William Baker was an adventurous, headstrong rule breaker; he also had a big and incredibly kind heart.

Like most teenage boys, he thought he was bulletproof and immortal, mum Kim Baker said.

The Baker family’s world fell apart when William tragically lost his life in 2022 following a serious traffic crash involving a van and motorbike at Blacks Beach.

Two years on, her grief still very raw, Kim said she finds comfort knowing that Will’s heart, lungs, liver and kidneys were donated to help save five people.

“From the minute we arrived in the ED that night I said ‘if he doesn’t make it, do everything you can to keep him alive and take his organs,’” she said.

“I guess it was instinct given my medical background as a nurse, but it also helped us find some good in the enormous and overwhelming grief.”

DonateLife Week, which is held from 28 July to 4 August, is the national awareness week to encourage more Australians to get behind organ and tissue donation.

As a donor family, Kim wanted to speak out to help raise awareness and encourage organ donation registration.

Four of the five recipients of William’s organs were women, including a baby, a teenager and a woman who had a rare form of liver cancer.

“I think sometimes that is seems so unfair; the recipients get another chance at life, to be able to function and be with their family, and William doesn’t,” Kim said.

“I know that is part of the grief process, but there’s also great comfort knowing that he lives on in others and that his sad loss gave others another opportunity at life.”

There are currently 1800 Australians on the organ waitlist and 14,000 more on dialysis for kidney failure. One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and change the lives of many more through eye and tissue donation.

Three months after William’s death, Kim wrote a confidential letter to the organ recipients describing their son and his love of skateboarding, fishing, travelling and snowboarding. She also detailed his love of fast-food including KFC and McDonalds.

The unwavering support of organ donation Mackay HHS clinical nurse consultant Donna Contor and DonateLife counsellors had also been vital as the Bakers came to terms with the loss of their son and the transplant process.

“She was and is always still there to offer us support, answer our questions or sit in silence when it’s needed,” Kim said.

“The DonateLife events like the annual Remembrance Service and Thank You days are important to donor families – they help validate our feelings and become a safe place to express our emotions.

“You meet other families and realise you aren’t alone in this process – we aren’t the first or the last to go through this and that everyone’s journey through grief is different.”

The Baker family travelled to the Cook Islands last month and participated in variety of William’s favourite activities including fishing, snorkelling and mud buggies. Kim and her daughter Brianna tackled Mt Kilimanjaro in June last year to celebrate William’s life and his love of snowy mountain tops.

Sadly, more than 50 Australians died last year while on the organ transplant waitlist.

“I really want people to spread the word about organ donation; to have the conversation with their families and then go ahead and register as organ and tissue donors,” Kim said.

“For someone who is seriously ill, an organ or tissue transplant can mean the difference between life and death, being healthy or sick.

“It only takes a minute, but lives really depend on it.”

Register at donatelife.gov.au or with three taps on your Express Plus Medicare app.

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Eimeo mother Kim Baker and Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) clinical nurse consultant (organ donation) Donna Contor

Images of William Baker. Images supplied

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Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm has recently voiced concerns about the ‘unacceptable’ state of healthcare in the region, particularly focusing on staff turnover rates and the pressures faced by local hospitals and staff.

Ms Camm highlighted what she sees as a concerning trend at the Mackay Hospital and Health Service, attributing to the rise in staff turnover rates under the management of the Labor Government.

“We’ve seen an increase over the last four years under this current term of Labor, an increase of 3.36 per cent up to 8.21 per cent…that’s almost a 5 per cent increase in just four years,” said Ms Camm.

“We need our frontline services to be supported.

“Doctors and nurses are working extraordinary hours and I am contacted each and every day through my office by those nurses that are being asked to work extra shifts and are being asked to take on overtime because of the staff shortages that they’re experiencing at the health service.

“This is having an impact across our entire region and in particular, when you compare us to other regional health services, like Townsville, Central Queensland and Rockhampton or Toowoomba we are at the highest number and that’s insane,” Ms Camm said.

Nigel Dalton, LNP candidate for Mackay, criticised the current Labor Government’s management of healthcare facilities, arguing that expectant mothers are not receiving the necessary treatment and calling for administrative improvements to ensure better care, particularly in maternity services.

Dalton said, “What we’re really looking at here is a mother, an expectant mother, coming into the hospital to have a baby and not being able to get the treatment that they need.

“Mums and bubs are in need of the best treatment they can get.

“The management is coming from the Labor Government, so, in 2024 we need to show Labor the door and move on and get this 21st Century facility up to scratch with the administration so that we can get people treated much more sustainably throughout the period of their time, especially in the maternity section,” Dalton said.

Glen Kelly, LNP candidate for Mirani, highlighted the lack of hospital services in central Queensland, noting that many areas rely heavily on distant facilities in Rockhampton and Mackay. He emphasised the need for local hospitals to serve these communities, particularly for maternity care, and urged that this issue be addressed in the upcoming 2024 election.

In relation to the pressures of workload for understaffed hospitals, the Labor Government claims that ‘Queensland’s Satellite Hospitals Minor Injury and Illness Clinics have seen over 100,000 patients, diverting non-urgent cases away from busy emergency departments.’

Despite these claims, the State Government released recent data saying that the health system is improving across several key measures, including off patient stretcher time, ED wait time, and lost time per ambulance.
“The June quarter ED performance data showed 5,900 more patients were transferred off stretcher within 30 mins compared to this time last year, despite a record number of patients.
“Queensland emergency departments saw more than 592,000 patients in the same period, with 55.3 per cent of patients off-stretcher within 30 minutes,” the State Government said in a statement.
Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman commented that, “Despite record numbers of presentations across the board, the system is performing better on every measure.

“Despite a surge in serious presentations, respiratory illness and the busiest June quarter we’ve ever seen – more patients are being transferred more quickly into ED care.
“The median wait time in the ED for the June quarter was just 15 minutes – that’s a two-minute improvement and four minutes better than it was under the LNP.
“And average lost time per ambulance also dropped by more than four minutes.
“This is thanks to our hard-working paramedics, our hard-working ED doctors and nurses, and the extra investments we’ve been making.
“While there is more work to do, this data shows our investments and policies like nurse-led clinics, satellite hospitals, and the virtual ED are helping reduce pressures on emergency departments.”
Amanda Camm, Member for Whitsundays opposed that, saying “There is a significant focus on administration that is taking away from those doctors and nurses on the frontline.

“Some of that direction is coming out of south east Queensland and from the Labor Government who are more concerned about how things look than in fact what the numbers are showing us, which is that doctors and nurses are leaving and they are burnt out… it’s not acceptable.”

“We should have a world class health service given the royalties that come out of our region and what we’ve seen is that they do not value our frontline, they are not valuing out doctors and nurses, and that became very apparent in that maternity inquiry when I heard form frustrated whistle blowers who have gone unheard by this Labor Government.

“The numbers are declining and it’s getting worse… that’s the record of this Labor Government,” Ms Camm said.

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Amanda Camm, Member for Whitsunday, Nigel Dalton, LNP candidate for Mackay and Glen Kelly, LNP candidate for Mirani met last Wednesday at Mackay Base Hospital to discuss an alleged rise in staff turnover rates. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Kelly Cartwright OAM is a gold medal-winning Paralympic athlete who has found success as a 100m sprinter, long jumper and more recently as a powerlifter.
Dr. Brendan Burkett OAM is an Australian swimmer who won five medals at four Paralympics and was the Opening Ceremony flag bearer in Sydney 2000.
These legends of the sporting world will be the keynote speakers at council’s 2024 Accessible Active Living Seminar on Friday, August 16, at Harrup Park Country Club.
Running across two sessions, this free seminar will be packed with informative discussions and presentations aimed at educating sporting clubs, fitness groups and recreational activity organisers on how to become more inclusive and accessible for their communities.
The presentation session runs from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and then there will be panel discussions and networking from 5pm to 7pm.
All sessions will have Auslan interpreters.
Mayor Greg Williamson said this was the second year the seminar had run, and council was excited to have secured such high-profile speakers.
“Kelly and Brendan are truly inspirational individuals who achieved tremendous levels of success despite having suffered the loss of a limb,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Outside of sports, Kelly became the first above-knee amputee woman to climb to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in 2009, and Dr. Brendan has a PhD in Biomechanics,” he said.
“In 2000 he was awarded the Institution of Engineers Australia’s Professional Engineer of the Year Award and was the first person with a disability to work as an engineer on the oil rigs in the North Sea.
“These are amazing Australians with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to hear their insights into improving accessibility and inclusivity in sports and recreation, especially in relation to grass roots clubs.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in sport, recreation or accessibility to register for the seminar now – it’s not often that you get a free opportunity to hear from such high-profile advocates.”
The keynote speakers will join a dynamic group of local specialists in the fields of sport and disability advocacy to discuss the opportunities, challenges and barriers to participation in sport and active recreation.
Tickets to the 2024 Accessible Active Living Seminar are free and are available now via Eventbrite.
Kelly Cartright and Dr. Brendan Burkett will also be available to meet the public as special guests at the Mackay Disability Expo on Thursday, August 15, from 9am to noon at the Big Shed in the Mackay Showgrounds.
The expo is free to attend and will offer a crucial opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, technology, aids and equipment from dozens of specialist providers, organisations and agencies.

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Kelly Cartwright OAM (pictured) is a gold medal-winning Paralympic athlete who has found success as a 100m sprinter, long jumper and more recently as a powerlifter
Dr Brendan Burkett OAM (pictured) is an Australian swimmer who won five medals at four Paralympics and was the Opening Ceremony Flag bearer in Sydney 2000

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To celebrate a decade of waterway health and data, Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership showcased a vibrant display of river-themed artwork last Thursday, on July 25th.

The event was launched as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts ‘Submerged in Our Region’ exhibition which was held at Gallery 31 at CQUniversity’s Mackay City campus.

Partnership Chair, Charlie Morgan, said the achievement was significant.

“That is 10 years of community, 10 years of data, and 10 years of collaboration with likeminded stakeholders who think proactively about waterway health and regional sustainability,” Ms Morgan said.

She said community was at the heart of regional data, and the reason regional report cards were unique.

“We collate a huge range of data – more than $4 million worth annually – from data providers and Partners who operate in our region, or who are committed to learning more about our local waterways,” she said.

“In 2024 we have 36 dedicated Partners in the community, representing all sectors, including agriculture, conservation, tourism, government, industry and Traditional Owners.

The 2024 Report Card has revealed a range of waterway health scores from ‘A’ to ‘C’ across the region’s 18 key graded areas, reflecting results for five freshwater basins, eight estuary areas and five marine zones.

For only the second time in 10 years, there is no overarching ‘D’ grade to be seen in the region.

“This is certainly something to celebrate, with the ‘D’ of the Whitsunday Inshore Marine zone lifting to a ‘C’ in 2024,” Ms Morgan said.

The grade change increase was influenced by decreased concentrations of nutrients, chlorophyll-a (chl-a) and the incorporation of pesticide data.

However, Ms Morgan said after 10 years of data, the Report Card had also begun to highlight some challenging trends.

“Water quality grades are ‘moderate (C)’ for the seventh consecutive year in the O’Connell Basin, and the tenth consecutive year in the Pioneer Basin,” she said.

“Pesticides in both the Proserpine and Plane basins are ‘very poor (E)’ for the seventh year in a row, and the Murray/St Helens Creek estuary recorded its lowest chl-a score since the Report Card’s inception.”

Chlorophyll-a is a key indicator of phytoplankton biomass and activity, and can significantly impact the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, including nutrient enrichment and algal blooms. Ms Morgan said it was a goal of the Report Card to identify regional issues, so improvements could be made.

“We really want to see these results used by the community to help drive investment into projects that will make a difference,” she said.

Ms Morgan said she was excited to celebrate 10 years with Partners and the wider community.

“The Submerged in Our Region art exhibition is a real celebration of community, with more than 140 entries received!

“We are so proud to bring art and science together to showcase our region’s beautiful waterways and the vital life and industries they support.”

Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard commended the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership for its ongoing efforts to improve water quality in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac region.

“This annual report card will provide a benchmark as the partnership continues its work to further improve water quality.

“We are investing $1.25 million annually across the five regional report card partnerships, with the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership last year receiving $240,000 in funding.”

Healthy Rivers to Reef Executive Officer Jaime Newborn said that “We are always looking for innovative new ways to improve our waterways and to preserve and protect them so that future generations can enjoy them as we do.

“We know Mackay Isaac Whitsunday residents love waterways, so this exhibition is a testament to that, whether it be fishing, recreation, a stroll on the beach at sunset, we work and play on our waterways, so the role that this partnership plays is really important in providing the data that we need to make good decisions about our waterways.”

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Charlie Morgan, Chair of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Healthy Rivers to Reef partnership, Healthy Rivers to Reef Executive Officer Jaime Newborn with Gallery Curator and Director Glenda Hobdell and Deputy Chair of the partnership and Industry Rep Kevin Kane

The Exhibition featured a display of waterway themed entries, including everything from creative fashion based on rivers to sculpture, writing, mixed media, film and more. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Health practitioners learned how to put a spin on traditional exercises for brain injury
and rehabilitation patients at a dance program information session with Queensland
Ballet last week.

Allied health, orthopaedic, neurological, rehabilitation and geriatric clinicians were
invited to attend one of two modified dance sessions held at Mackay Base Hospital to
understand how ballet can support their patient’s health and wellbeing.

The specially designed dance rehabilitation programs, offered by the Van Norton Li
Community Health Institute (a division of Queensland Ballet), showcased the strength,
mobility and balance benefits dance has to offer.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Acting Director Medical Services
Research and Innovation Dr Pieter Nel said research suggested dance could improve
cognitive performance and reaction times, making it a useful treatment for a number of
conditions.

The Dance Health programs were underpinned by medical research and provide a
ballet program designed for patients in a hospital setting. The programs
showcased in Mackay were examples of how modified dance classes can be
useful treatments for a number of conditions including arthritis, dementia, brain
injuries, depression and Parkinson’s disease, Dr Nel said.

The two 60-minute dance rehabilitation classes were held on Tuesday 23 July
from 7.30am to 9.30am and were followed by an information session at 2pm in
the Brampton Room at K Block at Mackay Base Hospital.

The sessions provided clinicians in the Mackay HHS the opportunity to consider using
dance as a tool to enrich lives and positively impact the health and wellbeing of
patients, Dr Nel said.

The Queensland Ballet received $750,000 in funding from Queensland Health to
sustain and deliver a range of Dance Health programs through the Van Norton Li
Community Health Institute. These include Dance for Parkinson’s, Ballet for Brain
Injury, Dance for Arthritis, Dance Rehab and Ballet Serene (modified dance
classes in aged-care settings).

The modified dance programs were designed to help understand how dance
affects health and wellbeing, develop partnerships in regional communities,
supply unique training opportunities for health professionals and look for ways to
make dance more accessible.

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Dance participants Louise Mullaney (Mater), Charisma Pala, Kerri Nash, Van Norton Li Community Health head of community and education Lily Spencer, Hannah Heslin, Seona McDonald and Jessica Shepheard

Mackay HHS Acting Executive Director Research and Innovation Dr Pieter Nel and Director Van Norton Li Community Health Institute Zara Gomes. Photo credit: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Two exciting grant opportunities are available in the Mackay City and Waterfront area to create safer and more engaging places.
Applications opened yesterday on Thursday (August 1) for the City Safety Grant and the Make Your Place Mackay Waterfront Placemaking Grant.
The City Safety Grant aims to improve the late-night economy by delivering safety infrastructure within Mackay city, and the Make Your Place Grant facilitates inspiring and inclusive projects that connect the local community and encourage more activity in the city.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the grants were a great opportunity to bring placemaking ideas to life and improve community safety.
“We want to see our Riverside and City Centre precincts come alive and be a safe night-time environment for all patrons,” Mayor Williamson said.
“These grants are a fantastic incentive for our businesses and community to contribute and create places people want to visit,” he said.
A successful Make Your Place Grant recipient from the last round was the River of Life Festival, held at the Blue Water Quay and River Wharves on April 20.
This free community event was organised by a collective of volunteers and coordinated by Jamesly Gourley.
The festival featured local performers, a kid’s hub, dancing, artisan market stalls and food vans, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Pioneer River.
If you can see an opportunity to improve the safety of your business, or you’re a passionate community member that has an idea for a fun activation, apply for a grant today.
Read the guidelines for eligibility by visiting mackaywaterfront.com.au and apply by September 12.
For further information contact council’s Mackay City and Waterfront team via email at mackaywaterfront@mackay.qld.gov.au.

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The River of Life Festival, held in April at the Blue Water Quay and River Wharves, used
their Make Your Place Grant funding to host the successful free community event

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One of North Queensland’s most desired regions has welcomed a new era of beachfront luxury at Harbour Beach with seven exclusive homes officially hitting the market last week.

Located just seven kilometres from Mackay’s CBD, The Beach Collective by national developer Urbex offers luxury coastal living in Mackay, featuring low maintenance seaside residences that appeal to both local residents and interstate buyers seeking a high-end home with an absolute beachfront lifestyle.

Urbex Realty General Manager, Craig Covacich, is thrilled to launch the highly anticipated Beach Collective, one of Mackay's most desired developments, featuring seven luxury town homes.

“We’re excited to unveil a first in the Mackay market; exquisite beachfront properties of the highest quality and only 10-minutes from town,” Craig said.

“The homes respond to an emerging market who are seeking bespoke beachfront homes and the associated lifestyle benefits.

“Nationally, beachside living opportunities are scarce, driving high capital growth. Our beachside collection of homes offer an attractive yet affordable opportunity to secure a truly unique and limited way of life.”

The Beach Collective forms part of the Sol Precinct, Urbex’s Dunes Harbour Beach development, offering freehold two-level architecturally designed homes that prioritise convenience, functionality, and comfort.

Starting from $1.56M, the expansive four-bedroom, three-bathroom absolute beachfront homes all boast uninterrupted ocean view lines of the Coral Sea. They feature seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces, low maintenance landscaped areas, private plunge pools for maximum comfort, high-level finishes with luxury appointments and state-of-the-art appliances.

“Our discerning buyers, particularly those seeking prestige, are proving resilient to economic fluctuations and interest rate movements, unlike the broader market.

“We are setting a new standard in Mackay, offering locals and newcomers to Queensland an unparalleled opportunity to own an absolute beachfront masterpiece.”

Currently, two of out of the seven town homes are officially complete and available for inspection. The remaining five are offered as ready built home solutions with a 10 per cent deposit and the balance upon completion, increasing their market appeal. One of the two completed homes will serve as the brand- new sales suite, offering future residents and investors a unique opportunity to secure absolute beachfront property with an attractive six per cent yield over a three-by-three leaseback term.

Urbex's new Dunes Harbour Beach Sales Suite, located within The Beach Collective, is now open to prospective buyers. Visitors are encouraged to explore the beachfront living experience first-hand, enjoying stunning ocean views from both levels. Construction of new homes across the broader development is progressing smoothly, with several buyers finalising build plans and others already commencing construction.

Additionally, Urbex has submitted plans to the Mackay Regional Council for a high-end 63-room short-term accommodation resort. This proposed resort, featuring extensive commercial amenities on the oceanfront, aligns with the broader masterplan to integrate tourism and urban hubs, further enhancing the appeal and support for the development's growing community.

Supporting the local community remains a top priority with Dunes Harbour Beach recently hosting a series of free events including beachside yoga sessions, breakfast by the beach, and the popular Tunes in the Dunes showcasing local talent, which will continue until October 2024. The events have been warmly welcomed by Mackay locals, taking part in the activities and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

“These events are our way of offering the community a place to connect and showcase the beauty of Harbour Beach.”

Located seven kilometres from Mackay’s CBD, Dunes Harbour Beach spans 57 hectares, boasting kilometres of beachfront with spacious homesites blended within areas of native bushland. Over 35 per cent of the development is committed to open space, conservation, and parkland to ensure Dunes remains a pristine destination.

With uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea, exclusive beach access, and close integration to the future planned tourism, dining and retail hub, The Beach Collective homes are officially for sale and interested buyers are encouraged to visit the new sales home. For more information visit https://dunesharbourbeach.com.au/.

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One of North Queensland’s most desired regions has welcomed a new era of beachfront luxury at Mackay’s Harbour Beach, with seven absolute beachfront homes officially on the market. Images supplied 

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The value of Queensland’s agricultural sector is projected to boom to a second-highest-ever valuation of $23.56 billion in 2024-25.
New AgTrends figures released last month show a promising year ahead, despite challenges such as declining cattle prices, drier conditions and major natural disasters in 2023-24 leading to a valuation of $22.1 billion for the year.
The valuation remains higher than the five-year average and showcases the resilience of Queensland agriculture, with a corresponding supply chain value estimated at $33.88 billion.
Cattle and calves once again took the gold medal as Queensland’s highest-valued commodity in 2023-24, contributing $5.71 billion to the state’s economy.
Meanwhile meat processing ($2.40B) and sugarcane ($2.06B) took the silver and bronze positions respectively.
The recent statistics highlight Mackay's significance in the agricultural landscape, supported by a remarkable GVP growth rate of 23%, which showcases the region's dynamic and expanding agricultural sector.
Sugarcane remains a cornerstone of Queensland's agricultural economy, with the Mackay region playing a critical part in its success. In 2023-24, sugarcane was the third highest-valued commodity, contributing $2.06 billion to the state’s economy.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said, “Queensland’s food and fibre is the best in the world, and our primary producers have showed remarkable resilience in delivering a bumper 2023-24 despite challenging conditions.
“While Queensland is officially drought-free, conditions were drier overall leading to tougher conditions for growers and graziers.
“Our traditional titans of beef and sugar remain a cornerstone of the Queensland economy, and it’s great to see strong growth for many growers, particularly for macadamias, sugar, chickpeas, apples and strawberries.”
Highest GVP in 2023-24 by LGA ($):
Toowoomba            $1.27 billion
Western Downs       $951 million
Bundaberg              $899 million
Burdekin                 $735 million
Cassowary Coast    $727 million
Highest GVP growth in 2023-24 by LGA (%):
Hinchinbrook          29%
Douglas                  24%
Mackay                   23%
Burdekin                 19%
Cairns                     12%
Highest commodities growth in 2023-24 (%):
Macadamias           86.3%
Chickpeas               37.1%
Sugarcane              32.7%
Sugar processing    23.9%
Apples                      7.4%
For the latest AgTrends statistics visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries‘ DataFarm website.

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Sugarcane remains a cornerstone of Queensland's agricultural economy, with the Mackay region playing a critical part in its success. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
The current harvest season in Mackay and Plane Creek is languishing, and it is costing growers, and the regional economy.
There’s been a few factors at play, but mill performance and industrial action have dogged Plane Creek and brought on an abysmal season start, and in Mackay, the very poor reliability at Marian Mill has unbalanced crush progress across the milling area as a whole.
Added to that mix was the late June rain event of up to 90mm which made paddock conditions very difficult and impacting crushing. It was a boon for our following crop, but impacted crushing start.
It has been reassuring to see Farleigh and Racecourse mill settle into a reasonable crush rate, but with Marian only managing - across seven weeks of crushing combined- less than the volume that the mill should throughput in one week, it’s fair to say that enough is enough. Marian Mill should be the big star in the three-mill organisation, managing in the vicinity of 100,000 tonne per week. It’s like a tripod stool with one leg cut off.
At the time of writing, Mackay Sugar was at around 15% of the way through the area’s estimated 5.2Mt crop. Plane Creek had processed around 10% of a 1.3Mt crop. Realistically, at this time of year and based on an optimal 21-week crush, we should be about 30% of the way through.
Milling performance is integral to growers’ confidence in the industry.
Milling performance is integral to the regional economy and the community that relies on it.
Escalating investment in our region’s mills, maintaining an experienced mill workforce, and building our capacity is critical to maintaining the region’s role as a primary sugar producer.
While respecting that millers are investing in their factories, and that these are aging infrastructure, we urge that the level of investment must be escalated for the benefit of the industry and the regional economies it supports.
We see, in other regions, mills that are capable of operating at 97% availability. We see mills that are able to accommodate processing another region’s crop. This is because of investment and seeing the vision for a strong future for Australian sugarcane across renewable foods fibres and fuels.
A 2019 Queensland Economic Advocacy Solutions study -commissioned by CANEGROWERS - on The economic contribution of the sugarcane industry to Queensland and its regional communities showed that, for every dollar spent on growing sugarcane, that multiplied to $6.42 generated in the Queensland economy.
Growers invest extensively in their operations. We invest in developing practices that build our business and environmental sustainability. We invest in the usual farm inputs and production costs - fuel, fertiliser, workforce, insurances, rates etc. We invest in our soils, our fallow, our crop. We do this, and that forms the base of our industry. We take responsibility for - and invest heavily in - our role in the supply chain. We ask millers to honour not just the growers’ investment, but to honour their own investment in their factories, and to process our crop in an efficient, timely fashion.

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Mills need to be crushing consistently. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
54,338
187,117
Average bin weight
3.84
3.81
CCS
13.13
12.93
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
23.4
12.70
Q253
16.2
13.60
Q240
19.8
13.43
Q138
2.9
10.81
Q208
12.2
13.60
SRA9
3.8
11.31
KQ228
12.2
14.61
Q242
3.3
12.59
Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed 54,338 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just over 187,000 tonnes.
Throughput was disrupted on Tuesday morning due to a major derailment at Tedlands siding on Monday afternoon, along with an extended stop due to industrial action on Wednesday.
Average CCS rose by 0.03 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 13.13 units. Standover cane made up 24 per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was a rake of KQ228 1R from the Mt Christian productivity area with a CCS of 16.05 units.
As always, we ask the public to stay alert around our cane rail network.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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Mackay Sugar has reported its 2024 crushing season is well underway.
As of 6am last Friday (26th July), Mackay Sugar said in a statement that its three factories have crushed a combined 16 per cent of the predicted crop.
“Farleigh and Racecourse mills are experiencing some of the best early-season crushing performance in recent years, with Farleigh delivering as much as 85.4 per cent reliability and Racecourse as much as 90.3 per cent,” the statement read.
Despite the evident improvements at two of Mackay Sugar’s mills, the organisation admitted that the season start up at Marian factory has not been good enough.
“Mackay Sugar, along with its Board of Directors, has publicly acknowledged this on several occasions and have clearly committed to implementing changes to address the season’s challenges so they will not be repeated,” the business shared in its statement.
“Over the past 12 months, Mackay Sugar invested $84.3M in capital improvements and maintenance at its three factories, with Marian receiving almost half this spend. This significant investment, combined with widespread skilled labour shortages, exceeded Mackay Sugar’s ability to deliver the work on time and as a result it was unable to start Marian factory as planned.
“Mackay Sugar reallocated resources to Marian and its crews worked around the clock to start the factory on 17 June before several factory stops occurred due to issues ranging from equipment failures to human error, which are currently under investigation.
“In Marian’s first full week of crushing, the factory has delivered rates in line with the same time last year.
“We continue to work with growers and harvester groups to manage allotments and cane transfers and we will continue doing so throughout the season, as we do every year.”
Mackay Sugar said it is also working alongside industry bodies to rectify this difficult situation.
“Milling performance is integral to everyone involved in our symbiotic industry - our ambition is to crush the entire crop, and we are doing what we can to achieve this.
“Mackay Sugar would like to remind members of our community and industry to remain respectful and courteous when dealing with our employees.
“Whilst we appreciate the concerns and impacts of milling performance on growers, our people in frontline roles are not personally responsible for Marian’s challenges and should never be subjected to abuse.
“Mackay Sugar employees have remained dedicated throughout the maintenance season and start up – as they are every year – and will continue their commitment to ensuring a positive future for our business and industry.”

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Racecourse Mill has reported a strong start to the crush according to Mackay Sugar. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Enterprise bargaining discussions between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and representatives of three unions in Townsville earlier this week on Tuesday have been described as constructive by a Wilmar company spokesman.
A Fair Work Commissioner assisted in the discussions and the Wilmar spokesman said that in the course of the day the parties had succeeded in narrowing the gap further between unions’ claims and company offers.
The Commissioner, Bernie Riordan, has offered to provide further input and remain available should the parties wish him to contribute further.
“These confidential discussions are ongoing and without prejudice, so we do not intend to discuss details outside the negotiating room,” said the company spokesman.
He added that Wilmar Sugar and Renewables was disappointed to receive notification of further industrial action from all three unions within 15 minutes of Tuesday’s discussions concluding.

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

We recently completed a roadshow through Wilmar’s four milling regions with senior sugar traders, Peter Bingham and Neil Foo.

Peter and Neil work with Wilmar International and travel to Queensland once a year to meet with growers who choose Wilmar to market their GEI sugar. Peter is based in London while Neil is based in Singapore.

Their overarching message was for growers to be conscious that we may not see the elevated prices we witnessed in the last couple of years. The primary cause for caution on the outlook for #11 sugar pricing is based around the rapid ramping up of Brazilian cane production and crystallisation capacity.

Peter delivered a Brazilian masterclass, highlighting how acreage under cane had expanded. A 300,000 increase in 24/25 season hectares has essentially erased the previous eight-year steady decline in area under cane.

Additionally, millers have been aggressively investing in crystallisation capacity by converting ethanol- only factories to dual sugar/ethanol output. The increased acreage and sugar-make capacity has our projection for this year’s Brazilian sugar production to be at 42.2m tonnes – similar to last year’s record production.

The supply response in Europe, China and Thailand is expected to see a trade surplus for this year and beyond. India is expected to have a larger crop as well, but will not be a trade participant as domestic consumption and increased ethanol production will soak up the extra tonnes.

Overall consumption is expected to stay solid but the key importing countries of China and Indonesia are reasonably well covered in the short term and have sufficient stocks for them to sit out of the market for some time.

Peter and Neil were clear in their delivery that this is a forecast, which is based on modelling, which relies on assumptions, which relies on information known at the time. We could be wrong. No one was able to foresee the massive tail end of the Brazilian harvest in November 2023, which caused the spectacular collapse of #11 from US 28c/lb to sub 20c/lb.

The good news is that demand for Australian sugar remains strong into our traditional markets of Japan and Korea. Our 24-season physical sale program is well advanced and the large premiums that flowed into the Allocation Account for 23 Season are likely to be repeated this year – albeit at a slightly lower level.

Peter and Neil enjoyed their annual roadshow and look forward to returning next year.

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Senior Sugar Traders Peter Bingham and Neil Foo travelled to all of Wilmar's milling regions as part of their annual roadshow

Pictured from left are Wilmar Senior Trader Peter Bingham, Proserpine harvesting contractors Andrew Auld and Mark Orr, and Wilmar Risk Manager Bevan Patterson

Senior Sugar Trader Neil Foo checks out the view from a LOS Harvesting double row harvester. Photos supplied

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A comprehensive lung health check is available at no charge for former Queensland mine and quarry workers local to Mackay, when the HEART5 truck returns in August. 
The service is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).
The B-double truck is packed full of state-of-the-art medical screening equipment and travels around regional and remote Queensland offering tests that detect mine dust lung diseases.
Free checks are available to former Queensland mine and quarry workers with at least 3 years' experience working in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including 6 months in Queensland.
RSHQ's Director of Health Strategy and Compliance Patrick Jensen said the tests are important to do, even long after finishing work in the industry because occupational lung diseases can take 10 years or more to develop.  
"Many former workers may not have symptoms or be aware they have a disease," said Mr Jensen.  

"Come forward and get tested because there could be treatment available, and you may be entitled to compensation. 

"It costs you nothing, just time. " 

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HEART5 screening includes:
   • Examination with an RSHQ-approved doctor
   • Chest X-ray
   • Lung function test by spirometry
   • CT scan (if required)

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HEART5 has travelled to Mackay seven times since it began operating in 2022. 
Retired Queensland miner Glenn Hank is living proof that a free lung check can change your life.  

One year ago, he noticed some worrying symptoms and decided to get tested.  

"I was pushing the mower around and getting shortness of breath," said Mr Hank. 

"I can't do a lot of things that I used to be able to do." 

The 59-year-old was tested on board the HEART5 truck one year ago, and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a mine dust lung disease attributed to 20 years of working in Queensland coal and mineral mines.  

"My experience on the HEART5 truck was excellent," he said. 

"If the truck is around and you can get to it, bloody go for sure." 

"Have the test just to be on the safe side." 
Bookings are essential. Call 1300 445 715 to book or visit online for more information:  Contact | Miners' health matters (rshq.qld.gov.au)
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HEART5 Mackay visit details:
Where: Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Road, Paget
When: Tuesday 6 August – Thursday 8 August 2024

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This Tradies Health Awareness Month (August), optometrists are warning tradies in Mackay to better protect their eyes from injury on the job site. This comes after new research commissioned by Specsavers* reveals three in five (61%) tradies admit they have worn everyday sunglasses in place of protective eyewear on the worksite. 
 
With a large number (68%) of tradies witnessing an eye injury or an eye safety hazard while on the job, subbing sunnies for safety eyewear is putting their eye health at serious risk. 
 
Optometrists are calling out to all tradespeople to be vigilant in looking after their eyes on the job to avoid long-term, often preventable, and in some cases irreversible, damage to their eyesight. 
 
The research revealed almost half (42%) of tradespeople have had an eye injury at work that required further medical attention, and almost one in five had an eye injury more than once. 
 
Local Mackay Canelands Specsavers Optometrist Liam Grouhel says,  “We are urging tradies to take their eye safety seriously and be sure to take preventative measures on the worksite to protect their eyesight. 
“Sunglasses are not the right tool for protection against injuries.
“Safety glasses on the worksite are fit for purpose and provide essential eye protection against hazards such as flying debris and dust and even chemical splashes significantly reducing the risk of eye injuries.” 
 
The research found that tradies are risking their eye health by not taking eye safety as seriously as they should.  
“Health professionals want tradies to know that prevention is always better than cure, and getting regular eye tests is important to helping retain quality of vision, now and for years to come.” 
 
If you are on the worksite, make sure you wear protective glasses and if you have noticed any changes to your eyesight, book an eye test, which is bulk billed for all eligible Medicare card holders without optometry restrictions, this Tradies Health Awareness Month. For further information, visit https://www.specsavers.com.au.

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