July 1 marked a momentous occasion for CQ Rescue as it commenced operations under its own CASA Air Operator Certificate, ushering in a new era for the region’s beloved rescue helicopter service. After years of preparation, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has granted CQ Rescue the authority to operate its own flight operations, eliminating the need to outsource to another company.
This change also signifies the end of RACQ's long-standing role as the naming rights sponsor. A CQ Rescue representative reflected on this transition with a mix of gratitude and optimism, stating, “The conclusion of our naming rights sponsorship with RACQ marks the end of an era, and the exciting start to a new one.
“For over two decades, their generous backing has empowered us to enhance our services and save countless lives. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their enduring partnership and support.”
CEO Tim Healee is immensely proud of his team, noting, "This milestone marks a significant step forward for CQ Rescue as we now have full control over our operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency for the communities we serve.
“Over the past two years, our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to transform CQ Rescue, culminating in achieving our own AOC (Air Operator Certificate) and securing our future longevity.”
In preparation for this new direction, Mr. Healee and his team have scoured the country to assemble the most experienced and dedicated aviation leadership team.
“We have sourced the best talent to ensure that CQ Rescue is well-equipped to move forward as an independent operator and continue delivering exceptional service to our community.
“Our vision is to be Australia’s leading Aeromedical and Search and Rescue operator, recognised for our tenacious commitment to excellence,” he said.
As part of their commitment to the region, CQ Rescue will soon welcome two brand new AW139 aircraft. These state-of-the-art helicopters, costing $52 million, will fly 30 per cent further and 30 per cent faster, equipped with advanced technology to save more lives.
The new helicopters also mark a shift in the service's visual identity, evolving from the iconic yellow to a vibrant orange. This colour change symbolises energy, enthusiasm, courage, and compassion—values that resonate deeply with CQ Rescue's mission.
The vibrant orange with red hues mirrors the rich colours of the region's rugged landscape, embodying the resilience and strength of rural communities. The blue, synonymous with CQ Rescue for decades, remains a part of their solid foundation, representing the brilliant skies and ocean colours of the area.
CQ Rescue also acknowledges the increased operational costs with gratitude towards the State government and QLD Health, who have agreed to boost their support to ensure the continuity of this essential service.
In addition to the new aircraft and operational autonomy, CQ Rescue is excited to welcome new supporters to their family. The details of these partnerships will be revealed at the unveiling of the new helicopter.
“This is more than just a change in operations; it's an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to saving lives and serving our community with the highest standards of excellence.”

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OPINION PIECE

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is renewing his desperate calls for the Federal and State Labor Government’s to fix the Bruce Highway. His sentiments have been echoed by the Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry.

Following the recent fatal tragedy on the weekend near Gumlu, Mr Willcox said Labor’s decision to slash funding to the Bruce Highway in his electorate of Dawson is despicable.

“While the investigation into the cause of this accident is still ongoing, any life lost on the Bruce Highway is one life too many, and we desperately need investment into this road to ensure there are no more victims of the Bruce,” Mr Willcox said.

“The stretch of highway that runs through my electorate, from Mackay all the way up to Townsville has the worst safety rating out of the entire Bruce.

“While Labor is busy investing millions of dollars in the southeast corner to secure votes, innocent lives are being lost, and frankly, it’s disgusting.

“This isn’t about politics or political agendas; this is about the safety of my people and the safety of the people travelling through our region.”

Ms Landry said that the Department of Transport and Main Roads data of the 15 deadliest lengths of road between 2015 to 2024 shows that 9 of these are located in the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday and Townsville areas.

“Despite this, in State Labor’s most recent Budget, not a single cent will go to upgrading some of the most dangerous stretches of road between Rockhampton and Sarina. While Federal Labor are sinking their road funding into south-east Queensland,” she said.

Mr Willcox explained that the previous Coalition Governments prioritised funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway during their time in office, and yet the State Labor Government has been sitting on this funding.

“I have called on the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, many times to look at funding for this section of highway, I have even invited the Prime Minister and his Ministers to come and see it for themselves,” Mr Willcox said.

“Instead, they pulled millions out of our region and injected it into the southeast corner, all while slashing the funding model from an 80:20 split to a 50:50 split.

“This government is playing with the lives of every person who travels the Bruce Highway, and it needs to stop.

“We deserve better.”

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Andrew Willcox MP points out the disgraceful condition of much of the Bruce Highway in the Dawson electorate. Photo supplied

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Endeavour Foundation is embarking upon Australia’s largest Virtual Reality (VR) rollout for a disability service provider and 50 locals with disability from Business Solutions in Mackay, are set to benefit!

The exclusive VR suite, will include two VR hubs with all of Endeavour Foundation’s leading VR learning programs, including: catching public transport (bus and train), how to cross a road through pedestrian safety, how to use an AT, navigating a café and barista training, forklift driving and warehouse safety, as well as a driving simulation focussing on car license preparations, driving at night, highway driving and parking.

Sixty Endeavour Foundation disability service sites along the country’s eastern seaboard will receive the newly released VR suite, directly assisting close to 3,000 people with disability to develop work and life skills.

“This rollout has been enormous and a huge advantage to the people we support. It’s an incredible feat, and certainly the largest in the disability sector. But we couldn’t do this without support,” said Endeavour Foundation’s Service Design Manager, Chris Beaumont.

“Our VR technologies allow Endeavour Foundation to create new possibilities for people with disability, whether it is improving life skills in our Learning and Lifestyle Hubs or gaining some skills towards sustainable employment while in a safe and controlled environment,” Mr Beaumont said.

Endeavour Foundation has a range of technologies and programs that help people with disability to live their best lives.

“The tech comes with the additional support of our exclusive 2D video-based THRIVE learning platform, enabling another way for people to upskill at their own pace, without the virtual reality setup,” Mr Beaumont added.

The mass VR release is the result of a generous $200,000 donation to the leading disability service provider, by its flagship charity car rally of 35 years, ‘Great Endeavour Rally’, with an additional local grant boost of $22,000 from the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Honourable, Julieanne Gilbert MP Member for Mackay, proudly launched the new VR suite at Endeavour Foundation’s Mackay Disability Social Enterprise on Wednesday 26th June.

“I was proud to support the Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant application as a way of building the skills and capability of people with disability in our electorate.”

“I congratulate Endeavour Foundation on the rollout of this new technology.

“Many people with disability will benefit from this new way of learning,” Ms Gilbert added.

Alex Gable has been at Endeavour Foundation’s Mackay disability social enterprise for a year, and although he’s used VR previously for gaming, this is the first time he’s pulled on the goggles for work purposes.

“I’ve had a go at the new VR. I did pallet jack and I walked through the warehouse, I had a few collisions with things, It’s a good thing it’s VR and not the real world.

“I wasn’t hurt. And I tried it again and I got it right,” said Mr Gable.

“VR helps with new experiences, and it also shows you how things work. It gives you confidence before you try if for yourself in the real world,” Mr Gable confirmed.

Mackay Business Solutions, Operations Manager, Shelley Henson, said “The introduction of the VR suite will be a true asset to our operations here, as it will enable the people we support, to learn and hone skills safely and in a controlled environment.

“It’s just wonderful to enhance abilities through different ways of learning.

“We are very grateful to the Queensland Government for this very generous contribution, we’re also incredibly grateful to our local community and businesses in the area who support us at Endeavour Foundation to help create possibilities for people with disability.”

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Australia’s largest Virtual Reality (VR) rollout for disability service providers is set to benefit 50 locals with disability from Business Solutions in Mackay

Member for Mackay Julianne Gilbert with Alex gable demonstrating the VR and Endeavour Foundation’s Service Design Manager, Chris Beaumont. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is again delivering the Greater Foundations program, aimed at informing Greater Whitsunday teachers and educators on what career and workforce opportunities exist across the region.

Find out what role robots will play in the future of advanced manufacturing and how agtech is revolutionising the Greater Whitsunday agricultural landscape.

Greater Foundations24 developed by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and delivered with curriculum experts Future Anything is designed to build career-based classroom learning.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the event will give educators the understanding from industry leaders, of the breadth and depth of future career opportunities available in the region.

“This event will set the scene for educators and teachers about the greater possibilities right here in our region and provide detailed information that links to the curriculum about the roles in emerging and traditional industries.

“Our region is home to multiple billion-dollar industries and our highly skilled workforce has a proud track record of hard work and innovation and is supported by world-class educational initiatives.”

Ms Porter said part of the day’s program will be a range of sessions from a diverse line-up of industry leaders. The morning session will focus on Industry to Classroom, which will unlock the future of regional tourism followed by how advanced manufacturing is revolutionising with the advantage of robotics. In the afternoon, educators will explore Technology Transforming Industry. This session will discuss how technology is revolutionising farming while also exploring how we reimagine learning across mining and agriculture.

Greater Foundations24 will be facilitated by curriculum company Future Anything.

Founder Nicole Dyson said part of her role on the day will be to introduce educators to how they can future-proof education while navigating today’s education and workforce landscape.

“You can't have a compelling curriculum without confident educators,” she said.

“Greater Foundations24 is going to be about bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world.

“The Greater Foundations’ events are some one my favourite events to attend every year because the sense of community and connection is so strong,” she said.
Scheduled for Friday, July 19, Greater Foundations24 will convene simultaneously across three locations: Mackay, Moranbah, and Proserpine.

For more information and to register for Greater Foundations24 visit events.humanitix.com/greater-foundations24/tickets

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Event Details:
Date: July 19,2024
Time: 8.30AM to 3.30PM
Venue: Resources Centre of Excellence

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The late Sir Bruce Small who was famously called ‘Mr Gold Coast’ for touring the country with bikini models to promote Surfers Paradise, has been announced as the new posthumous winner of the Queensland Greats Awards 2024 … and Mackay musical heritage is connected with his famous life journey.

The award honours the former colourful Gold Coast Mayor for his contribution to the history and development of Queensland including donating millions to charity, with the town of Mackay included in his incredible life story, now told in the new official biography ‘Sir Bruce Small: From Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast’.

The book - launched in February on the Gold Coast and in March at Melbourne’s MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) with support from the Australian Sports Museum due to Sir Bruce’s fame in cycling for making Malvern Star a household name - mentions Mackay as one of more than 30 Queensland locations in the biography linked to Sir Bruce Small.

Gold Coast journalist Rachel Syers, who nominated Sir Bruce for the award as a living legend in his lifetime for his lasting legacies to the Gold Coast and the state of Queensland, accepted the award on behalf of the Small family. She was presented with a plaque by Queensland Premier Steven Miles at a Queensland Day ceremony on 6 June, 2024, attended by the Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young.

Having spent nine years researching and writing the book, and conducting 100 interviews, Rachel says Queensland towns such as Mackay all play their own small part of the giant story, whether it was involvement with the Gold Coast promotional tours which travelled as far north as Darwin and Cairns, or sharing some cycling history with Sir Bruce and the iconic champion he managed, Sir Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman.

“Mackay must have made an impact on Sir Bruce Small when he was touring to promote tourism in the 1960s and 1970s, with groups of models in gold bikinis who showed off the beach lifestyle to be found in Surfers Paradise,” says Rachel, author of the official Sir Bruce Small biography.

“When I was sorting through the fabulous family collection of Sir Bruce’s keepsakes, I came across a tray filled with dozens and dozens of beautiful historic badges, pins and cuff links presented to Sir Bruce during his time travelling as Gold Coast Mayor and State Member for Surfers Paradise,” she says.

“He was a supporter of more than 100 clubs and organisations back on the Gold Coast and knew the value of warm relationships with towns throughout the country, so at some time he’s returned home with an attractive yellow and red badge that features the crest of the Mackay City Band - and it still looks in excellent condition today.”

The badge features a Latin motto and images including what appear to be palm trees.

“It makes sense for Sir Bruce to be a fan of the Mackay City Band because he could sing opera and was passionate about music, having played horn for 40 years in the Salvation Army’s Staff Territorial Band in Melbourne.  

“He even conducted the Salvos band by the beach when it toured to the Gold Coast while he was Mayor in 1967, captured in a photo treasured by the family from their private collection.

“The Small family would love to hear if anyone from Mackay remembers this visit by ‘Mr Gold Coast’ and if he also made a guest performance,” says Rachel.
 
The book ‘Sir Bruce Small: From Malvern Star To Mr Gold Coast’ is being heralded as a defining publication for the history of Australian cycling, Queensland politics and Gold Coast history, and is available in libraries and bookstores around the country.

For more information, visit www.sirbrucesmall.com.au

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The Mackay City Band badge from Sir Bruce Small’s collection -1960s/70s
Author Rachel Syers with the new Sir Bruce Small biography.
Gold Coast Mayor Bruce Small conducting the Salvation Army International Staff Band at Surfers Paradise Beach, 1967. Photo from Sir Bruce Small: From Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast. Images supplied

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Dozer operators at Anglo American’s Capcoal Complex are in training to embrace remote control technology to improve operator safety on site.

The operation, near Middlemount, is trialling a remote-controlled stockpile dozer ahead of plans to retrofit the entire fleet.

Anglo American, which operates five steelmaking coal mines across the Bowen Basin, will reduce in-cab dozer exposure time by 45,000 to 75,000 hours a year once the technology is fully deployed across all sites.

The remote control dozer trial has been named a finalist in the innovation and safety categories at the Queensland Mining Awards held in Mackay in July. The project has also been named a finalist in the innovation category at the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference awards on the Gold Coast in August.

Coal Handling and Processing Plant dozer operators are the first to gain experience operating teleremote dozers as part of a pilot program to reduce exposure to concealed stockpile voids. The pilot includes the retrofit of a stockpile dozer with the latest Wi-Fi-enabled technology to set up connectivity between the machine and the operator chair in the control centre.

Capcoal general manager George Karooz said it was the first time the remote control dozer technology would be used at Anglo American’s Australian operations.

“Upskilling our workers in this new technology is paramount to its success because their expertise is irreplaceable, even when the work is done remotely,” he said.

“In pursuit of safety and efficiency, the mining industry has been a constant driver of innovation for generations.

“Operating our fleet of dozers from a safe distance will reduce the number of hours in the cab and fully remove our operators from the dozer seat in what is another significant advancement in autonomous mining.”

Acting automation operations manager Matthew Wakeford said operators were being trained in how to control a dozer from a remote control centre, in a transition that has been nine months in the planning.

“We are re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives. From a business safety perspective, this will remove our coal miners from the hazards of working with voids in our coal stockpiles,” he said.

“We are starting with small steps as our workers adjust from the ‘feeling’ of manual operation to remote control with cameras and computer screens.

“We already have microphones in the machine sending the sound back to the operators along with six cameras on the dozer itself - as well as cameras around the stockpile which can all be adjusted remotely.

“Through feedback, we are now looking at whether we can adapt the chair to tilt and provide movement feedback through the joystick the same way our operators would sense the stockpile beneath when manually operating the dozer.

“We’re starting with just one dozer, but the plan is to ramp up and retrofit the entire fleet - that's 13 in total across our Capcoal and Moranbah operations.”

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Remote Control Dozer operator Wes Sann. Photos supplied: Anglo American

A remote control dozer in operation

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By Amanda Wright

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In the early hours of Saturday 29 June, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) was alerted to a methane ignition at Grosvenor coal mine in Moranbah, west of Mackay. The incident prompted an immediate response, with coal inspectors dispatched to secure the site.
All employees were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic emphasised that the primary concern for everyone involved is the continued safety of workers.
"The coal mine is in the process of being sealed and as a result, exclusion zones remain in place to ensure the safety of those on and near the site," Mr Djukic stated.
The Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) highlighted the persistent dangers posed by methane emissions to both workers and the climate. Grosvenor coal mine, an underground facility, has a history of methane-related issues since its opening eight years ago, including a notable explosion in 2020. The current fire, caused by methane gas igniting on the longwall coalface, has once again raised alarms.
QCC Energy Strategist Clare Silcock voiced relief that no injuries occurred during this incident but stressed the need for stricter methane emissions reporting.
"We are relieved that no one was injured in this round of methane-related problems at the Grosvenor coal mine. But this fire clearly shows coal companies can’t continue to downplay their methane emissions," Ms Silcock said.
Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin and Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, expressed relief that no one was seriously injured. He extended thanks to first responders and emergency services.
"We need to be realistic that, following this incident, there is very little hope of the Grosvenor mine reopening. That means that the priority should be ensuring that affected workers are supported, including financially," Mr Last stated.
Mr Last acknowledged Anglo American’s offer to pay workers for seven days but urged the company to guarantee full payment for all workers, including subcontractors, until a final decision is made. He also stressed the importance of providing due benefits promptly if the mine closes.
"Make no mistake, the impact of this incident will be a major hit for places like Moranbah and for the state as a whole," he noted.
Anglo American reported positive progress towards the temporary sealing of Grosvenor Mine, with all efforts proceeding safely and to plan. The company said that air quality monitoring indicates no impact on community health, but residents are advised to seek medical advice if concerned.
"We continue to make positive progress towards the temporary sealing of Grosvenor Mine, with all work proceeding safely and to plan,” the company released in a statement on Tuesday.
“The sealing efforts mean the amount of oxygen available to the underground fire has greatly reduced. The QMRS mobile extinguisher unit (GAG) continues to help in this effort. As a result, smoke continues to reduce."

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A localised ignition occurred on the longwall face at Grosvenor Mine, resulting in an underground combustion event. Anglo American is using remote-controlled technology to assist in the temporary sealing of the mine. Photo supplied: Anglo American

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Australia’s largest regional mining event, the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME), returns this month to the Mackay Showgrounds, raising the standard with its largest-ever Seminar Series.

From 23-25 July, the free-to-attend Seminar Series hosted by Komatsu will feature 13 panel discussions with an impressive lineup of high-profile speakers from the C-suite to peak bodies, research and industry associations.

The Seminar Series runs across all three days of the exhibition, covering a wide range of industry topics from mining royalties to sustainability milestones and mental health and wellbeing.

Tuesday’s panel discussions start off with a bang, as the Bowen Basin Mining Club’s Jodie Currie moderates a panel on royalties and their impact to Queensland. The panelists include Paul Flynn of Whitehaven Coal, Janette Hewson of the Queensland Resources Council, Dr Matt Anderson of Commodity Insights and Dr Ross Lambie of the Minerals Council of Australia.

Ms Currie says that the panel’s discussion will probe the flow-on effects of changes to Queensland’s royalties scheme, also looking at alternative approaches for alternative outcomes.

“It’s no secret that the Queensland industry has felt the impacts of royalties and the associated policy and risk environment affecting investor confidence levels over the last few years. I’m looking forward to frank discussion and key insights on real issues for the sector at QME, starting with this panel opportunity,” said Ms Currie.

Later on Tuesday, a panel will discuss trends that are reshaping Queensland’s mining landscape, and the opportunities they present to build a sustainable mining sector. Discussion will dive into volatile commodity prices, decarbonisation, corporate social responsibility, and emerging demand in the Indo-Pacific.

Wednesday’s panel discussions cover ground in safety and collaboration, with one panel discussing mining’s future workforce and how industry and academia can build the next generation of miners. Moderated by Bec Murton of Murton Consulting, this panel features Jan Norberger of the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance, Robert Buttery of CQUniversity and Larnie Mackay of Mynesight.

The Seminar Series is free to attend with free registration to QME. Registering online ahead of time is recommended to avoid queueing at the gate. QME runs 23rd to 25th July at Mackay Showgrounds.

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank awarded community grants to support students at three local primary schools through the Community Engagement Program – with a focus on enhancing youth education in the region and fostering the development of the next generation.

Students at Alligator Creek State School benefitted from a successful community grant to upgrade their Homework Reading Project, including decodable books, to support students at all reading levels to improve their reading speed, comprehension, and attention span.

Secretary of Alligator Creek State School Parent and Citizen Association Nikki Klags said in 2022 they saw a “shift in students’ confidence, which resulted in higher levels of engagement and excitement towards reading” when they first used the decodable books.

“These decodable home readers have proven to increase students’ reading ability,” Ms Klags said.

Oakenden State School P&C grant application for a new barbecue and facilities to support future school events, including their annual cross country event that is attended by other schools throughout the region, was also successful.

Oakenden State School Principal Angela Wood said the new facilities will enable the school to “provide reliable, safe cooking equipment for our volunteers to use and provide our community with food through our canteen at our events throughout the year”.

“We support the achievement of quality educational outcomes for students through fostering parental and community engagement in a thriving and successful education system,” Ms Wood said.

Swayneville State School received funding to increase lunch time seating, creating a more comfortable environment for students during their breaks.

“Lunch time is an essential period of rest, to break up an otherwise densely packed school day. It’s also a time for students to meet up with friends and fuel their bodies,” said Swayneville State School P&C Association President Simone Hauwert.

“As a P&C Association, we strive to make improvements throughout the school each year to ensure our students are at the heart of all the decisions, as we help provide Swayneville with a healthy learning environment.”

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said that the community grants were part of the Community Engagement Program, which is “committed to supporting youth education, enabling local schools to improve educational facilities, develop programs, and positively impact the wider community”.

For more information on Community Bank Sarina's local community support initiatives, follow the bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/communitybanksarina.

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Alligator Creek State School students with Community Bank Sarina mascot – Piggy. Photo supplied

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In the dynamic landscape of Mackay’s sugar industry, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) is fast becoming a driving force for growers, fostering innovation and resilience among its members. This organisation, dedicated to activating agricultural excellence, addresses rising farming costs, promotes environmental sustainability, and champions water quality issues.

At the helm of QCAR's efforts in the Proserpine, Mackay, and Sarina areas is Sonia Ball, a woman whose life and career are deeply intertwined with the land and its stewards. Her journey from a bush kid in Darwin to a pivotal figure in the sugar industry highlights her unwavering passion for helping growers thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Born in Darwin to parents who were buffalo shooters Sonia’s early life with five siblings was fun, rugged and adventurous. Being raised in the bush instilled in her resilience and a deep connection to the land.

Sonia’s first connection to the cane industry on moving to Queensland was through journalism, where she spent 18 years at the Daily Mercury, specialising in rural reporting.

"A large part of what I did there was rural journalism, and because I'm a country girl I have a real passion for telling the stories of the people who look after the land," Sonia recalls.

Her work allowed her to forge strong relationships with growers and industry stakeholders.

"I did a lot of articles with growers and stakeholders, and while you may think the sugar industry largely stays the same, it is complex and it always has something going on.

“It's always fascinated me how it evolves, and I quickly built knowledge and relationships in the industry."

After leaving the newspaper, her passion for the sugar industry led her to a communications role within the sector, where she worked for eight years before then joining Queensland Sugar Ltd (QSL) for another five years. At QSL, Sonia played a crucial role in educating growers about sugar marketing.

"I loved working with the growers; that's always been my passion."

She helped them understand the market dynamics and take control of pricing, ensuring they were better equipped to succeed.

After a brief hiatus to care for her unwell mother and recharge, Sonia joined QCAR with renewed vigour.

"I'd been going hell for leather for such a long time, so taking a break was a really good thing. It allowed me to find my passion again, and the new position with QCAR has reinvigorated my love of the industry," she says.

Sonia firmly believes that competition within the market benefits all growers, driving improvement and innovation.

"Growers should always have choice, and having competition in the market will make every entity better because they have to be—you can't continue to rest on your laurels," she explains.

Despite QCAR being relatively new in the Central Queensland region, it has a strong foundation and is well-established across the state.

"The experience behind QCAR is not new. The growers, knowledge, and experience in this organisation really is as good as you'll find anywhere," Sonia states.

QCAR’s approach is deeply rooted in listening to growers and incorporating their needs into the organisation’s strategies.

"We don't go from the top and say 'this is what we think you should have'; we go from the ground up and ask what it is they need.

“We're building and our growers are growing with us.

"There is a perception that we're not local, but I can tell you, I'm a local. I've been here for well over three decades and we now have a small cattle property at Ilbilbie.

“Our head office might be in the Burdekin, but all organisations have a head office somewhere. Our local office is in the heart of the CBD in Mackay. Of course I spend most of my time on the road visiting our growers and stakeholders and being involved in the communities of our three Central District regions.

“I am a local who is proud to know the industry and its people, and our Central District committee are all local growers. QCAR is here to stay."

Sonia is excited about the future of the sugar industry and the role QCAR plays in it.

"This is a real difference for growers; they've never had the whole kit and caboodle to weigh up before. The integration with ACFA has really strengthened QCAR as has our affiliation with AgForce, so our representation goes from face-to-face at the kitchen table right through to state and federal government."

QCAR is focused on sustainability and innovation, supporting projects that create additional revenue streams for growers through the bi-products of sugar.

"We're supportive of those projects to create additional sources of revenue for growers,” Sonia says.

“Let's start normalising reusing our products and making it a priority instead of constantly pushing the ideas aside. Let's make it more of the conversation and get these projects actually on the ground."

Outside of her professional life, Sonia and her partner Craig manage a rural property in Ilbilbie, where they run about 50 head of breeding cattle on 500 acres.

"Not all of it is pastured country; it's more like goat country. It's rough and it can be a bit dry, but we love it, and it is surrounded by beautiful cane country," she says.

Their weekends are spent tending to their cattle, chooks, and ducks, reflecting their enduring love for rural life.

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Central Queensland District Manager for QCAR, Sonia Ball. Photo supplied

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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Given the community-wide current cost of living crisis, Mackay Regional Council’s budget announcement last week cannot be seen as anything more than a slap in the face for the people of this region. It’s a disappointing impost on the community in difficult times.
It’s a double hit, too, with the steep 3.6 per cent rise in rates combined with a reduction in the on-time payment discount reduced from 10 per cent to 6 per cent. Obviously, council has costs to cover, but, equally, sometimes expenditure needs to be reined in in difficult times.
Farmers too, will grapple with the increases, and farming isn’t like other small businesses.  
If a shopkeeper faces an increase in their costs, they can absorb that cost into their pricing. There will be muttering from the customers, but the opportunity is there if the market will bear it.
For the majority of farmers, and most certainly for cane farmers, they do not have security of income. The income we derive from our crop is entirely driven by the world sugar price, and the mills’ capacity to process our crop.
As farmers, we can work on our productivity, getting the most tonnes of sugar per hectare that we reasonably can. We can work on choosing our varieties carefully, improving soil health, and making sure our plants are able to efficiently use nutrients and water. That, we can do.
Otherwise, we are at the whims of the market and weather, and the success of the supply chain.
It seems to be a struggle to get some to understand that fact, which is why, over the past year we have kept talking to our regional council about ratings categories and practices.
In 2023, new Land Valuations came into effect across the Mackay Region. Growers, particularly growers close to the urban concentration of Mackay, but also those in areas that are attractive to those looking for a rural residential lifestyle. Some of the valuations, driven by property sales nearby, more than doubled.
We appreciate that council reduced the rate from 2.58 cents in the dollar to 2.25 for the 23-24FY. It is positive for growers that experienced that small reduction. It is positive that some had increases under $100. Our concern is for the outliers.
Imagine your rates bill suddenly having an extra $10,000 on it. How do you meet that cost in a finite budget?
Yes, farmers do have the capacity to earn an income from the land on which their families live. However, the assertion that the region must get that amount from the cane growing sector shows a profound lack of understanding of the ups and downs of the sugar industry, of how it operates.
What happens if there is a drought? What happens if the region is hit by a severe cyclone? What happens if the world sugar price collapses? All have regularly happened over the past 100 years and will happen again. Council is not a feudal master entitled to extract as much as it can from residents, but should work within reasonable means.
To play one sector of the community off against another, to say another rating category would have to meet a shortfall in cane land rates revenue seems divisive. CANEGROWERS Mackay has found the language used by Council, burying a very human plight in a cascade of percentages to be dismissive and lacking any sort of compassion for people hit by steep increases, whether in farming or any other category.
The cane farm rate is 163 per cent over the average residential rate. The cents-in-the-dollar rate for cane farms is double that of other rural landholders. It is a rate comparable to a Paget industrial business, most of which enjoy the benefit of the resource sector economy. And I’ll guarantee none of those business premises are also the owner’s family home.
CANEGROWERS will continue to advocate on this issue on behalf of growers.
Moreover, as we come into a state election, we call upon candidates with an interest in the agricultural sector to find a new structure for assessing and protecting quality agricultural land that is challenged by inflated valuations caused by urban expansion.

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Cane farms are homes, as well as businesses.  Picture: Kirili Lamb

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The Fair Work Commission has ordered three unions to suspend industrial action at the Queensland factories of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables for six weeks after hearing submissions from unions and the company.

Fair Work Commission Deputy President Dobson had been asked by Sugar and Renewables to issue suspension orders after unions notified intention to mount a series of stoppages over coming weeks, further threatening company attempts to continue with the annual sugar season.

The company gave extensive evidence to the Commission on the impact of bans and stoppages, including the effect on regional economies and third parties in the sugar supply chain, particularly cane growers. The Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the suspension of industrial action relieves the immediate risk to the annual crushing season, and provides clear air for negotiations with unions on the enterprise agreement.

“Everyone in the supply chain can now make the necessary preparations to get underway and begin making up for lost time,” the spokesman said.

On Tuesday, Fair Work Commission Vice President Gibian, based in Sydney, heard an application from unions for a stay on the order made by Deputy President Dobson on Sunday night for suspension of industrial action in Wilmar Sugar and Renewables factories for six weeks. VP Gibian stood over the application until the unions’ appeal against DP Dobson’s decision is heard in the Commission on Friday. This means that the suspension order remains in place and no protected industrial action can proceed while it remains.

On Friday, 5 July, the Commission will hear an appeal by unions against DP Dobson’s decision on Sunday evening to order suspension of industrial action at Wilmar sites for six weeks.

After delays caused by industrial action and then rain, Wilmar reported that its factories are getting back into production quickly with the resumption of harvesting after the most recent widespread rainfall.

“As at 10.30 Tuesday morning, Kalamia, Inkerman, Proserpine, Plane Creek and Macknade were crushing, although Macknade faced early issues with excessive mud. Invicta is looking to crush Wednesday, and Pioneer should be in production by the end of the week,” a spokesperson said.

CANEGROWERS has welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s order to suspend industrial action at Wilmar sugar mills for a period of six weeks, with Chairman Owen Menkens calling on all parties to use the time to find a permanent resolution to the ongoing pay dispute.
 
“The Commission’s ruling will come as a huge relief to growers, many of whom have already been significantly impacted by this dispute,” Mr Menkens said. 
 
“It offers some certainty around crushing, at least until mid-August, so we can get on with the harvest while the milling company and unions continue to negotiate a fair resolution.”
 
Uncertainty created by the ongoing dispute has caused great anxiety within the growing community, Mr Menkens said.
 
“CANEGROWERS has been working with the affected districts to ensure grower concerns are addressed and to calculate the cost of ongoing disruptions to the crush.
  
“This dispute has dragged on for months and has already cost the industry a great deal due to stalling and delaying the crush across Wilmar districts, not to mention the stress it has caused to growers.
 
“We continue to support the rights of workers and employers to negotiate fair enterprise agreements, but as this dispute drags into the cane crushing season proper, there is a clear risk that growers’ livelihoods are being used as a bargaining chip by both sides. 
 
“The mill and unions are locked in a game of chicken, hurtling towards a mid-season collision and hoping the other side blinks. Cane farming families may well be the unintended casualties.
 
“The parties need to take any and all steps necessary to ensure there are no more disruptions to this year’s cane crush. 
 
“We need both parties to resolve the dispute now.”

Meanwhile, Wilmar received another blow last week, with two staff with more than 14 years of experience handing in their notice of resignation at Invicta Mill.

The AWU (Australian Workers’ Union) claims that these latest departures come as a direct result of Wilmar’s low wages and will leave Wilmar’s largest mill critically short-staffed.

The AWU reported that one Wilmar worker at Invicta, who asked not to be named for fear of repercussions, said the departing workers will lead to the mill struggling to maintain quality and reliability throughout the crush.

AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson said these reports confirmed what workers, cane growers and the local community had been saying for some time.

“Wilmar’s greed is slowly strangling the sugar communities of our region,” said Mr Wilson.

“We have also heard that Wilmar has had to send a boiler operator and a boiler assistant from the Inkerman mill to Proserpine because they don’t have anyone trained to do the job down there.

“It’s time for Wilmar to send an adult into negotiations to get this resolved.”

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Plane Creek started crushing on Tuesday due to delays created by industrial action and wet weather. Photo credit: Wilmar Sugar and Renewables

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If you’re anything like me, it’s been a long while.

After today, I’m hoping to get a few lazy sleep-ins as I’ll be on holiday from the 4MK breakfast show for a couple of weeks. The boss said to me a few weeks ago to get some holidays in, so July it is.

For some people who have asked, including my dad who I spoke to on the phone yesterday, I won’t be travelling anywhere though. No road trips. No plane trips. No extended camping swag trips. None of that. Just my bed, the alarm clock set to off, and just relax.

A few people have said holidays are for getting away and exploring the country or another place overseas. I get that, but right now, I’m just keen to potter around Mackay and the Whitsundays for a fortnight.

Sure, I’ll probably take a drive up to Airlie for a look, and go for a swim in the chilly waters at Finch Hatton, plus have a few sneaky pies and steaks at a few restaurants around town too.

It all starts tonight with another basketball game at the Crater. The NBL1 season is nearly done, and we are looking pretty for the finals, so tonight we’ve got Cairns from 6:30. I’ll jump on the mic and volunteer my time to help this great sport. It’s a fun night.

I had a look through the diary to see if there are many things I need to get done over the next two weeks, and there are a few. Plasma donation this Monday, volunteer with Meals on Wheels Thursday, there’s a few board meetings to get to, and then the big event next weekend with the wedding of my hockey family mates Andrew and Emma. I was asked a couple of years ago to be the emcee at their wedding reception and of course, I said yes. I can’t wait for this day. In all seriousness, these guys are just beautiful together. Two people who go above and beyond for anyone, anywhere, and anytime. They make a great couple.

So, whatever you have planned for this weekend, enjoy it and stay safe. Oh finally, turn the alarms back on Monday too if you’re taking kids to school. Term 3 starts up, and you don’t want your kids to be late. They’ll be busting to get back to it. Honest!

Have fun.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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By Amanda Wright
At last week’s Mackay Regional Council annual budget meeting, tensions ran high as councillors debated the decision to reduce the early payment discount for ratepayers from 10 per cent to 6 per cent. This change, part of the 2024-2025 budget, effectively results in a significant rate increase for the majority of residents who traditionally take advantage of the prompt payment discount.
Mayor Greg Williamson acknowledged the challenges facing many in the Mackay region due to rising costs of living and household budget pressures. He emphasised that the council itself is grappling with escalating costs, likening its financial struggles to those experienced by businesses and households.
“This has been a tough budget to frame, but we’ve worked hard to keep the cost of delivering services the community expects down as much as possible so as to not burden ratepayers,” Mayor Williamson stated.
The newly adopted budget includes a rates increase of 3.6 per cent, translating to an average residential ratepayer paying $3623 per year—an additional $133 annually or $2.56 per week. However, for the approximately 80 per cent of ratepayers who benefit from the early payment discount, the rate increase will effectively be around 8.2 per cent.
Cr Peter Sheedy vehemently opposed the reduction in the early payment discount, expressing his concerns about its impact on the local inflationary spiral and household budgets.
"The decision by Mackay Regional Council to shave 40 per cent off the early payment discount used by about 80 per cent of ratepayers, taking it from 10 per cent down to 6 per cent, means a rate increase of 8.2 per cent for the large majority of ratepayers is unacceptable," Cr Sheedy remarked.
He criticised the council for not exploring alternative measures to drive efficiency and cut waste.
"As a newly elected Councillor with a focus on rate reform, I was opposed to the early payment discount being reduced," Cr Sheedy continued.
"I saw it adding fuel to the local inflationary spiral by the time its full effect flows through to households and renters. My endeavours to persuade Council to investigate a capping methodology were rejected by a majority of councillors who decided to stick with a system that will deliver a heavy blow with rate increases of as high as 60 per cent and 80 per cent for the second year in a row.
“Such blatant unfairness is why I wasn’t able to support the revenue policy statement and the rate schedule that flowed from it."
Cr Sheedy further highlighted the plight of ratepayers affected by a serious rating anomaly created last year, who are now facing another year of outrageously high rates.
"Ratepayers affected by the serious rating anomaly created last year, although small in number, are effectively being dealt a second dose of outrageously high rates that just cannot be justified. It’s deeply stressful for them but hard to make headway against entrenched opinions when the council refuses to take time and look at alternatives," he added.
Mayor Williamson defended the reduction in the discount as a move towards a more “socially equitable” rating structure, arguing that the most vulnerable ratepayers, who often enter payment plans, aren’t eligible for the discount and thus subsidise those who can afford to pay early.
“The 10 per cent discount in the current year’s budget equated to $19.91 million in revenue raised but then distributed back to ratepayers who could afford to use the discount. That will drop to $12.44 million in the 2024-2025 year due to the change to a six per cent discount,” he explained.
The $7 million difference will be redirected to council operations to help keep overall rate rises lower and mitigate disadvantages for those who cannot access the discount.
Cr George Christensen also opposed the discount reduction, arguing it unfairly penalises diligent ratepayers.
"The way the revenue was gathered for the rates should alarm every ratepayer and resident in our community," Cr Christensen said.
"The documents are touting a 3.6 per cent rates rise which aligns very neatly with the current CPI, but the average increase in terms of dollars that someone is going to have to pay is much, much higher, more than double the CPI."
Cr Christensen emphasised the disproportionate impact on the majority of ratepayers who pay early.
“It effectively affects 80 per cent of ratepayers, those who diligently pay their rates early, to an 8.2 per cent increase in their financial burden. It’s not just an increase, it’s a penalty on prudence and a tax on timeliness,” he stated.
Cr Bella supported the reduction as a measure of keeping the less fortunate in the community from being hit with a higher general rise in the cost of rates.
“There are those who struggle every day to send their kids to school, to fill their shopping trolley, they don’t have ready cash.
“Those who receive that 10 per cent discount do so at the expense of those who struggle.”
Cr May agreed and said it was important to vote on a budget that didn’t reduce services to the community.
“It’s not an easy decision to reduce that discount, however my part of the community certainly don’t want a reduction of services, and that would need to happen if the discount remained at 10 per cent.”
Mayor Williamson concluded the debate in chambers by saying, “If we increase the core value of the rateable property, that’s forever.”
“We’ve delivered a budget that doesn’t cut services, but has cut many departments back to the bone to trim as much as they can off the cost of operation.
“In keeping the general rate at the lowest possible level, it’s beneficial forever for that property.
“Ours was an equitable decision to deliver the lowest possible increase to the core value of the rateable property.”

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“It’s not just an increase, it’s a penalty on prudence and a tax on timeliness.”

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Cr George Christensen speaking at last week’s ordinary council meeting. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Real estate agents are manipulative, greedy, parasitic sneaks who exploit desperate Mackay home-buyers and create angst and trauma in the community by forcing up property prices beyond what people can afford.
Harsh. But is it fair?
The sentence seems to accurately paraphrase the current view of a fair portion of the real estate-buying community in this town.
Call me a sensitive little princess who can’t take fair criticism but, personally,  I don’t agree with that view … although I do feel there are some valid criticisms that could be made. And I want to talk about how auctions put those criticisms to bed.
Firstly, people need to understand that a listing agent like me is legally and ethically required to get the best price possible for their clients, the sellers of a property.
The code of conduct is very clear in stating that a real estate agent must “act in the best interests” of their client. Among other things, it means getting the client the best price you can achieve.
There is nothing in the code that says: “Make sure you consider housing affordability and try to keep the prices down so people are not priced out of the market.”
A listing agent’s job is to create competition that will ensure the best price is achieved. It is about finding fair market value and, in this town, market value is going up.
Having said that, there are some criticisms that I can understand. One is that people are not getting the chance to put an offer on a property before it is sold.
Sometimes that is because the property sells after the first open house and the buyers have simply not been fast enough to move. Other times a property is sold before the scheduled first open house and buyers feel they haven’t been given a chance.
It usually means that the seller feels the price offered prior to the open house is at or above expectations and they accept the offer because they don’t want to lose the buyer who has made that offer.
But there has also been a trend this year for properties to be sold “off-market” to southern buyers, often through buyers’ agents. While the agents are doing nothing wrong in that situation because they are simply acting on the sellers’ instructions, local buyers do miss out on the opportunity.
One of the big criticisms of agents is the lack of transparency and the denial of an opportunity to buy a property. And often when people do get the chance, it is a multiple offer situation where it is illegal to tell anyone what another buyer’s offer is. Buyers are told to submit their best and final offer and, when they miss out, don’t even know whether they got close.
That’s where auctions come into it. Auctions are transparent; you know what the other buyers are offering for the property. You get to respond to another buyer’s offer and compete openly for the property.
An auction is also scheduled. You know when it is going to be so you can plan for it.
The problem is that some Mackay buyers in the past have said they “don’t like auctions”. Now I’m going to be a bit brutal here; you can’t have it both ways people. You can’t complain about properties being sold quickly/missing out in multiple offer situations/ a lack of transparency and then say, “But I don’t want to bid at an auction”.
At Gardian we love auctions for all the reasons I have mentioned and we have had very successful ones recently where buyers realise they need to get organised and be ready to bid at auction.
They put on their big boys’ or girls’ pants, get pre-approved for finance, look at the building and pest report that we have provided and register to bid at auction.
In auctions, buyers and sellers are happy with an open, competitive process that allows a property to achieve fair market value. The good news for sellers is that if their price is not achieved they can pass the property in. And, for buyers, they are able to bid up to their budget and pull out if the bidding goes beyond that.
Buyers need to get pre-approved through their bank or a broker like Gardian’s experienced Mortgage Choice experts so that they can confidently bid at auction.
Usually, the building and pest report will be done and available so, as long as you are pre-approved by a broker, you are ready to go.
One of my favourite quotes about our democracy refers to our open court system, where “justice is not only done, it is seen to be done”.
Auctions offer a similar important transparency, where a fair sale is not only done but it is seen to be done.

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