The waters of the Great Barrier Reef are among the most carefully managed marine environments on Earth. Yet even here, the challenge of balancing commercial fishing with conservation remains complex. In recent years, a new tool has emerged to help bridge that divide: onboard camera monitoring of trawling vessels.

Trawling — particularly prawn trawling — is one of Queensland’s most valuable wild-catch fisheries. But the method, which involves dragging large nets across the seabed, can unintentionally capture non-target species, known as bycatch. These may include sea turtles, sawfish, rays and sea snakes — animals already under environmental pressure. Ensuring accurate reporting of these interactions has long been a concern for regulators and conservation groups.

Enter electronic monitoring, or “e-monitoring” — a system combining high-definition cameras, sensors and satellite tracking to independently record fishing activity at sea. These systems are typically mounted above decks and near net drums, activating automatically when gear is deployed or retrieved. Footage is stored for later analysis and cross-checked against fishers’ logbooks, providing a far clearer picture of what is actually being caught.

On the Reef, camera use is rapidly expanding. A major government initiative announced in 2026 will see cameras installed on about 90 per cent of Queensland trawl vessels — more than 160 boats — operating along the east coast. The rollout, funded jointly by state and federal governments, aims to strengthen sustainability credentials and secure ongoing access for trawlers to operate within the Marine Park.

The technology builds on existing monitoring tools. Many vessels already carry satellite tracking devices and bycatch-reduction equipment such as turtle-exclusion devices. Cameras add an independent verification layer, improving confidence in reporting and helping Australia meet international export and environmental standards.

Beyond compliance, the footage is proving scientifically valuable. Analysts can review interactions with threatened species, refine bycatch estimates and guide improvements in fishing gear or handling practices. Trials of onboard camera systems in trawl fisheries have specifically focused on detecting encounters with threatened, endangered and protected animals — known as TEP species — to better inform management responses.

The sheer volume of video collected, however, presents its own challenge. Reviewing thousands of fishing hours manually is costly and time-consuming. To address this, researchers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence. Machine-learning systems can be trained to recognise species, count catch and flag high-risk events automatically, dramatically reducing analysis time while expanding monitoring coverage.

Supporters argue that cameras represent a win-win: protecting marine wildlife while safeguarding the future of the fishing industry. Verified data helps demonstrate that fisheries are operating sustainably — an increasingly important factor for eco-certification and consumer trust.

Not everyone is convinced. Some operators have raised concerns about privacy, costs and how footage may be used. Conservation organisations, meanwhile, argue that implementation has been too slow and should extend to all vessels operating in sensitive Reef waters.

Despite debate, momentum is clearly building. As technology advances and monitoring becomes more sophisticated, the once-hidden world of commercial trawling is coming into sharper focus.

In a region as globally significant as the Great Barrier Reef, that transparency may prove vital — ensuring that one of the world’s natural wonders remains protected while sustainable fishing continues alongside it.

Contributed with thanks to Tony Fontes

Captions

Trawler

Photo supplied

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Sea surface temperatures across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park rose slightly during the past week, particularly in Far Northern areas, as reduced cloud cover led to warmer conditions.

Despite the increase, experts say accumulated heat stress across most of the Marine Park remains below levels likely to cause widespread coral bleaching. Sea surface temperatures are currently sitting between 0.8 and 1.2 degrees above long-term monthly averages.

Forecasts suggest warmer-than-average conditions are likely to persist in the Far Northern region through March, while other regions are expected to remain within manageable limits. A gradual easing of warm conditions is anticipated from April.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a broad low-pressure trough to influence the region in the coming week, bringing increased rainfall, particularly to the Cape York and Wet Tropics catchments. Rainfall during the past reporting period was average or below average across most catchments, though heavier falls were recorded in the Burnett–Mary region, where some areas received more than 100 millimetres in a single day.

Monitoring teams completed 105 Reef Health Impact Surveys across 18 reefs in the Northern, Central and Southern regions over the past week. Low to medium levels of coral bleaching — between one and 30 per cent — were recorded on seven reefs. Additional observations through the Eye on the Reef program noted bleaching on 16 of 32 surveyed reefs. No fully bleached or recently dead coral was observed, with impacts remaining localised.

A rare sighting of a flatback turtle off Cape Tribulation has also highlighted the Reef’s busy summer breeding season. Turtle hatchlings are emerging from nests, seabirds are nesting across islands, and many fish species are spawning during this highly productive period.

Meanwhile, crown-of-thorns starfish control efforts continue across targeted reefs, with specialist dive teams surveying and culling the coral-eating starfish.

Marine monitoring teams are currently working at 34 sites across more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline, with ongoing water quality testing helping scientists understand how recent weather conditions are affecting nearby reefs.

Authorities say management efforts remain focused on supporting reef resilience through active monitoring, compliance enforcement and responsible use of the Marine Park.

PIC: Great Barrier Reef Heart Reef Whitsundays Stock Photo 1597510444 | Shutterstock

CAPTION: The Reef Authority continues to work closely with official organisations to provide accurate reports on the health of one of the country’s most treasured gems. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Well, summer is nearly over, and so much has happened at our little club in paradise. It would be remiss of me not to wish young Daniel Heggie all the best in his new position and to welcome his replacement, Sebastian Conidi, who we believe will be a fine addition to the wonderful weekly paper. Thanks also to Betty Whitehorn, who more than ably covered for me while I was on vacation.

Tuesday 17 February saw afternoon bowls with 20 bowlers vying for first and second places. The winning team, skippered by Margo Stanley, with Ian Passfield at second and Sue Deakin as lead, was outstanding. Second place went to Mark Mawson's team, with Gail Simms as lead and Connie Reimers at second, who were equally inspirational. The day was well arranged by Carol Crosbie, and Kel O'Brien kept everyone refreshed and hydrated.

Wednesday afternoon bowls, run by Mervyn Stewart, featured 19 bowlers competing for a single prize, which was easily claimed by Glen O'Brien and his team. Rick Brunell, one of the best leads in our little club, played at lead with Des Balance at second, securing a comprehensive victory. Wednesday night saw Business House Bowls, with results to be published next week.

Friday night featured the final games of the very successful State of Origin series, expertly organised by John Brown. The Victorian team, led by Margo Stanley, Glen O'Brien, Mandy O'Brien, and David Meiklejohn, all playing exceptionally well, took home the total prize money. They narrowly beat Joan McGrath's team, Tony Whitehorn's team, and finished just one point ahead of Terry Clarke's side. It was a fantastic night enjoyed by everyone. Thanks to Fiona Greener and Kel O'Brien for providing refreshments, and to Yvonne Spees with her husband Bob, along with chef Tim Whitehorn, who was visiting his wonderful parents.

Saturday morning saw Scroungers start the second round, organised by John Askew. The A Division was won by John Askew, defeating Dennis Donadelli and Andy McDougall. B Division was won by Take the Money Tony Whitehorn.

Finally, Sunday afternoon bowls featured 30 bowlers with five games of triples in action. John Askew skippered his team to another win, with David "Choc" Cleary as lead and Lyn Graham at second, securing the lowest winning margin of the day. Lulu Robinson's team, with Noel Crosbie at lead and Mark Mawson at second, and Warren Mills’ team, with Greg Walker and Tony Kelly, played brilliantly but fell short.

The photo is of the victorious Victorian State of Origin team: Margo Stanley, Glen O'Brien, Mandy O'Brien, and David Meiklejohn.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Captions

The victorious Victorian State of Origin team: Margo Stanley, Glen O'Brien, Mandy O'Brien, and David Meiklejohn.

Photo supplied

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At Club Whitsunday, talented young athletes are a familiar sight. Some excel in a single sport, while a rare few manage to shine across several. Reef Peel fits firmly into the latter category and has been named the inaugural recipient of the Club Whitsunday Young Gun Award.

Reef’s sporting achievements in 2025 alone reflect an exceptional level of dedication and versatility. He was named Coach’s Player for the Whitsunday United Football Club Premiers team, an honour that recognises consistency, attitude and the willingness to do the small things that strengthen a team. On the representative stage, Reef was selected as an Under 16s Futsal All-Star and represented Australian All-Stars internationally in Fiji and the United Kingdom. He was also selected for the Australian futsal pathway tour to Spain, further highlighting his standing within the sport.

His contributions extend beyond athletic performance. In Year 12, Reef was appointed Frayne House Captain, acknowledging his leadership, character and the respect he commands among peers and staff alike. Demonstrating his competitive edge across disciplines, he also played a role in securing the 2025 Darts Premiership title, proving composure and focus translate well beyond the football pitch.

As the first Young Gun Award winner, Reef receives a $100 Club Whitsunday voucher prize and sets a strong benchmark for future recipients. The award celebrates not only sporting excellence but also the personal qualities that strengthen the wider community.

What makes Reef a fitting recipient is not simply his talent, but his grounded approach. He continues to support local sport, values the contribution of coaches and volunteers, and recognises the important role community clubs play in creating opportunities.

His journey is already impressive, and there is little doubt it is only just beginning.

Photo source: Club Whitsunday

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Whitsunday local Suzy Gordon has an unbridled passion for all things poetry. Having lived in the Whitsundays region since 2010, she uses poetry both in her own practice and teaching.

Speaking to Suzy by Cannonvale beach, she reflected on the interesting ways in which poetry has manifested in the modern world through social media.

“There are all kinds of spoken poetry that’s happening with young people. It’s a different shape. Poetry has a kind of textural density to it. It doesn’t have the ease of a novel.”

Suzy is now bringing her passion of poetry to kids both in primary and secondary school

“It’s something I’ve just started. I’m interested in developing a sensory approach to writing when I’m teaching them. It means you can be playful with words, because we feel words before we think them. Young kids really like it.”

Suzy initially encountered poetry working as an academic in the critical analysis of poetry in the UK. Discovering her own love for poetry, Suzy decided to move away from the rigidity and competitiveness of academia, instead of focusing on the beauty of pure creation.

Upon moving to Australia, she discovered an amazing national culture of poetry.

“There are career poets and creative writing work that I never knew existed. There are young women who are great poets and novelists. They’re extraordinary at their craft.”

When discussing influences, Suzy cited an immense love for American poet Alice Walker.

“She said creative practice is a way of putting yourself in order. She says painting, writing and dancing are like meditation. They are ways of keeping a healthy soul. A way of centring yourself.”  

Suzy is now building poetry into her career through her business Word Oysters with the goal of supporting young writers.

“With poetry, you feel it, you can touch it, you can taste it, hear it, see it. There’s so much theoretical suffering over it and I don’t want it to become this academic thing. I’m working on this idea of honing what creativity in writing is.”

Suzy also runs a writers group and encourages any budding poets to join. It is great to see how she has been able to spread her immense passion and enthusiasm among others. It is a reminder that creativity is not a talent or vocation, it is something we are all capable of and is necessary to understanding what it means to be human.

Photo supplied

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This week I thought I would include one of my own poems. Having grown up in the city, surrounded the constant noise of urban sprawl, I have been inspired by regional Queensland and the wealth of nature, and his poem is inspired by that. I strongly encourage all budding poems to submit their poetry to sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com.

Carry Me Gently

Carry me gently through the wilderness,

Hold me in the warmth of your constant symphony,

Wrap me in a blanket of cicadas song

Rock me gently against the flutter of leaves,

The canine smile,

The water ripple,

The sound of peace,

All is calm,

All is well,

Nature’s boldness knows little of white noise,

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Greetings all, your friendly neighbourhood journalist Sebastian here. I am excited to start the ‘Creative Corner’, a page dedicated to celebrating all the culture the community has to offer. I would like to feature poetry, creative profiles, news and anything outside the box that may fit on this page.

Creativity has always been an incredibly important part of my life. I have composed music, drafted comic books, directed films, written poetry and completed short stories. I think creativity, arts and culture are essential to any thriving community.  Creative expression is not just a hobby or source of entertainment; it is human necessity.

Since the beginning of time we have told stories, done illustrations and performed music with one another. Many great people from history saw a creative outlet essential to complimenting their main area of success. German physicist Albert Einstein loved playing violin and piano, citing music as a driving force behind his work.  Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern plays a variety of instruments and was even a DJ before her time in office.

Growing up in Melbourne, I was privileged to be surrounded by culture. Having come to Whitsundays, I can already see the great work that’s being done across different groups and organisations.

I would really like to foster creative community. Especially for youth culture. If you are reading this and think ‘I may have an idea’, don’t hesitate to get in touch. My email is sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com and I am always open to suggestions and ideas.

I can’t wait to see how the ‘Creative Corner’ will evolve!!

CAPTION: Email over your creative submissions to sebastian@lifepublishinggroup.com. Photo supplied

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Rigby Resignation as General Manager of Proserpine Mill

The resignation shocked those in sugar circles and local tourism, following the take over of Wanderers Paradise at Airlie Beach last year.

Fire in Faust Street

Arson suspected. Resident Bill Parnell lost property worth $30,000 as fire destroyed his garage, his boat and a new car. His wife was woken by the fibro walls popping at 3am.

“It all happened so quickly,” he commented.

Proserpine Harvest Festival.

The Lions festival chairman Ian ‘Dooley’ Leet stated that the main aim of the festival which started 15 years ago was to provide entertainment ‘not principally to raise money.’ However in that time Lions had raised $150,000. The Lions had the pleasure of presenting $14000 from last year’s festival to the Blue Nurses and the Nursing Home.

Mayoral Reception for the Raiders.

Proserpine Raiders Rugby Club were received by Clonmel, Ireland, Mayor Alderman, Tom Ambrose while on their recent tour.

High School Swimming Champs.

Kennedy House 13-years boys set the only two new records of the day in the relays thanks to: Shane Cooke, Scott Jaques, Brian Ferraris and Stuart Ironside. The most sporting competitor was judged to be Kirsten Trembath.

Marina For Airlie.

State member for Whitsunday Geoff Muntz described guidelines for the proposed marina which should host 500 boats and be supported by tourist facilities, fuel berth, sewerage station and toilets. Another major need for Airlie is beach replenishment with the addition of 50,000 cubic metres of clean sand.

Dingo Beach Sportfishing Weekend.

Highlights were Howard Dobbins who landed a 6.02kg Queenfish and Brett Shaw caught a 12.5kg Spanish Mackerel.

Lott’s Butchery

T-Bone Steaks $3.99/kg. Whole Rumps $4.75/kg

Cricket.

Six junior teams took on Walkerston and honours finished fairly even. Next week 6 teams from Under 9’s to under 14s travel to Home Hill on Sunday.

Valleys won a thriller at the High School against Magpies.

Rugby League.

The Brahman’s posted a massive 44-0 win against Glenden Raiders

Mackay Permanent Building Society.

Advert: We pay 11.02% calculated on daily balance, paid monthly.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Harling

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Arthur (Artie) Norman Rowe was born in Proserpine on March 7, 1919, the youngest of eleven children to Henry and Sophia Rowe. He grew up on the family property at Orchid Creek Preston and attended Bona Vista. Artie excelled in the foot races in his age division and many other events such as high jump.  

When he had left school and was cutting cane, his brother, George, joined the local cycle club so Artie decided he would join as well. He purchased his first racing bike from Dobbo’s Garage at a cost of £7/10/- on Saturday morning and entered his first cycle race that same afternoon. In his second race that day he won, defeating Ned Paradies. The Shire Chairman at the time, Mr. Bob Shepherd, donated a cup, contested over six years, commencing with the first day Artie raced. He won and ended up back on scratch which he retained until he went into army service in 1942.

At the opening of the sealed track at Denison Park in Bowen, Artie set the record of 29 4/5 seconds as well as winning other events from scratch. He was also very successful in Townsville and Mackay.

There was no such thing as official training. What constituted Artie’s training was the ride from town to work and on a Saturday morning then back to town to race during the afternoon. Added to that, was a ride to the beach or a picnic at Cedar Creek during the off season. Artie also played football with Proserpine Rovers, winning the Premiers Cup in 1938.

Then World War Two interrupted, leaving us to speculate on how Artie’s cycling journey might have unfolded. While working for cousins, the Thiess Brothers, on road construction at Jimna Range near Kilcoy, Artie was called up to train in R.A.E. Engineering Unit. He was later assigned to 11^th Australian Field Company and served in New Guinea and Bougainville Island. Artie was discharged on February 14, 1946, after serving 668 days in Australia and 735 days overseas.

Despite malaria affecting his spleen and respiratory system during his service in New Guinea, Artie was persuaded to return to cycling in Sydney in 1947. He joined the prominent Botany Club and was most successful in races there, winning many events including long-distance races against world champions. In 1952, Artie came second in the King of the Mountains race on Razorback Mountain.

Not just a cyclist …

With his cycling career over in 1953, he took up clay target shooting and joined the Bathurst Gun Club where he won club, district and state Championships. In 1962, he successfully represented Australia in shooting against all countries in the Commonwealth Games in Perth. He also won events in Papua New Guinea in later years. Artie became Club President of Bathurst Gun Club; was made a Life Member and was Chairman of the Rules Committee for five years. In 1971, he was appointed to the executive committee of the Australian Clay Target Association and was made Honorary Life Member.

Archery was another sport in which Artie was successful. He became one of the top five archers in NSW in 1966. Artie formed the Bathurst Archery Club in 1965 and was Club President and champion for four years until he left the district.

In 1983, Artie and his wife, Alice, returned from NSW to live at Vine Creek on Dingo Beach Road before moving to Townsville then Mackay. Artie Rowe died in Mackay October 11 2006, aged 87 years and is buried in the Proserpine Lawn Cemetery.

Artie Rowe – another local sporting champion – was a worthy and highly respected ambassador for this area.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

Artie Rowe on extreme right preparing for a race start at Fausts Corner

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Brinkley is a beautiful four month old girl with the sweetest soul. She just needs a little time to show it.

Found dumped along Collinsville Road, Brinkley’s start in life was far from ideal. Despite that, she is learning what safety and love feel like in foster care and is making gentle progress each day.

She can be very shy at first and needs time to adjust to new people and environments. Once she knows she is safe, she becomes a cuddly, sassy little character who enjoys snuggling up and watching television with her humans.

About Brinkley
Brinkley is a four month old mixed breed puppy with medium energy. She may be timid initially, but she is affectionate and playful once comfortable. She loves other dogs and is good with children. She has not yet been tested with cats.

Her Ideal Home
Brinkley would thrive with a patient and understanding family who can offer consistency and reassurance. A secure fence is essential, along with a commitment to basic training and helping her build confidence at her own pace.

She is not a “plug and play” puppy. Brinkley needs kindness, structure and time to settle. In return, she will form a deep and loyal bond with her family.

Health and Vet Care
Brinkley is fully vaccinated and microchipped, and she will be desexed at six months of age.

Adoption Fee
Her adoption fee is $400. These fees help cover veterinary care and allow Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue to continue saving animals in need. The organisation operates as a non-profit, no kill rescue.

Brinkley did not deserve to be dumped, but she does deserve a safe and loving forever home.

To organise a meet and greet in Bowen, please message bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com directly. Sharing her story may help Brinkley find the patient family she is waiting for.

Captions

Photo source: Facebook

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Whitsunday’s own Karen Jacobsen is bringing her remarkable story to the stage at the Adelaide Fringe Festival this March.

Originally from Airlie Beach, Jacobsen has built an international career that spans music, motivational speaking and a claim to fame she is the voice of Australian Siri. A New York City audition years ago led to her speaking voice being embedded in more than a billion devices worldwide.

Now, the Whitsundays-raised performer is premiering a new one-woman show that blends live music with storytelling and inspiration. The production explores her journey from regional Queensland to New York, charting the highs of global success alongside deeply personal challenges, including chronic anxiety and financial hardship.

Described as part concert and part motivational experience, the show weaves Jacobsen’s original songs with behind-the-scenes stories about becoming “the voice with an answer for everything” and what it takes to find your own voice in the process.

Community members with ties to the Whitsundays may feel a special sense of pride as one of the region’s own takes to the Adelaide stage, sharing a story that proves big dreams can come true.

CAPTION: From Airlie Beach to Adelaide! Karen Jacobsen will dazzle audiences at the Adelaide Fringe Festival this March! Photo supplied

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Tourism Whitsundays has officially joined the Destination Think Collective, a global network of forward-thinking destinations committed to building a more sustainable future for tourism.

The Collective includes regions such as Auckland, Banff, Copenhagen, Queenstown, Hawai’i and Aruba. Together, they share the belief that when tourism evolves to meet modern challenges, it can become a powerful force for good, supporting communities while protecting the natural places visitors come to experience.

For The Whitsundays, joining the Collective reflects our ongoing commitment to caring for the Great Barrier Reef and the broader region. As custodians of one of the world’s most recognised natural assets, sustainability is not a trend here, it is a responsibility.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the move is about collaboration and shared learning.

“By joining the Collective, we’re strengthening our commitment to safeguard what makes this region special while connecting with destinations around the world who are on the same journey.”

The Collective aims to build a tourism industry that benefits local communities, supports resilient economies and protects the planet. It also recognises that travel can inspire positive change, with visitors experiencing sustainability initiatives firsthand and taking those lessons home.

Across The Whitsundays, operators, community groups and citizen science projects are already setting a strong example in environmental stewardship. Membership in the Collective allows the region to share that leadership while continuing to learn and improve for the future.

Contributed with thanks to Rosanagh Gallivan, PR & Social Media Manager, Tourism Whitsundays.

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BMA CQ Rescue has released its 2026 Community Report, revealing 2025 as the busiest year in the lifesaving service’s history, with crews responding to hundreds of missions across the Whitsundays and wider Central and North Queensland.

Over the past 12 months, BMA CQ Rescue flew more than 339,000 kilometres, responded to 778 missions and provided urgent aeromedical care to 834 patients. The missions ranged from inter-hospital transfers to primary response and search and rescue operations across some of the region’s most remote and challenging terrain.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Healee said the figures highlight both increasing demand and the vital role community support plays in keeping the service operational.

“Behind every one of those 778 missions is a person facing one of the hardest days of their life. A family waiting. A community counting on help to arrive in time,” Mr Healee said.

“2025 was our busiest year yet, but it was also a year of extraordinary progress. With two state-of-the-art AW139 helicopters and our own Air Operator Certificate, BMA CQ Rescue has become one of the most capable and independent aeromedical providers in regional Australia.”

The report also marks a milestone year as the service celebrates 30 years of operation, including the arrival of its second AW139 helicopter in June 2025 and continued investment in crew training and community engagement.

General Manager Lisa Martin said the report focuses on the human impact behind the statistics.

“This report is about more than numbers. It is about lives saved, families reunited, and communities supported,” Ms Martin said.

“When floodwaters isolated North Queensland communities last year, our crew stepped forward without hesitation. When our community needs help, we will always be there to deliver lifesaving support when every second counts.”

Operating 24 hours a day, BMA CQ Rescue services the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions, remaining free for patients thanks to the ongoing support of local donors, businesses and volunteers.

CAPTION: Bowen, Dysart, Moranbah, Proserpine, Townsville, Clermont,

Collinsville, Hamilton Island, and Nebo were among BMA CQ Rescue’s top serviced locations in 2025. Photo supplied

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When most people think about Council’s Budget, they think about June — that’s when it’s adopted and when headlines tend to appear.

But what many don’t see is that the real work starts months earlier.

Councillors have now formally begun work on the 2026/2027 Budget, and I want to reassure our community that this is a careful, staged and considered process. Budgets are not put together overnight, and they’re certainly not decisions made on a whim.

This year we are holding a series of Special Budget Meetings, allowing Councillors to work progressively through the draft Budget in detail. Each session focuses on different areas — revenue, operational costs, capital works, service levels and long-term financial impacts. It is methodical, deliberate work.

At the adoption of last year’s Budget, I was upfront in acknowledging that our General Fund had developed a structural deficit over previous terms of government— a position that is not sustainable over the long term. Since then, we have been working to reset Council’s financial settings so we can restore balance in a measured and responsible way.

As Mayor, I believe we have a responsibility to address that rather than doing nothing and passing the pressure to future councils and future generations.

In practice this means examining expenditure, challenging assumptions and testing long-term impacts to ensure Council lives within its means. That doesn’t mean cutting for the sake of cutting, but it does mean being disciplined and responsible with public funds. That work will inevitably involve making choices about priorities, timing and how services are delivered so they remain sustainable into the future.

We also understand that many households and businesses across the Whitsundays are feeling cost-of-living pressures. That reality reinforces the importance of Council operating efficiently and ensuring every dollar delivers value to the community.

Our goal is to deliver a responsible and sustainable Budget that maintains essential services, provides value for money and strengthens Council’s long-term financial position.

The final Budget will be adopted in June, but the foundation is being laid now. This is deliberate work aimed at strengthening Council’s financial position while maintaining the services our community relies on.

As Mayor, I can assure the community that we are approaching this task with care, transparency and a clear focus on long-term financial sustainability.

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Reef Side Buyers Agents is an independent property buying service based in the Whitsundays, dedicated to helping people purchase homes and investment properties with confidence. Working exclusively for buyers, the team provides end-to-end support from property search through to settlement, ensuring clients feel informed and supported at every stage.

The business was founded after more than 20 years in the building and housing industry, alongside extensive personal experience as long-term property investors.

After relocating to the Whitsundays with their young family, founders Rachael and Tyson experienced first-hand how challenging it can be to navigate the local market — particularly for interstate buyers and first-home purchasers without on-the-ground support. Reef Side Buyers Agents was created to help bridge that gap.

Services range from full search-to-settlement support for clients seeking a completely hands-off experience, to targeted assistance with property research, negotiation, and auction representation. The focus is always on honest advice, strong local market knowledge, and personalised service aligned with each client’s lifestyle and financial goals.

The Whitsundays continues to attract strong interest from interstate families relocating for lifestyle reasons, as well as investors seeking long-term growth. In a competitive market, buyers are increasingly looking for trusted local guidance rather than relying solely on online listings. Access to off-market opportunities has also become increasingly valuable.

As a newer local business, building relationships with agents, developers, and industry professionals has been a key priority over the past year. By actively engaging in the community and delivering consistent results, Reef Side Buyers Agents has quickly established strong local insight.

Their advice to fellow business owners is simple: be present in your community, listen closely to your clients, and prioritise long-term relationships over short-term gains.

As Chamber members, they value the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the region’s continued growth.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Rachael and Tyson Griffiths

Photo supplied

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