The Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory is set to commence
scheduled works on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.

The Cath Lab and its service will close for eight weeks while works are carried out by
contractors.

These works are due to Cath Lab equipment reaching its 10-year end-of-life period.

Upgrades to the Cath Lab are also required to suit the new equipment, along with a
sterile stock room within the unit. All works will be carried out within the eight-week
timeframe.

Replacing major medical equipment is a standard procedure for hospitals and health
services to keep up with technological advancements and to maintain safety,
efficiency, and reliability in patient care.

It will enhance the hospital's diagnostic capabilities and will directly benefit patients by
improving access to state-of-the-art cardiac care.

Patients who require Cath Lab services during the upgrade closure will be cared for
and stabilised before being transferred to the nearest Queensland Health facility with
the capacity to treat them.

Three patient care pathways have been developed for any patients that require Cath Lab
services during the upgrade closure and will be determined by each patient’s
condition.

In an emergency situation, the patient will receive medication (thrombolysis) to
dissolve the blood clot. This is a very safe and effective method to treat heart attacks
and it is the current standard treatment for anyone who lives more than 60 minutes
away from Mackay Base Hospital.

This medication is regularly administered by Queensland Ambulance officers and staff
at rural facilities.

Following stabilisation care, the patient will be transferred to Townsville University
Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital or Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital for follow-up
intervention.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service will work with Retrieval Services Queensland, CQ Rescue and Queensland Ambulance to oversee the safe transfer of patients. Based on activity data averaged across the last 12 months, Mackay HHS is planning for approximately 35 urgent admissions per month (4 per week). Mackay HHS treats approximately 48 non-urgent patients per month.

A further update will be provided as the project reaches conclusion.

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Mackay Base Hospital’s Cardiac Catheter Laboratory will undergo essential upgrades starting 8 October 2024, enhancing patient care with state-of-the-art equipment. Photo supplied

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54-Year-Old Man Charged With Assaulting 12-Year-Old Boy

A man has been charged following an alleged assault in Mackay last Tuesday morning, September 24.

According to reports, around 8:30am, a physical altercation occurred between a man and a 12-year-old boy on River Street.

The individuals were not known to each other prior to the incident. Following the altercation, the man reportedly left the scene on a motorbike.

The boy sustained minor injuries and was transported to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.

On Wednesday, September 25, officers from the Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit arrested a 54-year-old man from Mackay.

He has been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage.

The man is due to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on October 14.

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During the recent Whitsunday Cambodia Service Tour, a dedicated group of students, staff, and parents proudly supported the People Improvement Organisation (PIO) in Phnom Penh.

This remarkable organisation delivers quality education to over 1,500 students, ranging from Kindergarten to University, with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through education.

Whitsunday Anglican School had the unique opportunity to assist in refreshing the classrooms, painting and enhancing the learning environment for these young scholars.

A spokesperson from Whitsunday Anglican School said “Our team had the privilege of lending a hand by painting and refreshing the classrooms.”

“It was truly an honour to contribute, even in a small way, to a brighter future for the children of Cambodia.”

Through their involvement with the PIO, the team contributed to a transformative initiative that aims to empower the next generation, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed.

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During the Whitsunday Cambodia Service Tour, Whitsunday Anglican School students, staff and parents proudly supported the People Improvement Organisation in Phnom Penh.

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A successful education and compliance campaign restricting vehicle access to foreshore areas north of East Point is being extended to further protect the environment.
An ordinary meeting today resolved to implement measures to prohibit vehicle access to the foreshore and beach on council-controlled land from Harbour Beach to East Point.
Access inland to the Pioneer River in this area will remain unchanged and there is pedestrian access to East Point from there or along the beach.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was mindful East Point was a popular location for land-based fishing and other recreation. 

He said vehicle access had historically been via tracks along the foreshore and dunes. 

“Over time, vehicles have caused significant damage to the foredune, impacting on the coastal flora and fauna, and turtle and shorebird nesting sites. 

“The impact of that damage over many years is threatening the ecological integrity of this area.”
Mayor Williamson said council was also receiving complaints about motorbikes being ridden on the foreshore and beach.
He said joint patrols between council’s Local Laws officers and Queensland Police Service were planned.
Mayor Williamson said today’s decision would help rejuvenate and revegetate the foreshore.
“There will be no change to access inland from the mangrove swale, which acts as a natural barrier to protect the beach and foredunes from vehicle access,’’ he said.
In October last year, coinciding with the start of the turtle nesting season, council began a successful education and compliance campaign at East Point.
It included signage restricting vehicle access and cameras to monitor use, with council issuing a handful of PINS (Penalty Infringement Notices) of $774.
Mayor Williamson said the benefits of that campaign were evident.
There was reduced vehicle activity along the beach and foredune and as a result ground cover vegetation in the protected areas quickly started to recover.
“The success was temporary, however, as once the campaign concluded at the end of the nesting season, vehicle access resumed.”
Mayor Williamson said following the success of the campaign stakeholders collaborated to apply for a grant to undertake fencing and revegetation to provide more permanent protection.
“Reef Catchments were awarded the grant and planning work has started. NQBP are also key stakeholders supportive of protecting the cultural and environmental values of the site.”
Other stakeholders involved range from YUWI to Mackay and District Turtle Watch and Birdlife Mackay.
The turtle nesting season closure restricted vehicle access on Lot 70, SP315437 a Reserve for Environment managed by council.
This new, permanent closure will extend to Lot 900 SP104486 and the adjacent bathing reserves. Lot 900 is a Reserve for Environmental and Recreational purposes.
Mayor Williamson said the Reserve tenure did not support use as a vehicle access track.
“Vehicle access to the area is unlawful and, as trustees of the foreshore reserve, council should be taking steps to restrict its use in this way,’’ he said.

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Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Bill Boyd has retired after more than 30 years of delivering babies at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.

Born and raised in Scotland, Dr Boyd’s journey to Mackay began when he married his Australian wife Julie, then a student midwife in Scotland.

The couple moved to Australia in 1982 and headed to Mackay four years later.

“My first job in Australia took us to Weipa, where I was the Medical Superintendent, before moving to Adelaide, where I worked at the Queen Victoria Hospital,” Dr Boyd said.
 
The couple liked Adelaide, but Dr Boyd did not enjoy the cold.

“I love warm weather and as luck would have it, during winter in Adelaide, I saw an ad for a job at Mackay Base Hospital, mentioning the Whitsunday Islands” he said.

“I applied for the job and was granted an interview. Despite Julie still being keen to settle in Brisbane, we decided to give the interview a go, and of course, I got the job.

“Julie said we’d give the place a year’s trial, that was in 1986!”

Dr Boyd later moved into private practice and started caring for women and babies at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, while Ms Boyd served the community as a local councillor and then mayor for more than a decade.

“We worked as a team and were able to manage busy professional lives, while raising our children,” he said.

As well as loving the warm climate, the Boyds also loved the warmth of the people.

“Julie and I are both social people, who found we fitted neatly into the social life of Mackay,” he said.

“They were good people, working hard, bringing up their children.”

Dr Boyd helped those families to grow, delivering multiple generations of babies while caring for the gynaecological health of the women of Mackay.

At the same time, he diligently embraced advances in technology and techniques.
 
“There have been quantum leaps in the quality of imaging, particularly ultrasound and MRI, which have taken away a lot of guess work, helping us to keep babies and mothers safe,” he said.

“The number one advance in gynaecology during my career has been the development of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, which will eventually make cervical cancer a rarity.”
Dr Boyd also championed the professionalism of his colleagues in Mackay and North Queensland during his time as President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland.  
 
Mater Private Hospital Mackay General Manager Karen Wade said Dr Boyd’s commitment to his patients, his profession, his colleagues and his community were clear as his tenure at Mater ended.

“Dr Boyd leaves a legacy of top tier patient-centered obstetric and gynaecological care here,” Ms Wade said.

“He also leaves Mater Private Hospital Mackay patients in the care of an accomplished generation of obstetricians and gynaecologists who are well established and respected.”

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Mater Mackay doctor Bill Boyd retires after 30 years of dedicated service. Photo supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

The LNP recently announced a $20 Million Mackay Bucasia Road / Golf Links Road intersection upgrade, if elected on the 26th of October.

Jarrod Bleijie Deputy Leader of the Opposition said, “Traffic congestion is a big issue in the Mackay region… that’s why I’m so excited to announce that if the LNP is elected on the 26th of October, we will be investing $20 million into the Mackay Bucasia Road intersection upgrade.”

It comes after countless complaints from locals travelling in and out of the Northern Beaches suburbs with demands for change, given the lengthily duration of traffic build up in peak times such as school and work hours.

With future plans to build an additional 4,600 homes in the next decade within the Mackay region, about 60 per cent of those lots will be built in the Northern Beaches and surrounding areas.

LNP representatives stood with Mayor Greg Williamson, agreeing that it’s absolutely crucial to amend the congested traffic conditions before the additional houses are built. Not only will this upgrade benefit residents, but it will also have a significant impact on first responders who will then be able to reach patients quicker than ever in an emergency.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson was quick to say, “Hallelujah!

“We’ve been advocating for an upgrade to the Mackay Bucasia Road for the last decade and this is the first time where someone is willing to commit.

“We’ve got 4,600 approved lots in the whole of the Mackay region, but about 60 per cent of those are in the Northern Beaches.

“That’s a few thousand homes,” Mayor Williamson remarked.

“These 20 million dollars will go a long way, and as a resident in this region who wants to live where most of the houses we know in the next ten years are going to be built - in the Northern Suburbs - we have to have a trunk infrastructure that allows good traffic flow.”

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said, “As a resident and former deputy mayor speaking to those here on the ground that live in this community - whether you’re at Blacks Beach, Shoal Point, Bucasia, Rural View or here at Kerrisdale - Mackay Bucasia Road has been a major issue for quite some time.

“A short 6-kilometre journey can take up to 45 minutes and that is unacceptable,” Ms Camm said.

LNP Candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton agreed, saying, “There are too many hours spent in a car when it’s not necessary.

“We need to make sure this intersection is appropriate for the volume of traffic coming through here and that’s what the LNP government will do.”

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(Left to right) Deputy Mayor Karen May, Mayor Greg Williamson, Jarrod Bleijie Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and LNP candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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In memory of the beloved Mackay figure Mr. Brenden Borellini, a retrospective exhibition showcasing his impressive photography work is open this month at Crossroad Arts. The event honours Borellini, who was not only an Artist in Residence but also a cherished ambassador for the local community.

The opening night took place on Friday, September 20, from 6pm to 8pm at Crossroad Arts, located at 55 Wood St, Mackay. Guests enjoyed light snacks and drinks while viewing over a decade's worth of Borellini’s stunning photography.

The exhibition will remain open for public viewing from September 20 to October 25, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Additionally, each evening during the exhibition, a slideshow of the displayed works will be projected on the front windows from 5pm to 8pm, allowing the community to celebrate Borellini’s legacy.

What: Brenden Borellini Retrospective Exhibition
When: Open until October 25
Time: 6pm-8pm
Where: Crossroad Arts, 55 Wood St, Mackay 
RSVP access requirements to admin@crossroadarts.com.au

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Earlier this week, on Monday, October 1, Queensland officially entered 'caretaker mode' ahead of the state election set for October 26. From this point until the election results are determined, the government is subject to several restrictions under caretaker conventions.
With the election campaign now officially underway, Queensland Premier Steven Miles kicked off his re-election bid by highlighting his government's introduction of 50c public transport fares. On Tuesday morning, he rode a bus to Government House to meet Governor Jeannette Young and formally launch the 26-day campaign. Following this, Miles flew to Townsville and later arrived in Mackay to support local Labor candidates at their candidacy launch at the Souths Suburban Bowls Club, followed by a big energy announcement made at the Resources Centre of Excellence. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli had already set his sights on the key battleground of Cairns, making his way there on Monday, quickly announcing $10B worth of election promises within the early stages of the campaign. With Whitsunday identified as a key seat for One Nation, Pauline Hanson also spent time in Mackay at a dinner for candidate, Julie Hall.
Here in Mackay, Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) is urging candidates and party leaders to prioritise key regional issues as part of their election commitments, outlined in a comprehensive strategic advocacy document released this week.
The document, titled Building Foundations for Growth and Wellbeing in Greater Whitsunday, highlights critical community concerns exacerbated by the ongoing housing crisis and rising cost-of-living pressures. These challenges are fuelling serious social issues, including mental health struggles and youth disengagement, across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions.
GWC’s Executive Officer, Carol Norris, emphasised the need for immediate action, noting the significant impact of rising costs on the region.
"GWC has outlined a set of priorities that need immediate attention, and we are calling on candidates in our region, as well as party leadership, to commit funding and resources to solutions that will make a real difference," Ms. Norris said.
She pointed out that while the effects of these issues are often discussed in relation to capital cities, they are even more pronounced in regional communities.
"We are seeing people who can’t afford the basics and are struggling to put a roof, or even a room, over their heads," she added.
Although the Queensland Government's Greater Whitsundays Regional Transformation Strategy 2024 aims to guide the region toward an ambitious net-zero target by 2050, Ms. Norris expressed concern that the strategy does not adequately address the soft social infrastructure needed to support this transformation.
"Yes, we can build hospitals and schools, but where are the people going to come from?" she asked.
"We know that if our doctors, nurses, teachers, daycare workers, care workers, retail workers, and council workers feel they’re moving to a region where they can access affordable housing, where their little ones can attend daycare, where there are decent sports and recreation facilities, and where they can navigate critical health services, they are more likely to stay in the region."
Ms. Norris stressed that a healthy, thriving population is essential to the success of the Regional Transformation Strategy and any efforts to ensure the ongoing resilience of the Greater Whitsunday region.
"A healthy, thriving population will underpin the success of the Regional Transformation Strategy or any efforts to ensure the ongoing resilience of the Greater Whitsunday region," she stated.
Without proactive measures to address soft social infrastructure, including housing, mental health, and youth disengagement, the challenges facing the community will continue to escalate.
"This cannot continue," Ms. Norris warned, calling for urgent action from government leaders.
Key Advocacy Priorities outlined in the Building Foundations for Growth and Wellbeing in Greater Whitsunday document include:
Housing: Tackling the severe housing shortage impacting our communities.
Youth: Bolstering support for youth, with a focus on mental health, education, and employment opportunities.
Mental Health: Expanding support for accessible and innovative community mental health initiatives to address high rates of mental distress and suicide.
Integrated Sustainability: Advocating for sustainable economic, social, and environmental development practices to ensure the region’s long-term prosperity.
These priorities reflect GWC’s ongoing engagement with local communities, which has shaped the organisation’s focus areas.
The advocacy efforts align with the broader objectives of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Greater Possibilities for Greater Whitsunday and Queensland 2024 Queensland State Election priorities, calling for significant investments in roads, housing, and State Development Areas to unlock substantial regional growth.
“As we approach a pivotal election, it’s crucial to advocate for the nuanced needs of the Greater Whitsunday region.
“Our advocacy, grounded in active community engagement, presents the critical voices of the Greater Whitsunday communities and their priorities. We sincerely hope all political candidates will consider these essential regional needs."
In the lead-up to the Queensland state election, we posed a series of critical questions to the candidates of Mackay and Mirani, giving them a platform to share their policies and address the issues most important to the community. Their responses provide valuable insight into their plans for tackling local concerns such as housing affordability, infrastructure development, and job creation. These are the matters that will shape our region's future, and we encourage residents to review what each candidate has to offer.
For those interested in the perspectives of candidates from neighbouring electorates, we’ve also covered the Whitsunday candidates in the flip side of this publication, Whitsunday Life, and Burdekin candidates in Burdekin Life, which is available online.
Unfortunately, due to a miscommunication, we were unable to receive responses from Labor’s Mirani candidate Susan Teder before going to print. However, we will publish her answers in next week’s edition, ensuring her voice is included in this vital conversation.

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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?

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I’m a fifth-generation Mackay local, a second-term Councillor, and was elected as the Deputy Mayor in April 2024. Prior to Council, I was the Manager of Mackay Funerals for almost 8 years, an after-hours Support Worker at the domestic violence shelter for 9 years, and the Service Manager at Mackay Women’s Centre for 4 years. I’ve also held roles in financial services, real estate, IT, and retail, and been a small business owner. I have dedicated my life to the community of Mackay and want to continue as your local Member of Parliament.

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

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At present, access to suitable housing is an issue, so I’d work with all levels of Government to come up with further solutions. Construction is already underway on 7 x 1-bedroom units, and the Miles Labor Government has committed to building 27 modular homes in the Mackay and Whitsunday region. Labor is doing what matters for Queenslanders here in Mackay by building social and affordable housing.
Labor has implemented measures to assist private renters through Rent Connect, and delivered a mobile housing office to assist people experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.

What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

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When I’m out there talking to the Mackay community, what they are telling me is they want cost-of-living relief. The current Miles Labor Government is delivering cost of living measures, including $1,000 off electricity bills, 50c fares for all Translink services, 20% off vehicle registration, Free TAFE, and Free Kindy for all 4-year-olds.
Mackay needs a representative who is embedded in the local community and has a proven track record of delivering for this region – I am that person.

Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

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I will get to work on advocating for my community, as I have always done. This includes delivering on our fully-costed election commitments and building on what has already been started. I will stand up for the Labor values of fairness, equality, and social justice, and ensure that our region receives its fair share.
My first 100 days will be about listening, collaborating, and taking decisive actions that reflect the needs of our community.

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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?

As a sixth-generation farmer, the bush runs through my veins. Running a business and managing budgets in the face of rising costs has given me firsthand experience of the challenges many locals face. As a long-serving volunteer rural firefighter, I’m passionate about safeguarding our rural way of life in Central Queensland. I believe my background and dedication make me well-qualified to represent our regional community and fight to get our fair share.
 
If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

The roads in regional Queensland have been ignored for nearly 10 years and need urgent fixing. Chronic underfunding by Labor has left the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay poorly maintained with no forward planning to fix it. An LNP Government will prioritise vital safety improvements to drive down the road toll and increase maintenance programs on rural and regional roads.
  
What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

Every day, more Mirani locals share their struggles with the rising cost of living. Rent, groceries, mortgage repayments, and fuel costs continue to soar. The LNP will address this by delivering reliable, affordable power, implementing housing supply solutions to lower rent, and ending budget blowouts. Regional Queenslanders also deserve first-class healthcare. The LNP will put doctors and nurses back in charge, provide more beds and resources to regional hospitals, and use real-time data to drive improvements.
 
Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

An LNP Government will scrap the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro and give concerned community members some relief this Christmas. This project has no environmental approvals, no business case, and no community acceptance. The LNP will also tackle the out-of-control youth crime crisis that is driving up insurance costs. By the end of the year, we will introduce the Making Queensland Safer Laws that will restore consequences for actions and remove detention as a last resort from the Youth Justice Act.

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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?

I am a wife, mother of 5 and local small business owner. I have worked across many industries, battled financially and also succeeded.  I am an everyday person that understands real world and local issues, not a career politician
 
If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

Whilst our region has many issues, the one that comes to the forefront of most peoples minds in Youth Crime.  As a victim of crime myself, we need harsher penalties, boot camp style rehabilitation for at risk youth and greater support for the victims of crime.

There are many diverse communities within your electorate, how would you ensure each was served fairly?

As far as I am concerned, everyone is equal and therefore everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard. If elected, I will represent the people fairly and address issues on a case by case basis
 
What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

Harsher penalties for youth offenders, a stable power supply using the resources we have in this country and this region so as we can reduce the cost of living, a working health system that offers the same services of the south east by incentivising health workers into the regions.
 
Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

Training and getting settled into our roles, and then addressing the regions concerns via town hall style meetings and taking these concerns to advocate for Mackay in parliament
  

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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?

I’m a former police officer who has spent the past 22 years working in Mackay, mainly in crime prevention. I retired earlier this year and I’m looking for the next challenge. I’ve spent most of my time working with young people, on projects to teach safety and prevent crime.  However I also have many other community connections with seniors, men’s, church and sporting groups. I am ready, willing and able to keep serving this community.

 If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

I am passionate about crime prevention measures which connect people and support families and children. I would love to see our school-based police officer positions filled within our region. This is a senior constable who deals directly with issues like bullying, assaults, cyber issues. I know the value of early interaction with a uniformed police officer in a school; it’s invaluable. I’d also love to see Neighbourhood Watch groups supported by a police officer as this helps build relationships with community and police.

 
What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

The thing that I have been hearing over and over again is that people want to see a reduction in crime. They also don’t want to live in fear of potentially being a victim of crime. They want to feel safe in their communities and especially within their homes. This will be addressed by the LNP’s plan to introduce tough youth justice laws – adult time for adult crime.

 
Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

My focus will be on ensuring that promises are kept and commitments are fulfilled. These include commitments I’ve made as an LNP candidate to support Mackay Hockey build an indoor hockey facility and ensure sporting groups like AFL Saints can play under lights and out of the sun. I will also be working as part of a team to see changes to youth justice laws, improvements to our health services and the delivery of more social housing solutions. 

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Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?

Apart from having already served two terms as the Member for Mirani, I have a deep connection to this region, which I believe, uniquely qualifies me for the role.  
Not only was I born and raised in the region, but so were my parents, grandparents and great grandparents.
So regardless of what happens on the 26th, I will remain an active and committed member of the Mirani community, which I love dearly.  How many other candidates can say the same?

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

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The main issue I would address is the staggering number of renewables projects being rolled out across the region, with no genuine community consultation.  
I would impose an immediate ‘moratorium’ on any new renewable projects, pending a comprehensive cost-benefit study into the cumulative impacts that existing projects will have on the region’s towns, communities and environment.
I would also completely ban wind turbines being installed in any of the pristine areas along our Ranges, forests and prime agricultural lands.
 
What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

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I think what ‘the people’ want most now, is to be listened to, and for the actions and policies of government to be made more responsive to the ‘will of the people’.
Currently they are not.
I would strengthen the parliamentary petition process, to include a state referendum trigger on controversial issues.  I would also repeal all state restrictions on free speech and other core freedoms and push for a Royal Commission into the handling of the pandemic.
 
Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

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Within my first 100 days, I will be advocating for the reform or repeal of the state’s recent anti-vilification legislation to restore freedom of speech and religion in Queensland as soon as possible.
I will also be calling for measures to fight inflation by cutting red tape, limiting government spending, tackling government debt, releasing more land for housing, supporting small and family businesses, ending the war on farmers, slashing state-based taxes, removing renewable energy subsidies and strengthening private property rights.

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Thirty new Habitat Reef (HR) modules have been installed in Mackay’s coastal waters, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to restore marine biodiversity. As part of the Mackay Whitsunday Turning Rubble into Reef project, led by Reef Catchments, the initiative is set to revitalise fish habitats and boost the health of local ecosystems.
The HR modules have been purpose-built, divided into two clusters to create vertical structure in otherwise bare marine areas. These concrete structures will serve as fish habitats, providing refuge for a variety of marine life. Designed with a roughened exterior surface, the modules are also specifically crafted to encourage the settlement of marine invertebrates such as coral recruits.
Over time, these structures will offer a foundation for vibrant and diverse reef communities.
Reef Catchments Project Officer, Kellie Best, expressed enthusiasm for their expected performance, saying, “The installation of the HR modules is just the beginning.
“I, for one, cannot wait to observe the marine life they will attract.”
With the support of North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP), monitoring of the Habitat Reef modules will commence over the next 12 months.  NQBP Senior Manager Sustainability and Environment Kevin Kane said NQBP were pleased to extend their extensive monitoring program to include the new HR modules.
“Over the last few years NQBP has been working with James Cook University to investigate the unique biodiversity value offered by artificial habitats like coastal infrastructure,” Mr Kane said.
“Integrating the principles of working-with-nature in designing future port infrastructure is at the heart of this research and the reef modules project offers a rare opportunity to record the establishment of new marine habitats close to a working port,” he said.
Reef Catchments CEO, Katrina Dent, emphasised Reef Catchment’s ongoing dedication to sustain and improve our region’s marine ecosystems, stating, “This initiative is an important contribution toward improving fish habitats and building reef resilience in our local waters.
“In support, Reef Catchments will uphold a 30-year commitment to monitoring the performance of the HR models.”
In a win for local recreational fishers, the HR modules have the potential to create, over time, an environment that supports fresh opportunities for anglers to enjoy their favourite pastime.
Mackay Councillor Alison Jones said the HR modules would have a positive impact on recreational fishing and local industries.
“These reef modules have so much potential for improving the accessibility and health of our inshore fishery,” Cr Jones said.
“Not only will they help to spread existing fishing pressure out over a greater area, but they will also give visiting anglers an excellent starting point when towing their boats to our region,” she said.
“If visitors have more areas they can easily access and fish – they’ll stay longer, and there will be flow-on benefits to our local marine industries and accommodation providers.”
For more information: www.reefcatchments.com.au

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Installed Habitat Reef Module. Photo credit: Catchment Solutions
Loading of Habitat Reef Module at Port of Mackay with Reef Catchments Project Officer, Kellie Best. Photos supplied

This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
62,079
666,380
Average bin weight
3.96
3.89
CCS
14.80
13.74
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
27.1
15.20
Q253
22.0
14.34
Q240
6.9
14.65
SRA9
11.1
15.17
Q208
17.6
15.18
SRA21
1.4
14.75
KQ228
3.7
14.15
Q138
1.7
14.43
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Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed just over 62,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just over 666,000 tonnes.
Average CCS rose by 0.18 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 14.80 units. The year-to-date average is now sitting at 13.74 units.
Standover cane made up eight per cent of the week’s cane supply.
Wilmar commends the efforts of growers and harvesting operators for the pleasing bin weights and cane quality this season.
The highest CCS honour for the week was a rake of Q183 plant cane from the Koumala productivity area with a CCS of 17.20 units.
It’s pleasing that no incidents were reported around our rail network during the recent Queensland school holidays and long weekend.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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