Day Of Insights, Ideas, And Connection

The Whitsunday Business Conference held at TAFE Queensland Cannonvale Campus last Thursday, was a huge success.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said the event was sold out and feedback was outstanding.

“This year’s Conference was a sell-out, with 120 registrations representing 70 organisations across the Whitsundays. Feedback has been outstanding – more than 75% of attendees told us they loved the day, and everyone has walked away with actionable ideas to implement straight away,” he said.

“Delegates also reported stronger connections, fresh insights, and practical tips to improve efficiency and productivity.

“There’s clear support for making this an annual event, and we encourage businesses wanting to be part of the 2026 Conference to get in touch with the Chamber.”

Chamber President Allan Milostic also said the aim of the conference was simple; to provide a regular focal point for the Whitsundays business community and a chance to come together, learn from each other, and tackle the opportunities that lie ahead.

“The idea for the conference started pre-covid with the, then, Proserpine Chamber of Commerce. We returned to the idea in 2024 with the inaugural event held May 2024 with just over 55 people. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, and it helped shape the program you’ll experience today. This year’s conference is truly a step forward, built by locals, for locals,” he said at the conference.

“I’d like to sincerely thank our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible: Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, Tassal, Shiift, My Pathway, the Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, and TAFE Queensland. Your partnership over the 2024 and 2025 conferences has been critical in bringing this vision to life.

“Of course, events like this don’t happen without a lot of work behind the scenes. Our Conference Committee, chaired by Megan Taylor, has worked tirelessly alongside Jannah Baker of Scallywag Fabrication, Julia Wheway of TAFE Queensland, and Dr Julia Evans, our Chamber Liaison. Together with the support of our incredible volunteers, they’ve turned an idea into a program that’s ready to inspire and deliver value to every delegate here today. A big thank you to all of them.”

See more social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/2dghrcuk

Hello everyone!

After an incredible five weeks exploring the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Ruth2Reef is back!

There were so many unforgettable moments on my travels, but one that truly stands out was swimming with humpback whales on the Ningaloo Reef. I joined an eco tour and was lucky enough to get so close that one almost brushed me with its pectoral fin!

I’m excited to share stories, travel tips, and insights from my journey, along with the inspiring environmental initiatives I discovered on that side of the country.

In this weeks very exciting edition we have more on humpback whales, maori wrasse's, and the wonderful whale sharks!

Happy Reading!

Ruth

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The humpback whales have arrived to the Whitsundays on mass and the breeding season has begun.

A female who wants to mate will slap her pectoral fins on the surface and make a trumpeting noise to signal to the males.

Males in the Whitsundays are often in pods of 2 - 4 males.  If they hear a female signaling, they will move very fast in her direction.  Often multiple groups can be seen moving towards her at speed.

Once the males reach the female, they will chase her demonstrating their fitness and endurance, trying to be the fastest, the best singer and the most acrobatic.  Their song lasts 30 minutes, but will repeat it over and over to show their fitness.  They perform large breaches landing on their backs to appear bigger and gain attention.  They will try to outrun the other males.  They can be aggressive to other males below the surface and tail slap on the surface to try to warn the others off.

This is a heat run and can last over 24 hours.

One a female has selected a male they will swim together and move in motions like diving and rolling that resemble a playful courtship.  It’s very gentle and tactile with the male gently caressing the female with his pectoral fins.  It’s still up to the female if she actually mates with the male.

Once pregnant the female will return to the feeding ground to gain body condition.  The male will remain in the breeding ground looking for other mating opportunities.

Whales are now being spotted on most boat tours, ferry trips and mainland vantage points and from balconies on islands like Hamilton Island.

To see photos and videos of recent sightings go to the Whales of the Whitsundays Facebook group.

Contributed by Kellie Leonard - Master Reef Guide/Whales of the Whitsundays

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Photo credit: Glen Bradford

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There is no doubt, the Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), is one of the most popular fish on the Great Barrier Reef. And for good reason.

It is renowned for its large size, striking colours and friendly personality. An encounter with a Maori Wrasse will make your day.

Maori Wrasse are so named for their distinct facial markings which resemble those seen on traditional Maori warriors in New Zealand. The males are most easily identified by their large size and large, prominent hump on its forehead.

This hump contains an air and oil combination which acts in part as a flotation device which counteracts the weight of their pronounced jaw.

A male Maori Wrasse can live up to 25 years, grow up to an impressive 2.3m and weigh up to 190kg.

The female Maori Wrasse normally grows to around 1m and can live up to 32 years of age, yet they have a very slow breeding rate as they do not mature until they are around 4 to 6 years old.

The Maori Wrasse are protogynous hermaphrodites: That basically means that most Maori Wrasse start life as a female but transform into a male at a specific point in their lifecycle.

Maori Wrasse have a varied diet of small fish, crustaceans and marine invertebrates. They have a noteworthy set of teeth known as “protractile” teeth, which means they can project outwards to better catch passing prey. The Maori Wrasse have very strong jaws that they use to crush shells, and they have even adopted the method of banging shells on rocks to crack the shells. They are also known for being one of the few predators of the sharp-spined, toxic crown-of-thorns starfish, which helps protect the Reef from this prodigious coral eater.

Due to past hunting pressure, the Maori Wrasse is a fully protected species on the Great Barrier Reef as they are a highly endangered species.

Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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Queensland is one of the few places on Earth where the extraordinary platypus can still be spotted in the wild. With its iconic duck-like bill, dense waterproof fur, and venomous spurs on its ankles, this enigmatic mammal is a living relic, one of the most evolutionarily distinct creatures on the planet. Yet, for all its unique adaptations, the platypus is highly vulnerable to environmental changes.

Once widespread across Eastern Australia, populations have been steadily declining, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. The catastrophic 2019–2020 bushfires wiped out thousands of animals along the East Coast, leaving rivers choked with ash and debris. These waterways, vital for hunting and shelter, became treacherous for platypus and other aquatic species.

Highly sensitive to their surroundings, platypus require clean rivers and secure burrows along riverbanks to feed, breed, and shelter. Alarmingly, research from the University of New South Wales shows that suitable platypus habitat has decreased by 22 per cent over the past 30 years.

Each decline is a stark reminder of how fragile Australia’s ecosystems are. Protecting waterways, restoring habitats, and raising awareness are vital to ensuring that this evolutionary marvel, continues to thrive in its ancestral home.

Fun Fact: Platypuses are smaller than you might think: males are around 50 cm long and weigh 1.5 kg, while females are usually 40 cm long and 1 kg.

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A wild Platypus in Eungella National Park. Photo Credit: Ruth Puddefoot.

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Where Turtles and Trash Meet Transformation

In the quiet backstreets of Jubilee Pocket, just minutes from the bustle of Airlie Beach, a grassroots movement is working tirelessly to keep the Whitsundays pristine. At Eco Barge HQ, visitors are invited to step inside the world of marine conservation and witness how one community is safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef.

The Eco HQ Experience Tour, held every Tuesday morning, offers more than a window into conservation; it immerses participants in the frontline of environmental action. Over 90 minutes, visitors trace the journey of discarded plastics and marine debris. Inside the Ocean Trash Recycle Shack, individuals are shown how bottles, ropes and fragments of plastic are transformed into new creations, from jewellery to artwork, and you can be at the heart of the action.

The tour also introduces visitors to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, where sick and injured turtles are treated before being released back into the wild. While sightings depend on the condition of the patients in care, the story of each turtle offers a stark reminder of the threats facing marine life.

Eco Barge founder Libby Edge says the experience is about connection as much as education.
“What we’re doing at Eco HQ is incredible – from protecting our islands from marine debris to caring for sick and injured turtles. I wanted to open our doors so visitors and locals can see behind the scenes, learn about our programs, and discover just how much difference a community can make.” – Libby Edge, Founder, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, Eco HQ is more than an education centre; it is a call to action. By the end of the tour, visitors leave not only with knowledge, but with the understanding that every choice, every bottle, every bag carries weight in the ocean.

Book your tour today by heading to the Eco Barge Clean Sea’s website: https://www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au/tours/

What: Eco Barge Clean Seas Experience Tour

Where: Eco Barge HQ, Boatyard Rd, Jubilee Pocket, QLD

When: Every Tuesday at 10am (1.5 hours)

Price: $30 Adult | $20 Child

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The Mackay region’s ingenuity and resilience were on full display at the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards Gala Dinner, held Friday 22 August at the MECC. The black-tie celebration, hosted by Ed Kavalee and backed by live music from the Luke Miller Band, showcased the best of the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) and resources sector.

Seven awards recognised excellence across safety, culture, community, manufacturing, innovation and inclusion, with standout winners including FMS Group, Richglen, Gardian, IQ Solutions, M&P Services, North Queensland Bulk Ports, and Glencore’s Colin Hoyle.

RIN General Manager Dean Kirkwood praised the sector’s ability to adapt under global and economic pressures, while Chair Tim Magoffin highlighted the region’s role as a leader across industries from mining to renewables.

The night also carried moments of deep emotion, as Gardian Director Luke Phillips dedicated his community award to his late brother Peter, a driving force behind the company’s culture.

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Award winners gathered on stage with Resource Industry Network Chair Tim Magoffin to celebrate excellence across the METS and resources sector. Photo credit: Liz Andrews

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Amber’s fourth birthday was made extra special last week when Mackay Northern Beaches police paid her a surprise visit. The young fan, known for her love of all things police, was thrilled when officers stopped by to celebrate her big day.

During the visit, Amber had the chance to meet the officers, explore the police car, and even sit in the driver’s seat, beaming from ear to ear. The surprise brought smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the birthday girl and her family.

Mackay Police shared their well-wishes for Amber, saying they hoped her birthday would be one she would always remember. The visit highlighted the strong connection between local police and the community, showing how even a small gesture can make a big impact.

For Amber and her family, the day was a perfect blend of fun, excitement, and community spirit – proof that sometimes, the best birthday gifts come with flashing lights and sirens.

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This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day – a chance to honour the dads and father figures who help shape our lives.

There’s so much weight carried on the shoulders of men. Often, the expectation is to be the breadwinner, yet many step up as incredible caregivers too. From fathers and uncles to grandfathers and mentors, men play a powerful role in raising children, teaching resilience and encouraging courage in everyday life.

I see this balance in my own family. While I hover nervously when our little one takes a risk, my husband is the steady voice saying, “brush it off” and urging him to get back up. That contrast – comfort and courage – is what helps children flourish.

Last year, when I was in the thick of chemotherapy, he played both mum and dad. Because I was cytotoxic, he took on every hands-on role – from baths to nappy changes – all while keeping our family running through my three-weekly chemo cycles. He really is the best dad, and this note is dedicated to him, and to all the father figures who step up with love, patience and strength.

Happy Father’s Day – and here’s one for the dads: Why don’t skeletons ever fight each other? Because they don’t have the guts.

Amanda

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In a bid to ensure the safety of the region’s children, Queensland has drawn a line in the sand against predators, taking a landmark step with the introduction of Daniel’s Law to Parliament — the state’s first public child sex offender register.

Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, welcomed the landmark reform, saying it will put the rights of victims and families ahead of offenders by giving parents the tools they need to better protect their children.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our kids,” Mr Dalton said.

“For too long, convicted predators have been able to hide in the shadows. Daniel’s Law will shine a light on repeat offenders and give parents the information they need to make informed decisions for their families.”

The Bill sets out a three-tiered disclosure framework, closely modelled on the proven West Australian system:

Tier 1: A publicly accessible website naming offenders who have failed to meet reporting obligations and whose whereabouts are unknown. Full name, photo and year of birth will be listed.

Tier 2: An online application allowing Queensland residents to view photographs of reportable offenders living in their area.

Tier 3: An application process enabling parents and guardians to confirm if a particular person with unsupervised access to their child is a registered offender.

Reportable offences include grooming a child under 16, indecent treatment of a child, and the production or distribution of child exploitation material.

The law honours Sunshine Coast teenager Daniel Morcombe, who was tragically killed in 2003, and reflects two decades of tireless advocacy by his parents through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

Mr Dalton said the reform demonstrates the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to child safety, delivering change within its first 10 months in office.

“Daniel’s Law is one of the most significant child safety reforms in Queensland’s history,” he said.

“This is about transparency, accountability, and protecting children who cannot protect themselves. As a father and as the Member for Mackay, I am proud to support this law.”

Safeguards will also be built into the framework, with new offences introduced to prevent the misuse of information, ensuring the register is used strictly for child protection and not for vigilantism.

Daniel’s Law will be reviewed by a Parliamentary Committee before returning to the House, with the Government committed to making it law before the end of the year.

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Queensland has introduced Daniel’s Law, the state’s first public child sex offender register, in a landmark move to protect children and empower parents with vital information. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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It’s not every day you see police horses patrolling the town with their respected riders from Queensland Police Service. But that’s exactly what Mackay locals experienced this week, when two mounted officers from Brisbane arrived in town after completing patrols in Airlie Beach.

Children reached out to pat the horses, parents snapped photos, and plenty of locals were left starstruck at the sight of Sergeant Ben Bassingthwaighte with police horse Lance, and Constable Debbie Brunschlight with police horse Karma.

“We do all sorts of ceremonial work, like opening big shows with government officials, but the horses are also a strong presence in the community,” Constable Brunschlight said.

“They’re beautiful animals and people love coming up to meet them.”

The mounted officers are affectionately known as “peace-keepers,” using their elevated position in crowds to spot issues before they happen. Just last weekend they were on duty at the Australian March, ensuring community safety and keeping the event calm and family-friendly.

Sergeant Bassingthwaighte said Mackay’s response had been overwhelmingly positive, and crime noticeably quiet.

“It’s great to see how much people enjoy the horses. I think they appreciate the extra police presence, and in a bit of a different way. It’s been very popular,” he said.

“They are a combined one and a half tons of deterrence. Everyone’s been very well-behaved around them, which is part of their attraction, and they encourage good behaviour.”

Speaking about his own pathway into the mounted unit, Bassingthwaighte credited his rural upbringing.

“I grew up on a cattle property when I was younger, then worked in the city for a while. When I decided to join the mounted unit, I had to brush up on my riding skills and pass an assessment to get in.”

The Brisbane-based officers and their horses wrapped up their Mackay patrols on Wednesday, leaving behind plenty of smiles and lasting memories of Queensland Police’s unique four-legged peace-keepers.

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Sergeant Ben Bassingthwaighte with his horse Lance and Constable Debbie Brunschlight with her horse Karma patrolled Mackay, delighting locals and providing a commanding, community-focused presence. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Dangerous Driving Charges Laid

Queensland Police have charged a 24-year-old man after a series of driving offences in Mackay earlier this month.

At around 6pm on 5 August, police responded to reports of a Ford Falcon being driven dangerously near Mackay Harbour. The vehicle was located with a blown rear tyre and subsequently seized for mechanical inspection.

It is alleged the man drove dangerously along the Mackay breakwater, overtaking vehicles, crossing unbroken lines, and performing dangerous acts at the end of the breakwater.

The 24-year-old man, from Walkerston, was arrested on 13 August and charged with multiple offences, including:

• Dangerous operation of a vehicle
• Offence relating to operating a vehicle during number plate confiscation
• Offence to remove, tamper with, or modify a number plate confiscation notice
• Driving on a P2 licence without green P plates
• Driving or parking a light vehicle on the road while defective

He is due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on 1 September.

The Ford Falcon involved in the incidents has been impounded.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Moranbah Man Charged Over Burglary And Property Damage

A 37-year-old Moranbah man has been arrested and charged following an alleged break-in and wilful damage incident on 27 August.

Police allege that at approximately 5:30pm, the man entered a dwelling on Shannon Drive, Moranbah, causing extensive damage to the property.

The man was scheduled to appear in Emerald Magistrates Court on 28 August.

Reference: QP2501521135

High-Speed Drink Driver Intercepted On Peak Downs Highway

Police have charged a man after he was allegedly caught driving at high speed while under the influence of alcohol in Coppabella on Friday, 22 August.

Shortly after 6pm, officers conducting patrols on Peak Downs Highway observed a Toyota Hilux ute travelling at excessive speed. It is alleged the 32-year-old man from Jimboomba was recorded driving at 148km/h in a 100km/h zone before being intercepted by police.

Further testing allegedly revealed the driver was over the legal alcohol limit, returning a breath analysis reading of 0.118.

The man has been issued with a Notice to Appear in Moranbah Magistrates Court on 18 September.

Police continue to remind motorists: if you plan to drink, plan not to drive.

Moranbah Man Charged With Assault

Police have charged a 28-year-old man following an alleged assault at a licensed premise in Moranbah on 17 August.

It is alleged that at around 12:30am, the man assaulted a 21-year-old at a venue on Griffin Street. The victim was taken to Moranbah Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 28-year-old Moranbah man was arrested at a local address on 18 August and has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

He is scheduled to appear before Moranbah Magistrates Court on 18 September.

Reference: QP2501451397

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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Senior Constable Returns To Thank Hospital Staff After Life-Changing Crash

By Hannah McNamara

In a moving act of gratitude and resilience, five years after a devastating traffic crash near Calen left him almost completely blind, Queensland Police Service officer Senior Constable John Kenworthy has returned to Mackay.

His visit carried great significance, not only to thank the Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department staff who treated him and his wife, but also to reconnect with the community where his life changed forever.

Senior Constable Kenworthy said he recalls his time working in Mackay like it was yesterday.

“The reason we came up to Mackay was as a work promotion, a specialist role… in the road policing unit, near highway patrol,” he said. “I loved the working environment. I loved the office.

“I loved the locals – the Mackay locals are fantastic.”

On the day of the crash in 2020, he was riding a police motorcycle when he responded to a call.

“I’ve left the road, gone through a barb wire fence, which has come up into the helmet and caused both of my eyes to rupture.”

“From that moment I’ve become blind as a result.”

Flown to Brisbane for specialist care, he spent months in hospital. Listening back to his helmet camera later inspired him to reconnect with those who helped him that day.

“They didn’t choose to be on that road at that time, neither did I, but for whatever reason our paths crossed,” he said.

“They’ve all graciously accepted to come and meet me… it was just the fact that we were coming back up that I’d also like to close that circle.”

Visiting Mackay Base Hospital again for the first time since the crash, he described the reunion as moving.

“It was just overwhelming, they were so engaged, and interested to hear my story.

Despite the challenges he now faces, his commitment to serving as a police officer hasn’t withered.

“I still work as a sworn police officer in Brisbane. I still go to work and contribute to the organisation, which I’m really proud of.”

And now, he has turned his experience into purpose, by championing the message of road safety.

“You often think about the fatality rate as a number on the news every night… but it’s more than a number.

“It’s a family affected for the rest of their life.

“I just wonder when, as a community, we’re gonna wake up and say ‘we really need to look at this in a different light.’”

His wife, Sarah, recalled the first moments she heard of the crash.

“The phone rang and it was a police officer that was on site with John… he said ‘your husband’s got a tiny scratch on his face.’”

“He said ‘we’re taking him to hospital though, he should be fine…’”

“I’m grateful the officer said that, because it really kept me calm until I could process what had actually happened.”

“As I approached the Emergency Department today I actually burst into tears…it brought back a lot of really tough memories.”

Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards, Mackay Whitsunday District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge, said John’s resilience has inspired colleagues across the state.

“As you would expect, the entire office was devastated when we heard the extent of John’s injuries… most people would probably curl up into a ball, but John’s just out there doing everything he can.

“He inspires not only myself, but everybody in the office and it’s always a joy to see him.

“He’s just truly an inspirational man and Sarah’s a truly inspirational woman.”

For Senior Constable Kenworthy, gratitude remains at the heart of this return for those who assisted him on that fateful day.

“They are heroes. There’s no doubt about it.”

“I just thank them all... I don’t know how to put it into words.”

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Senior Constable John Kenworthy and wife Sarah Kenworthy paid Mackay Base Hospital a visit, in gratitude and honour of the assistance they received on the day of the crash. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Vandals have destroyed an area of important vegetation along a local foreshore for the second time in two years.

Council officers have finalised an investigation into the apparent poisoning of trees along the foreshore at Belmunda, deeming the incident “extremely significant”.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the area, near Macartney Drive, had only just been replanted after an earlier act of environmental vandalism in 2023.

“About 20 young trees, which were planted a little over 12 months ago, appear to have been poisoned with a herbicide,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It’s extremely disappointing that this kind of environmental destruction has happened again in this area,” he said.

“This kind of act not only has an impact on this coastal ecosystem, but also a financial impact on ratepayers.

“Foreshore vegetation plays an important role in erosion control and providing wildlife habitat.”

Mayor Williamson said the financial cost of responding to this vandalism was expected to be close to $20,000.

Council has today supported a recommendation to replant 100 trees to replace the 20 that were damaged or poisoned.

A 6.0m x 1.5m billboard sign will be erected in the affected area and remain in place for at least five years.

Council’s Vegetation Vandalism Policy states that responses to any acts of environmental vandalism should be adapted to meet the perceived motivation.

Mayor Williamson said it was vital the community alerted council of any potential environmental vandalism and provided evidence where possible.

“In this instance, there wasn’t enough evidence to be able to prove who was responsible for this act and we would encourage anyone with information to contact council,” he said.

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A site inspection at Belmunda showed evidence of poisoning along the foreshore. Photo supplied

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Last Thursday, Council started work to clear trees and other vegetation from the large open drain, which runs alongside Bridge Road.

Over the course of several years, mangroves have established in the tidal drain on Bridge Road, South Mackay.

Director Infrastructure and Operations with Mackay Regional Council, Simon Taylor said the clearing is expected to improve the efficiency of the drain during flood events where tidal conditions are favourable.

“There are restrictions around the removal of mangroves,” Mr Taylor said.

“These types of trees can’t be cleared without special approvals from the State
Government, which we have obtained.”

Mr Taylor said the aim is to complete clearing before the start of the wet season.

“Having this drain cleared will assist flood water to drain away from our
residential areas and important community assets under favourable tidal conditions.

“It is important to note that the drainage works do not remove flood risk associated with potential storm surge events accompanying tropical cyclones and residents of low-lying areas are encouraged to review our Emergency Action Guide

"Council will continue to work closely with the State Government on the future maintenance of the drain."

The section between Casey Avenue and Leisure Court will be cleared first.

The work is expected to take about two months, weather and tides permitting.

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Council has begun clearing mangroves and vegetation from the Bridge Road drain in South Mackay to improve flood flow ahead of the wet season. Photo supplied

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