I would like to thank all those who attended the inaugural Hinchinbrook Agricultural Forum – Diversifying Our District. The Forum was well re-ceived with over 85 mem-bers of the public attend-ing to hear from various presenters. The Forum was a great chance to hear about new developments and emerg-ing trends in agriculture and to explore the oppor-tunities on offer to seek a sustainable and engag-ing future to start attract-ing young people back to farming – back to our dis-trict.New and diverse industry is required to create jobs as a means of arresting population decline and retention of youth in our district. We know that we can grow most things in Hinchin-brook - soy beans, mung beans, sun hemp, sun-flowers, canola, kenaf, taro, bananas, maize, corn and rice to name a few. The real hurdle lies with getting this produce

to market and growing an industry. The Forum con-centrated on avenues to overcome these hurdles. The following topics were covered at the Forum with attendees obtaining com-prehensive knowledge of how we can move forward as a community and the positive steps already tak-ing place in this sector. Queensland’s Agricul-tural Strategy – a 2040 vision to double agricul-tural product Presented by Mr Adam West, Regional Direc-tor – North, with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fish-eries (DAF), this topic included an overview of Queensland’s Strategy toward development and implementation of policies and initiatives that en-courage economic devel-opment in the agricultural industry. North Queensland Agri-cultural Market and Sup-ply Chain Study Presented by Mr Michael McMillan, Director-Policy and Investment, Towns-

ville Enterprise, this top-ic included an overview on transforming North Queensland’s agriculture, production, infrastructure and export sectors by looking at market demand and supply chain logistics. BiofuturesPresented by Mr Winslow Leveque, Project Manager, Biofutures Queensland, Department of State De-velopment, Manufactur-ing, Infrastructure and Planning this topic cov-ered what Biofutures are and the opportunities for Queensland utilising sug-ar cane feedstock. Markets are there! Just need to know where to look Presented by Mr Chris Ol-iverio, Tristate Produce, Sydney this topic included an overview of opportuni-ties in small crop and veg-etables from a consumer and marketers perspec-tive. Growing Renewable Fuels in Regional QueenslandPresented by Ms Larissa Rose, Managing Director,

Queensland Renewable Fuels Association this topic covered Project De-velopment and Opportuni-ties in the North, through growth of product includ-ing sugar cane for renew-able fuel production.Renewable Fuel Technol-ogies in the USAPresented by Mr Karl Seck, Chief Executive Offi-cer, Mercurius Biorefining, this topic offered an in-sight into Cellulosic Biofu-el Technology and REACH Technology.

Herbert Valley Alternative Cropping Study Mr Don Pollock, Agron-omist, Trop Crop Pty Ltd and Dr Andrew Wood, agronomist and soil sci-entist gave an overview of the Study which outlines an investigation into the potential for production of agricultural crops capable of being grown in the Her-bert River district, includ-ing crops complementary to sugar cane. Marketable crops identified include capsicum, industrial hemp, kenaf, melons and pumpkins, mung bean,

peanut, rice, safflower, sweet potato and taro.The Herbert Valley Alter-native Cropping Study has now been launched and is available on the Hinchin-brook Shire Council web-site, I encourage all those who have a vested interest in our community to read it. Going forward, Council will continue addressing the constraints to achieve new industry including agronomy services, infra-structure needs, irrigation capacities and barriers to market entry.

HSC 19/15 – Hire of Landfill Compactor (Dry Hire) Council is seeking quotations for the dry hire of a landfill compactor for a period of 3 years commencing 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2022.Further information is available by downloading the offer documents via Council’s website, Current Procurement and Tenders page.

Council advises that road widening works are scheduled to be undertaken on the corner of Wallis and Rankin Street, Trebonne.Road widening works are scheduled to commence Monday 8 April 2019, with completion anticipated by Friday 3 May 2019, weather permitting.During this time controlled conditions will be in place. If you have any queries regarding these works, please contact Council’s onsite Supervisor or by phoning 4776 4671.

Attention Local Suppliers, Contractors and Service Providers

Works Notice - Wallis Street Road Widening Works

Diversifying our District - Agricultural Forum

HINCHINBROOK.QLD.GOV.AU

C O N N E C TW I T H C O U N C I L

4776 4600

council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

HinchinbrookShireCouncil HINCHINBROOK, QLD

Photo: Presenter Mr Winslow Leveque, Project Manager, Biofutures Queensland

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

TYTO Assistant x 2 (Ref: 102301 and 102311)Under the general direction of the Manager Economic and Community Development, these positions undertake routine activities supporting the day to day activities of TYTO. Duties will include administration, exceptional customer service and assistance with the preparation and delivery of TYTO events. Both positions are Casual which could include weekend work.Applications close 5.00pm Wednesday 24 April 2019.Further information is contained in the job application package which can be obtained via Council’s Website or by phoning Human Resource Services on 4776 4767.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Positions Vacant

Please note: Applicants must specifically and individually address all essential and desirable selection criteria (included in the Job Application Package) and provide a current Resume and two recent Referees in order to be considered for interview.

Simon Kidston, Genex Power – Executive DirectorSimon was involved in the funding arrangements for Stage 1 of the Kidston Renewable Energy Hub (50MW Kidston Solar Project), and is now engaged with banks and potential equity partners for Stage 2 (Integrated 250 MW Pumped Storage Hydro and 270MW Solar Project). The Genex Kidston Renewable Energy Hub is a world first, innovative integration of intermittent solar energy with low cost energy storage creating “Renewable Energy On Tap”.

Benjamin Bell, Australian Mines Limited – Managing Director BSc, MMETThe flagship Sconi Project is one of the very few large ore bodies of its type within Australia and is also considered the most advanced towards production. The economic modelling completed for the Sconi Project Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS released November 2018) demonstrated that the project supports a two million tonne per annum process plant that would deliver long-term benefits to both the regional Queensland community.

Where: TYTO Conference and Events CentreWhen: Monday 29 April 2019Time: 7.00am until 9.00amCost: FREE - A light breakfast and refreshments will be supplied. Book: Via email events@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au or contact the Regional Event Coordinator on 4776 4618.

MAJOR PROJECT OPPORTUNITIESHinchinbrook Industry Breakfast: Increase your potential contract/employment opportunities with Major Regional Projects that are shaping our regions future.

Dont forget... Zany Zoo and Baby Welcoming Ceremony on this Friday 12 April 2019 at the TYTO Conference and Events Centre

Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Arts and Crafts and Reptiles. ALL FREE!