By Paul Gellatly

A meeting at Bowen Neighbourhood Centre last week attempted to find solutions for the workforce accommodation crisis, which is claimed to be crippling the town and surrounding region.

Hosted by Greater Whitsunday Communities and Regional Development Australia, the meeting was attended by representatives of some of Bowen's major employers and sought to find ways to kickstart more workforce accommodation at a time when the shortage of such lodgings is harming the town's economic progress.

Among the attendees were representatives from Bowen Rail, Whitsunday Regional Council, Gilmour Space, Muroona Gardens aged care facility, Bowen Chamber of Commerce, Abbott Point coal handling facility and associated industries, homestay providers, marine services providers, police, schools and tourism operators. Other attendees who joined in via a videolink represented energy hub projects, Greater Whitsunday Communities and an accommodation provider.

Rob Cocco, CEO of Regional Development Australia (Greater Whitsundays) co-facilitated the meeting with Tonia Wilson, of Greater Whitsunday Communities, and they told the audience of about 20 that about 3000 additional workers' quarters were needed by 2031 in Mackay/Whitsunday regions.

While that was happening, the costs of building were increasing and development proposals were not leading to starts, and rental stocks were "falling through the floor", Ms Wilson said. Part of the problem, she said, was that temporary accommodation was not particularly profitable for builders.

While she urged more liaison with government, she also said many developers "didn't know" what the most pressing concerns over accommodation were.

"We need to demonstrate demand for accommodation. We need to secure commitment from employers to enter long-term agreements for their staff - preferably at a premium - for security of revenue stream to investors."

Mark Hinman, CEO of Accommodation Services Australia, said that while time to market and trades access made prefabricated accommodations an acceptable alternative, they were best suited for work-camp style settings and, because they were often temporary, there were big costs in set-up and probably later dismantling.

"We need workers to stay for three to four years," he said. "We can pick this up with timing," perhaps with a developer on-selling to another.

As well, Ms Wilson said, there was a need to reach the best mix of accommodations for single, or family, requirements.

While seasonal work and temporary postings posed their own challenges for accommodation provision, those seeking employment in essential services such as police, teachers, hospital and aged care staff had declined accepting job offers because rentals in the Bowen area were virtually non-existent and more expensive than rentals in the major cities. This was a major problem that affected their ability to recruit and retain new staff.

Often, the audience heard, employers provided temporary accommodation, after which employees were stranded with nowhere to live. "We have people living in the Burdekin because they can't find accommodation here  (in Bowen), one attendee said. "Temporary visa holders are another group that find it hard."

Access to land affected the dynamics of developer investment, but a Muroona Gardens representative said the aged care facility had plenty of spare land to build on. However, as this was in a flood area, they were required to raise the level of the land by two metres, which made such investment unfeasible.

Such investment also reached critical level when it came to provision of line infrastructure such as sewerage, water and other necessities, Mr Cocco said.

"To attract investment we need to demonstrate demand and secure commitment from employers to address accommodation for staff," Ms Wilson said.

Bowen Chamber of Commerce chairman Bruce Hedditch said engagement with the council was essential.

"We have got to confront the issues facing housing in Bowen. We need a meeting with the Mayor at the earliest possible opportunity."

Tonia Wilson and Bruce Cocco drive discussion on worker housing options for the Bowen region. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

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Over 30 people gathered at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Proserpine last Friday for National Police Remembrance Day.

The service paid respect and recognised Australian Police Officers nationwide and international police officers.

The Remembrance Day paid tribute to officers that died both in service and out of service.

Queensland Police Proserpine Station Sergeant Mark Flynn spoke on the matter.

“The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the years of service, commitment and integrity of retired police officers,” he said.

“Their valuable contribution over many years of dedicated service has provided safety and justice for the Queensland community. We observe a time of silence to remember and honour those who have died in this past year.”

He also addressed active serving officers that had past since the last National Police Remembrance.

“The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the contribution of serving police officers who have passed away since National Police Remembrance Day 2023. In doing this we remember them and honour the service, courage and integrity with which they served,” he said.

“We observe a time of silence to remember and honour those who have died in the past year.”

Sergeant Mark Flynn said the day is important to all officers, past, present and international officers too.

“It's important to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice and that's their lives, not only within Queensland, but throughout the nation and Pacific Nations countries as well,” he said.

“I have been a police officer for 26, years now, and I have been delivering police service remands so it's definitely important. It's important to all of us.”

On National Police Remembrance Day Queensland Police Service remember and honour Queensland police officers who were killed in the line of duty. Queensland Police Service also remember and honour those whose deaths did not occur as a consequence of their duty.

Senior Sergeant Craig Shepherd, Sergeant Mark Flynn, Mayor Ry Collins and Councillor John Collins
Bowen, Whitsunday, Proserpine Police Officers

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Almost a decade in the making and the Whitsunday Sportspark Club House finally has all its licences, approvals and financials in place enabling it to announce an official opening date of December this year.

The $8 million site is a modern, fully equipped Club House which offers a comfortable community hub for both sporting groups and regular residents.

A non-profit venue, all proceeds will be ploughed straight back into supporting sport groups and other non-for-profit groups within our community.

The venue will be welcoming to all sports codes and will be the hosting site for its founding member sports groups which include Touch Footy, Rugby Union, Netball, Soccer and AFL.

The Sportspark also welcomed Cricket to share its grounds earlier this year.

From its spectator stands to change-rooms, since it opened last year, the venue has become known as both convenient and comfortable.

Now, with the announcement that the restaurant, bar and gaming room is almost ready to open, patrons are looking forward to being able to get a feed and a cold drink served across the counter seven days a week.

“We are the first true greenfield site to open in Queensland in the last 25 years,” said Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark committee Justin Butler.

“We are very much looking forward to opening in December, just in time for Christmas.”

“We are striving to offer the best boutique sporting facility and hospitality club outside a major city anywhere in Queensland.”

The only thing left to decide is the official name of the Club House – favourites include Club Whitsundays, Club Airlie Beach, Heart Of Airlie Sports Club.

If you would like to have an input into the name of the venue, please scan this QR code to vote for or suggest a name.

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Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark committee Justin Butler standing outside the Club House. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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At last week's monthly Ordinary Council Meeting in Bowen, the Council deferred a decision on flying fox deterrent activities to a future meeting this calendar year pending further information on the Roost Management Plan and the Flying Fox Management Strategy both currently being developed.
Council wants to balance the need to protect flying foxes as a threatened species while reducing their impact on residents so we can all live together in our Whitsundays.
Council’s 2017 Flying Fox Management Plan and Collinsville Roost Plan are being updated to include current regulations, the latest in best practice management of flying fox roost data and possible subsidy options for residents directly impacted by Flying Fox roosts.
They will also take into consideration the impacts our community shared through the Help Shape Flying Fox Management in the Whitsundays consultation survey in June/July this year and how the updated management plan can guide us into the future.
Once completed in late October the updated management and roost plans will be presented back to Councillors so they can make an informed decision that would provide guidance to staff, contractors, and private landholders on the management of flying-foxes.
Little red flying-foxes that seasonally migrate to the Whitsunday region have returned and information from neighbouring Council’s also indicates that the breeding season has already commenced which means deterrent activities cannot be undertaken until March.
Little red flying-foxes typically arrive in the region from spring through to late summer.  Influxes can occur at any location within the region during this period. An area consistently impacted is in Collinsville. Roosts of little red flying-foxes can form overnight, often leaving as quickly as they arrive.

Council meeting to which they decided to defer flying fox deterrent activities. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot
Influx of Flying foxes in the region

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As part of Australia Post’s Bank@Post service, Bendigo Bank customers can do basic bank transactions at the Proserpine Licensed Post Office.
Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine customers can deposit cash or cheques, withdraw money, and check account balances at all Australia Post outlets.
Bendigo Bank customers who are pensioners, and select concession card holders, can make no-fee withdrawals using the Bank@Post service at any Post Office Australia-wide. All other Bendigo Bank customers may incur withdrawal fees ranging from $2 to $4 which will be reduced to $2.50 per transaction commencing Friday 1 November 2024.  
“This is great banking news for our Proserpine customers, offering a handy face-to-face alternative to manage your money locally without the need to use ATMs” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
For more complex banking and lending services, such as opening new bank accounts and loans, addressing detailed inquiries, conducting banking reviews, education on digital capability and delivering tailored financial advice customers must visit our Branch at Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale.
Some terms and conditions may apply, such as withdrawal limits and accepting cheques by financial institutions that have discontinued cheque services. Post Office outlets will be able to confirm these with our customers.
What: Limited cash banking services for Bendigo Bank customers at Post Offices Australia-wide with no or minor fees.
Proserpine: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, Proserpine Licenced Post Office, 13 Main Street, Proserpine.
Cannonvale: Visit our Branch at Whitsunday Plaza, 9:30am-4:30pm everyday (noting that from Monday 30 September 2024 the Branch will close every day for lunch 1pm-2pm).  

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/people-hands-giving-credit-card-payment-2466622389

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Mayor Ry Collins' first Charity Ball raised over $60,000 for BMA CQ Rescue and the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, making it a great success! The event, held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, combined glamour and entertainment with a strong sense of community support. A big thank you to our Event Partners and Platinum Sponsors, Hillery Group, Abbot Point Operations, and Airlie Beach Hotel, for helping to make the night possible. To see the full list of sponsors, visit https://bit.ly/41NilmN. 

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has unveiled a community-led concept design for a new jetty that will help transform the Bowen coastline. 

The release of the final Bowen Jetty concept design comes as the Queensland Government has provided funding approval for the $68 million project. 

The project is made possible thanks to a $50 million commitment from the Queensland Government and a $18 million contribution from the government owned port authority North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP). 

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb acknowledged reaching the milestone, which was possible thanks to a collaborative effort between NQBP, the Queensland Government, and the Bowen community.

“Community input has been integral to the Jetty concept, which reflects a vibrant and valued public asset for generations to come,” Mr Webb said.

“The design highlights the existing wharf’s history while incorporating cultural themes that emerged from project consultation with the Traditional Owners, the Juru people.

“The project will see the construction of a modern jetty that will feature a host of public amenities while honouring the rich, 150-year-old history of the structure.”

The final concept design has prioritised enhanced accessibility and recreational opportunities, reflecting community feedback.

“More than 770 people gave feedback through a consultation process that commenced in March 2024,” Mr Webb said.

“They want seating, shade and the ability to fish. They value the past and want to share stories of the history of the jetty. We have incorporated all these themes in the design response.”  

Key features of the final concept include:

   • Ample shade and seating for relaxing and socialising
   • Toilets and drinking fountains
   • Dedicated fishing areas equipped with modern amenities
   • Accessibility provisions to ensure inclusivity for all members of the community
   • Environmental consideration to preserve local ecosystems
   • Integration of Juru people artwork and cultural elements to celebrate the region’s rich heritage.
Details about the final concept and renders are available on the project website at nqbp.com.au.

The next stage of the project will be the detailed design phase through 2025.

For more information contact bowenwharf@nqbp.com.au

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1: My name is Andrew Elborne, age 59, born in Brisbane. I attended a catholic school until grade 10 left to pursue a trade as an electrician. I have worked in construction and believe there is major room for improvement in the power generation base load field area. I have been a proud foster parents to 63 children over the years, I have also been part of peer support programs and men’s mental health groups.

2: Today’s education system does not cater to youth wanting to do trades and not university. Also, putting into law adult time for youth is not fixing the problem it makes them harder criminals. I consider it a privilege to serve in the community and no issue will be too big or small to address. The issues the Burdekin faces are big indeed but to address them I would set up a community forum to discuss the issues.

3: Diversity in our community is generally viewed as a good outcome, but in terms of fair access to government services it's important we treat all Queenslanders the same. Government assistance and services must be based on what is needed by the individual. An example of diversity in our community is the growth of elderly Australians as a proportion of the population. One Nation will be prioritising health care for senior Australians with the establishment of dedicated hospitals catering to older people's needs.
 
 
4: What many people are telling me they want is relief from the rising cost of living. I think it's important to tackle the causes rather than spend taxpayers' money funding handouts. One Nation will move immediately to eliminate stamp duty from rising insurance premiums. We'll implement an independent energy policy that prioritises affordability over climate change and reduce energy costs for Queensland households.
 
5: If I did have the support of Burdekin voters to be their MP, I'd first establish an electorate office with good staff who understand that we will put our community first. I will aim to be an accessible MP who is accountable and listens to his community. And also take in what legislation no longer serves the community and remove it - the one thing no other party has done.
 

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1: I am an authentic person who has a demonstrated platform of putting people over politics, I come with 17 years’ experience in local government - the last 12 as Mayor of the Isaac Regional Council. I am capable, confident, and committed to the electorate of Burdekin.
 
2: Equitable Government funding to the regions/electorates is a major concern for me, it was when I was the Mayor of Isaac, which I made progress on however there is more to do, and it remains a priority of mine. The model of distribution currently is not fit for purpose. I can and will do better.

3: Based on my local government experience of over 17 years, I have found that good planning and prioritising of time is what will ensure delivery of effective representation of the whole electorate.

4: I believe people are yearning for genuine representation in their elected MP. They are telling me they are looking for an authentic personality with people skills that represent in a genuine sense and can communicate to get the regional issues on the table with the intent of getting outcomes.
 
5: Getting Busy straight up. Closely assessing what policies, projects, and priories are already in progress. Assessing and ensuring all are a good fit for the electorate generally are things fit for purpose. Ensuring we are seeing consistency and commitment to our electorate and all the communities in it.

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1: Prior to becoming the Member for Burdekin, I spent more than 25 years as a Police Officer in regional Queensland as well as serving as a Local Government Councillor and running my own business. That means I bring wide ranging experience and knowledge to this role.  My track record in advocating on behalf of rural and regional Queensland and the Burdekin Electorate speaks for itself and my ability to deliver results is evidence of my passion for representing our community.

2: The Burdekin Electorate is a powerhouse of the state’s economy thanks to our agriculture, mining and tourism industries as well as the local small businesses. Despite this, across the electorate, we are not seeing a return for our hard work. Ensuring that we see our fair share of the funding pie would mean that our roads were safe, our services received the resources they need and the critical infrastructure that we rely on would be funded accordingly.

3: To properly engage with people across such a large electorate means a lot of time behind the wheel and very little time at home but I am fortunate to have my family's full support.
As the Member for Burdekin I have been, and continue to be, committed to visiting and meeting the needs of all residents and communities in my electorate, especially schools, hospitals, police stations and community organisations.
 
4: No matter where you live in Queensland, everyone is feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis as well as issues like youth crime and an overloaded health system. Along with my LNP colleagues I have pledged real action on those issues from day one because Queenslanders, and the people of the Burdekin electorate in particular, deserve to have their concerns heard and addressed as a priority.
  
5: As I always have in my first 100 days, I plan to hit the ground running. If the LNP secures government, that means rolling the sleeves up and delivering on our commitments to address the issues Queenslanders face. My top priority is, and always has been, delivering for the people of the Burdekin electorate.

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1:

The last four years has been a privilege to serve as the Member for Whitsunday; I’m asking for the community to give me the opportunity to continue to serve them. I have worked hard and believe I have stood up on the issues that matter to our community.
 
2:

Our road projects – we need Hamilton Plains to commence – its ready to go, and congestion on Mackay Bucasia Road - we just need a government who is committed to regional Queensland to ensure our region gets its fair share instead of stalling or reprioritising projects in South East Queensland.

3:

I have tried to be visible and connect with community groups and individuals and schools across the electorate. It doesn’t matter where you live – your concerns and issues have equal priority. I haven’t been able to solve every issue; I’ve tried to be accessible; been available to constituents and prioritised local matters.
 
4:

Our fair share particularly in road and health funding and policy to address the cost of living and youth crime crisis. We have a plan and, as a senior member of the LNP, I believe we can deliver if we are elected to Government.
 
5:

Very busy… I will hit the ground running to deliver for our region with energy and a smile. As the local member and a Shadow Minister in the Opposition I have demonstrated I have the capacity and commitment to work hard. I will continue to do this.

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1: As a health professional, now working as an Emergency Physician, I have seen firsthand how the community’s health and wellbeing thrives when Governments invest in healthcare and health infrastructure. As a local dad of five kids aged between 10-21, cost of living relief is vital to our family. I want to continue on Labor’s commitment to doing what matters to Whitsunday families by providing free Kindy, free TAFE as well as $1000 energy rebate, and 20% off car rego.
 
 
2: My health background allows me to know how important the satellite hospital in Mackay’s Northern Beaches will be to the region. And I know this is all at risk under the LNP. I am committed to new Premier Steven Miles’ plan to train more doctors, nurses and health professionals and to attract and retain them in our beautiful region.
 

3: It is so important to listen to the community and meet them where they are. Our local Whitsunday community is diverse and filled with so many wonderful people, the only way I could ensure their needs were met by their local representative is to do what Labor MPs do best – listen and act.
 

4: Cost of living relief is what local families want now. We have seen the pressure interstate migration has put on our community, so the new Premier Steven Miles’ cost of living measures have really had a positive impact on our community.
 
5: My focus right now is to talk to as many people in my community as possible from now and until election night. I want to talk to the people of Whitsunday about Labor’s plan in doing what matters for Whitsunday. And talk about the risks the LNP pose to our community. This election is a choice between a Miles Labor Government taking Queensland forwards or the Crisafulli LNP who will cut what matters and take us backwards.
 

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1: Previously the people’s Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, I am a mother and a grandmother with a passion for representing my community to ensure the world we are creating for our children is one worth living in. I didn’t go into politics to become a career politician, I did it to give my community a real voice. I have the guts to say what most people are thinking, and I can have a much stronger voice in State Government.

2: I can’t pick one issue, there are so many that are affecting the lives of our community, the cost of living, the Bruce highway, youth crime and no one is listening. There is too much talk and no action and I intend to bring action. I will do what it takes until something is done, even if it takes blocking the roads to parliament to give the politicians a taste of what it’s like when the Bruce Highway is closed.

3: By listening to them. I am sick to death of the bureaucracy and top-down leadership that continually tell our communities what’s good for them and how we should run our businesses and lives. Community consultation is mainly undertaken by stakeholder groups chosen by the government to give the government the answers they want to hear. It’s an honour and a privilege to represent your community and the role of your local Member is to represent you first.

4: They want a politician that actually stands up for them, who has the guts to say what they are thinking. They want government accountability and for more debate and community say in legislation that is being pushed through with little opposition. LNP and Labor will tell you a minor party vote is a wasted vote, it’s not it is actually a vote for the people and from the cross bench we can start holding whoever is in government to account.

5: My 100-day plan is to go into every community large and small and hold a town meeting to listen and workshop the needs of that community. I want to ensure we are setting our priorities together. This will also include touching base with all the major stakeholder groups like schools, police, community groups, emergency services and Councils. I want to start with a fresh slate and at the end of 100 days know my electorate and its real needs personally.

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Questions posed for each candidate to answer:

1: Who are you and what do you think qualifies you for the role?

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

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

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

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

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Gilmour Space has successfully completed a major wet dress rehearsal at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland, marking a key milestone towards the launch of the country's first Australian-made orbital rocket later this year.
 
During the test, the Eris rocket was safely loaded with propellant and all launch procedures were executed up to T-10 seconds before lift-off.

The full rehearsal confirmed the performance of critical systems and only minor issues were identified.

These issues included two faulty valves and some minor software reconfigurations.

They are expected to be resolved before the first flight.
 
Director of Launch Vehicles and Satellites at Gilmour Space David Doyle said this rehearsal was a success.

“I cannot overstate the significance of what we’ve accomplished, with only minimal issues detected,” he said.

“This was the final major test to validate the readiness of our rocket, ground systems and crew, while allowing us to address any concerns ahead of launch day. 
 
"At this stage, we expect to resolve all identified issues in the coming weeks. Pending approvals and other unforeseen events, Eris should be ready for launch as soon as we get the green light."

Gilmour Space are currently pending launch permit approval and airspace management clearances from the relevant agencies.

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Eris, Australia's first sovereign-made orbital rocket, at the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in QLD
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Gilmour Space Mission Control during Wet Systems Test 
Photos supplied

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