By Amanda Wright

Imagine zooming through the vibrant streets of Mackay, wind rushing through your hair as you effortlessly glide on a sleek purple e-scooter. Well, it seems that many locals and visitors to this coastal city have turned this exhilarating fantasy into a reality, as they have collectively travelled over a staggering 410,000 kilometers during the first year of Beam's shared e-scooter operations.

The most sought-after spots for e-scooter pick up and drop off are at key shopping and recreation hubs, including Parkside Plaza, the picturesque Mackay Harbour, Caneland Central, and the intersection of Wood and Victoria Streets. E-scooter fever peaks on weekends from 12pm to 9pm and weekdays from 12pm to 5pm, when the city comes alive with eager riders exploring its wonders.

Embarking on a Beam adventure in Mackay is not just a means of transportation but a brief escape from the ordinary. On average, riders take a 12-minute journey, covering 2.2 kilometers. The popularity of these electrifying rides has resulted in an extension of Beam's operations in Mackay for another 12 months.

Ashan Sanjeeva, the Head of Operations at Beam, shared his enthusiasm for the overwhelming response from the Mackay community.

"We're really pleased with the first year of shared micromobility being available in Mackay, and with how the community has embraced this new mode of transport,” he said.

Sanjeeva believes that the potential of shared micromobility in Mackay is boundless, as it offers a transformative solution for both residents and visitors alike, replacing car journeys with a more sustainable alternative for shorter trips under 5 kilometers.

“We see a huge potential for shared micromobility to provide transport connections to residents and visitors in Mackay, and replace trips that would otherwise be taken in a car,” he added.

“As we head into our second year of operations in Mackay, we’ll be looking to accelerate modal shift away from cars for those shorter trips under 5 kms, where e-scooters provide a great alternative.

“We’re also committed to investing in safety and rider education and enforcement, bringing new technology to the city to assist in enforcing safe riding and parking.”

At the forefront of their efforts lies the Beam Safe Academy, a groundbreaking rider education and enforcement program available 24/7. This comprehensive initiative equips every rider with a pre-trip in-app safety briefing, ensuring they are well-versed in safe riding and parking practices. Additionally, an engaging Beam Safety Quiz has been integrated into the app, rewarding participants with free credits and empowering them with a thorough understanding of riding rules.

For novice riders venturing into this electrifying realm, Beam has introduced Half Beam mode, offering reduced acceleration to ensure a smooth and comfortable learning experience. However, riders should be mindful of their actions, as a three-strikes policy will be strictly enforced. Repeated instances of reckless riding or parking offenses may result in temporary suspension, while severe violations or lawbreaking will incur permanent bans.

With Beam's unwavering commitment to safety, rider education, and the pursuit of sustainable transportation, Mackay's streets are destined to become a playground of thrilling adventures and greener journeys.

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In a significant move aimed at securing the region's sustainable growth and maintaining crucial services, Mackay Regional Council has given its seal of approval to keep this year’s rates rise below the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a practice it has successfully adhered to over the past five years.

Mayor Greg Williamson expressed his satisfaction with the budget, stating, "When you look across Queensland, we've done very well. I'm very proud of our council and team for being able to produce an average rate increase of 3.8 percent." Mayor Williamson underscored the council's efforts to balance rising costs with the community's financial well-being, affirming, "We understand you get a bill from us every six months, and it's a big bill. The federal government collects around 80 percent of taxes in Australia, we only collect around 3 percent, but we send a bill out. That's the difference in the way we have to raise our funds."

The approved rate rise equates to an average residential ratepayer in Mackay paying approximately $116 more per year, or an additional $2.23 per week. With the revised rates, the average residential rate for the year will amount to $3,164.

A breakdown of the rates reveals that $942 will be allocated towards depreciation and finance costs, while $707 will cover water, sewerage, and waste services. Additionally, $400 will be used for footpaths, roads, bridges, and stormwater maintenance, with $328 designated for property upkeep, parks, cemeteries, and environmental initiatives. Community activities and facilities will receive $315 in funding.

Mayor Williamson highlighted the need for these funds to ensure essential services and stated, "Council receives around 82 percent of all the money we need to operate via our general rate base, and there are 53,400 rateable properties in Mackay. We're not here to make money; we're here to divide the region's costs as best we can into the 53,400 rateable properties we have here in the Mackay region."

The council's commitment to economic development is evident in the allocation of $1.1 million towards the Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Attraction Program. Launched in 2015, this program has already generated over $235 million for the local economy. In addition, $2 million has been set aside for community funding support, sponsorship, and grants programs.

Mayor Williamson acknowledged the challenges faced by households but stressed the necessity of the rate increase to maintain essential services. He explained, "Having your water treated, your sewage treated, your rubbish collected, and having parks for your children to play in comes at a cost of around $291 million this year.

"This budget has been carefully planned to deliver high-quality services and infrastructure while ensuring long-term financial sustainability."

He emphasised the council's efforts to address rising costs, stating, "Like all businesses, we continue to face the same challenges, including cost pressures, supply chain issues, and labour shortages. To mitigate these risks, we will be considering alternative delivery methods, bundling capital projects, and investing in training programs."

The approved rate rise aims to strike a balance between the community's ability to bear the financial burden and the council's responsibility to deliver vital infrastructure and services.

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Mayor Greg Williamson addresses media at a post-budget press conference to summarise the 2023-2024 budget. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Signature projects and cautious financial considerations took centre stage at the Mackay Regional Council's 2023-2024 budget meeting. While exciting initiatives, including the Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment and Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, generated anticipation, some councillors raised concerns about the potential burden of debt and its impact on future rate rises.

Mayor Greg Williamson expressed enthusiasm for the transformative projects, highlighting their potential to boost tourism and improve the region's quality of life for residents and local businesses. However, the cautious voices emphasised the importance of comprehensive financial planning and cost analysis for sustainable decision-making.

Mayor Greg Williamson said he was thrilled to see so many exciting projects being delivered.

“Our region has so much potential, and these projects will create new tourism opportunities while also improving liveability and livelihood for residents and local businesses,” Mayor Williamson said.

Cr Marty Bella voiced his concern over project spending, saying it’s the ‘proverbial honey trap’.

“For the chance to cut a ribbon or a photo opportunity, we’re saddled with continually increasing maintenance and depreciation debt, which we have seen increase rapidly in the past 12 months,” he said.

“Unless the whole life costs of capital projects are provided, the decisions we make are based on less-than-optimum knowledge.”

Council’s Long-Term Financial Forecast (LTFF) provides a 10-year view that demonstrates council’s ability to manage the wide range of services and infrastructure it provides to the community over the long term. It’s based on current and known activity at the time of writing and is a living plan which is continuously reviewed and updated to reflect prevailing economic conditions, updated asset management plans and community requirements.

Presented during the budget meeting, council’s LTFF showed a forecast debt balance from around $50M rising to around $220M by 2033. Cr Laurence Bonaventura questioned why this forecast had changed dramatically from the $120M anticipated last year for the same time period and why it wasn’t anticipated 12 months ago.

The Director clarified that this budget assumes more growth in the capital expenditure program over that 10-year period as well as more indexation with higher inflation and higher costs factored into the forecast that the cash reserves are anticipated to be insufficient to cover that long-term plan.

Cr Bonaventura called the rapid rise in debt “sobering” and “cause for concern”.

“It should not only be of concern to us as councillors, but to all ratepayers who will be responsible for paying back that debt over the next 20 years,” he said.

Cr Alison Jones said that council simply cannot keep undertaking new projects because of the historical projects which keep incurring maintenance costs.

“We must look after what we already have on our books,” Cr Jones said.

“Just remember what happens with continuous project escalations, overspends now and into the future.”

Cr Bella added, “While we look at our own financial position as a council, it has impacts on the financial position of the people within our region.

“While we are considering our debt and what we are building, we need to consider the financial situation of our mum and dad ratepayers and their kids, and whether the increased burden we place upon them becomes onerous, such that, it comes to a point of this place being great for liveability and livelihood is no longer, not because of a lack of facilities but because of an inability to pay dues.”

Cr Justin Englert said that this budget focuses on growth.

“Without growth there’s no investment in the region. Without investment in the region the region stagnates. A stagnated region doesn’t grow its rate base and when you don’t grow your rate base you pay more rates,” he said.

“We’ve just delivered a budget under CPI, we could have delivered a budget over CPI and the people of today can pay above CPI, or we can take out some debt and pay it off over a period of time so people of today and their kids can pay under CPI,” he added.

“Council has paid back $130M of debt over the past 8 years and now council is looking at taking on more over the next 10 years, it’s called spreading the load over multiple generations and it has allowed this council to keep rate rises under CPI for at least the last 8 years straight.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Karen May agreed with Cr Englert and said the budget focuses on the whole of council operations and spreading the load over a number of years.

“There wouldn’t be a person that sits around this table that doesn’t want to leave the assets in a better place than what they are today when we depart,” she said.

“We’re delivering and planning for the future.

“If we do not have growth in this region, we will become obsolete.

“The plan is a strong one for this region and for the ratepayers now and in the future. The door is open, we’re planning for you to come.”

Mayor Williamson wrapped up the budget by saying that the LTFF needed to be sustainable, with reasonable rate increases that the community can live with.

“It’s up to the councils of the future to deliver on. This is a forecast and the best forecast position we need to be in if we want to achieve the growth and sustainability we want to achieve as a council, this is where we need to be.”

The 2023-2024 total expenditure budget is $420 million, of which $128 million will be spent on capital projects.

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$8.1 million has been allocated to the continuation of the Mackay Waterfront redevelopment in the 2023-2024 budget

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Business improvement and change management are some of the focus areas in Mackay Regional Council’s proposed new organisational structure.

The new structure, if adopted at next month’s ordinary council meeting, will begin in October and is set to create the council of tomorrow by simplifying its operations today.

CEO Scott Owen said since taking on the role seven months ago he’d been able to see firsthand the challenges the organisation faced, but also the opportunity for positive change.

“I’ve used my own experience and coupled that with employee and customer feedback to shape the direction of council into the future,” Mr Owen said.

“The changes we are making will ensure that every employee feels empowered to take ownership of their work, be accountable for their actions and exhibit leadership at all levels.

“It will also position us as an organisation to be simpler, faster and more transparent with our community and stakeholders.”

The realignment has two phases – the realignment of the executive and senior leadership roles to ensure end-to-end flow of accountability and a review and realignment of processes and procedures.

The structure includes the establishment of a new Organisational Capability and Risk directorate which will focus on capturing business needs and changing the way council operates to move forward.

Another key change is the merging of two current directorates – Engineering and Commercial Infrastructure and Capital Works – to Infrastructure and Operations to provide clear strategic direction and focus on delivery.

Mayor Greg Williamson said that instead of being discouraged by the challenges council faced, they were being used to improve operations and provide more value to the community.

“Our employees are passionate about the work they do in striving to make our region one of the best places for liveability and livelihood,” Mayor Williamson said.

As part of the realignment, there will be no overall reductions in salaried staff and all appointments to new executive leadership roles will be handled through a fair and equitable merit-based recruitment process.

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Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen

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Budget special feature by Amanda Wright

In a decisive move towards securing the future of the Mackay region, the Mackay Regional Council has revealed its ambitious $420 million budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024. With an unwavering focus on long-term financial sustainability and fostering economic prosperity, this budget sets the stage for transformative initiatives that will enhance the region's liveability and drive its growth.

Mayor Greg Williamson proudly declared that the budget aligns with the council's Corporate Plan objectives, ensuring that rate rises are kept at or below the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Despite rising costs, the 3.8 per cent rate increase remains significantly below the CPI's 7.4 per cent, demonstrating a prudent approach to financial management.

The budget allocates substantial funding to the capital delivery program, underscoring the council's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and amenities. The $128 million investment will primarily focus on vital areas such as roads, drainage, and the improvement of regional water quality.

A focus on growth has led to funding for projects that will shape the region's future and elevate its appeal to both residents and tourists alike. The continuation of the Mackay Waterfront redevelopment, with an $8.1 million allocation, promises enhanced river access, improved pedestrian connectivity, and an expanded River Wharves precinct. Additionally, the Northern Beaches Community Hub, Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, Mackay Stadium refurbishment, Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment, and Woodlands District Park construction are set to redefine the region's recreational and social landscape.

With rates concessions for pensioners and not-for-profit organisations, as well as a range of incentives and discounts, the council aims to support the community while ensuring long-term financial stability. The 10 per cent early payment discount will remain in place, an incentive which has been reduced or removed by many other councils across the country. Mackay Regional Council has one of the lowest rates arrears figures in Queensland which could be partly attributed to this payment incentive remaining.

The message from this budget was clear. By investing in crucial infrastructure, supporting local events, and fostering community development, this council intends to pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable Mackay.

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Mayor Greg Williamson addresses councillors at the 2023-2024 budget meeting. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Bendigo Bank is celebrating 25 years of its unique model of community owned and operated banking in Australia.

The internationally acclaimed Community Banking model, originally designed to empower communities at risk of losing face-to-face banking services, has grown to a network of more than 300 branches nationally with $20 billion in loans and $31.3 billion in deposits.

Founded in 1998 with branches in Rupanyup and Minyip, the profit-with-a-purpose model sees a majority of the profits generated by each independently owned and operated Community Bank directed back into the community.

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May thanked the Bank’s customers for their support, its team members for delivering quality service, local shareholders for backing their community and all the passionate locally based directors for their hard work and dedication.

“We would like to congratulate Bendigo Bank and Community Bank Rupanyup and Minyip on their 25th anniversary,” she said.

“The important steps they took made it possible for communities like ours and many others to take charge of our future.”

Community Bank Sarina opened in 2005, building on the success of the model.

“Community Bank Sarina has returned $3.4 million in sponsorships and grants to the community,” Ms May said.

“These contributions have supported initiatives such as the Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run, QCWA Sarina and the Sarina Cricket Association.”

Bendigo Bank and its community partners will mark the anniversary with celebrations at Community Banks around Australia.

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Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Runis one of many local initiatives supported by Community Bank Sarina. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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A new online portal has been launched by the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub aiming to bridge the geographical divide and create connections between producers and agribusiness across the region.

The Greater Whitsunday Agtech Hub is hosted by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and is a collaboration between key regional stakeholders to grow the value of agriculture in the region using agtech.

Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Ms Julia Spicer OAM launched the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub portal at EHS Manufacturing on Thursday, June 29 as part of her mission to build a culture of innovation across regional Queensland.

GW3 Chief Executive Officer Kylie Porter said the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub portal is an online platform to support producers and businesses better understand agtech solutions and connect them with service providers and investors.

Ms Porter said the portal will encourage and support adoption of agtech and improved practices that will deliver real benefit to producers and supply chain partners.

“The portal is a platform that will ensure Greater Whitsunday growers and producers have the knowledge to progress their businesses in the face of change across technology and skills,” she said.

“Importantly, the portal will also promote knowledge sharing with agribusiness and producers so that we create a community of best practice.

“Agtech is becoming increasingly important within the agriculture sector and this portal is an important step in building upon our already successful agriculture industry. GW3 is incredibly proud to be involved in the launch of this portal.”

Ms Porter said along with regional case studies and news updates from across the agriculture sector, the portal will showcase innovation and product releases, provide key information and education around agtech and ultimately, drive positive change for the sector.

The Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub portal will also offer a local agtech suppliers directory, show examples of agtech in action, provide resources and source funding and serve as a platform to get involved in the agtech community.

“It will also increase accessibility to agtech and associated digital support by inclusion of an agtech supplier directory of those businesses servicing the Greater Whitsunday region,” Ms Porter said.

“Becoming a part of the new Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub online community means being a part of a sustainable and productive agriculture industry.”

You can visit the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub portal at greaterwhitsundayagtechhub.com.au.

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Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Ms Julia Spicer OAM

Agtech on display at the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association Innovation Day last year. Photos supplied

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Visitors to Comfort Resort Blue Pacific are welcomed to their slice of Blacks Beach paradise with a window into what their stay will entail.

“You drive in and you can see all the way down the drive to the Coral Sea,” said Director Cath uit den Bogaard.

“It puts a lovely calming notion on a person when they arrive.”

The absolute beachfront location and stunning Coral Sea views are just the beginning, with the resort’s attentive and personal service, comfortable accommodation and high standards of housekeeping winning it Choice Hotels Asia-Pac's highly anticipated Comfort 2022 Hotel of the Year Award.

The award celebrates the top-performing hotels across Choice Hotels Asia-Pac's growing network, based on exceeding excellent customer service and amazing guest experiences across each of Choice Hotels Asia-Pac's five brand categories.

“It’s a recognition of the work we put in with the keeping of our standards, housekeeping, likelihood to recommend and the way we run the property,” said Cath.

“It’s an enormous tick for us to show that, over the years, we’ve been doing the right thing.

“Especially over the period of Covid, we were able to maintain and recognise the way the industry had to pivot, so the consumer always knew that our 10/10 ratings were there for a very good reason.”

Winners of the Hotel of the Year award were selected from six Gold Award winning Comfort Hotels for 2022, each of which were awarded for providing excellent customer service and achieving the highest LTR (likelihood to recommend) scores from their guests.

Owner Operators Cath and Nick uit den Bogaard have managed the property since 2000 and through highs and lows, have always upheld their high standards, serving visitors from Mackay and beyond with absolute customer care.

“The Mackay community has been very kind to us over the years,” Cath said.

“It’s been a very rewarding time here and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

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Choice Hotels Asia-Pac General Manager Trent Fraser and Comfort Resort Blue Pacific Director Cath uit den Bogaard. Photo supplied

Owner Operators Cath and Nick uit den Bogaard. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Council's Vibrant NAIDOC Week Activities

Mackay Regional Council is celebrating NAIDOC Week (July 2 to July 9) and the 2023 theme “For Our Elders” with a series of exciting events, exhibitions and programs.

Council’s annual NAIDOC Flag Raising morning tea activities will be on Monday, July 3, from 10am to noon in the Civic Precinct and will include guest speakers, a didgeridoo accompaniment and cultural performances.

A local cultural weaver, Nitari, will also be sharing her cultural weaving story during morning tea.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to have the Tchundal Malar Dance Group and the Torres Strait Island Dancers at the morning tea to perform.

“These dance groups really do put on an amazing display of traditional dance that sets the scene for the flag raising,” Mayor Williamson said.

“One of the best things about these groups is the way senior members pass down their traditional dances to the next generations – it’s heart-warming to see new young dancers each year getting involved and preserving their culture,” he said.

“In fact, this year, at the ceremony, there will be a focus on acknowledging our local Indigenous elders, past and present.

“We have so many amazing elders in our region that do so much to make our community a better place, especially when it comes to working with young people and acting as role models and teachers.”

Artspace Mackay is also celebrating NAIDOC Week with special opening hours from 10am to 1pm on the Monday to align with the flag raising.

Mayor Williamson encouraged those coming to the flag raising to also visit Artspace Mackay and check out Dylan Mooney’s amazing wall artwork.

“Dylan, who is a local Yuwi, Australian South Sea Islander and Torres Strait Islander man, has created an amazing work that covers the foyer wall in Artspace and is inspired by rising sea levels and the impact on island communities,” he said.

Mackay Regional Council Libraries will also have NAIDOC art exhibitions on show inspired by the “For Our Elders” theme.

Local artists, who are also community elders, will have their works showcased at Dudley Denny City Library and Gordon White Library from Saturday, July 1, until Monday, July 31, during open hours.

Local artists Anita Wano-Sumner, Charlie Wicking, Ed Rigby and Peter Ah Mat will have their works featured.

During NAIDOC Week, Libraries will also be featuring the “Hi, I’m Eddie podcast”, which follows the story of Eddie Mabo; two film screenings, Utopia and Black and White; and a leaf painting craft activity.

To book your space or to find out more about at any of these programs, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries/whats_on or call the Libraries on 4961 9387.

Council’s Arts Development team are also offering a very special opportunity to join renowned contemporary dancer Patrick Thaiday in a one-and-a-half-hour workshop on Thursday, July 6, from 10am to 12.30pm under the fig tree near the Jubilee Community Centre.

The workshop will include learning about Patrick’s cultural background, sharing of language and artifacts, learning some traditional drumming techniques and a contemporary Indigenous dance tutorial. This workshop only has limited spaces available and will fill up fast. It is open to participants from all cultural backgrounds.

For more information or to book a place, please contact council’s Arts Development officer Lara Russell at lara.russell@mackay.qld.gov.au

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The Tchundal Malar Dance Troupe (pictured) will be performing at council’s NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, July 3

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School holidays are halfway over, and I can only imagine it’s about the time that you start wanting to pull your hair out!

There are heaps of activities and events around the region right now to keep the kids busy. Why not visit the 2023 Mackay Motor Show at the Showgrounds this weekend? There’ll be heaps of cool cars, new and old, to check out.

Something I’m loving at the moment is heading to the Lamberts Lookout to watch the dolphins play, they have been putting on a great show lately. I hear there have been a few whale sightings too, it’s that time of the year when more are on the way.

It's kind of funny because I feel like not having kids myself, on school holidays it's still fun to check out some of the kids' activities that happen around the region. Last school holidays I found myself at Caneland’s and stopped to watch the magician entertaining the children. I'm still trying to decide whether it's because I was curious or I have just never grown up.

Whatever it is that’s keeping you busy these school holidays, if it’s cost you an ugly bill, Star 101.9 wants to help you out by paying it!

Scotty and Rach with Kaley’s Plastic Surgery is in its last week so let us give a little “nip tuck” to the ugly bills in your life. Register at star1019.com.au.

Kaley

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It’s not how things start that matters, it’s how they finish. Which takes me back to the Austral Hotel on a Friday evening a couple of weeks ago.

I was there with workmates having some farewell drinks for a long-term colleague. I had a few beers and, although it wasn’t many, it was probably one or two beers too many for me to be able to drive. So I left the car in the hotel car park and got my wife to pick me up.

I live in West Mackay near the Botanic Gardens and the next morning I decided to run into town with the dog, drive home and be ready and energized for my open homes that day. Anyway, my first open house was at Blacks Beach at 9am that day so the dog and I set off about 7.10am for what is a 20-minute run.

The car was reverse parked and when we got there and I started the car and tried to drive out of the parking spot, the car wouldn’t move. I tried again, revving the engine a bit more but it wouldn’t budge.

When I got out and checked it out, I could see from the undercarriage that when I had reversed into the spot, the muffler had slid over the concrete block that is designed to stop your wheels going any further, but it was stuck on a big bolt in the concrete block and wouldn’t move forward.

The exhaust pipe was higher and okay but the muffler itself had got stuck on a big metal bolt that sticks out the top of the concrete block and holds it in place. When I tried to move forward the bolt pulled the muffler down and the car would not move.

It was 7.40am, 100 minutes before my first open house. There was no one around, I don’t run with a phone and the dog was getting nervous. I muttered something to myself along the lines of: This is jolly disappointing! Darn it!

I tried removing everything out of my boot to lighten the load and put my open house directional signs in front of the rear wheel to elevate the back to get it above the bolt but that didn’t work … It's 7.50am and the dog and I are both stressed.

I decided to jack the rear of the car up well above the damn metal bolt in the concrete block and drive the car forward a few inches to set it free. And it worked! The jack rolled forward a bit and was left facing forward on a 45-degree angle but the job was done.

I quickly threw everything back in the boot, jumped in the car, gave the dog a pat and drove out. It was 8am. I was home by 8.10am, ready to leave at 8.25am and pulled up at the open house at 8.55am, later than I’d like but not bad in the circumstances.

I had three great open homes that day; the house in Blacks Beach sold, another one in Mt Pleasant sold and I got a good offer on another one … good results for the sellers.

No matter what, keep smiling, persevere and believe.

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OPINION PIECE

In a week of budget announcements, it’s disappointing for me personally that the only level of government focused on tourism in this part of Queensland is Mackay Regional Council.

Council has invested significantly into tourism for the last eight years and this week approved a further $4.9 million as part of the 2023-2024 budget to complete stage one of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails. This will be the anchor project for the expansion of a more diversified tourism economy.

Tourism is on every list of economic things to focus on but is always at the bottom of those lists, because it doesn’t pay out what the big industry players pay out. Tourism is the opportunity for the smaller, further out communities to participate and grow their own self-sufficient local economies.

It’s what they need to attract better infrastructure and services from local government, state government and the private sector. It’s how they build liveability, a sense of place and pride of place and gain social outcomes.

The wallabies on the beach experience at Cape Hillsborough now attracts more than 100 people per day, double that on school holidays, with 27% of those visitors being international. Wallabies is the first big attraction to put the region back on the map; Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails will be the second, so we need to be ready for third, fourth and fifth.

Big industry and agriculture’s contribution is so massively important, but you could argue that the benefits are largely centralised. Council has been investing in agriculture and mining services for decades and these industries have made us the regional productivity capital of Queensland. But not everyone benefits, and, to some extent, some may be left behind.

Council’s continued investment in tourism, visitor information centres and fishing, recreational vehicle (RV) and mountain biking visitation, spreads the investment across all communities, so everyone can have access to a tourism opportunity.

Tourism in the Mackay region is about to mature. I personally believe that we should be looking at investment options that will keep up with the expansion and not allow ourselves to get overwhelmed or have to play catch up.

Tourism is not on the bottom of my list – it’s closer to the top, and I believe we should be looking at how the task gets completed with a big green tick next to it.

Cr Justin Englert

Mackay Regional Council

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Hi all!

While Rachael has gone on her big snow holiday this week, I’ve been tasked with the Editor’s Note.

Next week marks three months of my time at Mackay and Whitsunday Life. And I have learnt an awful lot.

I wasn’t used to writing for 8 hours a day, let alone proofing and interviewing people. All things I love now, but it took a second to get into the groove of things.

As well as that, next week marks three months of me living here, in the Whitsundays. I’d never visited up here before I signed on for the job, taking on the 19-hour drive from Armidale NSW (my home) to Cannonvale, with all my stuff crammed into my little two-door Hyundai.

Since then, I have tried to get out and about, making the most of the place. Making connections and forming friendships, that’s what makes you feel at home, so that’s what I did.

I’ve joined a netball team and play there every week with a group of like-minded girls.

I signed up for Bumble. Okay, now stay with me, on Bumble, you can change between the dating and the BBF categories, so I swiped my way through a few friendships. It’s always a bit awkward meeting and texting until you can eventually get coffee together, but it works.

I’ve met tourism managers, hospital staff, landscapers, medical professionals, and don’t forget the mechanic and his wife I happened across at the bar after they fixed my car, who just happen to be my neighbours.

My housemate, who was once just a stranger who let me into her home, is now a cherished friend, who I often go to and confide with.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by how big Airlie Beach seems to be, but then I think about everyone I have met, they all know each other. At work, I’ll talk about my friend-date, and Chrissy pipes up, says she knows them, or I’ll head to a high tea with Taylor, our graphic designer, for a nice afternoon.

This move was a good one, that’s for sure.

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Since receiving Bunny, a soft cuddly rabbit plush, for Easter earlier this year, Poppy and Bunny have been inseparable.

8-month-old Poppy takes Bunny everywhere with her.

“She just started wanting to cuddle it when she sleeps, playing with the ears, now she can’t fall asleep without it,” said mum Madi Moore.

Usually leaving Bunny at home on family outings, Bunny unexpectedly came with Poppy to Show Whitsunday on the weekend.

However, on the trek back to the car after a day of fun at the show, Madi and her husband realised that Bunny was missing, and soon tore through the pram and nappy bag.

“We don’t normally bring Bunny with us for this reason,” explained Madi.

“We did retrace our steps and asked a few of the show bag stands, but no one had it.”

Convinced that Bunny was definitely unable to be found, the family stopped in at Cherrie Baby, where they had purchased the first Bunny.

“But of course, the new one didn’t look or smell the same, so our bub wasn’t overly happy with it. That’s when I would try my luck by posting on Facebook.”

Within two hours of posting, Bunny was found and given to organisers of the show.

“Apparently everyone knew about the baby who lost her bunny.”

The next day, Madi was able to stop by the showgrounds and collect the newly found Bunny, much to the delight of Poppy, who eagerly awaited the cuddly toys return.

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Bunny is a treasured member of the family, inseparable from baby Poppy

Just short of six weeks later, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has been the victim of another break-and-enter incident earlier this week.

Six weeks ago, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre was one victim in a string of business break ins around the Cannonvale and Cannonvalley area.

A figure of $900 was stolen from petty cash tins, and three buildings were broken into, including the childcare centre, the main reception, and the op shop donation room.

A garden shed was also forcibly entered.

As of June, a 29-year-old Cannonvale woman has been charged with 32 offences relating to alleged break-ins and alleged attempted break-ins at businesses and other properties in the region.

She was arrested as part of Operation Mackay Irving, a police taskforce established to patrol the Cannonvale area, on June 10.

The woman faced Proserpine Magistrates Court on June 12.

Rebecca Woods, the Executive Officer of the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, is saddened by the recent break in.

“We work for the community, and this has the implication that no one is untouchable.”

Following the first break-in, the team at Centre reinforced entry ways and better secured themselves against further attempts.

This recent break-in, occurring at 3.12am on the morning of June 25, the perpetrator gained entry only to the main building and left empty handed.

“They ruffled through everything and broke the lock on the main door, and the doors to several offices,” Mrs Woods explained.

“However, we had reinforced security on the property, to prevent people from getting to anything.

“It is heartbreaking for this to happen again; we’re here to support people and provide assistance to the community.”

“The previous break-in resulted in a woman being charged, so we were under the impression that those allegedly responsible had faced the consequences.”

Mrs Woods wishes to thank the community for their support.

“The community is more outraged than we are; this impacts the entire community, but we thank them for their support.”

The alleged perpetrator of the latest break-in has been captured on security vision, wearing black track pants with large white text on the left leg, a black jumper with white text and grey-white logo on the left breast.

They are also wearing a distinctive Smirnoff Seltzer branded pink and white waist bag, and a green face mask.

Mrs Woods urges anyone with any information to contact the Queensland Police Service.

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Six weeks later, a second break in has occurred at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, with the perpetrator captioned on security vision. Images supplied