Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
There are new things to consider when buying real estate in Australia. Up until last month, people buying real estate in Sydney really only considered the capital growth they were expecting to create within just a few years of making their purchase. Paying $1.2 million for an inner-city two-bedroom apartment didn’t matter so much if it was going to be worth $1.5 million two years later. It didn’t really matter that the crap rental returns you got for that price didn’t go anywhere near covering the mortgage because the old negative gearing benefit meant you could claim the losses on your tax. Things have changed. Negative gearing has gone and prices are dropping in Sydney … so that $1.2 million apartment doesn’t look so enticing any more, even though it’s now $1.1 million. Other cities have also been hit hard. Melbourne is now one of the cheapest cities in Australia to buy real estate. Although there are special Victorian reasons that come into play in that state. Victorians were bullied during COVID in a way that impacted small businesses in a disastrous way. The state’s debt is exorbitant, and no one seems to know how it gets paid back. Tobacco shops keep getting blown up by some underworld gang thing that the Government can’t control. They have metal boxes where people can hand in their machetes and that doesn’t appear to instil peace of mind in anyone. Terrible Governments end up having an impact and it definitely has had one on property prices in Victoria. A quick scan of on-line property sites shows you that you can pick up a decent two-bedroom unit in an inner-city suburbs like St Kilda and Collingwood in the $400,000s. I saw a three-bedder in St Kilda advertised in the $500,000s. While those prices might seem like great value, there are reasons the market is so low. People don’t trust the state Government and its management of the economy and the obvious concern would be that even though the prices might be low, there is no guarantee of capital growth. Capital growth has offered a warm embrace for investors in Australian real estate over many years. There has been an expectation that prices will go up. Obviously they will go up again but the questions is: Where will they go up, when and by how much? Unfortunately I don’t have the answer to that but I do find that when things get a bit blurry and uncertain, it’s good to stick to what you know … which, for me, is Mackay. We have several advantages over many other markets. Our median price for houses, in the $600,000s, is a lot lower than bigger cities so more affordable for local people who, by the way, still need somewhere to live. And, with the end of negative gearing and the banning of borrowing for property out of self-managed super funds, lower prices and strong rental returns should become a key factor in real estate investment. Yes, investors want capital growth but I feel the focus will probably shift more to rental yield and the monthly return on investment. Mackay’s rental returns are good and the purchase prices relatively low compared to other markets so there seems to me a good chance that our market will continue to be buoyed by those wanting to take advantage of that. Meanwhile the Mackay economy seems to be going well, driven by that crucial resource that is dug out of the ground and exported to countries that make steel. I got strong offers on three properties this week so there is a feeling that while there has certainly been a change driven by national political factors, our market is moving through it, adjusting to the new information and still bubbling along. The only thing I would say is that if any of you bump into David Crisafulli tell him to dump those high-level coal royalties.
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Queensland’s top real estate professionals and agencies are being called to step into the spotlight, with nominations now open for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) 2026 Awards for Excellence. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the awards remained the state’s highest professional recognition in real estate and continued to adapt alongside the profession itself. “The REIQ Awards for Excellence are the pinnacle of professional recognition in Queensland real estate, and each year we ensure the program remains contemporary, inclusive and reflective of the full scope of our profession,” Ms Mercorella said. “This year, we’re delighted to add a new Multi-Office Network of the Year category, recognising real estate agencies that operate as a unified multi-office network. “It’s a category our members asked for, and it’s a great example of how the awards continue to evolve alongside the structure and sophistication of Queensland real estate businesses.” Ms Mercorella said there was even more incentive for members to nominate this year, with a pathway from the outset to national recognition in eligible categories through the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) National Awards for Excellence (NAFE). The REIQ Awards for Excellence span individual and agency categories, with some split into regional and SEQ areas, across residential and commercial sales, property management, buyer’s agency, auctioneering, business broking, multimedia, innovation and community contribution. Ms Mercorella said real estate professionals throughout Queensland could now start preparing and polishing their award nominations with the clock now ticking down. It’s time to shine! Nominations close on Sunday 12th July 2026, with the winners announced at a spectacular awards gala on Saturday 31st October 2026 at The Star Brisbane. Nominate now via awards.reiq.com
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Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region. Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces. Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division. Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525. CAPTION: Bianca O'Brien works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Photo supplied Makayla Groves works as a Commercial Property Manager with Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied
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The Coalition has pledged to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) a permanent institution, arguing the move would provide long-term certainty for regional investment, infrastructure and jobs across Northern Australia, including Mackay. The announcement follows the Federal Government's decision to extend the NAIF for a further 10 years, rather than permanently removing its sunset clause. Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said while the Coalition would support Labor's legislation, it believed the independent review's recommendation to make the facility permanent should be adopted. “The Developing Northern Australia is a proud LNP achievement,” Senator Canavan said. “Despite naysayers at the time, Northern Australia has remained on the agenda ever since. I am personally proud to have introduced the original Northern Australia legislation in 2016, with the policy built on the work that was done by LNP Members of Parliaments such as former Senator Ian Macdonald and former MP Warren Entsch. “Unfortunately, Labor is now kicking the can down the road. Northern Australia shouldn’t have to fight every decade to prove it is worthy of investment. “The independent review recommended making the NAIF permanent because it works. The Coalition established the NAIF in 2016, and we will make it permanent because Northern Australia should have long-term certainty for investment, jobs and economic growth.” Since its creation, the NAIF has supported 33 projects with $4.3 billion in finance commitments, helping deliver more than 18,000 jobs and an estimated $33 billion in public benefit across Northern Australia. Those investments include upgrades to airports in Darwin, Alice Springs, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay, along with projects supporting agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald said permanent funding would continue to drive regional development. “Labor talks about Northern Australia, but the Coalition backs it with lasting investment,” Senator McDonald said. “The NAIF has transformed communities, unlocked private investment and created jobs across the North. Making it permanent sends a clear message that the Coalition believes in Northern Australia’s future and won’t treat its development as a temporary priority.” “Governments come and go, but Northern Australia’s importance will never diminish,” she said.
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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
Three artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives are part of council's new budget to be adopted next week.
These initiatives are the latest proactive steps from council to help mitigate significant financial pressures while continuing to deliver reliable, high-quality services to the community.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2026/27 Budget reflected both the challenges facing local government and council’s commitment to modern, efficient service delivery.
“Like many councils across the country, we are facing rising costs and reduced external funding,” he said.
“Our focus is on finding smarter, more sustainable ways to deliver services without compromising quality for our community.”
Council has seen a startling increase in a costs over recent years, including:
These pressures highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability for residents with the real cost of delivering essential services.
To help offset these impacts, council is investing in practical, targeted AI solutions that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
A key initiative is the introduction of a new after-hours digital assistant, LUNA, which will operate from 4.30pm to 8.30am daily and all weekend from July 1.
Replacing a previous afterhours model which used an outsourced, third-party call centre, LUNA will provide consistent, auditable responses using council-approved information.
It will improve how afterhours calls are triaged, especially urgent and emergency enquiries, and will allow routine requests to be handled without delays or manual intervention.
The transition follows changes in the external provider market and is expected to deliver about $80,000 in annual savings, while maintaining service quality and improving response consistency.
Mayor Williamson said this initiative demonstrated council’s commitment to innovation while managing costs.
“We’re using proven technology to deliver services more efficiently while maintaining the high standard our community expects,” Mayor Williamson said.
Council is also expanding AI use in key service areas to address increasing demand and resource constraints.
In Development Planning, automation of high-volume, low-complexity administrative tasks will reduce processing backlogs and allow skilled staff to focus on more complex work.
A similar outcome will be achieved by using Agentic AI to enhance internal corporate services, allowing council’s staff to tackle more complex issues.
This will help council maintain service levels despite workforce and cost pressures.
Mayor Williamson said council was adopting a scalable approach to AI, building on existing systems to deliver improvements across multiple service areas rather than one-off solutions.
“This approach ensures responsible and sustainable adoption of new technologies,” he said.
“By reducing repetitive manual work and improving consistency, we can better manage costs while maintaining strong governance and oversight.”
While efficiencies from these initiatives will be realised progressively, council’s immediate focus is on improving reliability, reducing inefficiencies and supporting a sustainable workforce model.
These actions form part of council’s broader commitment to ensuring services remain efficient, accountable and future-ready, even as financial pressures continue to grow.
Mayor Williamson said innovation would be key to navigating future challenges.
“Innovation is essential to navigating the challenges ahead. By investing in smarter ways of working now, we are helping protect the services our community relies on into the future while putting downward pressure on rate rises.”
Set on the elevated hillside of this 21-acre property, the beautifully crafted, fully airconditioned residence enjoys a breathtaking north-facing 27m x 4.2m covered deck, offering ample room for entertaining or peaceful contemplation while taking in the stunning ever-changing vista. A large covered tiled patio adjoins the deck and living area, creating additional outdoor space overlooking the firepit and orchard.
The home is set within a fully fenced house yard, complete with a secure electric front gate at the road. There is an abundance of water across the property, including four dams, a bore with solar-operated submersible pump (not currently connected), three rainwater tanks with a combined capacity of 62,000L, and town water to the residence. Water is also plumbed to the orchard, stables and other areas throughout the property.
Additional features include fully covered walkways connecting the carport to the home, wireless NBN and full mobile signal coverage.
Optional machinery includes a Fiat 750 tractor with slasher and rotary hoe, 2000 SE5 backhoe, Hustler 54" zero turn ride-on mower, assorted tools and other plant and equipment.
This stunning property is a true gem in the heart of the beautiful Pioneer Valley, offering the opportunity to settle in, relax and enjoy, or get creative and explore the endless possibilities on offer.
Gargett is located in the Pioneer Valley, just 15 minutes from the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail and the beautiful Finch Hatton Gorge. The local Gargett Store is only a short drive away, while the nearest shopping centre is 20 minutes to Marian and 50 minutes to Mackay. It is also an easy drive to the Bowen Coal Basin, Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays, with ample opportunities nearby for fishing, crabbing, prawning and boating.
Makinex Renewables is setting an ambitious target, saving 100 million litres of diesel in five years.
In an industry long reliant on traditional diesel generators, the Australian-made and owned company is helping reshape how remote and off-grid operations power their sites.
Focused on Hybrid Power Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and deployable solar arrays, Makinex Renewables is working with customers to lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, while maintaining the dependable power their operations require.
“The 100 million litre target gives us a clear and measurable objective to work towards while highlighting the impact renewable energy solutions can have across industries that traditionally rely on diesel power,” the company said.
“It’s a goal that keeps us focused on developing practical solutions that deliver real-world results for our customers.”
Designed for businesses operating in remote environments, Makinex Renewables’ modular systems can be deployed as standalone units, integrated together, or incorporated into existing site power setups.
The company’s solutions are already delivering measurable results in mining. Following a trial installation, a mine site adopted Makinex Renewables’ Hybrid Power System and additional solar arrays, reducing generator runtime from 24 hours a day to approximately six to seven hours. Since the HPS45 was deployed in February, the site has cut generator fuel use by 125 litres a day, delivering annual diesel savings of around $91,000 and projected savings of $640,000 over the site’s seven-year life.
Brad Cliff, Director of Generator Services Australia, said the project highlighted the benefits of continuing to challenge traditional ways of thinking and finding better solutions to longstanding industry challenges.
To learn more about Makinex Renewables’ solutions, visit the team at the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition in July.
Photo supplied
Most Reverend Daniel Meagher, the 11th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, made his first visit to St Patrick's College on Wednesday, beginning the day alongside students and staff at the College's Brekky Van outreach service.
The visit provided an opportunity for Bishop Daniel to experience the College's commitment to living its Catholic values through service to the wider community before officiating the blessing and official opening of newly completed building and refurbishment works.
During the ceremony, Bishop Daniel addressed those in attendance.
“We really are here to pray and bless the students and teachers who will use the buildings,” he said.
The redevelopment has delivered contemporary learning spaces designed to support learning, wellbeing and faith formation while reflecting the College's commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities.
Assistant Principal: Mission, Mrs Andrea Crocker, said the occasion was a proud moment for the College community.
“We’re finally getting to showcase our wonderful new facilities and the way the hard work of so many different people has come to fruition,” she said.
The blessing and opening marked the culmination of years of planning and investment, with the new facilities set to benefit Mercy Campus students for years to come.
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Photo credit: Mikey Bartlett
Piles of black smoke smothered Bucasia skies last Friday morning as emergency services raced to a shed fire on Downie Avenue.
Emergency services were called to the address at approximately 9.20am on Friday 19th June 2026, after reports a carport had ignited, with a boat and vehicle also engulfed in flames.
Residents gathered along the roadside as crews worked to bring the blaze under control and de-escalate the situation.
Authorities confirmed all occupants were accounted for, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
At the time of reporting, the carport, boat and vehicle were fully engulfed, with emergency services continuing operations at the scene.
Updates may follow **
Before and after photos of the river clean-up. Photos: Mackay Regional Council
A number of derelict vessels have recently been removed from the Pioneer River in Mackay as part of Maritime Safety Queensland’s Keeping Our Waterways Safe initiative.
The operation forms part of an ongoing program aimed at improving safety, navigation and environmental conditions across the region’s waterways.
Since 2018, more than 150 derelict and abandoned vessels have now been removed from Mackay waterways, with all highly visible wrecks in the area now cleared.
Officials say the removal of abandoned vessels is a complex process requiring specialist contractors, detailed planning and environmental management to ensure waterways are safely restored for community use.
The latest clean-up was supported by Mackay Regional Council, helping deliver a cleaner, safer and more accessible river environment for locals to enjoy.
Nearly 50 Year 12 students celebrated the end of their schooling journey in style at the VMR Hall in Cannonvale last week. The elegant formal gathering brought together students, families and the wider community for a memorable evening of music, food and festivities.
Styled with black, crystal and dusty pink décor, the event featured live music from Ash Smith, a student-themed trivia competition, a DJ-led dance floor and even non-alcoholic champagne to add to the air of celebration.
Standout contributors were the VMR event organisers, and Deputy Principal Kate Moreto, who personally prepared the evening's dinner service. Spending the day cooking, Kate put together a delicious spread for the students to enjoy.
“That was a massive hit with the kids,” said Year 11 and 12 Pastoral Leader Natalie Hazleton.
“She actually cooked all day long on Thursday, making three different meals and three different sides and desserts, and the kids loved it.”
The 2026 Show Whitsunday Cane Exhibit brought together growers from across the district to celebrate the skill and pride that goes into producing some of the region's best sugarcane.
A longstanding feature of the show, this year’s exhibit highlighted 100 years of Canegrowers, whilst providing an opportunity for growers to showcase their crops and compete across a range of categories, from plant and ratoon cane to sugar content, district exhibits and youth competitions.
“It went really well, despite it being a bit wet,” said Brendan Nothard from Canegrowers Proserpine.
“It was good to see growers turn up and put their best cane forward.”
The competition continues to be an important part of the show, not only recognising excellence in cane production but giving opportunity for the agricultural community to share knowledge, celebrate achievements and support one another.
One of the highlights of this year's exhibit was the inaugural Schools’ Sweetest Cane Program, which saw five schools from across the district grow and manage their own cane crops on school grounds.
Supported by their mentors, Canegrowers Proserpine and Sugar Services Proserpine staff, students were involved in every stage of the process, from planting and growing through to harvesting, juicing and testing their cane to determine which school produced the sweetest crop.
Proserpine State High School was named the program’s first winner, with organisers encouraged by the strong support shown by participating schools and hopeful the initiative will continue.
“The school seemed really supportive of the program, and hopefully we can continue with it into the longer-term future,” Brendan said.
A special thank you goes to the judges, volunteers, sponsors and industry partners including Sugar Services Proserpine, Sugar Research Australia and Canegrowers Proserpine for their ongoing support.
Watts Farming had an impressive year, winning Champion Six Stalks of the Show and taking home CANEGROWERS Proserpine Insurance Trophy.
Dale Holcombe was another standout exhibitor, claiming Champion Stool of Ratoon Cane, the Overall Heaviest Stalk with a weight of 4.25kg, Highest Quantity of CCS in Plant Cane, and first place in the CANEGROWERS Young Farmers Trophy.
In the District Exhibit competition, Lethebrook was awarded first place, followed by Kelsey Creek and Town. Jeppesen Farming won Champion Stool of Plant Cane, while John Casey secured the award for Highest Quantity of CCS in Four Stalks of Ratoon Cane.
The next generation of cane growers showcased their promise, with Emily Holcombe taking out first place in the Kids Cane Under 18s section, ahead of Connie Linneweber and Max, Bella and Vincent Orr.
Jannah Baker, Emma Murphy, Giulian Grasso
Local business owners and professionals gathered recently for the Whitsundays Chamber June Business Breakfast Briefing presented by Emma Murphy of nbn Co., gaining valuable insights into internet connectivity, technology options, and network upgrades available across the Whitsundays.
One of the key discussion points was the difference between residential and business-grade internet services. Attendees learned that eligible premises across the Whitsundays have access to a range of residential, business and enterprise-grade fibre options, with business-grade services offering faster upload speeds and enhanced support.
The briefing also addressed some of the most common questions received by nbn Co. representatives.
Many attendees were surprised to learn they have access to a wide range of retail service providers and are not limited to a single provider.
Another topic of strong interest was fibre upgrades. More than 12,000 premises across the Whitsunday region are currently eligible to upgrade to full fibre. Unlike ageing copper infrastructure, fibre is less susceptible to environmental factors such as water ingress, corrosion, and temperature fluctuations, providing a more reliable and weather-resilient connection.
Attendees also heard that older Wi-Fi routers can often contribute to poor internet performance, while router placement within a home or business can also significantly impact connectivity. Upgrading equipment or introducing a mesh Wi-Fi system can often improve performance.
The session reinforced the importance of reliable digital infrastructure in supporting local businesses.
Andrew Willcox MP, Lucas Purdie and School Principal Andrew Wheaton. Photo supplied
A passion for politics, regional advocacy and Australia's future has earned Whitsunday Anglican School student Lucas Purdie the title of Dawson's Youth Representative for the inaugural 2026 National Youth Parliament, where he will represent the electorate in Canberra this August.
Selected from more than 2,000 applicants competing for just 150 positions nationwide, Lucas will travel to Canberra in August to join young leaders from all over Australia in debating national issues and gaining firsthand experience of the parliamentary process.
“It will be especially interesting to talk about the issues we are currently facing as a nation with other students from around Australia and with Members of our Federal Parliament,” Lucas said.
“I am looking forward to representing our electorate, and creating connections as my aspiration for the future is to go into politics.”
This achievement comes with the support of Lucas’s school and local community, who are proud to see what the aspiring young politician will bring to the National Youth Parliament.
“This achievement is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and passion for making a positive difference in the community,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Mr. Andrew Wheaton.
“We wish Lucas every success as he embarks on this exciting journey, serving as an inspirational advocate for our region!"
A strong advocate for regional Australia, Lucas is particularly passionate about securing greater investment in the Bruce Highway, which he believes remains critically underfunded despite its importance to communities across North Queensland.
“Our national highway is a major issue, as thousands of people rely on this crucial infrastructure every day,” Lucas said.
“This isn’t a new topic, but the fact is it needs further investment now.”
Alongside pushing regional issues, Lucas has a keen interest in international affairs and emerging technologies, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
“I believe that how we integrate AI will be crucial to growing the Australian economy into the future and we should focus on augmentation, not automation, which will allow workers to do more,” Lucas said.
Lucas’s interest in politics has been shaped by a unique international upbringing. Born in the United Kingdom to a British father and an American mother, he moved to Australia with his mother at the age of seven following the death of his father.
Now holding both British and Australian citizenship, Lucas said growing up across different countries and cultures has given him a broader perspective on world affairs and Australia's place within them. That experience sparked a strong interest in international relations and the role Australia plays on the global stage, helping fuel his ambition to pursue a future in politics.
“I have come to truly realise why people say we live in the best country in the world,” Lucas said.
“My goal is to affect positive change to benefit all Australians into the future.”
The 2026 State Budget was handed down on Tuesday, with the Queensland Government focusing on stability amid global uncertainty while laying the foundations for the state's future growth and prosperity.
Delivered by Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, the budget aims to ease cost-of-living pressures while delivering record investment in health services.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said the Queensland Budget has delivered significant investment for the Whitsundays, welcoming the budget and saying it provides tangible benefits for local families, businesses and communities.
“The Treasurer has just handed down the Government’s second Budget and there is great news for Mackay and the Whitsundays,” Ms Camm said.
Among the headline announcements is increased investment in health services with a major expansion of Mackay Base Hospital announced.
There will be at least 128 additional overnight beds under the Government’s Hospital Rescue Plan and the budget also funds growth in the hospital workforce, increasing staffing levels to almost 3,000 full-time equivalent health workers across the Mackay and Whitsunday region.
Road users across the region are also set to benefit from increased infrastructure spending.
The Budget locks in Queensland’s historic 80:20 funding agreement with the Federal Government to deliver $9 billion in Bruce Highway upgrades, including projects aimed at improving safety, flood resilience and freight efficiency along one of Australia’s most important transport corridors.
Ms Camm said the Government remained committed to working towards long-term solutions for the flood-prone Goorganga Plains section of the Bruce Highway, an issue that regularly disrupts tourism, freight movements and supply chains during severe weather events.
“Continued investment in the Bruce Highway and progress on the Goorganga Plains project is critical for our region,” Ms Camm said.
The Budget also includes continued investment in frontline policing and community safety measures, supporting the Government’s broader focus on reducing crime and improving community confidence across regional Queensland.
“Local leaders have long argued that regional Queensland deserves infrastructure investment that matches its contribution to the state’s economy,” said Ms Camm.
“This year’s Budget responds to that call, with significant funding directed towards healthcare, safer roads and stronger frontline services that will benefit local families, businesses and communities for years to come.”
Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the Budget delivered practical investments that would strengthen the Bowen community while providing relief for families facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“This Budget is about delivering for local families and ensuring our communities have the infrastructure and services they need now and into the future,” Mr Last said.
“Reliable services are essential for our region. These investments will ensure local residents, growers and businesses can continue to access safe, secure and reliable services.”
“We know families are still feeling the pressure of higher household costs,” Mr Last said.
“That’s why we’re continuing to deliver targeted relief while also investing in the services and infrastructure our communities rely on every day.”
Whitsunday Skyway At Airlie Beach
Supporting construction of the tourist Skyway in Airlie Beach with $5 million over two years.
Shute Harbour boat ramp
Investing in a new four-lane boat ramp at Shute Harbour. Part of the Safer Roads, Better Transport Initiative.
Proserpine Replacement Police Facility
Replacement of the police facility in Proserpine to support frontline policing services and enhance community safety.
Rural Fire Brigade Stations
A replacement rural fire brigade station at Abbot Point to support fire and emergency services to the community.
Generational Infrastructure Upgrades
Restoration of the heritage-listed Bowen Courthouse and replacement of the Bowen Wharf.
Local Sports Club Upgrades
Investing in local club facility improvements for Airlie Beach Bowls Club, Bowen Seagulls Rugby League Club, and Whitsunday Brahmans RLFC.
Residential Activation Fund
Delivering essential infrastructure and utility connections to support residential development in Bowen South, Cannonvale and Proserpine.
More social and community housing
Expanding and improving social and community housing across the Mackay Whitsundays region, with 121 homes in construction or under contract.
A truck fire at Midge Point has helped expose what authorities describe as Australia’s largest cocaine importation plot, with investigators alleging a 2.7-tonne drug shipment worth $816 million passed through Whitsunday waters before being transported to Sydney. The investigation has so far resulted in six arrests and uncovered an alleged trafficking operation spanning hundreds of kilometres along the east coast.
A major drug investigation that started at Midge Point has resulted in Australia's largest-ever cocaine bust, with authorities alleging a 2.7-tonne shipment uncovered in Sydney was imported through North Queensland as part of an organised crime operation.
On Friday 19th June, AFP officers searched a semi-rural property in Londonderry where, after two men allegedly fled the scene, they discovered containers of cocaine hidden beneath the floor boards. The seizure had an estimated street value of $816 million.
On May 30th 2026, at around 8:05, police were notified of a flatbed truck on fire right outside of a boat ramp on Jimmy Rocks Road, Midge Point.
After a full investigation of the scene, police located 40kg of cocaine and later identified a 41-year-old Mackay man as the truck's owner, sending investigators on a trail that eventually landed them in Sydney.
Six people have now been charged over their alleged involvement in the operation, including two Petrie residents and a New South Wales man accused of helping collect and move the drugs after they arrived near Midge Point.
Police allege the group played various roles in the attempted importation and distribution network, charging individuals with offences related to possession of illicit drugs, or conspiracy to possess them.
“This result highlights the strength of the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce and the importance of strong partnerships between frontline police, specialist investigators and our Commonwealth law enforcement partners,” Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Troy Pukallus said in an AFP media release on June 22nd.
“This outcome has removed a significant quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine from the criminal market and prevented these dangerous drugs from causing further harm in Queensland and more broadly across Australia.
“What began with the actions of Mackay police and the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch following the discovery of drugs at Midge Point evolved into a sophisticated, multi-agency investigation targeting an organised criminal network.
“Investigations of this scale require experience, persistence and collaboration, and I want to acknowledge the dedication of all officers involved in bringing this matter before the courts and protecting the community from the harm these drugs can cause.”
The vessel suspected of importing the illicit drugs into Midge Point has been discovered and detained by authorities off the Solomon Islands.
Like most young people, I lived in a rental property for some years before buying my first home.
I had left home in Canberra and was living in Melbourne, initially in shared rental properties. It was a bit weird but there would be ads in the paper saying a room was available for a “guy/girl” and applications were invited.
If you had a pulse and some form of income you got a room pretty quickly.
Initially I was in various flats … we didn’t call them “apartments” or “units” in those days and the flats I lived in were cheap, unadorned, small and cold.
At one stage I was one of three young blokes in a two-bedroom flat in Clifton Hill. It was a ridiculous set-up made worse by the fact that one of them was an angry lunatic who wanted to fight people.
I got out of there as quickly as possible. Soon after I vacated the flat and left the lunatic to his own devices, Clifton Hill was the scene of the tragic Hoddle St Massacre in which a gunman killed seven people. I assumed it was my former flat mate but it turned out there were two lunatics in Clifton Hill.
There were other flats … Brunswick and St Kilda and a terrace house in Coburg. If you enjoy a cold climate you should try living in an old two-storey terrace house in Coburg with a malfunctioning fire place on a winter’s night.
Later in my 20s I bought my own unit and my property journey became far more civilized and warmer. But the point is that I needed those rental properties. They were part of the journey when I needed cheap accommodation while at uni and starting off in a career at the lower end of the pay scale.
The current Federal Government needs to remember that for there to be rental properties there needs to be investors who bought them and who make them available for tenants.
There is no doubt that the increasing housing prices had become ridiculous in cities like Sydney and prices have been increasing in recent years in regional Queensland as well. It’s a demand and supply thing … lots of people and not enough houses. Extremely high levels of immigration will do that.
But the government, rather than looking at immigration numbers, has decided to bash the life out of investment opportunities for “mum and dad investors”. Negative gearing is gone, capital gains tax is up and, the latest one, people are now banned from borrowing money to buy an investment property through their self-managed superannuation.
People who had a little bit of money tucked away used to be able to take out a loan and buy an investment property to help set them up in their retirement years. My wife and I bought a few several years ago and I thought at the time that it was a great opportunity for the average Joe, rather than the high end of town, which doesn’t need to buy through their super.
Anyway, that’s gone and the government, in lock-step with the Greens, has pretty much stomped on any aspirational ideas ordinary people might have because there is now no incentive to try and create financial opportunities for mum and dad and the family unit.
That’s great for the Greens and the socialist left who find beauty in the bland but not so good for people willing to work hard, make investments and try to get ahead while at the same time ensuring they are not a burden on the taxpayer in their later years.
It’s also not so good for young people like me all those years ago needing a rental property. I don’t know who is going to buy an investment property so I don’t know how young students and people starting out are going to find a rental. And the lack of rentals will push rent prices up. Job done!
Bianca O'Brien (Left)works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Photo supplied Makayla Groves (Right)works as a Commercial Property Manager with Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied
Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region.
Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces.
Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division.
Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525.
Nestled in the heart of Andergrove, MacKillop Catholic Primary School may be small in size, but it continues to make a big impact on the lives of its students and families.
Catering for approximately 160 students from Prep to Year 6, MacKillop offers a close-knit, welcoming environment where every child is known, valued and supported. Guided by its mission to “work together, participate and have a go,” the school community fosters a strong culture of collaboration, inclusion and enthusiasm for learning.
At the core of the school’s identity is its Catholic faith, reflected in the values of Faith and Service inspired by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Notably, the school shares a special connection to its patron saint, having been established in 1995, the same year she was beatified. This legacy continues to shape the school’s commitment to compassion, resilience and community spirit.
MacKillop provides a well-rounded education through a comprehensive curriculum that includes weekly specialist lessons in Physical Education, The Arts and STEM. Students are also encouraged to extend their talents beyond the classroom, with opportunities to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as Eisteddfod, sporting events, Opti-Minds, Readers Cup and the Mackay Primary School Mathematics Challenge.
Supporting every child’s learning journey is a key priority. The school offers both learning support and extension programs, ensuring that students of all abilities are challenged and nurtured. Wellbeing is equally important, with a dedicated counsellor available two days a week to support student mental health and emotional development.
A strong sense of community is evident in the school’s daily life. Parental involvement is highly valued, creating a genuine partnership between home and school that enhances student outcomes. Initiatives such as buddy classes, where older students mentor younger peers, help foster friendships, leadership skills and a sense of belonging across year levels.
Faith is lived and celebrated at MacKillop through regular worship, including fortnightly Class Masses and Liturgies. Meanwhile, whole-school initiatives like the “Manner of the Week” encourage positive behaviour, respect and shared values, recognised during weekly assemblies.
Innovation also plays an important role in modern learning at MacKillop. Classrooms are equipped with technology including Chromebooks, iPads, interactive projectors and robotics tools like Bee-Bots, ensuring students are prepared for the digital world.
Staff at MacKillop are committed to nurturing the whole child. Many are trained in Berry Street’s trauma-informed practices, implementing strategies such as Welcome and Closing Circles, brain breaks, and personalised learning plans to help students feel safe, regulated and ready to learn each day.
Beyond school hours, MacKillop continues to support families through its Outside School Hours Care program, offering engaging before and after school care, as well as vacation care tailored to children’s interests.
From classroom showcases to parish connections, MacKillop Catholic Primary School continues to demonstrate that a strong community, grounded in faith and care, can create a truly enriching educational experience.
In Andergrove, MacKillop isn’t just a school, it’s a community where every child is encouraged to grow, belong and thrive.
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