Moreton BorderNews
Friday,15May,2026
Charlie and Jem for the Bulls? BACK PAGE
Show wows ‘em all
THE 105th annual Marburg Show pulled out all the stops over the weekend, as more than 1000 locals attended the day full of fun, entertainment and laughter.
From pig races to dodgem cars to
horticulture displays and sideshows galore, Saturday’s event was a fantastic day out enjoyed by all.
STORY, PICS PAGE 9
Hayley the stilt walking scarecrow was a hit. (Lyle Radford: 552377)
Meetings called to guide Somerset growth
SOMERSET Regional Council is seeking community input for its Growth Management Strategy, a significant project which will inform future planning and advocacy for housing, employment, transport and more.
The Growth Management Strategy will assist in planning howtheregionwillaccommodate greater residential growth and facilitate further employment and industrial development.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt
said the first step in developing the GMS was community consultation.
“We want to know what matters to residents and get an
understanding of what ‘Good Growth’ would mean for Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
Public consultation closes 5pm Friday, 29 May 2026.
The community is invited to register for a workshop: Esk Library - 12.30pm to 2.30pm Monday, 18 May
Fernvale Visitor Information Centre - 5pm to 7pm Thursday, 21 May
To register for a workshop and to complete the survey, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/GMS
THE Marburg Show Society is to be congratulated on staging another great event on Saturday.
It takes an enormous effort to plan, organise and run a successful country show and the volunteers who are responsible for the success deserve our applause.
Lyle Radford’s images capture the essence of the event and we hope you enjoy the result.
This week, we also highlightthedecisiontomothball the Inland Rail project along the route which would have brought it into Queensland and ultimately to the Port of Brisbane.
May 11 to 17 is Neighbourhood Centre Week and so we turn our focus to the valuable work undertaken by the RADSc out of the Rosewood Community Centre.
Lara Hart is currently on leave and so Ramblings takes a different direction this week.
We consider how policies guiding the design of housing subdivisions may erode liveability.
There is no doubt the council is under pressure from the state government to approve more subdivisions and housing options but solutions need to be found now and not some time in the future.
- Wendy Creighton
Have your say about local development at meetings in Fernvale and Esk.
Somerset Mayor, Jason Wendt
Queensland leg cut out of Inland Rail project
By WENDY CREIGHTON
THE terminus for the Inland Raillinewillbehundredsofkilometres south of the Queensland border as the Federal Government has withdrawn funding for the northern half of the much vaunted ‘nation building’ project.
The 1,600km rail freight corridor was to link Melbourne to Brisbane through regional New South Wales and Queensland with up to two thirds of the project expenditure anticipated to be spent in Queensland.
But last week, the Albanese Government axed all further construction on the freight line beyond the completion of works between the Melbourne suburb of Beveridge and a point just north of Parkes in New South Wales.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said the decision followed an independent consultancy estimating the cost to deliver the full project would exceed $45 billion.
“This is more than three times the current budget allocation and this work also confirmed that the project cannot be delivered until at least 2036,” Minister King said.
“Inland Rail works north of Parkes will focus on preservation of the rail corridor, as well as protecting sites for future Inland Rail intermodal terminals in Queensland.”
RAIL ROUTE
The mothballing of the northern half of the project will have a significant local impact.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King revealed last week that the cost of the Inland Rail project was estimated to exceed
In 2023, following the commissioning by the Albanese Government of an independent review of the project by Dr Kerry Schott, Ebenezer was selected over Bromelton as the intermodal freight terminal.
Other major changes were also made to the project.
As reported in the Moreton Border News in April 2023, the intermodal terminal was to be at Ebenezer, which would be the end point for Inland Rail’s long, double stacked freight trains.
“A new track would run from Gatton through Grandchester and Calvert to Ebenezer but the new track running from Ebenezer to Kagaru would be single
stacked as it joins the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) rail network between Acacia Ridge and Bromelton.”
The route was to divert from the West Moreton rail line at Calvert (south west of Rosewood) and connect to the Sydney to Brisbane interstate rail line at Kagaru.
Recommendations out of the 2023 independent review, also led to the ARTC prioritising gaining the necessary environmental approvals and securing the land needed along the northern end of the route.
MOST COMPLEX
The Gowrie (north west of
Toowoomba) to Kagaru (north of Beaudesert) section was considered the most complex section of the 1,600km freight rail line.
Project leaders, the ARTC, had broken up that section into three segments – Gowrie to Helidon, Helidon to Calvert, and Calvert to Kagaru.
Construction beyond the building of 128km of new dual gauge track, involved 8.2km of tunnels including a 6.3km tunnel through the Toowoomba range and a 585 metre tunnel through the Teviot Range, eight railway viaducts, 49 rail bridges and 11 road crossing loops.
MONDAY - PUB CLASSICS $20 – 200g Rump, Chicken Schnitty or Grilled Barra, all served with chips and salad (Dinner only)
TUESDAY - TWO FOR ONE – Purchase two mains off our selected menu and receive the lesser value meal for free (Dinner only)
WEDNESDAY - PARMY PARTY $20 – Your choice of 6 different Parmy’s served with chips and salad. (Dinner only)
THURSDAY – BLACK ANGUS $20 – 250g Black Angus rump served with chips, salad and sauce. (Dinner only)
FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY – ALL DAY DINING LUNCHES FROM $15 MONDAY-FRIDAY LUNCHES FROM MONDAY-FRIDAY
$45 billion. (ARTC)
Repair costs totalled nearly one million dollars. (Supplied: 478627)
Court: driver in Mt Crosby wreck fined $4000
By BYRON PESZKO
THE driver of a truck weighing a total of 150 tonnes that collided with the Mount Crosby Overpass on the Warrego Highway in May 2025, has appeared in Ipswich Magistrates Court.
The now 57-year old Toowoomba man Rodney Kuhn entered a plea of guilty for charges including contravening condition of dimension exception and driving without due care and attention. The incident occurred in the early hours of 16 May 2025, when he was in control of a heavy load, transporting a section of a wind-tower travelling west on the Warrego Highway under police escort.
The hearing last Thursday morning was also attended by Mr Kuhn’s uncle and daughter.
Sixty seconds of footage recorded by four cameras attached to the load was shown and reviewed in the courtroom.
Covering events prior to and immediately after the impact, it showed Mr Kuhn’s truck failed to take the North Tivoli exit as required. Instead it made a direct impact with the bridge at approx-
Mr Kuhn faced Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday. (Google Maps: 552331)
imately 60 kilometres an hour, .
Mr Kuhn’s defence said he knew the route, but couldn’t see the pilot truck or police ahead of him. They argued that slamming on the brakes of the 150-tonne truck would have caused more danger.
In response, the Police prosecutor said there was nothing to indicate Mr Kuhn braked or slowed down, realising he was going to collide with the bridge.
In his ruling, the Acting Magistrate disputed some of the claims that were presented.
“Mr Kuhn made no attempt to stop and did not take evasive action. He was blissfully unaware,” he said.
The Acting Magistrate noted Mr Kuhn’s remorse.
His prior traffic history, having driven trucks since the age of 18 with no criminal convictions,
was taken into account and it was deemed not necessary to disqualify his license.
Mr Kuhn was fined $4000 and no conviction was recorded.
The court was told that the repair bill was nearly one million dollars.
Repairs to the overpass were conducted by the Transport and Main Roads Department, and were completed in May 2026.
Neighbourhood Centres connect communities
IT’S Neighbourhood Centre Week - an ideal time to consider the important local role of the Rosewood Community Centre.
Centres like this help build strong, connected and resilient communities by providing welcoming spaces where people can seek support, connect with others and access essential services during difficult times.
‘Your Place to Connect’ is the theme for the week-long recognition of the importance of neighbourhood centres.
These types of community centres are in place to help reduce isolation, provide practical assistance and create opportunities for getting involved and belonging.
As cost-of-living pressures continue to affect many families, these centres remain trusted and accessibleplacesforcareandsupport.
The Rosewood and District Supporting Communities group
fills the role locally and will celebrate 25 years of its Community Centre Program in 2026.
Based at the Rosewood Community Centre on School Street, RADSc has grown with the community and continues to adapt its services to meet changing needs.
The centre offers emergency
LIGHTS, PUPPETS, LIGHTS, ACTION!
relief including food hampers, vouchers and essential item hampers, as well as support services for individuals and families, technology assistance, no-interest loan applications and access to computers and printing facilities.
“Everyone is welcome at our centre,hubeventsandprograms,” saidRADScCommunityServices
Worker Tracey Noll.
“Drop in, ring or message us if you need any help, support or have any questions.”
Beyond individual assistance, RADSc delivers a wide range of groups, activities and events that encourage community connection.
Programs include Family Fun Days, the Community Food Project, Christmas celebrations and support groups held across venues including ‘The Hut’ in Rosewood.
“Our groups and events are created in response to our community, and they are constantly evolving to respond to community need,” said RADSc Community Project Worker Tia Lancaster.
General Manager Donna Hanlon reflected on the organisation’s long history, saying she was proud of the role RADSc had played in strengthening the local community over the past 25 years.
Rosewood and District Supporting Communities (RADSc) fills the Neighbourhood Centre role and is based at the Rosewood Community Centre(Lyle Radford: 552951)
Restoring safety where you live
The new Queensland Government is Making Queensland Safer with more police and stronger laws combined with early intervention and rehabilitation programs for at-risk youth.
Already delivering a 7.2 per cent reduction in victim numbers* and with serious repeat offenders down 17 per cent**, the Government is breaking the cycle of crime. But there’s more to be done.
Under Adult Crime, Adult Time almost 4700 youth o enders have been charged with more than 22,800 o ences. Youth bail monitoring laws are also stronger, improving safety where you live.
More than 1600 new police recruits are restoring safety where you live.
Bolstered police capability includes an expanded POLAIR (Police Aerial Operations) and the largest rapid response unit in Queensland’s history. The State Flying Squad is providing surge capacity straight into crime hotspots – moving fast to target and remove criminals from the street.
Crime hotspots are being targeted through locally led and centrally coordinated police operations. Operation Xray Steeler recently resulted in more than 1300 people charged with 4072 o ences. Operation Forge is underway across the state delivering a highly visible six-month crackdown on break-ins, robberies and stolen cars.
Jack’s Law is keeping our streets safer, with police scanning for, detecting and removing weapons to combat knife crime.
The Government is also better protecting children by strengthening the blue card system and delivering Daniel’s Law – which provides access
to vital information to help families safeguard children. More information is available at DanielsLaw.qld.gov.au
Significant investment in early intervention and rehabilitation programs is breaking the cycle of crime by helping at-risk youth re-engage with education and their communities.
Across South East Queensland, the new Queensland Government is backing frontline policing with:
▶ 827 new police recruits for the region in less than 18 months
▶ Upgrades to key police facilities
▶ Investment in POLAIR aerial support to cut response times
▶ Major station projects underway in Ripley, Boondall, Mt Gravatt and Ferny Grove
▶ Expanded CCTV networks in Brisbane and Moreton Bay are also boosting real-time monitoring
South East Queensland communities can tap into Secure Communities Partnerships grants to expand CCTV coverage and lift security for small business and local government.
For more information visit business.qld.gov.au/securegrant
*Compared to 2024 (Jan to Dec) per capita.
**Compared to 2024 serious repeat youth offenders.
Frontline policing rebuilt with 1600 additional police
Constable Chyenne Koki-Collier (centre) with her graduating cohort.
Frontline policing is being rebuilt with more than 1600 new police recruits as part of the plan to make Queensland safer.
Following the March graduation of 61 police officers from the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley, a total of 1625 new police recruits have been delivered in less than 18 months.
These officers are ready to support their communities with integrity, respect and courage in communities across the State, including Brisbane, Cairns, Mount Isa, Townsville, Mackay, the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast volunteer Surf Lifesaver, Constable Sophie Christie, deployed to the South Brisbane District, said she felt it was an obvious career move to go from the boat to the beat.
“I wanted to continue to help people and I wanted my work to have a meaningful impact on Queensland,” Constable Christie said.
Constable Chyenne Koki-Collier joined the service to help others.
“The people who have helped me along the way in my life really motivated me to try and help others,” she said.
Visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au
Authorised by the Queensland Government, Brisbane.
VICTIM NUMBERS
REPEAT OFFENDERS DOWN
The new Queensland Government is driving down crime and restoring safety where you live. Victim numbers are down 7.2%* and serious repeat offenders are down 17%^ under Adult Crime Adult Time, but there’s more to be done.
CTIM UMBERS The newQueensland Governm
SPONSORED
Early intervention and rehabilitation to prevent reoffending
Targeted early intervention is supporting at-risk young people, increasing accountability and reducing reoffending.
The Regional Reset program intervenes when young people disengage or show signs of antisocial behaviour. When a young person leaves detention, the Staying on Track program provides six months of intensive support to reduce the risk of reoffending.
The Government is also backing community-led crime prevention through Kickstarter Grants and expanding schoolbased support. This includes four new Crime Prevention Schools and two Youth Justice Schools. These initiatives are part of a $560 million investment in early intervention and youth justice
programs, which includes $225 million over five years to deliver Staying on Track.
In South East Queensland, the Isurava Program, part of the Regional Reset initiative, is helping young people turn their lives around.
Angie Debnam, CEO of the Kokoda Youth Foundation, says taking young people out of their usual environment is one of the most beneficial aspects of the program.
“When young people realise they can make a change and take ownership of their future, that’s incredibly powerful,” she said.
Adult Crime, Adult Time expands
Protecting communities, reducing reoffending and holding young o enders to account underpins ongoing efforts to strengthen youth crime laws. New legislation passed in State Parliament expands Adult Crime, Adult Time to include 12 additional o ences, such as aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm, further bolstering e orts to make Queensland safer.
Operation Forge restoring safety where you live
POLAIR in action.
Image credit Kana Photography.
Asix-month locally led and centrally coordinated operation targeting break-ins, robberies and stolen cars is underway across the state.
Operation Forge combines specialist personnel from POLAIR (Police Aerial Operations), the State Flying Squad,
Recommended by the Queensland Government’s Expert Legal Panel, these laws aim to deliver tougher measures on youth crime to protect the community.
So far, almost 4700 youth offenders have been charged with more than 22,800 Adult Crime, Adult Time offences, contributing to a 7.2 per cent year on year drop in crime victims.
Youth Co-Responder and Public Safety Response Safety Team with local police.
In the first six weeks, more than 2000 offenders have been charged with over 5000 offences.
QPS Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, John Tims, said communities would see more highly visible proactive patrols to reduce crime.
“Bolstered by coordinated investigations and shared intelligence, the operation will target prolific, high harm repeat offenders,” he said.
Officer in Charge of POLAIR Senior Sergeant Tony Lawliss said the extension of POLAIR’s aerial crime-fighting capability in Cairns and the expansion of that capability on the Sunshine Coast to include the Moreton Bay region had bolstered their ability to support on-ground crews in responding to emergencies.
Jack’s Law makes impact across the state
Jack’s Law is helping make Queensland safer by enabling police to use handheld metal detectors to find knives and weapons without a warrant.
Since the laws were made permanent and expanded statewide in July last year, more than 127,000 scans have been carried out, leading to 1947 arrests and 3773 charges.
Brett and Belinda Beasley lost their 17-year-old son, Jack, in December 2019 when he was fatally stabbed during a night out with friends.
They say every wanding operation can stop another family living their loss.
Daniel’s Law: Turning a legacy into safer communities for Queensland’s children
Daniel’s Law is one of the most significant reforms to child safety legislation in Queensland’s history and is a major milestone in restoring safety where you live.
With more than 290,000 visits to the Daniel’s Law website since 31 December 2025, the state’s first public sex offender register provides parents with an online tool to keep their families safe.
The online register provides eligible members of the Queensland community access to information about convicted sex offenders who are on Queensland’s Child Protection Register, helping communities stay alert and informed.
The register honours the legacy of Sunshine Coast schoolboy Daniel Morcombe, whose 2003 abduction and murder prompted two decades of advocacy for stronger child protection laws.
Visit DanielsLaw.qld.gov.au
George’s Garage offers professional service
GEORGE’S Garage is your trusted partner for all your car servicing and mechanical repair needs in the Rosewood region.
George’s Garage has been in Rosewood since 1940, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of the latest technologies and methods.
Since new ownership of the business in May 2024, the workshop is now equipped with the latest tools and equipment, including a new wheel alignment machine, to ensure your new tyres perform correctly, improving handling and ensuring your tyres last longer.
We understand the busy family lives in our fast growing community, and many commute to work during the week.
Georges Garage is open Monday – Saturday, to ensure you can attend the workshop, to discuss your vehicle directly with Keryn and Kerry.
If your vehicle is in need of repair or servicing, please don’t hesitate to visit us. We understand that our customers may not have a technical background in mechanics, so we strive to communicate clearly and transparently about the work we’ll be doing.
We work with you to understand your needs and provide personalised solutions to get your vehicle back on the road safely and efficiently.
Contact
• 13 - 15 John St, Rosewood QLD 4340, Australia
• 07 5464 1108
As a family-owned and operated business, we’ve built strong relationships with our community over the years and we’re proud to offer personalised service to our valued clients. Keeping up with regular servicing helps prevent small issues from turning into expensive repairs.
Our team of experienced technicians will diagnose and repair
your vehicle to the highest standards.
George’s Garage offers friendly, professional customer service and expert advice on a wide range of car-related issues. Our knowledgeable team members are always happy to help, whether you need guidance on routine maintenance or have a specific concern about your vehicle.
• georgesgarage@bigpond.com
Business Hours
Mon - Fri
• 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday
• 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
(*Use of photos featuring Clydesdales in advert with permission from Drayhorse Shires.)
A family business that cares: Father and son Kerry and Keryn Perkins, have built strong relationships within the community and are proud to offer personalised service to their valued clients. (Jess Leis: 549192)
Marburg Show takes centre stage on Saturday
By WENDY CREIGHTON
MARBURG held to the tradition of staging a crowd pleasing country show on Saturday.
“Great” was how Show vice presidentBarbFrohloffdescribed the multi-faceted event on the extensive showgrounds, which were in top condition for the day.
While she admitted there was some concern the fuel crisis and rising costs of living might factor into crowd numbers, Barb was happy to report that patrons through the gate were on a par with last year.
“ItreallywasagreatShow,”she said. “The weather was perfect, the crowd was happy and most sections reported an increase in entries.
“Horticulture entries were down due to the drought conditions, but despite this, there was still a good display in that section.”
Feedback on the day confirmed her overall assessment of the Society’s main event.
“There were lots of new faces bolstering the numbers of our longstanding supporters,” said Barb, who was in a position to chat with many patrons as she worked on the barbeque stall all day.
“Rosewood Dental sponsored the fireworks this year which meant we could increase the display and a lot of people commented on how good the fireworks were.”
The free Land Train was kept busy running patrons to events across the grounds.
“The roving entertainers were wonderful especially Hayley the stilt-walking scarecrow who told
everyone she had escaped from the farm so she could meet everyone at the Marburg Show,” Barb said.
“And the circus workshops run by the Variety Clown were a big hit.”
The BMX half pipe shows, the giant bubbles lady, the animal farm, the pig races, the Amberley Pipe Band, the Grandchester and Minden School choir, the ute competition and display, the fire twirlers, the many static displays and the judging of the exhibits kept the crowd entertained during the day and into the night.
“We were what we set out to be,” said Barb, “a welcoming country show that’s family
friendly and offers something to see and do every hour from the time the gates open.
Clydesdale exhibitor chats with the judge Marie Evans.(552377)
JC Action Sports in the BMX Half Pipe display. (552377)
Mark Bolton from Ipswich on Bantry Spotted Gypsy competing in the showjumping ring. (552377)
One of the black Friesian horses competing in the centre ring. (552377)
On show in the Grand Parade. (Lyle Radford: 552377)
The Bubble Lady drrew a crowd at every performance. (552377)
Juggling parks, parking and pandemonium
By WENDY CREIGHTON
THERE are many theories shaping the planning policies of local authorities like the Ipswich City Council in catering to the population explosion caused by the rush to large residential estates.
But in practise, will the theories achieve cohesive, liveable communities?
The theories have been developed in tandem with the push by state and federal governments for local authorities to open up more and more land for housing to meet demand.
In SEQ, the demand is driven by an inflow of new residents from the southern states post COVID.
And developers are taking advantage of decisions by councils to allow land to be divided into smaller and smaller blocks and to allow multi-unit developments.
It is a win-win situation for councils and developers – every increase in housing allotments means an increase in rates income for councils, and more lots allowed in a subdivision means more profit for developers, who have had to risk capital and meet the initial financial burden of bringing the first stages of the es-
tates to the market.
But into the future, will it prove a win for councils and more importantly, a win for the communities?
There are certainly problems inherent in the design of major residentialestatesinIpswichCity, particularly in the outlying areas.
The master plans of some of the estates currently in the early to mid stages of development indicate that on completion, there will be only one or two ingress and egress points for residents.
In many cases these access points are designed to feed traffic out onto minor service roads which lead directly to the main road corridors.
This design will lead to morning commuters potentially encountering stop-start traffic before exiting the estate.
The stop-start traffic will continue out on the service road as thevehiclesfaceanexcruciatingly slow merge with the traffic on the main road corridor, where traffic may already be heavily congested by vehicles from other housing estates located further out.
A‘living’exampleofthisproblem can be found every workday morning and afternoon along the Centenary Motorway where
traffic from several estates is ‘fed’ into that corridor and then into the Ipswich Motorway.
Add in an accident and emergency vehicles desperately trying toreachtheinjured,andthestopstart crawl of the traffic simply comes to a halt.
Ipswich council is developing strategies such as a planned spend in the next couple of decades of $2.1 billion on road infrastructure to overcome the ‘unsustainable bottlenecks’ from large estates.
But will these strategies be brought into play soon enough? Importantly,willthetheoryprove to be the solution, when brought into practise?
Tandem parking is another cost saving trend, but residents often find it is more convenient to park one of the vehicles out on the street.
So, consider you are a resident in one of these estates and you have to deal with the myriad traffic tribulations you face every working day.
You have been offered some solace by enjoying the estate’s parkland during your recreational hours.
The allocation of parkland is mandatory in the larger estates.
It is maintained by the developer, usually for a timeframe set by the council planning approval.
At some regulated point, the ownership of the parkland is signed over to the council and then it becomes the council’s responsibility to maintain.
Maintenance of parkland fragmented across many housing estates will become an increasingly burdensome issue for council.
In more recent years, larger, open space allocations have become part of any major housing estate approval.
It’s likely that some of the older, smaller parks will be closed in favour of putting more resources into larger parks in the vicinity of the estates.
However, it may be a more cogent solution for council to consider ways to resume land in areas that are newly added to the urban zones and to use the funds gained through infrastructure charges imposed on developers to establish larger areas of parkland.
Safe, liveable communities are certainly the aim of the council but will the aim become the outcome under the current planning policies?
More new estates mean more traffic but are current planning policies up to the task of ensuring future liveable communities? (Lyle Radford: 544845)
UQ ag students win mentoring scholarships
By JESSE HAMILTON
TWO students based at the University of Queensland Gatton Campus have been named in the 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship cohort, joining 18 highachieving university students recognised nationally for their potential to shape the future of Australian agriculture.
The scholarship program, delivered by AgriFutures Australia, supports students in the final two years of their agricultural degrees and is designed to build long-term capability in the sector through industry placements, mentoring, professional development and national networking opportunities. Since launching in 2010, it has supported more than 259 students and is widely regarded as a key pathway into Australia’s rural industries.
For the Lockyer Valley, it highlights how Gatton continues to connect classroom learning with the surrounding production belt, where agriculture is part of everyday life.
Sophie Jonsson, who is studying a Bachelor of Agronomy, has grown up across mixed farming enterprises including avocado, grain and cattle operations, giving her a strong practical understanding of agricultural production systems. Her studies focus on crop production, soil health and sustainable farming systems, with a particular interest in improving productivity through crop nutrition and soil management. Supported by the Cotton Research and Development CorporationandtheGrainsResearch and Development Corporation, she said she is looking forward to contributing to research and innovation that strengthens Australia’s cropping industries.
Maeve Lowe, who is completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, is originally from Tully in Far North Queensland, where her family is involved in banana and sugarcane production, shaping her strong connection to regional agriculture. Her academic interests include genetic advancements across animal and horticultural industries, and she
is also passionate about agricultural advocacy and encouraging more young people to consider careers in the sector. Supported by Hort Innovation, she said she is looking forward to connecting with peers and industry leaders while gaining exposure to opportunities that support innovation and long-term sustainability in Australian agriculture.
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director Brianna Casey said the 2026 cohort reflects the strengthofemergingtalententering rural industries, with a strong focus on turning study into realworld impact.
“These scholars are developing the skills that matter, but just as importantly, they are building relationships with industry that will carry through their careers,” Ms Casey said.
The Horizon Scholarship provides each student with a $5,000 annual bursary, tailored professional development, and an annual industry placement aligned with their field of study and sponsor sector.
282 Old Ropeley Road, Lower Tenthill Tools, Workshop equip, shipping containers, large qnty truck & car parts, Holden Rodeo ute, old caravans, old truck chassis, rims & tyres, beer can collection and much much more Full list & photo’s on website
FRIDAY 29th May Boonah Showground Yards Please contact William for entries
Maeve Lowe, originally from Tully and now studying agricultural science at UQ Gatton, has been named a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar. (AgriFutures)
Dual residences, a granny flat and open space
AN estate boasting two homes on 3.71ha of open space in Muirlea, sold last month for $1,750,000.
The main residence on the Pine Mt Road property features a renovated kitchen with stone benchtops and quality cabinetry.
The kitchen opens onto an open plan living and dining zone where sliding glass doors connect to a colonnaded alfresco which overlooks a sandstone-terraced rear garden and the surrounding bush.
The home has several living zones, ducted air conditioning, seven bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master suite has an ensuite and direct access to the outdoor entertainment area.
The main house also incorporates a self-contained granny flat.
Thesecondhomehasfive bedrooms, a brand new kitchen with stone benchtops, fresh flooring throughout and air conditioning in every room.
It has two separate living areas, a recently renovated main bathroom and the master bedroom has a walk-in robe and ensuite.
The property features a five bay, lock up shed and a three bay carport.
In addition, there are two rainwater tanks, manicured lawns, sandstone retaining walls, established garden beds and a natural bush reserve at the rear.
The property last sold in 2004 for $480,000.
Brothers, Bears duke it out, Norths blast off
By CLANCY NUGENT
IT was another week of attacking football in the Rugby League Ipswich A-Grade competition, with plenty of points on scoreboards across the league.
The weekend started with a grudge match between two competition heavyweights, the Redbank Plains Bears and Brothers.
It was a very close contest where each team dominated for different periods; the Bears scored two tries in 20 minutes before Brothers ran in three of their own to take back the lead.
The two sides were locked at
18-all before a try from Brothers broke the deadlock, but their lead disappeared when the Bears scored a trio of tries in the final
10 minutes to earn a 36-22 win, a scoreline that did not reflect the true closeness of the match.
At the same time on Saturday
night, the Fassifern Bombers kept their undefeated streak alive with a 36-20 win over Goodna.
It looked like it could be a bloodbath when the Bombers tallied their fourth straight try in the first 25 minutes, but to the Eagles’ credit, they stuck in the contest and the two sides played some competitive football after the early onslaught.
The Mother’s Day match between West End and Norths was simply not a close affair.
Norths ran in 50 points on the back of a Jesse Zampech hattrick, dominating from start to finish.
Ferraris seek truck deal on Champion’s Way
By CLANCY NUGENT
CAPITAL works are set to be budgeted and commenced in the 2026–27 financial year for upgrades to Champions Way, with improvements to the road that services Queensland Raceway remaining a priority for the venue.
Subject to budget, it is understood resurfacing is set to be completed in the 2028–29 financial year, but further upgrades are required to address major issues on the road.
Champions Way welcomed both trucks and Ferraris alike.
Queensland Raceway owner Tony Quinn explained that he was hopeful the road would see
major changes in the coming years to support events at not only Queensland Raceway, but also Willowbank Raceway and the Ipswich Kart Club.
“It’s long been a problem for us, especially when the weather is wet; the trucks going into the tip drag a whole lot of mud onto the end of the road,” Quinn said.
“If we’ve got people with Porsches and Ferraris and stuff coming, they get a bit annoyed about the state of the road and just the muck on it.
“They’ve tried all sorts of things to fix it, but it’s just one thing leads to another.
“I believe that there’s an upgrade on the cards,” he said.
At a meeting in September last year, it was concluded that council would allocate proportionate funds for the upgrade of Champions Way from the Ti Tree Bioenergy funding program and would prioritise the design and planning for an upgrade of Champions Way.
Kyle Colburn gets an offload away. (Lyle Radford: 552378)
Norths have been superb with ball in hand. (Lyle Radford: 552432)
Lachmund and Ryan win cricket contracts
By CLANCY NUGENT
TWO Ipswich Hornets quicks could be steaming in for the Queensland Bulls later this year after both received contracts from Queensland Cricket.
Former Ipswich Hornets Player of the Year Jem Ryan has had his rookie contract upgraded to a full-time deal, while Australian Under-19 star Charlie Lachmund received a rookie contract of his own.
Both players have been strike weapons with the ball for the Hornets and could form a newball partnership of the future for the Bulls.
Lachmund debuted for the Australian Under-19s during their tour of India last year and played a key role in the nation’s semi-final berth at the Under-19 World Cup.
Thetearawayquickalsodominated the U19 National Championships in December, taking 13 wickets at an incredible average of 12.62.
Lachmund said he was grateful to get the opportunity and highlighted the impact that the Ipswich Hornets had on his progression.
“The Hornets have been integral because I came down from Toowoomba and they got me into the first-grade system quite early, even when I might not have been ready in a sense, but they just kind of let me bloom in that environment to really fast-track my skills,” Lachmund said.
“You don’t really notice it in the moment, but you look back on it and that’s done me some real good, just to play at those high levels and I guess just being around men’s cricket.
“They helped me massively and it is probably the main contributor to my success,” he said.
Both Lachmund and Ryan attended Toowoomba Grammar but found success in Ipswich.
Lachmund said it was exciting to now be contracted to the Bulls together.
“It’s a bit unbelievable; he was a few years ahead of me at school,
so I never would have thought that we’d be rubbing shoulders in that environment this soon,” Lachmund said.
“It’s awesome that I’ve got to know him quite well at the Hornets and watched him do some unbelievable stuff.
“There’s a prospect that we might be opening the bowling or be in the same team at that next level,” he said.
The Bulls have international stars on their roster, but none will be more influential to the young guns than experienced quick Michael Neser.
“I’m sure he’ll have plenty for me up his sleeve,” Lachmund said.
“He’s a class act; he’s got it all really. He can swing it both ways and he’s so crafty, and he’s proven that he’s almost too good for Shield cricket.
“It will be pretty good to pick his brain and get his take on a few things and learn a few things which I might be able to translate into my game,” he said.
While he wants to play as many games for the Bulls as he can in his rookie season, Lachmund expects to be playing plenty of matches for the Hornets as they hunt for a finals berth.
Ryan was recognised as the 2023/24 season’s best player for the Hornets.
(Darren J McCabe Photography)
Lachmund debuted for the Australian Under 19 side against India last year. (Photo from Queensland Cricket Media)