Bree's Barron River Bulletin

 

 

 

World Class Mountain Biking Coming to Smithfield

 

The Crisafulli Government has secured a new major international sporting event for Far North Queensland, with the inaugural 2026 Oceania Continental Series Finale set to take place at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park from 16 to 19 April 2026.

 

The four-day competition-led festival will bring together around 650 elite riders from Australia, Oceania and Asia, competing across downhill, cross-country and short-course events. The festival is expected to attract more than 1,200 visitors, deliver nearly 10,000 visitor nights, and inject an estimated $2.4 million into the local economy.

 

 

Free Fruit Fun 

 

This week marked the exciting launch of our Free Fruit Fun initiative across the Barron River community  and what a fantastic start it was! We kicked things off at Redlynch State College, where we set up outside the school to hand out fresh, healthy fruit to students, parents, and staff. The response was incredible. From big smiles to grateful waves, it was clear this little burst of morning goodness made a big difference.

 

If you want a Free Fruit Fun Day at your school please reach out to our team. 

 

I am pleased to share my website has had a bit of an overhaul over the holidays and I have set up pages for the topics that matter the most to our community. Please check back as I continue to update these pages and add more topics in the coming weeks. 

 

I want to acknowledge the serious concerns raised by businesses and locals in Barron River regarding crime and antisocial behaviour. The Crisafulli LNP Government is absolutely committed to improving community safety. 

 

I have been actively working with key organisations and speaking with Ministers since I was elected, especially in regards to the recent crime in Kuranda. Smithfield and Yorkeys Knob. 

 

On 15 January 2026, police launched Operation Yankee Gentry, targeting property crime and anti-social behaviour in the Kuranda area. Between 15 January and 26 January, the operation resulted in:

These results relate to the operation only. 

 

In regard to the crime in Yorkeys Knob, four teenage boys were arrested on 15 January following investigations into a break and enter at a Sims Esplanade business in the early hours of Thursday morning, 15 January. 

 

Crime continues to be a key issue locally, particularly following a decade where communities like ours felt the impacts of rising youth crime under the weak Labor laws. Our strong laws have been in place for over a year now but this will take time. 

 

Read more: FNQ Crime Updates - Bree James MP

 

A big welcome back to school and back to sport! The Crisafulli Government is delivering up to $300 per child to help families with the cost of living. 

 

 

Our Barron River community is home to many exceptional young people, and this program is a powerful opportunity for them to grow as leaders. QYP provides young people aged 16–25 with hands‑on experience in government, policy writing, leadership, and community advocacy. If you know a young person with passion, ideas, or the desire to make a difference, please encourage them to apply. 

 

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office if you require anything. My team are available 9am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday and are more than happy to help. 

 

barron.river@parliament.qld.gov.au

(07) 4229 0100

 

Until next month,