Excitement is building for the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s upcoming Queenfish and Trevally Rally, which has received a major boost with Tackle World Airlie Beach coming on board as the naming rights sponsor.

New store owners Dan and Beth Hockley have thrown their support behind the event in a big way, generously donating a $650 rod and reel combo as a major prize. They’ll also be delivering a special presentation during the event briefing, sharing expert tips on lure fishing for queenfish and trevally. In addition, they’ll be offering exclusive discounts on the latest gear—perfect for those hoping to land a winner.

The rally briefing and registration will be held Friday, 16 May from 6pm at the Marine Club on Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, upstairs in the new training room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The rally is open to all current members of any Game Fish Club and will be fished according to GFAA rules using open line class—conditions that promise to deliver some thrilling catches.

Fishing officially begins anytime after Friday night’s briefing, and all competitors must return to the club by 5pm on Saturday, 17 May for the trophy presentation and a few good stories shared among mates.

Entry fees are just $25 for adults and $10 for juniors under 16, making this a great-value weekend with fantastic prizes up for grabs and plenty of camaraderie.

With expert advice, top-quality gear, and the chance to hook some impressive fish, this year’s rally promises to be one not to miss.

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The Whitsundays Tourism Awards, presented by Bishopp, are getting a fresh new format in 2025 - making it easier for more local tourism businesses to be recognised.

For the first time, there’s no written submission required. Instead, awards will be based on results from Queensland’s Best of Queensland program, which evaluates businesses on customer reviews, online presence, accreditation and more.

To be eligible, businesses must be members of Tourism Whitsundays for the 2025/26 financial year and hold Best of Queensland status. Once that’s confirmed, Tourism Whitsundays will be in touch in July to finalise entries and nominate award categories.

Winners will be chosen based on their Best of Queensland score, with Gold, Silver and Bronze going to the top-rated operators in each category.

The move brings the regional awards in line with the Queensland Tourism Awards and removes the need for time-consuming submissions, allowing more operators to get involved and focus on delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

This streamlined approach is designed to highlight the best in the region’s tourism and prepare local operators for potential state and national recognition.

Details on the awards night, including date, venue and ticket sales, will be announced soon.

Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

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The 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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The Whitsundays are proudly represented across all categories in the 2025 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards, with three local towns named as finalists, showcasing the region’s unique appeal from the sparkling coastline to its charming country heart.

Public voting opened at 10am on Saturday 10th May and closes on Friday, May 17, giving locals, Queenslanders, and visitors the chance to support their favourite Whitsundays destinations via the QTIC Top Tourism Town Awards website.

The finalists are:
• Bowen: Top Tourism Town (population over 5,000)
• Airlie Beach: Top Small Tourism Town (population 1,500 – 5,000)
• Collinsville: Top Tiny Tourism Town (population under 1,500)

Airlie Beach enters the competition as the reigning 2024 Top Small Tourism Town, having proudly secured the title for a third time last year. Bowen also scored bronze in their category last year.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Brisbane on Monday, June 16, with state champions progressing to the national Top Tourism Town Awards later in the year.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth says the nominations are a powerful vote of confidence in the region’s tourism offering.

“With Airlie Beach defending its crown and both Bowen and Collinsville also in the mix, we have an exciting opportunity to shine a light on the diversity and depth of what The Whitsundays offers,” he said.

“Being a finalist in all three categories is a remarkable achievement and a celebration of the people and places that make this region so special.”

Mayor Ry Collins said he’s proud to see Airlie Beach, Bowen and Collinsville in the running across different categories in this year’s Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.

“It’s great to see our towns being recognised for what they each bring to the tourism experience,” Mayor Collins said.

“From reef access and adventure in Airlie Beach, to Bowen’s long, sandy beaches and Collinsville’s warm country vibe - each town has something unique to offer visitors.

“I encourage everyone to get behind the Whitsundays, cast your votes and help showcase what makes the Whitsundays such a special place to visit.”

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Airlie Beach won Top Small Tourism Town for the past three years in a row

Scan this QR code to vote for the Whitsundays in the awards.

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The Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival was a huge success last weekend, and Creative Connections Whitsunday said they were thrilled with the turn out at the event.

Secretary of Creative Connections Whitsunday Glenda Brown praised the idea of the festival and said it is thanks to previous president Leigh Skead.

“She wanted to create an art festival that was based in Proserpine for a couple of reasons. To showcase the artists and to bring visitors and to create more activity in Proserpine,” said Glenda.

“She also wanted to encompass the conservation effort into it. They chose to name the festival after the Proserpine Rock Wallaby because it's unique to the region and it's endangered.

“The Wallaby became the hero of the festival, a lot of artwork was created to reflect the Wallaby, there are 3D statues, 2D cutouts and even a giant gold Wallaby that was in the exhibition, which was created by Fauna Rescue Whitsunday.”

The 2025 Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival featured an art exhibition, a Rock Wallaby lantern, treasure hunt, handmade markets, workshops, live music, dance performances, a plein air art challenge, and a Mother’s Day morning tea. The art exhibition and treasure hunt winner were also announced.

Debbie Stephens won the People's Choice award at the Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival Art Exhibition for her exquisite piece ‘A Mother's Love’.

The winners of the Wallaby Hunt were:
• Harmony Hepburn - Winner of the Crocodile Safari
• Vivian Youngsmith - won the Cruise Whitsundays trip
• Liliana Hepburn won the Bredls voucher

Mayor Ry Collins opened the festival and he praised the festival's support of the unique celebration of arts, culture and community in the Whitsundays.

“A huge congratulations to Creative Connections Whitsunday for their vision and effort in bringing the festival to life,” he said.

“I, like many of you would have seen the creative little wallaby cutouts placed strategically around the region created from a fantastic collaboration between the Proserpine Men’s Shed and our local school kids painting them with flair – it’s inspiring to see the whole community come together through art.”

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hero - Creative Connections Whitsundays - Lucy Robinson-Tillett, Alinda Forrester, Lynette Edwards, Leigh Stead, and President Glenda Brown.

Ready Set Dance Group
Avril, Carmen, Sue, and Rebecca
Natalie Lock, Gary Brown, Kerry Aspland, and Di Forster
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins opening the 2025 Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival. Photo sourced: Facebook

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Last week, I had the privilege of joining members of our community at the candle lighting ceremony in Airlie Beach - a moving tribute to those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence. It is always a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a real person and a grieving family and community.

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and this year’s theme - Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland - calls on each of us to be part of the solution. Domestic and family violence does not discriminate. Its impacts reach far beyond the home, touching schools, workplaces and communities.

It’s a sad reality that this issue remains widespread. That’s why we must continue to shine a light on it – not just in May, but all year round. Ongoing awareness helps drive change, strengthens laws and supports those experiencing violence to find safety and hope.
Each of us has a role to play. By speaking up when we see harmful behaviour and being someone others can trust, we help create a safer future for everyone.

While this month serves as a powerful reminder of the serious work still to be done, it's also important to acknowledge the positive initiatives taking place across our region.

Last weekend, our community came together at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre for the inaugural Rock Wallaby Festival. I had the pleasure of attending the opening night, and it was pleasing to see such a strong turnout supporting this new local event.
The festival was a fantastic showcase of local talent and creativity, featuring an art exhibition, a wallaby treasure hunt, family-friendly activities, handmade markets and a special Mother’s Day morning tea. It was a great opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with our town's vibrant arts scene and community spirit.

A personal highlight for me was seeing our local businesses, artists and volunteers come together to bring this vision to life.

Thank you to all the organisers, sponsors, community groups and volunteers who made this event possible. We look forward to seeing the Rock Wallaby Festival grow even bigger and better in years to come.

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The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre and the Bowen Community Centre were both chosen to be the local beneficiaries of this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball on Saturday 26 July 2025, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, alongside BMA CQ Rescue as the regional beneficiary.

These centres provide essential services to educate, support and assist our local communities, particularly those most vulnerable. Residents can access opportunities to enhance their health, social, educational and economic well-being.

The Mayor’s Charity Ball generates funds to support beneficiaries through ticket sales, auctions and sponsorships. To date, there are currently two Platinum Sponsors on board, Lowcock Builders and Airlie Beach Hotel, but there’s plenty of room for more sponsors - of all levels!

For more information on how you can get involved and help these amazing charities, search for Mayor’s Charity Ball on Council’s website.

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The community came together in solidarity last week when over 50 people gathered in Cannonvale on Wednesday for a poignant Candle Lighting Ceremony to honour those lost to domestic and family violence (DFV).

Organised by Whitsunday Counselling and Support as part of Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, the event sought to raise awareness and reflect on the ongoing issue.

Attendees included Mayor Ry Collins, Councillor Jan Clifford, Sergeant Gary Hiles from Queensland Police, Dr. Alice Harriott from Dancing CEOs and more. Together, they reaffirmed the need for collective efforts to combat domestic violence and create a safer, more respectful society.

A Candle Lit, For Lives That Were Lost

More than 50 people gathered in Cannonvale last Wednesday for the Candle Lighting Ceremony, held to honour and remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence (DFV).

The event was organised by Whitsunday Counselling and Support as part of Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, which is observed throughout May.

Manager of Whitsunday Counselling and Support Sharon Parker said the day's objective was to come together to raise awareness and remember those people that have lost their lives due to domestic and family violence.

“While we know that violence can happen to anyone, the data for domestic and family violence is very clear, the people predominantly being killed due to domestic and family violence are women,” she said.

“As unpalatable as it may seem, gendered violence is real, with women significantly more likely to be victims of domestic violence and men more likely to be perpetrators.

“While governments have been working hard to make legislative changes to address the issues of domestic violence, and despite an increase of awareness in the general population, deaths due to domestic violence continue to rise, with approximately one woman being killed every four days.”

Queensland Police Service (QPS) Sergeant (Sgt) Gary Hiles spoke about how changing behaviours can result in a safer community.

“Not all disrespect towards women results in violence, but all violence against women starts with disrespect and harmful attitudes," he shared.

“Gender inequality and ingrained harmful attitudes and behaviours towards women are key drivers of domestic and family violence. We all have a key role to play to change the culture and challenge the harmful attitudes that underpin this form of violence in our communities.

“A safer Queensland can start with you, by taking positive action today, we can build a violence free community together, domestic and family violence is a community issue.”

Sgt Hiles also spoke on the QPS collaboration with the Queensland Government.

“The QPS are working closely with Queensland Government departments, the DFV sector and community groups,” he said.

“Taking action today and every day to build a safer Queensland. While police will continue to do everything possible addressing DFV requires collective effort. It cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone.

“It's everyone's responsibility to treat others with kindness and respect.”

Dr Alice Harriott from Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs also spoke at the event, and expressed the Dancing CEOs role in DFV.

“Dancing CEO’s is the major fundraising event for Women's Legal Service Queensland,” Alice began.

“Women's Legal Service Queensland is an organisation that provides essential and critical assistance and legal advice to tens of thousands of women experiencing domestic violence each year in Queensland.

“The event, of course, will be lots of glitz, but while we're dancing and having a whole lot of fun, there will be women all across this state who are seeking and needing the Support of Women's Legal Service Queensland.

“That absolutely isn't lost on us, and that's absolutely our why. We are raising money for Women's Legal Service Queensland and raising awareness of the impact that domestic violence has in our community.”

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Sergeant Gary Hiles, Councillor Jan Clifford, and Manager of Whitsunday Counselling and Support Sharon Parker at the Candle Lighting Ceremony held in Cannonvale last week. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Whitsunday Counselling and Support - Niamh Mulvihill, Alex Sambrooks, Charlotte Jones, Andrea Bradley, and Sharon Parker

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It’s been an exciting and busy week in Bowen with the anticipated rocket launch, the start of the Grey Nomad season and some of the winter crops now in full swing.

The crew from ABC Radio broadcasted live on Wednesday from the Big Mango and then live from; 360 on the Hill' in Bowen on Thursday, speaking to various businesspeople and community reps.

They also visited Bowen State School, talking to the kids about the rocket launch and what they had been learning about space.

Presenter Susan Graham-Ryan said it was a great week to be in Bowen.

“Our show is broadcast across all areas of regional Queensland, meaning Bowen was certainly in the spotlight.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy told listeners that there had been a lot of excitement in the town and the entire region about the Gilmour Space Rocket Launch.

“We have certainly seen an increase in the number of visitors this week,” she said.

“It is also the start of our traditional grey nomad season, so the numbers have been steadily increasing since the beginning of May.

“In April, we welcomed more than 4500 visitors to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango – a 6% increase on last year.”

CEO of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA), Jenn Honnery spoke on the ABC about the winter crops including tomatoes, capsicums, beans, corn and zucchinis.

She said the wet start to the year had caused some delays, but most growers were now on track and looking forward to the harvest starting soon.

Jenn also said the growers’ association had been working with local schools, encouraging primary students to eat more fruit and veg.

Contributed with thanks to Bowen Tourism & Business

ABC presenter Susan Graham-Ryan with Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy at the Big Mango. Photo supplied

Each May is Queensland Small Business Month so it's time to celebrate all small businesses and the vital contribution they make to our state's economy and to our community.

To celebrate Queensland Small Business Month, Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a special event with guest speakers Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioner, The Hon. Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, and Mayor Ry Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council.

These inspiring leaders came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the region. Topics included insurance, energy costs, workforce shortages and infrastructure delays.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb highlighted the tough conditions many small businesses are facing.

She said insurance is a major concern, with many businesses unable to get cover, and energy costs and supply chain issues also being a concern in regional areas.

Ms Lamb said there were some bright spots, such as Instant Asset Write-Off but she emphasised that she has not seen a massive focus from the newly elected government around small businesses.

Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about the council’s commitment to growing the regional economy, referencing the newly formed Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Whitsunday's 2030 Economic Development Strategy.

“We formed our Economic Development Advisory Committee some months ago, which brought all of our regions, industry bodies, our chambers and our peak employers all into the one room. Ultimately, this was to make sure that the best ideas to support our future economic development were coming forward,” he said.

State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm discussed infrastructure commitments, including flood mitigation at Hamilton Plains and upgrades to Shute Harbour Road.

“It is in my best interest and our community's interest that those projects are commenced, started or finalised,” she asserted.

Attention also turned to the 2032 Olympics and how the Whitsundays could benefit not just in the tourism sector, but small businesses too.

Big Topics Discussed At Small Business Event

Ms Camm said that people and athletes will visit the region prior to the games.

“In the lead up to the Olympics, people are going to come and experience their destination, whether that be for training, whether that's for development, whether that's for understanding what our water and winds are like at that point in time.”

Ms Lamb added that athletes and support teams often arrive up to five years before the Games, presenting huge opportunities for accommodation, training facilities, tourism, and local suppliers.

“Olympic teams, traditionally, will come to the place about five years before it actually starts,” she said.

“For the LA games at the moment, we already have our swimming team there. They've already found their location. They are going for meals, and they will continue to do that and spend more and more time there, until a year out.

“So remember, the opportunities are before it starts. Make sure you position yourselves for those.”

Mayor Collins added that council are going to try and make the 2032 Olympics in the Whitsundays a world class spectacle.

“We want to see the town really lift, and really maximise the opportunity from a financial point of view, or what we can make from these games,” said Mayor Collins.

“We want to see investment brought into the region.”

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image - Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Allan Milostic, Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Member for Whitsunday The Hon. Amanda Camm MP. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Jade Yvonne, Kate Cross, and Stephen Head
Liz Villalva and Gerard Millican
Luke Forster and Kelly Hiles
Jen O'Connor, Doug O'Connor, and Simon Lowe
Guest speakers - Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Member for Whitsunday The Hon. Amanda Camm MP.

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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When little hands prepare to grow,
And off to Prep they're set to go,
A journey shaped by truth and grace—
At Whitsunday Christian College, a special place.

With caring hearts and gentle pace,
Each child is welcomed into place.
They learn through play, explore with glee,
Becoming all they’re meant to be.

Miss Elmarie, who leads with light,
Has shared their steps with pure delight.
“For 25 years I’ve watched them rise—
To read, to write—it's no surprise!”

Each Thursday morning, don’t delay,
Join ‘Get Ready for Prep’ play.
From 9 to 10:30, skills shine through—
With play-based fun in all we do.

In Term Four, they start to explore,
With transition mornings and so much more.
They meet their teachers, make new friends—
So come Day One, the joy begins.

At our college we aim to grow
Young hearts who learn and truly know
They’re shaped by God, with purpose grand—
To face the world with faith in hand.

Book your tour, come take a peek—
Call 4948 5100 this week!
Or email us to find your way:
mail@whitsunday.qld.edu.au today.

Why not come on Sat May 31st,
For a Prep Tour and Info Session first!
See our spaces, meet the crew—
Discover if WCC Prep’s right for you!

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Most visitors to the Great Barrier Reef tend to focus on the larger marine life, particularly the fish, turtles, and rays. But you really need to slow down and focus on some of the smaller animals, and with a bit of luck, you might spot a nudibranch.

What’s a nudibranch you might ask…only one of the most colourful and fascinating creatures to be found on the Reef.

Their name is derived from the latin nudibranchia, which means literally “naked gills,” and describes the feather-like gills and horns often found on their head or clustered on their back.

Nudibranchs, less romantically referred to as sea slugs, are recognised by their vibrant patterns and striking hues, making them a favourite among underwater photographers. They greatly range in size, from only a few mm to 30 cm or more.

One of the most striking features is their brilliant colouration. These colours aren’t just for show—they warn predators that these little creatures might be toxic or unpalatable. Some nudibranchs even absorb toxins from their prey and store them in their bodies, making them a risky snack for any potential predator.

Their reproductive life is…most unique. Nudibranchs are hermaphrodites, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs and can produce both sperm and eggs. However, they typically don't self-fertilize; instead, they mate with another nudibranch, exchanging sperm and eggs.

Nudibranchs deposit their fertilised eggs in spiral, gelatinous formations, and in an effort to deter predators, the eggs contain toxins accumulated from sea sponges. Once the juveniles hatch, they normally resemble their parental counterparts and have a short lifespan that lasts sometimes less than a month and can live for up to one year.

Nudibranchs have a very diverse diet, that includes sponges, hydroids, and other small marine organisms. Their colour is derived from what they eat attributing to camouflage in their respective area.

They are found all along the Reef, where they slowly crawl over the sand, rocks and coral usually looking for food. Their small size and camouflaging abilities can make them tricky to spot, but their vibrant colours make them unforgettable once you do.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council

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Agricultural Voices Strengthen QRIDA Board With Historic Appointments

Queensland’s farmers and regional businesses will benefit from strengthened leadership at the state’s rural support agency, with four new appointments to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Board – each bringing deep roots in agriculture, regional development and the private sector.

The Queensland Government’s renewed focus on rural resilience and economic growth is reflected in the announcement by Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last, who has named a new-look QRIDA Board set to champion the needs of primary producers and rural enterprises across the state.

Among the new appointments is sixth-generation farmer and senior lawyer Caitlin McConnel, who has made history as QRIDA’s first female Chairperson. Joining her on the Board are agricultural machinery industry leader Bruce Vandersee, rural business banking expert Danica Olsen, and agribusiness lawyer Ari McCamley.

Ms McConnel, Mr Vandersee and Ms Olsen will serve three-year terms, while Mr McCamley has been appointed for approximately 16 months to provide continuity in governance.

Minister Last said the new Board brings strong agricultural credentials and practical insight that will be vital in steering QRIDA through challenges such as recovery from recent flooding in Western and North Queensland.

“Strong leadership at QRIDA is vital to support our long-term disaster recovery efforts, particularly after the recent flooding in Western Queensland and in North Queensland,” he said.

“These Board appointments will bring new perspectives and help the organisation explore new opportunities in developing Queensland’s rural and industry sectors."

He highlighted the diverse private sector experience each new Director brings: from Mr Vandersee’s extensive career in supplying farm machinery, to Ms Olsen’s work in business banking tailored to rural clients, and Mr McCamley’s legal expertise supporting the agribusiness sector.

“QRIDA plays a critical role assisting farmers, businesses, and non-profits, particularly through financial support during times of hardship,” Minister Last said. “With this refreshed Board, QRIDA is in a strong position to deliver for rural Queenslanders in the long-term recovery from this year’s natural disasters.”

Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last, pictured during a past visit with Honey the pig, continues his support for the sector with new leadership at QRIDA. Photo source: Dale Last MP (Facebook)

Caitlin McConnel has made history as the first female Chairperson of QRIDA, bringing legal expertise and deep rural roots to the role. Photo source: Future Farmers Network

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Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last, pictured during a past visit with Honey the pig, continues his support for the sector with new leadership at QRIDA. Photo source: Dale Last MP (Facebook)

Caitlin McConnel has made history as the first female Chairperson of QRIDA, bringing legal expertise and deep rural roots to the role. Photo source: Future Farmers Network

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

Sugarcane comes in a range of varieties selected to suit different soils, capability to ripen at different points during the season, disease resistance, mill-ability and more. In a lot of ways, having good varieties is as important to the industry as is having well-performing mills.

Sugar Research Australia is the industry’s research body responsible for variety development among a host of other important areas. It’s a huge job, not an easy one. There is much happening within the breeding program both continued and groundbreaking: in my view, the appointment last year of CEO Mick Bartlett has been a boon to the industry. Mick has a willingness to listen and interact with all of SRA’S stakeholders.

SRA also continues to work hard to develop its technology.

At last week’s Sugar Cubed 25 – the Queensland CANEGROWERS’ state conference- delegates had the chance to tour SRA’s new state-of-the-art Innovative Research & Industry Services (IRIS) Laboratories at Acacia Ridge. As Chair of the state Farm Inputs and Research Committee I had toured the facility when it first opened last year, and it was good to see it is continuing to develop, with Near Infra-Red (NIR) testing capabilities now up and running. NIR allows for highly accurate analysis of cane samples.  While SRA has its own research uses for the technology, NIR offers great benefit across the industry, and it would be positive to see our mills adopt its use in cane analysis programs as it would assist with clear, fast information useful to both growers and millers about cane quality as it is received at the mill.

IRIS offers cutting-edge laboratories for across biosecurity considerations like quarantine and plant disease, genetics, tissue culture, entomology, soil and water analysis, and chemistry. It is at the heart of finding the key to the industry’s assault on Ratoon Stunting Disease, a debilitating disease that costs the industry millions every year.

It is working on ways from tissue culture to using plant genomics to reduce the timeframes for variety development, to have them screened and released to the industry sooner.

Since the transformation of BSES to SRA some 12 years ago, along with others I have had the opportunity to monitor the progress of SRA, through the eyes of a member of the QCGO Board and Policy Council, along with locally on the CANEGROWERS Mackay board, Plane Creek Productivity Services board and our own Regional Variety selection committee. CANEGROWERS at all levels through this period has continued to work hard with SRA to put in place procedures that enhance the service to industry.

It is well known that our industry-owned research organisation is renowned and envied by other industries worldwide. Through our levies, we own an organisation that has put us in the top position against our competitors in production and farming practices.

Our variety breeding program is second to none. However: the variety program was set back years when we were devastated by orange rust and then further when smut was detected in the Queensland industry.

These setbacks have left some gaping holes in the release of new varieties and recovery has taken time.
It takes 13 years from when a new seedling has been first propagated and selected to when it is released as a new variety. That screening program takes into consideration a number of traits like growth, disease resistance, tons of sugar per hectare, millability, along with other criteria.

Unfortunately, the more of these criteria that are built into the program increases the vulnerability to be excluded from the program anytime throughout the screening program.

So, out of thousands of seedlings only just a few make it through the program and then stock has to be bulked up for release when it then undergoes the scrutiny of the growers. New tissue culture technology will most likely speed this process up.

The reality is that any variety that is introduced into the program today will not be released until the year 2038.

We as growers regard varieties as top priority, and in my view the new changes within SRA will see better communication with stakeholders. At the time of inception of the new model, SRA as a separate entity from Productivity Services was a move away from the well-known research and extension model on which the former BSES had prided itself.

The change was implemented by industry because of a recommendation put forward by the consultants working with stakeholders. This hot issue at the time was a make-or-break decision for some stakeholders to agree to a statutory levy. That unfortunately was not the optimal outcome. After a period of operating without the intertwined extension model the industry has come to the conclusion that extension needs to be part of the R&D model and will be reintroduced into the system.

As an industry we enjoy a research organisation that is funded by a statutory levy by growers, millers and government. That being the case, SRA need to be accountable for their actions and what they deliver.

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SRA has a world-class breeding program, the envy of many countries. Photo source: SRA

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May marks Queensland Small Business Month – a time to recognise the contribution small businesses make to our community, our economy and our way of life. From early morning starts to late-night bookkeeping, small business owners do it all – with passion, purpose and persistence.

At Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, we don’t just bank with small businesses, we champion them. We know that behind every small business is a person, or often, a family, working hard to make ends meet, create opportunities for others and build something meaningful. They’re your neighbours, your mates, and the heart of our region.

Small businesses bring more than products and services to town; they sponsor our sporting teams, donate to raffles, provide our kids their first jobs and keep our main streets alive. In return, we believe in showing up for them – through genuine support, strong partnerships and long-term investment in our local economy.

Through our profits, we invest back into the wider Sarina community – and that includes grant programs, services and unique opportunities that help local businesses - and local people - thrive and prosper. Whether it's helping with technology upgrades, marketing workshops or community facilities, we’re always looking for ways to support the businesses that support our region.

This month, we encourage you to shop local, share a shoutout online or simply say “thank you” to a small business that’s made a difference in your life. Every dollar and every kind word counts.

If you're a local business owner and want to chat about how we can support your banking needs and lifestyle goals, drop into the branch at 37 Broad Street, Sarina or call us on 4943 2634.

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Two local organisations dedicated to supporting small business – Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank and Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce. Photo supplied

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Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, is celebrating that local communities in the Mirani electorate will now be in the driver’s seat to determine if wind and solar farms are developed in their region, thanks to strengthened planning and assessment processes.

The Crisafulli Government has introduced Australia’s strongest renewables planning laws to lock in requirements on renewable energy developers to contribute to the regions in which they operate.

The changes fulfil an election commitment to ensure both solar farms and wind farms are impact assessable, making them subject to the same rigorous approval and mandatory consultation processes as other major developments.

Under the previous Labor Government, wind farms were only considered under State Code 23 and meant that communities that were impacted were not allowed to have their say on these projects.

Wind and solar farm developers will be required to conduct a social impact assessment and negotiate a community benefit agreement with the local government before lodging a development application.

This will require renewable energy developers to engage early and authentically with communities and councils to contribute to a long-lasting legacy for the regions.

Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP said the changes would make sure that local communities would finally be able to get a say on the proposed projects in their area.

“The LNP is making sure that community consultation means consultation, renewable companies will no longer be able to make all the decisions and hold what they call consultations but were more like lectures,” Mr Kelly said.

“Under the previous Government the rush to renewables meant that communities were left being told what was going to happen rather than developers working with communities to ensure that the projects are in the right place, and that there is community support for these projects.

“Councils were left powerless to stop these projects in areas where there wasn’t the support for them, and communities were left divided and powerless to stop these projects coming to areas they weren’t wanted.

“The previous Labor Government cleared all the red tape for these developments, resulting in numerous wind farms that will have serious negative impacts on our environment being approved. With these now being impact assessable, the endangered flora and fauna will be properly considered.

“This has been something that I’ve been very vocal on even before becoming a candidate, and it shows that the regional communities that are being inundated with these projects finally have a government that listens.”

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Glen Kelly MP Speaking at the Reckless Renewables Rally in Brisbane in August 2023. Photo supplied

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