Cr Column

Councillor Callan Oar

The sound of locos rattling through the Burdekin is a sure sign of harvest, and this year those bins have been moving earlier and faster than usual. With an early start to the crushing, we’re on track to finish before Melbourne Cup, just like the old days. That’s welcome news for our farming families, mill workers and contractors, and it flows right across the community. An early finish means fewer wet season delays, smoother operations, and earlier returns into local businesses. From the hardware store to the butcher, everyone feels the benefit when the crush runs well.

By the time you’re reading this, it will be just 91 days until Christmas. With harvest wrapping up sooner, many families will be able to shift gears earlier and enjoy the festive season with a little more breathing space.

This weekend, during the school holidays, I’m taking my family and the caravan to one of our local beaches for a couple of nights. It’s a good reminder of the fantastic spots we have right here in our backyard. Spending locally, whether at our parks, shops or small businesses, keeps money in the community and helps our region thrive.