Community News

Teens Slide Into Respect

Teens Slide Into Respect

A group of teenage boys were recently recognised on the Burdekin Community Hub on Facebook for their respectful and considerate behaviour while visiting a local water park two weekends ago. Despite clearly being excited to enjoy the slides, the boys demonstrated an admirable level of kindness towards the younger children at the park. As the younger ones queued for their turn, the teens graciously allowed them to go ahead, ensuring the little ones could enjoy the slides without feeling rushed. T

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Jump In With Jacob

Jump In With Jacob

Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a fantastic Easter break :) With my first week in the Burdekin in the books, I can positively say: I love this place already! You all have made it so easy for me to settle in and find my feet in my new role as your local voice. I’ve really enjoyed learning and writing about some of your stories this week. After just a couple days on the job, one thing is already unequivocally clear: you guys LOVE your local events—and I’m all for it! It’s refreshing to see a comm

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ANZAC Spirit Shines Through in Our Region

ANZAC Spirit Shines Through in Our Region

The ANZAC spirit is alive and well across our region, with attendance at dawn services, marches, and other commemorative events surging in recent years. This ANZAC Day is expected to see even greater numbers, as our community once again comes together to honour those who have served. Long before I became the Federal Member for Dawson, and my time as Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, my family and I have always made it a priority to honour the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women

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Home Hill Chamber

Home Hill Chamber

The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting at 5:30pm on Wednesday, 16 April. Guest speakers included Police Officer in Charge Sam Pyke, Labor candidate for Dawson, Neil Wallace and Burdekin Life Newspaper Sales Manager Trish Jandt. Officer Pyke provided an update on local policing matters, identifying that sdaly domestic violence as the most prevalent crime in the Burdekin Shire. He also addressed questions from attendees about the operations and priorities of the local police f

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Woody Weed Program’s Round One Success

August 29, 2024

The Burdekin Shire Council has successfully completed the first round of its Woody Weed Program, a key component of the Reef Guardian Council’s Program. This initiative, part of the broader “Activating Local Council’s Reef Action Plans” (2023-2026), is dedicated to removing invasive woody weeds that threaten the natural ecosystem and the Great Barrier Reef.

The first round, completed in May 2024, involved 25 days of focused effort across five properties, resulting in the treatment of approximately 93 hectares of land. The primary goal was to eliminate invasive species that pose a risk to the region's biodiversity. By doing so, the program directly contributes to the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef, which is a vital part of the local environment and the economy.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort expressed her pride in the community's commitment to environmental conservation, emphasising that the success of the Woody Weed Program reflects a collective effort. "The successful completion of round one of the Woody Weed Program demonstrates our community's dedication to protecting our environment. Removing invasive species is crucial for preserving our natural beauty and ensuring the health of our region, which ultimately benefits the Great Barrier Reef," she said.

As part of its long-term commitment as a Reef Guardian Council, the Burdekin Shire Council continues to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Woody Weed Program is a cornerstone of these efforts, representing the council’s proactive approach to preserving the region's natural resources.

With round two scheduled to begin on September 9, 2024, Mayor Dalle Cort encouraged residents to maintain their support for the initiative. The council remains committed to working closely with local landholders and stakeholders to ensure the program's continued success, safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

The Burdekin Shire Council successfully completes first round of its Woody Weed Program

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Feral Deer Program Progresses in Burdekin

August 29, 2024

The Burdekin Shire Council is making significant strides in managing the region’s feral deer populations through its ongoing Feral Deer Program, which began in January 2024. This initiative, funded by the Activating Reef Guardian Council Action Plan grant, is a critical component of the council’s efforts to protect the natural environment, support local agriculture, and ensure public safety.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has been instrumental in the program's initial stages, particularly in conducting an aerial survey in February 2024. This survey provided essential baseline data on the locations and numbers of feral deer, which is being used to guide the program's targeted management strategies.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort emphasized the importance of addressing the impact of feral deer on the community. “Managing the impact of feral deer is a priority for our community, and the progress we've made so far in the Feral Deer Program is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved,” she said. “The aerial surveys, workshops, and on-the-ground activities are all crucial steps in protecting our natural environment, agriculture, and public safety.”

The program's success relies heavily on the active participation of local stakeholders, and the council has been working closely with various groups to encourage their involvement. This collaborative approach is essential for effectively managing the growing feral deer populations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region.

The Burdekin Shire Council extends its gratitude to all stakeholders and community members who have contributed to the program’s early successes. Their involvement is vital in safeguarding the environment and ensuring the safety of the region’s residents.

As the Feral Deer Program continues, the council encourages all residents to remain engaged and support ongoing efforts to protect the Burdekin Shire’s natural resources and agricultural lands. The commitment shown by the community thus far has been instrumental in advancing the program, and continued collaboration will be key to its long-term success.

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Millaroo Celebrates 70 Years

August 29, 2024

Millaroo State School is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary on Saturday, October 12, 2024, with a day full of activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will honour the school's rich history, offering attendees a chance to participate in a roll call, enjoy a cake cutting, and explore displays of memorabilia that capture the school's journey since its establishment in 1954. Morning tea and lunch will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for former students, teachers, and community members to reunite and reminisce.

The celebration will continue after the official program at the Millaroo Social Club from 3:30 p.m., where dinner will be served, and camping options are available for those who wish to stay overnight. This relaxed setting will allow for more informal conversations and shared memories, ensuring the day is both nostalgic and enjoyable for all attendees.

Millaroo State School, which has been a cornerstone of this small rural community, plays a vital role in the educational and social life of its residents. The 70th anniversary event is not only a celebration of the school's past but also a tribute to the tight-knit community that continues to support it.

For more details about the event, contact the organizers at 4784 9123 or 0466 379 508, and additional information can be found on the event’s Facebook page. This milestone event promises to be a significant and heartwarming gathering for the Millaroo community.

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Zonta Club Burdekin Inc - 30th Birthday Celebrations

August 29, 2024

On Tuesday night, 13 August 2024, the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc celebrated the club’s 30th Birthday at the Ayr ANZAC Memorial Club.
The event was ably emceed by Cathy McDonnell, a past Zonta foundation member.  Cathy shared with us her enjoyable experiences while a club member. Pierina Dalle Cort, Burdekin Mayor, and a past member of Zonta, opened the celebrations warmly welcoming current and past members and their friends.  Current members were honoured with the presence of past members, Lyndy McCathie, Peta Bird, Narelle Hibberd, and Dr Margaret Culpan who travelled from Townsville.
Rachel Cornelius, Zonta’s Vice President, created a very professional slide show which told a visual story, via photos and newspaper cuttings, of the many events the club has held over the past 30 years.  Robyn Haller and Mary Anne Fraser, club foundation members, shared with us many of the fun stories and fond memories they have of the past 30 years.  Robyn and Mary Anne also had the honour of cutting the sumptuous chocolate birthday cake. “The Zonta Thanks” prayer reading was taken from Zonta International’s closing dinner, held in Brisbane in July 2024.  
Isabel Stubbs, Zonta’s President, gave a thank you address and presented Lyndy McCathie with a small gift in recognition of the voluntary work that she does sewing breast care cushions, drainage bags and chemo porto pillows.  Mary Anne and Robyn Haller were also presented with a “Zonta” Yellow rose plant while past members, present at the celebrations, were given a copy of Zonta’s monthly newsletter and a key fob made from Zonta patterned material.
It was a most enjoyable evening with lots of laughter and chatter.  A big thank you to Isabel, Raelene, Rachel, Robyn and Mary Anne for making the night so special.

Cake Cutting (photo supplied)
30th celebration in full swing

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Lookiong out for the elderly

August 29, 2024

Elder abuse is more common than you might think, with 1 in 6 older Australians reporting abuse. It often occurs within families, particularly by adult children, and is frequently hidden and underreported, with 61% of older people not seeking help.

Elder abuse can take various forms, including psychological, financial, physical, sexual, social abuse, and neglect. Signs may include behaviour changes or evidence of harm. If you suspect elder abuse, don’t wait for proof. Call the Elder Abuse Helpline at 1300 651 192 for free, confidential advice.

In emergencies, dial 000. For legal and social support, contact services like Legal Aid Queensland or the Office of the Public Guardian. The Burdekin Community Association Inc. can assist with accessing these services at their Support Centre in Ayr. For more information, call 4783 3744 or email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au.

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What to do when the fog blinds you…

August 29, 2024

When driving in the fog, we reduce our speed and turn on our headlights to increase visibility, using the demister and windshield wipers as necessary. We maintain a safe following distance and are cautious at intersections. If visibility becomes extremely poor, we pull over to a safe location and wait for the fog to clear.

When our brains become foggy and don't function as we want, they can make everyday tasks challenging and cause us to lose our train of thought during a conversation. This condition, known as brain fog, is often temporary and can occur after an illness, as a sign of stress, as a side effect of medication, or as a symptom of an underlying condition.

Brain fog can persist for varying lengths of time, ranging from a few days to several weeks, months, or even years. If you find that brain fog significantly affects your daily life, seeking advice from a healthcare provider is important. They can offer guidance on treatments to help manage its impact.

There is no specific treatment for brain fog; however, there are things we can do to improve our immune system that may lessen its effect on us:

   • Improving sleep habits for a good night’s rest,
   • Eating healthy and nutritious meals,
   • Getting 30 minutes of physical activity in each day,
   • Writing down important information so you don’t forget it,
   • Taking short breaks (30 minutes) throughout the day to reduce overloading your brain,
   • Participating in mindfulness and other therapies that help you to identify, discuss, and reframe emotional concerns, grief, stress and depression.

Social isolation can also contribute to brain fog. The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre has social groups that meet regularly and can help you escape from your shell and get back to mixing with other people.

Contact the friendly staff at the Neighbourhood Centre at (07) 4783 4243 and find out what activities you can participate in.

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Cr Column Councillor John Furnell

August 29, 2024

Councillors recently undertook disaster training focussing on recovery. It’s a timely reminder to start thinking about the upcoming ‘cyclone season’. If you think back to Cyclone Kirrily, ask yourself “what can I start doing in the next few months to better prepare”, eg removing excess vegetation that could cause a problem, look for a portable radio etc. Prior preparation is the best way to survive any natural disaster.
Since 2011, Queensland has experienced around 100 significant natural disasters. In the Burdekin we have felt effects from cyclones near and further afield. Since moving to the Burdekin from Sydney via the Whitsundays for two years, my Cyclone recollections have been Cyclone Charlie March 1988, Cyclone Aivu April 1989, Cyclone Yasi February 2011, Cyclone Debbie March 2017 and recently Cyclone Kirrily.
Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending and singing, with the ‘Home Hill Choral Society’, at the Saint Helen’s Anglican Church Centenary Holy Communion Service. The service was followed by a scrumptious lunch and entertainment by the Soloman Island workers with cultural singing and dancing. Bishop Keith led the service.
Saint Helen’s Church was started by the original settlers in the Home Hill District in the early 1920’s. They were able to have a small church building in place in 1924 for Sunday worship to commence. They then went on to have the second Saint Helen’s Church the following year built by Edward Woodward for $884.00.
Fantastic to see other Church attendees joining in the service and celebrations. There were two lines from ‘The Blessing and Dismissal’ that resonated, “Our worship is ended, let our service now begin”
What a turnaround for the Cowboys …. if they can string form like that for the rest of the season they’ll have a crack at the big one come September. Well done to the NRLW Cowboys for a win on home turf same day.

Health and Happiness
Cr Furnell

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Minute with the Mayor Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort

September 12, 2024

Last weekend’s accident on the Burdekin Bridge was a stark reminder of the need for a second bridge in our region. The current infrastructure, whilst serving us well for our growing north, is simply not enough to meet the demands of connecting our communities and visitors.
I, too, have personally experienced the frustration of being stuck due to an incident on the bridge - an experience that took place over a decade ago. I remember having to walk the gravel path under the bridge in my sandals just to get across the other side.
This experience, though inconvenient at the time, underscored for me the vital role this bridge plays as a link between our townships. However, it also highlighted a critical vulnerability in our infrastructure—one that we cannot afford to ignore any longer.
The need for a second bridge is not just about convenience; it’s about safety, connectivity, and ensuring that our community and the entire state can continue to thrive without being cut off in times of need. This issue remains a top priority, and I will continue to advocate for the necessary funding and support.
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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The Home Hill Golf Club Celebrates Community Support with Bendigo Bank Grant

August 29, 2024

Established in 1932, the Home Hill Golf Club stands as a 9-hole course situated in the cane fields just outside of Home Hill.

The Club operates with a membership totaling just over 100 dedicated players with golf at the core of the business, and welcoming the occasional wedding, wake or party to the venue. The Home Hill Golf Club additionally holds a wildly successful Ambrose as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival Program, donating part of the proceeds to the Harvest Festival Committee.

Encompassing a core group of volunteers to maintain the course and service administrative needs, the Club relies on the contribution and support of its members in one form or another to keep the Club moving in a positive direction. Observing grants and donations as the lifeblood of small clubs, the Home Hill Golf Club applied for funding through the Bendigo Bank Community Grants Program to support the works underway following 2023’s grant success.

Celebrating their successful grant allocation in 2024, the Club will gratefully utilise the generosity of Bendigo Bank to install solar panels on the existing golf buggy shed and upgrade the course’s meter box. The installation of solar will allow the Club to offset the costs associated with running the cold room and air-conditioners, an opportunity the Club has been looking forward to.

“The Home Hill Golf Club was thrilled to hear that we were successful in gaining this funding, and it will mean a significant saving in ongoing costs and enables the Club to become more energy efficient,” explained the Home Hill Golf Club’s Secretary, Megan Barbagallo.

“Grants allow clubs to expand or upgrade in areas that are not financially viable without help and Bendigo Bank being a community bank that gives back to the community is a real point of difference, and a wonderful addition to the region.”

The Home Hill Golf Club invites the community to attend their upcoming series of “Come & Try” days which have been developed to support women and encourage their participation in everything that the amazing sport of golf has to offer.

The series will extend from July to October, with the club to host the Harvest Festival Ambrose on Sunday 4 November.

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A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Care at Campbells

August 29, 2024

Nestled in the heart of the community, Campbell’s Jewellery has been a shining beacon of quality and tradition for decades. The store's history is deeply rooted in its origins, dating back to the post-war era when "Les French" first opened its doors. Originally established as an optometrist, the store gradually evolved into a full-fledged jewellery store as Les introduced a small collection of jewellery that steadily grew, eventually becoming the store's primary focus.

In 1960, the store changed hands when Thelma and Kevin Campbell, a mother-and-son duo, took over the business. Under their leadership, the store continued to thrive, serving the community with the same dedication and care that had been its hallmark from the beginning. When Thelma retired in 1977, her place was taken by Meryl Campbell, who continued to run the business alongside Kevin.

The store remained known as French's Jewellery until 1983 when a significant change occurred. That year, the store was rebranded as Campbell’s Jewellery, marking the start of a new chapter in its history. It was also the year when Rose Papadimitriou, then a 17-year-old with no prior experience in jewellery, began her journey with the company. Rose's passion for jewellery quickly became evident, and over the next 30 years, she grew with the business, eventually taking the reins herself.

In 2013, Rose took a bold step and purchased the store, becoming the proud owner of the business she had devoted her career to. As a new business owner, Rose was fortunate to have established relationships with trusted diamond specialists and jewellery suppliers. These connections allowed her to continue offering her customers the finest quality products, ensuring that Campbell’s Jewellery remained a trusted name in the community.

Rose attributes much of the store’s continued success to her incredible team. Jane, Danae, Natasha, and Kate are not just employees; they are a close-knit team dedicated to selecting the finest jewellery, from traditional pieces to the latest trends. Their combined efforts have kept the store’s offerings fresh and exciting, with a particular focus on their current collection of coloured gemstones, mined, and large lab-grown diamonds.

Social media has also played a pivotal role in Campbell’s Jewellery’s ongoing success. With platforms like Facebook and Instagram, customers can now view the store’s stunning collections from the comfort of their homes, making it easier than ever to find the perfect piece.

The store’s in-house jeweller is another valuable asset, providing quick and efficient repairs and guidance on custom-made pieces. This personalized service has helped Campbell’s Jewellery build lasting relationships with its customers, many of whom return time and again for the store’s expertise and care.

Among the many memorable experiences Rose recalls, one stands out: a couple who came into the store, chose a ring and got engaged on the spot. It’s moments like these that highlight the special role Campbell’s Jewellery plays in the lives of its customers.

Looking ahead, Rose and her team are committed to continuing the store’s legacy. They plan to keep providing their loyal customers—both new and existing—with the highest quality jewellery sourced from trusted suppliers. For Rose, the future also holds the promise of passing on her love for jewellery to her four beautiful granddaughters, who she hopes will one day share in the family’s passion for this timeless craft.

Campbell’s Jewellery is more than just a store; it’s a symbol of enduring quality, community connection, and a deep love for the art of jewellery. As it continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the legacy of craftsmanship and care that began decades ago will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.

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Weekly Production Figures Burdekin region mills Week 10, ending 17 August 2024

August 29, 2024

Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
6,377
954,078
Pioneer
1,060
427,504
Kalamia
5,242
545,399
Inkerman
3,973
629,809
Burdekin
16,652
2,556,790
CCS
Invicta
12.97
14.06
Pioneer
14.54
14.14
Kalamia
13.34
13.80
Inkerman
14.43
13.83
Burdekin
13.53
13.96
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
48%
14.54
Q208
7%
14.46
SRA23
18%
14.58
Q183
5%
13.86
KQ228
17%
15.05
WSRA17
5%
15.06
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just under 17,000 tonnes of cane for the week due to the impact of wet weather.
Widespread showers and thunderstorms delivered between 70mm and 100mm across the district from Saturday night, bringing harvesting to a standstill on Sunday.
The Burdekin mills have now processed a total of 2.55M tonnes of cane, representing about 30% of the forecast 8.47M tonne crop.
The average weekly CCS was 13.53, which was below budget due to the wet conditions.
The highest CCS sample of 15.65 was from a rake of Q240-PL in the Marshalls (Inkerman) productivity district.
As always, please remember to take care as you approach cane rail crossings.

John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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Capture Your ‘Spirit Of The Bush’

August 29, 2024

A rural charity has opened its annual photography competition to the public for its fifth year.  

Spirit of the Bush is an Australian-wide photography competition run by Rural Aid.  

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the competition was a great way to get a glimpse into life on the land.  
“Our Spirit of the Bush competition is always very popular, attracting hundreds of entrants from across Australia,” Mr Warlters said.  

“The winning 12 photos are turned into a beautiful wall calendar.” 

“I encourage amateurs, professionals and everyone in between to submit their photographs to the 2024 competition.” 

“Spirt of the Bush is a wonderful celebration of the highs and lows of life on the land.” 

Mr Warlters urged photographers to get in quickly this year.  

“We’ve shortened the competition window slightly this year, so if you’d like to take part, make sure you don’t dilly-dally.” 

“It’s our fifth year running this iconic competition, and we’d love it to be bigger than ever!” 

“We’ve already received some amazing high-quality images from previous entrants, but we’d love to see some new faces on board before the comp closes on October 1,” Mr Warlters said.  

Winners will be featured in Rural Aid’s 2025 wall calendar and will also receive a $250 pre-paid VISA card.  

The competition closes October 1, 2024. 

Entrants must submit a high-resolution, landscape image via Instagram or Facebook, with the hashtag #SOTB2024 and tag @ruralaid in the picture, or upload their photo through the Woobox link: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/  

The competition’s Terms and Conditions can be found at: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/  

2023 Winner, Jane Taylor, WA

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Wilmar And Union Enterprise Dispute Update

August 29, 2024

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and representatives of three unions met last week at the company’s request to discuss current positions in relation to their enterprise bargaining dispute.

Wilmar suggested today’s meeting following discussions two weeks ago in Townsville facilitated by Fair Work Commissioner Bernie Riordan.

Subsequent to those discussions, Commissioner Riordan recommended some potential solutions to a range of issues in dispute.

A Wilmar spokesman said last week’s meeting established that each side saw merit in exploring at least some of the Commissioner’s suggestions and a number of options were raised.

“We reinforced again our commitment to finding a mutually acceptable solution by suggesting new options for an agreement based in large part on a suggested solution from Commissioner Riordan,” he said.

“We see these as a possible opportunity for headway.

“We have left it with unions to come back to us on the options put forward,” the spokesman said.

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BUSY MONTH FOR GROWER MARKETING

August 29, 2024

Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Following a jam-packed July that was dominated by our international sugar trader roadshow, the Grower Marketing team has been busy compiling the first edition of our new grower newsletter – The Sugar Brief.

In this new communication offering, we collate the range of activities we engage in that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables sponsors dozens of events within our sugar milling regions that are linked to cane growing, local schools, sporting clubs and community activities.

Through July and August the Grower Marketing team sponsored the Ingham Tractor Pull Championship held at the Ingham Show and the Young Farmers section at the 2024 Proserpine Show cane exhibit.

As part of Wilmar’s corporate sponsorship of the North Queensland Cowboys, we are able to entertain growers at some of the local games. Unfortunately, the most recent of these corporate box events coincided with the Broncos bringing their A-game to the Townsville stadium.

Port tours and school education events are a regular activity for our team in the field, and we hope to get some mill tours under way once the season is more progressed.

We also intermittently hold shed meetings for interested parties, especially those who missed out on the trader roadshow.

On the Pricing and Pooling front, Wilmar’s results continue to outperform the competition. Our Production Risk Pool is tracking well ahead of QSL’s Harvest Pool as is our Managed Pool and US Quota Pool.

The all-important Allocation Account is currently forecast at approximately $42/t Actual which is effectively twice as much as the QSL shared Pool. Obviously it is very early in the 2024 season and forecast prices will move around with the market. However the established trend of the Pool and Allocation continuing to add significant value to growers who choose to market with Willmar looks to be repeating.

Remember you have until 31 October 2024 to finalise your 2025 season GEI marketing nomination. Even if you have already nominated, you are able to change your GEI marketer up until that date.

Feel free to contact one of our team members to talk about your marketing options.

We were proud sponsors of the Tractor Pull Championship held at the Ingham Show

Port tours are a regular activity for our team in the field. Owen Richards (right) is pictured with growers at the Port of Townsville

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GORGE WEIR (LEICHHARDT) ON BURDEKIN RIVER - OPENED 6TH DECEMBER 1953

August 29, 2024

Towards the end of World War II, Australia sought to expand agricultural land for returning soldiers. In the Lower Burdekin region, efforts began to develop farmland, especially for tobacco, which had been grown in Home Hill since 1909 by pioneers like Richard Bayliss.
By 1948, land was being sold around Clare for tobacco cultivation, but water availability was a significant challenge. To address this, a weir was planned at the Gorge in the Leichhardt Ranges, upstream from the confluence of the Bowen and Burdekin Rivers. This weir would support the new agricultural settlements of Clare, Millaroo, and Dalbeg.
Construction of the weir, located about 80 miles from Ayr, began in July 1952, with roads and bridges being built to access the site. By August, the first concrete had been poured for a temporary weir. The project involved a substantial workforce, and by November 1952, detailed surveys and contour plans for the diversion dam were completed.
The dam was designed to store 6,600 acre-feet of water for use in the first stage of the development. The worksite employed around 100 men, and 53 tobacco farms were established in Clare, with additional farms planned once the weir was completed.
The project, overseen by Alf T. Taylor of the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission, faced challenges, including a crane accident on June 30, 1953. The accident seriously injured two workers, Reginald William Buckley and Lewis Chaffey, requiring a 160-mile round trip to the hospital. Despite setbacks, the weir was completed by November 4, 1953.
On December 6, 1953, the Gorge Weir was officially opened by the Minister for Lands and Irrigation, the Honourable T. A. Foley, alongside other dignitaries. The event attracted a large crowd from the Lower Burdekin District. After the opening, guests inspected the Millaroo Irrigation Pumping Station, which was still under construction, and then visited the township of Millaroo for afternoon tea.
The Gorge Weir, a gravity-type structure built at the mouth of the Gorge in the Leichhardt Ranges, measured 1,320 feet wide and varied in height up to 40 feet due to the uneven rock foundation. The weir included a section of hardwood drop-boards that were removable and allowed water to back up about six miles, storing approximately 6,600 acre-feet. Water was released through an 8-foot wide by 4-foot high gate to flow down to the pumping stations at Clare, Millaroo, and Dalbeg, which became operational in 1954-55. The weir's construction cost approximately £400,000, which was £91,000 below the original estimate.
The Gorge Weir was part of a broader plan outlined in the Burdekin River Irrigation Hydro-Electric and Flood Mitigation Project Report of December 1951 by the Burdekin River Authority.
This plan included several stages: Stage 1, which was the construction of the Gorge Weir; Stage 2, the building of the Burdekin Dam at the Burdekin Falls, completed between 1984 and 1987; Stage 3, the proposed raising of the Burdekin Dam to enable water recycling and hydroelectricity generation, which remains unfulfilled as of 2022; and Stage 4, the construction of the Leichhardt Diversionary Dam downstream of the Gorge Weir, which was intended to open up agricultural land on the east bank of the Burdekin River and divert water towards Bowen. However, Stage 4 was never realized.
Today, the Gorge Weir has been supplemented by the Clare Weir and a pumping station at Steepy Banks on the Burdekin River, which channels water into the Upper Haughton River and ultimately contributes to Townsville's water supply. The Gorge Weir, a key component of the region's agricultural development, remains a significant historical and engineering landmark.
For those interested in learning more about the Gorge Weir, additional information can be found by searching for "Gorge Weir on the Burdekin River" on Trove.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Wednesday 3 Oct 1951 p3, Saturday 23 Aug 1952 p1, Friday 4 Dec 1953 p2, Monday 7 Dec 1953 p2.
Cairns Post Wednesday 1 July 1953 p5
Brisbane Telegraph Saturday 10 Oct 1953 p18, Friday 27 Nov 1953 p25
Daily Mercury Mackay Friday 22 May 1953 p14, Wednesday 4 Nov 1953 p6
Queensland Time Ipswich Wednesday 4 Nov 1953 p6
Queensland Country Life Thursday 10 Dec 1953 p3 Warwick Daily News Friday 7 Nov 1952 p3
Report by The Burdekin River Authority on The Burdekin River Irrigation Hydro-Electric and Flood Mitigation Project.  December 1951

 
Contributed with thanks to Glenis Cislowski

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