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 storySince the flooding event, the Herbert River Improvement Trust has been dealing with increasing expectations from landowners and community while facing difficulties in securing adequate funding to carry out essential works.
With limited annual budget allocations and a reliance on grant funding, the Trust is struggling to meet demand for riverbank stabilisation, flood mitigation, and infrastructure protection.
The Trust's primary funding comes from an annual budget of approximately $280,000, supplemented by grants. However, securing grant funding has become increasingly difficult, as competition with other organisations intensifies.
In an effort to stretch resources, the Herbert River Improvement Trust follows a cost-sharing model with landowners, typically requiring a 50-50 financial contribution. However, when projects are funded through government grants, often under disaster recovery programs, landowners are not required to contribute.
Since the flood, the Trust is seeing a surge in requests from landowners, but the reality is they cannot fix everything immediately, and some landowners are unaware of the 50/50 contribution needed.
The prioritisation of projects is based on multiple factors, including financial contributions from landowners. Those willing to invest in their own properties often receive higher priority in the Trust's work program. Essential infrastructure projects, such as those that benefit entire communities, also take priority.
Securing government grants is a complex process, involving negotiations with multiple levels of government. More recently, a state grant of $400,000 helped raise the levee in Halifax, preventing severe flooding in the area. While such funding is vital, it is not guaranteed, and the Trust must continually push for financial support.
Getting a grant can take a serious amount of time which can in turn make landowners frustrated, but despite this, the Herbert River Improvement Trust is positive that they will see government grant support to help in this region.
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