By Amanda Wright The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it was about the direction Australia takes in the years ahead. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, delivered on 25 March, makes clear where the Albanese government believes that the future lies: in cost-of-living relief, housing, and a transition to a more sustainable economy. But with an election now set for 3 May, it’s impossible to ignore the political stakes. Is this a responsible economic plan or a budget de
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When disastrous floods swept through the region in February, the town of Ingham found itself in a crisis unlike any it had seen in recent memory with devastating flood waters surpassing the levels they reached in the historic floods of 1967. Amidst the chaos of the floods the local medical practices Hinchinbrook Healthcare and Ingham Family Medical Practice banded together in times of uncertainty and provided a glimmer of light to Ingham residents, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resour
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Victoria grew up in Brisbane and went on to pursue a Cert III in Business Administration while also qualifying as a swimming teacher through AustSwim. Their career path led them to roles as a receptionist and swimming instructor, where they worked hard to fund their Diploma of Arts. Later serving as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology, Victoria further sharpened their writing and editorial skills. Victoria's family live in Macknade and moving to the reg
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A striking symbol of resilience and awareness now stands along the highway in Ingham—its vivid blue branches reaching out as a reminder that no one has to struggle in silence. The Blue Tree Project, a national initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health, found a home in the town in July 2023, thanks to a collaborative community effort. Councillor Donna Marbelli first saw a Blue Tree while driving between Townsville and Ingham and knew the town needed one of its own. The search
Read the full storyThe wet season rain has once again cut the Bruce Highway at the Seymour and Gairloch crossings, leaving locals stranded, businesses struggling, and supply chains in disarray. This isn’t a one-off event, as many of you would know, it’s a recurring disaster that demands immediate action.
For too long, successive State and Federal Governments have failed to prioritise flood-resilient infrastructure for North Queensland. The Gairloch project, which includes the notorious Seymour crossing, has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo for over a decade, despite having $48 million in funding. Yet, construction hasn’t even started.
So far in 2025, the Bruce Highway has been closed at Seymour for 16 days, and we’re not even at the end of March. Imagine if a major highway in Brisbane or Sydney was shut down for over two weeks. It wouldn’t be tolerated, and neither should this.
Every time our highway is cut, food, fuel, and essential supplies can’t get into the northern areas, and local produce can’t get out. Freight companies are forced onto the costly inland route, driving up prices for businesses and consumers alike. Meanwhile, the tourism industry also suffers as visitors reroute their trips to avoid flood-affected areas.
To add insult to injury, the State and Federal Governments have committed $9 billion to the Bruce Highway, yet not a single cent is dedicated to flood immunity projects. Instead, the money is going towards safety upgrades that do nothing to keep the road open when it matters most.
That’s why I’ve written an open letter to every MP from Hinchinbrook to the tip of Cape York, urging them to stand together and demand:
a) The immediate fast-tracking of the Gairloch (and Seymour) project to ensure no more time is wasted
b) A fair share of the $9 billion Bruce Highway package for flood immunity projects.
Improving food immunity for this section of the Bruce Highway should be everyone’s concern, I look forward to one day seeing construction start on the Gairloch and Seymour sections of the highway.
Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook
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