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

In the recent Whitsunday Regional Council ordinary meeting, a motion to delegate authority of short-term accommodation applications, residing in low, low-medium, and rural residential zones from council to the Chief Executive Officer was refused.

According to Councillor Clay Bauman, who proposed this notice of motion, this is a necessary, temporary interim measure, until a local law can be put into effect that would address short-term accommodation.

“We are in a transitional stage,” he explained in the meeting.

“We are currently between guidelines that differ from our planning scheme.”

Since the council started taking upon short-term accommodation change of use applications, over 200 applications have been received, with 15 currently under assignment as well.

“We did jump the gun years ago,” Councillor Michelle Wright said.

“We are underway with the local law coming into effect. I will support this when the local law comes into effect.”

Mayor Julie Hall said, “The extra cost and the extra resources that this will put on council, we would be better to use that for the planning scheme.”

The motion was defeated, meaning applications for change of use short-term accommodation applications will continue to be reviewed by council.

One such short-term accommodation application, for a property in Jubilee Pocket, was later refused in the meeting, based on the property’s elevation and outlook on neighbouring properties.

“With short-term accommodation, people come through at odd hours. Regularly, people do as you expect on holiday,” said Councillor Bauman.

“That's what I don’t like to see, from my back door, and that’s not what permanent residents want to see from their backdoor.”

Councillor Jan Clifford, who was in favour of the motion, said, “I will always stick up for residents, ratepayers, and their comforts.”

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Schools, businesses, and community groups shone bright with kindness on b kinder day which was held across the region, state, and country last Thursday, June 22.

An important day, which is close to many local’s hearts, b kinder day celebrates the legacy of Billie Kinder who tragically lost her life in a horse-riding accident when she was 12 years old.

Although she had moved away from the region prior to her passing, the family retained strong ties with local residents, many of whom hold events across the region each b kinder day.

“There are thousands and thousands of people talking about kindness because of Billie on this day every year,” said Billie’s mum and founder of b kinder Day, Danny Mason-Kinder.

“It’s a bittersweet moment, but remarkable.”

Every school in the Whitsundays participated in b kinder Day this year, with thousands of hand-written cards of kindness sent to others both locally and globally.

Mel Turner is the local driving force behind b kinder Day and says that this year was very special once again.

Her team at Bowen Subway gave a free kindness card and a cookie to every customer who walked through the door last Thursday.

She also sent 500 free cookies over to Queens Beach State School as part of their Big Day Out.

Afterwards, Mel headed over to Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday where a special charity dinner was held in honour of b kinder Day.

Also participating this year were PRD Whitsundays, who dressed up in colourful outfits and P&D Industrial.

Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network donated b kinder workbooks to Cannonvale State School and Whitsunday Lions donated b kinder cards.

This is the sixth annual b kinder Day and each year it continues to expand.

In 2023, over 200 school participated and there was national news coverage of the event.

When asked what she would like to see happen in our local area, Danny said that she would love all schools to become b kinder schools.

This is where the student leadership team actively promotes kindness in their school by offering other students a safe space to talk, engaging with other schools and helping promote kindness in the community.

“There is so much evidence that peer to peer learning has a bigger impact,” said Danny.

“We’d love to see this culture of kindness adopted at as many schools as possible.”

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Mel Turner and her team at Bowen Subway donated 500 cookies to a local school

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday held a charity dinner for b kinder Day

PRD Whitsunday dressed up for day

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While thousands flocked to the Proserpine Showgrounds for the 110th Show Whitsunday last weekend, the prize poultry also flew into their new home with the grand opening of the new Poultry Pavilion held at 10am on Friday morning.

A $100,000 grant from the Queensland Government Community Gambling Benefit Fund enabled the Proserpine Agriculture Show Association to construct a new multi-purpose pavilion which now boasts concrete floors, insulation and waterproofing.

“The poultry exhibit will have much improved accommodations,” said President of the Proserpine Show Association, Donna Rogers.

“It replaces one previously with dirt floors requiring sawdust laid every year and rusted corrugated walls that often fell prey to those keen to steal a champion fowl or two!

“The new building will be available for hire by the general public and community groups and is ideally located adjacent to the dog ring making the possibilities for event usage immeasurable.”

Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, attended the opening and said that the Proserpine Show Association was one of ten not-for-profit organisations in the Whitsunday electorate to receive funding under GCBF ‘Super’ Round 113.

“The Proserpine Show Association has taken the disappointment they felt from the damage sustained from Cyclone Debbie and turned it into a positive situation that will have long term economic advantages,” Ms Camm said.

“I’m pleased to see the association’s goals and long-term vision can rise from adversity through the support of the GCBF grant.”

Ms Camm said the GCBF ‘super’ round provided grants of up to $100,000 to Queensland not-for-profit community groups to enhance their capacity to provide services, leisure activities and economic opportunities for their local communities.

She said the next round of GCBF would be a ‘standard’ round, offering grants of up to $35,000 to each not-for-profit group and would open late July/early August.

“If any organisation thinks that they may benefit from a GCBF grant, or would like further information, they should contact my office on 4845 3100”, Ms Camm stated.

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Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, along with Proserpine Show Committee members from left to right: Sue Quantock, Donna Rogers, Wayne Quantock, and Helen Wright. Photo supplied

The new Poultry Pavilion in action during Show Whitsunday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The whole school community enjoyed learning more about NAIDOC Day last week thanks to a full day program which saw children participate in activities hosted by two visiting indigenous educators and performers.

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week takes place from 2-9 July, but Cannonvale State School opted to mark the occasion on the last day of their school term instead.

The day celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is commemorated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians all over the country and overseas.

School teacher, Jo Morgan who has spent 20 years working with indigenous people in the Northern Territory , organised Cannonvale State School’s NAIDOC day which was fun, exciting and educational for all involved.

Respected songman and artist from the Thuppi Warra clan and a Traditional Owner from Ngaro and Gia People of the Whitsundays, Harold Bowen was one of two educators on the day.

Harold has achieved many things in his time, a long-standing director on the board of Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA) his painting Yirrumbul painting won the established artist art award at the Laura Dance Festival 2021.

The second person was Adrian Thomas, a South Sea Island, Polynesian, Chinese and Irish man who has spent the last 10 years working with Indigenous Young People, five of those being in Community.

Adrian has recorded music with some of the best Indigenous artists in Australia, he has supported Missy Higgins and Dan Sultan, has music that is played throughout Australia Radio and has also toured Internationally.

On the day, the entire student body was split into groups of 150 children across all year levels to resemble an indigenous family configuration.

The groups then rotated across different activities which included stories, song, dance and music, for a truly immersive experience.

They made dancing belts, which is a traditional belt worn in a ceremony in Arnhem Land.

They also participated in a yarning circle, where they used something similar to a talking stick, to take it in turns to speak on a topical subject – making sure that everyone was heard and respected.

“Kids can often be poor at listening and disrespectful to each other,” said Ms Morgan.

“So, the yarning circle is the perfect tool for helping them and the kids love the fact that this is something that the Indigenous people have brought into our realm now.”

Yarning circle topics included: “let’s yarn about the older people in your life, who are they and why are they important to you”.

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Harold Bowen, Adrian Thomas, Leo Jiggins Cannonvale State School’s Indigenous Leader and Principal Angie Kelly.

School teacher, Jo Morgan, organised NAIDOC Day at Cannonvale State

School students introduced the Indigenous representatives

Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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High Speed Incident, Lethebrook

A 23-year-old male resident of North Ward (Townsville) was stopped by police for an alleged high-speed incident at about 8:00am on June 24 on the Bruce Highway at Lethebrook (Proserpine).

It's alleged that officers stopped a Toyota Corolla hatchback after its speed was checked as being 144 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometre an hour speed zone.

It's further alleged that the driver indicated fatigue as a reason for the relevant speed.

An on the spot fine of $1,653 was issued resulting in the loss of 8 demerit points and a driver’s licence suspension for a period of 6 months.

Stealing, Bowen

Between 3:00pm on June 26 and 10:00am on June 27, someone has stolen forks for a bobcat from a construction site on the Bruce Highway near Don Street in Bowen.

A tipper has been used to transport the stolen item from the site.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

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As the whales migrate north, so do the cruising yachties and as the horizon fills with proud white masts, the boating season ramps up with the Coral Sea Academy’s free Better Boating Training events.

Open to everyone, from the experienced to the new boat owners, these interactive and educational sessions are an ideal way to learn more about your craft and network with other likeminded people.

This year, the Coral Sea Academy welcomes back partners, Mainstay Sailing and Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays, who will, over the coming months from July through to September, provide the perfect opportunity to encourage better boating practices and increase confidence on the water through a series of informal, fun, and engaging sessions.

From boating basics such as radio or tender operation, through to an introduction on navigation, these sessions allow people to increase their boating knowledge, learn additional skills, gain confidence and network with like-minded crew.

The Better Boating series will take place throughout the winter cruising season and kicks off with the return of a crowd favourite “Ropes and Rum” on Tuesday July 4, from 5.30pm at Coral Sea Marina’s The Lookout Lounge, hosted by Mainstay Sailing.

Learn the ropes (literally) and enjoy a practical evening of ropework, knots and splicing.

Next on the calendar the following fortnight (Tuesday July 18) will be Safety at Sea, hosted by the Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays.

This event will include great tips and advice, plus an exciting practical demonstration with a working life raft, thanks to Whitsunday Ocean Services.

New to the calendar this year, and to finish up the series in September, will be a brand-new topic on Basic Boat Maintenance.

As the typical cruising season comes to an end, this free information event on Tuesday September 19, will give you the best insights, maintenance schedules and contacts of local suppliers and services to ensure that your pride and joy remains spick-and-span ready for the next on-water adventure.

WHAT: Ropes and Rum

WHEN: Tuesday, July 4 from 5.30pm

WHAT: Safety at Sea

WHEN: Tuesday, July 18

WHAT: Basic Boat Maintenance

WHEN: Tuesday, September 19

WHERE: All events are held at Coral Sea Marina’s Lookout Lounge

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Testing riders’ endurance and skills, the Don River Dash is back on for September 2023.

For two days, Bowen’s Don River is transformed into a unique and completely off-road track, through 50km of mud, sand, rocks, and jumps.

Katie Robinson first took on the track in 2021, her first ever motorcycle race.

Katie, from Eton, just south of Mackay, is an amateur motorbike rider and decided to take on the Don River Dash in 2021 on a whim, coming out third in the women’s bikes.

The Don River Dash’s course is ever changing, due to rainfall and water flow, which attracts a myriad of racers, from amateur to professionals with an array of sponsorship, including Dean Ferris, Lian Walsh and Toby Price.

Adding to the difficulty, 80 buggies race through the riverbed in the morning of the second day, reducing the track away and making it unrecognisable to riders.

Katie believes that mindset plays the biggest part in rider’s performance in the race.

“I think the main challenge we face is mindset,” she explained.

“The right mindset has a huge impact. How do we think? How do we believe in ourselves? How can you concentrate? Think of other influences, or can you focus your concentration on only yourself and your riding. Everyone is racing under the same conditions in the allocated time frame. You can’t win the race on the first lap, but you can lose it. Self-doubt keeps you in your comfort zone,” Katie said.

Katie is aided by her partner Justin, often working alongside each other on their bikes.

“In one section of the track, I drowned my bike in a water crossing, wetting my spark plug.

“I remember looking down at my bike, re-gathering focus and energy, I noticed that Justin had written on my bar pad the word ‘breathe’.

“Seeing that note quickly reminded me to maintain focus and confidence.”

Women competing in motorsport and in the Don River Dash is growing, and Katie is excited.

“It’s not all about speed, so it doesn’t matter if you’re not the fastest. The results won’t happen overnight.

“And at the end of the race, shiny cup or not, we’ll have a beer, and we will celebrate the good, the bad, the ugly, and the safe return to the pits.”

Some tips from Katie for other women wanting to get on the bike:

- Mindset is everything

- Manage your stress, it will affect your ability to concentrate otherwise

- Remember to breathe

- Visualise your performance before the race – ride the track in your mind and go over your technique

- Winning isn’t just the podium finishes, it's improving lap times, gaining confidence, and walking away knowing you raced as hard as you could.

- No hour spent on the bike is wasted, gear up!

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Katie Robinson often works side-by-side with partner Justin, working of bikes and preparing for the race

2021 was Katie’s first Don River Dash, coming third for women’s racers. Photos supplied

Wonderful to catch up with Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey in Bowen last week where he announced that $50 million has been allocated in the State Budget to future proof the Bowen Jetty.

A huge thank you to the Queensland Government and Minister Bailey for recognising the importance of the jetty to heritage, recreation, and tourism in Bowen.

Council looks forward to working with North Queensland Bulk Ports, who currently control and maintain the jetty, to explore a viable and sustainable solution going forward.

This funding now gives all stakeholders the opportunity to further investigate options for the jetty which will include extensive stakeholder and community consultation on planning and design and input into a business case that will deliver the best outcome for the community

I recently spent the week in Canberra attending the Australian Local Government Associations, National General Assembly.

Hosted by the ALGA, the annual event brings together the nation’s 537 local governments to share ideas to best support regional communities.

I just want to thank and acknowledge the following federal leaders who took the time to let me introduce myself and have a chat and listen to issues facing our region.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King, Minister for Housing, the Minister for Homelessness and the Minister for Small Business Julie Collins MP, Minister for Regional Development and Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Govern Catherine King, Honorary Milton Dick Speaker of the House of Representatives, our Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Shadow Local Government Minister Darren Chester and Trade and Tourism Ministers Deputy Chief of Staff Sarah Huy.

Local Government is on the front line of the people in our community. We are the ones who are in the trenches with our residents fighting for what our communities really need.

That is why it is so important that our big brothers in both our Federal and State Politicians take the time to listen to our Local Government representatives and their issues and needs.

Whitsunday Regional Council submitted two original strategic motions to the National Assembly, and both were carried.

Our first motion weas that this National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to establish minimum road quality standards for the National Highway 1 to improve safety and to ensure accessibility is maintained throughout the nation especially during major weather events.

This motion was one I have been personally driving since January this year. It speaks to the road surface quality and flood immunity for our National Highway.

The second successful original motion was that this National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to develop with State Governments a damage mitigation permit process so that flying fox species which have a Queensland Nature Conservation Act Status of "least concern" can be relocated from urban areas where they are creating a significant nuisance.

This motion was debated, and in my opening address I spoke to reassure other Australian Councils that WRC recognised the important role our flying foxes play in our delicate eco system and that this motion was not seeking to kill any bats.

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If you require building approval for a new building or structure, or for an extension to an existing building or structure, you will need to submit a Development Application through a suitably qualified building certifier (Private Certifier) prior to commencing construction to ensure that the building or structure meets legislative requirements. Once engaged, the Private Certifier will then contact Council to inform us of the works.

The Private Certifier will ensure that all proposed structures or buildings comply with building codes and standards, as well as any health and safety requirements and the Council Planning Scheme. They will also check to make sure any buildings or structures under construction comply with the approved building plans.

Please remember, it is the landowner’s responsibility to call the certifier to undertake a final inspection and notify Council when all works are complete and in compliance.  Without this final certificate landowners could face issues surrounding insurance for the building or structure.

For more information or to find a Private certifier near you, head to the QBCC Website at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/your-property/build-renovate/choosing-contractor

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Farming is nothing new for born and bred Proserpine local Russell Biggs.

Fourth generation on the family farm, Russell has been a solid driving force in the sugar industry and local farming.

His great-grandfather, William, initially begun the family farm, once relocating from Richmond River in northern New South Wales.

Since 1968, Russell has been operating the family farm ‘Ernestholme’, following the tragic loss of his father in an accident.

He has since expanded the farm, now holding 360 hectares across Proserpine for sugar cane, and having about 20 head of cattle.

During his career, Russell has been influential to the industry, including being Director of the Proserpine Co-Operative Sugar Milling Association from 1994 to 2011, with a time as Deputy Chairman in 2010.

Three generations of Biggs’ has been on the Board of Directors of the Proserpine Sugar Mill, with grandfather William, father Harry, and then Russell himself.

Russell is also heavily involved within the local community, serving on the finance committee for the Proserpine Ex-Servicemen’s Club, president of the Proserpine Junior Cricket Club, from 1990 to 1995, where he helped fund the $45,000 irrigation of the grounds.

This must be a family trait, as his great-grandfather, William being elected into the first Proserpine Shire Council in 1910 and serving as the Shire Chairman from 1927 to 1930, and Russell’s great-grandmother, Annie, switched the electricity on for the town in 1929.

In 2016, Russell was named Proserpine Sugar Producer of the Year, and has been a partner of Crystalbrook Harvesting Company since 1996.

Each year, Russell and the family farm produces and cuts about 90,000 tons of sugar cane each year

“I remember the days where you’d be burning most nights during the crush, whereas these days evening work is required only for occasional problematic irrigation from time to time,” Russell explained.

“These improvements have meant that growers can have more time to enjoy other areas of their life and with their families.”

Now, Russell is welcoming the fifth generation of Biggs’ onto the farm with his son Kent, returning to the area to help Russell on the farm, finishing up his own career in the mines in Townsville.

His daughter, Michelle, lives in the Gold Coast, the lead teacher of pedagogy and curriculum at Helensville State High School.

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Russell Biggs gives everything a go, now being the fourth generation of Biggs on his 360-hectare farm. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Whitsunday Tourism operators are moving towards lowering carbon emissions from tourism activities, following a workshop hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council.

Whitsunday Council held the Moving Towards Lower Carbon Tourism Workshop, as part of the Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project (WHHP) and welcomed guest speaker ecoBiz and local tourism operators.

Whitsunday Council Mayor Julie Hall said the workshop was aimed at supporting the Whitsunday tourism sector in understanding decarbonisation and the impact that it may have on businesses’ reducing running costs.

“With the right tools and support, tourism businesses can commence the journey to decarbonisation as well as benefit from reduced running costs through the management of energy, waste, and water.

“Measuring the carbon footprint of your business has never been easier thanks to the Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project’s online carbon calculator and the support of the ecoBiz programme.”

The workshop also included a talk from James Straker, from the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Manager of Water and Recycling.

“Local businesses can proactively address waste by developing effective onsite separation of waste components, investigating where waste can be reduced, and looking for recycling and reuse options,” Mr Straker said.

One member of the Healthy Heart Project is Magnums Accommodation, with Executive Manager, Evelyn Anderson, presenting benefits of the programme on the day.

Ms Anderson explained how Magnums Accommodation has been able to move closer to their decarbonisation goals, thanks to the qualified support and tools of the WHHP and ecoBiz.

The Whitsunday Healthy Heart Project is funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Managing Director Anna Marsden said we’re already seeing the effects of climate change in many parts of our Reef and the time to act is now.

“We’re proud to be working towards a carbon neutral Reef industry in the Whitsundays as part of our Reef Islands initiative, which is protecting the habitats of the thousands of species of marine life that call the Reef home,” Ms Marsden said.

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Whitsunday tourism operators are working to lower carbonisation