Mackay and surrounding areas offer locals and tourists alike a chance to explore the rainforest and coastline, visit significant historical and natural wonders, as well as enjoy food and entertainment.

Read ahead to delve into just a few of many wonderful experiences that are on offer in the Mackay region.

Sarina Sugar Shed

The Sarina Sugar Shed offers fully interactive guided tours, encouraging a paddock-to-plate experience to be had by their guests. Take a historic journey into the pioneering days of the sugar cane farmers in Mackay’s region, then onto the mill and distillery area where you will learn the process of extracting juice from fresh sugar cane.

The tour finishes with tastings of liqueur products, chutneys, relishes and sauces, non-alcoholic ginger beer, and freshly-spun fairy floss.

If you are a connoisseur of ‘sugarcane champagne’, enjoy the separate distillery tour where you can sample a selection rum or rum liqueurs.

Seaforth Beach

The newly erected Seaforth Esplanade offers the Seaforth Camping Reserve, as well as a picnic area, beach swimming enclosure, junior and senior play zones and a splash pad. Seaforth is the ultimate family getaway, as well as an ideal location to launch your boat and explore the group of Newry Islands.

Visit the Seaforth Markets, a blend of community camaraderie and quality products held every Sunday morning.

Ball Bay, Haliday Bay and Cape Hillsborough are also hot spots to visit in close proximity to Seaforth. Explore the serenity, abundance of flora and fauna, and spot the wild kangaroos at dawn and dusk!

Eungella

At Cedar Gallery, you can discover the history of Eungella and enjoy a tour showcasing a collection of local artworks, all within the beautiful surrounds of Broken River.

Stop off for lunch at Eungella Chalet and enjoy the fresh air at the beautiful mountain-top pub. Adjacent to the head of the Mackay Highlands Great Walk, you can enjoy a delicious meal and a hike through the lush rainforest all in one place!

Follow the road from Eungella township towards Broken River. Access the carpark to your left to observe the jaw dropping beauty of Sky Window, located within a beginners’ walk of the entrance.

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10 Local Businesses Share Spotlight At QLD Tourism Awards

The Whitsunday region has reached wide-spread acclaim once again with 10 local operators returning home with accolades from the 38th annual Queensland Tourism Awards which were held in Cairns last weekend.

A total of seven golds, two silver, five bronze and one highly commended award were won by local businesses and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton said he is thrilled with the result.

“The awards our operators received on Friday night further highlights the outstanding contribution The Whitsundays makes to the tourism industry in Queensland,” Rick said.

“As a region, we are punching well above our weight and offering our visitors an exceptional experience when they are in our region.”

The 10 local businesses that won an award at the Queensland Tourism Awards were Cruise Whitsundays, Whitsunday Coast Airport, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Ocean Rafting, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, Bowen Visitor Information Service, SeaLink Whitsundays, Magnums Airlie Beach, Pinnacles Airlie Beach, Mirage Whitsundays, InterContinential Hayman Island and Queens Beach Tourist Village.

The Marie Warson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual was also awarded posthumously to Whitsunday local Michael Hackett, a long-term tourism advocate for the region whose passion now lives on through the Skyway Whitsundays project.

These awards represent the culmination of another ground-breaking year for Whitsunday tourism, with record visitation rates already setting the region on a high.

As of June 2023, the region welcomed 765,000 domestic visitors which equated to an 11.7 per cent increase on average over a three-year period.

There was also a domestic spend of $1.3 billion which is a 29.3 per cent increase on average over the past three years.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Chief Executive Officer Brett Fraser said the region should be proud of its accomplishments and contributions to the Queensland tourism industry in the last 12 months.

“Following tonight's impressive wins, it is evident why the Whitsundays region has played such a monumental role in driving world-class visitor experiences in the tourism industry this year,” Mr Fraser said.

“A massive congratulations to all the category winners, and winners from the Whitsundays region. They’ve broken some records this year, which is an amazing achievement.

“The Whitsundays is an incredible destination in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and I’m sure the region is very excited to welcome many more visitors in the years to come.”

The Queensland Tourism Awards took place in Cairns and there were 31 award categories, with a total of 78 operators awarded including 31 Gold, 26 Silver and 20 Bronze.

Select category winners will gain automatic entry into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in the Northern Territory on Friday 15 March 2024.

Next year the Queensland Tourism Awards will be held at The Star in Brisbane.

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10 Whitsunday-based tourism operators celebrated big wins at the Queensland Tourism Awards last Friday. Photo supplied

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton with Elizabeth Hackett, wife of Michael Hackett who posthumously won the Marie Warson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. Photo supplied

Mayor Julie Hall accepted awards for Whitsunday Coast Airport and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone,

Has anyone noticed the wave of Covid that is currently causing many of us to drop like flies across the region?

It seems every second person I speak with has a recent Covid story!

In fact, I have my own to share.

When I saw the sinister two blue lines appear on my testing kit I have to say, I was a little apprehensive!

This was my first Covid experience, and I was bracing myself for a horrible week of sore throat, possible breathing issues, fevers, sweats and all the other side effects people complain about.

I immediately isolated myself and called the school to arrange to pick up my son.

This was, however, the first of many phone calls where I realised how much our response to Covid has changed since the height of the pandemic a few years ago.

The school administration lady told me there was no need to pick my son up unless he showed symptoms and she divulged that she had also had Covid a few months ago.

Later that same morning I made a work-call to a friend, and she told me she was also isolating at home, having got the dreaded Covid earlier that week, but still feeling well enough to work remotely.

A few days later I spoke to another client/friend who’d had it some weeks prior, and she thought it gave her a new armour – she was glad she’d got it before Christmas and now felt invincible!

There are two things I am glad about with this new attitude towards Covid – firstly that it is becoming normalised instead of feared, and secondly, that it is normalised because thankfully people are no longer dying from it.

We are largely vaccinated, symptoms are decreasing (it is now similar to a flu), and many of us are accepting that it is travelling across the community, but we are no longer scared.

We are free and living a slightly altered, highly sanitised life where we are respectful, cautious but also at ease.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Fear is interest paid on debt you may not even owe” (Unknown)

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Giving his time to John was an easy task for Robert Murphy, a local tradesman, when he heard of John’s callout for some help to do some work on his property.

Living with MS and with a steep backyard to manage, John was on the hunt for a contractor to make his back garden accessible for him, but instead Rob answered his call and offered to do it for free.

“John’s had a life, helping his community and I just wanted to make sure he could enjoy his life,” Rob explained.

Once he confirmed what John needed, Rob turned to Facebook to ask for some muscle to help with the work.

Inundated with support, Rob was careful.

“It was overwhelming support, but I didn’t want to rock up to John’s with an army. It’s daunting to ask for help and I didn’t want to embarrass him,” Rob said.

So last weekend, with the capable help of Warren from Fencing Whitsundays, and Pete, a retired accountant, the trio got to work on John’s backyard, installing sleepers, building a retaining wall, constructing drainage, and beginning to backfill segments of the garden.

“John’s a good person and it really filled our cups to help him like that.”

John treated the trio to a pizza lunch, and they all finished the day off with a cold beer at the pub.

“The support from the community that we received was amazing. I couldn’t keep up with the comments of people wanting to help out,” Rob said.

“It was amazing and thank you Waz and Pete.”

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Warren, Peter and Rob, helping John enjoy his back garden. Photo supplied

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Hundreds of families and students, both past and present, attended a special farewell assembly at Cannonvale State School earlier this week, an opportunity to say goodbye and good luck to the much-loved School Principal, Angie Kelly.

For the past 11 years Ms Kelly has been the charismatic leader for the local primary school and is renowned for her lively weekly assemblies that keep both students and parents entertained.

She is also widely respected for being a hands-on Principal who is often in the classroom and works closely with both staff and children.

A star-like presence in the school, Ms Kelly in fact wanted to be follow a career in the dramatic arts when she was younger, but when she spoke with her father after finishing high-school he said:

“There is no greater stage on earth than teaching!”

And since then, Ms Kelly has definitely proven that to be true – her passion for the bi-annual school musicals a perfect example of how she lights up the stage and encourages all her students to do the same.

Ms Kelly has taught at many schools and had many adventures during the course of her teaching career so far, but it is Cannonvale State School that captured her heart for the longest time.

“I’ve spent a fifth of my life here which is the longest I’ve spent anywhere!” she commented.

Beginning her teaching practice in 1995, Ms Kelly taught at the Glass House Mountains and Thursday Island before travelling around the world with her husband just after they met.

The couple were volunteer teachers in Africa for some time and also in the Torres Straits before moving back to Australia where they started a family.

Deciding to apply for Principal positions, Ms Kelly was successful at securing a role at Marinda State School in Bowen, before moving over to Cannonvale State High School in 2012.

“There is so much I love about teaching!” she said.

“Kids are just magic, it’s an absolute privilege to help shape their minds and mould their futures – schools are such joyful places to be and I have loved every second.

“I have made so many connections with every community – there is such an outstanding staff and community here in Cannonvale and I thank them for embracing everything I’ve cooked up over the years!

“I will miss them all!”

Ms Kelly will also be remembered as a driving force behind the Principal’s Pre-School which welcomes pre-school-age children to experience and get to know the school environment prior to starting prep.

Retired teacher and a Cannonvale State School student grandmother, Jan Smith, said she has never met a principal quite like Ms Kelly.

“I have known many teachers in my life, but no-one comes close to Ms Kelly - not even close!” she said.

“Your talents, your devotion, your personality, your love for your students and your 'team’ - incomparable - you are 'amazing' as we say to our students!”

Ms Kelly will brighten another school with her amazing talents next year and is due to become school principal at Ironside State School in St Lucia, Brisbane.

She and her husband decided to move to Brisbane to be closer to their two children who are going to university nearby.

“I am not someone who says goodbye, I will always carry everyone in my heart and every memory in my mind,” she shared.

“Thank you to everyone, it’s been an emotional week, and I am so grateful to you all.”

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Cannonvale State School Principal Angie Kelly is leaving after 11 years. Photo supplied

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Proserpine Hospital is set to receive massive upgrades, totalling close to $8 million in building works.

The $8 million from the State Government will include a new renal dialysis service and four renal dialysis chairs and a refurbishment of the Acute Primary Care Clinic.

The renal dialysis upgrades are part of the government’s $27.7 million commitment to deliver 33 renal dialysis treatment spaces in regional Queensland.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman said, “This is a significant project that will be greatly welcomed by renal patients currently travelling to Bowen or Mackay for weekly treatments.

“We are committed to providing care closer to home for Queenslanders and know the burden is significant for those needing to travel for dialysis treatments several times a week.

“That’s why we invested more than $27 million to deliver 33 renal dialysis treatment spaces, across Queensland for our rural, remote, and regional communities.”

The Acute Primary Care Clinic refurbishment is set to include renovations to the clinical assimilation training area, clinical assessment rooms and management office spaces.

Under construction currently is an offsite facility in Herbert Street which will host the Clinic, while main works are being completed.

The renal dialysis treatment facility is expected to be operational in early 2025, and the Acute Primary Care Clinic building is anticipated to be open in 2026.

“While the project at Proserpine Hospital is taking longer than anticipated, each step has allowed us to maintain service delivery as we work to deliver these essential upgrades,” Mrs Fentiman said.

“I look forward to residents accessing these new and enhanced services over the coming years.”

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Renal dialysis and upgrades to Acute Primary Care Clinic confirmed for Proserpine Hospital. Photo supplied

Eight children, a loving wife, extended family, and countless others across the local sporting community are mourning the loss of a much-loved, dedicated sports dad this week.

Matt Costello passed away suddenly when he was visiting family in Mt Isa, leaving his wife and children devastated, a huge gap in their lives that can only be filled in some small way by the wonderful memories that remain.

With many of Matt’s children highly skilled athletes, the family are all part of several local sporting groups including Raiders Whitsunday Rugby Union Club, Sea Eagles AFL Club and also Whitsundays Touch Footy.

Remembered as a quiet spoken gentleman with a ‘Colgate’ smile, Matt would always be on-hand to cook the BBQ at sporting social events and was an avid supporter of all his children’s sporting efforts.

“Matty was always around to lend a hand, and when he was asked to do something, it was no dramas,” said Andre Houston from the Whitsunday Rugby Union Club.

“And no matter what, he would always work very hard to go wherever he had to go and do whatever he had to do with the financials to make sure his kids could play sport.

“He was their rock and his kid’s best friends, he had a really good relationship with all of them, he was a good father and a good man and will be missed by everyone who knew him.”

“He had such love and dedication to his children and although they were all very creative, he was never arrogant, he was always very respectful.”

Matty is survived by his wife Jasmin and their eight children - Shakane, Justyce, Shakaya, Deakoda, Shanaya, Leshara, Shayden and Matayis.

A gofundme page has been set-up to help the family with ongoing financial costs if you wish to donate go to the Whitsunday Rugby Union Club Facebook Page and follow the link.

Matty will be laid to rest on 8th of December 2023 at Dajarra, QLD at 12:30pm.

A separate date for a memorial service in Airlie Beach will be advised soon.

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Matt Costello will always be remembered as a big supporter of all his children. Photo supplied

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You may not have met Jill and Geoff Wilson, but you’ve definitely felt their influence and their dedicated work.

For 20 years now, this couple have been logistical powerhouses, assisting Red Frog Schoolies efforts and making sure that young people return home safe and sound every single night of their Schoolies celebrations.

However, Geoff is very humble: “It’s not about me, it’s about the amazing young people, the Red Frogs who take the time off work, travel to Airlie Beach, and work frontline with Schoolies.”

“I’m more behind the scenes, assisting with organising, preparations, that sort of thing,” he explained.

“I look after the Red Frogs themselves.”

However, there is always more to the story.

This past Airlie Beach Schoolies saw over 1,400 school leavers celebrate in Airlie Beach, with 75 Red Frog volunteers, from across the state checking-in alongside them.

“They gave up a week of work, and signed up for the 2am walk homes, helping people who maybe indulged a little too much.

“It’s great work, holding back the hair of someone while they vomit, knowing that they are in good hands.”

Geoff described the work as impact and intercede, being a helping hand, keeping young people hydrated, doing a lot of walk homes, mediation.

“The legend of the Red Frogs is far reaching. The reputation itself earns a lot of respect with young people.”

In the 20 years Geoff and Jill have assisted the behind the scenes of Airlie Beach Schoolies, they have helped approximately 90,000 Schoolies, given out over five tonnes of Red Frogs, and secured 1,600 volunteers with accommodation, while they helped with Schoolies celebrations.

And of course, Geoff and Jill have already signed on for the 2024 Schoolies celebrations.

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Geoff and Jill Wilson being honoured for 20 years of service with Red Frogs. Photo supplied

And just like that, Schoolies is over for 2023, but event organisers are proud of the success of their third annual week-long celebration.

With over 1,400 Year 12 school leavers partying in Airlie Beach last week, Margie Murphy of Airlie Events, who is responsible for organising the Airlie Beach portion of the nation-wide event was pleased with the reception.

“The week went very well,” she said.

“The students were very well behaved, from what I’ve seen and heard from the Police, Ambulance Service, security and the supportive teams we had on site.”

These 1,400 came from across Australia, including as far west as Western Australia, New South Wales, the Gold Coast, South East Queensland, and even Bowen, Townsville and Cairns.

The numbers were on par with last year, Margie believes.

“We’re very happy with the turnout in Airlie Beach, considering other destinations, like Bali, have opened up for Schoolies,” Margie explained.

“This has been the best-behaved cohort we’ve seen, and Red Frogs and Youth With A Mission Whitsundays provided great support, along with the Police, Ambulance crews and Security.”

Of all the planned celebrations, the revellers most enjoyed the Pink Night, where female DJ Nina Sinclair brought great beats and a perfect energy.

“It was just a tropical party vibe in paradise, and a lot of the kids said they’ll be back.”

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The Bowen Visitor Information Centre claimed the bronze prize in the Visitor Services category at the Queensland Tourism Awards in Cairns last week.

With more than 100 Visitor Information Centres across the state, the competition was very high and the team at Bowen were very proud to be named number three in all of Queensland.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the team always worked incredibly hard to provide the best information services for the thousands of visitors who call in each year.

“We had a record number of visitors in the financial year, sold a record number of mango sorbets and expanded our merchandise range to include more mango-inspired products and other local produce.

“We have more than 300 brochures from all regions in Queensland and are proud to be able to provide information about our area and the rest of the state.

“Our team of staff and volunteers are dedicated and very knowledgeable. We all have a passion for Bowen and the greater Whitsunday region.

“To pick up a Bronze at State level was very exciting.”

The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is located right next to the iconic Big Mango, just five-km south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway.

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Young Edie Tanks from Bowen was very excited to find out she was featured on the promotional slide when the Bowen Visitor Information Centre was announced as the bronze winner

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy outside the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Regional Council

Not all heroes wear capes, as we think our Disaster Management Coordinator Sandra Black is a legend who has been at the forefront of Council disaster team for the past six years.

Known widely as “Blackie”, Sandra has been with Council for almost 25 years, joining the organisation fresh out of university and initially working at the Proserpine Library.

In 2014 she completed her Advanced Diploma in Public Safety and has since continued her professional development, completing many of the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements Module training.

Blackie was nominated for an Everyday Hero Award for her work assisting the community’s recovery after Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and was selected as a finalist.

She loves the people she works with - “I spend 8 hours a day with them, that is more than my family sometimes!  I don't think I would have lasted 25 years without the wonderful people I work with. “

On the weekends she loves to garden and catch up with friends for a Saturday brekky and a natter and Blackie’s aim is to be able to retire without another major disaster like TC Debbie on her watch!

We will leave the finals words to Blackie and they give a hint to the personality of our livewire Disaster Management legend – “I can still cartwheel up the hallway which is quite an achievement for a 51 year old!”

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The Cannonvale Library will be trialling extended opening hours from Thursday 2 November 2023 to Saturday 27 January 2024 in order to better serve our community.

The extended hours will apply on Thursdays from 8:15 am to 6:45 pm (previously 4:45pm) and Saturday from 8:45 am to 12:45 pm (previously 11:45am).

Our regional libraries offer so much more than books, and this extended opening hours trial gives residents more time to discover the extensive range of library services for themselves!

What's more, with summer holidays just around the corner, our regional libraries have a huge range of exciting school holiday activities on offer!

Check out our libraries' website for more information: libraries.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

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Born and bred local, Jenny, thrives living independently, in the calm and capable SIL (Supported Independent Living) units, provided by Endeavour Foundation in Cannonvale.

For Jenny, the ability to govern herself, create and hold her own routines and be independent has been life changing.

She works hard to keep her space clean, dedicated to vacuuming and mopping, cleaning the dishes, and cooking for herself.

Jenny has been living in SIL for over two years, and she hasn’t looked back once.

“Jenny has worked really hard to be independent,” Jody Flaherty, Endeavour Foundation’s Home and Community Site Manager explained.

“I make my bed every day, do the washing up, cooking and clean the floors,” Jenny said.

Aligning with Jenny’s goal of staying fit and healthy, she has also recently joined a gym.

“I bike a lot, and go for walks,” Jenny said.

“And I have a diet. My favourite meal is salads. But it’s all about portion control!”

Jenny likes to keep busy. Monday to Wednesday she joins the groups at the Learning and Lifestyle hub at Endeavour Foundation, and Thursday and Friday she works with the Reef Gateway Hotel.

Working with the Reef Gateway Hotel for 13 years now, Jenny has done everything from housekeeping and barkeeping to reception work.

“She even has her RSA for the hotel,” Jody explained.

Leading an independent and well-rounded lifestyle is something Jenny was looking to achieve; her SIL home choices and the support from Endeavour Foundation has enabled her to live this reality.

With three SIL units available at the Cannonvale location, each hosting two individuals with shared common areas and independent and private quarters, residents can feel safe and secure.

With around the clock support, in the form of 24/7 staffing hours, the freedom to design how the space looks, with access to all activities, SIL allows for empowered and positive living.

The Endeavour Foundation SIL accommodation in Cannonvale supports NDIS participants.

“We try our best to match individuals together in a house share, with their compatibility, likes, dislikes, ages, their preferences,” Jody explained.

“You’ve got to build relationships,” Jenny said.

Jenny and her housemate often watch TV together and catch up on the news.

And what is Jenny’s secret to living independently?

“Good time management.”

Jody agreed, “Jenny is always on time, always organised, with her bag packed. She always makes sure she is ready to go and take on the day.”

For more information on how you can discover independence through SIL accommodation in Cannonvale reach out to Endeavour Foundation on 1800 112 112 or visit endeavour.com.au

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North Queensland Bulk Ports have announced the nine community organisations set to receive a share of $60,000 in funding, supporting local community with initiatives expected to deliver strong benefits.

Of the nine recipients, two organisations supporting Bowen and Abbot Point residents were selected, these being the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Girudala Community Co-Operative Society.

The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s initiative is the launch of an Investment Opportunities Guide, that will showcase the programs and events that the Centre supports that relies on donations or self-generated funding.

“We want to boost programs so that they are sustainable forever,” Stephanie Cora, Executive Officer of the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre explained.

“We have only two employees full time, but so many more of our staff, volunteers and directors help more than that. We want to showcase our growth, sustainability, and resilience of our clients.”

The Guide is a close analysis of the Centre, of its maintenance of funding and continuation of community minded programs.

“About 80 per cent of our funding is from the government, the rest is from donations, and our outreach like the Shed Shop and Food Hampers. This is to show everyone what we do and how we do it. And that we’re not just here for people in crisis but everyone.”

“We are very excited to receive this funding and help us launch this Guide.”

The second Bowen organisation is Girudala Community Co-Operative, which provides healthcare and support for Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples, with the funding supporting their emergency relief program for Indigenous families.

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Bowen Neighbourhood Centre staff. Photo supplied

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Ergon Energy units in the region are calling for farmers to be cautious when completing hazard reduction burns or with cane fires.

One such unit in the Burdekin was recently called out to a burnt power pole, following a cane fire.

Power was quickly restored to the affected areas, after the fire was controlled, and Ergon Energy crews were able to access the site.

Ergon Energy Work Group Leader Lawrence Hitchcock explained that controlled burns could pose a threat if the fires get too close to power poles and other electrical assets.

“More than a dozen power poles were brought down by landowner’s burns getting out of control last year bringing down poles, powerlines and cutting supply to entire communities in some cases," Mr Hitchcock said.

“In addition to the inconvenience of widespread power disruptions, fallen powerlines can cause serious injury or even death to people and livestock that come into contact with it.

“Just as troubling is a power pole that’s only partially burnt because it will be significantly weakened and potentially snap during high winds or storm activity without warning.

"So, we’re asking any landowners who are about to burn to ensure vegetation is cleared within a five metre radius of the base of a pole."

Rural Fire Service A/Assistant Commissioner Peter Hollier said taking precautions before and during hazard reduction burns could significantly minimise the risk of damaging property and electricity infrastructure.

“It is imperative landholders are well aware of their surroundings and remain vigilant to ensure they, their families and properties are safe while conducting any bushfire mitigation work,” Mr Hollier said.

“To minimise the chances of fire damaging power poles and property, I would encourage property owners to trim or clear any long grass, foliage and rubbish around their electricity infrastructure and remain with any planned burns they carry out.”

To report a network fault, contact Ergon Energy on 13 16 70. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, contact 000.

There is currently a complete fire ban within the Whitsunday region, and all fire permits have been suspended.

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Ergon Energy teams urge safe fire practices near power poles. Photo supplied

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