CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said the statewide numbers meant little to growers dealing with the reality on individual farms. Photo supplied by CANEGROWERS.

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Queensland’s sugarcane crush is closing in on the halfway mark, with over 13 million tonnes of an estimated 27.4-million-tonne crop through the rollers—but that headline figure hides a season of extremes. 

In the Burdekin, growers are already well beyond the midpoint. Elsewhere, rain and mill stoppages have cost weeks, while poor bin delivery is holding up harvesting crews – even in districts where mills are running better than they have in years. 

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said the statewide numbers meant little to growers dealing with the reality on individual farms. 

“The average doesn’t mean much when you’re the grower sitting at 20% and watching the weeks tick by,” Mr Menkens said. 

“The Burdekin was more than 64% through its crop by the end of August. A week earlier, Rocky Point was still below 20% and Innisfail was at around 25%. That’s how uneven this season has been. 

“In the north, rain has been the main problem. District reports show South Johnstone has lost more than 350 hours to wet weather this season and Tully more than 500. Those hours add up to weeks of lost harvesting time.” 

In parts of central and southern Queensland, drier conditions have kept harvesters moving, but lower yields and reduced cane availability have pushed crop estimates down. 

In Plane Creek around 200,000 tonnes have been slashed off the estimate, while the Burdekin estimate has fallen from 7.92 million tonnes to 7.2 million tonnes. 

Mr Menkens said growers in some districts were also seeing better mill performance than they had experienced in recent years. 

“Credit where it’s due—some mills are running better, and growers notice that,” he said. 

“But in some of those same districts, harvesting crews are still being held up because empty bins aren’t getting back to them quickly enough. 

“Once a crew runs out of bins, everything stops. It doesn’t matter how well the mill is running if there’s nowhere to put the cane.” 

CCS has been a bright spot across much of the industry, but Mr Menkens said it could only do so much. 

“Good CCS helps, but it can’t replace tonnes that aren’t there,” he said. 

“Crushing will continue through November across much of the industry and into December in some districts. 

“From here, every available crushing hour matters. Growers need the mills running and the bins getting back to the paddock while the weather allows it.”

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Contributed by CANEGROWERS

The past week has seen a number of important developments across the Burdekin, along with another outstanding community event.

Firstly, I would like to address recent commentary regarding the Home Hill Boat Club. It is important that information shared with the community is accurate and reflects the current situation. The present Home Hill Boat Club Committee has indicated its intention to step down, however an Annual General Meeting will be held in the coming weeks. Until that process has been completed, no formal decisions have been made regarding the future direction of the club. I encourage everyone to wait for the outcome of the AGM and support the volunteers who have contributed their time and effort to the club over many years.

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On a more positive note, congratulations to the Burdekin Water Festival Committee, participants, sponsors and volunteers for delivering another spectacular weekend of celebrations. The street procession was one of the largest seen in many years and was a wonderful display of community spirit. Events such as the Burdekin Water Festival continue to showcase the pride we have in our region and would not be possible without the dedication of countless volunteers working behind the scenes.

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Council is continuing its investment in community facilities, with refurbishment works at the Home Hill Pool scheduled from 23 September to 4 December. The temporary closure has been planned to coincide with the reopening of the Burdekin Aquatic Centre in Ayr, which is expected to occur in mid-September. While I understand this may cause some inconvenience for some residents, these improvements have been planned for a long time and will ensure the facility remains safe, modern and enjoyable for years to come. As I often say, no pain, no gain. I am confident the community will appreciate the finished result.

In Home Hill, Council is partnering with the Home Hill RSL to deliver upgrades at Memorial Park and the Home Hill Cenotaph and War Memorial. Funding through the Queensland Government's Honouring Our Veterans Program will support the installation of new garden beds, Indian Mast trees and rosemary plantings, along with electrical upgrades. These improvements will enhance the memorial precinct while ensuring it remains a fitting place of remembrance for future generations.

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Road and drainage improvements are also continuing across the region. In Home Hill, drainage upgrade works will commence along the boundary of the Home Hill Race Club on First Street. During construction, access to the Bruce Highway from Ford Park will be closed, with a cul-de-sac arrangement in place for the duration of the works.

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In Brandon, crews will undertake reconstruction of failed sections of roadway on Drysdale Street near the primary school, as well as at the intersection of Bannister and Spiller Streets. These works are being funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and will help improve road conditions and resilience for the community.

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As always, thank you to our residents for your continued patience and support while these important projects are completed.

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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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I recently attended the official opening of the South Ayr Water Filtration Plant alongside the Mayor and my fellow councillors. The event provided an opportunity for invited guests to tour the facility and learn more about its important rolein delivering safe, reliable, high-quality drinking water to households and businesses across the region. This Queensland Government-funded $54.88 million investment will improve water quality, resolve longstanding discolourationissues, and help secure a safe, reliable water supply for the Burdekin into the future.

It was wonderful to see so many families and community members attending the Water Festival on Saturday. The strong participation in the parade, along with the fantastic range of market and food stalls, helped create a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for families. The entertainment was also of an exceptional standard.

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Congratulations to all the volunteers involved, and especially the committee, for their hard work in organizing such a successful event. It was a fantastic day for the community and a job well done by everyone involved.

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I am often asked why I ran for Council. I wanted to help make a difference and address issues that I believed needed attention in our community.

Since being elected, I've learned that real change takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day, and lasting improvements require commitment and cooperation.

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At Council, we are here for our community. We listen, advocate, and work hard to deliver positive outcomes for the people we represent. I'm proud to be part of that journey.

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If you require any assistance or would like to discuss a local issue, please feel free to contact me on 0419 654 096.

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A new $54.88 million filtration plant has been completed at South Ayr, promising more reliable and higher-quality drinking water for Ayr, Brandon and Alva. Photos: Jacob Casha

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A $50 million-plus upgrade to the Burdekin’s drinking water supply, unveiled last Thursday, has become the latest development of a years-long shift away from contaminated water sources.

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The $54.88 million South Ayr Filtration Plant—funded by the Queensland Government—will deliver clean drinking water to thousands of households across Ayr, Brandon, and Alva.

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The opening marked the completion of Stage 1 of the plant project, actioned following the discovery of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination detected in the town’s primary Nelsons Lagoon borefield in 2018.

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Speaking at its official opening on 3rd September, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort called the facility "one of the most significant” water infrastructure projects recently undertaken in the Burdekin.

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“[This plant] strengthens our water security, improves drinking water quality and ensures our communities continue to have access to safe, reliable water,” she said.

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“Water is one of our most valuable resources, and this facility will play a vital role in delivering safe, treated drinking water to our community for many years to come."

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The new facility will use a multi-stage filtration process to remove iron and manganese from the South Ayr borefield.

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It builds on previous upgrades to the South Ayr water network, including the construction of a 10 megalitre reservoir and the installation of new production bores.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy joined councillors and locals in unveiling the facility, the former calling it a "real difference-maker."

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“Our local communities of Ayr, Brandon and Alva deserve access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water, and this new filtration plant will make a real difference to the quality of our supply,” Mr Last said.  

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“This is a major investment in the Burdekin’s future and I’m proud to see Government delivering the essential infrastructure our community has been calling for.”

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The opening ceremony also saw engineering consultants GHD and head contractor Tallai Project Group recognised for their contributions, followed by a tour of the facility.

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Back: (L-R) Senior Ambassador runner-up Ella Pirrone, Senior Ambassador winner Blaize Palmer.

Front (L-R): Junior Ambassador winner Edith Innes, Junior Ambassador runner-up Lillea Levitt.

Photo: Shay Kratzmann.

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The Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Program culminated in a Long Lunch last Saturday, with a cohort of young ambassadors—including two history-makers—farewelled in front of more than 230 guests.

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A HISTORIC YEAR FOR AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

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Fifteen Burdekin Water Festival Ambassadors have taken their final bow, bringing months of fundraising and community events to a close at last Saturday’s QMN Manufacturing Long Lunch.

The annual event, which serves as the culmination of the Ambassador Program, brought more than 230 guests to Populins Hall for the Picnic at Populins-themed celebration, where Blaize Palmer and Edith Innes were crowned Senior and Junior Ambassador winners respectively.

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Emcees Bronwyn Nucifora and Jasmine Delle Baite led proceedings, putting the Junior Ambassadors through a Q&A that saw both impress and entertain the crowd with their answers.

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The Senior Ambassadors then reflected on their time in the program, highlighting the camaraderie they developed and the support they received from the community.

The occasion was particularly significant for this year’s cohort, with the Junior and Senior Ambassadors coming together at a single event for the first time.

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Blaize Palmer and Zylon Dallecort also became the first male Senior Ambassadors in the program’s 68-year history.

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Blaize then went one step further, becoming the first male Senior Ambassador to claim first place. Representing Burdekin Motors, Blaize was recognised for his successful touch footy fundraiser, which raised more than $1,000 for Uganda-focused charity 100% Hope Inc.

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Senior Ambassador counterparts Olivia Pavone and Ella Pirrone rounded out the cohort, with Pirrone named runner-up following her successful dog-walking fundraiser last month.

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In the Junior division, Edith Innes claimed top honours from a cohort of 11, with Lillea Levitt named runner-up.

The night also saw raffle winner Kari Ravizza walk away with a $5,000 ring generously donated by gold sponsor Campbell’s Jewellery.

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Guests then took to the dance floor, with Sneaky Beats capping off the night’s entertainment.

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The Long Lunch now sets the stage for the Water Festival’s finale this weekend, with the Mardi Gras and Street Parade to take over Ayr’s main road on Saturday.

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See more pictures here: www.burdekinlife.com/social-pics/final-bow-for-water-festival-ambassadors---photos-by-shay-kratzmann

Paedophiles will be forced to prove they deserve bail while mechanisms aimed at safeguarding children and vulnerable people will be brought under a single entity in a Queensland-first initiative welcomed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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Proposed legislation introduced into parliament last week would see the establishment of the Queensland Protection Commission from February 1st 2027, consolidating the Reportable Conduct Scheme, Working with Children Check (Blue Card) Scheme and Disability Worker Screening Scheme.

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Mr Last said the commission would better protect children and removed the information silos between each of the schemes to strengthen oversight and improve information sharing.

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“As parents we rely on having a robust system to protect our children in a range of environments and that starts with having all the information to be able to proactively identify any risks of harm. By integrating that information sharing under the commission, we lay the foundations for a new intelligence hub and strengthen the safeguards around children and vulnerable people,” Mr Last said.

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“This is about fulfilling our responsibility to protect children in our community and restoring confidence in the systems designed to protect children by increasing the penalties for those that don’t comply with information requests or knowingly provide false information to regulator.”

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“Daniel’s Law emphasised the need to give parents the comfort and the ability to know who is in their community and this bill now continues that delivery with the ability to now ensure all the information is available to authorities to identify any potential risks to our children.”

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Mr Last said by forcing serious repeat offenders and paedophiles to prove they deserve bail was reflective of community’s expectations of the justice system as the Crisafulli Government delivers the most significant bail reforms in the state’s history.

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“I have long said bail is a privilege not a right and this legislation addresses that community expectation in our justice system where an offender is held accountable for their actions from the day they are charged,” Mr Last said.

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“By changing the narrative and the belief that an offenders’ access to bail is above community safety, we send a clear message that in Queensland if you are granted the privilege of bail and you chose to offend again, you can expect to go to jail.”

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Lifeline has officially shut its Ayr store, becoming the second Burdekin op shop in just over a year to close its doors permanently. Photo: Jacob Casha.

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Lifeline has officially shut its Ayr store, becoming the second Burdekin op shop in just over a year to close its doors permanently.

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The shop ceased trading on 14 August, announcing the closure through signage which read:

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“To our customers, donors, volunteers and supporters, thank you for your loyalty and support over the years. It has been a privilege to serve the Ayr community.”

The reason for the closure remains unclear, with Lifeline contacted for clarity on the details of the decision.

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The longstanding store has suffered the same fate as its charity counterpart, Salvos, which closed its Ayr store just over a year ago after three decades of operation.

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The double-closure has raised eyebrows amid growing demand for second-hand goods across Australia.

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A 2026 national reuse study found Australians reused around 390 million items in one year, saving households an estimated $2 billion.

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The study found the reuse sector supports roughly 6,300 paid roles and 12,000 volunteer positions nationally.

The closures leave Vinnies as Ayr’s sole remaining major charity op shop.

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Casie Scott- NBN Co, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort Photos supplied.

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Burdekin residents and businesses had the chance to explore local connectivity upgrades when the nbn Local team hosted a community drop-in session at Burdekin Plaza in Ayr.

The free session saw the nbn team answering questions, checking upgrade eligibility and outline Fibre to the Premises and Fixed Wireless options available across the region.

nbn Local Regional Development and Engagement Manager Casie Scott said the upgrades could deliver meaningful benefits for households and businesses in Ayr, Home Hill and Brandon.

“Full fibre gives eligible homes and businesses access to faster, more reliable broadband, helping people work, learn, run businesses and stay connected across multiple devices,” Ms Scott said.

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“For regional communities, network resilience is also critical. Stronger connectivity helps communities remain connected during disruptions and supports recovery when reliable communications matter most.”

Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort dropped in to the session, speaking with the nbn Local team and hearing about upgrades progressing across the district.

Ms Scott encouraged locals to check what was available at their address and speak with a preferred internet provider about suitable plans.

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Contributed by nbn Local

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When club member Jayson Farry (centre) was diagnosed with glioblastoma earlier this year, fellow bowlers Jamie Woods (left) and David DeFranciscis (right), who has also battled cancer, decided enough was enough. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.

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Three Brandon Bowls Club members have put their heads together to devise a plan they hope will raise $10,000 for cancer care.

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When club member Jayson Farry was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year, fellow bowlers Jamie Woods and David DeFranciscis, who has also battled cancer, decided enough was enough.

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“It motivated us to get off our a***s and do something,” David said.

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Now, the trio have teamed up with two prominent cancer foundations to deliver what they believe is the first event of its kind at the club.

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Set for Saturday 19th of September, the event will welcome locals near and far to Brandon Bowls Club for an evening of barefoot bowls, live music, food, drinks, raffles and an auction.

A barbecue will kick off proceedings from 5.30pm, with teams of four bowlers taking to the greens at 6.30pm for social competition.

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David, who will emcee the night, said non-bowlers should not be deterred.

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“There’ll be something for everyone,” he said.

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“Even if you don’t want to play, we’re having the drinks, the barbecue, the music. It doesn’t matter if you’ve only got $1—come out and show your support.”

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Every cent raised from entry fees, food and beverages, raffle entries and general donations will support Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation's mission to provide a cancer journal to newly diagnosed patients at Townsville University Hospital.

The journal will help patients keep track of appointments, access medical information and record important contacts.

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David said it was an idea he and his team were instantly onboard with.

“Once the doctor tells you you've got cancer, your mind goes blank. Your wife starts to cry. You go numb. You don't remember anything,” he said, reflecting on personal experiences.

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“I've told every cancer patient that I've known the last seven years to bring a journal. So when Brighter Lives said to me, ‘we're looking at fundraising for free journals’, I said, ‘we're in.’”

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David said the event has already garnered an “overwhelming” amount of support, with businesses across the region donating raffle and auction prizes and offering goods and services.

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“[The support so far] has been overwhelming for the club. This was just started as a conversation with three guys having a beer,” he said.

“This is what the Burdekin should be about. It makes you feel proud to live in a town that is giving so much.”

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With the event still two weeks away, David urged local businesses interested in helping the club hit its $10k goal to contact him on 0407 596 608.

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Donations can also be made on the night, with beanies and caps supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation available for purchase.

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Entry is set at $15 per person, with discounted beers set at just $5.

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For Anne Moloney, real estate is less about houses and more about people.

That mantra is the culmination of decades of experience across different industries and a lifelong connection to the Burdekin.

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Anne first entered real estate in the 1990s, selling house and land packages with Honeycombes New Homes under the mentorship of John Honeycombe.

Still young, she eventually stepped away from real estate to travel, becoming a parent shortly after and ultimately choosing to focus on raising her family.

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As her three daughters became more independent, however, Anne realised she had unfinished business.

“I knew I wanted to return to real estate,” she said.

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She succumbed to that pull in 2023, joining Explore Property in Ayr under Principal Kylie Lawson.

Returning to the industry after so long meant reacquainting herself with a profession that had since experienced something of a technological evolution.

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But while the tools had changed, Anne soon realised the foundations of the job had not.

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“I believe communication is everything,” she said.

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“Building trust and strong relationships is at the heart of everything I do.”

Much of that people-centred approach was developed during her 10 years as administrator at Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, where she helped keep the club running behind the scenes while simultaneously volunteering as a patrolling member.

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“Working in community service naturally complements real estate. Both are about people,” she said.

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“I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and listening to their stories.”

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And after spending much of her life in the Burdekin, Anne is eager to help others discover what makes the region such a special place.

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“The Burdekin is an incredible place to call home,” she said.

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“Watching my girls flourish here has made me even more passionate about our region, and I genuinely enjoy helping others discover everything our community has to offer.”

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As a Home Lending Specialist, Jade has the opportunity to be part of some significant milestones in people’s lives. Photo supplied.

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For Jade Bywaters, some of the most rewarding moments in her role at Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr come when months – and sometimes years – of planning finally become a reality for a local customer.

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As a Home Lending Specialist, Jade has the opportunity to be part of some significant milestones in people’s lives, from helping first home buyers take their first steps towards home ownership to supporting local families as their needs and circumstances change.

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“The absolute best part of my role is getting to help our locals bring their property dreams to life,” Jade said.

“It is a true privilege to walk alongside our community members through every stage of their journey.”

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Jade joined the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr team in 2019, bringing with her a strong connection to the region. Born in Portland, Victoria, she moved to Ayr when she was eight and has embraced the Burdekin as home.

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It is that local connection that Jade believes is particularly important when working with customers during what can sometimes be an exciting, but also overwhelming, period of their lives.

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For first-home buyers especially, Jade understands that there can be plenty of questions along the way.

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“My priority is to turn that worry into excitement and confidence,” she said.

“It all starts with a friendly, open chat. I always make sure our customers know that there is no such thing as a silly question and that my door is always open.”

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Rather than simply focusing on the financial details, Jade says one of the most important lessons she has learnt is the value of genuinely listening to the person sitting across from her.

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“Our customers have taught me that real listening goes so much deeper than just looking at the financial details; it is about understanding the heart, the family and the dreams behind the numbers,” she said.

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“A home loan application can show us someone's income, but it cannot capture their dream of hosting backyard family barbecues or building a secure foundation for their kids.”

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For Jade, those conversations are what allow genuine relationships to develop. Keeping in regular contact, explaining each stage clearly and being a familiar local point of contact are all part of helping customers feel comfortable and supported.

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And when the hard work eventually pays off, Jade gets to share in the celebration.

“Buying a home often represents years of hard work, saving and careful planning,” she said.

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“To stand at the finish line with them and see the relief and joy on their faces is a wonderful privilege. When they finally hold those keys, it truly feels like a shared celebration.”

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Outside the branch, Jade enjoys life in the Burdekin with her partner Shaun and daughters Kayley and Larah, along with the family’s much-loved collection of animals.

For Jade, being part of Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is ultimately about people – getting to know local customers, understanding what matters to them and being there for some of the biggest moments in their lives.

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Contributed by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

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The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on proposed updates to the management and harvest strategies for Queensland's coral fishery and marine aquarium fish fishery. Photo: Shutterstock.

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The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on proposed updates to the management and harvest strategies for Queensland's Coral Fishery (QCF) and Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery (MAFF).

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Operating in approved areas of the Great Barrier Reef, the QCF and MAFF supply specialised aquarium markets in Australia and overseas.

The updates propose new harvest strategies as well as a severe event response plan, aiming to support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries while meeting Commonwealth export requirements.

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The Queensland Government is inviting feedback on these proposals, which aim to strengthen protection of Great Barrier Reef resources, improve climate resilience, maintain access to export markets, and provide greater transparency and certainty for industry and the broader community.

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DPI Deputy Director - General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob said the consultation was an opportunity for Queenslanders to have their say on the future management of the fisheries.

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"Queensland's Coral Fishery and Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery operate in one of the world's most unique marine environments, and it's important our management arrangements continue to support both sustainability and industry viability," Ms Jacob said.

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"Community feedback is an important part of the review process and will help ensure the final documents reflect the views of industry participants, stakeholders, researchers and the wider community.

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"I encourage anyone with an interest in these fisheries to review the proposed arrangements and provide their feedback during the consultation period."

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Consultation closes 24 September 2026.

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Samples from a single deceased shearwater found on Castaways Beach (Sunshine Coast) tested positive for H5 bird flu 24th of August, during initial testing at the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory (BSL). Photo: Shutterstock.

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The Department of Primary Industries is responding to its second detection of H5 bird flu in Queensland.

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Samples from a single deceased shearwater found on Castaways Beach (Sunshine Coast) tested positive for H5 bird flu 24th of August, during initial testing at the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory (BSL).

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Samples have been sent to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing.

There remains no detection in poultry, nor evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals in Queensland.

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H5 bird flu is not able to be eradicated in wild birds and is expected to remain an ongoing wildlife disease that will require continued monitoring and management.

Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said the bird was found as part of Queensland’s enhanced H5 bird flu surveillance program.

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“A member of the public saw this dead bird and immediately reported it. This is one of more than 3,000 reports in Queensland to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline and I thank the public for their support,” Dr Crook said.

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“If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, avoid contact, keep children and pets away, record what you see, and report immediately to the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888.”

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Dr Crook said Queensland is well prepared to respond to this latest event and the Department of Primary Industries has an Incident Management Team that is responding swiftly, prioritising heightened surveillance, stakeholder engagement and regular public communication.

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“We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant,” Dr Crook said.

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Australia now has confirmed detections of H5 avian bird flu in wildlife across most states.

South Australia has also had mass mortality events in wild birds and for the first time in Australia, a confirmed detection in a marine mammal this week.

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The community is being urged to continue to report sick or dead wild birds.

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It’s all happening in the Burdekin, with plenty of community events and activities taking place across the region.

The Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch was held on Saturday and included the announcement of this year’s winners. It was fantastic to see a record number of Junior Ambassadors participate. I’m certainly glad I wasn’t one of the judges, as every entrant should be proud of putting themselves forward and taking on a leadership role.

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This Saturday, Queen Street will come alive for the Water Festival Grand Procession. It’s always a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends, enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate one of the Burdekin’s most cherished traditions.

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Congratulations also to Meals on Wheels on celebrating another anniversary. Organisations such as this are a reminder of the incredible contribution volunteers make to our community. As the saying goes, “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart, and because they have the heart, they find the time.”

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If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit the Burdekin Theatre and enjoy the latest exhibition from the Burdekin Art Society. The display showcases the talent and creativity of local artists of all ages.

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I’ve also been advised that the sugar cane crushing season is expected to finish around the end of October, which is earlier than many anticipated. We thank our growers, mill workers and everyone involved for their hard work throughout the season.

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Finally, it was wonderful to meet with so many residents during my Coffee and Chat session in Home Hill on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along, share ideas and have a conversation about our community.  

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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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With Minister Ann Leahy visiting the Burdekin this week to officially open our new water treatment plant, I welcome her to the district and thank her for taking the time to visit.

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While the Minister is here, I would also like to again highlight the case for our new Ayr Fire Station to become a permanently staffed 24-hour station.

In 2024, Dale Last raised concerns in Parliament that across 318 callouts, a full crew of four auxiliary firefighters was available just once, while on 79 occasions no auxiliaries were available at all.

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The Mayor and I recently met with the Queensland Fire Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Dale Last, representatives from Minister Leahy's office and fire service representatives to discuss the issue.

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I welcome the investment in a new Ayr Fire Station and appreciate there are competing priorities across Queensland. However, with the challenges surrounding auxiliary availability and after hours response, I strongly believe the caseexists for permanent 24-hour coverage in Ayr.

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If we are building a station to serve our community for decades, I hope the opportunity to provide 24 hour staffing can be reconsidered.

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I also want to clear up some misinformation circulating about Groper Creek Caravan Park. Council is not closing the park. The Home Hill Boat Club, which operates the park, has resolved to cease operating it from 1 January 2027 due to its own circumstances.

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Council has been working constructively with the Club on compliance matters and remains willing to assist. The decision to cease operating the caravan park is the Club's, not Council's.

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