Regional pharmacies are feeling the brunt of budget cuts with the new 60-day prescription policy set to halve their annual dispensing fee, with one local pharmacist saying this will cost his business $250,000 per year.

Previously the dispensing fee of $7.82 was paid to a pharmacy per month per patient.

The new 60-day dispensing will mean this fee is paid every two months resulting in a saving of $46.92 per year, per patient.

This saving, however, comes directly out of the pockets of pharmacies and many fear this will result in a reduction of services, opening hours and even potentially leading to the closure of some stores.

Lee McLennan from Live Life Pharmacy in Cannonvale said the fees had previously helped keep his store open seven days a week and covered staff overheads.

He is worried he will now have to reduce both.

“It’s been very stressful, especially as it’s just been announced overnight with no warning,” he said.

“The policy is all about taking money away from pharmacy.”

Leader of the National Party David Littleproud MP and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, met with Mr McLennan to discuss the impacts.

“What I’m concerned about is people’s jobs and also places like Calen where the pharmacy is the only place for people to get primary healthcare,” said Mr Willcox.

“If you are going to impact someone’s business then you have to take a look at some sort of offset so they can continue to provide good health care services.”

Both politicians voiced concerns that regional areas will be the ones to suffer the most.

“Unfortunately, this policy will have unintended consequences for those people who live outside capital cities,” said Mr Littleproud.

“It’s about supply and lack of supply - if you’re at the end of the supply chain, the further you are away.”

Mr McLennan says that he fears some patients will go without medications as they are “already dealing with a lot of medicine shortages”.

“Rather than having enough to supply three patients we will have enough to supply one,” he said.

The bulk-buying of meds could also lead to surplus and waste in some households where individuals regularly swap and change medicines.

“You can’t take the other tablets back, so you’re actually getting more waste,” said Mr Willcox.

Other issues with the policy include patients with chronic illnesses having to purchase double the amount of medication in order to reach the ‘safety net’ of 36 scripts per year.

Once they have reached this threshold, they receive free prescriptions.

“I think the government needs to rethink this policy and have a conversation with the Pharmacy Guild and look at other ways of providing cheaper medicines and better services for people,” said Mr Willcox.

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Lee McLennan from Live Life Pharmacy, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Leader of the National Party David Littleproud MP. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Pioneer Valley residents fear being forced from their land as the Queensland Government forges ahead with plans to build the world’s biggest pumped hydro.

Concerned residents were joined by Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry and Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud earlier this week, touring some of the properties that are set to be affected by the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Scheme.

Netherdale residents Charlene and Joe bought their property three months before Queensland Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk’s announcement in September 2022 and now face the prospect of a 60m concrete dam wall being built on their property.

“We bought the place for its beauty and pristine environment,” said Charlene.

“We are really disgusted with how we’ve been treated as landowners.”

Nationals Support Pioneer Valley Families

With 79 properties expected to be affected by the Queensland Government’s pumped hydro scheme, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said affected families were reaching breaking point.

“This is the third visit I’ve made to the Eungella community since the Premier made a flying visit to Mackay to announce Labor’s plan to inundate prime agriculture land and pristine rainforest,” Ms Landry said.

“I have met with families who have broken down in tears and asked me what they can do with their lives if they’re forced off their land.

“Many of the properties have been in their family for generations.

“It’s heartbreaking.”

An upper reservoir is planned be built in the Eungella area while at the bottom of the Eungella range, a 60-metre-high dam wall will be constructed to allow for the lower dam.

Solar and wind farms are planned for the lower area as well, with negotiations between the Queensland Government and affected landholders beginning last year to discuss terms of property access to conduct studies as well as initiating negotiations for property resumption and compulsory acquisition.

“This is a process that we take seriously, of course, and we want to be respectful of those landowners,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said.

“We’ve researched around 1,000 sites across the state and this one stacks up as simply the best pumped hydroelectric opportunity anywhere in Queensland, in fact, it represents one of the best opportunities in the world.

“Most importantly, this project delivers us a significant economic opportunity for north Queensland.”

Mr Littleproud said the community felt helpless.

“Labor’s ideology doesn’t match the practical reality and sadly it’s at the expense of Eungella locals,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It is senseless to destroy prime agriculture land and rainforest in this special part of Queensland.

“I urge Labor to listen to locals and to scrutinise this project properly before it’s too late.

“There is a place for renewables, but it is not here.”

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Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry visited Netherdale residents Charlene and Joe. Photo supplied: Office of The Hon David Littleproud MP

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud toured Eungella earlier this week. Photo supplied: Office of The Hon David Littleproud MP

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A group of Grasstree Beach residents have shared their concerns about activity occurring on state and council land surrounding the beachside community.

The man spearheading the campaign, who wished to remain anonymous, said the bushland behind and to the north of Hillside Drive stretching up towards Salonika Beach, including Mick Ready Beach, has become a “theme park” for people with motorbikes, four-wheel drives and offroad buggies.

“The area near Mick Ready Beach used to be fairly clear and people used to picnic all the time,” the concerned resident said.

“It was accepted practise … until the bikes moved in.”

The local relocated from the area in 2010 and, upon returning in 2021, discovered the issue had worsened, citing noise emanating from surrounding bushland, dangerous driving on the streets leading into the bushland, environmental damage, erosion, and litter as areas of concern.

The noise has reportedly been heard as early as 6:30am and late as 11:30pm, and vehicles have been seen speeding along Hillside Drive where vision over the hill is limited and families frequently walk.

The group of locals banded together and started a campaign, approaching police, Mackay Regional Council, Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew, and the Minister for Resources Scott Stewart.

“The problem here is the council owns the beach (Mick Ready Beach), but they don’t own the roads into it,” the resident said.

“That area is ‘unallocated state land’ and managed by the Department of Resources.

“It would seem that creates problems and limits what the police can and can’t do.

“Everyone’s pointing at everyone else.”

The resident reported that the Department of Resources installed steel gates to prevent unauthorised access, which have since been torn down.

He also claimed that local police have increased their presence in the town, but “could be a little bit more enthusiastic” in enforcing groups to move on.

A response from the office of Minister for Resources Scott Stewart stated the Department of Resources “will continue to work with the Mackay Regional Council and other agencies to promote responsible use of open spaces in this locality.”

The letter continued: “In 2023, Resources will also continue its work with other agencies to limit uncontrolled vehicle access to parts of the land where it is practical to do so, which may include a staged approach to re-installing gates or changing access arrangements to the land.”

The group of residents is calling for access to the area to be restricted.

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Mick Ready Beach, north of Grasstree Beach, has become a popular spot for four-wheel drives, motorbikes and offroad buggies. Image supplied

Dirt roads through state land leading to the beach are clearly signed. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Seven laptops were donated to YIRS One Stop Youth Shop earlier this week courtesy of CQUniversity Mackay.

The pre-used laptops, all approximately 12 months old, will be utilised by students currently enrolled at Charters Towers School of Distance Education.

“At the moment, the students are rotating on a roster because we didn’t have enough laptops,” said YIRS Service Manager Deanne Chapman.

“The generous offer of these laptops is going to make a big difference.

There are currently 30 students studying in the program.

“Now everyone gets a laptop,” Ms Chapman said.

“It makes their workload easier and submitting their work a lot simpler.”

CQUniversity Mackay Campus Coordinator Leanne Williams said it’s important that no student misses out.

“Supporting students from our local community who don’t have access to laptops is really important for the university,” she said.

“Being part of the solutions to our students and giving that back, it really makes me feel fantastic about working for an organisation that does care about our students and also cares about what their learning journey’s going to be.”

Ms Chapman shared her appreciation upon receiving the laptops.

“It’s really great to have people in our community that are continually giving to our future,” she said.

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YIRS Service Manager Deanne Chapman, CQUniversity Mackay Campus Coordinator Leanne Williams and YIRS Chair Rob Kidd. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Hi readers

It was some time last year that I decided I was going to get into dancing. Rock and roll and line dancing have long been popular amongst my family. Whether it’s a wedding, a 21st or a 50th, there’s almost always a dancefloor and it’s almost always packed when ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman!’ comes on. I’m sure I used to dance when I was younger but as I hit those pubescent years, I was suddenly “too cool”. I’m proud to say I’ve overcome that dancefloor hesitance. I wouldn’t say I’m better at dancing or more confident in my ability; I just stopped caring and had a good time. Although I wish I’d danced every time someone beckoned me to the floor growing up – I reckon I’d be pretty good by now.

I joined in on some line dancing workshops at NQ's Rock'n Country last year and this opened my eyes to how fun dancing is. I had a great time and even later went to some lessons held by Deb Wookey and Mackay Line Dancers out at Walkerston, who you would’ve read about a month ago.

Later in the year, I attended a dance hosted by Sugar City Rock n Rollers at Goosies. I had a dance with mum and gained much satisfaction every time we nailed a move. As Sugar City Rock n Rollers President Colin McPherson says on page 17, “You’ll always see rock and roll dancers on the dance floor with a big smile on their face.”

More recently, I attended No Lights, No Lycra, which seems perfect for dancers like me. You can read that story on page 17 and if you’re interested but still feel a bit apprehensive, like I was, I urge you to go along and give it a go. As I’ve learnt recently, nothing is quite as satisfying as a good dance.

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With a prime location overlooking the Pioneer River and Forgan Bridge at Bluewater Quay, the former site of Lebanese Restaurant Ashtart has laid dormant for years.

But Mackay Regional Council is brewing something up for the site, selecting J&J Brewing Co Pty Ltd, better known as Red Dog, as the new licensee.

Red Dog Brewery aim to open their new taphouse and restaurant on the river in July, adding to their current location on Chain Street, which opened in April 2022.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the site was well situated on Bluewater Quay overlooking the Pioneer River and formed part of the Mackay Waterfront PDA (Priority Development Area).

“This is an excellent outcome for Bluewater Quay, and the City Centre more generally, to create new activation opportunities, with a business that already has local support and recognition,” he said.

“The Mackay Waterfront project has been developed by council to improve tourism, liveability and economic activity in Mackay’s CBD and waterfront.

“Red Dog will be a great addition to this key location between the City Centre and the newly established River Wharves in River Street.”

The new Red Dog site will complement the existing location in Chain Street, with Bluewater Quay becoming the main retail outlet and Chain Street the main production location.

Red Dog co-owners Jason Egan and Jamie Woods said the new location has untapped potential.

“Mackay has a great river, one of the best you see, and what better place to have a brewery than on a river?” said Mr Egan.

“It’s a great location, somewhere you can come with friends and close to town.

“We’re hoping we’ll get a new influx of different types of people, pick up a different market with this venue.

The owners are excited to begin canning their beers which will be available for takeaway at the new location, as well as offering a wider variety of beers, spirits and cocktails.

“If the locals support it, it’ll go well,” Mr Egan said.

“If they want something like this in the town, they need to embrace it.”

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Mayor Greg Williamson (left) hands over the keys to a council-owned building at Bluewater Quay to Jason Egan, of Red Dog Brewery, and Louie the dog. Photo supplied

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For the first time since coming to power, the Labor Government has approved a new coal mine in the Isaac region, but new strict environmental regulations and timeframes are attached.

The mine, 28 kilometres east of Moranbah, was provisionally approved by the Federal Government and it is set to become the third mine operated by Bowen Coking Coal.

The company currently employs a 700 strong workforce and will be mining for high quality, high yielding metallurgical coal used for steelmaking.

The new mine is adjacent to the two existing mines.

The following strict new regulations apply:

1. The mine must not clear more than 25 hectares of land.

2. Impact on the native snake species must be minimised.

3. There must be an on-site fauna spotter.

4. The mine must maintain the property and land quality.

5. Operational timeframe is five years (compared to the standard 25-50 years)

It is estimated that the mine will produce half a million tonnes of coal a year and provide an additional 200 new jobs in the region.

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Plans are now in place for a new jetty on Keswick Island and local residents say this will increase accessibility for all and reinstate a casual boating community that will revive the local tourism industry.  

Keswick Island Headlease Holder, Oasis Forest (China Bloom), has lodged its Development Application for the jetty with Mackay Regional Council and approvals have already been granted by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

It is hoped that works will commence by the end of this year and construction will be completed sometime in 2024.

Keswick Island Progress Association (KIPA) Spokesperson, Greg Chappell, said the new jetty would be a game changer for north Queensland boaties, day trippers and yachties.  

“People will now have a destination to spend time on land during their trips through the Cumberland Islands,” he said.

“Opening up Keswick Island’s access means more visitation, and more visitation means more dollars into the local Mackay economy.

“It will also spur a boost in building activity on the Island, and the benefits of this will flow to local builders, tradies, and suppliers.  

“We look forward to Mackay Regional Council’s support to expedite the final approvals required so construction can commence.”

CEO of Mackay Isaac Tourism, Al Grundy, welcomed the jetty application and said it was no secret that access is the first mandatory criteria to grow tourism on an Island.  

“The ability for visitors to depart Mackay and access Keswick Island via a jetty is the first step to growing the Island’s tourism potential,” he said.

“Mackay based marine tourism operators will be able to pick up guests from Keswick for day tour excursions to visit other islands, for snorkelling, beachcombing or to head off on fishing charters.  

“Keswick Island has potential to play a key role in our broader regional tourism strategy – an island on our doorstep that is easy to access and a tourism location that we are proud to showcase to the world. This development is a welcome contribution.”

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New jetty promotes tourism on Keswick Island. Photo supplied

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A 50 year old man has died on a private property in Ball Bay after suffering an electric shock.

Emergency services were called to the Cape Hillsborough property on Tuesday, May 16. It was declared the next morning that the man had been found deceased at the scene.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are assisting police in the investigation.

The week prior, a crime scene was declared and forensic examinations are underway after a fire broke out on a property at Eungella on the evening of Thursday, May 11.

Emergency services were called to a Schumanns Road property at approximately 5.20pm, to reports the dwelling was on fire.

Initial investigations indicate a woman in her 50s was inside the property, sustaining critical injuries and dying at the scene.

Investigations remain ongoing and anyone with further information is urged to contact police and quote this reference number: QP2300781943.

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This Mother’s Day, Mackay mums experienced the joy of receiving flowers, sold with love, by enthusiastic Endeavour Foundation clients who enjoyed the experience of participating in a worthy cause.

For the past 31 years, more than 70,000 chrysanthemums have been cultivated by the Endeavour Foundation at its Bundaberg Disability Social Enterprise for Mother’s Day.

The flowers are hand-picked, stripped, and put into 7000 bunches, many of which are sold locally while thousands more are transported to other Queensland regions.

A total of 300 bunches were sold here in Mackay and Endeavour Foundation’s Executive General Manager – Work Services, Eric Teed, said local mums and caregivers enjoyed receiving such thoughtful gifts.

“When you bought an Endeavour Foundation bunch for mum this year, you put a smile on her dial with a thoughtful gift,” said Mr Teed.

“But you were also giving the gift of employment.”

“You were ensuring people who face barriers to employment have a job that works for them so they can experience all the physical, mental, and social benefits that come with it.

“We believe everyone has the right to work and our social enterprises create meaningful employment and training outcomes for people who need extra support in the workplace.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the community that made Mum’s Day bloomin’ marvellous with an Endeavour Foundation bunch this year!”

For the past 70 years the Endeavour Foundation has been dedicated to help build brighter futures for people living with disabilities.

Their programs currently support thousands of Australians with intellectual disability and help them live, learn, work and thrive.

It is initiatives such as this that further integrates those living with disabilities into the community, giving them the opportunity to participate and interact with a broader social network in a positive and fulfilling way.

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BY MEMBER FOR DAWSON, ANDREW WILLCOX

It’s coming up to 12 months since being elected, and what an honour it is to be chosen to represent our incredible region. Being able to bring your voice to our nation’s capital nearly every sitting week, being able to share your voice in our national debates, travelling to every corner of our beautiful electorate, and meeting so many incredible people are just some of the great perks of representing you!

But one of my favourite parts of the being the Federal Member is meeting people across the electorate and especially meeting those who volunteer their time to our communities.

Our volunteers are some of the most selfless people I’ve ever met, from the great people at Meals on Wheels, to our Crime Stoppers, our VMR’s, SES groups, our RSL’s, Rotary & Lions Clubs, and many other community groups and sports clubs.

These incredible men and women contribute so much to our region, while expecting nothing in return!

As this week is National Volunteers Week and its an opportunity for us to give back and say ‘thank-you’ to our incredible ladies and gents who volunteer their time. And with this year’s theme being ‘The Change Makers’, it’s the perfect time to acknowledge the power our volunteers have in driving positive change in our communities!

I have one thing to say to our amazing volunteers across Dawson: THANK-YOU!

Thank-you for working so hard for our communities!

Thank-you for being the backbone of our region!

And thank-you for always being there when our communities need you most!

This National Volunteers Week, if you see one of our fantastic volunteers, please show how much we appreciate them and appreciate what they do for Dawson!

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Talking about death and dying won’t kill you, and neither will watching a film about it.

This is the message a new and inspiring documentary is bringing audiences all over the country during National Palliative Care Week.

A total of 60 cinemas in Australia will be showing ‘Live The Life You Please’ and Event Cinemas, Mount Pleasant is one of them.

The film follows the journeys of several individuals who experience end-of-life-care and it aims to change the public perception on death and what it means to be cared for in your final days.

Common misperceptions of palliative care include that pain is an inevitable part of dying, palliative care hastens death, you can only receive it in hospital, and it is on only available days before you die.

In fact, palliative care is known to prolong death, be filled with moments of intense joy and can be flexible to meet your needs, giving you the control on when, where and how you die.

By following the diverse range of stories in the documentary, audiences witness how palliative care can come with many positives.

“Their powerful stories will show you that palliative care is more than medicine. It’s about quality of life. It’s about providing physical, social, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones,” said a spokesperson.

“It makes the social and economic case for increased support of essential services including palliative care, aged care, community care, allied health and the support of carers at home.”

The film introduces audiences to the advocates campaigning tirelessly to make palliative care available to every Australian where and when they need it – be that in aged care, a hospital setting or at home.

At the heart of ‘Live The Life You Please’ is a series of unexpected moments of joy caught between caregivers, patients and their families.

Director Mike Hill said that people thought he was crazy for making a film about death, but that, having experienced such amazing insights, he would do it all over again.

“What I’ve learned is that talking or thinking about death won’t kill you. In fact, it will do quite the opposite - it will enhance your life,” he said.

“Making this film was an incredibly empowering experience. The infinite capacity for humans to grow even whilst grappling with life-limiting illness was inspiring.

“The film will make you smile, laugh, laugh harder and occasionally shed a tear as it shares the stories of a diverse range of Australians experiencing their last chapter.”

“I hope that people will use this film as a conversation starter to talk about a difficult subject, feel better about what the future holds and use that knowledge to live the life they please.”

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You can see ‘Live The Life You Please’ at Event Cinema Mount Pleasant during National Palliative Care Week, May 22-28.

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Recognised For Making A Difference

International Nurses Day is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise nurses for their roles in the community and dedication to achieving health outcomes for their patients.

Celebrated each year on May 12 in recognition of the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, Mackay Hospital and Health Service marks the day with morning and afternoon teas and the annual International Nurses Day Awards.

“It’s really important to celebrate the achievements of our nurses and how hard they work 24/7,” said Nursing Director Samantha Sanders.

“They show up every day and they’re very passionate about what they do so we want to celebrate that.”

Emergency Department Registered Nurse Felicity Morris received the CQUniversity 2022 Graduate of the Year Award, completing her studies at CQU before entering the Emergency Department in her graduate year.

“I’ve had exposure to so many different presentations and I’ve been able to progress very quickly through my career,” she said.

“Nursing is such an integral part of the community and we do it day in and day out and we always put our patients first but it’s nice to have a day where we let the community know that we are here, and we celebrate our nurses.”

Surgical Nurse Unit Manager Lachlan Frank agreed after receiving the Nurse Unit Manager Clinical Excellence Award.

“I think this award demonstrates what we do as Nurse Unit Managers on a daily basis in supporting our teams but also we couldn’t do our jobs without the support of our teams,” he said.

“While I was the winner of this award, it really does demonstrate the hard work our staff do on the surgical ward every day.”

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International Nurses Day Award Recipients

McFadzen Perpetual Award: Margaret MacDermott (Day Surgery Unit)

Clinical Nurse Specialty Award: Yolanda Gibbons (Paediatric Diabetes Clinic)

Clinical Excellence Award – Rural: Vicky Grams (Proserpine Hospital)

Clinical Excellence Award – Nurse Unit Manager: Lachlan Frank (GSU)

Excellence in Patient Care Award: Vincent Uy (Renal Unit)

CQUniversity 2022 Graduate of the Year Award: Felicity Morris (Emergency Department)

JCU Department Outstanding Support Award: Mackay Base Hospital G2 Medical Ward

JCU Department Outstanding Support Award: Proserpine Hospital

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CQUniversity 2022 Graduate of the Year Award: Felicity Morris (Emergency Department)

Clinical Excellence Award – Nurse Unit Manager: Lachlan Frank (GSU)

JCU Department Outstanding Support Award: Mackay Base Hospital G2 Medical Ward

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A total of six eco-tourism projects are set to receive a share in $9.3 million of state government funding and the Pioneer Valley Tourism Hub has been named one of them.

The Activate Ecotourism Infrastructure initiative will provide funds to kickstart an outdoor tourism hub that will accommodate up to 26 visitors in a brand-new lodge to be built in Finch Hatton.

It is hoped the lodge will complement the new bike trails in the area and open opportunities for guided fishing experiences at the nearby dams.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the announcement marks the start of an exciting time for tourism in the area.

“The natural environment of the Pioneer Valley near Mackay has amazing potential as an international mountain bike destination,” she said.

“Delivering more than 40 construction and ongoing jobs, the Pioneer Valley Outdoor Tourism Hub is about boosting access to the region’s outstanding fishing and hiking experiences.

“The Hub will also support future mountain biking tours and generate up to $3 million for the Mackay region’s visitor economy.”

Chief Operating Officer of Mackay Tourism, Al Grundy, said that he is thrilled with the announcement.

“It will be a great base for people coming the region to use the mountain bike trails,” he said.

“I think the project will really activate Finch Hatton and the Pioneer Valley.”

The Lodge will be utilised by tour guides and operators from across the country and it is set to offer a spotlight for the showcasing the natural environment of the Mackay hinterland.

Finch Hatton is the gateway to a plethora of tourist activities, from fully stocked dams to rainforests, scenic walks, bike trails and it is only 20 minutes to Broken River where you can view platypus in the wild.

“It’s really good for our region as it opens up some many more options for land-based activities,” said Mr Grundy.

“There will be a brand new building in town, right next to the bike trails so I think it will get a lot of use.”

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An artist’s impression of the Pioneer Valley Tourism Hub, a two storey lodge that sleeps up to 26 people

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In a big move, Mackay Regional Council is trialling a reimbursement scheme for low-income earners to de-sex their pet cat or dog.

“Each year there are countless unwanted dog and cat litters in the region,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.

Through the program, eligible pet owners can receive a reimbursement of $75 to desex cats and $150 for dogs.

Pet owners must be a certain criteria:

- Be a resident of Mackay

- Hold an approved Queensland concession card, including seniors, sole parents, widows, students, carers, and health care cards

- Have a registered, microchipped and desexed cat or dog

- The pet has been desexed in the last 60 days

“Desexing also has countless other benefits including preventing uterine infections, lowering the risk of some cancers, and it can also reduce aggressive and territorial behaviours and your pet’s likelihood to wander.”

To learn more, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/desexingrebate

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