As recovery works are continuing, I would just like to assure residents that assistance is still available and is only a phone call away. Flood damaged goods kerbside collection is continuing and it is pleasing to see that our roads and streets have in the main been cleared of most damaged material. Thank you to MAMs and all contractors and personnel involved in achieving such a good result in a very quick time frame. Flood damaged goods kerbside collection is continuing in the wider areas at t
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Monday last week marked Random Acts of Kindness Day, a time to celebrate generosity and compassion. One heartfelt gesture in Ingham this week has reminded us all of the power of kindness during difficult times. While visiting the flood-affected region, Carey Group People and Culture Lead, Kristian, made a generous personal donation that had a ripple effect of goodwill. His contribution touched Marina, the owner of the Majestic Café, who used the funds to provide breakfast for approximately 50 S
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Most of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables 500 Herbert employees are now back at work, after two weeks of disruption from the major flood event. General Manager Operations Mike McLeod visited Wilmar’s Victoria and Macknade mills last week to check on employees and get a firsthand briefing on the flood damage. He also met with workers at Wilmar’s Herbert Centralised Workshop in Lannercost Street. Mr McLeod’s visit took place a day after the bulk of Wilmar’s Herbert workforce was finally able to retu
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New lifejacket laws have come into effect that all boat users must be aware of. The changes include stricter rules on when lifejackets must be worn as well as the phasing out of older Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) that do not meet modern Australian Standards. While safety on the water is paramount, many North Queenslanders consider the new laws to be impractical as they fail to consider the realities of local boating conditions. The laws came into effect on December 1, 2024, however there
Read the full storyNew lifejacket laws have come into effect that all boat users must be aware of. The changes include stricter rules on when lifejackets must be worn as well as the phasing out of older Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) that do not meet modern Australian Standards.
While safety on the water is paramount, many North Queenslanders consider the new laws to be impractical as they fail to consider the realities of local boating conditions.
The laws came into effect on December 1, 2024, however there are still many people who are unaware of the new requirements. We are told that enforcement of the new rules will be delayed until July 1, 2025, as Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ) attempts to improve communication and education of the public about the requirements.
For those who aren’t yet aware, the changes now make it mandatory to wear a lifejacket in the following circumstances:
• When boating alone, or only with children under 12 on an open boat under 4.8m while underway.
• When crossing designated coastal bars on an open ship or in an open area of any boat.
• For children aged 1-12 who are on an open boat or in an open area of any boat while underway.
• During night-time boating (sunset to sunrise) on an open boat under 4.8m while underway.
In response to community concerns, I moved a disallowance motion in Parliament to scrap these heavy- handed changes which were introduced by the State Labor Government just prior to the 2024 State election. Although I had hoped for the current State Government’s support, the subordinate legislation was passed and will remain in force.
I will continue to push back against government over-regulation and fight to protect our cherished North Queensland freedoms. For more information about the new rules please visit https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/About-us/News-and-stories/New-rules-for-wearing-lifejackets or phone MSQ on 13 23 80.
Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook
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