The festive spirit cruised over to Whitehaven Beach on Monday when 28 families, carers and clients from  Endeavour Foundation’s Learning and Lifestyle hub in Cannonvale, were treated to an afternoon out on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

A kind and thoughtful Christmas gesture from Cruise Whitsundays, the trip was provided for free to Endeavour Foundation as an inclusive way for people living with disability to enjoy some quality time with their loved ones.

Jody Flaherty, Site Manager at Endeavour Foundation in Cannonvale said it was an amazing experience for all the clients, who came back with big smiles and hearts full.

“We can’t thank Cruise Whitsundays enough!” she said.

“The timing was just perfect and tied in really nicely as we continue to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.

“A lot of the people  we support had never had the opportunity to do something like this before.

“One family member who is in her 70’s and has lived here all her life said that she had never swum in the ocean before!

“Cruise Whitsundays went above and beyond, they provided everything we needed, and everyone returned home safely, with smiles, and couldn’t wait to tell us all about it.”

Accommodating for all abilities, Cruise Whitsundays provided a beach wheelchair for the group, they also set-up beach cabanas to make the experience as comfortable as possible and stand-up paddle boards for those adventurous enough to give it a go.

Bringing some festive cheer to the excursion made the guests feel even more special.

Santa made an appearance and handed out little gifts to everyone.

“The whole experience really contributed to our Christmas celebrations,” said Jody.

“It was also wonderful for our clients to spend some time with their family, it was just amazing!”

Sales and Marketing Executive for Cruise Whitsundays, Liza Muller, said the company were thrilled to help create such special memories for such beautiful individuals.

“It’s so important to support local organisations and as it is the Year of Accessibility, we could see how Endeavour Foundation would really enjoy the experience,” she said.

“We’ve been in the region for 20 years and we understand how important it is to give back to the community, we love local give-backs and are thrilled the experience was so well-received by everyone who came along for the afternoon.”

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28 clients, family and carers from Endeavour Foundation enjoyed a day out on Whitehaven Beach thanks to Cruise Whitsundays. Photo Credit: Reef Safari

A special beach wheelchair enabled everyone to enjoy every aspect of the experience. Photo Credit: Reef Safari

Santa joined in on the fun. Photo Credit: Reef Safari

Great Barrier Reef Arena Vies For Place in 2032 Olympics

The Great Barrier Reef Arena’s viability as an Olympic Games 2032 venue and training ground is being pushed to the forefront of Brisbane-based decision-makers thanks to the Olympic Games Senate Enquiry Committee which is currently touring regional Queensland.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, met with the committee at the Great Barrier Reef Arena last week and spruiked the merits of regional facilities saying that they could become ‘legacy items’ with the right investment.

Creating An Olympic Legacy

Senator Matt Canavan, Senator Bridget McKenzie, Senator Penny Allman-Payne and Senator Malcolm Roberts took a tour of the Great Barrier Reef Arena with Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young last week.

The group explored the facilities and Mr Willcox was eager for them to take “a stock take on what regional Queensland has to offer” so information could be passed onto decision-makers and funds used to improve local facilities.

“We’ve got facilities like this, that are world-class, we’ve got the capabilities to hold events and we have already held international events here,” he said.

“The premier said these Olympics are for everybody in Queensland, but I haven’t seen a lot of evidence of that so far.”

Mr Willcox added that the government is spending $2.7 billion on renovating the Gabba and other facilities around Brisbane.

He said he would like to see some AFL matches and cricket games come to the Great Barrier Reef Arena while those venues are closed during the works.

He also said that he believes money is better invested in the regions as the facilities will be more meaningful to the smaller communities and become ‘legacy items’ for future generations.

“My argument is – let’s develop areas like this, the Great Barrier Reef Arena – put another grandstand here, some more facilities and they will become legacy items,” he explained.

“They will last a long time and will be used each and every day, they won’t just be mothballed after the Olympics.”

Senator Matt Canavan added that resources from the Mackay region’s key industries of mining and agriculture are being used to fund the Olympics so it is only fair that the region benefits.

“It is costing $7 billion in Olympic infrastructure in Brisbane and much of this is coming from regional Queensland,” he said.

“This is the Brisbane Olympics, but it is really being funded by regional Queensland.

“If we are going to fund the infrastructure in Brisbane, we need to make sure there is a return back to regional Queensland people too.”

It is hoped that the Great Barrier Reef Arena will host several events and the Whitsundays will host some of the sailing competitions.

Mr Willcox also hopes to see some of the training sessions take place locally and pitched venues such as the Magpies Sporting Complex for teams to have the opportunity to acclimatise and prepare for the Games.

“We’ve got a lot of submissions coming in and we are providing the Senators with good information – what current infrastructure we have, the capabilities and what infrastructure we need to hold world-class events,” said Mr Willcox.

“It’s great to have all political persuasions here to visit the facilities and we appreciate them going into bat for us.”

Over 150 countries are expected to be coming to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games and the whole of Queensland is set to benefit from the opportunity.

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L-R: Senator Malcolm Roberts, Senator Bridget McKenzie, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Senator Matt Canavan, Senator Penny Allman-Payne and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young are pushing for the Great Barrier Reef Arena to become a 2032 Olympic Games venue. Photo supplied

Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young (far right) took members of the Olympic Games Senate Enquiry Committee on a tour of Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena last week

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December’s City Heart Friday will be a Christmas extravaganza with something for everyone to delight in.

City Heart Christmas celebrations will kick off on Friday, December 1, from 4pm to 8pm with free family fun throughout the city centre.

A special feature will be the Fifth Lane Christmas Markets with over 20 stalls to browse, as well as face painting, glitter tattoos, kids’ Christmas craft activities and roving performers.

There will also be late night shopping in city centre stores with plenty of Christmas specials.

The afternoon would not be complete without a visit from Santa.

Children can meet the man in red at Let the Children Play Toyshop, in Macalister Street, at 6.30pm after he’s driven through the city heart with the Holden Club.

This year, there will be The Great Christmas Scavenger Hunt, where participants can follow a list of clues to 12 different mystery shops, finding treasures along the way.

To win extra prizes, simply take a photo of yourself during the scavenger hunt and upload to www.mackay.qld.gov.au/christmashunt to go into a random draw.

You can complete the scavenger hunt in any order from December 1 to 12, during opening hours, and you don’t have to solve all the clues to be in the random draw.

Don’t miss out on all the Christmas fun in your City Heart this Friday! For more City Heart inspiration.

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The Salvation Army is once again partnering to deliver The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. The charity organisation is calling for support with gifts or monetary contributions until 24th December.

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is a program assisting in the delivery of Christmas gifts to those in need, including Aussies experiencing hardship or crisis and communities impacted by the cost of living.

Choose a practical gift that can be useful beyond Christmas time and deliver it to the Express Drop-Off point outside Kmart, or leave it under the Wishing Tree in store.

Suggested gifts include books, school supplies, headphones, everyday essentials such as socks, bed linen and bath towels, and gift cards.

Drop off a new gift under the Wishing Tree at Kmart, which is located inside Mount Pleasant Centre, or alternatively you can donate in-store or online at kmart.com.au/kmartwishingtree

In partnership with Good360, BIG W’s Giving Tree is now in its third year of giving back to local families in need, with donations accepted until 23rd December.

Good360 matches all stores across Australia with a local charity, ranging from women’s shelters, services for children and youth at risk, schools, homeless shelters and children in hospital.

To contribute, simply buy an unwrapped, sealed and unopened gift and place it under the Giving Tree in store at Caneland Central.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Mackay to get involved and give families doing it tough a chance to celebrate Christmas. With ongoing support from the local community, Kmart and BIG W are determined to make a difference to the lives of many Australians this festive season.

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Give back to families in need this Christmas

Photo credit: The Salvation Army

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Ah, December 1st, the day that sprinkles a little extra magic into the air, it’s as though the world collectively flips a switch, and suddenly, it’s officially the holiday season.

It’s incredible how today has this uncanny ability to transform our surroundings, ushering in the spirit of Christmas with an infectious joy that fills every corner. Or is that just my need to over-decorate?

There’s an undeniable warmth in the air, a sparkle in people’s eyes as they eagerly prepare for the festivities ahead. From the first advent calendar door being opened to the twinkling lights adorning homes, the day feels like a symphony of traditions and nostalgia wrapped up in tinsel and bows.

I have noticed this year that many people have been swept up in the festive spirit earlier than normal. I arrived home from an overseas holiday earlier this week and already more than half of the houses along my street have started decorating.

In this edition we wrap up our City Centre feature, with more inspirational ideas on where to shop in the heart of Mackay for unique and sentimental Christmas gifts. Check it out on pages 18-19.

As we step into December, it's also important to realise that not everyone finds this time of year cheerful. For many families, the rising cost of living makes it tough to afford gifts or even food for special meals. Also, some people feel lonelier or stressed during the holidays, which can seriously affect their mental health.

Grapevine Group has launched their annual campaign Be Suicide Alert this Christmas hoping to remind everyone to keep an eye out for colleagues and loved ones who might find the festive season tough. While we enjoy the festive spirit, it's crucial to offer kindness and support to those facing tough times, ensuring we're there for each other.

Whether it’s in the simple act of sharing a smile with a stranger, let’s make this December a month filled with warmth and goodwill, where the true essence of the season shines through in every gesture.

Amanda

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Whitsunday Anglican School hosted their World’s Greatest Shave event last Friday, 24th November on their last day of school for 2023.

Students partaking in the shave were passionate to raise funds to help Aussie families beat blood cancer, providing precious relief to those who need it most.

With no screening programs available and no means of prevention through lifestyle changes, blood cancer is Australia’s hidden cancer crisis. Every day, 53 Aussies are diagnosed with blood cancer, and 16 will lose their life.

It requires teamwork to stop blood cancer from wrecking lives, which was Whitsunday Anglican School’s reason to step up and take part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave, together giving people facing blood cancer the support and information they need, while driving breakthrough research projects.

Year 11 students Rohit Vaidya, Jarif Mazumder and Josiah Pulikkottil took the lead in assisting the organisation of the fundraiser, with a target of $5,000.

Stepping up to the barber clippers were students Rohit Vaidya, Jarif Mazumder, Amelia Wallace, Josiah Pulikkottil, Noah Binney, Jay Gaunekar and Amelia Wallace.

Commitments from staff members to join the students in the shave included Senior School Teacher Mr James Harris at the $1,000 mark, Deputy Principal Mr Jamie Novosel at $2,000 and Principal Mr Andrew Wheaton at $3,000.

All staff members lost their locks, with the fundraiser hitting just over $4,300 at the time of the event.

The shave commenced on the Senior School stage, with students gathered to cheer on the participants. Barbers from Modielox Mackay Barber Shop assisted in giving the students a fresh, new look for an important cause.

The students have smashed their target, so far having raised $5,730 for the World’s Greatest Shave campaign.

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Rohit Vaidya and Josiah Pulikkottil commencing the shave with a full head of hair

Moldielox Mackay Barber Shop give the boys a buzzcut for the World’s Greatest Shave

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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Syphilis infections in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions have more than doubled this year with more than fifty cases diagnosed in 2023 to date, a concerning rise from the five-year average of 20 cases up to 2022.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Chief Medical Officer Dr Charles Pain said it was necessary to formally declare an outbreak, as infection has spread among the general population in the region, with risk to the particularly vulnerable.

“Most people with syphilis, which is an infection of intimacy, have no symptoms or mild ones which can often go unnoticed and is thus easily spread to intimate partner,” Dr Pain said.

Syphilis is easily spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex or skin to skin contact.

Mackay Base Hospital is now increasing screening of pregnant women at antenatal appointments and encouraging their partners to also be tested.

People aged 15 to 40 who present to the Mackay Base Hospital emergency department may also be tested for syphilis if they are having blood taken.

People can choose not to be tested, however doctors are strongly encouraging people to be tested as syphilis is easily treated.

Sexual Health Physician Dr Arun Menon said pregnant women and their unborn babies were at the highest risk of syphilis infection as it can be passed from mother to baby. “This is called congenital syphilis which can be a severe, disabling, or life-threatening infection for babies.

“The earlier syphilis is detected and treated during the pregnancy, the lower the risk of the baby becoming infected and unwell from syphilis.

“This is why all pregnant women should have a syphilis test in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy (or at the first antenatal visit) and for people who may be at high-risk additional testing is recommended throughout the pregnancy,” he said.

“The cases of infection are in the whole population, including pregnant women. Sexually active people should have themselves tested regularly to protect themselves and their partners.

“Syphilis in Mackay is increasing, and everyone who is sexually active is at risk and should get tested, particularly pregnant women.

“If you have symptoms, particularly ulcers or rashes go to your GP and ask to be tested.” Dr Donohue said.

Dr Donohue encourages regular sexual health check-ups, particularly urging people to ask for a test for syphilis and other STI’s.

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Members from Conservation Councils Queensland, Capricorn, Gladstone, and Mackay convened in Rockhampton and Mackay this week to strategise and develop a plan for a successful implementation of the renewable energy roll out.

The groups and community representatives discussed how ineffective planning laws in Queensland are the root cause of poor project siting and community engagement practices.

“We all support the rapid transition to clean energy to address climate change, which is a major threat to biodiversity and our way of life,” said Senior Renewables Campaigner Stephanie Gray, at the Queensland Conservation Council meeting.

“But we need to make sure that as clean energy is developed we’re not repeating mistakes of the past and letting corporations have free rein to ignore community concerns and develop areas that have a high conservation value.

“We need a well-planned energy transition where renewable energy is built in the right places and First Nations people and regional communities are engaged and see the economic benefits.

“To get this right we need stronger planning laws in Queensland and fast-tracked Renewable Energy Zone planning that incorporates land-use and biodiversity mapping.

“Getting the renewable energy roll out right gives us the best chance at having a future with thriving biodiversity and future-proof regional economies.”

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Mackay Conservation Council gathered to foster positive changes for the renewable energy roll out

Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council approved funding for three community projects through the Activate My Place! (AMP!) Grants at its ordinary meeting last week.

A new mural in the city centre, a series of beachside events on the Grasstree foreshore and family-friendly activities in the Northern Beaches have all received funding to invigorate public spaces and bring the community together.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the AMP! Grant aimed to transform public spaces and bring communities together.

“AMP! is more than just a grants program; it's about turning public spaces into captivating hubs,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Creating strong, vibrant places that bring our community together helps to ignite pride in our region, drive economic development and enrich the lives of everyone around us,” he said.

Mayor Williamson congratulated the three successful applicants.

“These three activations are spread across our region and will be exciting events for all community members to look forward to,” Mayor Williamson said.

“I thank all of the applicants for their efforts to help bring our communities together and I encourage everyone to attend the events when they are up and running,” he said.

The AMP! Grants provide a total of $30,000 in funding to activities that use a collaborative approach to strengthen the connection between the people and places they are activating.

The Mackay City Heart Collective’s “Bee Mindful Mural Project” has received $12,170 to create a mural that will connect Wood Street Park with 7th Lane.

The bee themed mural will commemorate ‘World Bee Day’ in May 2024, with the park a well-known pollination ground for bees.

The Grasstree Beach Progress Association has received $7000 to host Grasstree Grooves.

Grasstree Grooves will be a series of three events on the foreshore of Grasstree Beach which will feature dining, entertainment and a ‘blackboard’ that will provide a platform for community members to showcase their talent.

The Northern Beaches Community Activation will receive $10,829 to deliver a nine-day event that will showcase the diverse local businesses, services and activities available in the rapidly growing Northern Beaches area.

Activities proposed include fitness sessions, children’s activities and a pop-up library, that will then go on to be a community-run initiative.

For more information on the AMP! grants, visit the Discover Mackay website.

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The Mackay Base Hospital Indigenous Meeting Place and Healing Garden was a previous AMP! grant recipient

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Between 25 November and 10 December, the Zonta Club of Mackay will acknowledge the international campaign Zonta Says NO to Gender Based Violence.

The 16 days of activism campaign, which aims to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls around the world, began in 2012 and is marked by public buildings and public spaces being lit orange – the United Nations colour of activism.

Club President Fiona Koutlis said nearly 730 million women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence at least once in their lives. No country is within reach of eradicating intimate partner violence. Despite the scale of the problem and these worrying trends, financial commitments to violence prevention remain limited. Investing in preventing violence against women and girls is crucial to achieving gender equality by 2030.

During the 16 days of activism the Zonta Club of Mackay will have our orange lady silhouettes with more information, they will be on display at Caneland Central, Mount Pleasant Centre, Trudy Crowley Foundation, Queensland Police Service Mackay and Rural View, CQ University Sydney Street Campus, Mackay Hospital Foundation Shop, Mackay Women’s Services and The Neighbourhood Hub, we thank all these organisations for supporting Zonta and 16 Days of Activism.

Zonta clubs across the world combine as one voice to take a stand against gender-based violence.

“Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence,” Fiona said.

Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies advocate for action.

“We want community leaders to stand up and work for a better world for women and girls,” Fiona said.

To learn more about “Zonta Says NO” and join the campaign, visit www.zontasaysno.com or Zonta Club of Mackay Facebook page.

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Kevin Casey is a community-service superhero in the Mackay community, with his priorities solely based around giving back to the region.

Kevin has an expansive array of community-based accolades, serving for twenty-two years with Mackay West Rotary Club including a stint between 2018 and 2019 as Club President. The club hosts events such as fundraisers, swap meets, fairs and charity nights to raise funds for local organisations.

Kevin commented on his role as Club President, “I’ve always worked for the community. You step up and do the job, everyone’s got to have a turn.”

He continued, “We raise funds, and put those funds back into the community. You can do many things and you take pride in doing it.”

Kevin also had sixteen years serving the Mackay Regional Council, four of which he spent as Deputy Mayor.

Kevin is a Life Member of both Mackay Hockey and Mackay Surf Club. He was President of Mackay Hockey for twelve years, even putting down the astroturf for the first time at the club. He also committed himself to the renovations of the old lifesaving club building.  

He is also a member of many sporting clubs, including ruby league, soccer, golf, water polo and cricket.

Kevin’s time has also gone into various organisations, including school P&C and P&F boards, the Road Accident Action Group, the St Vincent De Paul Housing Committee and the Pioneer River Improvement Trust.

Kevin has a longstanding assistance in the St Mary's community, particularly with his involvement in spinning the Ham Weel annually for the St Mary’s Christmas Fair. Kevin’s grandfather started the Ham Wheel tradition back in 1937, and the rewarding task has been passed down to his father, and now to Kevin.

Kevin predicts in his forty-odd years of spinning the wheel, that he has given away close to 3000 hams for families to enjoy on Christmas Day. Part of his pleasure is to see the delighted faces of the lucky winners when they come up to receive their prize.

This year was Kevin’s last spin of the Ham Wheel, now focusing his time into his role as Program Manager for the Mackay West Rotary Club. His primary focus is organising weekly meetings and workshops for members to attend, consistently keeping him on his toes.

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Kevin Casey in 2016 for Mackay Regional Council

Photo credit: Courier Mail

Kevin spins the Ham Wheel for the last time this year

Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council’s 2022-2023 annual report, ratified during last week’s ordinary council meeting, highlights substantial strides toward the region's goal of becoming Australia's premier hub for liveability and economic viability. This report, an amalgamation of key achievements and major projects, seamlessly aligns with the Council's new Corporate Plan (2022-2027) and strategic vision.

Mayor Greg Williamson, emphasising the year's noteworthy milestones, accentuated the significance of these achievements, particularly in the context of the landmark projects that marked progress.

“The Waterfront PDA and Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails are standouts,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It was tremendous to unveil the new River Wharves public realm and turn the sod on stage one of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails,” he said. “The mountain bike project will be transformative for our valley and for the region’s tourism industry.”

Mayor Williamson said the appointment of CEO Scott Owen in November 2022 had also helped to focus council’s strategic vision around the key pillars of the Corporate Plan.

“Invest and work, live and visit, community and environment, financial strength and operational excellence are the areas we are committed to driving forward to achieve our vision and this report tells the story of the progress we have made in those areas,” he said.

CEO Scott Owen said the annual report was an excellent snapshot of how council was working to deliver the best possible service to our clients.

“The 1113 council staff have delivered outstanding service to our community and our region over the last financial year,” Mr Owen said.

“The sheer scope of services provided by this team is detailed in this report and makes you realise the business of council is so much more than just roads, rates and rubbish,” he said.

Mr Owen said some of the services provided would undoubtedly surprise residents.

“For example, our Vector Control team treated 3903 hectares for mosquitoes; our Mackay Natural Environment Centre team grew 45,776 native plants to help green our region; our Community Programs team facilitated more than $564,000 in community grants to support not-for-profit groups; and our Libraries team delivered 1880 programs and 152 outreach events across the region,” he said.

All this information and more can be found in the 2022-2023 annual report on council’s website.

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Loose Ends opens today and will be a night to remember, where the community comes together to embrace difference and celebrate diversity.

Join the Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre for a fun night of entertainment, giveaways, fundraising, socialising and more as they heighten awareness for International Day of People with Disability.

Loose Ends is set to be an eclectic evening of art, music and performances by local artists and performers. Acts include Groove Movers, With One Voice, Choir of Unheard Voices, Strictly Wheelchair Dancers, Maddison Hunt, Crossroad Arts Performers, Live Painters, and more.

What: LOOSE ENDS

When: 1st December 2023 - 7pm to 9:30pm

Where: North Foyer, Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre (MECC)

Tickets: Standard ticket for $25 - visit www.crossroadarts.com.au to book

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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, six are in the Mackay and Hay Point port communities, and were selected on the principles of diversity, inclusion and the recognition of First Nations Peoples.

Mackay’s Reef Catchments was one of the six and Reef Catchments CEO Katrina Dent said her team is excited to extend a successful marine debris removal program conducted in conjunction with Wildcat Mackay earlier this year.

“The program proved highly popular with the community. Volunteers shared that their highlights were being able to meaningfully help the environment while getting to see a different side of Mackay,” Katrina said.

“Thanks to NBQP’s generous support, we are able to repeat this experience, engage more members of our community and help keep our islands free from marine debris, thereby reducing the impact of one threatening process affecting our marine turtles.”

Reef Catchments will use their portion of the $60,00 for the survey of marine turtle nesting beaches and marine debris clean ups across 14 islands off the coast of Mackay.

The other five organisations include Mackay Central State School P&C for the purchase of new books and resources for their Reading Project, Mackay and District Turtle Watch, for the conservation and monitoring at Penrith Island, Sarina State High School for their 2024 Inclusive Learning Centre Camp, Safe Sleep Mackay, for the Sleepbus Initiative, and the 122 Army Cadet Unit, for first aid training for cadets.

Within other port communities, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, Girudala Community Co-Operative, and Weipa Running Festival were also successful in securing funding.

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Reef Catchments Katrina Den and Rachel Taylor. Photo supplied

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In a statement from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), it has been reported that more people than ever before in the Greater Mackay region are working in jobs supported by the mining and energy sector, rising by five per cent during the past financial year.

The region, including Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays is now home to more people directly employed in the resources sector than any other region in Queensland, pushing Brisbane out of the top spot.

The QRC’s latest Economic Contribution report shows the sector now supports around 85,000 jobs in the area, representing almost 80 per cent of total employment.

Speaking from Mackay earlier this week, QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the region was a modern-day workhorse for the resources sector and for Queensland.

“The resources sector contributed $18.4 billion to the Mackay region last financial year, representing 91 per cent of Gross Regional Product,” he said.

“This demonstrates how important the industry is to the region’s economy, and likewise how important the Mackay region is to Queensland.

“It’s why we need to continue to attract new investment in new, greenfield resources projects to support continued growth in our sector.

Mr Macfarlane said the State Government’s sudden decision last year to impose the world’s highest coal royalty taxes without consultation had increased the risk profile of investing in Queensland compared to other mining jurisdictions in Australia and around the world.

“There are mine projects literally across the border in New South Wales which are paying much lower royalty taxes than Queensland.

“That’s the reality of being an industry driven by private sector investment, the majority of which comes from overseas.” He said.

Ian MacFarlane said the industry will continue to call on the State Government to reconsider its decision.

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Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane

Photo supplied

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