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WET TROPIC

Thursday, January 18, 2024 $2 INSIDE

ISC STUDENTS GAINED VALUABLE SKILLS IN 2023

PA G E 2 REELING IN THE FUTURE: HUNDREDS OF BARRA RELEASED INTO THE HINCHINBROOK CHANNEL

PA G E 4 ALBANESE NOW REALISES ACCC INQUIRY THE WAY TO INVESTIGATE SUPERMARKETS

PA G E 12

Local People - Local News

Find us on Page 4

The unexpected forming of Michael Creek Mt Fox Action Group SARI RUSSO WITHOUT immediate action Mt Fox is set to contain the most extensive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the southern hemisphere. The group has until January 30. When combined, the project site has a total area of 3,185 hectares. It forms the western boundary of Hinchinbrook Shire Council Local Government Area https://www.hinchinbrook. qld.gov.au/economic-development-tourismplanning/planning-and-development/ applications/have-your-say/. The residents of Mt Fox only recently noticed signs being placed in relatively obscure locations regarding the Material Change of Use – Battery Storage Facility requirements for Ewan Road, Mount Fox.

much of the remaining native vegetation is highly fragmented it is surprising to many that the Queensland Government would allow the decimation of significant amounts of pristine rainforest, particularly when Western countries internationally who have already gone further down the renewables pathway are now transitioning into nuclear https:// www.energy.gov/articles/cop28-countrieslaunch-declaration-triple-nuclear-energycapacity-2050-recognizing-key. Since the Queensland government has allowed rainforests to be cut down and the development of windmills in their place, there have been significant protests from the locals in the communities where they are imposing these changes.

On August 2, 2023, State code 23 the state government of Queensland opened a consultation on proposed updates to its wind farm development code and related planning guidance https://planning.statedevelopment. qld.gov.au/planning-issues-and-interests/ updates-to-state-code-23-wind-farmdevelopment-and-the-associated-planningguidance. The changes are to ensure the following: -The purpose of this code is to ensure that the impacts arising from the construction, operation and decommissioning of wind farms do not result in unacceptable adverse impacts on individuals, communities and the natural environment.

Continues on page 3...

The areas mentioned in the proposal are Ewan Road, Mount Fox; • Lot 18 on WU6; • Lot 591 on SP302249; • Lot 592 on SP302249; • Lot 57 on SP237064; • Lot 3 on WG274; and • Several existing road reserves (Mountain Ash Road; Spotted Gum Road; Knuckledown Road; and Furber Road). The primary concerns expressed by the leadership and members of the Michael Creek Mt Fox Action Group are the proposed significant forest land that will be decimated to create the facilities and that there appears not to have been an adequate assessment of the potential runoff into Michael Creek and the impact on native flora and fauna regarding the proposed BESS in the Planning Report Submitted to the Hinchinbrook Council on September 27, 2023, mainly as a BESS is new and unproved technology that is known to be prone to significant fire concerns. When considering that Australia has already lost 40% of its forests https://academic.oup. com/jpe/article/5/1/109/1294916 and now

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COMMUNITY 2 | Innisfail State College students gained valuable skills in 2023 Wet Tropic Times

MARIA GIRGENTI IN 2023, Innisfail State College students upskilled by signing up to complete school-based apprenticeships/ traineeships in a broad range of industries. Brodie Casale, Ava Cook, Evyn Zaini, Ben Spataro, Corey Gill, Kaleb Ivey, Lilly-Jo Kusu, Jye Rhodes, Kohan Spry, Cooper Featherstone, Keilani Bale and Jonathan De Brincat worked towards qualifications. These school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) offer students the opportunity to work with an employer and train towards completing a recognised qualification whilst still completing their senior education. Students gained practical skills and

knowledge that are specific to their industry, which can help them secure full-time employment. SATs allow students to gain practical skills and knowledge required for specific industries, which can help them enter the workforce for the first time, gain an apprenticeship or traineeship, enter tertiary studies, or advance learning in a chosen profession. These students are currently working towards a qualification in their chosen field, which include: Certificate III in Carpentry - Les Melvin Building Automotive Electrical - Innisfail Auto Electrics Certificate III in Electrotechnology Damian Bonello Electrics

Certificate III in Engineering/Mechanical - LRF Repairs Certificate III in Hairdressing - Classic Cutz Hair and Beauty Certificate IV in Engineering - Johnstone Agricultural Machinery Certificate III in Meat Processing Midway Butchers Certificate III in Electrotechnology Jason Aquilina Electrical Certificate III in Retail - McDonalds Family Restaurant

Ben Spataro (right) is in the process of completing a Certificate III - Engineering Mechanical Trade with LRF Repairs.

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Preventative Dentistry Children's Dental Visiting Orthodontist Restoration Dentistry Tooth Replacement Custom Mouthguards Major Tooth Repairs Dental Surgery Tooth Whitening Teeth Alignment

Students usually work one day a week at their workplace and complete their studies at school on the remaining four days. Innisfail State College is grateful for the support received from local businesses, who are willing to take on their students for work experience and school-based apprenticeships/traineeships.

Brodie Casale (left) is undertaking a Certificate III - Meat Processing with Midway Butchers.

Cooper Featherstone (left) signed up for a Certificate III - Information Technology with Innisfail State College. Ava Cook (right), signed up for a Certificate III - Hairdressing with Classic Cutz Hair and Beauty.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Corey Gill (right) signed up for a Certificate III - Electrotechnology with Damian Bonello Electrics.

Kohan Spry (left) signed up for a Certificate III in Electrotechnology with Jason Aquilina Electrical.

Jye Rhodes (right) signed up for a certificate in Automotive Electrical Technology at Innisfail Auto Electrics.

Evyn Zaini (right) signed up for a Certificate IV - Engineering with Johnstone Agricultural Machinery. Kaleb Ivey and Lilly-Jo Kusu (red shirts) signed up for a Certificate III - Retail with McDonald’s Family Restaurant.

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Jonathan De Brincat (left) signed up for a Certificate III Carpentry with Les Melvin Builder.

Keilani Bale (left) signed up for a Certificate III - Hospitality with Sapore di Italia.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

COMMUNITY

Wet Tropic Times

The unexpected forming of Michael Creek Mt Fox Action Group Continued from page 1... COMPLIANCE with this code ensures that: 1. threatened species, habitats of threatened species and areas of high environmental value and associated habitat are not adversely impacted by the design, construction and operations of a wind farm; 2. those parts of the natural environment that are cleared and modified for the construction of a wind farm are rehabilitated to the maximum extent possible; 3. the environmental values of receiving waters are not adversely impacted by the construction of or ongoing operations of a wind farm; 4. erosion and sediment runoff from all areas cleared and disturbed during construction of a wind farm is appropriately managed; 5. all parts of the wind farm site that are modified to support ongoing operations and maintenance are stabilised to prevent erosion and sediment runoff to surrounding landscapes and watercourses; 6. wind farms are resilient to natural hazards, and the humans involved with the construction and ongoing operations are not exposed to unacceptable risks from natural hazards; 7. the quality of life for people associated with sensitive land uses is protected through managing the acoustic and amenity impacts of wind farms; 8. workforce accommodation associated with the construction of a wind farm does not cause unacceptable adverse impacts on individuals and surrounding communities; 9. wind farms proposed in areas identified by state or local government planning instruments as having high scenic amenity and/or landscape values do not significantly compromise those values; 10. the transport and haulage of wind farm components and construction materials does not cause unacceptable impacts on transport networks or local communities; 11. the safety, operational integrity and efficiency of air services and aircraft operations are not impacted or affected during the construction of and operation of a wind farm; 12. wind farms are decommissioned appropriately, sustainably and in a timely manner. Please see below a message from the Michael Creek Mt Fox Action Group: The Mt Fox community have come together to form the Michael Creek Mt Fox Action Group to object to the proposed development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Mt Fox. The proposed development would be the largest BESS in the southern hemisphere, comprising 167 containers of Tesla Megapack XL 2.0 batteries over 6Ha or about 15acres. The development, which is part of a larger wind

farm project, has a Development Application before the Hinchinbrook Shire Council. Developers want to rezone the area from the current rural zoning and clear remnants of endangered and vulnerable vegetation habitat for at least three endangered animals. Background Mt Fox residents attending a community meeting on January 6, were shocked to discover there were two wind farms planned in the Mt Fox area. At the meeting held by Mt Fox Energy Park developers Eric and Brett Lollo, the project manager from TagEnergy (a renewable energy company) and a member of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, community members were told of a second wind farm and the BESS located close to the community. Many properties are within 1.5km of planned wind turbines and the BESS. Despite voicing opposition, most community members left the meeting with the impression both the wind farm and the BESS were approved, and work would commence within the next 5-9 months. The following day, one community member found by chance a developmental proposal sign for rezoning, leases, and land clearing for the proposed BESS. The sign was posted on his boundary fence along a disused gazetted road some 800m from Mt Fox Road. Since then, several discreetly posted development proposal signs have been reported by locals. The community is opposed to both the wind farm and the BESS. The BESS proposal is before the Hinchinbrook council; submissions for objections opened on January 10 and closed on January 30. The Mt Fox community has been taken by surprise. The short time allocated for submissions at a time of year when many people are still on holiday means completing due diligence to make a fully informed submission is very difficult.

It is known that BESS is a new, unproven technology that, to date, is unreliable. A similar BESS at Bouldercombe went into thermal runaway. These fires are uncontrollable. Advice on Tesla's website let it burn. The emissions from a BESS are toxic and, once in the environment, affect native flora and fauna, including endangered and vulnerable species in the area, stock and the human population. Contamination of ground and surface water is a real possibility. All surface water runoff from this site finds its way to Michael Creek. Much of Mt Fox relies either on groundwater or water from Michael Creek. Michael Creek forms part of the larger catchment for the Burdekin River. Planned Actions • The Michael Creek Mt Fox Action Group have created a Facebook page, STOP Mt Fox Energy Park Battery Energy Storage System, and a petition which is being distributed for residents of the shire to sign • A protest is being organised for January 23 outside the council chambers; • Dwayne is producing a short film in conjunction with Wet Tropics Times editor to tell our story • Information hubs are being organised in Ingham; • A rally is planned for Saturday, January 27, to raise awareness and discuss the community's concerns. For more information contact the Michael Creek Mt Fox Action Group: Chair Kim Armstrong karmstrong710@gmail.com

0414883357

Secretary Cameron Morrison - 0455497345 email cammorrison2009@hotmail.com Treasurer Audrey Dowling audreyd79@icloud.com

0407137458 email

COMMUNITY

Wet Tropic Times

Thursday, January 18, 2024

WEATHER Reeling in the Future: Hundreds of Barramundi

released into the Hinchinbrook Channel

Tomorrow - Saturday Ingham Thunderstorms 25 - 33 Cardwell Light rain 25 - 32 Tully Thunderstorms 24 - 33 Mission Beach Light thunderstorms 25 - 32 Innisfail Light thunderstorms 24 - 34 Tomorrow - Sunday Ingham Isolated storms 25 - 34 Cardwell Scattered storms 25 - 32 Tully Scattered storms 24 - 34 Mission Beach Isolated storms 25 - 33 Innisfail Light thunderstorms 25 - 33

OFFICE OF NICK DAMETTO MEMBER FOR HINCHINBROOK

FISHING fanatics can get keen to catch the next “big one” after the Hinchinbrook Channel’s barramundi stocks were boosted this week with the release of over 700 barramundi fingerlings into the Herbert River. Each year young fingerlings are released into local waterways that feed into the Hinchinbrook Channel, an initiative undertaken by the Ingham Rod and Reel Club. This environmentally conscious initiative reflects the club's dedication to promoting sustainable fishing practices by nurturing the local aquatic ecosystem. The barramundi release showcases the club’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the Herbert River and the Hinchinbrook Channel’s natural ecosystem. President, Paul Dametto said that it was a strong club value to ensure that barramundi

stocks are maintained and topped up to allow local recreational clubs to continue hosting events in the community.

“The club has been releasing fingerlings annually for almost 30 years with the exception of a few years when it couldn’t be done,” President Dametto said. “The Hinchinbrook Channel is a vast system and by doing releases such as this, time will allow the stock to slowly make their way downstream. They will then grow and hopefully breed, providing a real boost to existing wild stock levels. “On behalf of the Ingham Rod and Reel Club I would like to thank all of the club’s generous sponsors who support our club and tournaments. I also wish to thank Dave from Jungle Creek Aquaculture for supplying the fish and all of our club members and families. It’s because of everyone’s support that we can put barramundi fingerlings back into the

local Hinchinbrook system every year.” Hinchinbrook MP and Katter’s Australian Party Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto said it was always an exciting time when barramundi fingerlings were being released and the Ingham Rod and Reel Club should be commended for their efforts. “It’s great to witness our local fish stocks being propped up by the club’s efforts. It also demonstrated the club’s sense of eco responsibility and commitment to sustainable fishing,” Mr Dametto said. “It’s great to see club members and their kids getting involved. It’s heartwarming to see the next generation of anglers watching and learning about the importance of restocking.” Anglers are encouraged to keep an eye out for tagged barramundi and if one is caught, please report it to Suntag on 1800 077 001 to assist research. For more information please visit https://suntag.org.au/.

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OUR DETAILS Office: 22 Lannercost Street Ingham, QLD 4850 Phone: (07) 4776 0485 Website: wettropictimes.com.au Email: info@ wettropictimes.com.au Mail: PO Box 414 Ingham QLD 4850

Ingham Rod and Reel Club members and their children with some barramundi before being released.

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto releasing barramundi into the Herbert River.

Spiritual Food with Jess Building life or death

HAVE you ever done something wrong and the Lord has convicted you? Or perhaps you didn't allow the conviction to lead to repentance; Perhaps you chose to do something out of your own will to make yourself feel better. For example, stuffing your face with food, Buying yourself a new outfit or a gift, or giving pride the green light by telling yourself you did nothing wrong. But within yourself, you feel the conviction is still there day after day, pulling at emotions and your heart. If you can imagine a tile, each choice is a

tile, and we keep layering them up. The tiles stack up, bringing weight and heaviness and leading to a crumbling foundation without repentance. James 3:14 NIV [14] But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Ignorance is another option, a constant state of denial we can choose to live in. Denial & ignorance can bring about fear & a relatively fast beating heart rate when we see someone in public that we haven't forgiven. Or even turning away and pretending you didn't see the person.

How have you felt when you have found yourself in this situation? In the long run, ignorance can lead to a state of depression & open the door to unclean spirits. 1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV [11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. James 3:14 NIV [14] But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. God wants us to build on the proper foundation and for his children to walk in Freedom, to break away from bondage. I encourage you to repent, Choose Life!

Regional Rainfall Report Data obtained from https://rainfall.willyweather.com.au/qld/far-north

REGION

INGHAM

CARDWELL

TULLY

INNISFAIL

BABINDA

Last 7 Days mm

182mm

412mm

273mm

399.6mm

83mm

MTD mm

258mm

460.8mm

531.8mm

502.2mm

89mm

YTD

258mm

460.8mm

531.8mm

502.2mm

89mm

COMMUNITY

Thursday, January 18, 2023

Wet Tropic Times 18 JANUARY 2024

Australia Day Awards, Is Your Emergency Kit Ready?, Local Disaster Management Group and Local Area Wardens

Australia Day Awards Join us on Australia Day as we come together as a nation to celebrate what is great about Australia and being Australian with free festivities including entertainment, Australia Day Awards and cutting of the Australia Day cake. Date: Friday 26 January 2024 Time: 9.00am Where: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall 25 Lannercost Street Ingham Congratulations to all the nominees across all categories. Acknowledgement by your peers through nomination is something that you should be proud of. Well done and good luck to you all. For further information please visit Council's website, Events Calendar page. Vote Now for 45th Hinchinbrook Art Awards People's Choice Award Voting for the People's Choice Award in the 45th Hinchinbrook Art Awards is open until 4.00pm Sunday 28 January 2024. To vote for your favourite artwork, visit the TYTO Regional Art Gallery and scan the QR code to the survey. Only one vote is permitted per person.

Is Your Emergency Kit Ready? The recent wet weather serves as a timely reminder to make sure you have your disaster season preparations in place. Being ready will make a world of difference to you and the people you care about during and after a disaster or emergency event. To be ready, you need to prepare your property and have your Emergency Kit ready. Emergency Kits need to include provisions for at least three days (however Council recommends seven days given the unpredictable nature of our flooding), including food, bottled water, any medications you may need, provisions for pets and animals, a fully charged mobile phone with a SIM card, car adaptor for charging your phone, first aid kit, cash (ATM’s and EFTPOS may not be available for a number of days), a radio, toilet paper and torches. You can download your Emergency Kit checklist from Council’s website, How to be Prepared page and build your kit so that you are prepared when the need arises. Prepare your home by removing items around the yard that could become flying debris in strong winds, and securing outdoor furniture and garden items.

Notice of PUblic Meeting FORREST BEACH RESIDENTS

Please visit the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard at www.disaster.hinchinbrook.qld. gov.au for accurate information regarding current weather conditions and updates including local and state road conditions and flood cameras. You can now 'opt in' to receive email notifications about weather warnings (choose your locations), emergency news from the LDMG, river flood notifications including choice of river/stations and notification level (Minor, Moderate or Major). Subscribe via the ‘Opt-In Notifications’ link on the Disaster Dashboard. Local Area Wardens The function of the Local Area Warden is to be the community liaison between the LDMG and the community. Local Area Wardens operate in isolated areas of the Shire and provide the LDMG with information regarding their respective localities enabling effective and meaningful decisions to be made. All Local Area Wardens volunteer their time and often go above and beyond what is expected of them. Their assistance in disaster situations is truly invaluable and we would like to convey the community’s gratitude for everything that they do.

2024 Australia Day Date: Friday 26 January 2024 Time: 9.00am to 11.00am Where: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall

25 Lannercost Street Ingham

Current Procurement and Tender Opportunities

Thursday

18 January 2024 5.30pm

Residents in beach areas should familiarise themselves with the Storm Tide Evacuation Guide – available on Council’s website, Storm Tide Information page – to determine whether their home may be at risk of inundation. Check out our Storm Surge video for some tips on what to do in the event that you need to evacuate. People with homes in the red or orange zones should ensure they have a back-up plan to move to friends or family should the need arise. For more information regarding disaster preparedness please visit Council’s website, Disaster and Emergency Information page, the Queensland Government Get Ready website, www.getready.qld.gov.au, or the Emergency Management Queensland website www.disaster.qld.gov.au. Local Disaster Management Group During a disaster event the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), is responsible for providing detailed information to the community via the Hinchinbrook Emergency Management Dashboard (Disaster Dashboard), Council’s website and the Hinchinbrook Disaster Information Facebook page.

Forrest Beach Community Hall 68 Wattle Street Allingham QLD 4850

Residents are invited to a meeting with Telstra to discuss Telstra’s plans to address poor mobile phone coverage in the Forrest Beach community. It is proposed to construct a Monopole Communications Tower at Telstra’s existing facility at 4 Maple Street Allingham QLD 4850.

C O N N EC T WITH COUNCIL

Take the time to find out who your Local Area Warden is, and keep their contact details in a safe place. Local Area Warden contact information is available on Council’s website, Disaster and Emergency Information page and Electronic Community Noticeboards around the Shire. Flood Height Comparison Charts The Flood Height Comparison Charts list significant heights at Ingham Pump Station and their probable effects around Ingham and downstream. There is a specific Flood Height Comparison Chart for Lower Herbert – Halifax. These charts tell you where to expect flood water at different heights of the river based on past flooding events. For instance, water will start flowing into Palm Creek when Ingham Pump Station reaches 9.6 metres. Water will start flowing onto the Anabranch Bridge when Ingham Pump Station reaches around 8.99 metres. If you do not have a Flood Height Comparison Chart, please visit Council’s main office to collect one, or visit Council’s website, Flood Information page to download a copy.

2024 MEETING DATES

In accordance with Section 254B of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council hereby advises of the following meeting dates for 2023 to which the public may attend.

Month

General Meeting 8.30am

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September 24 Keep up to date with opportunities available through Council by visiting the Current Procurement and Tender October 29 Opportunities page on Council’s website. November 26 Current opportunities include: • HSC 23/16 – Macrossan Street Road Profile December 10 Improvements, Halifax. For further information about Council Meetings, visit Council’s Council invites tenders from suitably qualified tenderers website, Meeting and Minutes page. for the construction of road profile improvements on Macrossan Street Halifax as described in more detail in Part 5 – Scope. Project works must be completed prior to Friday 21 June 2024. Onsite inspection, commencing at 9.00am on Friday 19 January 2024 at 2 Macrossan Street Halifax. Tender closes 2.00pm Friday 9 February 2024. Should you require further information, please contact Council’s Procurement Services on 4776 4665.

4776 4600 council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au HinchinbrookShireCouncil HINCHINBROOK.QLD.GOV.AU

Wet Tropic Times

Times WET TROPIC

Include COVID-19 season with the Flu Season SARI RUSSO | BA SOCIAL WORK

CATCHING a variant of COVID-19 can just be considered a new normal in our lives. I don’t know what 2024 has in store for us, but it will be nothing like 2020. However, the impacts of COVID-19 may still be fresh for everyone. I currently have a family member recovering from COVID-19, and the Flu season has been a time of surges in the COVID-19 virus since its inception. We need to add the COVID-19 season to our flu season, as new strands are often forming just like the flu. The current variant: the JN.1 variant by reports from contaminated water in the USA, appears to be just as monstrous as the first wave of Omicron, which peaked in early 2022.

COMMUNITY

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Letters to the editor AUSTRALIA DAY

BRICKBATS to the 80 or so pathetic Local Councils who have decided to pander to a small minority who claim to be offended by the date of Australia Day, and those Councils now refuse to perform citizenship ceremonies on January 26. Instead of offending a few, they have now managed to insult every citizen of this country on the very anniversary of the enactment into LAW of the ‘Nationality & Citizenship Act’ which took place on January 26, 1949, and truly made our National Day an ‘Australia Day’ for every Australian. Up until this day in 1949, every citizen in this country, Australia, was a British subject until January 26, 1949, when the Nationality & Citizen Act finally became law.

On that day, every citizen, including all our Indigenous people, became ‘Australian citizens’, and from then on, we could travel the world on an Australian passport and were no longer British subjects. January 26 needs to be ‘celebrated and applauded’ as our ‘AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DAY,’ not stigmatised by those who want to wallow in the past and find fault with everything about this country. History is History and is there for all to read about and learn from, but ‘NOW’ is for Making History, so how about making this country the best country in the world for the future instead of crying and moaning about past history that cannot be changed? So come on, Aussie, come on! J.A. Wakefield Innisfail

Have an opinion? Send a letter to the editor

The Christmas Raffle Winners are: 65 '' TV provided by Raymond at Better Home Living ADAM AZZOPARDI $500 Grocery voucher from IGA Tully JUSTIN JACOBSON $200 voucher from Peter and Felix Reitano Furniture and Real Estate RYAN WALKER

Adam Azzopardi collecting his new TV from Raymond at Better Home living.

Community Service Announcement: Deadline extended for personal hardship financial assistance in Far North Queensland THE deadline for applying for personal hardship grants has been extended for Far North Queenslanders impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Residents in all nine disaster-declared local government areas now have until Wednesday 7 February 2024 to apply for financial assistance. Residents living in the following local government areas may be eligible: • Cairns Regional • Cassowary Coast Regional • Cook Shire • Douglas Shire • Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire • Mareeba Shire • Tablelands Regional • Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire • Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire. Non-income tested grants with the 7 February 2024 closing date include: • Emergency Hardship Assistance – $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, to support immediate essential needs, such as food, clothing or

medical supplies. • Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more, to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days. • Other income-tested grants are available, with applications open until December 2025: • Essential Household Contents Grant – up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents, such as bed linen and white goods. • Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme Grant – up to $5,000 per household to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas and water. • Structural Assistance Grant – up to $50,000 for uninsured owner-occupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition. This financial support is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. People can apply for personal hardship assistance

grants online at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp, or by visiting a Community Recovery Hub in their local area. Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support. Visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp for up-to-date information about locations and opening times. The Community Recovery Hotline (1800 173 349) is also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people to obtain information, support or assistance with grant applications. Information about disaster support and recovery for culturally and linguistically diverse people is available in a range of languages at www.qld.gov.au/community/ disastersemergencies/disasters/resourcestranslations/disaster-information-language. Free counselling and support are available through a dedicated 24/7 Lifeline support line to assist the community and help people recover practically and emotionally following the recent weather events. Anyone who requires emotional support or someone to talk to is urged to contact Lifeline on 1800 116 671 or visit www.lifelineqld.org.au/get-help/disaster-reliefand-community-recovery.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

COMMUNITY

Wet Tropic Times

First Special Constable sworn in on the Cassowary Coast STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI FORMER Senior Constable Theo Kamien is the first Special Constable sworn in the Cassowary Coast after a ceremony at Innisfail Police Station on November 13. Current officers, community members, Acting Senior Sergeant Dan Haverland and Theo’s wife attended the official swearing-in ceremony conducted by Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Newton. The Queensland Police Service introduced the new concept of Special Constable in mid-2023 to boost support to the frontline.

“Most local police officers live in the same town we work in, and it is important that we engage in our community,” Special Constable Kamien said. Before becoming a police officer, Kamien completed a building certificate and TAFE legal studies. The highlight of his policing career was recovery work after Cyclones Yasi and Larry, and the reason Kamien is coming back as a Special Constable is a support role for other officers. “A Special Constable is a good flexible option after retirement, as it is not a fulltime role, and it keeps me in touch with the community.” The option of a Special Constable

Kamien completed the 2023 season at the Tully Sugar Mill as a locomotive driver’s assistant, where he thoroughly enjoyed being part of the team and making new connections. Special Constable Kamien will work casual shifts at Innisfail and other stations on the Cassowary Coast and be on-call to local officers during high demand. The Queensland Police Service is endeavouring to bring back former

officers to strengthen policing capability. Special Constables hold the same powers as permanently employed officers and undergo additional training to ensure they can perform the same duties and responsibilities. Kamien does construction work with his brother in Melbourne, which keeps him updated on all the constant changes in the building industry. In his spare time, Special Constable Kamien likes to tinker with modern classic cars, including his 2001 Commodore Ute, and enjoys building work, running, cycling, and keeping fit.

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On instructions from Govt Depts, Administrators, QLD Police & Private Vendors

Special Constable Kamien retired in early 2023 after a 26-year career with QPS and received the National Medal - 1st Clasp and Queensland Police Service Medal 25-year-clasp.

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Originally from Melbourne, Kamien joined the QPS in 1996 after he attended the Townsville Police Academy. His police career saw Kamien work in general duties, with eight years in Cairns, 18 years in Tully and the last 12 months in Mission Beach.

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Kamien said he knows the benefits of collaborating closely with his community and helping people in their time of need. “It is important to promote positive interaction between members of our local community and the police.”

came up six months after his retirement, so Kamien had an 11-month break before deciding to return.

Acting Chief Superintendent, Rhys Newton with Special Constable Theo Kamien.

AU C T I O N E E R S & VA LU E R S

401 Sheridan Street, Cairns North - Phone 4051 3300

Very large Tully area Banana Farm parcel • This established Banana Farm comprising two farming operations is for sale as One Parcel with all bananas packed at the Jarra Creek farm in the large packing shed with over 2,000 m2 floor area • Jarra Creek farm has 71.5 ha (176.7 ac) of land with approx. 45.4 ha (112.4 ac) of cropping area and a 245 ML Water Allocation to irrigate from adjoining Jarra Creek • Dingo Pocket farm has 139.6 ha (345 ac) of land with approx. 98.4 ha (243.1 ac) of cropping area and a 1064 ML Water Allocation to irrigate from adjoining Tully River • Both farms have a large amount of building infrastructure and includes the banana crop and some machinery and equipment • Conditional quarry material Allocation on both farms to extract quarry material (sand) from the adjoining creek and river • Both farms situated within approx. 15.8 km from the Tully Post Office Jarra Creek & Dingo Pocket, QLD 4854 Land Size: 211.176 ha (521.8 ac) total For Sale: Expressions of Interest (EOI) closing 29 January 2024 at 5pm Property ID: nutrien.harcourts.net/L25659169 Jim Cooper M 0417 736 935 Nutrien Harcourts Tully

nutrien.harcourts.net/au

Wet Tropic Times

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Times CLASSIFIEDS WET TROPIC

COMMUNITY NOTICES TULLY BOWLS CLUB INC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sunday, 11th February 2024 commencing at 9.30am followed by general meeting.

SHOP LOCAL

TRAINEESHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE • Traineeship – Certificate III ATSI Health Worker – Innisfail • Traineeship – Certificate III ATSI Health Worker – Ravenshoe • Traineeship – Certificate III Business Administration (Medical) – Ravenshoe • Traineeship – Certificate III Community Services – Innisfail • Traineeship – Certificate III Information Technology – Innisfail Positions are available on our website from the 17th of January 2024 https://mamuhsl.org.au/careers/ Applications close for the positions on Friday 26th January at 5.00 pm and should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager, Julie Browne – recruitment@mamuhsl.org.au

LOCAL NEWS

SALES ASSISTANT REQUIRED Full-time positions at CTC (Cigarettes Tobacco Cigars) TULLY store and CTC INNISFAIL store. The applicants must hold relevant qualifications and experience and techniques for a busy retail store. Please email your applications to: ctcinnisfail@gmail.com

Secure Your Place in the Wet Tropic Times Date Claimer Phone: 4776 0485 We Support Local Business. Give us a call and see how we can help yours.

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

CLASSIFIEDS

Times WET TROPIC

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS BOOK NOW !!!

PHONE:

WET TROPIC TIMES 07 4776 0485 January 18, 2024

CROSSWORD

9 11

8 Spanish dance

14 18 22

9 Counting device

Church times across the region

3 Banish

Churches of Christ

Across

Innisfail, 9:30am, Sun, 12 Tierney St,

Cardwell Mission Beach Family

26 29

Tully Family Church,

9:30am Sun, Shire Hall,

27 31

17 Writing instrument

19 Snake

Rockingham Home Aged Care Service,

20 Charity fundraiser

22 Detective (coll)

24 Customary amount

without

28 Calamitous 31 Tract

Down

12 Kills (coll)

1 Cain’s victim

13 Weapon

2 Fall down suddenly

15 Detest

32 In addition

3 Talk foolishly

34 A genre of drama

4 Birds

16 Latin dance

36 Rambling story 38 Spray cans 41 Surpassed 42 Serious and dignified 43 Type of triangle

SUDOKU No. 327

27 Exchange money

29 Small pointed beard American

5 Day off because of illness (coll) 6 Remain inactive

21 Private teacher

7 Gambling game

23 They’re used to carry things

HARD

30 Mauve-tinged cherry red 33 Fertile spot in a desert

18 Drag with effort

10 Applauded enthusiastically

for

20 Mouldy

35 Extinct birds

25 Resinous substance

37 Common sense 39 Not closed 40 Performed a song

CROSSWORD SOLUTION No. 13064 D V A R L E T U H B E I G E B U N P O L L U P L O D C A P R I S A U C E P A N E O B E S L E D D C R Y A L I G H T B M N A U T I C A C E A B A R N T A A P A R T M E N T S T O P I E E T T O D D L E R M

S R A T E T E D A A R T E A R L I C E A L L O N S H E R D

SUDOKU SOLUTION No. 326

Street, Tully 11am, Sun, Bruce Highway,

Road, Ingham

10am, Sun, 6 Plumb

6pm, Sun, Unit 3, 2-4 Stephens Street, Mission Beach

Churches of Christ Care

Tully Baptist Church,

Cardwell Baptist Church,

Cross Culture Church,

Innisfail Estate 6:30pm, Sun, Ladies Church

Church,

10am, Sun, 28-32 Townsville

14 Labels

Baptist Churches Baptist Family Centre

9am, Sun, 2 Watkins St, Tully Cardwell AOG,

11 Cosmetic

26 Total deductions

AOG / ACC /

No. 13065

AND CLUES

Cardwell Sugar Reef Baptist Church, 9:30am, S, “The Knightclub” 38 Herbert St, Ingham Baptist Independent, 11am, Sun, 77 Halifax Rd, Ingham

9am Fri, 3rd Fri of month,

Uniting Churches

40 Jamieson St, Cardwell

Cassowary Coast

Catholic Churches

Uniting Churchs:

St Rita’s Babinda,

Innisfail,

7am, Sun, 15 Church St,

10.30am, Sun, 8 Scullen Ave,

Babinda

Mighell, Innisfail

Mother of Good Counsel,

Mission Beach,

6:30pm Sat Vigil, 9am, Sun, 90 Rankin St, Innisfail

8am, Sun, 2224 Tully-Mission

Our Lady of Fatima, 10am, Sun, 32 Glasgow Street, El Arish,

Beach Rd, Mission Beach, Ingham District Uniting Churches:

St John the Evangelist,

Ingham,

6pm, Sat, 4 Harold Street,

10am, Sun 16 Herbert St,

Silkwood, St Rita’s South Johnstone, 7am, 1st, 3rd & 5th/month, 5 Green Street, South Johnstone Christ the King,

Ingham Halifax, 8am, Sun 12 Anderssen St, Halifax Blue Haven Lodge,

7am, 2nd & 4th/month, 10

Ingham, 11am

Harbour Road, Mourilyan

(2nd & 4th Tues)

Holy Spirit, Mission Beach 7am Sun, 12 Webb Rd, Wongaling Beach St Clare of Montefalco Church, 6pm Vigil Mass, Sat 9am, Sun, 13 Mars St, Tully Our Lady Star of the Sea, 5pm Sun (except 1st Sunday), 121 Victoria St, Cardwell Ingham Region Catholic

Lutheran St Marks Lutheran Church, 9am, Sun, 34 Townsville Road, Ingham

Non-denominational Empower Church Innisfail, 10am, Sun, 191-193 Mourilyan Rd, South Innisfail

Anglican Churches St Albans Anglican

Parishes:

Church,

St Patrick’s, 8:30am,

9am, Sun, 83 Rankin Street,

Sunday, 18 Abbott Street, Ingham St Peter’s, 7am, Sunday, 10 Scott Street, Halifax, Canossa Chapel, 10am,

Innisfail St John Anglican Church, 5pm, Sat, 2 Black Street, Tully John Oliver Feetham

Sunday, St Teresa’s College /

Pioneer Memorial

3819 Abergowrie Rd

11am, Sun, 45 Bruce Highway,

St Teresa’s, Trebonne, 10am

Cardwell St John Anglican Church,

Seventh Day Adventist

3pm, 3rd Sun of month, Motel

Seventh Day Adventist

Chapel, Kurrimine Beach

Innisfail, 10:30am, Sat ,Bible Study, 11am, Sat, 114 Lawrence Road, Bamboo Creek Tully Seventh Day Adventist Church,

Holy Trinity (Ingham) 6pm Saturday Service. 9am, Sunday. 37 McIlwraith Street, Ingham All Souls,

Sat 9:30am Sabbath School,

7.30am, Sun, 10 Four Mile

Sat 11am, 1 Edward St, Tully

Road, Victoria Estate

Wet Tropic Times

Thursday, January 18, 2024

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Times WET TROPIC

TRADES & SERVICES

Private Health Fund Rebates Traditional & Laser Acupuncture Cupping Therapy Holistic Treatments, Healing & Pain Relief

Tully: Tuesday and Saturday Innisfail: Wednesday and Friday

0474 531 775

AIRCONDITIONING

ACUPUNCTURE

Agnes Kim Registered Acupuncturist

INSTALLING AND CLEANING

•Michael Electrical Contractor Licence: 82279 • Arctick Dean 0400 029 488Licence: L045699 • RTA Number: AU45324

mickodean@hotmail.com Michael Dean 0400 029 488

mickodean@hotmail.com

AUTO ELECTRICIANS

BARBER – INGHAM

BARBERS

Walk Right In, Sit Right Down For

QBCC REGISTERED 1240132

BUILDERS

www.purkonconstructions.com.au andrew@purkonconstructions.com.au

KIT ONLY OR COMPLETE Cassowary Coast Sheds BUILDS COMPLETE BUILDS

0410577944 0410 577 944

WeONLY are LOCAL KIT OR and we put back into our LOCAL COMMUNITY! COMPLETE BUILDS

BUILDER OF NEW HOMES / BUILDER OF/ EXCAVATIONS NEW HOMES / RENOVATIONS AND TIP TRUCK HIRE RENOVATIONS / EXCAVATIONS QBCC REGISTERED 1240132 AND TIP TRUCK HIRE

TROPICAL WOODCRAFTS

Weather conditions are BRUTAL! Cassowary Coast Weather conditions are Sheds BRUTAL! Cassowary Coast understand that.

www.purkonconstructions.com.au QBCC REGISTERED 1240132 andrew@purkonconstructions.com.au

We are LOCAL and we put back into our LOCAL COMMUNITY!

www.purkonconstructions.com.au Mike Priestley Mob: 0419 711 946 ANDREW PURKISS andrew@purkonconstructions.com.au

Specialising in Kitchens, Shops & Office Fitouts Vanities & Robes QBBC Lic No: 042363 ABN: 20 918 868 764

Sheds understand that.

BUILDERS

CABINETMAKERS

Office: 4068 8099

BUILDER/OPERATOR tropwd60@bigpond.net.au

0410577944

CLEANERS

CAMPING

Mobile: 0419Mobile: 026 069 - Phone: 4068 069 8004 - Phone: 4068 8004 0419 026 26 REID ROAD, MISSION BEACH Q 4852 Mobile: 0419 026 069 - Phone: 8004 26 REID ROAD, MISSION BEACH4068 Q 4852

26 REID ROAD, MISSION BEACH Q 4852

PRESSURE CLEANING

halifaxhomebrewtackle@bigpond.com

PH / FAX 07 477 77234

Call Paul Sabadina for a QUOTE

Call Paul Sabadina forPaul a QUOTE Contact Sabadina for a QUOTE

RELIABLE

BAIT ~ FISHING TACKLE ~ HOMEBREW & CAMPING SUPPLIES BOAT & TRAILER ACCESSORIES ~ PORTA LOO CHEMICALS

32 MACROSSAN STREET HALIFAX QLD 4850

AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR

ANDREW PURKISS ANDREW PURKISS BUILDER/OPERATOR BUILDER/OPERATOR

BUILDER/OPERATOR

Cynthia, 20 Lannercost St, INGHAM  Ph: 0400 393 089

Cassowary KIT ONLY Coast Sheds OR

BUILDER OF NEW HOMES / RENOVATIONS / EXCAVATIONS AND TIP TRUCK HIRE

Cabinetmaker ANDREW PURKISS 0410577944

OPEN:

Gents Haircuts ............... $15 Monday to Ladies Trims....................$25 Saturday Children Haircuts............ $15

 Domestic and Industrial  Driveways - Paths - Shed Floors  House (Exterior) and Roofs and Mould Removal  Gutter Cleaning  Machinery

Contact Trevor and Brenton Edwards 0427 665 571 or 0428 842 151

Felix Reitano Furniture FURNITURE

DENTISTS

109 Cartwright Steet, INGHAM  PHONE: 4776 5007

REMOVALS Large Range In Stock Now

Across Town, Across State or Across Country

0400 506 7

Lic. # 69644 Au 26240

APING

Thursday, January 18, 2024

MECHANIC

PEST CONTROL| Wet Tropic Times

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ROSS HARRIS MECHANICAL REPAIRS

Times WET TROPIC

Servicing & Repairs to all Cars, 4WD & light commercials

BLE

LEANING PAINTERS

ndustrial Shed Floors

& mould removal

Machinery

ton Edwards 4068 7456

GARY ANDREWS OUR CASSOWARY COAST SPECIALIST

Darren, Jason & Beaudie Oakes M: 0478 669 350 E: inghammowingservices@gmail.com

Phone 4068 1685

After Hours 0418 739 979

EMAI

Phone: 0455 250 502

SKIPS

Email: capeyorktrees@gmail.com

whip, CALL US NOW 1300We 122 072mow & blow your lawns to perfection. Also small tree trimming, dump Email: info@accreditedpest.com.au runs & driveway cleaning.

Ingham Mowing Services

PUB

TILES

North Queensland

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Skips

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2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m and 2-Tonne Pantec George Culverhouse 07 4068 0870 0438867743

MISSION BEACH: 1 Stephens Street Phone 4088 6472 – Alan Mobile 0400 758 458 OPEN: Mon-Fri  8 am-12 noon, 1 pm-4 pm Sat  8 am-12 noon

www.jerryandthetilemakers.com.au MISSION BEACH 1 Stephens Street, P 4088 6471 OPEN Mon – Fri 8am – 12noon, 1pm – 4pm Sat 8am – 12noon

SHOP LOCAL northqueenslandskips@hotmail.com

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Jerry-Inzerce-Independent New-2017-62x45-ZR.indd 1

ent News (CCIN)

QBCC N

Domest Coverin

Mowing

LEANING

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR PEST PROBLEMS

Modern Diagnostic Equipment Wheel Alignments Clutch & Gear Box Repairs Steering, Suspension & Brake Repairs Safety Certificates - LV & LT Trailer Repairs Log Book Servicing Tyres

TILERS

TREE SPECIALISTS

ARY 0179

16. 4. 2017 13:17:57

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T Business? Are you aOlocal G U O Y E V ? Wet Tropic Times y Find in the a HA yourself S o gT n i h t e m So BUSINESS LISTINGS 8 NOW! ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE

Call 4068 0088 NOW!

st Independent News, Thursday, February 14, 2019

0 0 8 6 0 4 l Cal

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07 4

RURAL 12 | Sadly, fairness is something we must fight for Wet Tropic Times

OWEN MENKENS, CANEGROWERS CHAIRMAN HAPPY New Year! I hope readers had a peaceful and relaxing break over Christmas and are feeling motivated for all those New Year’s resolutions as we head into 2024. It’s shaping up to be a big year on the agricultural advocacy front, with local government elections looming in March and the state election just 41 weeks away. At CANEGROWERS, as we have been for almost one hundred years, we remain committed to advocating the best outcomes for growers, industry, and the regional communities in which we live, work, and raise our families. Unfortunately, one of our biggest asks in the upcoming local government elections is, if we’re honest, something you should not have to fight for at all – fair treatment. Over recent years, the rate bills that appear in our mailboxes as farmers have become an ever-increasing hit to our bottom line. Undoubtedly, our councils need to raise the

Thursday, January 18, 2024

necessary funds to deliver the local services our communities need. Still, many of our members experience bill shocks whenever a rates notice appears, with significant increases year-on-year. Farming can be a perilous business, with significant fluctuations in income as we balance tight margins, unfavourable weather, and the boom-and-bust cycle of the world sugar market. Council rating practices are established to effectively guarantee an income for our local governments. However, the process by which councils determine rates is something of a “dark art” and often delivers perverse outcomes. Generally, farmers are expected to pay much higher rates than other residents and small businesses, while often receiving fewer services. For many years, CANEGROWERS has been working with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation to raise these concerns around equity and fairness. As a result, at its state council in October 2023, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conceded there was a problem. In fact, a number of councils sought to have the issues of equity and

fairness raised at the state government level. The simple fact is that the agricultural sector does some heavy lifting when it comes to supporting our regional communities. An independent analysis of the sugarcane industry recently found that for every $1 worth of cane grown in Queensland, the industry generates $6.42 in income for the state economy and supports over 22,000 jobs and 10,000 businesses. As growers, we need local governments to work with the farming sector to expand and increase production, which will, in turn, boost regional economies. Growers are part of the community, and as such, we are willing to pay our fair share for the services our local governments provide. Still, many growers are starting to see their rate bill increasing wildly and out of step with our production costs. Councils and ratepayers need transparency and fairness in the rating practices that local governments use! In the lead-up to council elections in March, CANEGROWERS will continue to fight for fairness and equity in the development of council rate policy.

Albanese now realises ACCC Inquiry the way to investigate supermarkets OFFICE OF THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP

TREASURER Jim Chalmers and Labor are now flagging they will direct the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to conduct a supermarket price inquiry to stamp out price gouging. Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said The Nationals had been calling for the independent ACCC watchdog, armed with tough powers, to be directed to investigate the supermarkets since November 2023, to deal with the spiralling cost-of-living crisis that was being felt by Australians at the supermarket checkouts. “Under section 95, the Treasurer has the legislated power to direct the ACCC and give it strong powers to compel witnesses and recommend harsher penalties,” Mr Littleproud said. “The Nationals wanted this investigation urgently before Christmas but Labor is simply too slow to take action. They are only now realising these powers exist, but promised Australians the two inquiries they announced would yield results. “We need an inquiry into disparities between farmgate and retail food pricing. A Senate inquiry this year won’t go far enough, while a review into the Food and Grocery Code wasted almost 100 days to even start its investigation. “The ACCC has the powers to properly investigate as part of a dedicated inquiry to ensure fairness for farmers and consumers and it’s baffling it has taken the government so long to realise.” Mr Littleproud said he had already written to the ACCC, urging it to undertake an inquiry. “The Nationals and Australia cannot continue to wait for Labor’s delays. As a result, I have also taken the step of writing directly to the ACCC on behalf of The Nationals to request them to undertake a public inquiry into these matters. “I am pleased Treasurer Chalmers is now open to an ACCC inquiry into pricing practices and is expected to announce it shortly. It took The Nationals’ calling out of Labor’s gross failure to act, highlighting it had been almost 100 days, for Labor being shamed into action and finally appointing a Reviewer into the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review, which won’t go far enough.” Mr Littleproud pointed out the supermarkets’ claims of lowering prices by 20 per cent this week had been nothing more than a PR stunt and proved an ACCC inquiry was needed.

Mr Littleproud said most beef and lamb prices were still exactly the same as early November and the giant supermarkets were once again treating the public like mugs.

Mr Littleproud issued a press release on November 11, 2023, saying beef and lamb prices were far too high at supermarkets, with shoppers at the time paying $36 per kilo for grass-fed beef rump steak, $25 per kilo for beef rump roast and $19 for a kilo of humble grassfed beef mince. Families on November 11 were also paying $27 for a kilo of grass-fed graze lamb boneless shoulder roast, $18 for one kilo of lamb loin chops and $8 per kilo of lamb leg roast. He said Coles claiming it had dropped beef and lamb prices by 20 per cent on January 10 was misleading, false and wrong.Shoppers are still paying $36 per kilo for grass-fed steak and $25 per kilo for beef rump roast.

Grass-fed mince has actually increased by $1 per kilo, to $20 per kilo. A kilo of lamb leg roast has also increased from $8 a kilo to $10 a kilo, while grass-fed graze lamb boneless shoulder roast has decreased to $22 per kilo and lamb loin chops are down to $16 a kilo. “Since The Nationals’ price investigation in early November, two meat items have increased in price, just two items have decreased in price, and the other items are the same,” Mr Littleproud said. “This is a stitch-up and quite frankly, Australians deserve better than more lies from the big supermarkets. “The Labor Government is now trying to claim credit for lower prices at Coles and Woolworths. “If they actually cared about prices and the cost-ofliving crisis, Labor would have realised that the 20 per cent price drop claim is nothing but more lies, which only the ACCC can get to the bottom of.”

SPORT

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Golf News Innisfail Golf Club THE course was a bit tattered after Cyclone Jasper and the grounds crew worked hard over the past few weeks to get the course up to scratch. They did a magnificent job and achieved a lot with mowing, whipper snipping and removal of weeds/ shrubs and unwanted growth around some of the trees. There is heaps more to do, so anyone who can spare a couple of hours, please contact Jake Cockle or Andrew Rose who will point you in the right direction. Friday Sporters competition - December 22 Results 1st: John Lombardi 21pts 2nd: James Scullen 20pts 3rd: Colin Bidgood 19pts NTP - Ryan Thwaite IGC Christmas 2-Ball Ambrose - December 23 Results 1st: Blake Dwyer and Tony Beck 60 nett 2nd: Joshua Jones and Luke Beilby 61.75 nett 3rd: Jake Cockle and Caine Cockle Junior 62.25 nett NTPs 1/10 - Luke Beilby 2/11 - Blake Dwyer 3/12 - Joshua Jones 4/13 - Ian Saunderson 5/14 - Geoff Johnston 6/15 - Caine Cockle Junior (Eagle) 7/16 - Tony Beck 9/18 - Addi Butorac Longest Putt: Jake Cockle Ian Street brought out the big guns to win Wednesday All Sporters competition by three on December 27. Results 1st: Ian Street 29pts 2nd: John Abbott 26pts c/b 3rd: John Cavanah 26pts NTP - Jake Cockle Colin Bidgood just got home by a single shot in Friday Sporters competition on December 29. Results 1st: Colin Bidgood 18pts 2nd: Kevin Walsh 17pts c/b 3rd: Caine Cockle Jnr 17pts c/b NTP - Jake Cockle A good field for the Custom Build Constructions

Stableford on December 30, considering it was the club’s Christmas and New Year period. Two fabulous rounds in the morning groups saw Ian Saunderson shoot 40 points, whilst John McCarthy shot an incredible 77 off the stick for 45 points. The afternoon groups had their work cut out for them, but no-one came close. Results 1st: John McCarthy 45pts 2nd: Ian Saunderson 40pts 3rd: Colin Bidgood 38pts c/b NTPs 1/10 - Andrew Grieve 4/13 - Ian Saunderson 7/16 Caine Cockle Jnr

Wet Tropic Times

day and Gattera put together another impressive round under her handicap, with the help of the FNQ region fan club off course. Regina won the Under 17 Girls Nett, however as the juniors could only win one major prize, she took out the 72 hole Overall Nett Girls Champion in her final junior competition. Gattera finished first Overall Nett, with scores of (78, 62, 67, 70) 277. 7 shots under her handicap. Upcoming events Wednesday All Sporters competition - from 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm Friday Sporters competition from 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm - online bookings

2/11 - Marc Di Carlo 5/14 - Geoff Johnston 8/17 - E Nest 3/12 - Ian Street6/15 - Ian Street9/18 Two Innisfail junior golfers competed in the Greg Norman Junior Masters which took place from December 11 - 14 held at Palmer Gold Coast Golf Club. Caine Cockle won the FNQ District Points Challenge and was presented with his prize, sponsored by Nomads Golf Club Brisbane. Regina Gattera played an impressive three rounds, with a personal best on day two, to lead the Nett Championship in the 17 and Under Girls. The top two Nett scores made it through to the fourth

Last month, Innisfail junior golfers, Regina Gattera and Caine Cockle won awards at the Greg Norman Junior Masters on the Gold Coast.

The field of golfers who competed in IGC’s Christmas 2-Ball Ambrose on December 23.

Colin Bidgood, winner of Friday’s Sporters competition on December 29.

Ian Street, winner of Wednesday’s All Sporters competition on December 27.

SPORT 14 | Innisfail Horse and Pony Club 2023 awards presentation Wet Tropic Times

MARIA GIRGENTI

LAST December, Innisfail Horse and Pony Club celebrated a successful year with an end-of-season break up and awards presentation at their clubhouse. The club’s executive committee, members, volunteers, and families wanted to thank everyone who supported their Bonza raffle through ticket purchases, especially the local businesses that donated prizes/ vouchers. This raffle raised valuable funds to enable the club to maintain its grounds and offer guidance to the young riders in the local community. 2023 End of Year Points/award winners: Club Attendance: Ella-Rose Holst Club Presentation: Lahni Madsen Best Club Representative - Junior (12 and Under Years): Lahni Madsen Best Club Representative - Senior (13 and Under 26 Years): Ella-Rose Holst Club Person of the Year: McDermid and Cini families Most Enthusiastic: Chelsea Daley Most Improved Horse: Lyrica, owned/ridden by Lahni Madsen Most Improved Rider: Chelsea Daley and Lucia Nobile Olympic Disciplines: Lahni Madsen Encouragement Awards: Amber Otto and Charli Cini Innisfail riders competed at various gymkhanas

throughout the region, including Freshwater, Edmonton, Babinda, Gordonvale, Ravenshoe, Mareeba and Innisfail and achieved success with ribbons and trophies.

Thursday, January 18, 2024 Riders also competed in the Zone 18 Championships in Mareeba and participated in Horsemanship and Campdraft clinics with Tony Smith and club rallies. Now in its 64th year, the Innisfail Horse and Pony Club executive committee is currently made up of Danielle Cini (President), Daniel Madsen (Vice President), Julianne Madsen (Secretary), Carmel Cavallaro (Treasurer), and Max Neale (Patron), aim to continue increasing membership to build in strength.

Innisfail Horse and Pony Club major award winners. Back row: Amber Otto and Ella-Rose Holst. Front row: Charli Cini, Lahni Madsen, Lucia Nobile and Chelsea Daley.

Chelsea Daley aged 7 and her pony, Aimee, who only started showing in early 2023, picked up two National Australia Quarter Pony Association awards for 2022/2023 - High Point Open Sporting QP and High Point Open Western Performance QP runner up.

Cooper Cini, Glenn Cini, Charli Cini, Janelle McDermid, Kyle McDermid and Danielle Cini, as both families received the Club Person of the Year award.

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Lahni Madsen and her horse, Diesel won a second place at the North Queensland Showjumping Club Jump Championships in Cairns last year. Photos by Jess.

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SPORT

Thursday, January 18, 2024

FISHING

NEWS with Tony Mossop NEAR-PERFECT weather conditions over the Christmas and New Year period created plenty of opportunities for the reef fisherman. There were good numbers of nannygai, and Red Emperor caught out wide in the deeper water. However, sharks continue to be a problem. Many fishermen have opted for electric reels to get their fish up quicker. Some are trying electromagnetics to deter the sharks; some long-time reef fishermen are convinced it's the depth sounder emitting a sound that the sharks hone in on. Some blame your electric motor's whirling sound when it is on spot lock. Either way, shark numbers are increasing alarmingly. On the reef, coral trout and some solid red throat emperors were caught in good numbers. For some reason, Spanish mackerel were also caught in good numbers and sizes over the Christmas break. In the past years, once the water temperature increased, it was nearly impossible to catch Spanish mackerel consistently. Some good trout, along with Finger Mark and Grunter, were caught in and around the islands. With the long spell of good weather, fishermen could take advantage of their favourite tides to catch some quality fish. Spanish mackerel were also caught trolling hard bodies, and more seasoned mackerel fishermen were trolling wolf herring. Lots of good fish were also caught drifting pilchards under a float. Spearfishermen also took advantage of the excellent conditions, spearing some nice island trout and crayfish, with reports of Finger Marks and solid Jacks also being speared. As a result of the early wet season, prawns have been caught along our beaches and in the bays over Christmas; what once was normal now seems to be an exception. Nevertheless, locals took advantage

FISHING PHOTOS MONTHLY $50 TACKLE WORLD VOUCHER TO BE WON Please email, post or drop your photos into our office, along with your name, phone number and details of your catch for your chance to win the monthly voucher. Your photo will appear in the following issue of the Wet Tropic Times, and the winner will be drawn on the last Thursday of each month.

Wet Tropic Times

NEW DR.PRAWN LURES NOW IN STORE

info@wettropictimes.com.au PO Box 1100, TULLY, 4854 70 Butler Street, TULLY of securing some Christmas prawns, and of course, among the prawns were barra's salmon and queenfish, all taking full advantage of the abundant food source. Mud crabs have also been pushed out of the river systems and along the Beachfront. Good crabs were caught by simply setting crab pots on the beach— another bonus of the early wet season. Red bream was the species to chase in the rivers, with some good fish being landed. The bait fishermen were using the obvious fresh prawn bait, and along with the hot, humid conditions, big jacks were eager to feed. Lure fishermen also favoured using plastic prawns such as the Zerek live shrimp and the chase bait flick prawn, with the New Fish craft 4-inch Doctor Prawn being the outstanding performer. Next week's weather forecast looks like more rain, with a possible low-pressure system developing off the coastline. Let's all hope it moves away from the coast. Always get an up-to-date weather forecast before planning your next trip, and stay safe. Good Luck Tony Mossop Tackleworld Tully

TIDE TIMES LUCINDA JANUARY THU 18

FRI 19

SAT 20

3:53 am 2.42m 9:46 am 1.76m 3:42 pm 2.62m 11:01 pm 1.13m 5:33 am 2.69m 11:50 am 1.72m 5:07 pm 2.51m 11:55 pm 0.98m 6:34 am 2.99m 1:04 pm 1.57m 6:10 pm 2.48m 12:40 am 0.86m 7:18 am 3.23m 1:54 pm 1.44m

MON 22

TUE 23

6:57 pm 2.48m 1:17 am 0.78m 7:55 am 3.38m 2:32 pm 1.36m 7:36 pm 2.49m 1:51 am 0.73m 8:28 am 3.47m 3:04 pm 1.34m 8:09 pm 2.51m 2:20 am 0.71m 8:59 am 3.49m 3:31 pm 1.36m 8:38 pm 2.53m

Cassowary Coast Cyclones senior cricket wrap JOHNSTONE RIVER SUN 21

MARIA GIRGENTI

ON the first weekend in January, senior fixtures resumed in the Cricket Far North competition, whilst the juniors are still on a break. The absence of junior cricket saw some Tier 3 players step up to seniors ranks in Fourth Grade team and contributed to a win. A Tully Cricket brotherly combination lost nothing in the years between, as Zack and Rhys Camilleri top scored in A-Grade at Miller Oval, Tully which intensified the debate over who is the brother with the most cricketing talent, (the McAvoy debate was settled in Stirling's favour a decade ago). After a long road trip to Trinity Beach to play Barron River, the 4th grade team notched up a great win. Cricket Far North results - January 6 - 7 Round 13 - 1st Grade Men’s senior one-day competition - January 6 - Miller Oval, Tully Barron River won the toss and elected to bat. Cassowary Coast Cyclones 99 (32.5) (Zack Camilleri 28 (37); Rhys Camilleri 21 (37)) def by Barron River 9/164 (40) (Joel Stewart 3/27 (8); Arun Singh Mann 2/12 (6); Andrew McFadden 2/30 (8)) Round 13 - 4th Grade senior one-day competition January 7 - Crathern Park, Trinity Beach Barron River won the toss and elected to bowl. Cassowary Coast Cyclones 8/172 (35)

(Michael Zammit 34 (27); Troy Singh 29 (78); R Smith 22 (13)) def

JANUARY

THU 18

Barron River 132 (30) (R Smith 3/20 (6); Tadhg McDavitt 2/12 (2); Peter Constantine 2/24 (5))

WED 24

FRI 19

SAT 20

SUN 21

4:20 am 2.13m 10:17 am 1.63m 4:05 pm 2.33m 11:42 pm 1.09m 6:00 am 2.37m 12:25 pm 1.63m 5:24 pm 2.22m 12:37 am 0.96m 7:02 am 2.63m 1:43 pm 1.52m 6:25 pm 2.18m 1:21 am 0.84m 7:46 am 2.83m 2:34 pm 1.41m

MON 22

TUE 23

WED 24

HULL HEADS JANUARY

THU 18

FRI 19

SAT 20

SUN 21

3:40 am 2.45m 9:38 am 1.69m 3:54 pm 2.64m 10:58 pm 1.09m 5:18 am 2.72m 11:32 am 1.65m 5:12 pm 2.56m 11:54 pm 0.91m 6:25 am 3.04m 12:43 pm 1.50m 6:13 pm 2.54m 12:41 am 0.77m 7:16 am 3.30m 1:32 pm 1.37m

MON 22

TUE 23

WED 24

7:12 pm 2.17m 1:59 am 0.76m 8:23 am 2.96m 3:10 pm 1.34m 7:53 pm 2.18m 2:34 am 0.72m 8:55 am 3.02m 3:41 pm 1.31m 8:26 pm 2.20m 3:06 am 0.69m 9:25 am 3.03m 4:09 pm 1.31m 8:57 pm 2.21m

7:02 pm 2.54m 1:22 am 0.66m 7:57 am 3.47m 2:10 pm 1.28m 7:42 pm 2.56m 1:58 am 0.60m 8:33 am 3.56m 2:42 pm 1.23m 8:18 pm 2.59m 2:30 am 0.59m 9:06 am 3.58m 3:09 pm 1.24m 8:50 pm 2.60m

SPORT

Wet Tropic Times

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Innisfail Horse and Pony Club 2023 awards presentation... Page 14

South Johnstone Bowls Club's 75th Jubilee celebrations STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARIA GIRGENTI

LAST December, South Johnstone Bowls Club celebrated its 75th anniversary with official events, which included a game of social bowls, barbeque lunch, official speeches, cutting of the special cake, and Christmas Goose draw. Past and present members joined members of local clubs and special guests, which included Bowls Queensland board member Gary Costigan from Townsville, who presented the club with a special 75thanniversary plaque to SJBC President Shane McInerney. SJBC's oldest member and Club Patroness, Elsie Sestero, aged 90, received a Matriarch's badge, and she and Club Patron, Wally Kriesel Junior, had the honours of cutting the anniversary cake. South Johnstone Bowls Club, established in 1948, founded by canegrower James Hing 1907 - 1969) and Director of the South Johnstone Co-operative Sugar Milling Association (1942 - 1965), the club's inaugural President.

On August 29, 1947, Hing called a public meeting and 16 prospective members interested in forming a bowling green at South Johnstone gathered at the School of Arts Building, South Johnstone. At the meeting, a unanimous decision was made to form the South Johnstone Bowling Club. An inspection of several green sites took place; however, back then, most places had tank water, apart from the Mill, which had its own pumps. SJBC needed a regular water supply to keep the grass green. The only suitable site was at the southwest end of the South Johnstone Mill's property, No 6 Branch Road, with water and power nearby. SJBC wrote a letter to the South Johnstone Co-operative Sugar Milling Mill Association Manager regarding the land and assistance and received a positive response. In April 1948, SJBC purchased an army disposal hut from Tolga, dismantled and moved it to South Johnstone, and then rebuilt it as the first clubhouse with working bees and volunteer labour.

After the completion of SJBC's clubhouse in October 1948, a pre-opening day took place on November 21, with the official opening on November 13, 1949. Many years later, the original clubhouse was demolished, a new one constructed with its official opening on October 12, 1974. The James Hing Memorial Green is a fitting tribute to the club's founder.

Over the years, South Johnstone Ladies Bowling Club members actively participated

SJBC President Shane McInerney (right) acknowledged the achievements of club member, Louise Hoskins.

in the club's projects and events. In 2002, SJBC Men's and Ladies Clubs incorporated. During Cyclone Larry in 2006, SJBC lost its clubhouse roof. A Queensland Sport and Recreation Grant contributed $238,000 to the project of a new roof, painting, and refurbishment of the kitchen, bar, storeroom and disabled toilets, with an official reopening in 2009. In September 2013, SJBC replaced the grass green with

Bowls Queensland board member Gary Costigan (left) presented SJBC President Shane McInerney with a 75th anniversary plaque.

synthetic at a cost of $242 880, assisted by a Sport and Recreation Grant of $100,000, with lights installed three months later. Over the years, SJBC has produced District winners and outstanding individual players, including Bruno Panozzo, who represented Queensland and then Australia in the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada and more recently, Louise Hoskins.

SJBC Patroness, Elsie Sestero and Patron, Wally Kriesel Junior cut the special 75th anniversary cake.

The official opening of the South Johnstone Bowling Green in November 1949, where Mill Manager, Mr W ‘Dickie’ Richardson raised the club pennant. Photo: SJBC historical records.