Queenslanders with an interest in sustainable management of the state’s fisheries are urged to submit an application to join a fishery working group.

Fisheries Queensland Executive Director Dallas D’Silva said nominations are open for membership of 14 fishery working groups, which are integral to delivering world-class, sustainable fisheries.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be part of sustainable fisheries management,” Mr D’Silva said.

“Fishery working groups provide important operational advice on the management of specific fisheries and serve as an effective communication and consultative forum between fishing stakeholders and the Queensland Government.

“We are seeking a range of people to join the fishery working groups, including commercial and recreational fishers, charter operators, seafood marketers and processors, conservation representatives and First Nations peoples.”

Mr D’Silva said the working groups have been very effective in developing harvest strategies and their operational knowledge and advice has been invaluable.

“Under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, working group membership is renewed every two years,” he said.

“We have also reviewed the fishery working groups guideline and released it for public consultation.”

Applications to join the fishery working groups are due by May 21, 2023, and consultation on the working groups guideline also closes May 21, 2023.

To nominate for the working groups and provide feedback on the guidelines, visit https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook (@FisheriesQueensland), Instagram (@FisheriesQld) and Twitter (@DAFQld).

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Men are afraid of vulnerability. “There is an idea that it is a kind of weakness,” Cannonvale local Bob Eden said. “Men think that others will use it against them; use it to get a foot up on one another. That’s not the case.”

Mr Eden - whose first novel, ‘The Gift of Depression, My Little Scrap Book’, is part memoir, part treatise on mental illness – recently accomplished a 15-year ambition of starting a local wellbeing group in the Whitsundays.

Mr Eden, alongside Real Mates Talk’s Suicide Prevention Worker for the Whitsundays Adam Richards, has run two sessions of the Cannonvale Wellbeing Group.

With the backing of popular men’s health campaign Real Mates Talk and the backing of Mr Richards, Mr Eden has facilitated the event to a growing number of supporters.

“We have to do things in this area, because there’s a great need in this area for a support group of this type,” Mr Eden said.

“I’ve been trying to get this going for more than two decades and, using the banner and message of Real Mates Talk, it’s an opportunity to continue my mission, which is to eradicate suicide.”

Across the Whitsundays, Isaac, and Mackay, where Real Mates Talk began, the need for a men’s mental health campaign was obvious. Real Mates Talk reports around three quarters of people who die by suicide across the region are men.

That fact is reflected in the national average, too: The Australian Bureau of Statistics states that 72 per cent of deaths by suicide are male, despite the population share being higher for females.

Mr Eden said that comes from institutionalised ideas of “personal weakness”.

“It’s in the name: Let’s get mates to talk real,” Mr Eden said.

“It’s a male thing and a Queensland thing where you ask how they’re going and they say, ‘it’s all good! I’m good, mate’. They’re lying because they’re scared of the stigma of mental health.”

Medical literature agrees: Men resoundingly hold more stigmatising attitudes towards those with depression, anxiety, and who die by suicide.

Genuine mental health concerns are seen, mistakenly, as a “discrediting mark”, according to a American Journal of Men’s Health piece, ‘Men’s Experiences of Mental Illness Stigma Across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review’.

Men enduring mental health concerns can feel burdened by a form of stereotyping, prejudice, and inevitably a “self-stigma” – where those suffering turn the publicly endorsed stigmatising against themselves.

It is the antiquated adages: ‘Men Should Be Men’ and ‘Men Don’t Cry’.

Mr Eden, whose personal struggles with “The Black Dog” have led him on a crusade against depression, said small, community events like the Real Mates Talk Cannonvale Wellbeing Group were steps to challenging and destroying that stigma.

“Men can overcome the programmed belief that is shameful to be vulnerable,” he said.

“That’s what this is all about.”

The Cannonvale Wellbeing Group meets every Wednesday at the Cannonvale Skate Park gazebo from 10.00am to 11.30am.

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Real Mates Talk ambassador and author Bob Eden with AJ Shoesmith, and Daniel Campbell at last week’s Cannonvale Wellbeing Group meeting

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

Sugar Terminals Limited’s decision to remove Queensland Sugar Limited and become owner/operator of the state’s bulk sugar terminals has generated a stir right across the industry. But it is an issue that has potential flow-on effects to the regional community and economy.

It is for the two entities to stop the blame game and come up with a resolution in the best interests of the industry and the regional communities they support. Right now, the Queensland sugar industry is renowned internationally for efficient, reliable and cost-effective bulk handling of our commodity and protecting this is a no-brainer.

Sugar is a staple in our regional economy, and our capacity to reliably deliver to our export customers - the outstanding performance at bulk sugar terminals like Mackay’s - is a crucial point of difference in the world market. We can grow all the sugar in the world, but if we can’t get it out reliably, then it is all for nothing. Our customers will shy away and look elsewhere.

The flow-on from that would reach out to businesses across the region, from retail and hospitality to transport and engineering and direct sugar industry services.

Having bulk storage capability means that when sugar prices are low, we can hold onto some of our product and wait for stronger prices. It brings a better return for growers and millers that share an economic interest in the product and in turn puts more money into our community, strengthening our economy.

Concern has been expressed across the supply chain that the move – planned for end of the current contract in 2026 – will remove an important balance that the industry implemented to avoid having the state’s bulk sugar terminals placed in the hands of a private enterprise whose main objective is to appease their shareholders, who demand a strong return. This problem is compounded as a growing number of those shareholders are no longer active in the industry- a requirement to be a shareholder. This means STL is operating outside of its constitution. Further, these inactive shareholders are preventing newer growers from having access to a shareholding in these industry assets. It is absolutely critical that control of the terminals stay equitably within industry hands.

On the miller-class side, Wilmar holds the majority of miller-class shares. Wilmar, of course holds several operational arms in Australia, chiefly milling and marketing. This gives Wilmar a strong board presence. Wilmar is a competitor with QSL in the marketing space.

In 2000, when the government stepped back from direct management of the BSTs, ending the Queensland Sugar Corporation, QSL was established as a NOT-FOR-PROFIT entity, to continue the other responsibilities of QSC: marketing all export sugar produced in Queensland and managing all bulk sugar terminals. De-regulation has allowed other marketers into the industry, but QSL remains strong in that space and an effective terminal operator. That not-for-profit status allows it to cost-effectively continue BST operations as a service to industry.

At CANEGROWERS Mackay, and at CANEGROWERS state Policy Council, we have met with both STL and QSL board and management. We have heard the point of view of both sides, and have spoken firmly for the interests of growers in this debate. We are still yet to see a firm business case for how in-sourcing will make the ports more cost-efficient, and would suggest the extensive outlay in purchasing terminal assets, and the increased tax liabilities moving from a not-for-profit to a for-profit operator are both large financial hurdles to straddle. It has been reassuring to hear that terminal staff would retain employment. However. We also see that a for-profit entity is likely - by the nature of the beast, to charge what the market can bear. As growers, we need the security of having access to ports at a reasonable rate.

Mackay is home to the oldest of the six bulk sugar terminals, operational from 1957. Two-thirds of that was paid for by the Mackay Harbour Board, and through special dues on cargo. In fact, the whole harbour construction cost borne by Mackay Harbour Board was to a large extent funded by Special Dues paid by the sugar industry. Prior to 1957, 5.5million tonnes of raw sugar had been shipped from Mackay in bagged form.

It’s an industry asset. For the sake of the industry, and for regional economies, it is imperative that QSL and STL resolve this dispute with minimal disruption to the industry.

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Mackay Bulk Sugar Terminal - the exit point to export markets for the region’s sugar product - is a critical part of the regional economy.  Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

The Mackay Harbour Story (HA Moore), and Sugar in Mackay (Mackay Printing and Publishing) tell the story of our sugar port’s development

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Sarina’s Jordan Patullo (Ruddell) said she cannot thank her local Australian Army Cadets Program enough for her career in the trades sector and her recent receiving of a scholarship opportunity.

The member of 131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina is undertaking an apprenticeship in engineering (fabrication trade) and said the skills she has learnt while in the Cadets were “exactly what employers are looking for – discipline, respect, courage, teamwork, initiative, and time management”.

“Cadets has helped me be able to manage myself and others around me in the workshop, built my confidence to speak to people I've never met before, along with speaking confidently in front of a crowd,” Jordan said.

“When I finish my apprenticeship, I would like to become a trainer and mix my experience in the cadets with my career to help guide others in learning to do welding and fabrication.”

The national youth development program shares the character and values of the Australian Army and is a partnership between the Australian Army and the community.

“I’ve enjoyed nothing more than training the junior cadets and watching them grow into strong and amazing young leaders, as it gives me a sense of achievement as I realise that I do make a difference by being the younger cadets’ role model,” Jordan said.

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Board Chair Karen May said when deciding on the 2022 Apprenticeship Scholarship recipients, “Jordan stood out – her involvement in the Army Cadets program showed commitment and initiative and the importance of community”.

“Jordan is a role model to many young students who are in the cadets program but also young women wanting to start a trade,” Ms May said.

“The 2022 CQUniversity recipients all came from a wide range of industries, showcasing the opportunities for the youth in our region, including for women in the trade sector.”

Community Bank Sarina offers multiple scholarship opportunities for high school students, as well as apprenticeship and undergraduate degree students studying through CQUniversity.

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Recycling just got a whole lot easier thanks to Anything Environmental who have just opened a new depot in Cannonvale.

This means Whitsunday residents can access recycling services in Proserpine and Cannonvale as of April 17.

Anything Environmental have been operating in the Mackay and Whitsunday region for the past five years and during that time they have processed an impressive 20 million containers.  

They work with local businesses, festivals, events and community groups to provide simple solutions to recycling bottles and cans.

On a smaller scale, they provide the community with recycling depots where they can deposit their personal recyclable waste.

The new premises in Cannonvale is fully air-conditioned so you can meet the friendly team and deposit your recycling in cool comfort.

Each eligible container receives a 10-cent refund which can be paid in cash or placed into your membership number which goes into your bank account.

Anything Environmental also offer the drop n go system this means you have the flexibility to take your bagged recycling and place them in the drop n go bins at Cannonvale or Proserpine. Label it with your member ship number and refund will go straight into your bank account once processed.

Anything Environmental are a family operated business that is dedicated to creating simple, effective solutions to the safe and efficient processing of recycling.

They also offer a commercial collection service and free bins for your Non for profit events.

Be proactive about preserving our beautiful environmental, collect your containers, save the planet, and make some money while you’re doing it!

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank turned to their Sarina State High School and CQUniversity scholarship winners to celebrate Youth Week. The recipients were asked what was their first job and what they have most been proud of this year.

Chelsea Trusz – 2022 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at IGA and I liked building connections with my co-workers and interacting with customers every day. I am most proud of my accomplishments academically and being able to receive this scholarship from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, because it has helped a lot this year.”

Brock Raward – 2021 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was working for my neighbour, who owns the company - Hello Fern. She creates these wonderful wooden discs with laser-engraved designs for babies to celebrate their milestones. I loved working for Tahnee with her flexible hours which gave me time for my daily session of listening to music. So far, I’ve been most proud of receiving the position of school captain at Sarina State High School which has been a goal of mine I've been pursuing for many years.”

Zali Hooper – 2022 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first and current job is as a cashier at the local IGA. I’ve been working there for about a year and a half now and enjoy it a lot. I like working with the people there and interacting with customers as well. Receiving the Community Bank Sarina State High School Scholarship has probably been my biggest achievement in the past year. I look forward to giving back to the community and making a positive impact.”

Logan Bryant – 2021 Sarina State High School Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at 13 years old, as a referee for Mackay Junior Rugby League. What I enjoyed most about being a referee was being able to make games fair and making sure there was always a good fair game of footy. This year, I’ve been most proud of my Sarina Crocs Rugby League team this season, who won their first game since 2021.”

Taya Murray – 2022 CQUniversity Higher Education Scholarship recipient

“My first job was at a café where it was always busy and never really any quiet periods. I loved constantly having something to do and my co-workers. I’ve had a few achievements in the past year, but the one I’m proudest of is a community achievement. I make ANZAC poppies every year for the Greenhill Dawn Service, and the money raised is donated to Legacy. This is my third year crocheting them and it’s something I really enjoy doing.”

Be prepared for your first job by setting up a Bendigo Bank Student Account. Speak to Charmaine and the team at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank on 4943 2634 to set up your bank account or visit bendigobank.com.au.

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Karen May, Taya Murray, Charmaine Matsen and Maree Franettovich

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I hope you are all enjoying the holiday spirit and some well earnt down time, or, as is the case for many – enjoying the holiday boom!.

With the entire state bursting with visitors, increased flights and access to the Whitsundays has paid dividends with nearly 100 per cent occupancy rates across the Whitsundays for the Easter break and 85 per cent for the school holidays – and for once, these are genuine reflections of capacity – not a percentage of reduced capacity due to staff shortages. The international influx of short-term holiday visa workers has filled many unskilled labour gaps taking pressure off owners and existing workforce.

A great result for the region and for once, the Easter weather has stayed away with perfect weather for everyone to enjoy.

Housing continues to make headlines across the state with an increasing number of people and families resorting to living in their cars whilst trying to find accommodation they can afford. It is happening here. It is a disgrace. And whilst state governments are finally turning summits and talks into action with new social housing projects in completion or underway – the alarm bells have been ringing for years with little done to prevent the crisis.

Some local councils have adopted laws to address the short-term letting issues with some success. Noosa now has a short-term letting approval process annually with properties to comply with town plan, other regulations and results in a change in ratings category. Approval notice is to be displayed at the front of a property with 24/7 complaints number. The process seems to be working with some properties reverting to long term rentals helping families and workers remain in the region.

The Chambers’ next event is a casual networking breakfast on Thursday, April 20, 7am at Whitsunday Green. With a couple of major announcements and introductions to be made, we invite all chamber members to attend. 2023 will be a pivotal year – we plan to tackle it proactively. See you all soon.

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Hello everyone,

Thanks to those of you who have been joining us at the Community catch-ups across the region. The turnout in Cape Gloucester was great and it provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with residents to discuss current and future plans. We appreciate the time you have taken out of your busy schedules to meet with myself, my fellow Councillors and the Community Engagement and project teams.

Easter holidays are in full swing and it’s amazing to see so many of you out and about enjoying everything our beautiful region has to offer. Across Division 5 we saw lots of people heading to the beaches of Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach to relax, unwind and enjoy our beautiful coastline.

Across in Division 3, Lake Proserpine is offering free camping to all children at the lakeside campgrounds throughout the month of April! What a spectacular opportunity to get out and about and enjoy our own backyard. If you haven’t visited Lake Proserpine yet, be sure to put it on your Whitsunday bucket list.

The Proserpine RV park is also back open and ready to welcome travellers arriving in our region to enjoy our Whitsunday winter. There is also a new RV park in Collinsville which has been very busy hosting many new faces to the area.

Back in Division 5 there’s good news for lovers of walking and hiking, as the sealing of Forestry Road edges near completion. This road meanders up to the beginning of the Great Whitsunday Walk in Brandy Creek.

The road was almost washed away in the floods of 2019. However, thanks to funding from the State Government, we have renewed nearly 50 storm water crossings along the track and will be extending the existing seal in the next couple of months to mitigate such events in the future. The Forestry Road project was made possible thanks to $500k of funding from the Transport and Tourism Connections scheme and $250k of funding from the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.

As well as upgrading the road, we are also installing a much-needed amenities block in the car park which services multiple visitors and locals year-round. This is expected to occur early in the new financial year thanks to funding from Works for Queensland, Round 4.

Cheers

Cr Gary

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Do you know who your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program provider is?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ensures employees have access to professional and confidential counselling services.

Whether it be workplace relations, mental health or stress, grief or loss or issues at home, EAP provides a safe space to discuss outside of the workplace.

Robyn Geiger of Phoenix Counselling implores all local businesses to get an EAP provider, and to support local when doing so.

“It provides a confidential outlet for anybody who wants assistance with things that might be happening within the workplace, that they might not be comfortable discussing openly with anybody else,” Robyn said.

“It’s done quietly, confidentially and without anybody else getting involved in that early stage.”

EAP provides support for both the employee and employer, where any issues that may be affecting an employee's performance can be addressed and discussed.

“I think it’s really beneficial for companies to have some of their staff have an assessment every now and then,” Robyn said.

“It’s good to find out how their staff are doing, find out if their staff need support in any areas.

“People have been under a lot of pressure lately – are they coping as well as they could be? Is the stress that they’re under affecting their work performance?

“That might be all the support they need to move forward, get back on their feet and regain their confidence as an employee.”

In an assessment, Robyn will chat to the employee about what may be concerning them before reporting back to the employer to recommend a way forward.

“That’s the only thing I discuss with the employer,” she said.

“Everything that’s said in my office is, of course, confidential.”

Robyn is registered with the Employee Assistance Professional Association Of Australasia (EAPAA) and has provided EAP services Australia-wide for the last five years.

She is also able to facilitate sessions via email or Zoom to companies who may have employees working remotely.

To find out more, call Robyn on 0497 912 009 or find Phoenix Counselling on Facebook.

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It is not a uniquely Australian character trait to lend a hand, but Aussies do it better than most.

When things turn sour, the ‘lucky country’ shows its compassion the best way it knows how; getting stuck in.

Firefighters embody Australia’s ethos of helping in times of crisis. Through secondary employment, Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) auxiliary firefighters balance full-time work with fighting fires and saving lives.

At the Airlie Beach Fire Station, there are roughly 15 of the casual, station-based firefighters who respond to emergency situations when the demand arises. One of them is Thomas Torzsok.

Mr Torzsok said being an auxiliary firefighter might seem superhuman to some, but to him it is simply serving his community.

“In Airlie Beach we have mineworkers, real estate agents, physiotherapists, and electricians balancing their lives alongside saving others with the FRS,” Mr Torzsok said.

“People working these normal, everyday jobs, still living the life they want, while giving back and serving their community.”

Mr Torzsok, like others at the station, wears “many hats”. In addition to his auxiliary role, he works full-time at tourism business Ocean Rafting, plays football, and runs his own business on the side.

“If you saw me ten minutes before I put on the uniform, in my boardshorts, a t-shirt, and thongs, you would never know,” he said.

“Being able to switch and turn into a firefighter is the best feeling in the world. I have not had a feeling like I have had inside a fire truck when you are gearing up to go somewhere.”

The paid position requires permission to attend emergencies from a full-time employer and requires two weeks of basic training and testing, then two to three nights a week being on-call alongside regular weekly trainings.

Mr Torzsok said he was swayed to join the FRS when meeting some of Airlie Beach’s firefighters and watching them in training.

“That is something I would recommend to everyone; there is no pressure watching a training session,” he said.

“I knew instantly that was what I wanted to do, and I would never have known if I had not come to watch.”

Mr Torzsok said the appeal of being an auxiliary is obvious; helping others is its own “reward”. The additional benefits of camaraderie, working alongside a team in mentally and physically challenging conditions, contributing during bushfire emergencies and flood events, were secondary.

“It makes me proud to be an auxiliary firefighter,” he said.

If you are interested in a career change and want to learn more about auxiliary firefighters, head here: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/careers-and-volunteering/fire-rescue-and-operations/aux-firefighter

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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance. In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment and those struggling with infertility.

Acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect on fertility in several ways. Firstly, acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to negatively impact fertility. Research has shown that stress can interfere with ovulation and sperm production, so reducing stress levels can improve the chances of conception.

Secondly, acupuncture can improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which can enhance the chances of successful embryo implantation. Thirdly, acupuncture can regulate hormonal imbalances and improve the quality and quantity of eggs produced by the ovaries.

Acupuncture can also support couples during the IVF process by reducing side effects associated with fertility medications and promoting relaxation before and after embryo transfer.

However, as with any medical treatment, there are risks associated with acupuncture. The most common risk is mild discomfort or bruising at the needle insertion site. It is essential to choose a licensed and qualified acupuncturist who has experience in treating infertility.

Acupuncture can be a valuable addition to the fertility journey for couples undergoing IVF or struggling with infertility. It can help reduce stress, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormonal imbalances, and enhance the quality and quantity of eggs produced. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to choose a licensed and qualified acupuncturist.

Contact the team at Art of Acupuncture to learn how they can help. You can find Art of Acupuncture at 19 Palmer St, North Mackay or phone 0421 185 041.

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North Queensland’s Pick Paradise workforce attraction campaign has re-launched for the 2023 growing season, encouraging workers to experience what the Whitsunday region has to offer.

Following a successful “social media blitz” in 2022, this year’s campaign is focusing on the connection and friendship found as workers travel and support local growers.

Combined with destination imagery, the campaign hopes to inspire both domestic and international workers to book a ticket to the region, promising adventure, beauty, and the perfect work and holiday balance.

An audience of 391,000 was reached by the Pick Paradise campaign in 2022, generating strong interest from workers both domestically and globally – a target this year’s campaign hopes to match.

Metrics from the first phase, combined with worker and grower sentiment, means Pick Paradise 2023 will tighten its spread, though, focusing on target markets who are ready to travel to the Whitsundays and North Queensland for work in the horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association Chief Executive Officer, Ry Collins, said the launch of Pick Paradise 2023 was timed to entice workers to the region when growers need them most.

“Highlighting the beauty of the region and the diversity of roles on offer was a great success in 2022,” Mr Collins said.

“In 2023 we once again aim to support our industry through this platform and look forward to the vibrancy and economic benefits that an engaged workforce brings to the region.”

Pick Paradise campaign hopes to capitalise on its website and free jobs board – a successful component of the previous attraction term. Close to 10,000 users visited the site in 2022, with the platform offering growers a large audience to share position vacancies and potential workers valuable information about the region and what is involved in farm work.

Colette Williams, Agriculture Workforce Officer, said the Pick Paradise website is an important tool for both growers and working holiday makers.

“The website has become a one-stop-shop for potential workers,” she said, “they can find all of the important information on travel, accommodation, leisure activities and work, and then easily apply for the jobs on offer.”

“The diversity of positions available across the region really means there is something for everyone considering a working holiday in North Queensland”.

As the growing season commences for 2023, local producers are encouraged to visit the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association website for more information on how to post jobs to the Pick Paradise website.

In addition, growers and workers can use the hashtag #pickparadise when posting to social media to spread the word on the campaign.

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The successful Pick Paradise agricultural worker campaign is relaunching for 2023 with hopes to bring more seasonal workers to the region

The Whitsundays has been named the most affordable place to live in Queensland, followed closely by Mackay, in a study completed by PRD’s Chief Economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo.

“Both local government areas tick the boxes for having a much lower median house price than Brisbane Metro, strong investment indicators, a lot of future projects, and looks like not much supply planned,” she explains.

“Slower price growth is now evident; this makes house prices more affordable and creates opportunities for owner-occupiers and investors.”

This news gives prospective home buyers more confidence in the market and also encourages future growth of our region.

The median house price in the Whitsundays is $440,000 and over the last 10 years there has been a 10 per cent growth.

Meanwhile, Mackay’s median house price is $435,000 and their growth has been 0.5 per cent over the past 10 years.

The rental yield in the Whitsundays is 5.3 per cent and the vacancy rate is just 0.2 per cent.

The top 10 most affordable local government areas all had median house prices that were $600,000 and under, approximately 30 per cent lower than Melbourne’s and more than half of Sydney’s median house price in December 2022.

Home loan affordability has been at the lower end of the scale since its peak in 2001, with December 2022 figures showing more declines.

In the past 12 months, Australia’s home loan affordability declined to 22.4 index points with Queensland (QLD) recorded at 24.5 index points, proving it to be the friendliest state for buyers.

This is the highest home loan affordability among the four states within this report and is above the Australian average.

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Growers can now maximise profits and reduce inputs through improved nutrient management planning thanks to Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS), as part of the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP).

Nutrient management plans developed for specific farms allow growers to better understand their soils and growing conditions.

By having this detailed knowledge, growers in conjunction with agronomic assistance from MAPS, can more effectively plan what, when and how to apply nutrients to their blocks to maximise yields, and reduce inputs and runoff entering local waterways.

Nutrient management starts from the ground up with soil testing and interpretation of those

results by agronomists.

Growers can access this detailed soil analysis with MAPS via funding from the MWWQP.

One grower who has taken advantage of the funding available is Albert De Boni, a generational cane grower from Devereaux Creek.

“Our soil tests are what govern how much nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and sulphur that we put on,” he explains.

“We could be up for within excess of $250,000 this year just for fertiliser alone.”

The soil analysis determined that the pH of Albert’s farm was lower than ideal to

maximise nutrient uptake from applied fertilisers.

As a result, with support and financial assistance from the MWWQP, Albert and MAPS worked together to design and construct a liquid lime spreader that could accurately apply lime to the rows.

This increased the pH, allowing less nitrogen fertiliser to be applied, and optimising the cane’s ability to use that nitrogen.

This project reduced the amount of overall nitrogen applied, thereby lowering costs, and moved away from blanket spreading of powdered lime, meaning smaller amounts of lime could be applied more accurately.

“The less you apply, the less chance you have of it getting into our river systems,” said Albert.

“Therefore, projects such as this one are reducing costs and improving environmental outcomes.”

“MAPS has been very, very helpful. If we can get funding to do a project, it sort of

encourages us to have a go,” said Albert.

If you would like to see what programs and assistance could be available to you, please contact Reef Catchments or visit their website www.reefcatchments.com.au

The MAPS Projects are funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

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Cane farmer, Albert De Boni, uses liquid lime spreader to save money and the environment. Photo supplied

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A local organisation is hoping to help seniors with a free information seminar as the number of scam calls, emails, and text messages continues to grow.

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre will run its free “How To Spot A Scam” Session on Friday, April 28 from 9.30am to 12.00pm.

The information meeting will be facilitated by Gary Greenhill, a Neighbourhood Centre volunteer who runs weekly one-on-one computer literacy classes for the region’s older generations.

Mr Greenhill, who has an array of experience with technology, professionally building websites and coding, is a “certified computer whiz”, and said he had been planning to run these new internet scam spotting classes for some time.

Executive Officer Rebecca Woods said the new “How To Spot A Scam” sessions would be a ‘pilot test’ where they could gauge the response and need from the number of attendees, though she believed there certainly was one.

“What we’re hoping for is a good group of people who want to focus on things with their computers, whether it be security or otherwise,” Ms Woods said.

“It will be an opportunity for people to ask questions in a small, group environment that will be extremely informative.”

The session will also be the official launch of the Centre’s new ‘Digital Library’ where members can loan a Tablet or an iPad.

More information on the Digital Library is available by phone at (07) 4946 7850 or by email at nc@whitnc.org.au

What: “How To Spot A Scam” Information Session

When: Friday, April 28, from 9.30am to 12.00pm

Where: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

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Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre will provide a free “How To Spot A Scam” information session alongside the launch of its tablet loaning system the ‘Digital Library’

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