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Six months after its release, the Government’s Energy Roadmap is beginning to deliver on its promise of more affordable, reliable and sustainable power across Queensland. The plan aims to put downward pressure on electricity prices while strengthening the state’s energy system through continued investment in coal, gas, renewables and storage. It also focuses on unlocking new supply, including exploring gas potential in the Taroom Trough and progressing key infrastructure projects. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the roadmap was already achieving results. “The Roadmap is our plan to deliver new supply in the right places, at the right time, while keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on prices,” Treasurer Janetzki said. “Power prices in Queensland are set to drop by about 10 per cent next financial year, in contrast with prices soaring under Labor by 19.9 per cent in a single year after the former Government failed to properly maintain power plants.” Since mid-2025, more than a gigawatt of new storage and renewable energy has become operational, with further developments underway. Market interest has also surged, with more than 50 parties engaging in proposals for new gas-fired generation projects. “There’s been overwhelming market interest with more than 50 parties engaged and over 10 gigawatts (GW) of prospective gas-fired generation identified across 17 projects, highlighting Queensland is open for business for new energy investment,” he said. The roadmap also includes initiatives such as the Investor Gateway and North West Energy Fund, designed to attract private investment and support long-term energy security across the state.
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Mackay Base Hospital has become one of three sites across Australia recruiting patients for a clinical trial investigating a potential new drug treatment aimed at improving recovery time following concussion. The clinical trial will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication designed to treat concussion and potentially support faster recovery for those affected. Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Senior Staff Specialist (Emergency) and Principal Investigator Dr Sunday Sofola-Orukotan said concussion was a very common condition which could happen to anyone, anywhere, but was more frequently associated with contact sports such as football. “It’s very common with sporting activities and the rate of presentations of head injuries increases during the rugby season,” Dr Sofola-Orukotan said. Trial sub-investigator and Mackay HHS senior medical officer (emergency) Dr Olurotimi Akinola said concussion presentations in the ED could also be the result of falls and trips. “We see it very often in elderly patients,” Dr Akinola said. “That’s why a study like this is important because it gives us the opportunity to investigate whether a new treatment may improve a patient’s recovery outcomes.” “Generally, most patients with concussion recovered within a few days, but some experienced persistent symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and concentration and memory issues,” he said. “We see people with post-concussive syndrome who have had ongoing symptoms for months and it's affecting their livelihood and day-to-day activities,” Dr Akinola said. There are currently no approved pharmaceutical treatments for concussion available in Australia with recovery focused on rest and symptom relief. This clinical trial would investigate the safety and efficacy of a new drug in the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury and trial participants would receive either the investigational drug or placebo alongside standard care. During his training in Nigeria, Dr Sofola-Orukotan had been involved in another clinical trial and collected data for a study into reducing bleeding in traumatic brain injuries. “This study is very similar to what I’ve done before so I see it as an opportunity to bring this type of research to the Mackay region to benefit our patients,” he said. Anyone interested in learning more about the clinical trial can contact the Clinical Trials Unit on 4951 7561 or email mackay-clinical-trials@health.qld.gov.au Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) trial sub-investigator and senior medical officer (emergency) Dr Olurotimi Akinola, clinical trials nurse Alta Neethling and senior staff specialist (emergency) and principal investigator Dr Sunday Sofola-Orukotan. Photo supplied
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A caesarean birth can be planned, unexpected, calm, chaotic, welcomed, or deeply emotional. For many women, it is all of those things at once. Yet while there is often plenty of discussion about the birth itself, far less attention is given to what comes next… recovery. April is C-Section Awareness Month, a timely reminder that caesarean birth is not the “easy option,” nor is recovery something women should simply be expected to push through in silence. A caesarean is major abdominal surgery, performed at the same time a woman becomes a mother or welcomes another child into her family. In the days and weeks afterwards, women are often navigating pain, fatigue, sleep deprivation, feeding demands, changing hormones, and the enormous responsibility of caring for a newborn, all while healing from surgery. Many mums are surprised by how vulnerable they feel. Tasks that once seemed simple, like getting out of bed, laughing, coughing, lifting the baby capsule, or walking through the supermarket, can suddenly feel challenging. Yet because caring for a baby doesn’t pause for recovery, many women push on long before their body feels ready. What often goes unspoken is that healing continues well beyond the first six weeks. While the skin may appear healed relatively quickly, deeper layers of tissue continue to recover for months. The abdominal wall, scar tissue, core muscles, breathing patterns, posture, and pelvic floor can all be affected. Some women notice numbness around the scar, tightness, pulling sensations, back pain, weakness, bladder symptoms, or discomfort when returning to exercise. Others simply feel disconnected from their body, particularly their scar, and unsure where to begin. Scar care is another area many women are never taught about. Once the wound is fully healed and your medical team has cleared you, gentle scar massage can help improve mobility, reduce sensitivity, soften tightness, and support comfort as the tissues recover. Silicone therapy is also widely regarded as a gold-standard treatment for scar management, helping optimise scar healing and appearance. Early guidance can make a significant difference, particularly if the scar feels raised, tethered, numb, sensitive, or uncomfortable. These experiences are common, but they are not something women need to “just put up with.” One of the biggest myths around caesarean recovery is that if the baby is healthy and the scar looks fine, everything must be okay. But recovery is about far more than appearance. It is about how a woman feels in her body, how she moves, how she functions, and how confidently she returns to daily life. This is where support can make a meaningful difference. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help women recover strength, confidence, and comfort after a caesarean birth. That may include gentle core rehabilitation, scar mobility work, breathing retraining, guidance for safe return to exercise, lifting strategies, and addressing pelvic floor symptoms such as leaking, heaviness, or pain. Just as importantly, it can provide reassurance. Many women feel relief simply hearing that what they are experiencing is valid, understandable, and treatable. As a women’s health physiotherapist, I often meet mothers months or even years after their caesarean who say, “I thought this was just how it would be now.” But it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve had a caesarean birth, recently or years ago, and something still doesn’t feel quite right, a check-in with a qualified health professional can be a helpful next step. Your body has been through something significant, and it deserves care. This C-Section Awareness Month, let’s broaden the conversation. A caesarean birth is still birth. Recovery still matters. And mothers deserve more than being told to bounce back. Because healing well isn’t a luxury after birth — it should be the expectation. Text Box 2, Textbox Women's Health Physio Mackay admin@whphysiomackay.com.au 0476 616 324
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A duck walks into a newsagency, approaches the counter and asks the newsagent: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent says: No, we don’t have corn. There’s a grain store a few doors up the street and they sell corn.” The duck says “okay, thanks” and waddles out. The next day the duck walks into the newsagency, approaches the counter and asks the newsagent: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent says: “No, as I said yesterday, we don’t sell corn but the grain shop up the road sells it.” The ducks says “okay, thanks” and leaves the shop. The next day the duck waddles into the newsagency and approaches the newsagent and says: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent is now sick of it. Exasperated, he says: “Look, mate we don’t sell corn! We are a newsagency! We sell cards and newspapers and lotto tickets. We don’t bloody well sell corn! If you want corn, you go to the grain store up the street and get your corn there.” The next day the duck walks into the newsagency. The newsagent sees him and thinks to himself, “right, if this friggin’ duck asks for corn again, I am gonna go off”. The duck waddles up to him and says: “Have you got any corn?” The newsagent is furious and has had enough. Now he’s shouting: “LISTEN MATE. WE DON’T SELL CORN! I’M SICK OF THIS. IF YOU COME INTO MY SHOP AGAIN AND ASK FOR CORN I AM GONNA GRAB YOUR HEAD AND NAIL YOUR STUPID DUCK BILL TO THIS COUNTER! The ducks says, “okay, thanks” and leaves. The next day the duck walks into the newsagency, goes up to the counter and says to the newsagent: “Have you got any nails?” The newsagent shouts in frustration: “No I don’t have any nails!!” The duck says: “Okay, do you have any corn?” Now that is one very annoying duck. In life, I try not to be as annoying as that duck. But there are some annoying things I do that I can’t eradicate. One of them is consistently turning up to photo shoots for a property I am listing. I use the same photographer for every listing and she is very good and knows what is required. Yet I turn up. Not on a two-bedroom unit I do for most houses because, even though I know the photographer is very good, I still need to tell her about the importance of certain features. I need to stress how important the shed is, how vital it is that we show how wide the side access is for buyers needing access for a boat or a caravan. Even if there isn’t a shed, I have to say something. “Listen I know there’s no shed but there is really good side access and look at all the space in the yard to put a shed. If you take a photo from over in that corner of the yard I reckon people will be able to see the side access and also the space that’s available for the shed in one picture.” It must be very annoying for a highly professional photographer who has done it thousands of times. It’s the same inside the house. I say things like: “If you take a photo from this angle in the family room, people will be able to see the lounge, dining and part of the kitchen and get a feel for the space.” Annoying. I know most agents consider attending the photo shoots a waste of time and maybe they’re right. For me, we only get one chance at a first impression and that’s the photos so let’s make sure they’re right. Even though the poor photographer has to turn up to a property and see that stupid duck waiting.
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As the school year swings back into action, the lunchbox becomes your secret weapon for fuelling little minds and bodies. But let’s face it, packing a balanced, creative, and waste-free lunch every day can feel like a Herculean task. Here’s a guide to making lunch prep not just manageable, but fun and rewarding.
1. Freeze Your Way to Freshness
Cut fruits like grapes, berries, and melon into bite-sized pieces, then freeze them for a chilly treat that doubles as an ice pack. Frozen sandwiches are also a game-changer—just assemble the night before, pop them in the freezer, and they’ll defrost by lunchtime, staying perfectly fresh.
2. Think Outside the Sandwich
Wraps, mini quiches, or pasta salads are great alternatives to the classic sandwich. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with bread, cheese, or fruit. Add a dip like hummus or yoghurt for an interactive eating experience.
3. Bento Box Brilliance
Invest in a good bento box. With separate compartments, you can pack a variety of foods without worrying about flavours mixing. Think veggie sticks, crackers, cheese cubes, and a handful of trail mix. The visual appeal encourages kids to eat every bite.
4. Leftovers, the Unsung Hero
Dinner leftovers often make excellent lunches. A slice of homemade pizza, a container of stir-fried rice, or some roasted veggies can be just as exciting the next day.
5. DIY Snack Packs
Skip pre-packaged snacks and make your own. Divide popcorn, pretzels, or dried fruit into reusable containers for healthier, eco-friendly options.
6. Personal Touches
Slip in a note, a joke, or a simple "I love you" on a napkin. A little surprise can brighten your child’s day and make lunchtime special.
With these hacks, lunchtime can be an enjoyable, stress-free part of your back-to-school routine. Who knows? Your kids might even look forward to what’s in their lunchbox tomorrow!
For Christmas, Cheeky Little Monkeys kindly donated gifts to the Mackay Hospital Foundation, surprising young patients with toys as well as a visit from Santa. The joyful event brought smiles to many children throughout the hospital.
Thanks to generous donations, the gifts were truly appreciated, spreading immense joy to all involved. Cheeky Little Monkeys expressed their gratitude to the Mackay Hospital Foundation for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful experience.
Cheeky Little Monkeys staff. Photo source: Cheeky Little Monkeys Play Centre Mackay
Mackay West State School hosted a successful Disability Action Day, engaging students in a range of awareness activities. Students participated in Auslan lessons, sensory exercises, and used aided language boards to better understand the challenges faced by those with physical disabilities. A highlight of the day was said to be the scooterboard basketball event during first break, with Rob Kidd from 4MK joining the fun.
The school also welcomed special guests, including Mayor Greg Williamson, Alex Dalbo, and Cath Lalor, School Supervisor for Mackay. A heartfelt thank you was extended to Anna Duncan, Kylie Moore, Vicki Hatfield, and the Auslan teachers who led the lessons, as well as to Mrs. Dolzan and the Diverse Learning team for their tireless efforts in organising the event. Their dedication and teamwork made the Disability Action Day a memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved.
Mackay West State School students participated in a successful Disability Action Day. Photo source: West Mackay State School
Mackay Central State School captains Isabelle and Kieran had the honour of judging the best Christmas decorations at the Mackay Regional Office. Assisting School Supervisor Cath Lalor, they thoughtfully assessed each display, showcasing exceptional leadership and decision-making skills. Their efforts received high praise from staff, and the students thoroughly enjoyed the festive experience. This opportunity highlighted the captains’ dedication and enthusiasm, reflecting the values of Mackay Central State School during the holiday season.
Mackay Central Students got to judge the best Christmas decorations at the Mackay Regional Office. Photo source: Mackay Central State School
Last year, Joseph Richardson and CJ had the unique opportunity to participate in Exercise First Look: Indigenous Youth Placement at Simpson Barracks in Melbourne.
This flagship program, run by the Army, provided Indigenous students from across Australia a firsthand glimpse into the life of a soldier. Over five days, participants aged 15 to 18 immersed themselves in Army routines and activities, offering a comprehensive introduction to military life.
Designed to inspire and inform, Exercise First Look allowed students to experience the camaraderie, discipline, and skills that come with being part of the Army. It was more than just a work experience—it was a chance to explore future possibilities in a supportive and structured environment.
Congratulations to Joseph and CJ for embracing this incredible opportunity and representing their community with pride!
Joseph Richardson and CJ ready to embark on their journey, heading to Melbourne for Exercise First Look: Indigenous Youth Placement last year. Photo source: Pioneer SHS
Mackay State High School students Adison Byrd and Oren Byrd recently represented their school and community with distinction at the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane.
Adison, a Year 9 student, achieved an impressive personal best of 20cm in the Triple Jump, securing 6th place, while his brother Oren, also in Year 9, earned 8th place in Long Jump with a commendable performance.
The talented siblings made both their school and peers incredibly proud at the 2024 Australian All Schools Championships.
Adison Byrd and Oren Byrd. Photo source: Mackay SHS
Whitsunday Anglican School congratulated its 2024 school dux, Dylan Itzstein, who has excelled from kindergarten through to year 12.
Dylan achieved an outstanding 99.85 ATAR and a QCAA Certificate of Academic Commendation for attaining ‘As’ in all six subjects (Specialist Mathematics, Physics, Mathematical Methods, Literature, Engineering, and Chemistry).
Dylan has an impressive background in many cocurricular pursuits outside of school in The Arts including dance: ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acro and musical theatre, and drama and performance speaking.
Practicing ballet since he was just 4 years of age, Dylan has achieved astonishing results in theatrical performance, drama, speech and drama, and dance. His recent achievements include the Theatrical Performing Arts Shield (Public Performance Exam), for receiving the highest mark in the music theatre exam nationwide, whilst also clinching an Award for Most Entertaining Performer.
In 2024, he received major awards at every dance competition he attended, including Beyond The Encore, Bundaberg Festival of Dance, Follow Your Dreams, Gladstone Eisteddfod, Mackay Festival of Dance and Mackay Eisteddfod. At the regional Mackay Eisteddfod 2024, Dylan impressed adjudicators, receiving five major awards for Dance and three major awards for Speech and Drama.
Cementing his status as a rising star on the stage, Dylan has also achieved an Honours Plus (scores greater than 95%) on the CSTD Grade 8 Modern Jazz Exam and Grade 9 in Jazz. He is a finalist and recipient of a Senior Encouragement Award – Asian Classical Ballet Grand Prix in 2024.
His recent on-stage performances include the lead role of ‘Kai’ in BCYB’s ballet production “The Snow Queen” in Brisbane, a lead role in RB Corp’s contemporary dance production of “Shadow Works”, a lead in Contemporary Company Z’s production of “Unearthed” and many other local and State productions.
The 2023 Whitsunday Anglican School “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” saw Dylan take on the role of Lysander and his overall performance was spectacular, earning him accolades from his wider school community.
Dylan’s next adventure is to embark on a Gap year, working on cruise ships and performing. He has been accepted into a dual degree Bachelor of Engineering and Computer Science at University of Queensland.
A representative from Whitsunday Anglican School said “Congratulations Dylan, the world is your stage!”
Dylan’s achievements include:
• Prize for Engineering, awarded to the top student within the subject area
• Prize for Specialist Mathematics, awarded to the top student within the subject area
• Full Colours Academic, for his outstanding success and participation in academic performance
• Honorary Colours Cultural, for his outstanding success and participation in cultural performance
• Maxima Cum Laude Award – achieving a Cum Laude Award for every semester since Year 7.
• Service Award, for his significant service to the School and wider community.
Contributed by Lauren Brooks
Whitsunday Anglican School’s 2024 school dux, Dylan Itzstein, achieved a 99.85 ATAR, excelled in academics, arts, and service, and is set to embark on a performing arts gap year before pursuing a dual degree at UQ. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
At the heart of sport is the community, and at the heart of the community is now Club Whitsunday. Club Whitsunday, a brand-new sporting facility, bar and restaurant is set to change the whole experience of sport in the region.
As Queensland's first true greenfield club in 25 years, Club Whitsundays will serve as a vibrant hub for the sporting community and beyond. It will offer a welcoming space for families and locals to come together, enjoy delicious meals, drinks, and entertainment, including pokies, TAB and a dedicated kids' club. In addition, all proceeds from the club will be reinvested into the community, helping sports and recreation grow.
Representatives coming together from different codes to celebrate the upcoming opening of Club Whitsunday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith and Ruth Puddefoot
After 10 years of planning and development, Club Whitsunday is set to open its doors on January 20, with memberships available from January 13.
The club will offer a full hospitality experience, including a vibrant sports bar, a bistro focused on high-quality steak and seafood, regional specialties, and a commitment to a farm-to-table approach.
Additional amenities include a kids' club and live music, creating a welcoming environment for all ages.
The venue will officially launch with a soft opening on Monday 20th January, followed by a major Australia Day weekend celebration that will feature live music and a variety of sports and activities.
Club Whitsunday is backed by five founding members—AFL, Touch Football, Netball, Soccer, and Rugby Union—along with a new affiliate member, Cricket, adding to its diverse sporting offerings.
Justin Butler, President of Club Whitsunday, discussed how the club’s broad range of activities will appeal to a variety of visitors:
“All year round, the sports venue will be full of people and different games going on, including hosting visiting clubs.”
“It’s a full hospitality offering and open seven days a week!
“Whether you’re down here because your kids are playing sport or not, everyone is welcome.”
The club's facilities are also designed to host more events and activities, such as supervised movie nights for kids and additional kids' club programming, ensuring there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
The original vision for Club Whitsunday was to attract major sporting events, and today, the club’s upgraded facilities reflect that goal. With state-of-the-art amenities, the venue is now capable of hosting larger games and bringing bigger teams to the region, making it the first of its kind in the State in 25 years.
Tim Oberg, President of the Whitsunday Sportspark, explained how Club Whitsunday’s introduction is a game-changer for the entire location:
“I can tell you from traveling around and going to different carnivals and different sports all over Central North Queensland, that this would be the number one venue for junior sport, particularly Junior rugby, outside of Southeast Queensland.”
“To have a venue, a brand-new venue, right on the doorstep of all the sports, is going to be amazing.”
“The sport will promote the venue, and the venue will promote the sports alongside supporting the sports financially and this should be a game changer for everything, and it will completely change the way that we finance the sports and fundraise.”
“To have the resources to create more opportunities for the kids is amazing, that’s what it’s all about.”
The venue is expected to benefit thousands of players and their families across multiple sports. The new facility is seen as a game-changer for local sports funding and development. Congratulations to all involved.
Representatives enjoying a beer at the brand-new Club Whitsunday
Three Directors of Club Whitsunday, Justin Butler, Tim Langford and Craig Spence
Photo credit: Rachael Smith and Ruth Puddefoot
Hi Everyone and welcome to 2025!
I am actually writing this on New Year’s Eve but by the time you read this note it will already be 2025.
The fireworks will have zipped into the sky casting their glittery glow to the delight of every audience across the world. Millions of champagne corks will have been popped, warm embraces shared and the jubilance of a saying a fond farewell to 2024 will be complete.
In fact, by now, the hangovers will likely have subsided, the party poppers cleared away and a fresh New Year will have emerged, one full of hope, promise and of course . . . expectation.
I’m not sure about the rest of you but my 2024 was fabulous – probably one of the best years of my life actually.
I got married and had all my family together for the first time in years.
Professionally, it was an amazing year too. We launched a new newspaper, hosted a night with the Premier and I even said goodbye to my fear of public speaking!
But now that it is 2025 (well almost!), I have to confess I feel a bit nervous.
What if this year is not as good as the last? What if my life suddenly crumbles? What if . . .?
But today I have decided to let that trickle of doubt and the worry subside.
Instead, I am focused on being fulfilled on the inside, even without the glamour and allure of external happiness.
I will concentrate on nurturing that safe, stable and unshakable happiness within, and let the rest unfold as it will.
As we head into a brand-new year, I wish you and your family a positive, fulfilling and healthy 2025, a year that brings you joy both inside and out.
Rach
“Feel the fear and do it anyway” (Susan Jeffers)
The Whitsundays has been hit hard by major flooding caused by three converging weather systems over the Christmas period, with heavy rainfall causing widespread disruption. Road closures and the shutdown of Proserpine Airport, which cancelled all flights for 24 hours, caused hundreds of people to be stranded and ruined many Christmas travel plans.
Motorists also found themselves cut-off as floodwaters inundated the Bruce Highway, the primary route linking Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, and Townsville. Although the Department of Main Roads reopened the highway after 48 hours, local leaders warn that any long-term repairs may not address the underlying issues.
“The Bruce Highway was already riddled with potholes and I am very concerned what long term effect this flood will have on the key route to North Queensland,” Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said.
“This just highlights what I’ve been banging on about for quite some time. Funding from the Federal Government needs to be restored to 80:20 arrangement and injected into areas of the Bruce such as Mackay through to Townsville, to lift the safety standard plus flood mitigate known sections that cut with any sort of rainfall.”
Mayor Ry Collins also emphasised the critical need for infrastructure investment, pointing out that the region is essentially an island, with both the southern and northern parts of the Bruce Highway cut off.
He also flagged concerns about reckless driving through floodwaters that puts others at risk.
“Emergency services were putting their lives on the line trying to save drivers that have been swept off the road at Lethebrook.” he said.
Mayor Ry Collins also criticised the disparity in infrastructure development between regional areas and major cities.
“It is beggars belief that we can devise and build multibillion dollar tunnels and transit systems in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne in a couple of years, start work on a duplicated pacific highway all in much quicker timeframes than the 10+ years we’ve been advocating to fix and flood proof this road,” he asserted.
The flooding has also devastated the local cane industry, with Canegrowers still assessing the damage. Some expect the impact to stretch into the 2025 season.
In response, both state and federal representatives are pushing for greater support. Mr Willcox has launched a petition, Back Our Bruce, Back Our People, calling for increased investment in the highway. Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has voiced her support, urging residents to back the initiative.
"We need to Back the Bruce and a government that values our region!" she wrote on social media.
As floodwaters recede for now, authorities are urging residents to stay cautious. Mayor Collins reminded the public, “Please take care on the roads, and remember: if it’s flooded, forget it. It's not worth the risk. Stay informed through the council’s disaster dashboard for updates.”
Mayor Ry Collins captured this incredible image of the floodwaters beginning to come across the highway near Proserpine
Underlying damage: The potholes will impact the quality of the road network for some time
Farmers are only just starting to evaluate crop damage and the flooding could impact the 2025 season
Jamie Otene continued to honour her family’s wonderful and heartwarming tradition of supporting those in need during the festive season each year through the establishment of her own Christmas appeal.
“My family has always donated to giving trees growing up, and I wanted to try and reach more people and make sure the people in our community were looked after,” Jamie explained.
Jamie reached out to one of her managers at Red Cat Adventures and proposed the idea of introducing a toy drive based within the Whitsunday region.
“Jules was very excited and encouraging so I called up the Neighbourhood Centre to find out what they needed and when, and we are so happy with how it turned out we are hoping to make it an annual event,” added Jamie.
With the hope of spreading joy and Christmas cheer across the region, Jamie’s initiative has raised more than $400 to purchase gifts for families who often go without the community.
A wonderful selection of toys were dropped off to the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre just before Christmas
A group of concerned residents from Hamilton Avenue and Scarlet Gum Crescent in Cannonvale have expressed outrage over the recent removal of a 1.46-hectare old forest nature strip. The land was allegedly cleared without adequate consultation, leaving residents frustrated and worried about the environmental and social consequences.
Actioned prior to the recent rainfall season in December of 2024, some residents are concerned the removal of the trees and vegetation will cause environmental damage, including potential silting and eutrophication of sea grass and mangrove ecosystems in the surrounding marine park.
They assert that the old forest had been scientifically established to hold nearly double the amount of carbon compared to the regenerated forest, further raising concerns about the loss of this vital carbon sink. Additionally, the land had also been home to a variety of local fauna, including goannas, koalas, bandicoots, and various bird species.
Residents of adjacent properties claim they were not notified about the land's sale or the planned removal of the nature strip. Many were under the impression that the area was designated as a wildlife reserve in previous town plans, and they purchased their homes for the privacy and tranquillity the forest provided.
Adding to the concerns, several residents have noted issues with erosion, stormwater runoff, and potential flooding caused by the land clearing. Stormwater drains from Hamilton Avenue flow directly into the newly cleared lots, which could lead to future drainage and erosion problems for both the new lot owners and surrounding properties. Residents on Scarlet Gum Crescent have reported soil accumulating on the roads since the works began, with no visible efforts to manage erosion or mitigate runoff.
Residents are calling on the Whitsunday Regional Council for answers - requesting clarification on the sale price, who approved the sale, and how many lots are set to be developed.
In response to the matter, Neil McGaffin, Director Regional Strategy and Planning for Whitsunday Regional Council stated the site was in fact residential zoned land and development had been approved over 10 years ago.
“The subdivision was recently released by the developer so that is why the clearing has only recently happened,” he said.
“Final number of lots in the subdivision are less than what was originally expected.”
The beautiful nature strip before it was developed
The nature strip as it looks now
Photos supplied
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging parents to take extra caution if they have gifted e-scooters this Christmas, as the number of lives lost involving these devices has more than doubled in the last year.
As of 18 December 2024, eight lives have been lost on Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, compared to two lives lost in 2023.
The growing use of PMDs, especially in regional areas like the Whitsundays where they are relied on as a mode of transport, has caused community concern due to dangerous operation which can result in serious injuries and sometimes, tragically, death.
Police are committed to enforcement and engagement activities to ensure the safe use of these devices, with more than 1,700 infringements issued to date this year for failing to wear a helmet whilst riding a PMD and over 183 infringements for speeding.
QPS Road Policing Group Acting Inspector Gareth Bosley said that police are noticing the increase of devastating incidents involving PMDs.
“E-scooters may seem like a great gift to put under the Christmas tree, but they come with significant risks, especially for younger and less experienced users,” Acting Inspector Bosley said.
“It’s essential parents and carers consider the legalities of e-scooters, as these cannot be operated by a person under 16 years-of-age without adult supervision, while those under 12 years of age are not legally allowed to operate them at all”.
“If you are gifted a PMD this Christmas, make sure the receiver understands the rules they have to adhere to, otherwise they’ll be seeing police this summer”.
“Safety must always come first.”
For those who do choose to ride PMDs, police stress the importance of: – Wearing appropriate safety gear, including helmets. – Riding responsibly and operating within the road rules. – Being vigilant and cautious, particularly around roads and pedestrians.
In recent weeks, local Facebook pages have become an increasingly popular tool for reporting crimes, sharing information, and seeking assistance from the Whitsunday community.
Platforms like Whitsunday Noticeboard and Whitsundays Chat are being used by residents not only to expose criminal activity but also to encourage people with information to come forward, helping to enhance community safety and aid investigations.
One notable example involved a reckless driver on Beach Road, Cannonvale. A black ute with purple flecks was reportedly seen performing dangerous burnouts and driving erratically before crashing into a parked boat owned by a local resident.
The crash allegedly caused significant damage to the boat, leaving debris and pieces of the vehicle at the scene, along with tyre marks on the road.
This prompted the local resident to turn to social media, where they posted details of the incident and appealed to anyone who might have seen the vehicle or has information to come forward. The post quickly garnered attention, with community members offering support and helping to spread the word.
Another similar instance occurred over the Christmas period, when a resident shared a concerning photo on social media showing a car driving onto a property in Preston and filming the sheds near Orchid Creek.
While no crime was committed at the scene, the resident considered the behaviour to be suspicious, and posted the image of the vehicle on social media to raise awareness, advising others to lock up their properties securely and remain alert to potential threats.
The post generated numerous comments from community members, who shared similar experiences and emphasised the need for everyone to take extra precautions during the holiday season.
In a separate incident, a break-in occurred on Myer Lasky Drive between 6.30pm and 7am on Saturday, December 28.
While nothing was stolen, the perpetrators caused damage to the property, breaking windows and leaving the premises in disarray.
The resident, who posted about the incident on Whitsunday Noticeboard, confirmed that they had reported the break-in to the police but also encouraged the community to share any information that might help identify the culprits.
The post prompted a wave of support, with several residents offering tips or recalling similar incidents in the area.
These incidents highlight how social media has become a popular platform for Whitsunday residents to communicate and collaborate on issues of safety and security. By quickly sharing details of suspicious behaviour or criminal activity, community members can alert others, raise awareness, and help law enforcement gather information.
Residents are reminded, however, that calling the police should be the first action when a crime is witnessed.
A live camera feed at a property in Preston where a motorist was allegedly spotted filming some sheds. Image sourced: Facebook
The damage to a boat on Beach Road in Cannonvale, tyre marks can be seen swerving towards the parked vessel. Image sourced: Facebook
Damage to the boat on Beach Road. Image sourced: Facebook
In today's digital world, online security is more important than ever. We all love the convenience of online banking, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect ourselves.
Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine is committed to keeping your money and information safe. We are focused on helping you bank online safely and have 24/7 fraud monitoring and multi-factor authentication, secure pay online and payee check in place. But there are also things you can do to boost your online security.
Here are some top tips to keep those cyber crooks at bay:
• Strong Passwords: Make sure your Bendigo Bank password is a tough one to crack! Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. And don't use the same password for multiple accounts.
• Beware of Phishing: Scammers often try to trick people into giving away personal information through fake emails or websites. Remember, Bendigo Community Bank will never ask for your banking details via email or text. If you receive a suspicious message, report it immediately.
• Keep Your Devices Secure: Make sure your computer and mobile devices are protected with up-to-date antivirus software. This will help to prevent malware and other nasty stuff from infecting your devices and stealing your information.
• Use Bendigo Bank's Security Features: Take advantage of the security features that Bendigo Bank offers, like the Payee Check feature. This handy tool double-checks account details when you're making a first-time payment, adding an extra layer of protection.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest online security threats and scams. Bendigo Bank's website has a wealth of information on how to stay safe online.
Remember, online security is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can all help to create a safer online environment. If you ever have any questions or concerns about online security, don't hesitate to call or visit us in the branch.
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