriching learning and ignite curiosity by providing an inspiring environment for practical investigations, collaboration and hands-on learning,

The diverse range of academic learning opportunities on offer at Ayr High are enriched through partnerships with JCU and the Brisbane School of Distance Education. In addition to their suite of subjects and vocational courses, Ayr High also offers additional subjects through distance education. In 2027, senior students will also be able to get a headstart on their tertiary studies by undertaking first year university subjects via JCU Now.

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The academic success of Ayr High’s students is reflected in their ATAR outcomes and first round QTAC offers. Our students’ academic achievements are already opening doors, with four Year 12 students recently receiving early university offers for 2027. Congratulations to these students on their outstanding achievement!

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Ayr High is also future focused in its education to employment pathways. As a Gateway to Industry School, we offer a diverse range of learning pathways and experiences for students pursuing careers in the health sector. Ayr High is the only school in the Burdekin to offer a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as part of its RTO arrangements. This qualification enables guaranteed entry into several JCU undergraduate courses as well as direct employment in the health sector. Currently, Ayr High has several Certificate III students undertaking traineeships with Queensland Health, combining study with valuable workplace experience.

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As the Burdekin’s largest secondary school, Ayr High also responds to the needs of our local workforce through school-based apprenticeships, TAFE in Schools and traineeships. In another first for the region, we have created a pathway for students who wish to be teacher aides, with one of our students securing a traineeship whilst still at school.

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At Ayr High, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to find their own path to success. By providing a range of senior school learning opportunities and pathways, Ayr High is preparing young people for the future.

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A bright future for our students means a stronger future for the Burdekin—and that is something worth celebrating.

Dry conditions have helped keep the 2026 Burdekin crush moving, with Kalamia Mill expected to be the first Wilmar factory to finish the season. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar Australia

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Contributed with thanks by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables

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The Burdekin sugar crush is powering towards an October finish, with predominantly dry conditions helping harvesting and transport crews maintain strong progress across the district.

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables reported on September 11th that its eight North Queensland mills had processed 9.24 million tonnes of cane, representing about 66 per cent of its estimated 13.85 million tonne crop.

In the Burdekin, 15 weeks of predominantly dry weather have supported harvesting and cane transport, while sugar content has also been performing better than expected.

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Season-to-date Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS), a measure of the recoverable sugar in cane, is tracking 0.51 of a unit above Wilmar's budget.

The stronger CCS result is providing some relief from reduced cane tonnages this season.

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With the crush now well advanced, Kalamia Mill is expected to become the first of Wilmar's eight factories to finish for the year, with crush-out currently forecast for mid-October.

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The Burdekin's remaining three Wilmar mills are expected to finish by the end of October.

Across Wilmar's other milling regions, conditions have produced mixed results.

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In the Herbert, the crop is cutting at 97 per cent of the adjusted estimate, while weekly CCS has climbed to 14.35, more than one unit above budget for this stage of the season.

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Further south, Proserpine Mill is approaching one million tonnes crushed, although persistent dry conditions have affected the crop, which is cutting at about 94 per cent of its adjusted estimate.

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At Plane Creek, harvesting conditions have remained favourable and CCS is well above budget at a season-to-date average of 14.82. However, Wilmar reported the lack of in-season rainfall was contributing to a significant reduction in yield.

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Wilmar expects its first factory to finish crushing in mid-October, with the final mill scheduled to finish by mid-November.

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Rehabilitation work is underway along about 1.2 kilometres of eroded Burdekin River bank at Airville following major flooding in 2025. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics

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Work is underway to rehabilitate about 1.2 kilometres of eroded riverbank along the Burdekin River at Airville following major flooding in 2025.

The flooding caused significant erosion at the site and partially damaged an experimental pilefield structure that had been constructed in 2022.

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The rehabilitation works are aimed at stabilising the riverbank, reducing further soil loss and helping limit the amount of fine sediment entering the Great Barrier Reef.

The project includes rock protection, reshaping of the damaged bank, revegetation and the installation of timber groynes.

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Timber piles recovered from the failed structure are being recycled and used as part of the new works, helping protect the riverbank and surrounding riparian vegetation while making use of materials already on site.

The original pilefield was damaged when floodwaters exceeded its design specifications, highlighting the challenges involved in carrying out rehabilitation work within a dynamic river system such as the Burdekin.

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Civil IQ completed the detailed design for the latest rehabilitation work, with input from the Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust, which is overseeing construction.

The works form part of the six-year Burdekin Landscape Repair project, which focuses on reducing fine sediment from Dry Tropics catchments through targeted gully and streambank repairs, along with improved land management practices.

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The project is funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust program.

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Further updates are expected as the rehabilitation progresses, including before-and-after images showing how the site changes as the works take shape.

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When Geoff Campbell became a Jim’s Mowing franchisee in 2022, he wanted to create something for his daughter Kayleen to sink their teeth into. Photo: Jacob Casha.

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When an 80-year-old Geoff Campbell became a Jim’s Mowing franchisee in 2022, his goal was twofold; retire himself and his wife Gayl, and create something for his daughter Kayleen and her husband to sink their teeth into.

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He never quite anticipated that four years on, he'd be handing them the keys to a multi-million-dollar operation spanning a large chunk of North Queensland, becoming something of a poster boy for the Jim’s franchise in the meantime.

And after a journey of rapid business growth and national media coverage, Geoff’s finally getting the retirement he originally set out for.

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Kayleen and husband Stan joined Geoff in the Burdekin last month, leaving their life in Perth to take the reins of the franchise and finally give her parents a chance to step back.

“We literally packed up our whole life. My husband retired from trucking after 49 years, and now we’re here to try and retire the parents,” Kayleen said.

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The couple now have the task of building on everything Geoff has created.

It began as a relatively modest Cannonvale franchise. Within a year, it had clients across Airlie Beach, Townsville and the Burdekin. All the while, Geoff, who had spent most of his life in mining and construction, had become one of Jim’s Mowing’s biggest success stories, appearing on Australian television to tell his story.

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And his formula is simpler than you would imagine.

“I’ve never passed an exam in my life,” he quipped.

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“Everything I've achieved is through respect, integrity, loyalty, and common sense.”

Kayleen added: “We’ve got big shoes to fill.”

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“We’ll just keep it as it’s running and expand as we go. As long as we have [Geoff] still here, we’ll be fine!”

Kayleen steps into Jim’s Mowing with pedigree of her own, having previously run her own Perth cleaning business with 38 private customers before making the move east.

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Her experience comes at a time when the business has expanded well beyond its mowing roots, now operating across the region under three Jim’s banners—Mowing, Handyman and, most recently, Window & Pressure Cleaning.

The team handles everything from regular lawn mowing, gardening, pruning and hedging to rubbish removal, weed spraying and gutter cleaning, as well as home and office cleaning and pressure cleaning.

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But Kayleen said the business and its services are only as good as the people behind them.

“Our staff are our extended family,” she said.

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“If we didn’t have the team we have now, we wouldn’t have the business.”

And with family now steering the ship, Geoff says the business is preparing for “quite a few developments” involving multinational companies.

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But for now, he's just “really proud” to have his daughter onboard.

“What parent wouldn’t be?”

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For more information on the business and its services, contact Kayleen on 0437 368 060 or Geoff on 0439 799 544

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The Burdekin Aquatic Centre has reopened its doors to the public after major upgrades. Photo: Jacob Casha

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The Burdekin Aquatic Centre has reopened its doors to the public after major upgrades, with Home Hill Swimming Pool now set to close for its own “critical refurbishments”.

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The Ayr pool reopened on Saturday 12th September after an extended winter closure to accommodate the construction of a new amenities block among other upgrades.

The works—supported through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program—saw the new amenities block relocated closer to the facility’s Macmillan Street entrance to improve accessibility and convenience for users.

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The relocation was recommended in the Burdekin Aquatic Centre Masterplan after the new entrance and kiosk left the existing amenities at the opposite end of the site. Community feedback also supported moving the facilities closer to the entrance.

The new block is fitted with modernised male, female and unisex toilets, and leaves the door open for a grassed area along the Queen Street side of the facility.

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The upgrade is the latest stage of a decade-long program of improvements at the aquatic centre, which has also included upgrades to its pump and filtration systems, the installation of a multi-million dollar water park and relocation of the primary entrance to Macmillan Street.

Meanwhile, Burdekin Shire Council has announced temporary closures for Home Hill Swimming Pool, which is set for its first major refurbishment since opening in the 1960s.

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The pool will close from Wednesday 23rd September to Friday 4th December to allow contractors to “safely undertake a comprehensive program of upgrades to improve the facility's safety, functionality and amenity,” says Council.

The $1.2 million Works for Queensland-funded project will include repairs to the main and toddler pools, new handrails, entry steps and compliant fencing, as well as electrical and safety upgrades.

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The works will also deliver a new gazebo and barbecue shelter, additional picnic areas and refurbishment of the pool surrounds and concourse areas.

Council said the project will help ensure the Home Hill pool “remains a safe, welcoming and functional community facility for years to come,” acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the temporary closures.

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A major community project aimed at improving emergency response across the Burdekin is a significant step closer to becoming reality, thanks to a $15,000 contribution from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr. Photo supplied.

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Contributed with thanks by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

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A major community project aimed at improving emergency response across the Burdekin is a significant step closer to becoming reality, thanks to a $15,000 contribution from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr.

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The funding will support the Rotary Club of Home Hill's major 2026 project to purchase an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for local Queensland Police, helping officers reach rural and difficult to access locations across the district.

Rotary has set a fundraising target of $40,000 for the project, with the Community Bank contribution providing an important boost as the club moves closer to achieving its goal. The club hopes to present the ATV to local police during October.

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Rotary Club of Home Hill President Clive Williams said the idea emerged after local police officers attended one of the club's weekly meetings and spoke about the need for an ATV.

Police had previously sought funding through normal government channels but had been unsuccessful due to budget constraints. Recognising the difference such a vehicle could make locally, Rotary decided it was a project worth getting behind.

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The ATV would provide police with greater access during floods, disasters and other incidents, particularly in locations such as cane fields, beaches, river areas and other terrain that can be difficult to reach using conventional vehicles.

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Mr Williams said having the equipment based locally was particularly important for the Burdekin.

“For me, it’s about having the right equipment here when our police need it, rather than waiting for an ATV to come from Townsville,” he said.

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“The Burdekin has plenty of challenging terrain and, particularly during a flood or other emergency, having those wheels on the ground locally can make a real difference to response times and community safety.”

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The project has the potential to benefit people right across the district.

For a community service organisation such as Rotary, Mr Williams said a $15,000 contribution represented an enormous step forward.

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Not only does it provide considerable momentum towards the $40,000 target, but it also demonstrates the value local organisations and businesses can have.

The club continues to support local charities and organisations, youth initiatives including the RYDA road safety program, and community events such as the Mega Markets and Home Hill Harvest Festival Rotary Ball. Recent financial support has also been provided to CORES, St Vincent de Paul and the Burdekin Chaplaincy.

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“There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that the money raised by local people and businesses stays here and is turned into something that makes a tangible difference to our neighbours, families and the wider community,” Mr Williams said.

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With only a few thousand dollars now remaining to reach the target, Rotary Club of Home Hill is encouraging local businesses and community members who would like to support the project to contribute to its GoFundMe campaign.

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For Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, supporting the project reflects its commitment to ensuring money generated within the community continues to create benefits for the people who live there.  

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It was wonderful to attend the Giru Show last Saturday, which this year also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Giru School of Arts Hall. Standing in a building with such a rich history certainly makes you reflect on the many memories created within its walls over the past century. From weddings and birthday celebrations to community events, the hall has played an important role in the lives of generations of local families.

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The anniversary held special meaning for me. My parents were married in Giru, with their wedding reception held in the hall, and I also fondly remember attending the Giru Debutante Ball, which was one of the district's major social events in its day. Congratulations to the Giru Show Committee and all volunteers who continue to keep this wonderful community tradition alive. As I often say, these events simply would not happen without volunteers giving their time and energy for the benefit of the community.

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Recently, I joined Regional Development Australia on a two-day road trip to Mount Isa. Along the way, we met with several mayors and discussed the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities. While every region has its own unique circumstances, many of the issues we are tackling are remarkably similar. It was encouraging to see the west looking so vibrant and prosperous, although the state of some roads certainly highlights the ongoing infrastructure challenges facing remote Queensland.

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One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden. Learning that the centre welcomed more than 19,000 visitors in 2025 was a great reminder of the value tourism brings to regional communities. Compared to my last visit, the west is looking stronger than ever.

Finally, a reminder that our library team offers free one-on-one assistance for residents wanting help with their mobile phones, tablets or digital devices. Whether you're learning the basics or need help troubleshooting an issue, our staff are here to assist and are available by appointment on Mondays in Home Hill and Tuesdays to Thursdays in Ayr. Contact your local branch to book an appointment.

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Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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The new Ayr industrial estate is officially open and I can’t be more thrilled. This is a great example of strategic planning for our Burdekin’s future. This was a very difficult project that was not without its engineering challenges that put some of our young engineers through their paces. What a great experience for them and a great outcome for the town. With some blocks under offer and plenty of interest in the remaining blocks, I’m certain that this new land will play host to some great new business and aid some existing businesses to grow and prosper. The Burdekin’s future is bright indeed.

“We cannot lose sight of the bigger issue facing this stretch of highway—flooding.” Photo supplied.

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Opinion of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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I welcome the commencement of new overtaking lanes at Goorganga Plains, which will deliver  

an important safety improvement for motorists travelling between Proserpine and Mackay.

I have been advocating for safety upgrades along this section of the Bruce Highway since my  

time as Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, and I have continued that advocacy since  

being elected as the Federal Member for Dawson.

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There simply aren't enough safe opportunities to overtake between Proserpine and Mackay, so  

these new lanes are a welcome step forward.

But we cannot lose sight of the bigger issue facing this stretch of highway, flooding.

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The latest announcement confirms that while construction is underway on the overtaking lanes,  

the major flood resilience works are still only at the design stage.

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That is disappointing.

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The proposed project would raise around 10.6 kilometres of the Bruce Highway, improve  

drainage and deliver new bridges and intersection upgrades to keep this critical connection  

open for longer during major weather events.

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After years of flooding, closures and repeated repairs, we should be moving towards  

construction by now, not still designing the solution.

Every wet season that passes means more disruption for local communities, more uncertainty  

for freight operators and tourism, and potentially more taxpayer dollars spent repairing  

infrastructure that we already know needs to be made more resilient.

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We have known about the vulnerability of this section of the Bruce Highway for years.

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How many more wet seasons do we have to go through before we get on with the job of  

fixing it properly?

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I welcome the investment in passing lanes, and I will continue to support practical safety  

improvements along the Bruce.

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But the Government needs to provide some clarity on the flood resilience project.

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Why is it taking so long to get this critical upgrade from design to construction?

Dawson needs a Bruce Highway that is not only safer to drive on when the sun is shining, but  

one that can keep communities connected when the rain comes.

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We don't need another wet season of temporary fixes. We need the long-term  

infrastructure investment this region deserves.

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