On Wednesday 23 September 2009, Queensland Police Officer, Senior Sargeant Michael Isles was last seen leaving his residential home in Graham Street, Ayr. Wednesday 26 June 2024, was to be for celebrating Senior Sargeant Michael Isles’ 73rd birthday, however, he was celebrated in the memories of those he left behind, still searching for answers.

Mick, as he was fondly known, was a praised member of the community, a dear husband to Fiona, and a loved father of three. He served in the police force for over 35 years and prided himself in his role of keeping his community safe, observing “old style” values, and his kind nature often prompted him to dedicate his time to supporting troubled youth. His integrity was trusted within all the communities in which he served.

Mick held the values of family above all else and has been described as a caring, honest and humble man who loved his kids dearly, and passionately. His kind heartedness extended beyond those closest to him, and he was known for always lending an ear to those in need no matter the hour.

His disappearance shocked the Burdekin community, and 2024 marks 15 years of anguish for his family and friends. Mick was last seen leaving his home at approximately 7:30am on Wednesday 23 September driving a police service vehicle. The car Mick was driving, an unmarked 2009 Silver Toyota Aurion Sedan with Queensland Registration Number 060KVD, was later located approximately 80 kilometres from Ayr. Positioned in bushland off an unsealed road north-west of Ayr, the vehicle was travelling to Ravenswood.

An extensive search of the area yielded no evidence into Mick’s disappearance, neither did the following investigations carried out over the following months.

Wednesday marked the passing of another occasion where Mick’s attendance was only possible in the memories of his close friends, and family, and his absence continues to raise questions into what really happened in 2009.  

Readers are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide any insight into the disappearance of Senior Sargeant Michael Isles.

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On Sunday 16 June, George Populin and his family gathered at the popular Beach Road mural commissioned by George earlier this year to mark a special occasion.  

The mural honours two of the Burdekin region’s most respected and influential residents, Maria and Demetrio Populin. The mural was commissioned by the couple’s son, George, to honour his parents following his travels in Italy to uncover his family’s history.

Last week’s gathering stood as a memorable event to express their love for Maria, Demetrio and their rich family history.

“The occasion was a gathering of our family to commemorate our gratitude to Maria and Demetrio Populin,” said George.

“They are very special to us all and will always be cherished in our hearts and memories.”

The Populin family proposed a toast in honour of Maria and Demetrio, and shared in a few drinks, and nibbles, creating the setting for a beautiful morning, with George expressing his sincere thanks to all his family members for making the event possible.

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George Populin with his family next to the mural of his parents. Photo supplied

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Rehoming fee: $450
DOB: 1/11/2023
Sex: Male
Breed: cattle dog x
Kid friendly: yes
Cat Friendly: untested
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 5ft

Dug is a friendly, goofy but loveable boy looking for a forever home.
Dug has a lot of love to give and loves sharing that with humans and other dogs alike.
He enjoys playing with toys and is learning some obedience.
Dug would benefit from someone that is willing to put the time in to continue his training.
If you're looking for a dog that will make you laugh, look no further than this ‘dorky’ character.
Dug is available for adoption desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal and work treated & on heartworm preventative.
If you are interested in meeting Dug please fill out an enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

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At 4.40pm on Saturday 8 June Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacMillan Street, Ayr.  As a result a 52yr old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for unlicenced driving and he is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.
At 10.00pm on Saturday 8 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Beach Road, Ayr.  As a result a 45yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .189 and he is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July.
At 11.35pm on Saturday 8 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Burke Street, Ayr.  As a result a 29yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .287 and he is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.
On Sunday 9 June, Ayr Police received a complaint relating to an assault in Ayr.  As a result of investigations a 38yr old Burdekin man was charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and released on conditional bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July.
At 2.35am on Monday 10 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Porter Street, Ayr.  As a result a 41yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .142 and unlicenced driving.  He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July.
At 8.20pm on Thursday 13 June Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle at Plantation Park, Ayr.  As a result an 18yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .022.  He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July.  
At 10.10pm on Friday 14 June Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle at Beach Road, Ayr.  As a result an 22yr old Townsville man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .089.  He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July.  
At about 2.06am on Sunday 16 June, a single vehicle traffic crash occurred on Kilrie Road, Jarvisfield.  As a result of investigations a 30yr old Burdekin man was located shortly after and issued with a NTA for drink driving, .102.  He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July.  
At 4.00pm on Sunday 16 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr.  As a result a 32yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .149 and is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July.
At 6.20pm on Wednesday 19 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 30yr old Brisbane man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 16 September.

School holidays and cane season
Cane season is just about to start.  Tram crossings that have not been used in months will have loco’s and bins running at various time of the day and night and not all the crossings being used have twin alternating red warning lights.  In many cases cane will obscure the approach of the tram until the last moment which means extra care is needed when approaching these crossings.  
Some tips to stay safe is to slow down when approaching tram crossings, don’t try to beat cane trams though the crossing and obey the warning lights and signs on the crossing.  Remember that some of these crossings have CCTV coverage.
There will be the associated increase in slow moving farm machinery traversing the districts roads along with cane haul out trucks pulling out onto our local roads from paddocks and sidings.  All this has the potential to decrease the safety of road users should they not remain vigilant when using the roads in our area.  
Also don’t forget the southern travellers heading north to enjoy our glorious winter weather.  
With the school holidays starting as well, always make sure you add sufficient time to your journey to take into account these factors and remain patient.  Take regular breaks and be realistic when it comes to time to cover the distance to be travelled.  When accounting for traffic hold ups, whether road works or slow traffic, stops for fuel, for something to eat, toilet breaks, etc, a good rule of thumb to use is travelling about 85kms in an hour and sometimes less.  Don’t let frustration cause you to drive in a manner that endangers yourself, occupants of your car or other road users.  Stay safe and alert – and arrive safely to enjoy your travels.

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Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it
If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.
Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.
You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys
Car keys – treat them like cash
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Did you know??
What is a safe distance when passing a bicycle rider??
Motorists passing a bicycle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver must stay wider of bicycle riders by giving a minimum of:
   • 1m when passing a bicycle rider in a 60km/h or less speed zone
or
   • 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h.
Regulation 144A Transport Infrastructure (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation 2009
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Home Security Audits
The Queensland Police Service have “ Home Security Audit” forms that can be accessed at the QPS website https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/homeSecurity/Homesecurityauditchecklistandfactsheet.htm
Anecdotally the majority of unlawful entry offences are committed on residences or vehicles that are unlocked and/or have valuables in plain sight.  Locking your house and car & securing valuables including money, keys, wallets and mobile phones will deter opportunistic thieves.  
If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after-hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.
Crime prevention is a community effort.  Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences.  This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers.  If you have any such information, pls contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.
Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it
If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.
Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.
You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys
Car keys – treat them like cash

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On 14 June 2024 a motor vehicle was stolen form an address on Turnbull Road, Home Hill. The offenders then committed numerous other offences between Home Hill and Ayr. Home Hill Police later dealt with a 17-year-old juvenile for seven offences, including Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle and Evading Police under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act. A 14-year-old juvenile was also dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act for four offences relating to the matter.
 
On 18 June 2024 at 3:20pm Home Hill Police responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of Tenth Street and Eighth Avenue Home Hill. The driver of a Toyota Corolla, a 94-year-old female, was injured and transported to Ayr Hospital. The driver of an Izuzu D Max, a 17 year old male, was also transported to Ayr Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Traffic diversions remained in place for approximately 2 hours. Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing.  
 
Home Hill Police have noticed an increase in the number of people driving with a relevant (unlawful) drugs in their system. Since April 2024, 13 persons have been detected driving with a relevant drug in their saliva within the Home Hill Division. Drug use worsens your driving ability through cognitive impairment, which affects your judgement, memory, and reaction time. This is why it is listed as a Fatal 5 when it comes to trauma Queensland Roads. If you’re driving in or through Home Hill, be prepared to be drug tested by local officers. If you’re driving with illicit drugs in your system, be prepared to be caught.

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The Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee carries out outstanding work for the youth of the community, and their importance was generously recognised with Bendigo Bank granting the committee $10,000 as part of their Community Grants.

The Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee consists of six Chaplains working in ten local state schools within the Burdekin community. Each Chaplain exists to support the social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of all members of the school community, including teachers, parents and students. Chaplains host numerous activities within the region’s state schools to continue providing such essential support including lunchtime activities, brekky clubs, self-esteem groups, anger management classes, in-class support, boxing clubs, and stress and anxiety management groups.

The generous grant from Bendigo Bank will be directly funding the ongoing support for Chaplains in the Burdekin, keeping them present within the region’s schools for up to five days a week.

The Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee Chairperson, Ronda Williams was personally encouraged at the Bendigo Bank presentation evening, an event which highlighted the wonderful volunteer organisations within the Burdekin community.

“It was so uplifting to hear that there are so many community-minded people in the Burdekin, and it restores one’s faith in the goodness of people,” expressed Ronda.

Ronda explained each year, the Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee faces the prospect of reducing the hours of their Chaplains, and limiting their time spent providing such integral services within schools due to a lack of community support.

“The generous grant is so, so helpful in allowing us to maintain our current level of service in the Burdekin,” said Ronda.

“Apart from the finances, I believe that the grant represents a genuine encouragement for what Chaplains are doing in our community, and that is priceless.”

Ronda, and the Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee have expressed their gratitude towards Bendigo Bank for their amazing recognition of the work of volunteer groups within the community.

“Well done to the Bendigo Bank for facilitating and encouraging all these organisations with their financial grants,” said Ronda.

“Your support goes a long way to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.”

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Ronda Williams receiving the Bendigo Bank Community Grant for the Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee

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Tuesday 18 June marked the official opening of the Burdekin Mental Health Hub, with the community now able to access a range of mental wellbeing services under one roof.

More than 100 locals – including service providers, community members and groups – came together to celebrate the opening and find out what was on offer at the new facility.  

selectability Chief Executive Officer, Debra Burden said the Mental Health Hub provided a central location for those across the region to connect to vital support.

“We are committed to ensuring all regional Queenslanders have access to high-quality mental health services locally,” Debra said.

“Before developing our plans to refurbish the disused Caledonian Hall we carried out extensive community consultation to understand the service gaps.

“This included a community survey which found 93 per cent of respondents believed there was a need for a dedicated mental wellbeing facility in the region.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with the Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership Program, which supported the project with an $808,000 grant, to address this unmet need.”

Guests were given a tour of the hub and an insight into the services now available to the region … local community radio station Sweet FM,even treated attendees to a live broadcast throughout the event!

Gudja Elder Uncle Eddie Smallwood conducted a Smoking Ceremony, while his sister Professor Gracelyn Smallwood delivered the Welcome to Country.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort spoke at the event, supporting selectability’s expansion to the region.

Newly appointed Burdekin Regional Coordinator, Bryn Hicks, said the Mental Health Hub would bring huge benefit to the community.

“Initially scheduled to open last October, the project faced delays due to construction and weather challenges,” Bryn said.

“However, despite these setbacks, we’re excited to finally open our doors and provide services for the Burdekin community. 

“I am looking forward to working with groups and individuals across the region to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide in the Burdekin.

“Our team specialises in delivering one-on-one and group support through the NDIS and other funded mental wellbeing programs.

“We also provide free services to carers through the Federal Government’s Carer Gateway. part of the Carer Gateway.

 “You don’t need an appointment or referral, just drop in to see the team at 182 Edward St, Ayr (the former Caledonian Hall).”

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Contributed with thanks to selectability.

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The final of the four Wilmar Sugar and Renewable’s Mills in the Burdekin kicked off production on Tuesday 18 June.

General Manager Operations, Mike McLeod was on sight to see the first bit tip at Pioneer Mill at 9:50pm on Tuesday evening along with Pioneer Mill’s Manger Operations, Matthew Norton.

A milestone beginning, Pioneer’s start leaves Wilmar at 50% production across all its mills, with half of their structures now producing sugar, molasses, and renewable electricity.

Leading the way in the Burdekin region was Inkerman Mill, officially beginning the crushing season for the Wilmar group on Monday 10 June. Inkerman has crushed over 77,000 tonnes of cane and has produced approximately 10,000 tonnes of sugar despite the unexpected shutdowns earlier this month. However, unlike Inkerman, Kalamia and Invicta Mills felt the effects of the industrial action, and began crushing a week behind schedule, tipping its first bin on Thursday 13 June.

Overall, crews have been working hard across the board to maintain production levels to ensure growers can continue harvesting while fine weather prevails.

“Everyone in the industry has an eye on the weather at this time of the year, so we can’t afford to lose any time,” said Mr McLeod.

“Our people have worked hard to recover from the earlier stoppages, and delays, and with everything going our way, everyone will have a good season.”

Across Wilmar’s eight mills, an expected 15.59 million tonnes of sugarcane will be processed this year, producing over two million tonnes of raw sugar.

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Manager Operations Matt Naughton was on hand to see the first bin tipped for 2024.

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Queensland is intensifying its battle against Varroa destructor by employing six Varroa Development Officers (VDOs), an Extension and Engagement Coordinator, and establishing new surveillance hives for early pest detection.
While varroa mite Varroa destructor has not yet been detected in Queensland, it is currently in New South Wales and the State Government has identified that Queensland needs to be prepared for this pest.
The varroa mite is an insidious pest that poses a significant biosecurity threat to the common European honeybees whose pollination services add an estimated $14.2 billion to the Australian agricultural and horticultural industries each year.
Following the endorsement of the National Varroa Mite Response Plan earlier this year, Queensland along with other states and territories has shifted from attempting to eradicate varroa mite to managing it.
The newly advertised VDO positions will educate and support beekeepers on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and offer practical support during the transition. Working closely with individual beekeepers and beekeeping clubs, the VDOs will provide hands-on assistance to build skills, understanding and resilience.
This approach aims to mitigate the impact of Varroa destructor on Queensland's beekeeping and pollination-reliant industries when it inevitably arrives.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said that Queensland is intensifying its efforts against varroa mite by appointing six Varroa Development Officers (VDOs) and delivering 19 workshops across the state over the next 12 months.
"We have joined with other states and territories in shifting our focus from eradication to management of varroa mite and will continue to safeguard Queensland's valuable honeybee industry and recreational beekeeping sector from this pest,” Minister Furner said.
Additionally, 19 workshops will be conducted for both commercial and recreational beekeepers. These workshops will focus on enhancing skills in detecting, monitoring, reporting and managing varroa mite for the long term.
"Biosecurity zone provisions under the Biosecurity Act 2014 restricts the movement of bees and bee related equipment into Queensland from a state or territory where varroa mite has been detected,” Minister Furner added.
"Through comprehensive training and practical support, we are fostering a more resilient and well-informed beekeeping community.”
Customised resources for Queensland’s beekeeping industry will be made available online free of charge.
Biosecurity Queensland is also enhancing surveillance along the Queensland-New South Wales border, focusing on the Gold Coast region and high-risk areas of Stanthorpe and Warwick, where pollination events are anticipated in early spring.
To provide early warning for Varro destructor in Queensland, 18 sentinel hives have been established in these key locations.
"This initiative is crucial for protecting our beekeeping and pollination sectors, which play a vital role in the agricultural success of Queensland,” the Minister said.
"It is crucial to continue protecting Queensland's bees, which in turn supports the sustainability of pollination-dependent industries.”

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has urged unions to seriously consider a suggestion made by the company earlier this week in a Fair Work Commission hearing that the parties meet and explore the possibility of independent voluntary arbitration as a means of concluding a new enterprise agreement on fair and reasonable terms.

However, Wilmar claims that the two unions did not immediately take up the offer while the third rejected the option.

The offer to meet and explore the potential of the option of voluntary arbitration will now be put in writing by the company.

A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the company welcomed the assistance of the Fair Work Commission over recent weeks in trying to bring negotiations to a conclusion.

“It is since the Commission’s involvement that we have been able to close the gap between company and union positions, this week managing to specify the ranges within which each party believes agreement might be reached,” the spokesman said.

“At bargaining talks on Thursday, Sugar and Renewables indicated it was looking to an outcome between 14.25% and 15% over 3.5 years, while unions said they were looking to a range between 18% and 22% for a 3-year agreement.

“Unfortunately in the Commission conference today, the unions withdrew their 18% to 22% range, and instead reverted to a claim of 22%.

“Despite the gap having been expanded by unions, we remain committed to exploring all options to bring negotiations to an outcome, including voluntary arbitration,” he said.

“There are many people and businesses hoping we can reach an agreement without further industrial action. We should be exploring every way to achieve a fair and reasonable outcome quickly.

“If the parties can agree on the parameters for voluntary arbitration, this is a certain way to test the arguments and the data. We have complete confidence in the information on which we have based our offer and we would expect unions would welcome the same opportunity.”

The Australian Worker’s Union (AWU) claimed that Wilmar “Is now not making an offer to their employees, instead offering a “window” which involves removing employees' right to take accrued RDO hours when they choose.”
A union representative said that despite unions providing indisputable data that the cost of living over the last four years has dramatically outpaced the wage increases Wilmar has paid to mill workers, and the published pay rates of surrounding mills, Wilmar has instead stuck to their “discredited, questionable figures” which include aggregate quarterly inflation figures to artificially lower the rate.
“I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that Wilmar has got the figures wrong again, this is a company that claims four days of industrial action have delayed the start of the crush by several weeks,” AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson said.
“Despite profits having gone up dramatically, Wilmar is still trotting out the same old disproven lines which have twice failed to fool more than 80% of their workforce.”
The AWU also claimed that at least one mill may have to stop for up to six hours a day due to Wilmar being unable to attract staff at the wages they offer.
“No doubt Wilmar will try to blame this on their workforce as well, and not the below industry standard rates they pay,” Mr Wilson said.
Mayor Dalle Cort has also spoken on the ongoing Wilmar dispute, saying that the Burdekin Shire Council acknowledges the critical role of the sugar industry in sustaining the local economy, and the overall prosperity of the community.

For generations, the sector has been the lifeblood of the Burdekin district’s growth and development, and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort has expressed concern over the ongoing industrial dispute between Wilmar and its workers.

“The recent publicised industrial dispute between Wilmar and its workers is a concern, not only for the parties involved, but the broader Burdekin community,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“While it is not the remit of Council to directly involve itself in the matter, as Mayor, I strongly encourage all parties to work collaboratively in a bid to finalise the dispute for the common good of our community.”

The Commission was also told that there has been constructive discussion on a separate set of log items being negotiated in conjunction with the enterprise agreement. The Deputy President has left it open to the parties to request another report back when they consider it beneficial.

The AWU said it will meet with delegates in the coming days to discuss industrial action moving forward.
At time of print, a date for further bargaining has not been agreed by the parties.

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The Inkerman Mill under full steam last week. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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$2 million in funding has just been announced by the Queensland Government in hopes of managing the State’s feral pig problem.

Feral pigs are widespread across Queensland and cause significant harm as pests. They degrade soil and water quality, threaten native species, spread invasive plants, harm agricultural crops and livestock and can even transmit diseases.

More than $2 million in funding has been awarded with four new feral pig management coordinators appointed with a focus on investing in a biosecure future for all Queenslanders. 

Rachel Chay Deputy Director General & Chief Biosecurity Officer said “Feral pigs wreak havoc on agriculture and the environment.

“These grants not only mitigate the impact of feral pests but also create more jobs in regional areas, contributing to the overall economic health of our communities.

The two successful applicants - Desert Channels Queensland and South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils were selected to receive funding through Round 8(a) which will see the employment of four feral pig management coordinators.

These coordinators will support the initiation and delivery of effective feral pig management bolstering local biosecurity efforts.

“This funding of more than $2 million has been dedicated to employing up to four feral pig management coordinators to support the initiation and delivery of effective feral pig management across the state,” Dr Chay added.

"This is a crucial investment in biosecurity and feral pest management in Queenslanders.”

The application period for Round 8(a) - Feral Pig Coordination - Biosecurity Preparedness closed on February 29, 2024.

Applications were received from various Regional Natural Resource Management groups, Regional Organisations of Councils and incorporated industry organisations.

This latest funding round under QFPI brings the Queensland Government’s total investment in controlling invasive plants and animals to more than $29.2 million over eight years. This initiative is further bolstered by a $14 million investment from the Federal Government.

For more information, visit  https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/invasive-plants-animals/qld-feral-pest-initiative

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$2 million has been awarded to combat the issue of troublesome trotters with a focus on investing in a biosecure future for all Queenslanders

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Rural Quip is a dynamic business which has a dedication to providing the Burdekin community with an abundance of materials to ensure each customer can efficiently fulfill their industrial and farming supply needs.

Robert and Annette Oar have owned and operated Rural Quip for 43 years and in coming from a farming background, are highly experienced and knowledgeable on all aspects of the business’s operations, product ranges, and the demands of the Burdekin community.

Rural Quip’s product range holds everything their customers need on a day-to-day basis and more and paired with their connections with the AIS National Buying Group, Rural Quip effectively competes with all levels of business.

Robert began his working life as a boilermaker at Kalamia Mill. After completing his apprenticeship, he purchased Andersen Engineering which he then relocated from Rossiter Street to the Industrial Estate, renaming the business to what its known and loved as today to Rural Quip.

In following the shifting flow of the business landscape, Robert adapted with the economic trends within engineering circles to make a transitional move into the retail industry. Moving forward into the retail sector, the pair made the decision to join the AIS National Buying Group to further grow their business and ultimately benefit their customers.

“Joining the AIS National Buying Group in 1998 was a huge move forward, giving access to new deals, new suppliers, and meeting a network of other retail businesses around Australia,” explained Robert.

With just under a century of experience in the industry, both Robert and Annette have created a business to be celebrated, with a customer base extending from Bowen to Woodstock to Giru.

“The market is strong with this rich agricultural area, and our staff work on a very strong model to have the goods required in stock, carrying on demand for common products and services,” said Robert.

Rural Quip Team, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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OPINION PIECE

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I sit here as a Grower/Contractor in the Burdekin and a Representative in the Sugar Cane Industry bewildered, confused, concerned and very frustrated about where our mighty industry is heading and whether there’s even a future for our children to come back to the farm.
Now most mills in my area and my representative areas are either not performing to what they should be, or even more concerning aren’t going at all. With the agreed set down date to start around early June, in most cases this hasn’t happened and the ones that have, only a small percentage are performing to an acceptable standard. That standard has deteriorated over the last five years and has slipped to a point that is not acceptable for any of us. This scenario doesn’t work for growers, contractors, millers or even community.
The dollars that growers and contractors lose every year due to late finishing seasons is in the millions and those millions don’t flow through the towns to small businesses and everyone is suffering. I would hate to think what the milling company is also losing in processing profit as well as the amount of sugar marketing and trading profit that they are missing out on. Just doesn’t make sense.
The real kicker for me looking from the outside is what is going on at present. The start dates have been put back in some cases 2-3 weeks behind the scheduled start and apparently it has to do with industrial action.
I understand from the information I have received, that the industrial activity to date has only consumed around four days plus a small number of one hour stop work meetings and yet we have 50% of the mills not operating some two weeks after the last hint of any industrial activity.
I’m baffled to understand how mills can lose ground under this scenario.
Not Good Enough.
These small towns have endured hell in the last four years with rats, disease, out of season floods and unprecedented rain events and then added salt to injury with late starts and late finishes from their milling companies. With good sugar prices, my members in most areas can’t make the most of it because of poor yields associated with all the above. With forecasted wet weather looming towards the end of the season. We are once again on the merry go round of another disastrous year where most of my members have lost the opportunity to send cane to their factory in glorious weather conditions.
Our mill workers and broader communities are feeling the effect of this with shop owners closing doors, harvesting contractors considering their future and our kids moving away to find work elsewhere is disheartening.
These workers are the lifeline of our mills and towns, the experience we have in these towns cannot be lost or taken for granted and must be rewarded for their loyalty over a long period of time. From what I can apprehend, it appeared that the unions compromised on a reduction of around 7 percent with very little movement from the other party. That shocked me a little. These workers aren’t looking for mining rates, they’re just asking for what the average rate that is being paid around their towns so they can be home every night with their families. With the skilled labour shortage at the moment and strong employment opportunities in other sectors it worries me that we will lose good people if something doesn’t change.
I do personally support the workers in this battle. We will have to endure some more pain in the short term, but I hope that the whole community sticks together to get through this. We can’t keep giving because soon enough we will have nothing left to give and this is when we will be at our most vulnerable.
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Russell Hall
AgForce Cane President.

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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) has the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health? The Centre was built with the help of government funding and a lot of community support in 2004. It’s been going strong ever since and has helped thousands of community members to improve their health and wellbeing.
Services currently available at the Centre include:
   • BCA Psychological Therapies Program (Free for eligible people and includes suicide prevention) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Private Psychological Counselling (Deepwaters Healing, Lutkin Psychology, Philip Murray) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Bloom Hearing Ph: 1800 027 779
   • Burdekin Hearing Ph: 1800 008 308
   • Centacare NQ (Counselling) Ph: 1300 672 273
   • Clarity Hearing Solutions Ph: 4779 1566
   • NQ Foot & Ankle Centre Ph: 4723 5500
   • Synergy Health Centre (Exercise Physiology, Diabetic Education, Dietician) Ph: 4724 3250
   • Telehealth Hub Services (Free online service to assist with appointments with a health professional) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Consult Room Hire (health & wellbeing services) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Meeting Room Hire (meetings, groups or workshops – capacity 30 people) Ph: 4783 2711
We would love to see you at the Centre, so please call in to 12A Chippendale St, Ayr, Ph: 4783 2711 or E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
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Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Community Association.

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This week saw the adoption of Council's 2024/2025 annual Budget. I would like to thank my fellow Councillors and the Council staff who helped deliver a great budget that aims to stretch the dollars and strengthen our community. Council is very aware of the stress that the cost of living is having on everyone. Without going through it with a microscope, I can tell you that it equates to an increase of $2 per week for residents on the minimum general rate. This small increase combined with rates shifting from annual to biannual, essentially splits your annual payment into 2 instalments and hopefully makes it easier to pay in these tough times. This means your first rates notice will arrive in August and then a second rates notice will arrive in February. For those wanting to still pay your full rates in one instalment, this is still an option.
Rates, fees and charges are one of the least enjoyable parts of our role as councillors, however and unfortunately, Council is required by legislation to practice sustainable financial practices and is not immune to the rising cost of supplying all the services throughout the district.
I hope that by the time you read this, Queensland have won the State of Origin, and the Shire has celebrated another successful Burdekin Show. I'm wary of jinxing the mighty Maroons, but the Burdekin Show is always fantastic thanks to an exceptional committee. I also hope the weather was favourable, and I haven't jinxed the show's success either.
Growing up in an era where there was a show in both Home Hill and Ayr, I personally am very grateful that the Burdekin still has an annual show and not forgetting the Giru Show also. They are a great opportunity for the community and families to come together and create some great memories.
 

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