I’d like to begin this column by acknowledging the tragic events that unfolded at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the weekend. Such incidents have no place in our world, let alone in our beautiful country, and I encourage everyone to keep the victims and their grieving families in your thoughts and prayers. It’s tragedies like these that put life into perspective. They make us hug our loved ones a little tighter and question whether the minor inconveniences that normally frustrate us really matter at all. But it’s important to come together during times like this—when it’s all too easy to point fingers. That’s the essence of our nation. That’s being Australian. And there’s no place that embodies it better than the Burdekin. On a brighter note, local Christmas festivities are ramping up, with the Carols proving a blast and the highly anticipated Chamber Street Party just around the corner. Before long, the big man himself will be dropping by with all our presents. Is it too late to start being nice, or is his list already finalised? Maybe I’ll start saying please and thank you more often, as a last-ditch effort to get in the ‘good’ column.
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Local Initiative Brews Connection and Conversation for Mental Health Talika Pegoraro recently unveiled a beautifully heartwarming mental health focused initiative, Cuppa & Chat, in partnership with Fuel Me Up Café to start conversations and foster connections within the community. A proud Burdekin local, Talika hopes to combine her Certificate IV in Mental Health with her love for taking care of those around her to host a casual and relaxed meeting accompanied by a free beverage with whomever would like to connect. “If you’d like to connect, simply send me a private message on Facebook, and we’ll arrange a time and choose a place to meet – no agendas, no scripts, just genuine, open conversation over a coffee,” shared Talika. In the past, Talika has hosted a highly successful Women’s Circle focusing on self-care and wellbeing. “Giving people the opportunity to have a one on one, confidential conversation could make all the difference especially at a time of year where people can feel quite isolated, and I want to use what I’ve learned to connect with the wider community and just bring some happiness to any who would like it,” Talika explained. Manager of Fuel Me Up Café, Cindy Poletti, approached Talika earlier this year to offer a generous donation to support her previous and future initiatives, leading Talika to establish Cuppa & Chat, which has already been warmly welcomed by the wider community. “I’m hoping that people will use this as self-care or something just for them as an induvial. The conversation doesn’t have to be about mental wellbeing, it can be about whatever they want to talk about – however, I am more than willing to discuss some of the heavier topics that may be weighing people down.” Talika cannot wait to connect with more members of the local community and encourages anyone interested in having a Cuppa & Chat to send her a message today. Talika Pegoraro encourages anyone interested in a Cuppa & Chat to message her on Facebook. Photo supplied
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Three familiar faces in Burdekin healthcare are being celebrated for a remarkable milestone, with a combined 135 years of service marking a lifetime of service to the Burdekin community. Support Services Officer Bertilla Scodellaro, Clinical Nurse Joanne McBow, and Enrolled Nurse Jocelyn Tuffin all started as teenage trainees, and have seen the evolution of healthcare in the Burdekin first-hand. For Ms Tuffin, who began her career at just 15 years old, the technology may have changed over the last four decades, but the core of the job has remained consistent. "I just love looking after people and being there for them at, often, the worst time in their lives," Ms Tuffin said. "People really just want a caring, compassionate person to look after them; they remember it, and it gives you a good feeling at the end of the day to know you’ve made a difference." Ms McBow, who trained alongside Jocelyn, said working in a rural facility offered a unique "whole-of-life" career that specialised nursing couldn't match. "I can't imagine being specialised in one particular thing; I like that one minute I can be caring for someone who is ill, and the next minute I could be in theatre helping with a caesarean," Ms McBow said. "It is a privilege to have that trust to care for people you know in the community and be that support for them." While the clinical team keeps patients safe, staff like Ms Scodellaro ensure the hospitals operate smoothly. Working across both Ayr and Home Hill facilities, Ms Scodellaro was described by her colleagues as the “instrumental link” that keeps the service ticking, ensuring equipment and supplies are exactly where they need to be. "Every day is different, and that is what I like about it," Ms Scodellaro said. Together, all three embody the community spirit of the Burdekin, celebrating a rare, long-standing commitment to rural healthcare.
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A year after the Crisafulli Government reinstated the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, Member for Burdekin Dale Last is backing calls for new members to add their voice and knowledge to the future of the national artery. Mr Last said the success of the advisory council over the past twelve months was a testament to the combination of industry stakeholder representatives and local knowledge that only comes from those who travel the highway. “The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a vital role in shaping priorities for the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and the development of a Fatigue Management Strategy,” Mr Last said. “These voluntary positions are a 12-month role for one representative from each of the six regions that intersect the Bruce Highway to join peak body representatives to have their say on the Bruce Highway.” “Since re-establishing the BHAC, we’ve made huge strides in improving safety and reliability, guided by the voices of those who know this highway best.” Chaired by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Bruce Highway Advisory Committee brings together a group of diverse stakeholders from the Pine River up to Far North Queensland to discuss current problems along the Highway and where investment should be prioritised. Mr Last said the advisory council was not just about providing a platform for information about key concerns on the highway and had already brought about significant action. “After a decade of Labor burying their head in the sand when it came to safety issues and flood immunity on the Bruce Highway the Crisafulli Government has turned the tide with more than 40 projects fast-tracked under the Bruce Highway Target Safety Program.” “We are listening and we know there is more to be done and that is why I am encouraging stakeholders in the Northern Region to ensure those crucial concerns around areas prone to flooding, congestion and safety are given the right platform to be heard.”
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Northern Queensland Legacy have once again hosted a series of heartwarming Christmas Lunches across several shires to bring the community together and ensure veterans’ families are supported this festive season.
Annually, the Christmas Lunches provide a chance for widows and children of veterans to reconnect and celebrate the festive season with others who understand their unique circumstances.
The Northern Queensland Legacy's Burdekin Christmas Party was held on Friday, the 5th of December at the Queens Hotel in Ayr where several attendees gathered together to share in a wonderful lunch and celebrate the silly season.
David Burke, President of Northern Queensland Legacy sees the events as a rare opportunity to ensure that for those living in small towns or remote communities, distance doesn’t mean disconnection.
“These Christmas lunches are much more than just a festive celebration. They are a vital lifeline for those who might otherwise feel isolated,” said David.
“It’s in these moments of shared joy that we remind each other that we’re not alone, and that the Legacy community stands together, not just during the holidays, but every day of the year."
Northern Queensland Legacy CEO, Nicole Hayes, believes the events are an essential part of Legacy’s tailored approach to addressing the challenges veterans’ widowers and children in small, remote communities face, especially when it comes to social isolation and access to services.
“For many, especially those facing social isolation, these events are a lifeline, offering not just a social gathering but a reminder that they are part of a supportive network,” Nicole explained.
“The sense of belonging and connection that these events foster helps reduce feelings of loneliness and builds a stronger sense of community. For those who might be living alone or distanced from family, these gatherings are a welcome opportunity to bond with others, share experiences, and feel supported in a fun, festive environment.”
Northern Queensland Legacy provides a range of support services, including social activities, financial assistance, home visits, and advocacy, all aimed at connecting individuals with vital resources.
“We strive to undertake regular contact including home visits and phone calls to check on people’s wellbeing to make sure that no one feels forgotten,” added Nicole.
“We provide a listening ear and practical supports including links with services and agencies. We try to create opportunities for connection to bridge the gap that isolation can create and we aim to ensure that veterans' families are supported no matter where they live.”
Northern Queensland Legacy has expanded its eligibility criteria to now include the dependants of veterans who did not serve operationally or deploy overseas, opening the door for more families to access support. If your spouse served in the Australian Defence Force and you would like to check your eligibility, contact the Northern Queensland Legacy office on 4772 7533 or email admin@nqlegacy.com.au after the 26th of January 2026.
After the loss of someone they loved dearly, five friends decided to come together to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health illnesses by raising valuable funds and awareness throughout the month of October and beyond.
Chloe Rehbein, Caitlin Danziger, Lilly Scutt, Kaitlyn Warren, and Thomas Rehbein’s world were rocked when someone very close to each of them tragically passed away earlier this year.
After such a success raising funds for Breast Cancer Research in August this year. We have decided to also sign up and walk for Mental Health Research. Another cause that sits close to our hearts,” said Chloe.
“I’m taking part in One Foot Forward to help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide. I am walking 40km in memory of a loved one and I'm walking to raise funds for Black Dog Institute to put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education, and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most. Together, we can create better mental health for all Australians.”
Together, Chloe, Caitlin, Lilly, Kaitlyn and Thomas formed a team as part of the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward fundraising initiative to walk a collective 200km over 31 days whilst hoping to raise $1,000 to fund mental health treatments, education, and digital services.
The Black Dog Institute exists as Australia’s only medical research institute dedicated to investigating mental health across the lifespan to develop preventative measures and treatment policies to create better mental health for all.
Visit www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/WeThoughtTheredBeSnacks to make a donation to Chloe, Caitlin, Lilly, Kaitlyn and Thomas’ team and contribute to the work of the Black Dog Institute.
The Burdekin is set to benefit from an increase in frontline police numbers, with the Crisafulli Government welcoming 118 new constables into the Queensland Police Service (QPS). The fresh recruits — part of a major statewide push to restore safety and strengthen regional policing — will soon be deployed across Queensland, including right here in Ayr.
The new officers form part of a broader investment in rebuilding the police frontline, bringing the total number of new constables sworn in under the Crisafulli Government to 1,289. According to the government, the focus is on restoring safety in communities after what it describes as “a decade of decline under Labor.”
Of the 118 newly graduated officers, 10 will join the Northern Region, which includes Townsville, Ayr, Ingham, Kirwan, Mundingburra and Stuart, strengthening local crime prevention and response capacity.
The fresh recruits bring experience from a wide range of fields including defence, firefighting, healthcare, childcare, trades, hospitality and community services — skills the QPS says will enhance frontline capability across both metropolitan and regional areas.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the graduation marks a significant turning point for policing across the state.
“These 118 new officers are proof that we are supporting police and strengthening the frontline,” Minister Purdie said.
“We are rebuilding the QPS after a decade of Labor neglect, delivering more officers, more resources, and restoring safety where you live.
“Labor promised a lot and delivered very little, but we are fixing their mess and giving our police the resources and laws they need after Labor’s decade of decline.
“I congratulate every graduating officer tonight and thank their families for backing them on this journey. Queenslanders can be proud of this new generation of police.”
Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski also praised the graduates.
“Their commitment and character will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the communities they serve,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“They share a passion for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives and a commitment to building a stronger, safer Queensland.
“I wish them every success as they embark on their careers, playing a vital role in protecting and supporting Queenslanders, from vibrant cities to regional towns across the state.”
With more than 840 recruits currently in training and over 1,160 applicants progressing through the pipeline, the government says further increases in frontline staffing are on the way. For Burdekin residents, the additional officers are expected to enhance community safety and support local police already working hard to keep Ayr, Home Hill and surrounding areas secure.
118 new officers graduated from the QPS Academy in Brisbane earlier this month (Photo Supplied)
The Bruce Highway – the lifeline that connects Ayr, Home Hill and the broader Burdekin region to the rest of Queensland – has been the focus of major safety planning over the past 12 months, with the Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC) wrapping up its final meeting of the year.
Re-established by the Government, the Council brings together representatives from industry, government and regional communities to guide investment in Queensland’s most critical road corridor. Since reconvening, the group has met three times, helping shape priorities for the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP).
For Burdekin motorists, the program is already delivering benefits. An early works upgrade was recently completed between Bowen and Ayr, improving safety on a stretch heavily used by local workers, families, freight operators and travellers.
Across Queensland, more than $500 million has been committed to 22 new highway safety projects, including seven in the Mackay–Whitsundays region, all funded under the 80:20 partnership between the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments. BHAC has played a key role in identifying high-risk sections and advocating for improvements that matter most to regional communities.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Council’s work has been instrumental.
"It is a pleasure to be here in Mackay working with the Bruce Highway Advisory Council in our last meeting for the year - we're well on road to delivering the Bruce Highway Queenslanders deserve," Minister Mickelberg said.
"We’re focusing today on the Bruce Highway Fatigue Management Strategy, which will help inform priority locations where rest areas may be required on the Bruce.
"The regional representatives of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council have provided valuable input over the past 12 months, and I thank them for their work.”
Local representatives say the renewed Council is giving regional Queensland a stronger voice.
“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council by the Crisafulli Government was a game-changer for regional Queensland, giving a voice to communities about where the priority projects are," Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said.
Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm emphasised the highway’s importance for northern communities.
"The Bruce Highway is relied upon by so many local families and businesses, yet it can be such a dangerous stretch of road,” Ms Camm said.
“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council has been critical because it gives our communities a voice in shaping upgrades that will save lives and keep our region connected."
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly also welcomed the renewed regional influence.
“The Bruce is not like any other highway, it’s the key corridor that keeps this state moving, and is depended upon by millions of Queenslanders every day,” Mr Kelly said.
“We’ve re-established this Bruce Highway Advisory Council because we care about regional Queenslanders, who know this route better than most, and want them to input into how we can improve the Bruce in the short and long term.”
With plans underway for future upgrades and new safety strategies, Burdekin residents can expect ongoing improvements aimed at making everyday travel safer and more reliable.
New safety push puts Burdekin front and center on Bruce Highway upgrades (Photo Source: RACQ)
The Burdekin is set to benefit from a major environmental investment, with the Government committing more than $10 million to tackle weeds, feral animals and wildfire threats across North Queensland.
As part of the $117.8 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, NQ Dry Tropics will lead three local projects aimed at restoring land condition, protecting wetlands, and safeguarding vulnerable coastal ecosystems — with much of the work centred in the Lower Burdekin.
The program includes $3.7 million to improve 1,450 hectares of grazing land, native vegetation and wetlands in the Lower Burdekin, $4.4 million to strengthen coastal and wetland ecosystems across the broader Burdekin Dry Tropics region, and $1.9 million to support landholders in the Townsville Offshore and Lower Burdekin catchments to manage weeds, feral animals and reduce fire risks.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the injection of funding would support both the environment and local jobs.
“This region is especially important to me, and it gives me great pride to deliver for the local community and our natural assets,” Minister Last said.
“Through our $117.8 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, the Government is putting local knowledge to work to deliver real results on the ground.
“These NRM organisations are leading the way in safeguarding our natural resources and that’s why we’re proud to support them and invest in Queensland’s future.”
NQ Dry Tropics CEO Dr Scott Crawford said the funding demonstrates strong government backing and will drive practical, collaborative, science-based projects across the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.
"This investment demonstrates strong government backing for NQ Dry Tropics and its sister natural resource management (NRM) groups across Queensland," Dr Crawford said.
"Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and the projects we deliver in the region under this funding will be practical, science-based, and founded on strong community partnerships.
"For example, the Fighting Invasive Species Together project will strengthen collaboration between graziers and Traditional Owners to better manage the threat of feral animals and invasive weeds.
"The Climate-Ready Coastlines project will repair high-priority coastal habitats and help protect communities from the impact of flood and fire, and the Climate-Ready Rangelands project will support landholders to improve land condition, productivity and biodiversity on grazing properties.”
The investment marks one of the largest recent boosts to on-ground environmental work in the Burdekin, with long-term benefits expected for local landholders, waterways and wildlife.
As rural communities wrapped up another year of planting, harvesting and hard work on the land, World Soil Day on 5 December offered an important reminder of the quiet powerhouse beneath our feet — the soil that sustains farms, families and entire regions.
Often taken for granted, soil underpins Australia’s agricultural output, contributing around $90 billion to the national economy each year. It’s also one of the most complex living ecosystems on Earth, home to more than a quarter of the planet’s biodiversity. From tiny microbes to earthworms and insects, healthy soil supports life well beyond what we see on the surface.
Globally, an estimated 95 per cent of food production relies directly or indirectly on soil. For rural communities, that makes healthy soil fundamental not just to local farm productivity, but to long-term food security, economic strength and the resilience of regional landscapes.
World Soil Day — a United Nations initiative held annually on 5 December — aims to raise awareness of soil as a vital natural resource. This year’s theme, Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities, highlights the growing connection between rural food production and urban communities that rely on it.
Here in Australia, efforts to protect and improve soil health continue through the National Soil Strategy and National Soil Action Plan — the country’s first long-term national policy dedicated to soil. Backed by more than $90 million in federal investment, these initiatives support soil monitoring, research, information sharing and on-ground programs across farming regions.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Group Deputy Secretary Matt Lowe said soil remains central to Australia’s prosperity and resilience.
“Soil is an integral part of the Australian landscape,” he said.
“It supports us all, no matter where we live, and provides essential ecosystem and production services that contributes to Australia’s economic, environmental and social wellbeing.
“Soil also has cultural significance, and its health impacts biodiversity, water and air quality, human health and plays a vital role in building resilience to natural disasters and adapting to and mitigating climate change.”
As the wet season approaches and preparations begin for the year ahead, World Soil Day serves as a timely reminder: strong, healthy soil is the foundation on which rural Australia grows — and protecting it benefits communities far and wide.
Healthy soil supports thriving farms and communities across rural Australia (Photo Supplied)
Three Blokes Running’s (TBR) Campbell Johnston, Brayden Rawlins and Austin Dewar have once again closed out another stellar November spent fundraising for the Movember Foundation for the second consecutive year.
Across the past month, the trio set themselves the mission of flipping a deck of cards and completing several mystery challenges like swimming laps in the pool and pushing themselves to the limits in the gym all in the interest of raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health.
Campbell, Brayden and Austin took to social media to share daily vlogs, detailing the challenges they each were putting themselves through, and pushing the message, “it ain’t weak to speak” far and wide. With almost 3,000 followers across Instagram and Tiktok paired with tens of thousands of views, TBR have collaborated with other Movember Foundation Ambassadors and individuals spreading mental health awareness to amplify their message across the country.
“Throughout Movember, we took on mystery challenges, hosted fundraisers, ran raffles, and most importantly, started conversations that matter. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: breaking the silence, checking in on your mates, and reminding every bloke out there that it’s okay to not be okay,” shared the boys.
“We’ve seen firsthand how deeply mental health can affect the people around us. That’s why we’re committed to driving the message into our community, sparking honest conversations, raising awareness, and helping build a space where men feel supported to speak up and seek help.”
With the month of November now behind them, the trio have celebrated raising a commendable total exceeding $7,300 for the Movember Foundation, bringing TBR’s lifetime Movember Foundation fundraising total to an outstanding $21,270.
“Every dollar raised and every chat started helps us get one step closer to changing the way we see men’s mental health. Whether you donate, join in a challenge, or simply reach out to a mate, you’re part of this movement with us. Together, we can make a difference.”
Campbell, Austin and Brayden have concluded another month spent fundraising for the Movember Foundation (Photo Credit: Campbell Johnston)
Australia is home to more than 700,000 native plant species, many of which can also be enjoyed as food. Known as bush foods, these plants have long been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for nutrition, medicine, and cultural practices. Here are five edible natives that are both tasty and great for your garden.
Try Them in Your Garden
These edible native plants offer unique flavours and health benefits while supporting local wildlife. If you have space, consider adding them to your garden – they provide food, attract pollinators, and bring a taste of the bush right to your backyard.
Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare) is one of several edible plants you can grow in your own backyard (Photo Supplied)
As the Burdekin Shire begins to gear up for another disaster season, residents may once again face the familiar sight of fallen trees, broken branches, and damaged green spaces. Living on the coast, local residents understand cyclones are an annual challenge, with recent storms such as Jasper, Kirrily, and Tiffany serving as reminders, while major events like Cyclone Yasi have taught important lessons about how our landscapes cope.
One key question emerges: are some trees better equipped to survive cyclones than others?
Lessons from Cyclone Yasi
Following Cyclone Yasi in 2011, Greening Australia and local partners surveyed trees in Townsville to understand which species were most wind-resistant. Several natives stood out:
These species share key traits: deep roots, strong central trunks, flexibility, and adaptation to northern Queensland conditions.
What Makes a Tree Cyclone-Resistant?
Tree survival isn’t just about species. Age, structure, root development, and site exposure all matter. Healthy trees with balanced canopies and deep roots are far more likely to withstand high winds. Traits that increase resilience include:
Species That Struggled
Exotic or ornamental trees often suffered heavy damage:
Maintenance Matters Too
No garden is completely cyclone-proof, but proper care makes a difference. Encouraging deep root growth through deep, infrequent watering and reducing excess foliage through pruning helps trees remain upright during storms.
Planning for the Future
In preparation for disaster seasons to come, planting wind-resilient native species can reduce risk, support biodiversity, and help landscapes recover stronger. Landholders and councils are encouraged to:
Building Resilient Landscapes
By learning from past cyclones and choosing the right species, communities and green spaces can survive and thrive in the face of future storms.
The Melaleuca leucadendra (Weeping Paperbark) is an iconic Australian tree and suited for northern Queensland conditions (Photo Supplied)
As Queensland faces another hot summer and storm season, health authorities are warning residents to avoid handling bats found on the ground. Distressed or dead bats may be encountered more frequently during extreme heat or severe weather, and Queensland Health reminds the community that contact can be dangerous.
Bats can carry Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to rabies. While human infection is rare, it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
Very hot temperatures or a mix of heat and humidity can cause bats to become heat-stressed and fall to the ground. Storms and strong winds can also disrupt their normal behaviour, causing bats to fall from trees or seek shelter closer to the ground.
Queensland Health advises people not to attempt rescuing or handling distressed or dead bats and to instead contact a trained wildlife rescuer.
Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said ABLV can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or saliva, and avoiding contact is the safest approach.
“All bats have the potential to carry ABLV. While transmission to humans is rare, unfortunately, once symptoms appear, there is no known effective treatment,” Dr McDougall said.
“Prevention is key. The safest thing Queenslanders can do is assume any bat they come across could be carrying ABLV and avoid any contact.
“Even if the bat looks dead, do not touch it.
“If the bat appears to need help, call the RSPCA, local wildlife carers or Queensland’s Bat Conservation and Rescue team.
“I’d also encourage parents to remind their children to never touch a bat they find on the ground.”
Dr McDougall said the safest action for people who come across a bat is to keep children and pets away, and, if safe to do so, place a box or washing basket over the bat until a trained and vaccinated handler arrives.
“If you are bitten, scratched, or have contact with bat saliva, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes,” she added.
“Then apply an antiseptic if available and seek medical care as soon as possible for assessment and post-exposure treatment.”
Residents are urged to report injured or distressed bats to:
For medical advice on bites and exposure, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for 24/7 guidance from registered nurses. For further information, visit the Queensland Government websites on living with bats and Australian bat lyssavirus.
Distressed or fallen bats are more common during extreme heat and storms - Queensland Health urges people to keep their distance and call trained wildlife rescuers (Photo Supplied)
Saturday PM (1-5pm) Group E - John Moloney PC, Anne Moloney PC, Tramayne Horan PC, Sophia Moloney and Tony Felisina
Sunday AM (9am-1pm) Group B - Terry Lund PC, Kristy Wassmuth PC, Anita Giddy, Heather Scott, Briella Wassmuth and Emilee Wassmuth
Sunday PM (1-5pm) Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry and Lisa Vivian
The Lower Burdekin will see a significant boost in environmental protection efforts, with the Crisafulli Government announcing a suite of locally delivered projects worth more than $10 million to combat invasive weeds, feral animals and wildfire risks across the region. The investment forms part of the government’s $117.8 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, billed as a statewide effort to restore land health and support on-country stewardship.
The funding will flow directly to NQ Dry Tropics and is expected to deliver targeted, practical work across coastal zones, grazing country and vulnerable wetlands that support agricultural production, biodiversity and regional resilience.
The program prioritises “boots-on-the-ground action to restore Queensland’s landscapes” and will focus on threat reduction, ecological repair and fire mitigation. The investment includes $3.7 million to improve the condition of 1,450 hectares of grazing land, native vegetation and wetlands across the Lower Burdekin, as well as $4.4 million to reduce landscape pressure from weeds, pests, fire and community disturbance across more than 120 hectares of land and 30 kilometres of waterways. A further $1.9 million will go toward landholder support in the Townsville Offshore and Lower Burdekin catchments through weed control, feral animal management, low-intensity burning, and coordinated fire planning across 2,000 hectares.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said this level of investment was designed to support both the region’s environment and local employment.
“This region is especially important to me, and it gives me great pride to deliver for the local community and our natural assets,” Minister Last said.
He also made clear that the new approach marks a departure from previous government policy.
“During Labor’s decade of decline, Queensland’s Natural Resource Management groups were left high and dry without the meaningful funding they need to support the great work they do across our state. Through our $117.8 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, the Crisafulli Government is putting local knowledge to work to deliver real results on the ground. These NRM organisations are leading the way in safeguarding our natural resources and that’s why we’re proud to support them and invest in Queensland’s future.”
NQ Dry Tropics CEO Dr Scott Crawford welcomed the commitment, noting the scale of both the opportunity and the responsibility in a region that covers eight per cent of Queensland.
"This investment demonstrates strong government backing for NQ Dry Tropics and its sister natural resource management (NRM) groups across Queensland," Dr Crawford said.
He emphasised that environmental challenges cannot be managed by any one body alone.
"Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and the projects we deliver in the region under this funding will be practical, science-based, and founded on strong community partnerships.”
Dr Crawford highlighted three cornerstone initiatives set to accelerate on-ground outcomes.
"For example, the Fighting Invasive Species Together project will strengthen collaboration between graziers and Traditional Owners to better manage the threat of feral animals and invasive weeds.
"The Climate-Ready Coastlines project will repair high-priority coastal habitats and help protect communities from the impact of flood and fire, and the Climate-Ready Rangelands project will support landholders to improve land condition, productivity and biodiversity on grazing properties."
The investment signals a major, multi-year effort to not only stabilise at-risk landscapes but equip the region’s land managers with the tools needed to respond to escalating climate and biosecurity pressures.
The funding will flow directly to NQ Dry Tropics and is expected to deliver targeted, practical work across coastal zones, grazing country and vulnerable wetlands. Photo supplied
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, says the Whitsundays is now facing an unprecedented double threat: a proposed wind farm pushed into the heart of rural communities, and growing fears about asbestos contamination that are eroding public trust in government safeguards and environmental protections.
Mr Willcox said residents in Crystal Brook and Kelsey Creek are already living with enormous stress as the Mt Challenger Wind Farm proposal aims to push industrial-scale infrastructure far too close to their homes and farms. Turbines planned less than two kilometres from family bedrooms, backyards and children’s play areas would bring constant noise, shadow flicker, and heavy-vehicle movements on narrow rural roads never designed for hundreds of oversized loads.
“These are small, tight-knit communities that have cared for their land for generations,” Mr
Willcox said.
“They’re not anti-renewables. They’re not activists. They simply expect the same basic protections and planning standards that people in the cities take for granted. Instead, they’re being treated like collateral damage.”
Mr Willcox said the timing of the project also raises serious concerns, given the heightened anxiety across Queensland about asbestos contamination and the government’s failure to control hazardous materials entering supply chains.
“Recent discoveries of asbestos in wind turbine lift brake pads at multiple Australian wind farms, including Clarke Creek in Central Queensland, show that banned hazardous materials are still making their way into critical infrastructure,” he said.
“When people are already questioning whether the government can keep them safe from asbestos turning up in everyday products, it’s no wonder they have zero confidence in a project of this scale being dumped on their doorstep,” he said.
“If the government can’t guarantee safety in what it allows to be imported, how can families trust the safety, quality and environmental impact of hundreds of imported turbine components and thousands of tonnes of materials being brought into the Whitsundays?”
Residents have also raised fears for local wildlife, health risks and the cultural and environmental values of Mt Challenger and the surrounding district; concerns they say have been brushed aside in the push to rush development for political climate target agendas rather than community needs.
Mr Willcox said he will continue to stand with residents every step of the way, ensuring their voices are taken to Canberra, and their concerns are impossible to ignore.
“There is nothing safe, fair or responsible about placing this project in the middle of a rural
community,” he said.
“The location is wrong. The risks are real. The majority of the community is united. And I will not
allow these families to be steamrolled.”
He said regional Australians deserve transparency, proper assessment, real consultation and genuine respect; not to be forced to carry the burden of poor planning and political convenience.
“People in Crystal Brook and Kelsey Creek are telling me clearly: they feel unheard, they feel unprotected, and they feel abandoned,” Mr Willcox said.
“I’m not letting that stand.”
Contributed with thanks to the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox
Standing at the peaceful Lake Proserpine, Andrew Willcox says this is exactly what’s at stake in the Whitsundays; the serenity locals cherish being disrupted by a wind farm proposal placed far too close to homes, farms and families. Photo supplied
Member for Burdekin Dale Last has lambasted a federal announcement which sees farmers left as collateral damage in the latest Labor-Greens deal.
Mr Last said last week’s overreach by the Federal Government will see farmers, already meeting world-leading environmental regulations, strangled with more red tape.
“Once again our farmers are being painted as environmental vandals by Labor, except
this time it’s on a federal level,” Mr Last said.
“The passing of the Commonwealth Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 last week signals another Labor-induced sledging on an industry that feeds our nation for the sake of inner-city Green votes.”
“Unlike Labor, the LNP have always backed our farmers because we have seen firsthand the effort they put in to ensure they meet best management practices.”
Mr Last said Queenslanders wouldn’t be taken as fools by Labor’s anti-farming agenda which risked jobs and presented economic uncertainty for communities that relied on agriculture.
“I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with primary producers because regional Queensland has had an absolute gutful of being a scapegoat for Labor’s green agendas.”
“The Labor-Greens deal specifically punishes the sectors that underpin Queensland’s economy and strips Queensland of its ability to manage our own future, risking jobs and economic uncertainty across our regions,” Minister Last said.
“The Greens don’t understand agriculture or mining, and Labor is too weak to say no to them - and regional Queenslanders have been left to pay the price."
Contributed with thanks to the office of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP
On Friday, 5 December, Burdekin Community Association Inc. celebrated International Volunteer Day with our volunteers.
We enjoyed a Volunteer Brunch at the BCA Support Centre. The refreshments were great, and we had Lucky Door prizes and games. BCA is very grateful to all of our exceptional volunteers and thanks them for everything they do for our organisation and the community.
This year, under the inspiring theme “Every Contribution Matters”, International Volunteer Day 2025 takes on historic significance as it marks the official global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). This milestone follows a UN General Assembly Resolution calling for a worldwide movement to recognise and amplify the vital role of volunteers in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
For more information on the Burdekin Community Association, visit the BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, phone 4783 3744 or email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au.
Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran
On Friday the 5th of December Burdekin Community Association Inc celebrated International Volunteer Day with our Volunteers. Photos supplied
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