Issuu

February 2025

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Festival one in a melon

Record crowd at Bell races

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Wind woes The renewable energy rollout of wind, solar, hydro and bioenergy projects has captured Queenslander’s attention after the Federal Government declared over 50 large-scale projects already being operational, under construction or financially committed in June 2024. Although the news has left many rejoicing, others are terribly concerned. One wind farm project in Central Queensland, Moah Creek Wind Farm, was approved in 2023 under State Code 23 by the Queensland Government. The project is set to be constructed 30 kilometres west of Rockhampton, with 60 turbines planned to be built within one to five kilometres of 150 existing homes. STORY PAGE 2

Life lessons

All Breeds

Nebo mum of two Sonya Shelley, has home tutored her kids for nine years. Going into her 10th, Sonya says she knows the rural educational system like the back of her hand and is determined to express her concerns. “For some time, there has been a sheer lack of awareness and promotion of the valuable role of ‘governesses play in the delivery of distance education’,” she said. STORY PAGE 6

This year’s annual February All Breeds Sale, CQLX, Gracemere held on 10 and 11 February, will have 661 lots of 21 breeds catalogued. The two-day sale will showcase a composed offering of 592 bulls and 69 females and will once again, herald the commencement of the central Queensland annual seedstock sales calendar. The sale is regarded by many as a barometer for many of the sales that follow specific breed values. The opening day of the sale commences at 8am on Monday, 10 February with the sale offering of 140 Brahman bulls followed by 66 Brahman heifers of both red and grey genotypes. STORY PAGE 22

Darci-Jayne and Nate Shelley have been home tutored by their mum Sonya, throughout their primary school years. (Supplied)

Left in the dark By Breanna Lloyd Since the mandatory switch from 3G to 5G network in November last year, many rural communities report they are ’still left in the dark’ and have been left with unreliable mobile service and common occurring blackspots.

Many mobile users from across the state have reported widespread blackspots and reception drop-out areas, leaving them concerned about the reliability of the service. Roma property owners Jenny and Roger Underwood claim their internet is now worse than it has ever been.

“Our service is now worse than when we previously had 3G,” Jenny said. “It is a great concern for everyone on the land, especially when you can’t even contact emergency services. “We’ve noticed major blackout spots through-

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out our property, our house, and the main highway. “All it takes is for someone to have an accident in a blackspot area, and they will be in trouble because they can’t call for help.” STORY PAGE 3

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