Australia’s sugar industry has strongly criticised the outcome of the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement, with CANEGROWERS warning the deal fails to deliver meaningful benefits for cane farmers.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan described the agreement as a major setback for the industry, particularly for growers across Queensland.

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“This is a horrendous outcome for Australia’s cane growers,” Mr Galligan said.

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“For the past decade we have made our needs abundantly clear to the Australian Government and they have not delivered. There is no meaningful commercial access for sugar in this deal.

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“The market access Australia has achieved is extremely small – less than 2% of Europe’s import requirement and well below what Brazil and its Mercosur partners secured last year, which was around four times larger than Australia’s outcome.”

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Under the agreement, Australia will receive an additional 35,000 tonnes of sugar quota access over three years, adding to an existing allocation of 9,925 tonnes. However, Mr Galligan said the increase falls far short of what is needed to create real commercial opportunities.

“These volumes are not economically meaningful. They will not shift the dial for growers or materially change Australia’s position in the European market.

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“This is not what genuine market access looks like.”

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He also criticised the lack of long-term growth opportunities within the agreement.

“Compounding this, the agreement delivers no growth, no pathway to expand access and effectively locks growers into a bad deal for the next generation.

“It’s a capitulation to protectionist European sugar interests, plain and simple.”

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Mr Galligan said the outcome was particularly disappointing given Europe’s reliance on imported sugar.

“The EU is a net importer of sugar and must bring in significant volumes each year to meet domestic demand.

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“Australia can help meet that demand with high-quality, sustainably produced sugar, but instead we have been locked out.”

He added that the deal does little to address the challenges faced by Australian producers, particularly exposure to volatile global prices.

“This deal does nothing to change that position.

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“We support trade liberalisation, but it has to be meaningful. Growers need outcomes that create genuine opportunity, not agreements that deliver nothing now and take us backwards when it comes to trade liberalisation.”

CANEGROWERS said it will continue to review the full details of the agreement while advocating for improved global market access and fairer trading conditions for Australia’s sugar industry.

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*Stock image from https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-spoonful-of-sugar-11477544/

Students from the geoscience faculty at James Cook University (JCU) recently headed to the Burdekin River for a hands-on field trip, gaining real-world experience studying the region’s unique geology.

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The group spent the day examining igneous intrusions and striking magma mingling textures, with conditions requiring them to quite literally get their feet wet.

“We had to get our feet wet this year but it was another fantastic geology field trip to the Burdekin River to look at igneous intrusions and spectacular magma mingling textures,” said JCU Senior Lecturer in Geoscience, Helen McCoy-West.

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Staff and students described the excursion as a valuable learning experience, offering the opportunity to see geological processes up close while exploring one of North Queensland’s key natural features.

“Thank you to the staff and students for a great day out!”

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Primary producers across the Burdekin are set to benefit from a new climate tool designed to better predict the end of the northern wet season.

Developed through the Northern Australia Climate Program, the Northern Rainfall Retreat (NRR) tool identifies the date of the last significant rainfall before the wet season ends—critical information for farmers managing livestock and crops.

The timing of late-season rain can have a major impact on agricultural operations, influencing mustering, livestock transport, stocking rates and crop harvesting. Unseasonal rainfall events can also disrupt harvests, damage infrastructure and affect herd numbers if conditions become extreme.

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The tool uses historical rainfall data and climate modelling to pinpoint when rainfall typically “retreats” at a specific location. By analysing cumulative rainfall anomalies from the start of the year, it determines the point when rainfall peaks before transitioning into the dry season.

Local natural resource management group NQ Dry Tropics is one of several organisations involved in delivering the program, alongside partners including the University of Southern Queensland and the Bureau of Meteorology.

The broader program focuses on helping the red meat industry manage drought and climate risk across northern Australia. For Burdekin producers, the NRR tool offers a practical way to reduce uncertainty and make more informed decisions as the region transitions out of the wet season.

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Small businesses and community organisations across the Burdekin can now access increased financial support following recent severe weather events, with disaster recovery grants boosted to up to $50,000.

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The expanded Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants, administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, are available to those directly impacted by the Queensland monsoon trough, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and associated severe weather from 24 December 2025.

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The funding increase doubles the previous maximum of $25,000 and has also been extended to include non-profit organisations, alongside small businesses.

The grants are designed to assist with clean-up and reinstatement costs, including purchasing equipment and materials, hiring tradespeople for safety inspections, and disposing of debris or damaged goods.

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Eligible applicants can either apply for an initial payment of up to $5,000 with proof of damage, before claiming further reimbursements as recovery progresses, or submit a single application for expenses up to the full $50,000 with evidence of completed works.

The Burdekin is among a number of local government areas included in the funding rollout, reflecting the widespread impact of recent weather events on regional communities and industries.

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Applications remain open until 15 January 2027, giving affected businesses and organisations time to complete recovery works and submit claims.

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QRIDA is also offering one-on-one support through its Connect service, with regional staff available to guide applicants through the process online or over the phone.

The grants form part of the jointly funded Commonwealth and Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, aimed at helping regional communities rebuild and recover.

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Two students from Burdekin Christian College are helping shape the future of youth leadership in the region, following their election to key positions on the 2026 Burdekin Shire Youth Council Executive.

William Wiseman has been named Youth Mayor, stepping into the top role after four years of dedicated service on the Youth Council. His appointment follows a steady rise through the ranks, having served as Deputy Youth Mayor in 2025. Known for his consistent commitment to community involvement, William’s election reflects both his experience and leadership within the group.

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Joining him is fellow Burdekin Christian College student Alicia Jansen Van Rensburg, who has been elected Deputy Youth Mayor. Despite being a relatively new face in the Burdekin after relocating from New Zealand, Alicia has quickly immersed herself in the local community and made a strong impression through her contributions to the Youth Council.

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A Burdekin Christian College spokesperson praised both students, describing William as “an incredibly responsible and civic-minded” young leader and “a role model for those around him.”  

“William is a role model for those around him and we know he will focus on doing good for the youth of the Burdekin,” they said.

Alicia was similarly recognised for “stepping up to take on this new role of responsibility.”

“With the future of the Burdekin youth in her hands we know it is safe! BCC is so proud,” the spokesperson said.

While the spotlight falls on the two BCC students, the executive team is rounded out by Secretary Jorda Quagliata of Ayr State High School, whose five years of experience on the Youth Council will provide valuable support behind the scenes.

Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort congratulated the newly elected executive, highlighting the importance of youth leadership in the region.

“Our Youth Council continues to demonstrate the passion, leadership and commitment of young people in the Burdekin,” she said.

With two of the three executive roles now held by Burdekin Christian College students, the school has reason to be proud in its students, who not just participate in community life, but actively helping lead it.

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At Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, banking is built on something deeper than numbers – it’s about people, trust, and being part of life’s biggest and smallest moments. For Personal Bankers Sally and Chris, their roles are not just about financial services, but about helping locals move forward with confidence.

Born and raised in Home Hill, Sally has a deep connection to the Burdekin community she proudly serves. Now in her sixth year with the bank, she brings both professional experience and genuine local understanding to every customer interaction.

For Sally, the most rewarding part of her role is being part of people’s milestones. “Whether it’s buying their first car, renovating their home, or planning a dream holiday, it’s a privilege to be part of their journey,” she says. It’s this sense of shared excitement and achievement that makes her role more than just a job.

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Outside of work, Sally enjoys spending time with her husband Kent and their two children, Riley and Indiana, often escaping to their family holiday home at Cape Upstart. It’s a balance that reflects her strong focus on family and community – values she also sees reflected across the Burdekin.  

“There’s a real sense of unity here. People genuinely support each other, especially in times of need.”

Alongside Sally is Chris, who brings two decades of experience to her role as a Personal Banker, having started with the Community Bank in 2005.  

Born & raised in the Burdekin returning to the area 25 years ago, Chris has built lasting relationships with customers over the years, many of whom she has supported through different stages of their financial lives.

Chris shares a similar passion for helping customers achieve their goals.

“It could be a personal loan for a new car or simply reviewing their banking to better suit their needs – it’s about making sure they’re in the best position possible,” she explains.

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Outside the branch, Chris enjoys creative pursuits including painting, puzzles, and her involvement with the Home Hill Choral Society – another example of the strong community spirit that defines the region.

For both Sally and Chris, the Burdekin’s greatest strength lies in its people. From everyday support to coming together during natural disasters, it’s a community built on resilience, connection and care.

At Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, it’s this local understanding – combined with genuine care – that continues to make a difference in the lives of customers every day.

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Former Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) CEO and current Powerlink Chair Craig Doyle has joined Queensland bioenergy player SKY Renewables as Senior Advisor.

With projects planned for North Queensland and the Central Highlands Region, Mr Doyle’s arrival flags an exciting development in SKY Renewables’ corporate leadership expertise.

Across a career spanning both government and industry, Mr Doyle has played a central role in major projects across northern Australia.

His work with NAIF saw billions of dollars of investment into strategic infrastructure projects across the north.

His experience will provide valuable insight to SKY Renewables.

Founder and CEO of SKY Renewables, Simon Yim, welcomed a leader of Mr Doyle’s calibre already joining a high-powered core team.

“Craig brings to our team extensive networks in business, government and the community”, said Mr Yim.

“His experience will be invaluable as we move from feasibility and planning towards project delivery”.

Mr Yim said the company’s projects in Queensland aim to strengthen regional economies while supporting the transition to lower-emissions fuels, particularly through the development of sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable energy products linked to the agricultural sector.

“SKY Renewables has been working closely with primary producers and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities to convert agricultural residues into high-value renewable fuels”, said Mr Yim.

Mr Doyle said he was excited to join SKY Renewables as it proceeds with its Queensland projects.

“SKY Renewables has done the hard yards since 2018, and stands alone in the sector by directly connecting primary producers with biofuels consumers”, Mr Doyle said.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a company that adds value to Queensland’s agricultural sector and is a first mover in producing sustainable aviation fuel right here in North Queensland.”

In addition to his roles at NAIF and Powerlink, Mr Doyle has senior leadership experience at Gladstone Ports Corporation, Mackay Regional Council and Wilmar International.

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*Stock image from https://www.pexels.com/photo/landscape-of-a-wind-farm-15268778/

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Applications are now open for Pacific Blue’s Sustainable Communities fund. Begun in 2019, the scheme invests in community initiatives supporting wellbeing, education, and sustainability.

Interested parties have until April 30^th to submit their application, with community groups across Ayr, Brandon, Clare, Dalbeg, Giru, Home Hill, and Millaroo invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Over 20 years, Pacific Blue has invested more than $6 million into community-led projects across the country, including over $500k right here in the Burdekin.

Recent recipients include the Burdekin Amateur Basketball Association, which received funding for new grandstand seating, and the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club, which upgraded its first aid and office facilities. The Zonta Club also benefited from new technology to support their vital community work.

Domenic Capomolla, CEO of Pacific Blue, highlighted the fund as a way to give back to the community that plays a vital role in Australia’s renewable energy transition.  

"We are proud to see the positive impact it brings to the Burdekin region.” He said.

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“The fund channels the benefits of our solar farm into projects that create lasting social, environmental, and economic outcomes for the regions that support our transition to renewable energy.”

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Interested organisations are encouraged to review the Community Fund Guidelines to ensure their application aligns with the fund's criteria.

For more details or to submit an application, visit pacificblue.com.au

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Recycling is something we should all take more seriously. While it may seem minor, what goes into the bin has a real cost to Council and, ultimately, to our community. Contamination increases processing costs and places an unnecessary burden on ratepayers. A small change in thinking can make a big difference.

As we approach Easter, I would like to spare a thought for communities in the North who are experiencing the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Cyclones and heavy rainfall often result in road closures, which means supplies can be delayed or cut off altogether. For many children in those communities, something as simple as receiving Easter eggs may not be guaranteed, and Easter may look a little different for them this year.

Easter remains the most significant celebration in the Christian calendar and is also a time of reflection, family and generosity. If you are in a position to do so, please consider showing kindness and understanding to those who may be doing it tough this holiday period.

With school holidays now underway, many families will be travelling to their favourite destinations or exploring somewhere new. Wherever you are heading, please travel safely, look after one another on the roads, and enjoy time with loved ones. I wish everyone across the Burdekin a safe and Happy Easter.

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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That was a great weekend! Once again the Canefield Ashes was upon us and it did not disappoint. I imagine that by now the chiropractors and physio’s have full waiting rooms. But it is worth it. Now in its 22nd year, this carnival continues to attract a bigger crowd, and it is always humbling to see how the volunteers all get behind still. All in honour to remember Eugene Pagotto with a game of cricket, a few drinks and a laugh. Well done to all that help bring this back every year. 

I also participated in the Home Hill golf clubs opening day. It was great to see good numbers there and the club also recognised two life members for their contributions in the club’s life. Well done and thanks to Geoff Todman and John Power for all you do for this club.

I hope everyone else had a good weekend and I wish you all a happy and safe Easter.

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Burdekin households and small businesses are set to see some long-awaited relief on their power bills, with electricity prices across regional Queensland forecast to drop by close to 10 per cent next financial year.

Under the latest draft determination from the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA), residential electricity prices for regional customers—including those in Ayr, Home Hill and across the wider Burdekin—are expected to fall by 9.7 per cent in 2026–27. Small businesses could see even greater relief, with prices projected to drop by 11.3 per cent.

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The reduction is expected to be welcomed across the Burdekin, where residents and businesses have faced years of rising electricity costs.

The projected drop follows similar forecasts for South East Queensland under the Australian Energy Regulator’s Default Market Offer, which suggests power prices could fall by 10.1 per cent for households and 12.8 per cent for small businesses in metropolitan areas.

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The State Government says the reductions are the result of its Energy Roadmap, which aims to balance maintaining existing infrastructure with investing in new energy generation.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said regional communities like the Burdekin deserved to see the same level of cost-of-living relief as their city counterparts.

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“The Energy Roadmap is putting downward pressure on power prices, as we said it would,” Mr Janetzki said.

“Default power prices are set to drop by around 10 per cent throughout the state next financial year.

“The QCA’s draft determination aligns with the deal proposed for the southeast and would see regional Queensland get the cost-of-living relief they need.”

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The Government has also pointed to its $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, aimed at improving the reliability and performance of existing power stations, as a key factor in stabilising prices.

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While the figures are still in draft form, the QCA will now undertake a period of public consultation before handing down its final determination, expected in late May or early June.

If confirmed, the price drop would mark a shift after years of rising electricity costs, offering some breathing room for Burdekin households and businesses heading into the next financial year.

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FEDERAL Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has welcomed the Government’s decision to halve the fuel excise for three months; a move he describes as a hard-won victory for the Australian people and a direct result of the Coalition’s relentless pursuit of a "fair go" for motorists.  

The announcement, which will see 26 cents per litre wiped from the price of petrol and diesel, follows intense pressure from the Liberal and National parties. Mr Willcox said this outcome proves what can be achieved when a strong Opposition holds a detached Government to account.  

"We have heard you loud and clear,” Mr Willcox said.

“My office has been flooded with emails, my Facebook page has been filled with your comments, and I have seen the stress on the faces of families at the bowser across Dawson.”  

Mr Willcox said that for too long, the Labor Government ignored the reality of the bruising bowser, telling families to buy sixty-thousand-dollar electric cars while they were struggling to afford the drive to work.

“Today [30 March], the Coalition has turned the tide; trading the Prime Minister's lectures for actual action at the pump,” he said.

Mr Willcox noted that while the excise cut provides much-needed breathing space, the battle is not over. He emphasised that the current crisis is a dual challenge of both price and supply, and the Coalition remains focused on long-term energy security for the regions.

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The Member for Dawson also issued a stern warning to fuel retailers and oil companies regarding the implementation of the tax cut.

"We remember what happened during the COVID-era excise reduction; the relief was not always fully passed on to the consumer. We cannot allow that to happen again. The task now is to ensure this 26-cent saving is felt immediatelyat the pumps,” he said.

“Labor must ensure the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is watching these companies like a hawk. There is no excuse for these savings to be pocketed by big corporations instead of reaching the pockets of our farmers, our small businesses, and our families."

The three-month excise reduction is expected to provide significant relief to the transport and agricultural sectors in North Queensland, where the tyranny of distance makes fuel a non negotiable cost of living.

"This is a win for common sense,” Mr Willcox said.

“We have forced a shift from ideology back to reality, and the Coalition will continue to fight to ensure that every cent of this tax cut reaches the people who actually keep this country moving."

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Major steps forward in addressing a decade-long problem plaguing irrigatorsin the Burdekin have been welcomed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

This week’s tour of the Burdekin region by the Sunwater board comes as preparatory works to remediate rising ground water reaches its final stages.

Mr Last said the progression of the project was significant for growers who had battled rising ground water levels for several years.

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“Having the board visit the Burdekin and consult directly with growers about critical issues they need action on is invaluable,” Mr Last said.

“Mitigating rising ground water has been a long-standing issue that, as the Member for Burdekin, I have fought alongside our growers to bring about meaningful action.”

“The completion of the Code of Practice will see stage 1 of the dewatering project commenceas part of Sun water’s $25.5 million Lower Burdekin Rising Groundwater Mitigation Project.”

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“The progression is a long-awaited milestone for our growers and demonstrates our government’s commitment to balancing the needs of our irrigators with the environment to which they operate in.”

Mr Last said tackling the issue of rising ground water had seen a whole of government approach with departments and Sun water working cohesively to benefit not only irrigators but the surrounding water ways and communities they support.

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“Under Labor this project had no progression leaving farmers to languish with the consequencesbut under the Crisafulli Government we haven’t shied away and have taken decisive action to tackle rising ground water,” Mr Last said.

“Sun water anticipates dewatering will commence in April this year and I know that will be welcome news for our growers as we step into another approaching harvesting season.”

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“This project is a real demonstration of what a whole of government approach can achieve when it backs its primary industries. The Crisafulli Government is not leaving our farmers to languish in their challenges and is committed to boosting our state’s primary industries for decades to come.”

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A new AI-powered crocodile detection system is set to be trialled in northern Queensland, marking a potential breakthrough in public safety and wildlife management.

The project is a collaboration between James Cook University and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), combining advanced camera technology with artificial intelligence trained to identify crocodiles in the water.

Mounted on a mobile, trailer-based platform, the system has been designed for easy transport and flexible deployment across a range of high-use recreational areas.

DETSI Senior Conservation Officer Daniel Guymer said researchers analysed thousands of hours of footage to train the system to distinguish crocodiles from other objects.

“The aim is to create a reliable detection system that could be deployed on fixed or mobile infrastructure in high recreation-use areas,” Mr Guymer said.

“This is a significant step forward as we continue looking at innovative ways to improve public safety in areas where crocodiles also live.

“If successful, this technology could revolutionise how we monitor crocodiles, providing real-time data to help us manage crocodiles as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

Project lead Tao Huang said early testing had already shown promising results.

“This is a huge benefit for community safety, and we now need to check that it can detect crocodiles in the water in real time,” Dr Huang said.

“If the program is successful, it could lead to the technology being used at public locations such as boat ramps or in marinas.

“Our aim is to detect crocodiles, while also considering future extensions of the AI technology to estimate their size, which could assist wildlife rangers in investigating sightings.”

The trial will assess the system’s real-world performance, with hopes it could play a key role in improving safety while supporting crocodile conservation across Queensland.

CAPTION: JCU has partnered with DETSI for an AI-driven crocodile detection system, configured as a trailer. Photo source: JCU

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A vibrant new mural perfectly capturing and celebrating the heart of the Burdekin Shire has recently been unveiled, with locals and travellers already adoring the piece’s striking display of identity, bold hues and creative storytelling.

Award-winning artist Lavinia Letheby created the large-scale artwork to capture several defining elements of the Burdekin Shire’s identity, carefully weaving together illustrations of hand cane cutting, an iconic cane train, the glow of a cane fire, the famous Burdekin Bridge, and an abundance of locally grown produce.

“I carefully incorporated each aspect in a creative and visually engaging way, and together, these elements tell the story of the region’s rich agricultural heritage, and strong community spirit,” she explained.

“It was an honour to bring these ideas to life, and create an artwork that reflects the identity, history and pride of the community as for me, murals like this are about honouring everyday people whose work shapes a place, even though their stories aren’t always told in traditional ways.”

Lavinia’s paintbrushes have coloured the region multiple times in recent years, with each piece created to celebrate the people, stories and identity of the area. One of her most celebrated projects in the shire was commissioned by George Populin as a tribute to his parents, Maria and Demetrio Populin, and can be seen on Beach Road in Ayr.

“The mural honours Maria and Demetrio Populin’s journey from Visinale, Italy to building a life in Ayr, reflecting both their Italian heritage and the lasting impact they had on the local community,” she said.

“It’s a deeply meaningful piece that connects family history with the town they came to call home.”

Lavinia has led a lifetime of creativity and cannot recall a time when she didn’t have a love for painting, alongside a passion for creating large-scale art.

“Art was always something I naturally gravitated toward growing up, and over time, it became something I couldn’t imagine not doing, and murals happened quite organically - once I painted my first large wall, I realised how powerful public art can be,” she enthused.

“A painting on a canvas might be seen by a handful of people, but a mural becomes part of the everyday environment. It transforms spaces, starts conversations, and creates landmarks within a town – that scale and impact is what really drew me into mural work.”

With each piece she creates, Lavinia hopes her murals will stand the test of time and become part of a region’s identity and story.

“It’s incredibly special and meaningful when you create a mural as people walk past it every day, take photos with it and it becomes a small part of their lives,” she said.

“Public art has such power to transform spaces, and I’m passionate about continuing to create works that communities feel proud to call their own.”

CAPTIONS:

1. This piece is the latest in a growing collection of murals Lavinia has completed across the Burdekin, each deeply rooted in local history and community. Photo supplied
2. Lavinia recalls the casual conversations she would have with locals as they came across her in action. Photo supplied
3. Lavinia’s previously completed mural on Beach Road in Ayr of Maria and Demetrio Populin. Photo supplied