Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is demanding immediate action from the state and federal governments to fix the Bruce Highway as safety concerns pile up.

“According to RACQ data, head-on crashes account for 50 per cent of fatalities on the Bruce Highway, and motorists are five times more likely to be injured or killed while travelling the Bruce than they are if they were travelling from Sydney to Melbourne,” Mr Willcox said.

“It is deeply concerning that these statistics are being ignored by the state government who are in charge of fixing and maintaining our roads.

“This is a matter of life and death, and the Prime Minister needs to be held accountable. The original funding model must be reinstated back to the 80:20 contribution split, and works to the highway need to start immediately.

“As someone who travels between Mackay and Townsville regularly, I have seen firsthand what tragedies can occur and how devastating they are, which is why I launched my petition to Back Our Bruce, Back Our People.”

Mr Willcox said in the month since this petition was launched, he has received 1,000 signatures and has heard from members of the community who have witnessed horrific accidents and fatalities.

“That’s 1,000 signatures, 1,000 stories, and 1,000 more reasons to fix our Bruce Highway,” he said.

“Just last week we saw the horrible explosion which shut the road for three days. This cut off supplies, it cut life off to towns and again, another life of loss, that just should not have happened.

“It feels like every day just about, there is an accident on the Bruce, but they are avoidable.”

Chair of the Road Accident Action Group, Rod Erwin, confirmed that AusRAP crash data shows upgrades and the dual carriageways on the Hume and Pacific almost eliminated head on crashes.

Mr Erwin is passionate about reducing fatigue related incidents and crashes in the Bowen Basin area and said that RAAG is focusing on the need to build a formal truck stop facility to give our essential services somewhere to rest as they drive on the worst highway in our state, and they deserve somewhere safe to rest with clean facilities.  

“The lives of the people who live, work, and travel throughout the electorate and through this section of the Bruce Highway are just as important as those living in capital cities, and we deserve to be able to confidently travel on our roads and arrive at our destination, or home to our families, safely,” Mr Willcox said.

To sign the petition, visit www.andrewwillcox.com.au/back-our-bruce

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, met with members of the Road Accident Action Group to hear their concerns on the condition of local roads. Photo supplied

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By Amanda Wright

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Last Friday, Mackay’s beloved Touch of Teal soirée took on a picturesque form as a Long Lunch by the Sea, bringing the community together in honour of a cause close to many hearts. The event, which sold out in just two weeks, raised vital funds for the Trudy Crowley Foundation, ensuring the continuation of its vital work supporting local cancer patients and their families.
The foundation, named after Mackay local Trudy Crowley, who sadly lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer in 2018, has been a shining light of compassion in the region ever since. Trudy’s legacy of strength and resilience continues to inspire, with the foundation now employing two dedicated ovarian cancer nurses and running a support centre on Alfred Street—a haven for those affected by cancer. But this year’s soirée brought a sobering focus to the urgent need for more palliative care options in Mackay.
Two local families bravely shared their heartbreaking stories of watching loved ones endure immense suffering in their final moments, without access to adequate palliative care. Their emotional accounts delivered a raw reality of what it means to lose someone to cancer, where palliative care services are scarce. Tears filled the room as they recounted the unbearable pain their loved ones faced in their final days. The absence of a proper facility to ease this suffering was made painfully clear, and it solidified the foundation's commitment to creating a sanctuary for palliative patients—one where they can receive the compassionate, expert care needed to pass peacefully, and with dignity.
The Trudy Crowley Foundation’s vision of this sanctuary aims to provide a place where patients and their families can find peace in the most challenging moments, where no one should suffer unnecessarily. The stories shared at the soirée were a powerful reminder that while cancer takes a physical toll, the emotional burden on families is immense.
As the community gathered to show their support, the day also highlighted the bravery of two local women, Chelsea and Robyn, who shared their personal journeys through breast cancer. In front of a captivated audience, the women spoke with raw courage, recounting the challenges of their diagnoses, the emotional strain, and the fight for survival. Their stories were ones of resilience and grace—lives interrupted, but not defeated, by cancer. Their words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the importance of knowing their bodies and understanding their normal, a key message echoed by the foundation.
Amid the powerful speeches, the event retained its signature warmth and unity, a celebration of life, survival, and the importance of community in the face of hardship. Emcee Kim Skubris kept the day moving with infectious energy, ensuring the focus remained on raising awareness and funds. The presence of Daly Bay, the major sponsor, added a sense of corporate community spirit, with CEO Steve Ray officially opening the event and praising the foundation’s enduring impact.
A special moment came when Levi Crowley, Trudy's son, was introduced as the newest board director of the foundation. Levi spoke with pride and emotion about continuing his mother’s work, vowing to keep fighting for better care and resources for cancer patients in the region. His appointment marked a poignant passing of the torch, symbolising that Trudy’s vision lives on through her family, community, and all those touched by her legacy.
The Touch of Teal soirée once again demonstrated the incredible unity of Mackay’s residents in the fight against cancer. With all proceeds staying within the region, the funds raised will continue to support the foundation's programs and help make Trudy’s dream of a dedicated palliative care sanctuary a reality.
The event was not just a fundraiser but a tribute—a heartfelt expression of love, hope, and a shared determination to ensure no one faces cancer alone, and no family endures the pain of loss without the support they need. Mackay’s community came together, inspired by Trudy’s legacy, with a renewed commitment to making a difference, one step at a time.

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Attendees, dressed in elegant white with subtle touches of teal, shared an unforgettable afternoon at the Touch of Teal Soiree, united in raising crucial funds for the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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A HONDA CRV will help deliver the Neighbourhood Hub’s Community Services Program in Mackay.
The vehicle is on loan to the organisation for 12 months as part of the Honda Hero Foundation for use in its community service programs.
General manager Nicolette Ffrost said the organisation was incredibly grateful for this generous loan vehicle.
“It will greatly enhance our ability to serve the community and ensure that we can reach those in need more efficiently. This support is invaluable to our vision, and we look forward to putting it to good use.”
The car was awarded as part of Honda Hero Foundation to help empower organisations that are focused on helping others.
A spokesperson from the donors said “We are proud to support The Neighbourhood Hub.
“Their dedication to responding to the needs of our community through compassion and connection is truly inspiring, and we are pleased to contribute to their continued success.”

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Lyla, Zoe Sloan, Kym Breadsell, Brooklyn Jones, Nicolette Ffrost, Mercedes Catalan, Wasinee Hodder, Nana Stevens and Toni-Marie Ernst welcome a new loan car for the Neighbourhood Hub. Photo supplied

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The Neighbourhood Hub was honoured as the Highly Commended recipient of the Multicultural Queensland Awards 2024, Diversity and Inclusion Champion in Brisbane.
Based in George St and Shakespeare St, The Neighbourhood Hub has been operating since 1989 and is the largest locally owned community organisation in Mackay, with 19 staff and 35 volunteers.
Along with multicultural advice, it provides information and referral to all who need support.
The award recognises an organisation which has gone above and beyond to break down barriers for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, creating ways to help people find a sense of belonging in Queensland.
Multicultural Affairs Queensland presented the award at a ceremony held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Neighbourhood Hub general manager Nicolette Ffrost said the organisation was truly honoured to receive this award.
“It is a reflection of the collective efforts of our vibrant community.
“We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to continuing our work and working towards an inclusive multicultural Queensland.”
Ela Maglente, CAMS Multicultural Program Coordinator, has been overseeing the program for the last five years.
She attended the award ceremony along with finance coordinator Kym Breadsell and management committee secretary Rhonda Payne.
Ela said the award exemplifies the work across the Mackay region and the organisation’s efforts in fostering cross cultural dialogue, advancing multicultural education and training and leading community initiatives that celebrate diversity.

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Julie Nielsen, Sahaj Ahmed, Nicolette Ffrost, Kym Breadsell, Wasinee Hodder and Lyla with the multicultural award. Photo supplied

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Back by popular demand, council’s Discover Mackay Treasure Trail is getting ready to hoist sails this weekend.

After a successful launch last year and more than 1000 entry forms received, the campaign encourages residents to explore the hidden gems in their own backyard.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2023 treasure trail received rave reviews, with many asking to weigh anchor again in 2024.

“This year’s treasure trail will have all new locations and even more challenging clues to solve,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The pirate-themed trail will include 11 mystery locations across the region and residents will find their next destination by solving a series of riddles and clues on council’s website,” he said.

“We’re encouraging residents to have a bit of fun, dress up in costume and explore the trail from Saturday, September 14, to Sunday, September 29.

“Each treasure trail location will have a large poster or corflute on display and treasure hunters need to find the sign, scan the QR code and complete any challenges that pop up on each online form.

“Challenges could include taking a photo or video of something (or someone) at the location, answering a trivia question or finding something special.”

Harvey Norman Computers Mackay have jumped on board again as a major sponsor for the epic adventure and are supplying one of the major prizes, plus some smaller prizes.

Three major prizes will be randomly drawn from any crews who bravely conquer the whole trail.

The first-place major prize-winning team will receive a Go Pro Hero 12 Black Creator Edition and two Ilford PIXI-D digital cameras, second place will receive a $500 Visa gift card and third place a $300 Sarina Sugar Shed hamper.

The first 40 teams to finish will receive a Discover Mackay gift pack with Discover Mackay towel, two sunglasses, football rocket, bag and puzzle.

The first team to complete the trail will also win a Sugar Shed hamper and a Mackay Isaac Tourism coffee mug set valued at $300, and the best dressed team will win a Sugar Shed hamper.

Small rocks painted with the council logo will be hidden at four of the 11 locations with daily prizes up for grabs.

Anyone who finds one of the rocks and hands it in at the location will win an instant prize.

To find out more, or to register for council’s treasure trail, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/trail.

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Mayor Greg Williamson met with Jay and Dave from Triple M to discuss the excitement surrounding the Council's Treasure Trail as it returns this weekend with all new locations, encouraging locals to explore Mackay’s hidden gems while enjoying pirate-themed fun and the chance to win great prizes! Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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More than $6.2 million in manufacturing grants delivering 22 projects across Mackay were announced by the state government earlier this month, when Manufacturing Minister, Glenn Butcher, launched Queensland’s second Manufacturing Month at Mackay manufacturer, High Amp Maintenance.

The month-long celebration showcases the achievements of the state’s incredible manufacturing industry which contributes around $20 billion a year to Queensland’s economy and employs around 180,000 Queenslanders.

Leading Mackay welding and fabrication business, High Amp Maintenance has received more than $176,000 in grant funding as part of the state government’s Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program. It is enabling the business to purchase and install CNC fibre laser cutter and integrated management system.

The new equipment and systems will help the business increase production capacity and competitiveness and will see 10 new full-time jobs created.

The State Government has invested more than $240 million in supporting manufacturers across the State, including through Made in Queensland Grants, Manufacturing Hub Grants and the establishment of six Manufacturing Hubs across Queensland, including in Mackay.

Minister Butcher said, “Queensland’s first inaugural Manufacturing Month held in 2023 was so successful we have brought it back!

“High Amp Maintenance are a fantastic example of manufacturers getting to the next level with the support of Government grants. 

“We are doing what matters for Queenslanders like backing our incredible manufacturing businesses and Manufacturing Month is an opportunity to highlight just how amazing this state’s manufacturing sector is.”

ALP Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan, said she’s looking forward to Mackay manufacturers demonstrating their incredible capabilities during Manufacturing Month.

High Amp Maintenance Director, Lachlan Nielsen said, “We are driven to ensure we’re delivering high quality, proudly Queensland-made products for our customers across the country.
“Having the support of the Queensland Government through the Manufacturing Hub Grants Program has made the purchase and installation of our new 6KW Tube and Sheet laser seamless. This has helped elevate our business and expand our services.
“Not only are we expanding our manufacturing capabilities on the factory floor and creating significant efficiencies, but we’re set to expand our services, workforce, and the skills of our existing staff.”
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During Manufacturing Month, the Queensland Government hosts a range of events and opportunities to showcase the Queensland manufacturing sector’s capabilities, and educate business owners to connect and grow their business. This includes:

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Inside Advanced Manufacturing: 27 advanced manufacturers across Queensland have opened their doors, to fellow Queensland manufacturers and students to explain how Industry 4.0 technology and techniques have grown their business and career opportunities available in manufacturing.

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Queensland Manufacturing Industry Showcase at Parliament House: Almost 40 exhibitors will demonstrate and display their products and capabilities as part of a manufacturing showcase at Queensland’s Parliament House, on 10 September, to an audience of about 300 invited guests.

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Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher with ALP Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan, High Amp Maintenance Director Lachlan Nielsen and Brittney Nielsen. Photo supplied

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Just in time for the September school holidays, the Bluewater Lagoon is set to reopen on Saturday, September 14.
The facility has been closed for significant upgrade work over the winter maintenance period.

The existing surface of the main and top lagoons has been replaced with a new Polyvinyl Chloride membrane system that will reduce maintenance requirements at the facility.

This work now completes the significant relining project that was undertaken over the last two years and involved relining the children’s pool with the new finish in 2023.

The Bluewater Lagoon is open from 9am to 5.45pm every day during the summer months of September to March (except Christmas Day).

Pioneer Swim Centre will reopen on September 14.

Sarina Swim Centre will reopen on September 21.

Mirani Swim Centre will reopen on September 16.

Memorial Swim Centre and Mackay ARC remain open to the public.

For more details visit mackay.qld.gov.au/pools.

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A private hospital’s development application has been officially lodged with the Mackay Regional Council this month, marking a significant step towards enhancing local healthcare.
Poised to provide a much-needed boost to the city’s healthcare system, Riverside Hospital will be a 60-bed short-stay private Hospital providing in-demand specialist healthcare led by experienced senior clinicians from Mackay.

Its developers say that Riverside Hospital, being situated adjacent to the Mackay Base Hospital, will anchor the future development of a Mackay Health Precinct, attracting talent and encouraging collaboration.

Short Stay Private Hospitals (SSPH) Director, Leith MacMillan says the project is an essential development for the region that locals should get behind.

“We know that Mackay has increasingly become a destination for many in rural areas looking for medical treatment. This, alongside population growth and an aging population, means higher demand for medical and hospital services.”

“The development of a third major medical facility in Mackay will increase the diversity of healthcare providers.”

The submitted DA includes plans for a Cardiac Catheterisation Lab and an Intensive Care Unit, a level of care that has not previously been available in the private sector in Mackay.

Other planned facilities include robotic surgery operating theatres, advanced CT scan and MRI radiology services, a pathology lab, a pharmacy, and a range of specialist healthcare consulting facilities.

Ms MacMillan says, if approved, the project will boost employment opportunities in the area.

“Creating spaces for specialist medical care will aid in attracting highly skilled practitioners to Mackay as well as encouraging them to remain in the region.

“It will also provide additional opportunities for local nurses and medical staff, alongside a range of administrative, systems, and maintenance jobs,” she said.

As part of the DA there are plans to provide 162 car parking spaces, adjacent to the hospital on Sarah Street, which in excess of the Council planning scheme requirements.

“The development team is eager to work with the relevant parties to ensure this facility can be built on a timeframe that best aligns with the needs of the community.”

Once approved, the Riverside Hospital is planned for completion in the first half of 2027.

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Artist’s impression of the Riverside Hospital, with an anticipated opening in early 2027

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
59,200
486,007
Average bin weight
3.94
3.87
CCS
14.45
13.42
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
24.9
14.77
Q253
14.7
14.17
Q240
11.6
14.38
Q138
3.3
13.62
Q208
17.5
14.87
SRA9
11.9
14.18
KQ228
5.8
13.95
Q238
2.0
14.08
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Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed about 59,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just over 486,000 tonnes.
Average CCS rose by 0.36 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 14.45 units. The year-to-date average is now sitting at 13.42 units.
Standover cane made up 7 per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was once again a rake of Q183 plant cane from the Dawlish productivity area with a CCS of 17.0 units.
With school holidays beginning this coming Friday (13 September), parents and carers are urged to warn children of the dangers of playing near cane railway lines.
Families and visitors who are doing road trips over the school holidays are reminded to use their train brain and always give way to cane trains.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has expanded its growers’ services footprint in the Burdekin and Herbert River regions with the engagement of three new employees last week.
Burdekin local Angelo Licciardello and Herbert Rivers’ Lawrence Di Bella were both appointed this week as the new Burdekin and Herbert River District Managers respectively. Anna Di Bella, wife to Lawrence, also was appointed as Administration Officer in the Herbert River cane supply area.
QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said the new arrangements ensured the level of services provided by the organisation would be maintained, but also accommodate predicted future growth.
“These new appointments follow the appointment of our first QCAR District Manager in the Central Region four months ago, so this is a very exciting period of growth for us as an organisation,” he said.
Sonia Ball was engaged on 1 May to cover the Central District which comprises the sugarcane supply areas across Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek. Mr Ryan said all engagements were a bonus to QCAR with each person bringing wide-ranging knowledge of the sugarcane industry and decades of experience with cane farming and sugarcane growers.
Angelo brings extensive experience from decades working in the rural environment with his most recent role being an on-farm consultant and account manager. Prior to this, Angelo established and managed his own rural supplies business in the Burdekin for 16 years.
QCAR is excited to have access to Angelo’s business acumen and local knowledge and familiarity with Burdekin growers and their businesses. The Di Bella duo is also well-known in the Herbert River districts managing their own farming enterprise along with their business Tropical Agricultural Services. Together they bring generational expertise and knowledge to the table.
“We feel very fortunate to now have three District Managers on board, and we know this is going to be very advantageous for our growers across Queensland.
“We are now turning our eyes to the northern regions and hope we can secure the same experience and advantage to service our growers in these areas,” Mr Ryan said.
Growers can welcome the new QCAR team members on the following numbers:
Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello 0437 401 837
Herbert River District Manager Lawrence Di Bella 0448 084 252
Herbert River District Administration Officer Anna Di Bella 0419 673 000
Central District Manager Sonia Ball 0467 573 321

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New QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello joins the QCAR Team in the QCAR head office at Ayr. Photos supplied
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Well-known Herbert River sugarcane grower and ag businessman Lawrence Di Bella has been appointed the new QCAR Herbert River District Manager
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Joining the QCAR team in the Herbert River region is Anna Di Bella who was formerly engaged as Administration Officer

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees will have an opportunity to vote on a new, three-year enterprise agreement that includes an upfront $2,500 and total wage rises of 16%.
The first two wage increases, totalling 12%, would be paid by Christmas this year.
If the offer is accepted,1,300 Wilmar employees covered by the EA will receive an 8% increase in their first full pay after the ballot, another 4% in December this year, and a further 4% increase in December next year. The $2,500 bonus would be paid in the first full pay period after a successful ballot.
A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the offer should address workers’ concerns about cost of living.
“The wage increases offered exceed forecast inflation rates for the term of the EA,” he said.
“The Reserve Bank of Australia and other economic forecasters predict inflation will drop below 3% in 2025 and 2026. Our offer is for wage increases of 4% in both those years, and an annual average of 5.33% over the term of the agreement.”
He said Wilmar’s EA proposal reflected advice offered by Fair Work Commissioner Bernie Riordan in a non-binding recommendation last month.
“We are offering the average annual wage increase of 5.3% that Commissioner Riordan recommended to both Tully and us,” he said.
“The incremental, three-year wage increases in our offer are also the same as those Commissioner Riordan recommended to both workforces.
“Tully Sugar workers voted yes, and we hope to see the same result.
“I am confident everyone wants to see a resolution. Our offer is a genuine attempt to bring this dispute to a close quickly.
“We hope it is supported by unions.”
The spokesman said if the offer was rejected, the company had few options other than to apply to the Fair Work Commission for an intractable bargaining determination under the Fair Work Act. This would start a process of submissions, hearings and deliberations that could run into 2025, delaying the resolution of an EA and the payment of wage increases.

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The Brazil crush continues to power along and is currently around 60% complete.
UNICA’s second half of July report indicated that while year to date the crush was ahead, the fortnightly cane crush is now below last year’s comparative volume. As each month passes, the focus on the UNICA reports intensify as analysts dissect the results to see if their projected sugar volume is still valid – or not.
Cane crushed is a key variable and accumulated volumes remain over 5% ahead of last year. What UNICA does not publish is the tonnes of cane per hectare (TCH) yield in Brazilian reporting. A separate reporting body, CTC, released the July accumulated TCH numbers which indicated a 10% decline in the yield compared to last year. While low, it was not as bad as some had been expecting, resulting in analysts revising up their forecasts.
Overall, the range of forecasts for Brazil has tightened up to broadly 40-42M tonnes of sugar, with Wilmar remaining at the upper end of that band. By the time you read this, we may have seen the UNICA first half of August results which will again send the analysts to their spreadsheets for further revisions.
The other production country to keep in mind is India. Projection for their 24/25 crop is being revised up on a solid monsoon so far and forecasts for further rejuvenation of reservoir levels in the second half of the monsoon season.
We maintain the projection that India will not be an importer or exporter of sugar this season as increased cane production will be directed to ethanol. Next year may be a different story as relatively high domestic prices and good storages may result in a bumper crop for 25/26 season.
As the #11 sugar contract plumbs new lows, let’s hope that the old adage ‘low prices cure low prices’ holds up. Ethanol parity is still a bit away at US15c but China appears to be in the market on the buy side. The specs have got themselves into a reasonably large short position so the market could be ripe for a bounce.
Remember that the Marketing Nomination Date for 2025 Season is 31 October 2024. Even if you have nominated you can still change – if you haven’t priced, you are not locked in!

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UNICA – accumulated South Central Brazilian production (August 1, 2024)

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Get ready for what I’m about to say, because it’s going to blow your mind. Maybe grab a coffee and get comfy.

In a few hours I’ll be flying to NSW to run the Sydney Marathon again, but more on that soon. Right now, I want to talk about a Mackay bloke who has just done something spectacular on the other side of the world, and he’s done it with grace and dignity.

Heard of a fit man called Paul MacKenzie before? He’s an electrician who loves to run and get outdoors. Or should that be a bloke who loves to run and climb hills and mountains, and is also an electrician so he can pay for these outdoor hobbies?

Either way, he’s a superstar in our neck of the woods. Just wait until I tell you what he has just done overseas.

Paul travelled to run the massive UTMB Mont Blanc, France 2024. You may be asking what a UTMB is. Well to put it in words that I can understand, it’s a run, walk, climb and more over tracks and mountains through Italy, Switzerland and France, and its length? 100 miles. Yes, One hundred.

This is what they say about it. Created in 2003, the UTMB is, "The most mythical and prestigious trail running race in the world," with 171 kilometres and 10,000 meters of positive elevation gain around the Mont-Blanc area through Italy, Switzerland and France. A race like no other, it transcends the sport, and has established itself as an iconic trail race, renowned worldwide.

Paul MacKenzie just did this in style in 41 hours and coming in 984th place. This is truly an amazing feat of endurance and should be commended by every one of us who runs a little just to keep fit. This fella has just smashed everything we do out of the park. Congratulations Paul. If you see him at work doing something with power cords or electrical boards, shake his hand. Only after he puts the pliers down.

This leads me into what I’m doing this Sunday in Sydney. It’s nothing compared to what Paul just did. I’m running another Sydney 42km marathon and to say I’m a little excited is an understatement.

Over the last four months I’ve been training for this event in the hope that I can beat my previous times of over five hours (with hardly any training), and you know what, this could be the year for it. I’m certainly not putting any pressure on myself but running around Sydney with thousands of other mad souls does sound like fun.

I’ll let you know how I go next time, but for now, I’m ready for the flight down and seeing my Dad again, who only a few weeks ago, thought he was ready to leave us. Life is great now. Oh, and if you haven’t spoken to your parents or grandparents in a while, pick up the phone. Life is too short. Way too short. Trust me.

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You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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There has been plenty said about Sugar Research Australia's decision to supply clean plant source to a fledgling Indonesian cane growing industry.
At first glance many people have seen the potential negatives in this decision, in that an Australian research organisation is assisting an emerging market competitor with Australian-developed varieties. Growers and millers pay compulsory levies to Sugar Research Australia (SRA), with co-funding coming from federal government, and grants through other government areas, including Queensland DAF.
The SRA decision to sell plant propagation material for the development of West Papuan sugarcane production is not something that CANEGROWERS was involved in. SRA is an independent organisation.
SRA has a long reputation for skilled development of varieties with traits adapted to disease resistance, harvest timing, and climatic conditions. SRA has been clear in public statements over the past year that there are reasons for the decision to share Australian-developed varieties and expertise, that are tied to its current strategic plan, and tied to increasing its revenue base, to "sustain and enhance its operations".
To my mind, while CANEGROWERS may not have been party to the decision, we can but look into the reasoning for their decision and see that there are some very strong, legitimate arguments that benefit our own industry as to why it should be done. And I'm sure the SRA board has not taken the decision lightly.
The project involved trials of 12 different varieties to determine what might be suited to West Papuan conditions. The trial has largely involved tissue culture, but Indonesian expansion of the trial made use of billets sourced from surplus clean seed stock from the Herbert Productivity Services.
When we put the risk of supporting the development of a competitor into perspective, we need to realise that, if it is not our own industry doing this, another will. Also, with Indonesia being so geographically close to our own industry it is in our interest to make sure that material and knowledge being used to develop their industry is pest and disease free. With a raft of pests and diseases in overseas industries and our successes thus far to keep them at bay, why would we put all that past work at high risk.
Moreover, in terms of variety disease resistance, Indonesian propagation will give an opportunity to see how the Australian-developed varieties perform in exposure to a disease or pest, which will better prepare the Australian industry for a potential disease outbreak
Has SRA given away our Intellectual Property? No: they have a solid contract with Indonesia with payment for the planting material supplied and a strong return on royalties for every tonne grown into the future. Arguably, this would give SRA further funding to advance our own industry.
Realistically, we will never be able to outstrip our competitor nations on production, particularly where labour is cheaply sourced. The Australian sugar industry needs to have the confidence to back itself, to know that we have the world's most sustainable production systems, the world's best R&D, strong credentials in safety and ethical workforce conditions. As the world looks for sustainable, ethically produced sugar and sugarcane to meet an ever-increasing variety of food and manufacturing applications, it is the Australian product that is recognised as a world leader. That is our niche, our strength.
One could question whether SRA has consulted sufficiently with its stakeholders and if it could have done better in that department. That will always be a question put forward in a controversial situation like this one and in hindsight SRA will probably assess they could have done better.

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Sugar Research Australia has a quality plant breeding program.  Photo source: SRA

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Real estate commentators are suggesting the traditional spring selling season might not be as good as usual for vendors in the big southern markets such as Sydney and Melbourne.
There is a fair degree of economic uncertainty relating to a possible recession and the feeling is that in those high-priced capitals there might be an impact on real estate over the coming months.
Higher interest rates are tied up in all this and they have limited the borrowing power of many buyers.
The informative on-line real estate news entity Property Buzz recently reported that Compare the Market Property Expert Andrew Winter said: “We’ve started to see the steam coming off asking prices in some of the capitals including Sydney and Melbourne as sellers adjust their expectations in line with buyers’ reduced borrowing capacity.”
Property Buzz also reported that SQM Research data shows asking prices in capital cities dropped 0.5% in July, with Sydney experiencing the largest decline of 1.3% for house listings.
But at the same time the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Lending Indicators data shows the average new loan size for owner-occupier borrowers in Australia reached a record high of $640,998 in July.
It will be interesting to see how these economic concerns impact the southern markets and, of course, whether there is going to be a flow-on effect in the Mackay market.
There are several things to note. One is that the aforementioned current average Australian loan of $640,998 is nowhere near that in Mackay. In fact, the average house price in Mackay is nowhere near the Australian average loan size.
So the impact of higher interest rates is no going to be the same here as it is elsewhere, particularly in those cities that have high higher-than-average-loans.
The other thing to consider is that rents are relatively higher here than in the southern markets. So for many people it makes sense to buy a property for $450,000 rather than pay $600 a week in rent.
And that price of $450,000 is real and it is relevant. In those markets where the experts are predicting a drop in prices you can’t buy a house for anywhere near $450,000. So our affordability is a factor in this market.
So when you have dual considerations of relatively low sale prices and high rental prices there is still a strong buyers’ market. Interest rates don’t hurt nearly as much if you are buying a $450,000-$500,000 house compared to a $800,000-$1m+ property.
And the other thing that is continuing to drive our market is the investors. These people live in those markets where the experts are predicting a cooler spring selling season. And they have buyers agents and others telling them that Mackay is the place to invest because it is affordable and the rental returns are terrific.
In his recent state of the market update, one of the southern buyers agents, Niall Gilhooly, theorised on why buyers are moving away from the higher-priced capitals and looking for value in more-affordable cities and suburbs.
He said higher interest rates mean lower borrowing capacity, with many buyers’ borrowing power reduced by 30-40 per cent as rates rose over the past two years. 
Gilhooly’s view is that this has forced buyers away from the more expensive cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, and towards cheaper cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
I don’t know if our region is on Gilhooly’s radar but I would argue that these are the very factors that are helping drive Mackay’s market.
Affordable prices and high rental yields are more important than ever with higher interest rates putting a handbrake on the Australian economy.

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