Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer, Julia Evans said many Whitsunday businesses were built over decades through personal sacrifice and should not be treated as speculative investments. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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By Julia Evans
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Officer 

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has listened to the deep concern among local business owners following last week’s Federal Budget.

Proposed changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Negative Gearing settings, particularly the potential move from the 50 per cent CGT discount to inflation indexation, have raised serious questions for family businesses, farmers, and sole operators across our region.

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For many Whitsunday business owners, their enterprise is not a speculative asset. It is a lifetime of hard work, a retirement plan, a family legacy, and the backbone of local employment.

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Under current proposals, when that business is sold to fund retirement, the tax outcome could be significantly higher, especially for those who built value over decades from modest starting capital. That risk is not abstract. It directly affects succession planning, reinvestment, and the economic stability of our communities.

In the Whitsundays, around 4,200 businesses employ more than 21,000 people. They already carry the weight of income tax, company tax, payroll tax, GST, and rising compliance costs from federal, state and local governments. Adding poorly designed CGT changes without proper regional consultation would risk making local businesses collateral damage in a national tax debate.

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But this statement is not about attacking the government.

It is a clear signal that the Whitsunday business community cannot afford to be silent or fragmented. The scarcity of visible consultation with our North Queensland region reinforces one hard truth: without a strong, united voice, our realities will not be understood in Canberra.

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The Chamber is calling on every regional business – micro, family, or medium-sized – to join us. Not just to complain, but to shape solutions. To feed real experiences into advocacy that matters. To ensure that future policy encourages investment, not uncertainty, and backs the people who build regional Australia.

As one, we are a strong and loud voice. Alone, we are easily overlooked.

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry encourages all local businesses to become members and help drive a practical, united response to the policy challenges ahead.

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Each year the Federal Budget arrives with big headlines and plenty of commentary, and this year has been no exception. The recent Budget has generated most of its attention around proposed changes to property taxation, particularly capital gains tax and negative gearing, while at the same time leaving the superannuation and pension system largely untouched.

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The biggest proposed changes relate to property investors. The Government has flagged plans to limit negative gearing on residential property so that, from 1 July 2027, it would apply only to newly constructed dwellings. Existing investment properties would be grandfathered, meaning current owners could continue using negative gearing under today’s rules until they sell. The stated aim is to encourage new housing supply and improve affordability for first‑home buyers.

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Alongside this is a proposed overhaul of capital gains tax. The familiar 50 per cent discount for assets held longer than 12 months would be replaced with an inflation‑based indexation method, combined with a minimum tax rate on realised gains. These changes are also proposed to start from 1 July 2027 and would apply prospectively, with transitional rules to ensure gains already accrued are not retrospectively taxed under the new system.

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While these announcements sound dramatic, it is important to remember that they are proposals only. None of these measures are law yet, and they will not take effect for more than a year at the earliest.

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In contrast, there were very few new announcements affecting superannuation and the Age Pension. Most Australians will see little direct change to the retirement system as a result of this Budget. Previously legislated measures, such as the increase in the Superannuation Guarantee to 12 per cent and the introduction of payday super from July 2026, are proceeding as planned, but these were already known. Pension rates will continue to be adjusted through the normal indexation process, and there were no major structural changes announced.

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Another key point often lost in the Budget noise is the legislative process itself. For these tax changes to become law, they must be drafted into legislation and passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate in identical form before receiving Royal Assent. This process can take months, and it is common for amendments to be made along the way, particularly for complex or controversial tax measures.

History shows that what is announced on Budget night is not always what ultimately becomes law. Start dates, thresholds and exemptions can change as legislation moves through Parliament.

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For investors, retirees and those planning ahead, the sensible response is not to panic or rush into decisions based on headlines. This is a time to review, seek advice if needed, and wait for clarity. In Canberra, as in financial markets, proposed change and final outcomes are often not the same thing.

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If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment today.

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This year brought a few surprises. So did some of your legal questions.

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Whether it was "Can I leave my estate to my dog?" or "Do I really need a lawyer to buy land off my cousin?" - we’ve heard it all. And we’re still smiling.

Here’s to another year of good advice, plenty of coffee, and helping our local community through whatever comes next.

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Whitsunday Law – Still here. Still local. Still on your side.

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What a milestone moment for our market. On Sunday, 10^th May our auction event exceeded expectations, generating incredible energy, strong buyer interest, and competitive bidding across 8 of our 13 auctions. One property even sold prior to auction, highlighting the urgency and demand created before the day began.

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Most excitingly, the event reignited buyer engagement across several properties that had experienced quieter enquiry periods, with multiple homes now in active post-auction negotiations with motivated buyers.

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The atmosphere in the room was electric and a powerful reminder of what a well-executed auction campaign can achieve for buyers, sellers, and the broader market.

Stay tuned...the best results may still be to come.

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Photo supplied

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Bird’s Fish Bar is becoming more than just a local spot for fresh seafood and fish and chips — it’s also becoming one of Bowen’s most unique waterfront function spaces.

The newly expanded dining area offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere perfect for gatherings of all sizes. From intimate baby showers and birthdays to corporate functions, Christmas parties, weddings, wakes and community events, the space can be tailored to suit both casual and formal occasions.

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Located right on Bowen Marina, the bar is home to stunning views of the bay, boasting some of Bowen’s most vibrant and stunning coastal scenery. As the sun sets over the water and fishing boats drift through the marina, the venue transforms into a truly memorable setting that captures the relaxed spirit of North Queensland living.

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With fresh local seafood at the heart of the menu, guests can enjoy everything from grazing platters and seafood smorgasbords to casual fish and chip style catering, offering something for everyone. Freshly caught local produce and a genuine paddock-and-ocean-to-plate approach add to the experience, giving guests a real taste of the region. The licensed bar, waterfront views and indoor/outdoor dining options create the perfect setting for locals and visitors alike to celebrate special moments.

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As a third-generation family-owned business, Bowen’s Fish Bar pride themselves on creating a welcoming and authentic Bowen experience while showcasing the best seafood our region has to offer. Their passion for local hospitality and connection to the community shines through in every event, creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and memorable.

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This is more than just a food and drink venue; it is a wonderful experience that brings together the best aspects of Bowen – its beauty, charm and laid-back vibe. Guests can relax with the sea breeze, enjoy fresh seafood straight from local waters, and soak in the vibrant marina atmosphere that makes Bowen such a special destination.

Whether it’s a long lunch, a business gathering, or a milestone celebration, Bird’s Fish Bar offers a unique “boat-to-plate” experience that combines fresh local seafood, relaxed hospitality and one of Bowen’s best marina views.

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Burdekin Member Dale Last with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli Photo source: Facebook

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last has issued his response to the 2026/2027 Federal Budget, stating the Burdekin’s farmers, motorists, resource workers, families and small businesses had every right to feel disappointed.

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“The Burdekin’s major industries have been economic powerhouses, not only for our state but our nation and the hardworking men and women in those sectors have every right to feel like they have been treated like cash cows,” Mr Last said.

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“Looking across the state, there is no new infrastructure funding and an attempt by the federal government to turn their backs on a funding agreement to provide the crucial safety upgrades we need for the Bruce Highway.”

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“The Crisafulli Government fought hard to reinstate the 80-20 funding deal with the federal government for the nationally recognised highway after it fell by the wayside under the former Labor state government.”

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“The Bruce Highway is an artery to the beating heart of industries that drive our nation’s economy and in the North we have called for a co-ordinated approach to back the investment that artery needs, yet the federal budget fell short of this.”

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Mr Last said the hit for regional communities didn’t stop at the highway with $21.4 million cut from regional communications and a key federal program supporting feral pest eradication projects stripped of funding from 2027/2028.

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“Our major industries deserve to have federal government support reflecting the contribution they give to our nation’s economy, be it funding to manage biosecurity risks, having reliable communications or safer roads to connect our paddocks to export markets.

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“At a time of uncertainty rather than showing leadership, the federal government has placed more pressure on our essential services, our housing and current infrastructure, leaving Queensland to do more with less.”

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Bowen Tourism and Business team members, Cindy and Glenn and volunteers Kim and Ray at the Townsville Expo on the weekend. Photo supplied

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Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region was well represented at the Townsville Caravan, 4x4 and Outdoor Adventure Expo on the weekend.

Two team members from Bowen Tourism and Business, Glenn Womal and Cindy Tonks, attended the show, along with two volunteers, Kim and Ray Tannock.

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Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said caravan and camping shows provided a great opportunity to speak to people about what our region has to offer.

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“Whenever we attend these expos, we talk to thousands of people, and they get to ask specific questions and hear real stories from local people.

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“The face-to-face contact with these potential visitors is invaluable in promoting our region to potential travellers,” she said.

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Bowen’s Visitor Services Co-ordinator, Glenn Womal said many people at the expo had already been to Bowen and were planning to visit again.

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“Many people said how much they loved our town.

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“Others said they were considering coming to Bowen and after speaking to the team, their mind had been made up.

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“It was also a great opportunity to connect with other information centres, all proudly showcasing the many fantastic destinations across Queensland.”

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Bowen Tourism and Business is a not-for-profit organisation promoting Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region and operating the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango.

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Contributed with thanks to Bowen Tourism and Business

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This week is National Road Safety Week and it is an important reminder for all of us that every decision we make behind the wheel matters.

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Last week, our region was shaken by another tragic bus crash on the Bruce Highway near Gumlu which was a devastating incident that claimed a life and left many others injured.

My thoughts remain with the victims, their families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.

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As Mayor, I also want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our first responders including Whitsunday Regional Council road crews, who were called in to assist Queensland Police with traffic management at the scene from Thursday evening through to Friday morning.

Our crews worked tirelessly through the night, providing traffic control, advance signage, fatigue-managed shift changes, safety assessments and ongoing site monitoring to help emergency services respond safely and efficiently.

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Their professionalism during such confronting circumstances reflects the vital role local government crews play in supporting our communities during times of crisis.

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Sadly, incidents like this are a sobering reminder that road trauma can happen anywhere, at any time.

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Road safety should not be a political discussion. It’s about people, safety, and making sure regional communities are not forgotten.

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The Bruce Highway is a nationally significant road carrying families, tourists, freight, workers and essential services across vast distances and challenging North Queensland conditions.

In recent years, our region has experienced a number of major incidents, including serious bus crashes, and these tragedies reinforce what many locals already know — the Bruce Highway through our region needs to be prioritised through sustained, targeted safety investment.

That investment must be more than pothole repairs and basic maintenance.

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We need to see critical safety upgrades prioritised across North Queensland, including additional overtaking lanes, road widening, improved guardrails, better wildlife management, safer intersections and more rest areas to help manage driver fatigue.

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These are the kinds of practical safety improvements that save lives, and regional Queensland deserves the same level of focus and investment that is often seen in the south east.

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Regional communities should not have to accept a lower standard of road safety simply because we live outside the south east corner.

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I have been advocating strongly for continued investment in the Bruce Highway, and we are beginning to see important progress through upgrades already underway at Goorganga Plains and Hamilton Plains.

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We acknowledge and appreciate the commitments already being made by both State and Federal Governments, but we must continue working constructively to ensure future upgrades are prioritised where they are needed most.

Regional Queensland contributes enormously to the national economy through tourism, agriculture, resources and freight. Investing in safer, more resilient highways is not just a local issue — it is an investment in the future of Queensland and Australia.

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This week, I encourage everyone to take the road safety pledge: drive so others survive.

Together, we can honour lives lost, support those affected, and continue advocating for safer roads across the Whitsundays and North Queensland.

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Photo supplied

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Since launching in January 2023, Team Kerr (Ellen and Bek Kerr) has quickly built a reputation for delivering personalised, professional, and caring real estate services across the Whitsundays. Specialising in residential property sales, the business was founded after 18 years of local industry experience with a vision to raise the standard of customer service in real estate.

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For Team Kerr, the motivation to establish their own business came from a desire to offer clients something more genuine and relationship-driven. By combining industry expertise with “old-fashioned” personal service, the team set out to create a real estate experience that prioritises trust, communication, and results for both sellers and buyers.

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The local property market continues to see strong growth, largely driven by a shortage of available homes. While this creates positive opportunities for sellers, it has also intensified competition for buyers entering the market. In response, Team Kerr has positioned itself as a high-service agency offering premium support while maintaining competitive commission rates of less than two per cent.

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As business owners, Team Kerr believes success comes down to a few simple principles: follow your passion, invest in your people, and support your local community. These values continue to guide the business as it grows and evolves.

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Being part of the Chamber of Commerce also plays an important role in the business. Team Kerr values the networking opportunities, local connections, and ability to stay informed about regional developments — all of which are essential in an industry built on relationships and community engagement.

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Learn more about Team Kerr Real Estate: www.oneagencyglobal.com

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Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry ‍

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National Reconciliation Week will take place from 27^th May to 3^rd June. Photo source: Facebook

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The Whitsunday Regional Council is celebrating Reconciliation Week with a free community event at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Thursday 28^th May at 9.30am. The event will include a flag raising ceremony, welcome to country, traditional smoking ceremony, student speakers and morning tea for all.  

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National Reconciliation Week takes place across the country from the 27^th May to 3^rd June, commemorating two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey; firstly the 1967 referendum that formerly recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the population by amending the constitution. Prior to this, First Nations Australians were excluded from the constitution, allowing the government to create independent policies, resulting in mass dispossession and a legal right to remove children from their families.  

The second milestone is the 1992 Mabo decision. When the British arrived in Australia in the late 18^th century, they ruled the land was ‘terra nullius’ meaning it belonged to no one despite the existence of the indigenous population that had lived on the land for at least 65,000 years. In the landmark case Mabo v Queensland (No.2), the High Court ruled that the assertion of terra nullius was false and that First Nations Australians had prior rights to the land.  

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This year’s theme is All In, which calls for Australians to commit to reconciliation every day. The theme is a reminder that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity and is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people but all the community.  

The 2026 campaign was created in collaboration with Carbon Creative, a First Nations-owned and operated marketing and creative agency. The artwork for the national campaign was created by renowned Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey.  

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WHAT: National Reconciliation Week Celebration

WHEN: Thursday 28^th May, 9.30am

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

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The Prevention Council hopes that opening discussion will encourage community support, an essential factor in tackling the issue of domestic and family violence.   Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council met with Whitsunday stakeholders on Thursday 14^th May to explore opportunities to better understand local drivers of harm and tailor prevention strategies that reflect these factors.

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The Prevention Council is co-chaired by former Police Commissioner Mr Bob Atkinson AO APM and Ms Vanessa Fowler OAM, the sister of the late Allison Baden-Clay who was murdered by her husband in 2012.

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Working at a grassroots level with the community, the Prevention Council has a leadership role in bringing about positive cultural change and mobilising action around primary prevention of domestic and family violence.

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Primary prevention is about stopping violence before it starts. It focuses on creating a society where respect, equality, and healthy relationships are the norm.

Mr Atkinson said, “We know that behaviours that contribute to domestic violence can start small — a sexist joke here, a degrading comment there. When left unchallenged, they contribute to a toxic culture that feeds a cycle of violence and abuse. This culture does not happen overnight — it is shaped by the beliefs and behaviours we see and accept around us. To truly prevent violence, we need to challenge these harmful social norms and replace them with ones that promote respect and equality.”

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Ms Fowler added, “Social norms are the unwritten rules that shape how we behave and interact with each other. They influence what we see as acceptable or unacceptable and are often so deeply ingrained that we might not even realise they exist. However, if we think about some of the significant behaviour changes we have seen in our lives — from drink driving to wearing seatbelts — we can see how community attitudes have shifted over time. These were anti-social behaviours that put lives at risk. That is where we need to be with domestic and family violence — completely unacceptable in any context.”

The roundtable discussion included representatives from Whitsunday Counselling and Support Services, Whitsunday Regional Council, Queensland Police, and the Rotary Club. It followed a candlelight vigil hosted earlier this month by Whitsunday Counselling and Support Services to mark the beginning of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

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State MP Amanda Camm voiced her gratitude at the work being done to support the issue across the region.

“As Minister for Domestic and Family Violence, I welcome the DFV Prevention Council and stakeholders visiting the Whitsundays to continue these important conversations around domestic and family violence prevention.  

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“Bringing together local organisations, frontline services and community leaders is an important step in understanding the unique challenges facing our region and identifying ways we can work together to strengthen prevention efforts and support safer communities.”

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The conversation on Thursday was just the beginning of what the Prevention Council hopes will become a whole-of-community approach across the Whitsunday local government area, involving individuals, families, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs, religious institutions, business leaders, community organisations, and government representatives working together to deliver coordinated and concentrated prevention activities across all settings.

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Photo sourced from Facebook

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A lucky kookaburra is preparing to return to the wild after a dramatic rescue effort brought together local wildlife carers and a compassionate community.

Last Friday, the injured bird was discovered by local resident “Farmer Joe,” who quickly stepped in to help and delivered the kookaburra to Orchid Valley Vet for urgent care. Thanks to his quick thinking, the bird’s life was saved.

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Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Species Liaison Officer for birds, Kelly Dalling Fallon, has since been caring for the recovering kookaburra and praised Joe’s actions.

“Thank you so much for saving this one’s life,” Kelly said.

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Under Kelly’s care, the iconic Australian bird has recovered well and is expected to soon return to its natural home among the gum trees.

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Stories like this are a timely reminder of the role residents play in protecting the wildlife that surrounds the Whitsundays - from rescuing injured animals to supporting local wildlife organisations, small acts of kindness can make a life-saving difference.

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With continued community support and awareness, hopefully many more animals will be given the same second chance to spread their wings and return home where they belong.

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Yesterday, Belle Property held a public fundraiser to support local mum Fern Wilson, who is living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

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The event featured food, drinks, face painting, and a raffle, all aimed at raising funds and showing the community’s support for Fern during this difficult time. It was a wonderful occasion filled with laughter, generosity, and strong community spirit.

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Find more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/belle-property-hosts-morning-for-fern

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1. The Belle Property Team  

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3. Great enthusiasm from the Smokin Guns BBQ Team  

4. Zoe, Vanessa and Jo at the raffle

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7. Laura from Top Tukka  

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10. Brooke and Summer from Rilo  

11. Jenny and Izzy  

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13. Lachie and Chelsea  

14. Dea and Maddy  

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Stock Image used

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A single-vehicle bus crash has sadly claimed the life of one passenger at Gumlu, north of Bowen overnight.

According to initial police investigations, at approximately 4pm on Thursday 14th May, a bus with 29 people on board was travelling south along the Bruce Highway from Cairns to Airlie Beach, when it left the roadway and rolled onto its side.

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Several other passengers were injured and transported to Townsville, Ayr, and Bowen Hospitals. The bus driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was transported to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries.

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As of Friday morning, three patients are confirmed to be in a life-threatening condition with one assessed on the scene and two airlifted to Townsville University Hospital.

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Multiple people were injured and transported to Ayr Hospital before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor’s Service.

There are eight stable patients in Townsville whilst one remains in a stable condition at Ayr.

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The Bruce Highway has reopened at Gumlu.

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This tragic accident comes less than two years after a fatal bus crash on the same stretch of the Bruce Highway, which claimed the lives of three women in on June 3rd, 2024.

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On this occasion, a Greyhound bus with 33 people on board was travelling north along the Bruce Highway, also near Gumlu, when it crossed over to the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic.

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The bus struck a Land Cruiser station wagon travelling in the opposite direction.

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A 56 year old Townsville woman and two German women aged 21 and 33 passed away as a result of the incident.

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The 52-year-old bus driver from North Ward was charged with five counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm, but was subsequently found not guilty.

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Anyone with relevant dash cam vision of incident last night is urged to contact police.

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Investigations are continuing

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So, what’s going on with the property market?

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The thing about the property market is that it doesn’t stand alone in its own little world untouched by the drama going on around it.  

And there is a fair bit of drama at the moment. Let’s get all the dramas to form a conga line and point them out one at a time.

First there’s inflation, an annoying factor that adds to the cost of living and affects people’s ability to buy real estate.

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Right behind inflation, and I mean very close, is its brother in arms/partner in crime/long-time bedfellow, interest rates. Interest rates have been particularly pesky lately as the Reserve Bank pushes them up in an attempt to bring inflation down. The idea is to make housing less affordable so you can make housing more affordable.

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Then there’s a war in the Middle East. War is very good for  business if you are a weapons producer and part of the military-industrial complex but it’s not very good for everyone else. It certainly isn’t good for confidence and housing markets are pretty big on the old confidence factor. So, not good.

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This particular war has the additional benefit of taking place in the Persian Gulf, where a fair portion of the world’s oil is transported from Middle East oil producers to the rest of the world. The war has created a traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz, which is restricting the supply of oil, meaning that in a world of demand and supply the price of fuel at the petrol bowser has gone up significantly. Which means our old friends inflation and interest rates give us another wave from the conga line and remind us of another impact on the property market.

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The conga line of dramas was joined this week by the Federal Budget and its changes to negative gearing, up until now a key driver in property investment and the supply of rental properties.  

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Nothing changes for people who had negatively geared properties up until Budget night. My Pommy colleague Andy Collins, the Sales Manager at Gardian real estate, pointed out after the Budget that there was no way the changes would include investors’ existing properties because too many politicians own investment properties and the  pollies  wouldn’t do anything to hurt themselves. It’s up to you whether you think Andy is a sniping little Pommy whinger or an astute judge of human nature. Or can he be both?

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What Andy correctly pointed out is that from now on investors will be looking for properties that provide such good rental returns that they are positively geared, removing the need for negative gearing.

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That’s where Mackay’s strong rental returns come into it. Investors from southern markets have been active in the Mackay market because of those rental returns. When they can get returns like $750 a week on properties they have bought for $650,000, those southern investors realise Mackay offers better opportunities than the high-priced, low-rent options in their own cities.  

Andy was suggesting that it is possible that the budget changes will spur even more investment activity in Mackay because the removal of negative gearing makes investments in other markets unviable.

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I will delve further into the status of the Mackay market in upcoming columns but there are a few initial points to make.

There is no doubt that, like every other market, the conga line of dramas has had an impact and given buyers pause for thought. But we are still seeing strong buyer activity and properties selling.

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As always, the buoyancy of our coal market and the jobs and business it provides will continue to be a driver of our economy and a key factor in the property market.

Will the budget changes create an additional spur to our market and bring more investors in or is that conga line going to have a bigger impact? Stay tuned over the coming months.

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