The Educational Trailer at the Burdekin Water Festival was a tremendous success, drawing in over 100 visitors who participated in the interactive displays, games, and the thrilling virtual reef experience. The hands-on activities offered a fun and engaging way for locals to learn about environmental management and pest control, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

Following the festival, the trailer made another appearance at Plantation Park on Sunday, 15 September 2024, alongside three other council-funded initiatives. The event ran from 8:00am to 12:00pm, with live demonstrations showcasing innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Visitors were treated to an array of interactive displays, highlighting sustainable practices and how the Burdekin community can contribute to better environmental outcomes.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort expressed her delight at the strong turnout and public interest.

"It was wonderful to see so many people engaging with these important issues," she said.

“The trailer’s interactive demonstrations really emphasised how critical it is for all of us to take responsibility for managing our environment."

The event proved to be a fantastic educational experience for families and individuals alike.

Many attendees left feeling more informed and inspired to take action in their own lives to promote environmental sustainability. The blend of fun activities with practical knowledge made it a memorable day for everyone involved.

For those who still have questions or would like more information, the Council’s Environmental Department remains available at (07) 4783 9800.

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The educational trailer. Photo supplied

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With warmer weather on the horizon, the Burdekin Aquatic Centre is excited to announce the return of Aqua Aerobics, starting on Saturday, 28 September. Classes will also be offered at Home Hill at 9:30am on Tuesday mornings, beginning 1 October.

Instructor Vicky will lead the sessions, and the cost is $12, which includes gate entry. All fitness levels are welcome, so come along for a fun and active workout!

“Come on down for some fitness and fun – see you there!” shared the Burdekin Aquatic Centre.

Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Aquatic Centre.

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Locals of all fitness levels are invited to come along to the Burdekin Aquatic Centre’s Aqua Aerobics!

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This past week, I was involved in a car crash that could have ended far worse than it did and although it has taken me a full week to fully process what happened, I am so grateful for everyone who has taken the time to check I’m ok.

Thankfully, I’m on the mend, but the road to recovery has been made smoother by the overwhelming support from our incredible community.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kari Ravizza, whose quick actions and kind words helped more than she can know. Kari was there by my side shortly after the accident and for that I am truly grateful.

Charlie from Sweet FM and John Furnell also deserve a special mention for their support during this time. And a big thank you to Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort for her thoughtful gestures and continued encouragement.

Your kindness has reinforced just how strong and caring our Burdekin community is. It’s moments like these that remind me of the unity and compassion we share.

You’ll be pleased to know that I was able to get back on the road thanks to a hire car, so it is business as usual (although a little more cautious) and I am building my confidence on the roads once again.

In lighter news, I’m excited to highlight the Burdekin Water Festival. This year’s festivities were as vibrant and engaging as ever, celebrating our region’s spirit and heritage.

Be sure to join in the fun and make the most of the festival’s activities!

Once again, thank you all for your support. It’s a privilege to be part of such a wonderful community.

Miah

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Funding renovations for aging health infrastructure so it “will last generations” is at the top of the list for Labor candidate Anne Baker who is vying for the position of Member for Burdekin in the upcoming State Election, due to be held at the end of October.

According to Ms Baker, the Labor Government is investing over $1 billion to deliver world-class health facilities in Queensland’s rural and remote communities through the Building Rural and Remote Health Program.

More than 20 key projects will be delivered through this program to enhance or replace aging infrastructure, and to ensure facilities meet the needs of both the community and staff.

One of these planned project sites is the Home Hill Health Service.

Johnstaff and Architectus Conrad Gargett have been respectively awarded the Project Management and Principal Consultant contracts and work will now begin on detailed scoping and options for replacement and upgrade projects.

The teams will engage with local communities and Hospital and Health Services to deliver scopes and designs in due course.

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Hello, I have been busy since my last column
I attended the Burdekin Brass Band concert on the 4th August with Councillor Callan Oar, what a enjoyable afternoon.  They had the whole theatre singing along and toe tapping to all of the great tunes from the old to the modern.  What a great job they did. Well done.
The Zonta Club had their 30th Birthday celebrations at the RSL, there were past and present ladies from the club. A lovely night was had by all reminiscing from the beginning of the club  to the present day and it was all included in a video which was playing on the TV. After a lovely meal the 30th birthday cake was cut and women discussed all of the great times they have had together.
All councillors received an invitation to the Burdekin Vietnam Veterans Anniversary Day on Sunday 18th August at Deep Creek retreat for Anniversary for the Battle of Long Tan which is a significant part of the Vietnam War. They had a Parade and service to mark this occasion and I was happy I attended. What a privilege it was to attend this amazing day and visiting the Retreat was such a great experience. The guys were real larrikins and made the Mayor, Councillor Amanda Hall and myself feel very welcome.
Over the last weekend the Mayor, Councillor Hall and I attended the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Conference in Brisbane.  As I am new to local Government it was inspiring to spend 2 days listening to inspirational speakers from Mayors Councillors, Admin Legal and Media, also meeting and learning from some of the other new Councillors and Mayors. I now represent our Region as the Zone 1 representative on the newly elected Executive Committee for the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Qld Branch.
I’d like to extend an invitation to the community to join us for Remembrance Day on Friday 27 September at 10:00am. The service, held at the Burdekin Community Church, will honour and remember officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last has applauded the Burdekin and Bowen communities after a weekend of successful events in the regions.
Thousands gathered to watch the colours and fun of the street parade as the Burdekin’s Water Festival successfully returned to Ayr’s main street. The community support was echoed in Bowen where racers and riders from across the nation competed in the renowned Don River Dash at Bowen.
Mr Last said the success of both Bowen and Burdekin events at the weekend was a credit to the hardworking committees for both events and the communities that support them.
“Community events like these only happen when there is a dedicated band of volunteers working hard behind the scenes so both committees deserve to be applauded for their efforts,” Mr Last said.
“The determination of the Burdekin community to ensure the Water Festival brought all the best of our festival memories back to life once again.”
Mr Last said supporting community events right across the electorate was imperative in ensuring they were able to continue well into the future.
“Each year we see Burdekin residents turn out in the thousands to support community events which have become staples to the shire’s annual calendar and it shows just how important these events are to this community.”
“As the Member for Burdekin I am incredibly proud to see events like these showcase our region, I’ll continue to do whatever I can to support our local events and community groups who are the fabric of our towns.”
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Member for Burdekin Dale Last with Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Demi O’Shea last weekend. Photo supplied

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As Mayor, I believe it is a priority to keep our community safe, particularly on our roads.
Recently, we’ve seen an increase in traffic around the Giddy Road intersection at 5-Ways, and there’s growing concern about the potential for accidents with many already occurred.

Google Maps may be partly responsible, directing motorists to use this route as a shortcut. This has led to a sharp rise in traffic at an intersection that wasn’t designed for such high volumes, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

I am urging residents to be cautious when approaching this intersection.

I would like the community support to bombard Google Maps to remove the right turn off the Bruce highway at Sandy Corner (12 Five Ways Road Brandon), which currently directs traffic to the Giddy Road intersection. This change would ensure traffic is properly directed to continue on the main highway through Brandon, where it belongs.
Here’s how:
   1. Open Google Maps on your desktop computer.
   2. Enter the starting point and destination - 12 Five Ways Road Brandon, QLD 4808 to Mcdesme, Queensland 4807.
   3. In the left panel, click on the route you want to report an issue with.
   4. In plain text at the bottom right of the map in small print, click Send product feedback.
   5. Next to the wrong step, click the Flag 
   6. Select the type of problem, then click Submit.
The more reports Google receives, the quicker they can investigate and make the necessary adjustments. Let’s continue working together to keep our roads safe.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Home is Best is expanding into the Burdekin Region due to an identified need for additional care and support services. Following much community research and in line with the Aged Care Quality Standards, the Home is Best team identified an increase in choice of providers and supports available to community members was sought and a demand for change in how these services were delivered to clients in their homes. The Aged Care space is heavily monitored by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to ensure providers meet the requirements of these Quality Standards. Home is Best’s expansion will enhance and support the current providers operating in the Burdekin region by increasing capacity to meet the demand for Home Care services in the region.
 
In addition to the provision of Govt Funded Aged Care Services, Home is Best has a focus on supporting Residential Aged Care residents to continue to live their best life. Moving to residential care brings with it a range of emotions for the resident and family members. One of these, is grief and loss. Grief for the loss of family connectedness, their home, pets, and social interactions with their friends. This grief and loss can impact the individual’s ability to settle into residential aged care as quickly as they would if they had the additional support of Home is Best. Residents should not feel they can’t continue to maintain the family and community connection following moving into residential care. Home is Best provides a range of services like transport and support for residents to attend family gatherings like weddings, birthdays and funerals, medical appointments, social support and outings, shopping, bill paying etc. Supporting residents to continue live their best life.
 
   • Home is Best - Community Home Care Provider
We are a very flexible, responsive, innovative 24/7 service provider meeting the needs of a very wide range of community members.
   • Home is Best  has a range of specialised staff to meet individual care needs from basic domestic support to companionship, nursing and support services through to end of life care.
   • Home is Best  provides Post Discharge Support, Hospital in Your Home, Dementia Care and Palliative Care.
   • Home is Best  supports elderly residents to maintain their independence at home, provides support while recuperating, or in need of respite care.
 
   • Home is Best - Private Care Services
 
   • Home is Best  - Respite Care
Giving family carers a break to refresh, rejuvenate, take care of themselves or to simply attend an appointment, do some shopping or have a coffee with a friend. Taking respite from the caring role is essential for maintaining wellbeing and the carer relationship.
We support Carers of people who are aged, have a disability, mental illness and young carers who are caring for their elders.

Home is Best, giving peace of mind that your loved one/client is safe and being cared for.
 
   • Home is Best  NDIS Services include: Transport, community access, medication and meal support, domestic, social support services and nursing for Plan Managed and Privately Managed recipients.
 
   • Home is Best Brokerage - we are currently providing a range of services brokered to us from other providers. We have many service agreements and contracts with other Aged and Health Care providers, Govt Funded Organisations and Health Insurers. Brokered Services include assessments, nursing, personal care, respite support, post operative support, Hospital in Your Home, medication assistance, and palliative care.
 
   • Home is Best Team - operated by a team of professionals with over 70 years combined experience caring for our community members. We take great pride in our ongoing passion and commitment to provide respectful, individualised services with accountability and integrity.
 
If you have a client, family member or friend, who will benefit from Home is Best services and would like one of our team to come and visit you or simply want more information, please call us on 4771 2078.
 
Every person deserves to have the choice of where they receive appropriate care, Home is Best.

Every person deserves to receive quality care, be treated with respect and dignity and where appropriate, in the comfort of their own home, Home is Best.

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For Patrick and Kristy Shannon, the decision to start First In Physio was rooted in their desire to raise a family in a smaller town while creating something meaningful in their community. After graduating as physiotherapists in Brisbane, the couple decided to return to their roots and establish a clinic in Ayr.

"We wanted to come home after living in Brisbane," they shared.

"We both saw an opportunity to raise our kids in a close-knit town, but starting our own business came with risks."

Now celebrating 15 years in business the couple have pushed through any challenges and grown from a small business into a thriving clinic.

First In Physio now employs four professional physiotherapists and three administrative staff members.

"Some of our staff have been with us for over a decade," they proudly mention.

This longevity is a testament to the clinic's welcoming environment and family-oriented culture.

Two years ago, Patrick and Kristy built a new clinic and are thrilled to own their own premises after renting for 13 years.

“We poured a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into creating a space we could truly call our own,” they expressed.

The new facility includes a spacious gym and classroom, enhancing the clinic's ability to offer comprehensive care.

Over the last 15 years, the field of physiotherapy has evolved significantly and First In Physio has embraced these changes.

"We’re working towards a preventative health model," they explained.

"It’s not just about treating people when they’re sick, but about helping healthy people stay healthier."

This shift in philosophy reflects a broader trend in healthcare, where the focus is on promoting wellness and preventing injuries before they happen.

From getting kids involved in sports and teaching them how to prevent injury, to holding regular exercise classes for clients, First in Physio is at the forefront of positive health maintenance.

As they reflect on the past 15 years, the couple express immense pride in what they’ve achieved.

"We’re proud that we’ve been able to serve this community for so long, and that we’ve built lasting relationships with our clients. We’re treating some families across three generations now."

Looking to the future, they are eager to continue growing and evolving. "We hope to expand our team and continue working with young people in the community, encouraging them to stay active and healthy. Starting early leads to healthier generations”.

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The team at First In Physio (not pictured: Kathy Aguirre)
Kristy, Patrick and their little one. Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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As the warmer months approach, Burdekin residents can once again enjoy their local pools, which reopened on Sunday, September 1. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort shared the excitement around the reopening.

“The reopening of our local pools is always a highlight as the weather starts to warm up,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

In addition to the re-opening, the Home Hill Pool has received upgrades to its amenities, enhancing the experience for swimmers this season.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Burdekin Shire Council website to check the updated hours for their local pool before heading out.

Home Hill Pool
Monday to Friday: 5:30am – 10:00am and 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Public Holidays: 9:00am – 5:00pm (Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)
Burdekin Aquatic Centre
Monday to Tuesday: 5:30am – 7:00pm
Wednesday: 5:30am – 6:00pm
Thursday to Friday: 5:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 5:30am – 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Water Park: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Pool Fees: Adult: $3.50 | Child (up to 15 years): $2.50 | Senior (65+): $2.50
Clare Pool
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday: 3:30pm – 6:00pm

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Tosh’s Convenience Store, located in the heart of the Burdekin, has grown from a humble shop into a bustling mini supermarket that’s become a vital part of the community. The store's owner, Peta Wassmuth, was motivated by a desire to work independently, leading to the decision to take over and revitalise the store.

One of the key changes implemented under the new ownership has been the introduction of in-store promotions, which have not only enhanced the shopping experience but also fostered a strong sense of community engagement. From giveaways like mini bar fridges to Father’s Day hampers, these promotions have added excitement for customers, encouraging them to return and participate. The latest promotion offers a chance to win a V duffel bag and outfit with the purchase of two V products, keeping the momentum going.

What truly sets Tosh’s Convenience Store apart from others in the area is the extensive range of products it offers. Unlike many convenience stores, Tosh’s functions as a mini supermarket, stocking everything you would expect to find in a larger grocery store. Customers can find a wide variety of items, including groceries, Lotto tickets, drinks, and hot food, making it a convenient one-stop shop for the local community.

The product selection at Tosh’s Convenience Store is driven by customer feedback. Peta listens closely to what customers want and makes sure those items are available. This customer-centric approach has helped the store remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the local community.

Tosh’s Convenience Store is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. One of the ways it does this is by offering free coffees to emergency service personnel, a gesture of gratitude for their hard work. The store is also planning to extend special deals to hospital staff and continues to offer in-store hampers, ensuring that the community feels supported and valued.

One of the most memorable moments for Peta is the joy of informing customers that they’ve won a prize, highlighting the positive impact the store has on its customers. Looking ahead, Tosh’s Convenience Store has plans to expand its offerings, including the introduction of a fish and chips service. This addition will further strengthen the store’s role as a key provider in the community, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of its customers.

Tosh’s Convenience Store is more than just a place to buy goods—it’s a cornerstone of the Burdekin community, providing essential services with a personal touch and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction.

Owner Peta Wassmuth and partner Glen Gudge

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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has expanded its growers’ services footprint in the Burdekin and Herbert River regions with the engagement of three new employees last week.
Burdekin local Angelo Licciardello and Herbert Rivers’ Lawrence Di Bella were both appointed this week as the new Burdekin and Herbert River District Managers respectively. Anna Di Bella, wife to Lawrence, also was appointed as Administration Officer in the Herbert River cane supply area.
QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said the new arrangements ensured the level of services provided by the organisation would be maintained, but also accommodate predicted future growth.
“These new appointments follow the appointment of our first QCAR District Manager in the Central Region four months ago, so this is a very exciting period of growth for us as an organisation,” he said.
Sonia Ball was engaged on 1 May to cover the Central District which comprises the sugarcane supply areas across Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek. Mr Ryan said all engagements were a bonus to QCAR with each person bringing wide-ranging knowledge of the sugarcane industry and decades of experience with cane farming and sugarcane growers.
Angelo brings extensive experience from decades working in the rural environment with his most recent role being an on-farm consultant and account manager. Prior to this, Angelo established and managed his own rural supplies business in the Burdekin for 16 years.
QCAR is excited to have access to Angelo’s business acumen and local knowledge and familiarity with Burdekin growers and their businesses. The Di Bella duo is also well-known in the Herbert River districts managing their own farming enterprise along with their business Tropical Agricultural Services. Together they bring generational expertise and knowledge to the table.
“We feel very fortunate to now have three District Managers on board, and we know this is going to be very advantageous for our growers across Queensland.
“We are now turning our eyes to the northern regions and hope we can secure the same experience and advantage to service our growers in these areas,” Mr Ryan said.
Growers can welcome the new QCAR team members on the following numbers:
Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello 0437 401 837
Herbert River District Manager Lawrence Di Bella 0448 084 252
Herbert River District Administration Officer Anna Di Bella 0419 673 000
Central District Manager Sonia Ball 0467 573 321

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New QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello joins the QCAR Team in the QCAR head office at Ayr. Photos supplied
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QCAR Lawrence Di Bella: Well-known Herbert River sugarcane grower and ag businessman Lawrence Di Bella has been appointed the new QCAR Herbert River District Manager

Joining the QCAR team in the Herbert River region is Anna Di Bella who was formerly engaged as Administration Officer

Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
153,616
1,241,474
Pioneer
74,664
560,253
Kalamia
80,792
694,564
Inkerman
82,255
782,996
Burdekin
391,327
3,279,287
CCS
Invicta
14.25
14.04
Pioneer
14.28
14.14
Kalamia
13.65
13.75
Inkerman
14.01
13.86
Burdekin
14.08
13.95
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
54%
14.29
WSRA17
6%
13.32
KQ228
18%
13.92
SRA23
5%
13.83
Q183
11%
14.03
Q208
4%
14.01
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just over 390,000 tonnes of cane for the week, which is the highest throughput for the season to date. Operations were again disrupted by industrial action.
The season-to-date total of 3.28M tonnes represents 40% of the Burdekin region’s revised estimate of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 14.08, which is still below budget as a result of the wet weather event but improving quickly.
The highest CCS of 16.8 was shared this week between rakes of Q240-1R in the Barratta (Pioneer) and KQ228-1R in the Millaroo (Invicta) productivity districts.
With school holidays beginning this coming Friday (13 September), parents and carers are urged to warn children of the dangers of playing near cane railway lines.
Families and visitors who are doing road trips over the school holidays are reminded to use their train brain and always give way to cane trains.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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Opinion piece
 
The Nationals will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of farmers from across the country on September 10, in an unprecedented rally against Labor’s anti-farming ideology.
 
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said Labor is destroying agriculture and making life impossible for the nation’s producers of food and fibre, due to endless cuts to the regions, anti-farming legislation and unnecessary red tape.
 
“The Nationals 100 per cent support our farmers attending the National Farmer Rally outside Canberra Parliament House,” Mr Willcox said.
 
“This Labor Government has decimated our farming and agriculture industry in Dawson. It has been over 40 years since farmers last felt so aggrieved to protest against a government.

“As a farmer by trade, I know the challenges these farmers face every day, and the blood, sweat, and tears that they put into running their business.

“Witnessing what Labor is doing to wreak havoc on this industry is appalling.
 
“It’s easy to understand why our farmers are fed up, after being constantly attacked by Labor and its anti-farming policies, from axing the Agriculture Visa, to the introduction of the family car and ute tax.”
 
The Nationals are demanding 10 key changes by Labor;
   1. Reinstate the live sheep export trade.
   2. Bring back the Agriculture Visa and fix Labor’s PALM scheme mess.
   3. Stop Labor’s water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin.
   4. Introduce a container levy (so our own farmers don’t pay for the biosecurity risk created by international competitors).
   5. Reverse Labor’s cuts to regional infrastructure. 
   6. Stop Labor’s truckie tax and vehicle efficiency standard.
   7. Create a mix of energy, rather than Labor’s all-renewables approach, which is destroying agricultural land.
   8. Scrap harmful emissions profiles, or Scope 3.
   9. Stop Labor’s proposed taxes on superannuation, which will impact family farms.
   10. Ensure the 88-day backpacker work visa remains in place for the agriculture sector.
 
“These 10 key areas are crucial to farming, agriculture and regional Australia. The Nationals will not stop fighting until common sense prevails and our farmers get a fair go.”

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Gumlu students travelling on the bus to school will soon be a little safer after Member for Burdekin Dale Last joined community members to call for safety improvements to school buses. 

Mr Last said while it beggared belief that a bus carrying students as young as five years old along some of the deadliest sections of the Bruce Highway had been able to operate without seatbelts, the announcement of a replacement bus for the school run was a win for the safety of some of Gumlu’s youngest residents. 

“When concerns raised by community members that students so young were travelling on a bus from Gumlu to Home Hill without seatbelts I was more than happy to work with residents to lobby the Minister for action,” Mr Last said.

“The replacement bus with seatbelts is scheduled for delivery in the coming months and as the Member for Burdekin, I’ll be looking to ensure there are no delays in the delivery of the bus and that students are able to enjoy a safer trip to school as soon as possible.”

“We know in the north here that when we want to see improved services or safer roads that we have to fight tooth and nail, so to have common sense prevail when it comes to the safety of our students is positive news for everyone.”

Mr Last said the recent tragedy on the Bruce Highway at Gumlu had brought community concerns around the safety of bus travel and the Bruce Highway to the fore.

“Recently we have seen a number of reports highlighting serious safety concerns with the Bruce Highway and particularly that section south of the Burdekin which this community deserves to know haven’t been swept under the rug by Minister’s in the south-east,” Mr Last said.

“Under Labor, the Bruce Highway south of the Burdekin hasn’t become any safer and the fact that the Prime Minister failed to make any commitment when he was in the North last week sends a clear message to this region.” 

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