Beach expert Brad Farmer with Mayor Ry Collins

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Beach expert and conservationist Brad Farmer has spent more than four decades assessing Australia's coastline, but on his latest visit to the Whitsundays, he wasn't focused solely on the region's most famous stretch of sand, Whitehaven.

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Instead, the Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador set out to explore lesser-known beaches across the mainland and islands, asking local figures such as Tourism Whitsunday Chairperson Katelyn Aslett and Mayor Ry Collins, in search for destinations that also capture the great Australian beach experience.  

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“70% of international tourist arrivals in Australia are seeking a beach, aquatic or coastal experience and that leads them to places like Bondi, Gold Coast, South East Queensland and Whitehaven,” Brad said.  

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“But they have become almost overexposed or overloved.  

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“I would personally like to see a greater diversity of product offerings."  

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During his visit, Brad explored several beaches across the Whitsundays, including Gloucester Beach, Hideaway Bay, Dingo Beach and Honeymoon Beach on Haslewood Island. While Whitehaven remains the region's best-known destination, he said these number of lesser-known locations deserved greater attention from visitors.

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“Airlie Beach in Whitsundays is synonymous with Whitehaven,” Brad said.

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“But like everywhere, if you point people in the right direction, they're going to find out-of-the-box places around the area.”

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Farmers criteria for rating a beach is an extensive 130 points but they can really be boiled down to three. Affordable, accessible and authentically Australian.  

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He stressed the importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental protection, warning that the natural beauty attracting visitors today cannot be taken for granted, as he mentions with our Asian counterparts.  

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“In places like Bali and Thailand, the over-commercialisation of a site is not a desirable thing,” Brad said.  

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“People are increasingly looking for green as our gold.

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"Environmental protection and tourism guardianship, stewardship must go hand in hand.”  

Earlier this month, Tourism Whitsundays, along with 14 of its members, took The Whitsundays East Coast Roadshow to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, connecting with the travel agents and trade partners who promote and sell Whitsundays holidays to travellers across the country. 

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In Brisbane, operators gathered at Lina Rooftop to share what's new and what's next for the region. Sydney's Ivy Sunroom followed, before the roadshow wrapped up at The Boatbuilders Yard in South Wharf, Melbourne. 

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Tourism Whitsundays said that at each stop, members were outstanding ambassadors for the destination, bringing genuine enthusiasm for The Whitsundays and showcasing the strength and diversity of their products.  

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Through face-to-face conversations and product updates, almost 300 agents left the events better equipped to recommend The Whitsundays with confidence. 

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Alongside the networking events, the group also met with Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland to share the latest developments across the region and updates on attending operators' products.  

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“Keeping our state and national tourism bodies informed ensures The Whitsundays continues to be well represented in key domestic and international markets.”

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“A huge thank you to sponsors Palm Bay Resort, Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Coast Airport for making it all possible. And to our 14 members who made the trip south and represented our region so well: thank you for making the week such a great one.” 

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Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays   

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Whitsunday Coast Airport's new Kerbside Assistance Service will commence on 29th June as part of a three-month trial. Photo Source: Whitsunday Regional Council

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Travellers requiring additional assistance at Whitsunday Coast Airport will soon have access to a new support service designed to make their journey through the airport easier.

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A new Kerbside Assistance Service is set to commence on 29th June as part of a three-month trial that will provide pre-booked assistance from the airport car park or designated drop-off areas through to the terminal check-in area.

The initiative is part of a broader goal of making the airport a more enjoyable, easier and safer experience for all travellers. This will include several new accessibility improvements also being introduced, including dedicated spaces at baggage claim and reserved priority seating at boarding gates.

"Whitsunday Coast Airport has experienced extraordinary growth over recent years, with passenger numbers reaching record levels and more people than ever choosing to travel through our region," Mayor Collins said.

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"As our airport continues to grow, so too does our responsibility to ensure every passenger enjoys a positive experience from the moment they arrive.

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"We want every visitor and resident to feel confident, comfortable and cared for when travelling through Whitsunday Coast Airport."

Director Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said accessibility and customer service were becoming increasingly important considerations for airports across Australia.

"Passenger expectations continue to evolve and accessibility is now a critical part of delivering a modern airport experience," Mr Turner said.

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"This pilot program has been developed to provide practical assistance for passengers who may benefit from a little extra support between their vehicle and the terminal.

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"Importantly, this service complements the assistance already available through airlines and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement across all aspects of the passenger journey.

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"We've taken inspiration from leading airports around the country and tailored a solution that suits the needs of our community while remaining practical and sustainable for a regional airport."

Mr Turner said the airport would monitor demand, passenger feedback and operational performance throughout the three-month trial period.

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"Whether it's new airline routes, terminal upgrades or improved passenger services, our focus remains on ensuring Whitsunday Coast Airport delivers an exceptional experience for every traveller,” Mr Turner said.  

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The Kerbside Assistance Service will operate Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm (excluding public holidays) and must be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

Airport staff can provide luggage trolleys, wheelchairs and general assistance to the terminal check-in area. The service does not replace airline assistance and airport staff are not trained carers or medical support personnel. Full terms and conditions apply.

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Passengers can make a booking by emailing wca@wrc.qld.gov.au

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Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region.

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Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces.

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Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division.

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Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525.

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Major upgrades at Gooseponds Park, including a new pedestrian bridge, widened shared pathway, fencing and tree planting, are set to improve access and connectivity, with works expected to run from mid-June to late September. Illustrative image supplied.

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Visitors to Gooseponds Park can expect improved access and connectivity, with major upgrade works set to begin on a replacement pedestrian bridge, new fencing and a renewed shared pathway.

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The project, to be delivered by D&M Composites Pty Ltd, will include replacing the existing footpath between Valley and Hicks streets with a widened 2.5-metre shared pathway, enhancing links to the popular Gooseponds circuit.

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the project is another example of the Queensland Government delivering for the state and supporting important upgrades for the community.

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“That’s why we made Works for Queensland funding permanent, to back local councils with the funding they need to deliver vital projects like this for their communities.”

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A new bridge, parallel to Malcomson Street, will be constructed one-metre higher than the existing bridge to provide increased flood immunity.

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The existing bridge will remain in place while the new one is constructed directly behind it. Some short traffic delays are expected on Malcomson Street. Traffic control will be in place.

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Pedestrians can detour via Glenpark and Meadow streets while the work is completed.

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New fencing will be installed and 23 new trees will be planted along Hicks Street.

Work is due to take place between mid-June and late September, weather permitting.

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Mackay Regional Council have said they apologise for any inconvenience caused by the works and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding.

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Jointly funded by Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government. For more information visit www.connectingmackay.gooseponds-park-upgrades

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Bruce Highway upgrades at Bakers Creek and Sarina will boost safety and strengthen a key transport link for Central Queensland motorists. Photo supplied

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Improved safety, stronger infrastructure and greater resilience are on the horizon for motorists travelling between Mackay and Sarina, with the latest round of Bruce Highway upgrades welcomed as a significant investment in the region's transport network.

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Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, said the upgrades form part of the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal governments and will deliver lasting benefits for road users across Central Queensland.

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Mr Kelly said the Bruce Highway remains one of the most vital transport routes within the Mirani electorate, supporting thousands of vehicle movements each day, including freight transport, daily commuters, tourists, school buses and emergency services.

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“Roads are consistently the number one issue raised with me by local residents, and that's not surprising when the Mirani electorate contains over 400 kilometres of the Bruce Highway stretching from the Mackay city gates right through to Raglan Creek,” Mr Kellysaid.

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“These upgrades are about improving safety, reducing road trauma and ensuring Queenslanders can get where they need to go safely and reliably.”

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Mr Kelly highlighted the importance of the Mackay to Sarina section of the Bruce Highway, particularly its role in connecting local communities, industry and freight movements throughout the district.

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“The Mackay to Sarina corridor is one of the busiest sections of highway in regional Queensland. It supports our agricultural sector, our mining industry via the Port of Hay Point, and the thousands of people who travel this route every week for work and familycommitments.”

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“That's why it is fantastic to see significant investment being directed towards projects such as pavement strengthening at both the northern and southern entrances to Sarina, along with ongoing works at Bakers Creek.”

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Works at Bakers Creek include bridge resurfacing and repairs to expansion joints, helping improve skid resistance and road performance during wet weather.

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Mr Kelly said, “Many locals were concerned about the significant deformation that had developed in the road surface at Spider Creek.  

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“The upgrades delivered there, including road widening, wide centre-line treatments and audio tactile line marking, will provide a much safer journey for motorists.”

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While the investment is a welcome boost for the region, Mr Kelly acknowledged that additional improvements are still required.

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“For too long, Queenslanders have had to accepted that travelling on the Bruce Highway means dealing with potholes, narrow sections and safety concerns.”

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“These upgrades are a major step forward, but nobody is pretending the job is finished.”

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“We will continue advocating for further investment because regional Queensland deserves a Bruce Highway that is safe, resilient and fit for the growing freight and passenger task it carries every day.”

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“Every upgrade matters. Whether it's a major highway project, a bridge repair or pavement strengthening, these investments help keep people safe and keep our regional economy moving.”

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For more information on the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and Bruce Highway Upgrade Program projects, visit www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bruce-highway-priority-projects

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The Sugar Industry Code of Conduct protects growers’ ability to choose who markets their Grower Economic Interest sugar. Photo supplied

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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A decade ago, Queensland Canegrowers was in the throes of a fierce defence of growers’ right to choice of sugar marketer. Now, the industry has been called to consider the future of the Code of Conduct that emerged from that industry debate.

Growers retain an interest in the sugar produced from their sugarcane, and in the 2010’s, the industry moved away from a single desk marketer model with new marketers emerging.  Some industry players wanted growers to market only through their miller.

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The situation was resolved through good support from some key politicians of the day – and particularly the then member for Dawson George Christensen – and through some strong and important industry tools including the 2015 “Real Marketing Choice” amendments to Queensland  Sugar Industry Act, then at a Federal level in 2017 with the introduction of the Sugar Industry Code of Conduct.

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The Code of Conduct requires parties to negotiate in good faith, and protects growers’ ability to choose who markets their Grower Economic Interest sugar, and provides access to pre-contract arbitration if negotiations break down.  

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This week, submissions closed in the review of the Code of Conduct, with the Australian Government to consider these and consider whether the Code be allowed to sunset as scheduled on 1 October 2027, or be retained as is, or with changes made.

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CANEGROWERS is committed to the Code being retained in its current form.

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In our view, the current Code continues to provide an essential and balanced framework that promotes fair dealing, transparency and workable commercial discipline across the sugar supply chain. The review is intended to examine whether the Code is meeting industry needs and objectives.  

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The Australian Government has described the Code as supporting fairness and transparency in commercial arrangements, and that objective remains as important today as when the Code was introduced in 2017.  

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The underlying market conditions that justified its introduction have not disappeared. In most cane-growing regions, growers cannot simply switch counterparties if negotiations fail. Cane is perishable, harvest windows are tight, and freight economics limit alternatives.  

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In that setting, the Code performs an important public policy function by establishing minimum rules of conduct and a framework for resolving bargaining impasses. Those protections are not redundant; they are fundamental to a fair negotiating environment.  

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Importantly, the current Code is not an excessive or unworkable intervention. It does not remove commercial risk, guarantee outcomes, or prevent parties from pursuing their legitimate commercial interests. Rather, it sets baseline expectations for conduct, transparency and process in circumstances where bargaining power is uneven. In our experience, that balance remains appropriate.  

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The Code provides a disciplined structure for negotiation while still allowing commercial parties to reach outcomes that reflect local conditions and business realities.  

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It is critical that the Federal Government upholds this important industry tool, allowing us to retain the Australian sugar industry’s good reputation as an equitable, stable player in global sugar trade.

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What began with a simple community pantry and Friday morning pies outside the George Street Centre has grown into one of the Mackay region’s leading examples of sustainability in action. Recognised for turning surplus food into community support while keeping waste out of landfill, The Neighbourhood Hub recently received the Best in Business – It’s Not Easy Being Green award at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards on 29^th May 2026.

The Neighbourhood Hub General Manager Nicolette Ffrost said the recognition carries great significance, particularly for the volunteers who have underpinned the program’s success.

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“It means a great deal, because the work behind it is everyday work. Sorting, packing, collecting and carrying, week after week, almost entirely by our volunteers,” she said.

“This award belongs to them. The Program does not run without them, and seeing their work recognised at the Best in Business Awards was the best part of the night.”

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At the centre of The Neighbourhood Hub’s environmental achievement is a streamlined and highly effective Food Diversion Program, delivered in partnership with SecondBite, local supermarkets, schools and producers. The initiative redirects surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, ensuring it reaches families and individuals in need across the Mackay region instead.

Since 2020, more than 150 tonnes of food have been diverted from landfill, which is equivalent to over 200,000 loaves of bread, or approximately 1.25 million bananas. Using Foodbank’s social return on investment methodology, the program has delivered more than $6 million in community value back into the region.

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At The Neighbourhood Hub, environmental responsibility is not a standalone initiative, but an embedded part of daily operations.

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“For us it is not a separate project, it is built into how we operate. Food rescue happens five days a week across our two centres, and we have an Environmental Ambassador at each centre,” she said.

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“The two things go hand in hand naturally. Reducing waste and meeting community need turn out to be the same job.”

“The benefit runs both ways. Every tonne of food we divert stays out of landfill, and it also becomes a meal on a table for a family doing it tough,” Ms Ffrost said.

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“Our Mid-Week Meal brings people together over food that would otherwise have been wasted, so the same program is cutting waste, easing pressure on household budgets, and connecting people to each other and to support at the same time.”

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Looking ahead, The Neighbourhood Hub is focused on expanding the reach of its Food Diversion Program, strengthening partnerships and increasing the volume of food rescued across the region.  

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“We want to keep growing the Food Diversion Program: more partners, more food rescued, and more families reached,” Ms Ffrost said.

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From those humble beginnings, The Neighbourhood Hub’s Food Diversion Program has grown into a far-reaching initiative now supporting a steadily increasing number of families across the region.

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“The most rewarding part has been watching it come this far,” she said.

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For more information, visit tnhub.org.au

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For many families, the journey to senior schooling can feel overwhelming—but one upcoming event aims to make those important decisions clearer and more confident.

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St Patrick's College is inviting Year 10 students and their families to attend its Subject Selection Evening on Tuesday, 23 June, at the Senior Campus Hall on River Street. The event marks the final step before students select their Year 11 subjects for 2027 and is designed to help families make informed decisions about future study and career pathways.

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The interactive evening will provide students and parents with the opportunity to explore the College's wide range of senior subjects, speak directly with teaching staff and current students, and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available at the Senior Campus.

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College staff will be available throughout the evening to answer questions, explain subject requirements and help families navigate the subject selection process.

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The event follows the College's recent Senior Schooling Information Evening and builds on the message that there is no single pathway to success. Instead, students are encouraged to choose a program that aligns with their interests, strengths and aspirations.

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Families whose children remain uncertain about their Year 11 subject choices are encouraged to seek additional support from the College. Personalised guidance is available through the Careers Counsellor to help students identify the pathway best suited to their goals.

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Enrolments for 2027 Year 11 students at St Patrick’s College Senior Campus are now open.

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Alice Evans has been appointed as MADEC’s new Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience to the role. Photo supplied

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MADEC has announced the appointment of Alice Evans as its new Chief Executive Officer.

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Ms Evans brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience across the disability, youth, community and health sectors. She has held CEO and senior executive positions within statewide and national organisations and is recognised for her commitment to person-centred, rights-based practice, strong safeguarding and quality systems, workforce capability, and sustainable organisational growth.

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MADEC Chair, Patrick Wilsmore, said the Board was delighted to welcome Alice to the organisation.

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“Alice brings deep sector experience, strong values alignment and a proven record of leading organisations through growth, reform and transformation. Her commitment to dignity, inclusion and community connection reflects MADEC’s purpose and the expectations of the communities we serve.”

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Alice will work closely with outgoing CEO Jasmine Lowry and the Senior Leadership Team during her induction and was able to participate in MADEC’s recent strategic planning review.

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Alice said she was honoured to join MADEC at such an important time.

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“MADEC has a proud 50-year history in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions. I am looking forward to listening, learning and working alongside staff, clients, families and partners to build on this strong foundation and ensure MADEC continues to deliver safe, high-quality, person-centred services.”

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FIGHTING FOR THE NORTH: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP outside Parliament House in Canberra, condemning the Albanese Federal Government's plan to slash scalable disaster recovery funding for regional councils. Photo supplied

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Opinion Piece from Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has slammed the Albanese Government for an unacceptable ambush on regional communities, accusing the Commonwealth of abandoning disaster-prone areas to balance its own budget.

The Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, used a late Friday afternoon media release to quietly flag sweeping alterations to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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The proposed changes dismantle the long-standing, scalable framework, which historically provided an average of 64 per cent federal coverage and capped support at 75 per cent for catastrophic events. In its place, Canberra intends to implement a rigid 50-50 funding model.

This policy shift arrives at the worst possible time for the state; it follows a volatile severe weather season that caused widespread damage across 71 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas.

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is warning that the sudden funding shortfall threatens the future viability of essential infrastructure, local water treatment facilities, and emergency evacuation operations.

Mr Willcox, drawing on his extensive experience as the former Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, stated that the Federal Government is completely detached from the realities of regional recovery.

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"This decision is a direct hit to the heart of North Queensland," Mr Willcox said.

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"Canberra is treating natural disasters like a corporate budgeting exercise; however, out here, it is a matter of community survival. To penalise the very regions that drive the nation’s agricultural wealth and mining export revenues is a profound betrayal.

"During my time steering the Whitsunday community through the wreckage of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, I learned exactly what it takes to rebuild. We relied heavily on scalable federal assistance to restore our shattered rural road networks.

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Under a flat 50-50 split, local councils across Dawson would be forced to find millions of dollars in matching revenue; that is a financial burden our regional ratepayer base simply cannot sustain."

Mr Willcox emphasised that major historical recovery operations would have been completely unviable under the newly proposed guidelines.

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"The total reconstruction of the Shute Harbour marine terminal and the $5 million federal package required to replace the decimated Proserpine Entertainment Centre occurred because the previous framework allowed for exceptional circumstances," Mr Willcox said.

"Small regional councils do not possess the independent asset base to fund multi-million-dollar rebuilds alone. Furthermore, the historical system guaranteed that funding flowed directly into local economies, ensuring that regional earthmoving businesses and contractors were awarded the repair work.

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By lowering the funding floor, the Commonwealth is forcing cash-strapped councils to delay vital resilience works; this leaves our communities dangerously exposed before successive wet seasons.

"It is a coward’s tactic for the Minister to leave this announcement until the day after the parliamentary sitting concluded, ensuring they avoided any real scrutiny or accountability in Question Time.

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“This is yet another calculated deception from a government that knows exactly how damaging these cuts are; this is absolutely not what the Australian people voted for, and I truly hope this betrayal is remembered at the next election.

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"This is yet another chapter in the ongoing federal neglect of regional Australia. The government is hiding behind the cover of an independent review to justify cutting essential frontline services. I call on the Emergency Management Minister to reverse this decision immediately; regional Queenslanders refuse to be treated as second-class citizens.”

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Supplied by the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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When I first ran for Mackay Regional Council, one of the issues I heard most often from residents was rates.

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People wanted to know how decisions were being made, whether council was operating efficiently and whether every opportunity was being taken to ensure value for money.

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It was one of the reasons I put my hand up for council.

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Over the past two years, I have spent a great deal of time learning about the budget process and asking questions about how council operates financially. What I have learned is that local government budgets are complex, involving hundreds of services, projects, assets and responsibilities that support our community every day.

I have also learned that good financial outcomes do not happen by accident. They come from examining the detail, challenging assumptions and continually looking for opportunities to do things better.

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One of the concerns I regularly hear from residents is whether council is operating as efficiently as it can. These are valid questions, and they are questions councillors should continue asking.

While important work has been done to improve budget scrutiny and accountability, I believe there is always room for improvement. As technology evolves and new ways of delivering services emerge, council must continue looking for opportunities to improve efficiency, modernise processes and ensure we are achieving the best possible value for ratepayers.

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The upcoming budget is one of the most important decisions councillors make each year. It is about balancing the services and infrastructure our community relies upon with the cost pressures being experienced by households, retirees, farmers and businesses across our region.

My commitment remains the same as it was when I first sought election: to ask questions, carefully consider the options before us and ensure the interests of Mackay ratepayers remain at the centre of every decision.

At the end of the day, every dollar matters.

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Recycling processing to move to Townsville’s newer facility. Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council is investigating innovative and cost-effective ways to reduce waste and improve recycling outcomes as Australia works towards ambitious national waste reduction targets.

The nation has set a goal of diverting up to 90 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030; however, all states and territories are currently falling short of that target.

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In response, Mackay Regional Council is exploring proactive measures aimed at reducing reliance on landfill, and looking to be a leader in this space.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council had been investigating pathways to improve waste management sustainability.

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“Mackay, like all councils across Queensland, is facing rising waste volumes, increasing landfill costs and tighter environmental expectations. Being reliant on landfill is not sustainable in the medium to long term,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“Council is enhancing its recycling capabilities by transitioning the ageing Paget Material Recovery Facility (MRF) into a bale and transfer station where recyclables will be lightly bundled and transferred to Townsville’s much newer MRF, operated by Re.Group,” he said.

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“This will allow us to leverage advanced technology to maximise landfill diversion and support a growing resource recovery industry.”

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Mayor Williamson said cost-effectiveness was also a driving factor.

“As the cost of everything increases, we need to adapt to ensure our money is going as far as possible,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“This new approach will reduce costs by sharing the operational burden of a modern recycling facility across Mackay, Whitsunday and North Queensland regions,” he said.

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“When we went out for tender in late 2025, Re.Group’s proposal to bundle recycling locally and transport it to Townsville for processing was by far the most cost-effective option.”

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The partnership also provides access to advanced processing infrastructure and international recycling markets, ensuring materials are responsibly turned into new products.

Re.Group Managing Director David Singh said materials from Mackay would begin transferring to Townsville within the month.

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“Consolidating recyclables at our Townsville facility achieves the scale that allows advanced equipment and technology to process recyclables into high-quality materials which can be reused in new products,” Mr Singh said.

“This facility has the capacity to process 30 thousand tonnes of recycling material and onsite we produce high quality paper and cardboard, ferrous metals and aluminium, glass sand and plastics,” he said.

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“These products are then put to market to be remade into new products made from glass, paper cardboard and plastic.”

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Tough new e mobility laws will take effect from July 1^st as rising injury rates and community concerns prompt a crackdown on unsafe e-scooter and e-bike use across Mackay and Queensland. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton has addressed the escalating number of e-scooter related injuries across the region, with 107 people presenting to Mackay emergency departments last year following incidents involving personal mobility devices.

The figures equate to more than two injuries every week locally and form part of a state-wide trend that saw more than 3,000 people treated in Queensland emergency departments.

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In response, a suite of tougher laws will be introduced, aimed at improving safety and reducing the growing number of preventable injuries.

From July 1^st police will have powers to seize and destroy illegal devices, conduct random breath tests on riders in public places, and enforce higher penalties for offences including speeding, failing to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding on prohibited roads.

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New restrictions will also ban e-bikes and e-scooters capable of exceeding 25km/h unassisted, while a 12km/h speed limit will apply in areas shared with pedestrians.

Licensing requirements for riders will come into effect from August 31^st, with exemptions available for people with medical conditions or disabilities. Riders aged 12 to 17 will be permitted to use e-mobility devices under parental supervision, while parents of children under 16 who are found riding illegally will be held accountable.  

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Riders found over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit could face fines exceeding $500, with maximum court penalties of up to $6,908.

Mr Dalton said the changes were necessary to address a growing safety concern.

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"To see people coming in here with injuries which could easily be prevented is very sad."

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"It means pressure on the hospital, pressure in workplaces when people return to work, and pressure on schools and families."

Mr Dalton said the impacts were particularly concerning when children were involved.

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"I've recently been to a school in Mackay where two children have been injured this week and suffered broken bones."

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"It's going to slow down their learning and put pressure on their family for transport."

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He said community frustration around unsafe riding behaviour had also contributed to the push for reform.

"People in Mackay are fed up with footpaths being dominated by e-scooters and e-bikes."

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"They're fed up with e-scooters and e-bikes travelling in places and directions that are not appropriate and are unsafe."

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Dr Syed Khadri, Clinical Director of the Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department, said injury presentations had risen sharply over recent years.

"In 2020 we had about five presentations to the Emergency Department. Last year we had close to 107, and the year before that we had about 40."

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"The numbers are increasing quite rapidly."

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The new laws are expected to take effect in stages from July 1^st.

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Sponsored

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The recent cyber security incident affecting Mackay Sugar has highlighted the growing threat cyber criminals pose to businesses and critical infrastructure across regional Australia.

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Mackay Sugar, Australia’s second largest sugar manufacturer with an annual turnover exceeding $600 million, operates the Farleigh, Marian, Racecourse and Pleystowe mills across the Mackay region.  

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The company first announced on June 10^th that it was responding to a cyber security incident affecting some of its operations.

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Since then, Mackay Sugar has issued several updates, with its latest statement on June 15^th.

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Part of the statement read, ‘Steam trials are now underway, and subject to final validation activities, some harvesting is expected to recommence this week in preparation for the staged restart of crushing operations later this week. We have taken the responsible course of action in advising growers and harvesters not to recommence harvesting until we advise them to do so.

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‘Our ongoing priority remains the safety of our people and protecting operational systems. Specialist cyber security experts continue to work alongside our teams and relevant authorities to investigate the incident and restore systems safely.

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‘We have also reported the incident to the appropriate authorities, and we will continue to adhere to our regulatory obligations.’

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In an interview with Rob Kidd from ABC Tropical North, Jason King of Regional Queensland Investigations discussed how cyber attacks unfold and why regional businesses are increasingly being targeted.

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Mr King, a former Australian Federal Police Agent who specialised in fraud and cyber-crime at their headquarters in Canberra, holds a Security Firm Licence (Class 1), a Bachelor of Computer Science, Master of Laws (LLM), a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons), said the nature of cyber-attacks can vary significantly.

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He noted that cyber attacks do not always follow the same pattern and may begin with warning messages appearing on computer screens, or result in systems suddenly becoming inaccessible or completely inactive, depending on the nature of the attack.

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Speaking during the interview with Rob Kidd, King said Mackay Sugar's extensive operations make it an attractive target for cyber criminals.

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"They do everything at Mackay Sugar and Farleigh, and at Racecourse… and it goes off to market, you've got so many different players in it, you've got your workers here, you've got your sugar growers, you've got your cane trains, and you've got so many different elements to that operation.

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“It can bring the industry to its knees."

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Unfortunately for businesses, and even individuals, cyber attacks are increasingly on the rise.

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"There's always been an increase. It's been like this for the last 10 years, but hackers get more intelligent. They understand how to get past certain firewalls, some security."

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"Regional communities have experienced even more of an increase. They realise they can go outside the cities now because we've got big infrastructure here. We’ve got power stations. We've got the sugar industry."

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Drawing on his extensive experience, Mr King said cyber security threats are constantly evolving. He explained that the motivations behind attacks can differ, ranging from operational disruption to the theft of valuable information.

Mr King also noted that cyber attacks can have different objectives, including operational disruption and data theft. Adding to this, he said that while the exact circumstances surrounding the Mackay Sugar incident remain unknown, organisations should avoid revealing details publicly while investigations are ongoing.

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He also offered advice on how organisations should respond to ransomware attacks.

"My advice for Mackay Sugar is try and find out where that data breach came from. Roll it back, fix it. If they don't fix it, it'll happen again, and it'll happen even worse."

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He went on to say that businesses of all sizes should treat cyber security as an essential investment rather than an afterthought.

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"Make sure you've got a competent IT security [systems] for a start, and make sure everything is updated.”

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"You've got to be proactive when it comes to cybersecurity, not reactive."

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Overall, Mr King stressed that no organisation is too small to become a target.

"You might have a business of three people, but you're still prone to any cyber attack, just like Mackay Sugar, the Australian Government, Optus, whoever."

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Mr King is now encouraging businesses and individuals alike to remain vigilant, noting that cyber security threats continue to impact organisations of all sizes across regional Australia.

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