Minute with the Mayor & Councillor

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort

February feels as though it has come and gone in a blur — done and dusted. Already, Council has commenced discussions on the 2026/2027 Budget. Every request and every need raised is important, however we must balance those needs with what is achievable and ensure we prioritise responsibly for the benefit of the whole community.

The weather certainly continues to keep us on our toes. While many people are understandably weary of the continued rainfall, our farming community is seeing the benefits. I was jokingly told the other day that Ergon might be heading for liquidation — our farmers would certainly be pleased with their power bills at the moment. It has been quite remarkable to see so much water lying around the district this year.

That said, we are not out of the woods yet, with more rain forecast. I encourage everyone, particularly those in our outer areas, to remain prepared, monitor conditions closely and ensure you have essential supplies on hand in case access is impacted. Please continue to keep up to date through Council’s Disaster Management channels.

This month also marks an important milestone with the Centenary celebrations of Canegrowers Burdekin Ltd. Our community has been built on sugarcane, and it remains at the heart of who we are — the Burdekin truly is the sugar capital of Australia. My grandparents were cane farmers, as was my father, and even today I still feel a sense of excitement watching the cane fires.

When we reflect on how far the industry has come — from the days of manual planting and hand-cutting to the advanced machinery we see now — it is a testament to the strength and innovation of our farming community. I still remember spending school holidays with my family, stripping cane to help with planting — something families don’t do anymore, but memories that speak to the strong connection between our people and the land.

Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

Cr Column

Councillor Michael Detenon

As your local Councillor, I spend a lot of time talking about roads, rates, and rubbish. But this week, I want to swap the tie for some sun-safe gear and talk about something close to my heart—and the hearts of many fishers in our district.

This Sunday, the Burdekin Fish Restocking Group will be out at the Burdekin Falls Dam for our latest release of barramundi fingerlings.

To some, it might just look like releasing a few thousand tiny fish into a massive body of water. But for the Burdekin, it represents so much more.

I am incredibly proud to serve as the President of the Fish Restocking Group. It is a volunteer-run effort that relies on the passion of locals who want to see our natural assets thrive. It’s a reminder of the "can-do" spirit that defines our Shire—if we want a world-class fishery, we don't wait for someone else to do it; we roll up our sleeves and get the job done ourselves.

There’s also a practical side to this. Healthy populations of native Barra help keep our waterways balanced. They are a natural way to manage pest species and ensure that the Burdekin Dam and River remains a healthy, vibrant environment for generations to come.

If you’re interested, head out to the Dam this Sunday morning (the fish are expected to arrive sometime between 10 and 11am), come throw a few baby barra in the water and grab a snag on bread afterwards. It’s a great day out for the family and a chance to see firsthand how we are working to keep the Burdekin the best place in the North to live, work, and—most importantly—fish.

See you at the Dam!

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