State Budget Delivers Vital Funding For Homelessness Services

Last Friday, The State Government’s 2025–26 Budget announced and delivered a 20 per cent increase in funding to frontline services, aiming to bolster support for people facing homelessness in Mackay and the Whitsundays.

Billed as laying the groundwork for a fresh start, the Budget includes an additional $592 million for homelessness services across Queensland, with a strong focus on critical, on-the-ground support for the state’s most vulnerable.

It includes $380 million to deliver crisis accommodation initiatives and $208.9 million to extend the 20 per cent funding uplift to specialist homelessness services across Queensland.

In Mackay and the Whitsundays, there are multiple service providers who will benefit from the 20 per cent funding uplift, including:
• Community Accommodation and Support Agency
• Kalyan Youth Service
• Lowanna House
• St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said it was vital to invest in local frontline housing and homelessness services while work continued to boost housing supply.

“This funding gives frontline workers the certainty they need to do their job and support more people experiencing homelessness to access the support they need and to get and keep housing, while we work on longer term housing options,’’ Mr Dalton said.

“Thank you to the frontline workers in Mackay for their tireless efforts to help those who need it most, I'm proud that our government is backing them with more support.”

Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA) Mackay General Manager William Stafford welcomed the funding boost.

“It’s very powerful. We get up to 180 walk-ins and calls daily from people needing help,and have daily outreach with about 65 rough sleepers in Mackay city alone,’’ Mr Stafford said.

The funding uplift is expected to help local services meet increasing demand, improve service stability, and ensure more people in the region can access safe and timely support.

The 2025–26 Budget has boosted frontline homelessness services by 20 per cent, providing vital support for vulnerable people in Mackay, the Whitsundays, and across Queensland. Pictured: Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Premier David Crisafulli. Photo supplied

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Service will offer free, walk-in support for everyone

Mackay residents are being urged to help design a new mental health service to ensure it meets the unique needs of the region.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network will host a community-wide workshop Thursday 31 July giving locals the opportunity to share their experiences and help codesign the Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre - a service specifically for Mackay and the surrounding area.

Although the service is still in the early planning stages and isn’t due to start operating until 1 July 2026, now is the time to participate in community consultation.

This workshop is a vital step in ensuring the future service reflects the realities and priorities of those who will use it.

The community codesign workshop will explore what has been learned through community feedback so far and focus on the outcomes that matter most for people seeking support.

Once established, the Mackay Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide free, walk-in mental health support in a welcoming and safe space - without the need for an appointment or referral.

NQPHN is encouraging anyone with an interest in improving mental health support in the region to attend, including service providers, community groups, community members, and local businesses.

For more information or to download a flyer to share with your networks, contact mhaodplanning@nqphn.com.au.

Event details
Date: Thursday 31 July
Time: 9.30am - 2.30pm (registration from 9am)
Venue: Lancaster Room, Harrup Park, Mackay
Light refreshments will be provided
To register visit: nqphn.com.au

About NQPHN

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) works together with our partners to connect existing local services to simplify the healthcare system, fund primary care and mental health services based on the needs of local communities and support primary care and mental health providers to build their skills and deliver the highest quality patient care.

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If you have grown up in Mackay, or spent any decent amount of time here, you will know just how deep sport runs through our veins. It is stitched into our weekends, brings our communities together and it is where many of our kids find their first sense of purpose. From footy ovals and soccer fields, netball courts to the athletics tracks and swimming lanes, sport is a big part of who we are.

That is why I am excited that the North Queensland Games is returning to our region in May 2026. We have hosted it before, with the first games in Mackay in 1990, and this next chapter is a great opportunity to show off the heart of grassroots sport and the spirit that makes this place tick.

As part of the board for the North Queensland Sports Foundation, it is a privilege to organise this North Queensland Games alongside our neighbours at Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Councils. I get to see what sport means across different towns and different communities. I also see what it can unlock, with a view that it is a shared responsibility, not belonging to any region, but rather to the people of North Queensland.

With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, the timing is spot on. The Games will give our young athletes an opportunity to spark some big dreams. Whether it’s a first-time swimmer or a rising star in athletics, this is the kind of opportunity that can really light their fire.

There is also a real benefit that comes with visitors heading to town, booking hotels, supporting local cafes and exploring the best of Mackay. It’s a win not just for sport, but for our small businesses and the broader economy.

I know there are challenges in our region and many pressures that families are feeling. While they are always front of my mind, it is also important we take a moment to recognise and enjoy the positives when they come our way.  Bringing the 2026 North Queenland Games to Mackay is something we can all feel proud of. It’s a chance to celebrate what we love and show visitors what our region is all about.

If you are curious about what’s involved or just want to keep an eye out, have a look at the page - www.nqgames.com.au.

It might even get you thinking how you could be a part of it too!

By Cr Ash-Lee Johnson

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It’s official: Mackay property prices have grown faster than any other capital or regional city in Australia in the past 12 months.

Median house prices in Mackay have gone up by $100,000 in the past 12 months, according to a report by realestate.com.au using statistics provided by property market researcher PropTrack.

And the median house price in Mackay is now $635,000.

The data, which came out this month, confirms what Mackay people have been feeling in what has been a very hot market.

Mackay prices have gone up by 18.7 per cent over the past 12 months, more than anywhere else in the nation. It is worth noting that the increase in the past 12 months follows significant increases in the years leading up to the last 12 months.

It wasn’t that long ago that the median house price in Mackay was $340,000.

The big price increases in the past 12 months have mainly been in Queensland, reflecting a trend noted in this column last week that people from southern capitals are looking to Queensland as a more affordable place to live.

Other regional centres in Queensland to have significant house price increases over the past 12 months include Townsville (up 17.4 per cent), Rockhampton (13.2 per cent), Gladstone (16.5 per cent), Toowoomba (11.6 per cent) and Cairns (10 per cent).

The results mean that Mackay’s median house price of $635,000 puts it above Townsville ($625,000), Rockhampton ($543,000), Gladstone ($597,000) and Bundaberg ($609,000).

We are behind Cairns, which sits at $716,000 and Toowoomba ($699,000), although we are now ahead of other significant regional centres around the country, including Albury ($627,000), Wagga ($613,000), Bendigo ($584,000), Ballarat ($552,000), Launceston ($541,000) and Tamworth ($537,000).

The thing about statistics such as these house-price figures is that they do one thing very well: tell you what happened. Unfortunately, there is one thing they don’t do: tell you what is going to happen.

Those of us in the industry, and plenty of buyers trying to get into the market, knew that prices had gone up in the past 12 months and a 15–20 per cent increase would have been my guess. But it is interesting and worthwhile to get a statistical confirmation of an anecdotal experience.

The question now is: What happens next? That’s where it gets difficult.

There are plenty of things to consider: have Mackay prices reached a point where investors and owner-occupiers no longer see value and start looking elsewhere or is there more price growth coming up?

This is where I tell you that I don’t have all the answers. Lots of theories. Plenty of talk. If you want crystal ball certainty you are in the wrong place. If you’re in the mood for conjecture, read on.

The performance of our coal sector will always play a role in our housing market and international demand for steel is the main driver in that.

Rental yield is also a key driver in real estate prices and that is what southern investors are most interested in. Mackay has had an under-supply of houses for some time now.

Supply and demand, both in rentals and sales markets, is the key determinant.

There is a movement from southern states to the southeast corner of Queensland, including from retirees. But with the latest figures showing a median house price of $1m for Brisbane, $1.3m for the Gold Coast and $1.16m for the Sunshine Coast, I feel a fair portion of southerners heading north will see the southeast corner as unaffordable and will look further north to places like Mackay for properties that are hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper.

There are lots of factors in play and any one of them could change market sentiment, but it is fair to say there is still strong activity among buyers at this new price point and that’s from locals and southern investors.

Stay tuned.

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A new financial year is not only a good time to refresh on financial goals but also life and career goals.

The big question is – are you any closer at EOFY25 to where you want to be and the future you imagine, than you were in EOFY24?

And if not, then it’s time to TAKE ACTION as TIME PASSES ANYWAY.

An old proverb, which appeared in a work of Chaucer in 1395, states: Time and tide wait for no man.

The moral is that if you do nothing, the days become weeks and then months, and another year flies by.

As humans, we are masters at rationalising our behaviours and if you throw in procrastination, the excuses for lack of action seem to multiply and the status quo prevails.

You know you want to move forward – is some fear holding you back?

Don’t wait – there’s never going to be an absolute right time! And so we get stuck.

Our self-talk tells us we are ‘not quite ready’ or that we need to have it all figured out before we begin. Or we want everything to be just perfect! Winston Churchill denounced perfection as the enemy of progress and that the road to progress is paved with imperfection.

To progress you have to just start and generate some momentum. That first step is the hardest.

And little by little each step becomes even more powerful, building confidence, gaining know-how and a future focus.

This all resonates close to home for me as recently I took action on something on which I had been procrastinating for quite some time and it really was something I wanted to do. I even knew why I was stuck and what I needed to do, but I just kept avoiding – lots of overthinking and some discomfort with the task yet I knew I could do it and I don’t like to let things beat me.

Reflecting on ‘time passes anyway’ and a purposeful mindset – I set a due-by date, and started by taking a tiny step to fulfil the action which gave me the boost to complete the task. (And it really helped that my ‘advisor’ was going to CHECK on me and it was important to me to be able to report – job done!) It was a great boost for me and now I am keen to keep going.

How we use our time can help us fulfil or fade. So why not let time take you closer to the future you want?

By just starting, and taking that one small action – imagine where you could be in six months, or by this time next year.

You get to choose. Don’t wait. Take action – time passes anyway. You will be so proud you did!

Not sure how to start? Let’s talk it through and work it out together – contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.

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When it comes to marketing, most people want the big moment – the splashy campaign, a viral post, some dramatic “before and after”. But the truth is, the best marketing usually doesn’t look like a grand reveal. It looks like small, repeatable actions done well + done often (soz, boring – I know).

No bells. No whistles. Just smart strategy, consistency – and sticking to a system.

If your marketing currently happens in bursts – a few posts when things are quiet, a last-minute ad when leads are low – you’re so not alone. But you’re also not building anything that lasts.

Instead, start by choosing one thing you can do consistently + build a system around it. That’s where momentum (and results) start to stack up - promise.

Here’s how to start small – and start right:

1. Choose your channel
   Where are your people hanging out – and what suits your skills/time? It could be email, socials, blogs or Google Ads. Pick one. That’s enough to begin.
2. Choose your activity
   Now decide what you’ll do consistently on that platform. It might be a monthly email with updates + insights (have you seen our Wild Oats?). A weekly carousel on Instagram. Or launching a Google Performance Max campaign that quietly gets smarter over time – ohhh spooky, I mean strategic 😉 Srsly though, PMax is the bomb!
3. Systemise it
   Make it easy. Build a workflow. Set up templates, reminders, calendar blocks (time blocking is also srsly the bomb). Whether it’s a 20min task first up on a Friday (so it doesn’t get missed) or a once-a-month half day set aside, treat it like a non-negotiable. Your business is worth it.
4. Do it. Then keep doing it.
   You don’t need a new idea every week. What you need is a system that builds traction – and keeps building, even when #businesslife gets full.
5. Add when ready
   When your first system feels like second nature, you can layer in something new. Not before.

The truth? It’s not the sexy stuff that moves the needle. It’s the boring stuff you do consistently.
That’s how you win the long game.

And if you want help setting up your first marketing system – whether that’s launching Performance Max, getting email marketing sorted, learning more about socials or just knowing where to start – we’re here.

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Productivity has become a bit of a buzzword lately — rolled out in political speeches, budget pressers and corporate strategy days like it’s the magic fix for everything. Apparently, if we can just lift productivity, we can grow the economy, raise wages, and fix a whole lot of things. Easy, right?

But when a politician says they’re going to “increase productivity,” what do they actually mean? (Is it just me that imagines a government official standing behind me with a stopwatch?)

At its simplest, productivity is a measure of how efficiently we turn inputs (like time, labour and materials) into outputs (like goods and services). If you produce more for the same amount of effort — that’s productive. If you produce the same amount using less effort — that’s productive too.

In theory, it’s how we build prosperity: higher productivity means higher wages, better services, more time off, and a stronger standard of living for everyone.

In fact, there’s a whole Productivity Commission dedicated to the topic. They’ll tell you that the average Aussie worker can now produce in one hour what used to take a full day in 1901 — thanks to improvements in technology, skills, and systems. That uplift is what’s allowed incomes to rise, working hours to fall, and everyday goods to become affordable.

All of that makes sense on paper. But productivity isn’t just a tidy formula. It’s also deeply human. Recently, productivity hit the headlines when flexible work arrangements came under fire. Some commentators suggested we needed to get “back to the office” to lift output. But for many workers — flexibility isn’t a luxury. It’s what keeps them in the workforce.

I’m lucky enough to work in a flexible role, and I’m certain it makes me more productive, not less. It gives me the space to do my job well — and still be present for my family and community. That’s not a drag on productivity. That’s how it happens.

Of course, flexibility is just one part of the picture. When governments talk about boosting productivity, they’re often referring to broader reforms: investment in infrastructure, innovation, reducing red tape, improving skills and workforce participation. Many of these things are already in motion.

But plans and policy frameworks can sometimes feel a long way from places like Mackay. Here in the regions, we know productivity isn’t just about how hard someone works. It’s about the environment they’re working in. Whether they have fast internet, reliable roads, access to staff, and supply chains that deliver on time.

And speaking of buzzwords — if we were playing economic bingo, “red tape reduction” would be right up there with productivity.

We want to talk to local businesses about what slows them down, because it’s rarely a lack of effort. It’s red tape: duplicative reporting, long approval delays, hard-to-access forms, clunky systems that don’t talk to each other. Red tape doesn’t just waste time — it drains momentum, frustrates people, and chips away at small business confidence.

So, if you’re running a business in the Mackay region and facing red tape that’s making life harder than it needs to be — tell us! Big or small, local, state or federal — we want to know.

Because productivity isn’t just about working harder. It’s about working smarter.

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The Mackay business community kicked off the new financial year with a serving of economic insights (alongside their eggs) at a sold-out breakfast hosted by the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, with platinum sponsor, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.

Aptly named Eggonomics, the event featured keynote speaker David Robertson (known as ‘Robbo’), Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.

The event attracted a diverse mix of local business leaders all eager to hear from Robbo, renowned for his relatable style and knack for making economic trends easy to understand.

Robbo offered insights on interest rates, regional growth and small business resilience in 2025/26.

“While global uncertainty remains and household budgets are still stretched, I expect Australia to outperform on the global stage,” Robbo said.

“Households should begin to see the benefits of moderating inflation and interest rate cuts, with disposable income expected to improve throughout the year.

“Queensland and particularly regional economies like the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions, are well positioned to lead the way in jobs growth, property values and economic output, driven by population growth and strong performance in industries like tourism, agriculture, education and retail.”

Community Bank Sarina Branch Manager Erin Ryley said the event was a great opportunity to bring the local business community together “for solid financial insights and economic perspective.”

“We were glad we could welcome Robbo to our region for such a valuable event. His address was timely, relevant and tailored to our local economy, which was exactly what our small business community needed as we begin a new financial year,” Ms Ryley said. “Community Bank Sarina is proud to be a platinum sponsor of Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce and supporting events like this is one way we invest in a thriving, informed and resilient regional economy.”

Robbo also addressed the Whitsunday business community at two events whilst in the region, hosted by Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine.

To stay connected with Community Bank Sarina and find out about upcoming events, visit their Facebook page or follow them on LinkedIn.

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Community Bank Sarina (CBS) Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich, CBS Board Director Ann Fordyce, Luke Sheppard (Bendigo Bank), CBS Branch Manager Erin Ryley, Bendigo Bank Chief Economist David Robertson (Robbo), Mayor Greg Williamson and CBS Board Chair Karen May. Photo supplied

Mackay’s business community cracked into the new financial year at the sold-out Eggonomics breakfast, served with fresh insights from Bendigo Bank Chief Economist David Robertson and proudly supported by platinum sponsor Community Bank Sarina. Photo credit: Coffee + Hops

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Zoe Kennedy – Financial Adviser

The calendar has flipped and the new financial year has officially begun. But while many people are looking backward as they finalise their tax returns, the new financial year presents the perfect opportunity to reset, refocus, and take control of your financial future.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply refining your finances, here are some powerful money moves you can make this July to set yourself up for a stronger, wealthier year ahead.

Review and Reset Your Budget

Your income, expenses, and goals may have shifted over the past year, and your budget should reflect that. Understanding what you earn and how much you spend is the cornerstone of any good financial plan. Without this clarity, it’s easy to feel like your money disappears without knowing where it went, or to wonder why you’re not making progress despite earning a decent income.

The start of the financial year is the perfect time to sit down and create or revisit your budget.

Budgets aren’t about restriction; they’re about intention. Done right, a budget helps you spend without guilt, save with purpose, and build the future you want. Use this time to realign your money with your goals and objectives.

Set or Revisit Your Goals

The start of a new financial year is also the halfway point of the calendar year, making it the perfect time to check in with your goals. Are you on track? Have your priorities changed?

If you haven’t set any yet, now’s the time. Vague goals like “save more money” are a great intention, but they don’t give you a roadmap. Instead, make your goals specific and actionable.

Write them down and track your progress regularly. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be consistent. Remember, progress builds momentum — and momentum builds motivation.

Check Your Superannuation

From 1 July 2025, the compulsory superannuation guarantee (SG) rate increased from 11.5% to 12%. While this is a win for retirement savings, it could impact individuals in different ways.

If your total super contributions are nearing the annual concessional cap of $30,000, this increase could push you over the limit, potentially resulting in extra tax.

If you're on a total remuneration package, the SG increase may mean less take-home pay, as your employer adjusts the super component within your overall salary.

Super contributions are calculated across the entire financial year, so now is the perfect time to review your contribution strategy, take advantage of any available incentives, and ensure your structure still aligns with your goals and tax position.

Review Your Insurances and Estate Planning

While the new financial year is a great time to reset your budget and goals, it’s equally important to review your personal protection. True financial wellbeing isn’t only about growing wealth but also safeguarding it.

Take the time to review your insurance policies, both inside and outside of super. Are your policies still relevant to your current stage of life, income, and family needs?

If you’ve had any major life changes — like a new job, new house, partner, or child — your insurance needs have likely changed too.

Also, check your estate planning documents. Ensure your will, power of attorney, and superannuation beneficiaries are up to date and clearly reflect your wishes. It’s not the most exciting task, but it’s one of the most important gifts you can leave for your loved ones.

Protecting your future isn’t about expecting the worst but being prepared, so that you and your loved ones can move forward with confidence — no matter what life brings.

Financial years, like calendar years, give us a fresh page — but instead of resolutions, they offer real opportunities for growth. If you’re not sure where to start, a financial health check with a trusted adviser can help.

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The National Fire Ant Eradication Program has confirmed a detection of fire ants in Moranbah — marking the pest’s arrival in the greater Mackay region and signalling a serious biosecurity threat to Central Queensland.

On 9 July 2025, program officers responded rapidly to the detection at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Broadmeadow Coal Mine site, destroying fire ant nests using direct nest injection treatment.

This detection has triggered an urgent response, with eradication officers set to carry out intensive surveillance and broadscale treatment across the area to ensure any remaining ants are eradicated.

Moranbah falls within the Burdekin state government electorate, placing this detection uncomfortably close to areas that had, until now, avoided the spread from South East Queensland.

Michael Homden, Executive Program Director of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, said cooperation with local industry was key.

“The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is working closely with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance to contain, treat, and eradicate this significant detection swiftly,” he said.
“This detection is a strong reminder that community and industry vigilance can, and does, stop the spread of fire ants.
“Eradicating fire ants is a shared community responsibility – and BHP’s cooperation demonstrates how industry partners contribute to this critical national effort.”

Tracing and genetic testing are currently underway to determine how the ants arrived in Moranbah — which sits well outside the South East Queensland eradication zone.

The spread underscores the risk posed by the movement of materials like soil, mulch, quarry products and machinery from fire ant biosecurity zones. Businesses must ensure they comply with legal obligations when moving such materials. Breaches may result in regulatory action.

Residents and businesses alike are urged to remain vigilant. Learn to identify fire ants and their nests, and report any sightings online at fireants.org.au or by calling 13 22 68.

Eradicating fire ants is a national priority — and now it’s right on our doorstep. It will take all of us to stop the spread.

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Community Power Drives New Firetruck For Habana Brigade

Habana Rural Fire Brigade has proudly unveiled its brand-new Quick Response Firetruck, a major milestone made possible through years of planning, saving, and strong community support.

The locally driven initiative began when the brigade recognised the urgent need for a faster, more agile emergency vehicle, one that could get “straight out the door and first to the fire.”

Rather than wait for funding, the brigade began saving its fire levies, collected through Council rates over several years. When the right cab chassis became available, they seized the opportunity and purchased it, laying the foundation for their custom-built truck.

The specialist fit-out was completed by Varley Group, renowned builders of emergency vehicles and equipment, engineered to meet the Rural Fire Service Queensland’s exacting standards. Brigade officers made multiple visits to ensure every detail met operational requirements.

Of course, more funds were needed to bring the vision to life. Determined not to let cost stand in the way, members tirelessly applied for grants, sought donations, and held their breath as the results rolled in.

Now, the truck is here – and it’s already been put to work. On a recent 5am call-out, it was out the door in moments. Unlike larger trucks that require a licensed truck driver and full crew, this Quick Response unit allows trained responders to attend incidents immediately, making all the difference in the critical early stages of a fire.

Being first to the fire can stop it from taking hold – or allow crews to call for backup early if it’s spreading fast. And because it’s smaller, this truck can access tighter spots many larger trucks can’t.

The community is invited to view the truck up close at the brigade’s Open Day on Saturday 19 July from 10am to 4pm, at 978 Yakapari-Habana Road, Habana.

The brigade extends heartfelt thanks to the many generous donors who helped make this achievement possible:

Major Supporters:
• Habana Community (Fire Levy contributions)
• Gambling Community Benefit Fund Qld
• Daly Bay
• G-Mech
• ADN Testing Services
• ISS First Response
• Rural Fire Service Queensland
• David Stewart
• June Critchley (Symons)
• Bob Clutton & Lynne Bryant
• Pauly’s Security Service
• Mackay Sugar
• Savage Industries
• Jack, Rachel & Wayne Roberts
• Winifred Manning

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Habana Rural Fire Brigade will proudly showcase its new Quick Response Firetruck at a special community Open Day this Saturday, 19 July, celebrating local generosity and years of dedicated effort from volunteers and supporters. Photo supplied

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Supporting Sustainable Farming And Cleaner Waterways

Reef Catchments (Mackay Whitsunday Isaac) is launching the Proserpine Integrated Project (PIP), which brings together seven initiatives tailored to the unique characteristics of this region. The project focuses on improving water quality through practical, place-based solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic factors.

The PIP is part of the Queensland Government’s investment of over $5.5 million through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program’s place-based projects across the Great Barrier Reef Catchment and will run until May 2027.

Reef Catchments’ Sustainable Agriculture Manager, Todd McNeill, explained: “This project takes a whole-system approach, combining innovation and sustainable farming practices to protect our waterways and support local communities. It’s about working with landholders, industry, and researchers to find practical ways to reduce harmful pollutants while also improving farm productivity and resilience.”

_The seven PIP sub-projects include:

Harnessing water quality improvement through circular economy approaches led by the aquaculture industry. Project Lead: Tassal Group

Proserpine Catchment Sustainability Plan – using a whole-of-system, values-based framework. Project Lead: Alluvium Consulting

Catchment Treatment Systems. Project Lead: Reef Catchments Limited

Reducing pesticide use using AI (AutoWeed). Project Lead: James Cook University (JCU)

Supporting practice change to reduce water quality risk. Project Lead: Reef Catchments

Circularity Material Flows Analysis. Project Lead: Pitt & Sherry

Supporting investment in Natural Capital. Project Lead: Truii Pty Ltd_

Each initiative addresses a different part of the catchment’s water quality challenges — from innovative seaweed biofiltration and AI technology to on-farm chemical management and circular economy practices. The project also aims to raise awareness in the community and build capacity for long-term sustainable land and water management.

McNeill added, “Each project aims to support improved land management practices and catchment condition, with benefits for water quality across the region’s waterways, wetlands, and ecosystems connected to the Great Barrier Reef.”

Benefits for Regional Agriculture

Agricultural producers participating in the project will gain access to expert advice, cutting-edge trials using the latest AI technologies, and tools to boost productivity while contributing to important environmental outcomes.

By integrating scientific, cultural, and economic knowledge, the Proserpine Integrated Project will create lasting value for the local landscape and the people who depend on it.

Program Director for Reef Catchments, Bernie Cockayne, said: “This is a real opportunity to tailor solutions for this region. We're working hand-in-hand with local landholders, industry, and research partners to improve water quality while supporting long-term social and economic outcomes.”

For news and information about the Proserpine Integrated Project and other Sustainable Agriculture projects, visit
www.reefcatchments.com.au/projects/sustainable-agriculture

Healthy soils are the foundation of productive farming, supporting crop growth, water retention, and long-term sustainability. Photo credit: Reef Catchments

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Central’s Crushing Reality

We are now well past the first month into the 2025 crushing season in the Central District, with millers reporting reasonable factory operations, albeit plagued by wet conditions and other adverse impacts.

Mackay Sugar Limited, as of 6 July, was at 8 per cent of its 5.15Mt estimate, leaving around 4.75Mt to crush. The miller is predicting, on current estimates, that the season will end—dependent on the usual myriad of factors, including weather—around 5 December. The current throughput for the season at the same date is 413,799 tonnes, with a season-to-date CCS of 11.4.

Proserpine Mill has crushed 179,640 tonnes of its 1.58Mt estimate at the end of its fourth week on 12 July, with a season-to-date CCS of a healthy 13.02. Again, inclement weather has had an impact on the start, and weather conditions have not been conducive to drying the ground.

The Plane Creek Mill area has also had weather impacting operations, as well as recent operations being impacted by key personnel illness. At the end of week 6 (12 July), the season-to-date CCS was 12, with 219,249 tonnes crushed of its 1.6Mt season estimate.
Standover is being factored into all three areas, and the challenge will be to get the significant tonnage through the mills to ensure a clean slate for cane growers to achieve a sense of normalcy around the 2026 season and mitigate the ongoing issues of out-of-cycle growing patterns and standover.

QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball and the QCAR Central District Committee have proudly supported the regional shows in the region, with the Sarina Show the final to be held on the weekend of August 2 and 3.

The Central District Committee is also supporting other regional events in each of the three regions that make up the Central District.

QCAR has initiated meetings with some Mackay Regional Council councillors to discuss issues that relate to local government and have an impact on agriculture—and specifically cane growing—including rates, land acquisitions and feral pests and weeds.
This week, QCAR will attend the Mackay Sugar annual general meeting, meet with Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, and attend the annual 2025 Mackay Show Cane Awards.

QCAR also met recently in person with Agri Labour Australia’s Senior Business Development Manager, Kellie Colvin, and Gus Saunders, Agri Labour’s Health and Safety Manager.

Networking with Agri Labour is a key strategy for QCAR and the agricultural sector to fill the labour gap with experienced and skilled workers.

Anyone having any issues retaining a reliable worker has Agri Labour as an option. To contact Agri Labour for further information, call 0461 598 900 or visit www.agrilabour.com.au to see available applicants.

Finally, QCAR would like to remind everyone to put safety first while we collectively make tracks to the end of the 2025 crushing season – farm safe, home safe.

QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball

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QCAR Central District Committee member Bryce Jackson and Chairman Steve McKeering caught up recently with Mackay Regional Council councillors to discuss a variety of issues that impact cane farmers in the Mackay Regional Council electorate

QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball, right, met with Agri Labour Australia’s Senior Business Development Manager Kellie Colvin, centre, and Health and Safety Manager Gus Saunders, left, to discuss labour options for the sugar industry in the Central District

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

Prime planting time is almost here for growers, and after the challenges of a wet start to winter, it’s important to make time for getting clean seed planting material.

The beginning of the crush has been very much a stop/start affair due to the consistent rainfall events which the majority of the district have been experiencing over the first month of the crushing season.
Paddock conditions vary by the locality, but the general rule is that they are very wet to moist, at the time of writing. We require some substantial periods of prolonged sunshine to help dry out the district to improve harvesting conditions.  CCS (sugar content) has been slightly up on previous years however the stand over cane is very much a mixed bag.

Across both Mackay and Plane Creek milling areas we are dealing with a lot of cane that remained uncut in 2024: standover cane. Being older, the CCS can be iffy, and it is often harder for the mill to process.
One of the other effects which this rainy June-July has had on growers is that very little early planting was achieved. Wet field conditions have narrowed the planting window period. Even with this situation occurring, and the compressing of the planting timeframe, growers make use of several important tasks which are essential at this time of year, prior to planting.

Firstly, we are fortunate in the Mackay and Plane Creek region to have very low levels of Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD). This debilitating sugar cane disease can have catastrophic impacts on productivity and farm viability. Unfortunately, this disease is rampant in some other areas of the state.

Our low levels of RSD in this region is primarily due to the terrific work which the local productivity boards - Mackay Area Productivity Services and Plane Creek Productivity Services - perform in inspecting and testing seed cane sources before planting has commenced.  Growers are reminded of the importance of this critical step in the planting process.

Growers are given the opportunity to receive clean seed and new varieties from their local productivity board clean seed plot.  Not only does this help in the prevention of disease, but trials have indicated significant productivity gains are to be achieved by continually updating your planting material from these seed plots.
Whilst it is a very time-consuming and, at times, a painstaking process to go and collect and plant this clean seed, the benefits far outweigh the negatives and growers are reminded not to forget about his invaluable process during this hectic time of the year.

Finally, to help control the spread of Ratoon Stunting Disease, growers, harvesting contractors and planting contractors are reminded of machinery sterilisation procedures which are quite simple but effective in mitigating the spread of infection of this devastating disease.

Prevention is always better than the cure, for the hip pocket and for sustainability.

If we all work together on this, we can certainly maintain the low infection rates across our region.

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Some of the crew taking billets back to the sampling station, while walking each row to check for RSD. Photo credit: MAPS

Productivity services work hard to prevent RSD

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Mackay Unites For NAIDOC 2025

A record-breaking crowd gathered at Queens Park last Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC celebrations in Mackay, with this year’s Family Fun Day hailed as one of the most powerful yet.

With the event held during school holidays, families turned out in force to celebrate the 2025 theme Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy. Mayor Greg Williamson described the turnout as “wonderful,” praising the contributions of youth performers and cultural dancers.

Cr Alison Jones said, “I felt a sense of pride and belonging in this region... as a multicultural community we came together to recognise our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”

A representative from Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation added, “Our hearts are full... the beat of the drum, the clap of the sticks, the laughter of children and the power of dance.”

The annual NAIDOC march and festival continue to grow as cornerstones of cultural pride in Mackay.

Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/29rbkrpr