OPINION PIECE

I remember a while ago, myself and another councillor were labelled “conservative councillors” in a rather disparaging fashion.

I wear that label with pride.

Times of plenty can accommodate financial laxity and largesse, but in the history of this planet, good times have always been finite.

Myself and others have, for a very long time, warned against thinking that “summer lasts forever”. This has been in the face of some pretty strong headwinds, I must say.

It is unfortunate, but we were correct, and we now find ourselves in the depth of economic winter.

Interest rates up, dollar down, input costs skyrocketing, lack of workers (indeed, a lack of an ability to house them should we find them), fuel up, groceries up, electricity up – the list goes on.

It is financial conservatism that puts food on the table, and unfortunately fiscal discipline is learnt through long hard practice – it rarely occurs effectively overnight.

As we build, we create an increasing burden of depreciation which must be paid, and to fund this, an increasing cost burden is placed on our residents.

I have always felt very strongly that the desire to get a photo while cutting a ribbon should never come before the basic needs of our people.

I suggest that those whom do not recognise the pertinence of the title, should go and read the works of Aesop. His writings 2500 years ago, still ring true today.

Cr Martin Bella

Mackay Regional Council

‍

Hi Everyone,

Tonight, our fantastic tourism industry will be celebrated at the annual Whitsunday Tourism Awards – good luck to all the local operators!

There are nine of us from Core Publishing attending the awards, with some colleagues making the trip from both Mackay and the Burdekin to attend the event.

We look forward to seeing many familiar faces there!

I caught up with Tourism Whitsunday CEO, Rick Hamilton, for a coffee last week and he was telling me that tonight is “the crowning moment of the year” for many local operators.

He explained that most entrants are ‘mom and pop’ organisations where the owners work directly in the business, and they can be so busy that they have little time to celebrate their achievements.

As a result, tonight is a night where all these dedicated people and their valued staff get the opportunity to come together, celebrate all their hard work and get rewarded for their excellence.

One in three people living in our region work in the tourism and hospitality sector, which illustrates how important this industry is to our economy.

The businesses that win an award this evening will automatically enter the Queensland Tourism Awards and, if they are successful there, they will represent our region at the Australian Tourism Awards.

Over the years several local businesses have reached this level and each time they receive such accolades it raises the profile of our entire region, both on a national and international stage.

I think it’s fair to say that the reputation of the Whitsundays as a holiday destination has been carried on the backs of all these businesses, from those nominated, right through to those that have carried the mantle all the way to the nationals.

Congratulations to everyone who is taking part in the awards tonight, both for the tourism awards and the business award – we wish you the best of luck!

Rach

Quote of the Week: “No such thing, the queen said, as too many sequins” (Monk Doty)

‍

With Accessible Tourism campaign

For the first time, possibly ever, two young people with disabilities are starring in a new accessible tourism video that is being filmed right here in the Whitsundays.

Jenny and Charlie from the Cannonvale Learning and Lifestyle Hub were thrilled to take centre-stage in the Endeavour Foundation promotional video that not only markets the Whitsunday region, but also promotes inclusivity to all.

A recent study by Tourism and Events Queensland showed holidaymakers with a disability account for 17 per cent of all tourism expenditure and, with this in mind, it is easy to see how this video will benefit the whole region.

The same study showed that the disability sector injects a total of $3.3 billion into the economy, but the last few days’ experience has been priceless for two locals who became the stars of the show.

Jenny Atkinson and Charlie Bell are both well-known faces in the area and proof that living with disabilities does not hold you back from enjoying a full life.

This is one of the reasons they were chosen to star in the video, making them the first people with a disability presenting a film of this kind.

Jenny said she was happy and excited to be part of the production.

“I like showing people with disability what they can do,” she said.

“We live in paradise!”

Charlie agreed, saying that his favourite activities are spending time at the lagoon, sailing, swimming, and snorkelling around the islands.

“Sun, sea, fun and food – we all love a good holiday!” are the lines he says in the video.

The campaign commenced filming at the Airlie Beach lagoon on Tuesday, with a luxurious picnic experience supplied by local company, Ocean Dynamics.

The next day, the team continued filming at Daydream Island.

Telling the story of an idyllic, accessible vacation, the two film stars enjoy some of the top accessible activities and accommodation sites, primarily for people with disability.

“In the year of Accessible Tourism, this is a true celebration of holiday inclusivity, and we couldn’t think of a better way than to have Jenny and Charlie lead the charge,” said Sharon Wood, Head of Fundraising, Endeavour Foundation.

“We are also excited as we believe it’s a first – not only showcasing the region’s accessibility on video but having people with disability presenting it ... and why wouldn’t they!?

“The video highlights various locations on the mainland and on Daydream Island, that accommodates all people, showcasing places with sensory spaces, mobility assistance support, accommodation options, as well as sites that cater for people on wheels – so that’s wheely walkers, families with prams, and of course people in wheelchairs,” added Mrs Wood.

“No matter what our clients want to do, Endeavour Foundation can offer the support to achieve it,” confirmed Mrs Wood.

The video will be released before the end of the month.

‍

Kristy Puckridge, Brigette Robbiard, Charlie Bell, Amanda Crockford, Jenny Atkinson and Jody Flaherty

Charlie and Jenny were filmed near Airlie Beach Lagoon earlier this week. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

The dynamic duo kicked back and enjoyed a relaxing picnic together. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

Usually, it takes the encouragement of adults to inspire children to pick up litter, but these youngsters proved they can motivate themselves, finding the time to collect sackfulls of marine debris from the rocks and beaches near Coral Sea Marina.

While their parents enjoyed a leisurely hour at nearby Sorrento’s, the children kept themselves entertained, surprising the adults by returning with garbage bags full of marine debris.

From plastic bottles to aluminium cans, fishing equipment, old clothing, and cardboard – the children enjoyed their treasure hunt and proudly returned to the parents with their haul.

“They are little eco star heroes!” said mum Sandra Drechsel.

“It was amazing to see what they came back with!

“When I asked my son, he told me he had been learning about collecting rubbish at school, it was great to see they were really absorbing education about looking after the environment and the oceans.”

Proud dad, Matt Neindorf said he was thrilled to see the children work together to do something so positive and actively contribute to the community.

“It was fantastic to see the kids looking after the environment,” he said.

“We had a great time at Clean Up Australia Day earlier this year and I’m very proud to see the kids looking for opportunities to make the environment cleaner.”

Clean Up Australia Day is held on the first Sunday of March each year, but litter is on the ground every day.

Do yourselves, your community, and your kids proud – if you see some rubbish – pick it up!

‍

Janick Stevenson, Yoytek Androviak, Lucy Neindorf, Emma Neindorf and Reef Thackray. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

‍

For the past three weeks the road upgrades on the intersection of Paluma Road and Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale appear to have halted without explanation.

Since Easter, motorists have been patiently waiting at the traffic lights anticipating the imminent delivery of a two-lane carriageway that will increase traffic flow to Airlie Beach.

This now appears to be in question with no movement at the site recently.

All that remains are a series of reduced lanes which create traffic build-up and several holes where work has been left incomplete.

Speculation is mounting as to the cause of the abandoned works and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP is calling on the State Government to provide an honest update on critical infrastructure projects across the region.  

Ms Camm asserts that the Federal Government “90-day Review” of road and rail project funding and 90 local infrastructure projects could be to blame for workers dropping their tools.

“This 90-day review has been going for over 150 days now, when are we going to see some outcomes? Why isn’t the State Labor Government picking up the phone to their federal counterparts and demanding answers?” she said.

Ms Camm has written to the Minister for Transport, Mark Bailey to demand answers.

“I am still awaiting a response from the Minister. What is the Government trying to hide?” she said.

“I’m calling on the Minister to come and see the mess that Shute Harbour Road has been left in.  

“We are about to go into a wet season and peak tourism season, and we have half a road left in extremely dangerous conditions that sees over 26,640 traffic movements a day.”

Another point of concern is the flood immunity upgrade of Hamilton Plains which was due to commence earlier this year.

This $21 million project was set to flood-proof the main access road of the region and many locals are concerned what effect a major flooding event would have on the region this year.

Ms Camm questions what the excuse is for projects that are being delayed but are not being reviewed by the Federal Government.

She also stated that local contractors, tradies, and small businesses rely on these projects proceeding.

“In this cost-of-living crisis, it is not acceptable to keep people in limbo, not knowing if they will have a job to go to tomorrow.”

‍

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP standing at the abandoned roadworks on the corner of Paluma Road in Cannonvale. Photo supplied

‍

Last Saturday saw a hive of activity at polling booths across Australia, as people cast their vote on The Voice.

By early evening, the pre-emptive results were announced, with The Voice being rejected by the majority vote.

For any referendum to be successful, the processed Bill must receive Double Majority, meaning it must receive national majority from voters, as well as at least four of six states majority.

As of the day of print, close to 80 per cent of ballots have been counted, with the national majority, of 60.7 per cent of voters against The Voice, with only 39.3 per cent of voters for The Voice

On the local level, this was a similar trend.

As of the day of print, in the Dawson electorate, 79.6 per cent of votes have been counted, with 80.7 per cent voting against The Voice, and 19.3 per cent voting yes.

In Capricornia, with 77.7 per cent of ballots counted so far, 81 per cent of voters said no, and 19 per cent voted yes.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox voted no, saying “The Government proposed an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and while highlighting the issues of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, is extremely important, I am fundamentally opposed to dividing the country on the basis of race.”

Member of the Whitsundays branch of Yes23, Louise Mahony was saddened by the outcome.

“The Voice was asking for Indigenous people to have a say in how they live their lives, and now it’s a bit of a slap in the face,’ she said.

“We all assume how we run our lives is right, but every person experiences life differently, and I am saddened by the lack of compassion for Indigenous peoples.”

‍

Campaigners for Vote No and Vote Yes outside the polling centre at Cannonvale State School. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

The Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce has been busy, rallying opinions, thoughts and suggestions for the people’s vision of the Whitsunday, as part of their Vision For The Whitsundays project, led by Chamber Liaison Dr Julia Evans.

Attending Proserpine State High School and hosting with over 70 student leaders, from years 7 to 12, the Chamber was able to garner valuable insight for the region’s youth, of what they prioritise for the Whitsundays.

The students believe that Proserpine would be better suited to being a thriving hub of the region, with various retailers, services, and activities available, as well as be better connected with Airlie Beach.

For continued development, the students believe youth engagement was a big must, with suggestions of activities that cater for both children and teenagers and promote health and social wellbeing.

They identified medical facilities as needing improvements, to attract and retain more doctors and specialists. The students also suggested a hospital in Cannonvale or Airlie Beach to better service the area.

And lastly, the students recognised the need for better social equity and development, further community inclusivity and events, and more thought about residential and commercial growth development.

Chamber Liaison Dr Julia Evans explained that the Chamber is keen to have the Vision informed by the region’s young people.

“The Chamber has no preconceived ideas of what the future will hold, that is why it is undertaking the project,” she explained.

“The student focus group discussion provided rich insights on possibilities and priorities. Their ideas have also been validated and reinforced by discussions from focus groups already held. The students – and all focus group participants – will see their voice clearly reflected in the final report,” said Julia.

Proserpine State High School Don McDermid thanked the Chamber for engaging with the students.

“Thank you very much to Chamber and Dr Julia Evans for presenting their ‘Vision for the Whitsundays’ session which the students thoroughly enjoyed,” he said.

“The forum is a great opportunity for students to grow their leadership skills and be involved in these important decision-making processes that affect our broader school community and in particular the students of the school. It is a valuable lifelong learning experience.”

‍

Over 70 student leaders of Proserpine State High School hosted the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, discussing youth vision of the Whitsundays. Photos supplied

The Collinsville Green Energy Hub project team recently hosted workshops at Collinsville State High School thanks to a partnership with Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy.

The workshops explored wind, solar, and hydrogen energy generation.

“We want to inspire the next generation to consider STEM pathways and highlight the many opportunities open to them in the growing renewable energy sector,” explained Collinsville Green Energy Hub’s project manager, Trina Jensen.

“We look forward to being able to offer some of Collinsville’s bright young minds an opportunity to work locally as part of Ark Energy’s Collinsville Green Energy Hub in years to come!”

In the meantime, progress on the project is continuing with site selection, preliminary studies and pre-lodgement meetings with government.

“We also have further technical studies and assessments planned for 2024,” Ms Jensen said.

It is anticipated that the project will reach Financial Investment Decision at the end of 2026.

“We estimate that construction will commence in 2027 and target completion for 2030.”

The project team has invited community members to an Information Session on Saturday November 4, from 9am to 11am, to deliver an update and discuss the project, as well as answer questions.

The Hub is a large-scale wind and solar project with a capacity of about 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy, set to generate over $1 billion in local and regional expenditure and over 350 jobs during construction.

WHAT: Information Session for Collinsville Green Energy Hub

WHERE: Collinsville Green Energy Hub Information Centre, 47 Railway Road

WHEN: Saturday November 4, 9am to 11am

‍

The Green Energy Hub has been busy, amping up the project. Photo supplied

‍

Bowen’s iconic Big Mango and the Bowen Visitor Information Centre was on the national stage at the Australian Regional Tourism Convention in Newcastle in early October.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy was invited by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) to present as part of a panel about Visitor Information Centres.

This session involved three case studies on how visitor information servicing was being transformed to meet the needs of the contemporary visitor.

Bowen was the only Centre from Queensland featured in this session and selected due to the significant increase in merchandise and local products on offer, as well as the success of the Big Mango’s 21st birthday earlier this year.

That campaign reached more than four million people.

Leanne was asked to show how the team had identified a contemporary market, targeted it successfully and provided an income for the Local Tourism Organisation.

Jenn Honnery, Chairperson of Bowen Tourism and Business said she is very proud of the team we have at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and the effort they have put into growing the service.

“The reach achieved for the Big Mango’s 21st certainly put Bowen on the national stage and highlighted both the community’s love for our favourite big thing and Bowen’s beauty for potential visitors.

“Coupled with the excellent service and range of merchandise now available at the Information Centre, we know that the visitor’s journey to Bowen and time spent here will be meaningful and fun.”

‍

Leanne Abernethy of Bowen Tourism and Business, Cait Fleming of Tourism Whitsundays, and Al Grundy, of Mackay Isaac Tourism. Photo supplied

‍

The final Councillor to be recognised for their service at the Local Government Conference next week is former mayor of Bowen Shire and Whitsunday Regional Council Councillor Mike Brunker.

Local Government is described as the grassroots of politics and Councillor Michael Brunker this year celebrates 25 years of remarkable grassroots service to our region.

Cr Mike’s journey into politics started in 1994 when he ran for Councillor at Collinsville to oppose a plan to shut Collinsville’s council depot in 1994.

He won the election and won the battle to keep the Collinsville Council depot open and it is still open today.

Never one to take a backward step when standing up for his community Mike stepped up to the plate and ran for Mayor of the Bowen Shire Council in 1997.

Again, he won and has held the Mayoral role of Bowen Shire Council and then the amalgamated Whitsunday Regional Council for 15 of the last 26 years.

Mike lost the Local Government election in 2012 when running for a second term as Mayor of the newly amalgamated Whitsunday Regional Council.

However, he was back in the chambers at the next election in 2016 when elected Bowen Divisional Councillor and has held that position since.

Over the course of his political career, Mike built a strong network across the three tiers of government which allowed his leadership and advocacy skills to deliver positive outcomes for his community.

His passion for community development and his commitment to the betterment of the lives of his constituents have been his guiding principles.

His biggest achievement, which is still delivering outcomes today, was convincing the Beattie Government to declare the 16,000-hectare Abbot Point as a State Development Area (SDA) in 2008.

Cr Mike presented the Government with an industrial land-use study, which found there was a unique opportunity that the 6,000 hectares adjacent to the deepwater port was one of the most ideal sites for a greenfields industrial area on the east coast.

The Port of Abbot Point now has a coal export capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum. It comprises rail in-loading facilities, coal handling and stockpiling areas and a single trestle jetty and conveyor connecting to two offshore berths and two ship-loaders which are located 2.8 kilometres offshore.

The benefits of that decision back in 2008 continue with the countdown to the first rocket being launched in 2024 by Gilmour Space Technologies from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport.

Thank you, Councillor Mike Brunker, for 25 years of exceptional service.

From Mayor Julie Hall.

‍

Council offers financial assistance for Junior Elite Athletes to assist with costs associated with attending a sporting competition when they are representing North Queensland, Queensland or Australia.

To be eligible, Junior Elite Athletes must be aged 18 years or younger at the time of the competition and have been living in the Whitsunday Region for at least 12 months or more.

The level of funding available is based on a progressive scale, meaning the higher the representation, the larger the financial support available.

For more information, head to the Grants and Community Assistance section of Council's Website.

Following her war memorial research and documentation, Lyn Burke is reaching out for local’s help.

Lyn Burke, and her associate Lloyd Fox, have dedicated much of their time to uncovering the local servicemen and women of the Whitsundays.

They are dedicated to ensuring a suitable resting place for them and giving a reprieve to their families.

Recently, the pair discovered several names of men who do not have a headstone, and their graves are only marked with white crosses, within Proserpine Cemetery.

The Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club have embarked on a project to install headstones on these graves and while Lyn and Lloyd have managed to find family members of most of the men to ask permission to instal the headstone, some remain unknown.

“We hope to give each of the men a headstone, however, we wish to reach out to family first and get their permission,” Lyn said.

“If no family steps forward, we will move forward with the headstones, but I wish to try every avenue beforehand.”

To claim a serviceman as family, please contact Lyn Burke on 4947 2647, or lynburke03@gmail.com

‍

Do you know these men?

WW1                                                                     Number                               Battalion                              DOD

ANTHONY JAMES ARENA                              3288                                       5^THLHR                                 7.12.193              

FREDERICK HERBERT DAVIS                          4661                                       30^THBATT                            24.1.1970

ALBERT GREEN  LIEUTENANT                      4                                              HQ                                          28.8.1937            

JOHN HARRINGTON                                        1910                                       2^NDBATT                              15.9.1933

JOSEPH LEARY                                                    7600                                       14^THBATT                            8.9.1922

EDWARD PACKETT                                           BOARW & 2228                49^THBATT                            6.8.1945              

THOMAS PUGSLEY                                           3905                                       4^THPIONEER                       26.12.1944

THOMAS REID                                                    BRITISH ARMY                   -                                              17.11.1940                          

GEORGE USHER                                                218/Q224684                      11^TH LHR                               17.2.1948

WW2

EDWARD JACKSON                                          Q34502                                 31^STBATT                             10.4.1972

ALEC LENNIG                                                     QX27703                              2/56 LAD                              29.12.1961

SYDNEY MCNEILL                                             123518                                  A/FORCE                              21.11.1978

‍

Bowen Student Leader Recognised With Prestigious Awards

Bowen State High School Year 12 School Caption, Danzel Lewis has been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Association (Queensland Branch) Secondary Schools Citizenship Award.

Nominated by Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris, Danzel was honoured with the award for his outstanding and dedicated service within the school campus as well as in the wider Bowen community.

In his nomination, Mr Harris explained that Danzel is the only First Nations’ student to be elected as school Captain, a regional finalist in the 2023 Queensland Training Awards, in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category, and the first indigenous student to undertake a Certificate III in Business with local civil earthmoving and quarry business Hillery Group in Bowen.

“Danzel is inspirational in motivating younger indigenous students to value the importance of education,” Mr Harris wrote in his nomination.

“Danzel instigated a project this year, where he has written and presented letters to Year 7 to 11 students who have improved in their subject results, effort, and behaviour. During Term 2 this year, Danzel approached the school administration to speak to the entire school body about mental health impacts of bullying and domestic violence. This was a powerful message, and he was commended by staff for this courage to speak up against bullying and violence. This has led to more students feeling confident to stand up against bullying and reporting incidences.”

The Secondary Schools Citizenship Awards received 94 nominations from across Queensland, with Danzel one of 12 students to be a recipient.

Danzel himself was unaware that Mr Harris had nominated him for the award, and it was even more a surprise to be one of the 12 students to receive the award.

“It was a very overwhelming moment to find out that I was one of twelve students out of the whole state to be recognized for what I thought was modest community work,” Danzel explained.

He further explained that his passion and drive to service the school and community stemmed from his upbringing.

“The passion to serve my school and community comes mainly from the way I was brought up by my culture (being of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander heritage), my family, and my faith. They all taught me the importance of patience, kindness, empathy, respect, and serving others, especially my elders.”

For Danzel, this recognition feels weird.

“I still feel weird looking at the award plaque sitting on my desk. I don’t feel like I’m special or have done anything extremely outgoing to receive it. I just do what I love and live the way my family, my culture and my faith have taught me to live.”

‍

Bowen State High School student Danzel Lewis and Principal Robert Harris at Parliament House in Brisbane, accepting his Secondary Schools Citizenship Award. Photo supplied

Mental Health Week At Proserpine State High

Proserpine State High School celebrated Queensland Mental Health Week, hosting their second annual Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul Expo.

Joined by local organisations, Womens Well Co, PCYC Whitsunday, Whitsunday Libraries, and Whitsunday Sailing Club, were the Year 10 Business Students who showcased their entrepreneurial spirit by selling goods at market stalls.

The music students also rocked out on stage.

“We’ve got a range of community organisations that promote different healthy living options, as well as sporting clubs, and different clubs that are in the school,” explained the Expo organiser and school Guidance Officer, Karen O’Keefe.

“Deadly Choices, our music groups performing, our student leaders handing out pizzas, and our LGBT+ club handing out fairy bread – everyone got involved and it was a wonderful day.”

Throughout the week, the school also hosted art therapy sessions, drumming circles, and indigenous art groups.

‍

The team from PCYC Whitsundays sharing safe driving with intoxication goggles.2:

Whitsunday Sailing Club promoting the art of sailing as a fantastic hobby

The PSHS Weightlifting club trailing new competitors

Girls giving the drumming circle a go

Whitsunday Counselling and Support with mindful rock painting

Whitsunday Libraries sharing the love of reading with students. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

‍

RACQ CQ Rescue has this afternoon winched a medical team down onto rocks in a clearing in thick rainforest at Finch Hatton Gorge to treat a seriously injured walker.

The Mackay-based helicopter was tasked by Queensland Health just after midday after a 000 call alerted authorities that a man had fallen on a walking track at the popular tourist spot in the Pioneer Valley and suffered serious leg injuries.

The RACQ CQ Rescue crew used co-ordinates provided by fellow walkers to fly directly to the heavily-wooded location, near the Wheel of Fire waterfall, about 70km west of Mackay.

After a five-minute aerial search of the rocky waterway and thick rainforest canopy, the man’s walking party was spotted near the waterway below by the helicopter crew.

Given the flat rocks below and an adequate clearing in the dense canopy, a decision was made to winch the rescue crewman and Critical Care Paramedic down to the scene.

As the helicopter hovered about 40 metres overhead, a rescue crewman was winched onto rocks near the shallow waterway. A Critical Care Paramedic then followed, winched down from the helicopter onto large rocks near a waterfall, using hand signals to communicate with the crew above about a landing position.

After both crewmen were safely on the ground, a third winch delivered a stretcher and medical equipment down to the medical team.

As SES crews and ambulance officers arrived on scene, the decision was made by the medical team to walk the injured man out of the forest on a stretcher instead of winching him.

After 50 minutes on scene, the helicopter returned to base while crews on the ground carried the injured walker to a waiting ambulance, which then transferred him to Mackay Base Hospital.

‍

RACQ CQ Rescue winched a rescue crewman and Critical Care Paramedic down to assist a seriously injured walker at Finch Hatton Gorge today. Photo supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

‍