Over 70 people attended the Forrest Beach Progress Association’s first Hoy of the year on Saturday, 11th of January. Many prizes were given out, but most importantly, it was a great day out, and fun was had by all. Every game of Hoy resulted in a prize, every fifth game winner won a meat tray. There were also two raffles and a cent sale, and the money raised helped the Forrest Beach Progress Association treat the community. Forrest Beach Progress Association President Wayne Squires said the F
Read the full storyThe Bruce Highway is the most important road in our region, it serves as the major north-south freight and commuter corridor, connecting various coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns over a total length of 1,673km. For numerous years, the Bruce Highway has been in dire need of repairs and funding. Last week, the government announced that $9 billion will be funded for the Bruce Highway, $7.2 billion from the federal government and $1.8 billion from state funding. The Ingham to
Read the full storyQueensland’s waterways are home to one of nature’s most formidable predators: the crocodile. Since gaining protection in 1971, crocodile populations have steadily increased, making these prehistoric creatures a vital part of the ecosystem. However, they also pose risks to residents and visitors, especially in areas like Hinchinbrook. Crocodiles are an iconic part of Far North Queensland's identity, but their presence often sparks divisive debates. Sightings along the coast highlight the challen
Read the full storyOn December 23, 2024, Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 002 933 717) initiated a voluntary recall for specific batches of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide, sold by agricultural retailers between October 1 and December 20, 2024. The recall was made under Section 106 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code, as part of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994. Reason for Recall: The recall concerns the 20L containers from batches 389865 and 389866, which were found to have not me
Read the full storyThe Bruce Highway is the most important road in our region, it serves as the major north-south freight and commuter corridor, connecting various coastal population centres from Brisbane to Cairns over a total length of 1,673km.
For numerous years, the Bruce Highway has been in dire need of repairs and funding. Last week, the government announced that $9 billion will be funded for the Bruce Highway, $7.2 billion from the federal government and $1.8 billion from state funding.
The Ingham to Innisfail stretch of the Bruce Highway has been identified as a key funding hot spot, and Nick Dametto, MP Member for Hinchinbrook, is thrilled.
“We are all very excited to see not only the Albanese government but the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, make a commitment of $7.2 billion to improvements along the Bruce Highway,” said Mr Dametto.
“We are particularly interested in the section between Ingham and Innisfail. It is probably one of the most treacherous parts of the Bruce Highway with a number of narrow bridges, narrow sections of the highway, and also a number of floodplains.
“To see that money allocated to the Bruce is great.”
Nick Dametto and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter have petitioned for improvements in the area for some time and are happy that funding will occur.
“Bruce Highway is the lifeblood of Queensland. Nothing goes up and down the coast without it, and this section of the Bruce Highway is particularly prone to flooding, especially in that wet season era,” said Mr Dametto.
“That means during those times where not only can we not get our produce out of North Queensland, but we can't get product into North Queensland.
“It is vitally important to keep the Bruce hallway open as much as possible.
“When it comes to safety improvements, there have been a number of treacherous accidents that have claimed lives and a number of near misses.
“Improving, by not only widening of the Bruce Highway, adding overtaking lanes and also the flood mitigation, will be beneficial to all that live and use the highway on a daily basis, but also those trucking in our transport companies.”
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo has identified some areas along the Bruce Highway that he hopes will receive funding.
“The main concern is floodproofing; the section of road through Seymour River and Arnot Creek is also very narrow, and there have been quite a number of traffic accidents there in our jurisdiction,” said Mayor Jayo.
“If once the road does get fixed up for flooding, it will obviously be built to the new current standards and the new current standards do take into account the width of the road for safety purposes.”
Mayor Jayo also said the Bruce Highway is vital to our region's tourism sector.
“A lot of industries travel on that road and a lot of tourism activity. If we don't have good road systems, we don't have good connectivity, then we can't grow our industry, and we can't grow our tourism.
“It all relates back to being able to provide products in a timely and proper manner.
“It is about growing the north and giving us the facilities up here that the south has been using for quite some time.”