Sybella Creek Solar Farm: A national infrastructure company is investing $259 million to build a solar energy facility in North West Queensland, supporting a prominent outback mine. APA Group has signed an Energy Supply Agreement with a subsidiary of Evolution Mining, providing solar power to Ernest Henry Mine near Mount Isa. Announced in the ASX last week, the 72 megawatt Sybella Creek Solar Farm is set to power the site during all operational hours, alongside a 52 megawatt Battery Energy Storage System. APA Group Executive Energy Solutions Darren Rogers said construction will begin by the end of the year, and be operational by mid 2028, creating about 140 local construction jobs. The farm is set to run until the mine's end of life in 2046.
Photo supplied: Ernest Henry
Outpatient waitlists: Queensland's Deputy Opposition Leader is criticising rising outpatient wait lists as more than 1,300 people are in line to see a specialist in Mount Isa. Quarterly June data from Queensland Health reports there has been a 24 per cent increase in the past year in the North West city, compared to 15 per cent across the state. This includes people potentially requiring elective surgery. Cameron Dick says people are waiting longer than they should for outpatient appointments. A Queensland Health spokesperson says demand has increased due to population growth and an ageing population, and measures are being taken to improve flow of patients. North West Hospital and Health Service was contacted for comment.
Outback to Stack: One of Outback Australia's only marathons doubled previous years participants, as running booms in the Queensland bush. Mount Isa's Outback to Stack had 190 participants over the weekend registered to tackle the marathon, half marathon or walking events. Organiser Morne Sher says runners came from across the state.
Boulia reconfiguration: An outback council is pushing forward on an application to build 39 new residential lots, in line with the sealing of a major highway. Boulia Shire Council has submitted an application for the development on Diamantina Street, coinciding with the final stages of the sealing of The Outback Way, which aims to boost the region's traffic from the Northern Territory. Mayor Rick Britton says the development is essential for the town's economic growth.
Doomadgee grannies: Elders in a remote North West Indigenous community are aiming to boost support programs for the town's young residents through an advisory group. Members of the Doomadgee 'Grannies Group' are sharing their lived experience with child and family rights organisation 54 Reasons, assisting in the development of its local initiatives. Gangalidda woman Aunty Rose Foster says the intergenerational connection is essential for the young residents in the Aboriginal community.
