By Mayor Barry Hughes
Etheridge Shire sits centrally at the bottom of the Gulf of Carpentaria encompassing the headwaters of the big gulf river systems such as the Gilbert, Einasleigh, Etheridge, Robinson and Copperfield Rivers.
Untainted wilderness is a hallmark of the 40,000 square kilometres lending itself to pristine environments along these rivers and the mountains that include the Gregory and Newcastle Ranges. Etheridge Shire has long proud history based on gold and beef cattle production and lately tourism and eco-tourism.
Four communities are central to the dynamics of Etheridge Shire. These towns are pivotal in servicing the pastoral, mining and tourism industry and all are an open book in terms of their history and contribution to the life and times of Etheridge Shire.
Mt Surprise, Einasleigh and Forsayth are situated on the rail line that starts its journey in Cairns and finishes in Forsayth and services the tourist industry only these days. Georgetown is the business centre of the Shire and is the headquarters of the Etheridge Shire Council. Sandstone escarpments along the Gilbert and Robertson Rivers are the custodians of centuries of indigenous history, where today tourism ventures such as Cobbold Gorge Tours and Rungulla National Park are the viewing glass for those who are drawn to such ancient and compelling landscapes.
Precious gems
The diversity that is on offer throughout the Etheridge Shire makes it a must visit destination for the tourism fraternity. Here you can still find gold with your trusty detector across the ridges that led to the Gilberton and Etheridge gold rushes in the late 1800s and early 1900s. O’Brien’s Creek Gemfields offers precious gems such as topaz, garnets, aquamarine, and citrine. Undara Lava Tubes give a snapshot of life in the volcanic age while Talaroo Hot Springs offers the warm mineralised waters to be enjoyed as a swim or a soak in the pools adjacent to the campgrounds.
From little things
My interest in the political arena started very young as a 15-year-old student at an agricultural boarding school known as St Barnabas on the Atherton Tablelands. Here as School Captain, I was asked to lead the debating team to compete across the region against vastly more experienced schools than a bunch of country kids mostly from large cattle stations dotted across Northern Australia. It was here that I became aware of the power of words and if used correctly how they can be very constructive. I moved on to College and joined the Student Council Committee and realised that words alone were not enough and that if combined with leadership and knowledge, this was the key to providing better outcomes. With this experience tucked under my belt and becoming aware that the average age of existing councillors at Etheridge was getting up there I realised there was an opportunity to become more involved in the community other than just being on community organisations and committees. In 1991 I was voted in as a councillor on the Etheridge Shire and served three, three-year terms. The last three year term as Deputy Mayor finishing in the year 2000. It was then decided to grow our grazing business and we expanded our property portfolio which meant I needed to step away from Local Government which I always recognised as unfinished business.
Work
My wife and I run North Head Cattle Company which has been in my family for 107 years. 200,000 acres on the Gilbert River and 4000 head of cattle kept me occupied as well thrusting me into the agri-political landscape in 2013 where I found myself President of the Gulf Cattleman’s Association. This kept me in touch politically with the grazing industry all the while interacting with State and Federal Governments as well as communities across the region dealing with mental health, banking and financial issues, live export marketing opportunities, and generally advocating on behalf of the northern cattle industry to this day.
New role
In 2020 I nominated for the Mayors position and was successful in filling the role. It was certainly great to be back in the local government family after a 20-year absence. Key challenges include financial sustainability, housing and liveability, access to resources both human and materials. Etheridge is the first shire west of the Great Divide to undertake a Carbon Emissions Audit to assist in establishing a carbon neutral status. Success in local government is all about: just doing the ordinary things extremely well.
