Trying times were countered with major triumphs during a tumultuous year in the north.
The spirit of the bush was never far away in 2018, as the persistence, patience and plenty of pluck from the people who make this place great shone through.
From devastating losses to soaring highs, the people of North Queensland have banded together to embody the true spirit of the north.
Weather conditions contributed to some of the difficulties, while the rest largely laid squarely on the shoulders of policy makers, who seem more focused on retaining votes in the southern cities than representing the needs of their rural constituents.
But grit and determination never wavered.
In June, cattle live exports resumed at the Port of Karumba after almost 12 months, when a deal was struck with New Century Mine to dredge the channel.
The first live cattle to head to China were shipped from the Port of Townsville in January, the start of a successful year of trade for the region.
Weather woes were never far away, but again, we pulled together.
Through a partnership as true blue as the land we are blessed to call home, a program was set up for veterans from the Oasis Townsville to head to Winton to help graziers in their eighth year of drought.
Those who fought to defend our country, helping those who keep it moving.
It was a win-win for both parties, with veterans, many of whom had been medially discharged, finally feeling a sense of worth in helping drought-stricken graziers, also often too proud to ask for help, the beneficiaries of their labour.
Small towns were hit with bank closures and bank plagues.
Cane growers had a tough season, first with floods in the Herbert, then a prolonged dry across the region amid a major slump in the world sugar price. But while yields were down, sugar content was up. While it is human nature to woe the circumstances, our people on the land always focus on a silver lining. And there’s generally one to be found.
Fires gripped several communities in the Mackay region before ex-tropical cyclone Owen delivered devastating rain to the township of Halifax, near Ingham.
Together though, we will thrive through adversity and ensure the good from 2018 flows to the year ahead.
