At just 17, Nicole Cervoni is making a remarkable impact on her community. Growing up in the small rural town of Millaroo, she has been actively involved from a young age, organising raffles and cent sales before joining the Youth Council, where she has served for the past year.

“I've only been at the Council for a year, but every time Tammy asked for volunteers, I said, ‘Yep, I'll do it,’ and I really enjoyed it,” Nicole shared. “It's an incredible experience for any young person.”

Her dedication was recognised when she was named Young Person of the Year at the 2025 Australia Day Awards, a moment that left her and her family in shock.

“I jumped up and down, I got a letter in the mail, and I was crying. I rang my grandma, and she was at a bus stop in Brisbane with my cousin, and she started screaming in the middle of Brisbane,” Nicole recalled. “This award is, I think, a reflection of all the people who helped me get to this point, more than it is of me, because I couldn't have done anything I did without my family’s support.”

Nicole credits her parents and the hardworking Millaroo community for inspiring her.

“I would not have done half the things I did without seeing my parents leading by example and without them allowing me to,” she said. “Half the volunteering I do is here in Ayr, which meant that my mum would have to drive me in and out of town about three times a week, which was very difficult on her.”

Despite the effort, Nicole finds joy in giving back.

“When I work at the library and I'm just talking with other people and we're having a conversation, it makes me happy to know that I've made a difference in someone else's day, that I've made something easier for them,” she said.

“I guess just knowing that I'm following in the footsteps of so many great people, like the people at Millaroo and a lot of my teachers at Burdekin Catholic High School (BCH).”

Nicole also expressed gratitude to Antonetta Dalle Cort, a careers teacher at BCH who helped her land her library job, and Elisa Regano, a drama teacher who dedicated her own time and money to putting on musicals for children.

Looking to the future, Nicole has been accepted to JCU to study Education, where she hopes to continue to make a difference to people's lives.

“I want to be a primary school teacher, and then a principal and hopefully get higher up into the Department of Education.

Nicole encourages all young people to get more involved in the community.

“What's the harm in giving something a go, giving back to the community, you never know what will happen, I didn't expect this award from what I did," she shared.

“I think just seeing inspirational people from such a young age made me want to help and follow in their footsteps.

“All these people giving back to the community and doing so much, but who was doing stuff for them?  and I wanted to be that person."

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Young Person of the Year Nicole Cervoni. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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In a joint press conference held at the still flooded Plantation Park, and standing next to the Bruce Highway, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, led calls for urgent road upgrades after North Queensland was again cut off from the rest of the state and country.

“With the recent rainfall events, we had major flooding on the roads where the Bruce Highway was cut in six different spots. It's simply not good enough,” Mr. Willcox stated.

“The flooding has affected a lot of people. We've had flood water go through houses, through busi-nesses, and disrupt essential services, but what we've really noticed is the dilapidation of the Bruce Highway.”

Nationals Leader David Littleproud, Senator Susan McDonald, and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, also expressed their concerns, after Home Hill and Ayr were separated from one another for six days, affecting trade routes and food supplies.

“We've gotten 1000s of signatures to fix the Bruce. It highlights how bad this road is and now we need action,” Mr Willcox declared.

“Traditionally, the federal highway has always been funded 80% federally, 20% by state. Under the Labor Government, they slashed that to a 50/50 arrangement. That's why the work just simply is not getting done.”

“The current government has put $7.2 billion on the table. That's been matched by the coalition. I'm asking that some of that large chunk of $7.2 billion, be contributed to fix what's needed here most,” Mr Willcox added.

Local business owner, Richard Bonato, was left frustrated after numerous delays as he counts the cost of road closures.

“We had to helicopter our staff back and over with materials to get people going over there. People had no power. We've got all these stoppages along this Bruce Highway,” Richard Bonato said.

“This is 2025 and should not be happening”

“There's 3000 to 4000 people this side of this river, and there's another 6000 to 7000 that side. It's a disaster and needs to be fixed. Everybody's sick to death of it,” he added.

“Never before could you see a more compelling case to spend some of that $7.2 billion. We've got the Labor government to come with us on an 80/20 split on the Bruce but it's important that we don't put all the money down south to get people to the Sunshine Coast for a holiday faster,” Na-tionals Leader David Littleproud said.

“This is a very important arterial to feed our nation. Unless we invest and prioritise these parts of the road, then in times of disaster we are going to continue to face into these problems,” he added.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort echoed the statements.

"I agree with everything said. I was born and raised here, and I've seen this road cut off many times over my lifetime. Now is the time to move with all this devastation. It must be a high priority, be-cause too much was lost between Ayr and Home Hill alone with productivity, transport, schooling, and medical services. This road was shut down for six days,” Mayor Dalle Cort exclaimed.

(L-R) Senator Susan McDonald (back), Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Annette Swaine LNP candidate for Kennedy, Nationals Leader David Littleproud, and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, stand at the road which was cut off for six days. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

Caption 1: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Senator Susan McDonald, and Nationals Leader David Littleproud, hear from Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, who pleads for actions to fix the problematic Bruce Highway. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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With the recent floods cutting access on the Bruce Highway between Home Hill and Ayr, many people were left marooned, finding themselves stranded on either side of the river. Doctors, nurses, patients, teachers, students, workers, didn’t matter – everyone was stuck!

After successfully implementing their rail-cart system during the Ingham floods, both Burdekin Shire Council with the aid of Queensland Rail, deployed it here in the Burdekin to great success as Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort explains.

“We had people caught out and for different reasons. From the medical side of things, we've tried to address that as quickly as possible for people with the assistance of Q-rail. They provided the rail-cart and they’ve been ferrying people back and forth as quickly as possible,” Mayor Dalle Cort says.

“People have been as patient as possible but having that Q-rail cart has made a big difference for people to move and connect with community again,” Mayor Dalle Cort added.

With the tropical low monsoon and the amount of rain and floodwater, the Burdekin was inundated with water, especially in Giru and at Plantation Creek by Plantation Park.

“I've never seen it [water] go over the railway track in my lifetime. It was touch and go there for a while. The roads here have been one of those things that’s been neglected in North Queensland for too long. But all these things will now be addressed with the Queensland State Disaster Recovery, which is now being coordinated.”

“There will be a lot of work under the disaster management recovery with regard to drainage issues that we have, that have been going on for some time. We need to have them addressed sooner than later instead of putting it off until the next time. It might be another 10 years before it next floods, but we'll certainly be looking at it from a Council's point of view and we'll be knocking on ministers’ doors for help and assistance,” Mayor Dalle Cort states.

Thankfully, in better news, the Mayor said life will get back to normal with the re-opening of the Bruce Highway.

“We’ve got some great people working in this community, getting things done and dusted.

“The road crew and the council will be going out inspecting roads, patching up what we can, and taking signage down to get back to everyday life. Then long term, trying to improve the roads. This is when we start talking to ministers and making sure that we can get allocation in their budgets.”

The Queensland rail-cart is a free service operating between daytime hours and allowing access to those who need it.

Caption. L-R: Megan Cannings (Safety & Community Coordinator), Andy Pethybridge (Queensland Police Services Emergency Management Coordinator), Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, John George and Stephen Winn (S.E.S), Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci, Eliza Lovell (Economic Development Coordinator). Photo credit: Mark T Rasmussen

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It’s over! The rains that persisted for nearly two weeks straight finally ended and the flooding has begun to subside in the Burdekin. And it’s about… fricken time! [I wanted to put something else but my editor won’t allow it] though I’m sure you all echo my sentiments regardless.

While some outlying areas are still affected, such as Giru and Gropers Creek, for the most part the flood waters have receded, the grey skies have given way to blue ones, and the wet season heat and humidity is sticking to our backs and upon us once more.

It’s been a wild, unpredictable ride the last fortnight, especially this last week after Plantation Creek spilled out over the Bruce Highway next to Plantation Park and cut us off from one another for a full six days. While the Burdekin Dam was at 217% (the record is 221%) – and a whopping six metres above the spillway! If anyone saw photos or videos online, it was truly extraordinary.

We could all easily point fingers and lay blame squarely at government for not doing enough to ensure roads in Queensland are raised and upgraded, but it’ll serve little to no point.

If you truly want change, then vote in the candidates that demand action happen! No point bemoaning this party or that party.

What we can do instead, however, is applaud the tireless volunteers, from the S.E.S, emergency workers, community support groups, council, and other associated organisations, and give ‘em all a big pat on the back.

Even though some of you may not agree with aspects of how this 2025 flood was handled, what we can agree on is the incredible contribution of some to keep the rest of us safe.

I don’t care what side of the political fence you sit on, in a time of crisis, it was great to see so many reach out and lend a hand in support. That’s what great communities do.

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With the recent floods cutting off Home Hill from Ayr, which left locals, travellers and northerners alike stranded, new resident and Home Hill transplant, Jennifer Rasmussen, resolved to do her bit to help those that got caught out and found themselves stuck.

“One day my husband came home from work and told me there’s a whole bunch of people waiting at the Comfort Stop here in Home Hill, many of them in cars with very little on them, including one lady who also had her cat and dog with her.”

“I’d already seen a few local people offering support to people, such as one woman I saw online who created a tuckerbox of free food for the truckies, and a hotel making food for residents isolated out in Giru.”

“So when he told me about those souls doing it tough in their cars with nowhere to go, I decided to whip up some cookies one arvo because I genuinely love baking, and then go hand them out that same day.”

By all account Jennifer’s bickies went down a real treat, with several people genuinely touched by her kindness.

“I wasn’t expecting people to be so moved by such a simple gesture, which took me no longer than about one to two hours to do. A few drivers were visibly affected, with one almost tearing up he was so grateful. It really hit me. I didn’t expect that but it made me glad I did it because it really seemed to make such a difference and lift their spirits.”

It’s in times of need that such a modest act of goodwill can mean so much.

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Newcomer to Home Hill, Jennifer Rasmussen, serving up her home baked bickies to those stuck by the floods as they waited it out at the Comfort Stop for days.

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As the clean-up and recovery efforts continue following devastating flooding in North Queensland, Member for Burdekin Dale Last calls on the community to nominate a local legend who has gone the extra mile to help their community during recent challenging times.

Recent weeks have seen community members across the district go above and beyond to ensure essential services were able to continue and vulnerable community members have the assistance needed to access medical supplies or a warm meal.

Mr Last said having seen the devastation caused and the community response as flood waters receded, he wanted to ensure the efforts of business owners, volunteers and everyday community members were recognised.

“Recent weeks have seen widespread impacts to our community yet there are everyday people whose actions have undoubtedly eased the pressure on emergency services and helped to restore calm in uncertain times,” Mr Last said.

“We’ve seen businesses prepare extra meals for flood damaged communities and provide essential services to those in need. We have seen our emergency service volunteers show utmost dedication in our community’s darkest hour. And we have seen everyday residents providing food and assistance to their neighbours.”

“I want to ensure those people who deserve it, receive our community’s recognition and thanks for their efforts, which is why I am calling on anyone who knows of someone who has gone above and beyond in recent weeks to nominate a community hero.”

Mr Last said the Premier’s recent visit to the Burdekin region had not only offered insight into the extent of the damage caused by floodwaters but also opportunities to build back better.

“Having the Premier meeting with flood affected residents in Giru and meeting emergency first responders who went well beyond the call of duty for that community was incredibly crucial, particularly when it comes to reviewing our disaster response,” Mr Last said.

“If you believe someone you know deserves our community’s thanks please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/THKXHL2 to nominate them as a community hero.”

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The Burdekin region has been left reeling from the devastating impact of recent flooding, with countless residents grappling to rebuild their lives amidst the widespread destruction. In the face of such adversity, however, a powerful sense of community spirit has emerged, providing a much-needed beacon of hope and resilience during this challenging time.
Among the many inspiring acts of generosity, the Country Ayr Motel has truly distinguished itself. Over the course of three days, the motel staff worked tirelessly to prepare and distribute 300 meals, offering vital support to those most affected by the floods.
Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, even took to social media to publicly acknowledge the motel’s contribution, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and dedication shown by the staff.
“It just shows the sort of community spirit that exists,” David stated.
His message of thanks highlighted the critical role those local businesses, like Country Ayr Motel, play in supporting their communities during times of natural disaster.
Their motel’s efforts went far beyond simple hospitality—they became a lifeline for families struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster, ensuring no one in the community went without nourishment in their hour of need.
The selflessness and unwavering commitment of the Country Ayr Motel team have not only provided much-needed physical relief but have also served as a beacon of comfort and inspiration for many.
Their actions underscore the incredible power of local businesses banding together in times of crisis, demonstrating that, when faced with hardship, it’s the collective strength of communities that can make all the difference.

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The Premier, David Crisafulli (second from right) seen here with Dale Last (far right), and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor (second from left), publicly thanked Ayr Country Motel staff.

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What can I say about our wonderful community?  Despite some negativity late last year into early this year, the people of the Burdekin Shire have proven once again, that they are caring, generous and resilient.  During the recent flood event, the support for and kindness shown to our neighbors and visitors was simply astounding.  This is part of the reason I love our people and community so much.  “When the going gets tough, the Burdekin gets going.”  
We, as a Shire, were extremely privileged in the wake of the flooding to have Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Tony Perrett MP, Minister for Primary Industries visit us to assess damage alongside Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development.   Andrew Willcox MP, Federal Member for Dawson also showed his ongoing support for the people of the Burdekin Shire by visiting flood affected areas, while Premier Crisafulli and Senator Susan MacDonald stood alongside Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in surveying the damage in Ingham.
Last Saturday, Council welcomed Her Excellency, the Honorable Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland to the Burdekin.  Dr Young wished to convey her appreciation to those involved in the Disaster Management during the flooding.  How wonderful to know that we, as a Shire, matter.  Now for future flood-proofing and “building it back better.”
Personal hardship financial assistance is available for Queensland communities impacted by the North and Far North Tropical Low event.  Grants include:
   • Emergency Hardship Assistance
   • Essential Services Hardship Assistance
   • Essential Household Contents Grant
   • Essential Services Safety and Reconnection
   • Structural Assistance Grant
To find out if you are eligible for assistance, visit:  
https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/money-finance/eligibility-apply/nq-monsoon-trough-january-2025
As we move on from disaster, let us all look forward to the many exciting events planned for the year.  One particular highlight being the special guest for Fast track 2025 which is proudly sponsored by Burdekin Motors, acclaimed actor and singer Hugh Sheridan.  How exciting is THAT?  I recently read a post on social media that encouraged people to be mindful of the dangers of negativity when posting and…
“Let’s be mindful, respectful and work together to build a better community.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.   God Bless.

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I stand to be corrected, but I don’t believe we have ever seen as many visitors to our region as we have over the past week. We have welcomed visits from Premier of Queensland, the Hon. David Crisafulli MP; Queensland State Disaster Recovery Coordinator Andrew Cripps, Leader of the National Party and Federal Member for Maranoa, the Hon. David Littleproud MP; Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP; Senator for Queensland and Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator Susan McDonald; and Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Hon. Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM.
These visits have provided an important opportunity to share firsthand the challenges our community has faced and to advocate for the support we need to recover and rebuild.
In times of hardship, it is crucial that we remain connected with all levels of government to ensure that the Burdekin community is not forgotten. The recent disaster has had a significant impact on many residents, and we must continue pushing for assistance, resources, and funding. My fellow councillors and I are committed to making sure our voices are heard and that we receive the support necessary.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible generosity of our community. During times of crisis, it is the people who truly make a difference. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible people in our community who went above and beyond, whether as volunteers or simply as neighbours lending a helping hand. The stories I have heard have truly touched my heart, and I am honoured to serve as your Mayor.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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As a result of the flooding in the region recently, several patients at the nearby Ayr Health Hospital Service had to be transported by rail, while some nurses were flown in from helicopter to assist, after getting cut off from the rising waters.

Patients who required renal care were moved by rail via the rail-cart set up by the local council in conjunction with Queensland Rail, just so they could receive their daily dialysis treatment. A decision was also made by Ayr & Home Hill Health Services, which opted to fly in nurses who were left stranded, just so the hospital could run more effectively.

It proved to be a masterstroke, with the road closures lasting several days, which kept patients unable to attend critical appointments, or health workers able to get to work.

Since the rains from the recent tropical low weather system brought about flooding to the region, resulting in entire towns and communities being cut off, Ayr Health Hospital was no different, and like everyone else, they were affected in many ways, as Director of Nursing, Tracy Gabiola explains.

“The Ayr & Home Hill Health Hospital remained at capacity within our acute ward, but it’s been very hectic in our Emergency Department as usual, however, we also safely delivered six beautiful babies,” Tracy says.
 
“Ayr Service staffing had been impacted due to a significant number living rurally where the creeks prevented access to town. Additionally, the road between Ayr and Home Hill was closed last Saturday so our staff who live in Home Hill, were stranded and unable to come to work, and Home Hill staff who live in Ayr, also left stranded.”

“In conjunction with the Home Hill Acting Director of Nursing, Joanne McBow, we contacted the relevant staff and arranged change of shifts and secondment to work in the other facilities where they live, which was ongoing until the roads opened.” 
 
“With roster deficits, THHS supported us to use Townsville Helicopters to fly staff who were stranded at Jarvisfield, out. Plus Q-Rail also helped us transfer patients and staff across by rail due to the the road closure between Ayr and Home Hill,” she says.
 
“We have experienced weather events like this in the past and planning is done in advance, however, it is always a difficult time managing the communities’ expectations and supporting them with reliable information and updates. Stock of food, clinical consumables, medicines and vaccines etc is reviewed continually during our wet season.”
 
“I have again been amazed at the willingness of staff across all disciplines who have reached out and gratefully worked additional hours, swapped shifts, or moved out of their homes to ensure continuity of service.”

“I must also admit, however, that we are all ‘a bit over it now’ and just really looking forward to get back up and running to full capacity without interruptions,” Tracy smiles.

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Patients and nurses aboard the Q-rail cart. Photo: Supplied
Queensland Rail coming to the aid of Ayr & Home Hill Health Services. Photo: Supplied

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Progress!
QCAR is moving at its usual rapid pace on the QCAR integration with the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) front.
As we have been saying, this is bringing two pro-active organisations who are, and will continue to, deliver a powerful and passionate voice for representation and advocacy for all sugarcane farmers and their industry.  
The super drivers behind the integration, the QCAR Board, had a vision to provide even more benefits and services across their ever-growing representative footprint through its local, on-the-ground district managers and local committees.
And so it comes to fruition bringing the local, state, and federal representation of QCAR to new heights via the long-standing and respected organisation ACFA.  
The QCAR Central District team has been contacting all ACFA members throughout the regions of Proserpine, Mackay, and Plane Creek in recent weeks to activate their dual membership.
One of the key messages from QCAR is that the dual membership comes at no additional cost – a win-win for all members with the additional advantages.
The current transitional period is expected to be finalised in 2025.
QCAR will soon be holding elections to establish the chairman, deputy chairman and committee members for each regional district, including QCAR Central.
Each district will then nominate the committee member/s they want to represent them on the QCAR Board. After that, the QCAR Board will select representatives to sit on the ACFA Board.
To make sure your vote counts in these upcoming elections, you will need to be registered as a QCAR member either by a new membership, in which you automatically become a member of both, or for ACFA members a simple one-pager taking up the offer of the dual membership. Easy peasy.
All our valued ACFA members – if you have not yet received a letter explaining the integration, please get in touch.
If you have any questions regarding the integration or how to take up the dual membership for QCAR – ACFA, please call:

   • QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball 0467 573 321 or email Sonia.ball@qcar.com.au
   • QCAR Central District Committee Chairman Steve McKeering 0439 088 654
   • QCAR Head Office: 4783 2111
TIME TO TALK?
Our far northern counterparts and Burdekin neighbours are in our thoughts as flood waters reside, cleaning up continues and damage assessed. While we have fared far better in our Central District, we are reminded that problems can sometimes seem insurmountable and long-lasting, and we may need to check in with our family and friends.
Going through a crisis or disaster can have significant impacts on our mental health, but sometimes it is the myriad of little things that build up over time and can play on our minds. It could be anything from financial, family and relationships to work, disaster, or illness.
It is important to remember that regardless of how big or small the issue is, the impact is wearing and tiring. Talking to someone can help.
Times are tough and sometimes it helps to talk. Whether you call someone, or whether someone call you – you will find that sharing often helps.
Please see our list of some suggestions of where you can find someone who can help. Stay safe and be kind to each other – QCAR Central District.

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
It has been a challenging time across our growing communities, with every region affected to various degrees by the recent rain event.
The Herbert region obviously bore the brunt of it with extensive flood damage, lengthy power outages, communication issues and prolonged supply issues.
In the Burdekin, we had floodwater through Invicta Mill at Giru twice in the space of one week, and the whole region was impacted by localised flooding, highway closures and access issues. Our Proserpine region had some local flooding and minor track damage while Plane Creek largely dodged a bullet.
As our Grower Marketing consultants live in the regions, they have been reaching out to our growers to check in on their general well-being as well as assessing crop status for this year’s harvest.
It’s too early to say what the impact will be on the 2025 crop. Suffice to say that we need a bit of clear weather to allow growers to get into fields to visually assess crop status – particularly in the Herbert.
A few days of sun will also allow us to do a detailed inspection of our Herbert rail network and get the job under way of assessing bridges and replacing ballast that was washed away by floodwater.
Our Grower Marketing team has also used this period of time to talk growers through the wash-up of pricing for the 2024 season.
Even with final deliveries and CCS being lower than estimates, there were very few hard washouts, which is a good result.
There is still a portion of pricing to be done for the tidy up of the 2024 season with growers hoping for a kick above $700/t to close out their orders. Growers appear to be targeting $650/t as the next level to fix some more 2025 Season GEI sugar exposure.
Interestingly, results from our survey of growers last year indicated that, among the things that keep them awake at night, sugar price volatility ranked number four while the weather came in at number seven.
A quick reminder for growers who may need a cash injection with the disruptions caused by the recent flooding. Our Pre-Season Payment allows for an advance of $5/t cane for all cane nominated to Wilmar.

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Repairing ballast washouts will be a key focus for Wilmar's Herbert cane rail network in the coming months.

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Kick back under the stars at the Burdekin Theatre on Friday, 28 March for a night of live music, great vibes, and good company!
Burdekin Theatre are kicking off their new regular outdoor concert series, FORECOURT FRIDAYS LIVE, with a special guest performer Adam Harvey on his "Let the Song Take You Home" Tour! With a stellar support act, delicious food & drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to spend your Friday night.
Join country music legend Adam Harvey for an unforgettable evening of classic country. With a career spanning over twenty years, half a million album sales, gold and platinum albums, and nine Golden Guitar Awards, Adam Harvey is one of Australia’s most popular & enduring recording artists.
Touring nationally to celebrate the release of his 17th studio album “Let The Song Take You Home” - the live show will feature classic country songs that are sure to bring back some memories plus songs from the new album and all of Harvey’s hits.
Along with a sensational live band featuring Gabi Louise (fiddle), Julia Day (drums), Liam Kennedy Clarke (bass) & Rod Motbey (guitar), this is a show not to be missed.
He says of the album “I have learnt how intertwined songs and memories are. You can listen to a song, and it will take you right back to where you were when you first heard it, or when the song was part of a special moment in your life”.
One of the best entertainers in the business, with a beautiful deep voice and sense of humour, this is country music at its finest. Adam will have you in fits of laughter and singing along all night. Do not miss this show!

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The 2024 cane crushing season finally wrapped up in mid-January 2025 after a long 32 weeks, leaving around 280,000 tonnes of cane unharvested in the district. CANEGROWERS Burdekin Ltd (CBL) has voiced disappointment over the extended season, especially given the shared goal between millers and growers of finishing by the third week of November to minimise productivity risks.
The delay was caused by a mix of factors, including wet weather, mill performance issues, and drawn-out enterprise bargaining negotiations. A long season doesn’t just hurt growers in the short term, it has financial consequences for seasons to come. While Wilmar continues to invest in its business, the benefits aren’t translating into better mill reliability. Something isn’t right, and CBL is pushing for improvements.
Compensation for unharvested cane
Eligible members who were unable to harvest their cane due to circumstances beyond their control (involuntary standover) should receive compensation from Wilmar under the CBL Cane Supply Agreement (CSA). In the 2022 season, eligible CBL growers received around $20 per tonne for 15,000 tonnes of standover. The specifics for 2024 are still being calculated, but given the larger volume of unharvested cane, the compensation per tonne will likely be lower – though still beneficial.
Burnt cane and wet weather protection
It wasn’t just unharvested cane left in the fields – there was burnt cane too. The CBL Water Perils Scheme is in place to protect members who are left with burnt cane in the paddock after wet weather events. Unlike other schemes, it doesn’t impose burning bans, instead promoting a practical approach within CSA guidelines to ensure a steady cane supply to keep crushing going.
Mill performance payments
The extended season may also trigger mill performance payments for growers. If mill performance falls below set benchmarks, growers are entitled to payments. The South Bank (Inkerman) mill is on track to qualify for the eighth consecutive year, while North Bank mills (Invicta, Kalamia, and Pioneer) have met the criteria six times in the past eight years. However, CBL’s priority is for Wilmar to improve mill performance rather than rely on compensation payments.
Preparing for the next planting season
CBL offers an in-house service to help members with their N&P Budgets. The prolonged 2024 season – combined with the current wet conditions – is making preparation for the planting season difficult. Collecting essential soil samples before planting will be especially challenging.
Disaster Assistance and Weed Management
Following the recent tropical low, CANEGROWERS successfully lobbied the government for Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants. The organisation is also pushing for changes to grant rules, so growers can use funds to replace lost crops and access fairer eligibility criteria.
Weed control is another issue after the heavy rainfall. CANEGROWERS secured approval to use MCPA for managing vines and has also obtained an amendment allowing the use of other registered products.
Join CANEGROWERS
If you’re not yet a member of CANEGROWERS – the peak body that truly leads the industry – get in touch with CBL on 4790 3600 to learn more about the benefits of membership.

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During the recent flooding here, stories come out of resilience, perseverance, and community spirit where people come to the aid of others. One such story is Dr. Tata and his Home Hill Surgery doctors who went over and above, to ensure the Burdekin had access to doctors so their medical needs were met.

After the roads were cut off, many patients were left stranded unable to attend their appointments, but so too were the doctors themselves. Rather than be forced to closed the surgery and have patients not get the attention they need, Dr. Tata and his team found viable solutions to ensure every patient was seen, which on one day, saw them attend to 100 patients!

“We were really scared, like everybody else, but we did not want to just close down, so we adapted to the flood conditions. Medicare lets us do 30 tele-health patients a day, and on Monday, when the roads closed, I rang the Department of Transport, and they said it will be closed for another three days. I was in Brisbane and had flown up to Townsville that day and rather than cancelling our patients, we hired a chopper to fly down. When we flew we saw a lot of water on the road. I thought that was the best choice we made, because otherwise we would have been stranded in Townsville for three days.” Dr. Tata says.

“We had two doctors here in Home Hill, and two doctors in Ayr. Dr. Dwija Karumanchi conducted home visits in Ayr, for around 20 patients. She actually came over on a tow truck, saw patients here, and then she’d go back on another truck. The day after that, they had the rail bus up and running, thanks to Queensland Rail.”

But it wasn’t just Dr. Tata and his team going the extra mile, he found the local community incredibly supportive of him and his practice also, as he explains.

“The community was very supportive and helped with sandbags and other flood preparations. Me and my wife, we went to fill sandbags, and I filled two, they filled 18, before I realised that the sandbags were already in place out front protecting the entrance. They also helped put up plastic at the entry way to better protect it. The local community was very helpful,” he says.

Despite the initial disruptions, the practice continued to serve patients effectively. It’s a testament to people’s spirit and ingenuity to ensure those who needed support most, got it!

“This is a very small community so to all those amazing people, the Burdekin community and Shire Council, the Disaster Management Group, and Queensland Rail, we are very thankful for the help and support.”

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Dr. Tata & Dr. Dwija Karumanchi about to fly out of Townsville by helicopter. Photo: Supplied
Dr. Tata about to board the rail-cart supplied by Queensland Rail, so he could continue to see his patients.

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