By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

This week, most of us will have forked out on a hefty rates bill, an ever-increasing challenge for property owners in an environment of low wages growth, high cost-of-living, and rising property values and interest rates.

For most cane farmers, the story is not different. Our homes and our businesses are wrapped up in the farm.

Under the Mackay Regional Council rating system, cane farming is its own category, charged at 0.22586 cents in the dollar with a minimum annual general rate of $2,110. By comparison, the “Other Rural'' category is 0.11211 with a minimum of $1386. Why the difference? If we are looking to build a modern regional economy based on renewable biocommodities derived from cane, why create a municipal disincentive to keep rural land under cane. There is a clear message being sent from growers that they have had enough.

We call upon Council to support the cane industry with measures that help us boost our productivity and keep land under production, rather than create more hurdles. We ask that our rating category be brought more into line with “Other Rural” and “Other Commercial/Industrial-Regional” categories.

CANEGROWERS Mackay has had reports from members of 90% increases in the amount they pay in rates. Two examples of growers not far from the city who have sought CANEGROWERS Mackay’s voice on this subject and are paying in excess of $8000 for the half year amount. We know for a fact that there are farmers that are paying even more.

In this day and age of higher costs of production, growers are attempting to keep ahead of cost of production by taking on new farms, either by lease or purchase, in order to generate a viable business income to stay afloat while working in an industry and lifestyle for which they have a passion.

Yes, growers are businesspeople, but unlike most businesses, growers operate on the margins of taking a world price for their product and therefore are not able to pass on their increasing cost to maintain a profit margin like other businesses can. Yes, sugar prices are strong at present: but costs of production remain high and rising. Likewise, growers cop it from both directions when we grow the best crop we are able and then have that potential dwindle away as a result of poor milling performance. This is especially disheartening and unrewarding in a high price environment.

Rates are straight off our bottom line. We do not derive income through the more lucrative mining and resources sector, we are a vibrant and growing economic sector, but we should not be milked as a cash cow. Many growers live in areas well away from council facilities. Why are we one of the middle-to-higher general rates categories?

With the exception of shopping centres and major ports, mills etc and Commercial/Industrial properties based in Paget, Commercial/Industrial properties across the region are paying a lower general rate.

In May, elected and management representatives met with council’s leadership to ask these questions, responding to increases to land valuations which were likely going to cascade into higher rates for our members. Council did assure us that decisions at that point had not been made, and that they would meet with us before rates were issued. We still look forward to that meeting and continuing this discussion.

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In an environment of high costs of production, growers are after a fair go on rates to help keep land under cane, a renewable product which will support a transitioning local economy. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

Reef Catchments Limited (RCL), the Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, recently hosted a two-day visit from members of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

The purpose of the regional tour was threefold: discussing regional issues, showcasing Reef Catchments' commitment to partnerships across industry, landholders and natural resource management, and to showcase the diverse range of activities undertaken by Reef Catchments. These activities included current and completed projects, ranging from tending seagrass nurseries with Traditional Owners to hard-engineered works cared for and valued by landholders.

Reef Catchments Senior Project Officer Brendan Smith said, “By connecting our region's stakeholders and visiting government personnel, we were provided with a great opportunity to share learnings from previous projects and discuss how we work together to deliver benefits to the environment and the stakeholder enterprise.”

The two-day tour involved visiting multiple project sites that demonstrate examples of regional issues such as erosion and declining water quality, along with the on-ground works implemented by Reef Catchments and their collaborators to help tackle these issues.

A riparian project site on the O’Connell River with engineered works and revegetation was visited to highlight the significant sediment saving that directly contributed to improvement of water quality. At this site 1337 tonnes of sediment per year was saved by ensuring that the bank profile had been re-established, strengthened and vegetation was utilised to help hold the soil to prevent any further erosion.    

During the tour, landholder investment and commitment to improving natural resources in our region was made apparent.  Many landholders involved in Reef Catchments projects generously shared time to guide DCCEEW representatives around their properties, highlighting land management improvement initiatives such as riparian fencing and revegetation which have been implemented with the support of Reef Catchments.

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Landholder Peter Schembri showing DCCEWW staff the revegetation efforts surrounding his treatment train, located within his cane fields. Through the use of sediment ponds and vegetation this treatment train is designed to intercept, slow down and remove pollutants from water before they enter the local creek

Property owner Jason Bradford demonstrating to DCCEEW staff the wetland management techniques that help him to provide positive environmental outcomes while maximizing productivity

Illustrating the power of engineered structures coupled with revegetation to help stabilize eroding creek banks and build resilience in the landscape. The logs you see in the photo (pile fields) extend down another 4 metresto help stabilize the bank until the vegetation reaches a stage big enough tohold the bank itself

Vertical gardens, also known as ‘eco walls’ have been gaining popularity in recent years and we can certainly see why!

This system brings a uniform and modernised look into the home, carrying benefits from aesthetic appearances to saving you money.

The design has become especially popular in rental housing as it’s easy to disassemble without wreaking havoc on the property, as well as apartments or tiny homes that lack adequate space for traditional garden beds.

Benefits of a Vertical Garden

You may already be aware that plants improve our air quality, but vertical gardens can also act as a sound buffer and reduce noise pollution, as well as airborne pollutants around the home.

This setup also cools the airflow, in turn limiting the stress on air-conditioning units; saving you money on your next energy bill.

Houses with vertical gardens have proven to have a competitive edge in the real estate market. Looking to increase the value of your property on a budget? Look no further.

Installation and Planting

Keep your vertical garden design simple and strategic. It’s important to build close to a water supply, drainage and natural lighting. You can also set up automatic sprinklers to avoid overwatering.

You can plant just about anything in a vertical garden, if your weather conditions allow it.

Shade plants and succulents are a perfect fit and will brighten up the dull spots in your home or outdoor areas.

Choose edible plants that suit your circumstances. If the garden only receives minimal sun, leafy greens are a good choice as most other veggies need sufficient sunlight. Popular annual plants that thrive in Queensland weather include dill, coriander, parsley and basil.

Now that you have the basics down, you can get started on your own vertical garden. Happy planting!

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Vertical gardening can be a fun DIY project or professionally designed to suit your needs. Photo credit: Shuttershock

Porters Mitre 10 Has An Exclusive Just For You!

Imagine a barbecue that maximises on size without compromising on portability, includes an extended temperature range that allows you to explore cooking methods as well as being easy to cook on and clean.

What if we told you the new Weber Q range, exclusive to Porters Mitre 10, has all those features and more?

Introducing the Weber Q 1000N, 2000N, 2600N+ and the 3100N+. Whether you’re a grill guru or barbecue beginner, the new range has something for every enthusiast. The entire range has more surface area and lid volume than ever before, plus front access grease management – meaning you can cook and clean more efficiently.

The Weber Q 3100N+ comes with a cart that features plenty of internal storage, lockable casters and front door LPG access, while the other three Weber Qs in the new range are fit for detachable and stowable side tables – great for camping and on the go. Feel confident in your cooking with front facing control knobs, Q burner angled ports and tri-directional venting on all models in the new line up – helping you handle the heat.

Whether it’s burgers at a family barbecue or prawns on Christmas Day – your Weber Q is the outdoor heart of your home. As Mackay’s only Weber Specialist Dealer, Porters Mitre 10 know they can rely on Weber to deliver innovative quality and a top tier barbecuing experience for their customers.

Sink your tongs into the new premium Weber Q range exclusively at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay City from September 15.

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The winner of August 2023’s Pioneer Valley Primary Schools’ Public Speaking Competition was Maison Smith from Walkerston State School, presenting his chosen topic which he titled ‘Clowning Around is Not Fun’.

August 2023 is the eighteenth year of this competition which was initiated by the Rotary Club of Walkerston in 2007 as one of the club’s literacy projects.

The winner in that first year of the competition was Matthew Gakowski from Dow’s Creek State School; one wonders where he is now some 17 years later? Dow’s Creek School was closed at the end of the 2008 school year, which at the time had just 12 pupils.

Many of the smaller schools have, over the years, sadly, closed down.                                       In 2007, the first year of the competition there were students from 12 schools taking part. This year, 2023, there was six schools represented.

Pioneer Valley Schools, in the Mackay area that have taken part in the competition over the years include – Dow’s Creek State School, Brightley State School, North Eton State School, Eton State School, Oakenden State School, Homebush State School, Gargett State School, Septimus State School, Finch Hatton State School, Mirani State School, Marian State School, Walkerston State School and St John’s Catholic Primary School at Walkerston.

The young people each speak on their chosen subject for three minutes. During the early years Walkerston Rotary Club members were adjudicators, timekeepers and also involved with school staff in organising the grand finale event which was then held at Walkerston State School.

Today the event is organised by teachers from a couple of the schools taking part,  liaising  with Mirani High School where it is held in the school auditorium. High School teachers make up the judging panel, but Walkerston Rotary is still responsible for the trophy presentation and all that it involves.

The students seem to be getting better every year! Each year it has been a delightful experience to attend the Final of the Speaking Competition presentations. It is quite magnificent to see the young participants get out there in front of an audience and speak so well, as it is undoubtedly not an easy task.

Many huge congratulations to each and every student who has taken part over the seventeen years of the competition – also to their support crews of teachers, parents, families, and friends.

It has been quite an amazing Walkerston Rotary literacy project for seventeen years, and still going – who would have thought!

Contributed by Bente McDonald, Walkerston Rotary

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The speaking competition winner representing Walkerston State School - Maison Smith, with teacher Dee Acutt. Photos supplied

Competitors from the Pioneer Valley Primary Schools’ Public Speaking Competition, with Walkerston Rotary representatives and adjudicators

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Over the course of three days, over 600 people enjoyed the sixth annual White on Whitehaven event where fresh local seafood and French Champagne were served in plenty at the luxury long-table lunch held on its silica sands.

Behind many smiles, however, were a host of secret love stories, long-term anniversaries and a surprise wedding that captured the hearts of all attendees.

Tipped to become one of the most famous long-table lunches in all of Australia, White on Whitehaven was a huge success once again this year, with hundreds of guests flocking onto the sparkling sands dressed in elegant white, sipping champagne and eating freshly shucked oysters.

The brainchild of local restauranteur, Kev Collins from Fish D’vine, the event attracts people from all over the country, as well as locals, everyone coming together to enjoy arguably the best views on the best beach in the world.

“How wonderful it is to have this event here in the Whitsundays!” said Kev.

“We’ve had so many people come back year after year now and the feedback from this year has already been incredible.”

Holding a special place in the hearts of many, the event has also become a destination for couples celebrating anniversaries and it was also a wedding venue for one couple this year.

Kev said these personal connections give White on Whitehaven a deeper meaning and that he always gets emotional when people share their heart-warming stories with him each year.

“One lady told me she had terminal cancer and discharged herself from hospital to come to the event, saying it kept her alive knowing she could be here,” he said.

“It was really sad but very beautiful at the same time.”

White on Whitehaven also sponsors significant raffle prizes which, for the past three years, has helped raise $210,000 for Women’s Legal Services to help women fight domestic violence.

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Marching band, The Natural Culture, with organisers of White on Whitehaven Long Table Lunch. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Jill and Phil Jordan were married at the White on Whitehaven Long Table Lunch on Sunday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Hi Everyone,

As we draw to the end of Festival season, I am reflecting upon the amount of incredible events we have here in the Whitsundays.

For the size of our population, we certainly punch above our weight in the amount of community gatherings, lively festivals, sporting events, and charity fundraisers we host over the year.  

What I love most about these occasions is that the majority are not only connecting people, they are also raising either awareness for a good cause or raising money to fund a significant project.

On Saturday, I attended the Colour Run at Coral Sea Marina where my son and I were covered in pink powder to raise awareness for child protection.

From one extreme to another, the following day, along with some of the team, I headed to the White on Whitehaven Long Table Lunch for a spectacular afternoon wearing white and drinking champagne on Whitehaven Beach.

The juxtaposition of each event was not lost on me!

As the Whitsunday weather heats up, the social events do slow down, but we do of course have the Airlie Beach Festival of Music to look forward to.

In addition, and close to my heart, is the upcoming Tiny Homes Fundraiser at Cape Gloucester Resort (check out the full story on page 21).

This event is hosted by a dedicated team of local women who are raising money to fund four tiny homes in Proserpine for other local women who are over 55 and homeless.

The committee are very close to their goal and with construction expected to start this year, they are encouraging everyone to get involved.  

I attended the last event which was held at the Bali Hut lawn of the Whitsunday Sailing Club and it was phenomenal.

Raising money while having fun and dancing the night away under the stars has to be one of my favourite things to do and this event will undoubtedly be fabulous too.

So, if you haven’t been to one yet, make sure you book a ticket and get involved!

Rach

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” (Winston Churchill)

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Simone Mitchell is lucky to be alive following a car accident while holidaying in South Australia. The young woman was driving to a friends house when one of her back tyres slipped out on the road, causing her car to flip, and roll three times, before landing upright.

A friend pulled an unconscious Simone out of the car before she was transported to Mount Gambier Hospital.

“It was a pretty hardcore accident,” Simone explained.

“I’ve broken my neck and fractured some of my vertebrae.”

Finally flying home last Saturday, Simone had spent two weeks in Mount Gambier hospital, a long way away from home.

Many of you may recognise Simone as the friendly face behind the counter at Fishi where she has worked for the past two years.

After hearing about her accident, Fishi owner and operator Bronwyn Calder reached out to the community to help fund her recovery process.

“We knew it would be a tough time, and wanted to help her out,” explained Bronwyn.

“It’s been great to see the community get behind Simone and her recovery.”

Initially the campaign began with only a simple tin next to the till, but as the community support grew, Simone’s parents set up a special fundraising page for people to donate.

“It’s been amazing,” Simone reflected.

“I only now realise the amount of people that I’ve helped or impacted and having them help me out now is amazing.

“I’m glad to have come out of the accident alive. I have a new appreciation for everything, and a second chance at life.”

Simone will be in a brace for at least six to eight weeks and will be travelling to Townsville Hospital for regularly neurosurgeon appointments.

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Simone Mitchell has returned home following a serious car accident. Photo credit: Facebook

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Rumours of an impressive $1 billion price tag are fuelling speculation that Hamilton Island is now up for sale, its owners putting it on the market after 20 years.

Purchased by the Oatley family for $200 million in 2003, the Oatley family have since re-invested a further $450 million into upgrades of the yacht club and golf course, and the construction of luxury resort, Qualia.

Well known for winemaking and winning the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race nine times, the Oatley family has also been a big driving force for local tourism, creating a world-class offering here in the Whitsundays.

A spokesperson from Hamilton Island said, “as it looks to the future, the family has put in place a new leadership and approach and is conducting a review with the assistance of its advisors, to explore opportunities for growth and future prosperity.

“At this stage this review is ongoing, and no decisions have been made,” they said.

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A large section of the boardwalk that runs between Airlie Beach and Cannonvale is now closed for approximately 13 weeks while upgrades are undertaken.

The works will result in a closure of the boardwalk between the VMR Boat Ramp and Shingley Drive and the route will be unpassable until early December.

Council hopes that, weather permitting, the upgrades will be completed just in time for the Christmas holiday period.

A detour has been constructed behind Mirage Whitsundays Apartments, via Altmann Avenue and Shingley Drive, the temporary pathway offers a short cut for pedestrians, scooters, and bikes.

The upgrades will expand the width of the boardwalk by approximately one metre, increasing capacity for users and helping to mitigate conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists/scooters.

The timber boardwalk will be replaced with a composite fibre material, that is more durable and less costly to maintain.  

The footings will be retained, and the hardwood timber will be extracted and used for future projects.

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A section of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk will be closed until Christmas. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The highly controversial 47.7-metre high-rise development planned for the Airlie Beach Foreshore has been approved for a second time following a lengthy battle at the Environment and Planning Court.

The planning application was initially approved by Whitsunday Regional Council last year but local action group, Save Our Foreshore (SOF) challenged the decision and took the matter to court.

The group disputed the approval, stating that the land was only zoned for a five-storey building, not a 12-storey high-rise and claimed the decision went against the Airlie Beach Town Plan.

They also believe it contradicts the ‘small town feel’ that attracts most tourists to Airlie Beach.

Suzette Pelt, spokesperson for SOF, said that the development will “torpedo the future of the Whitsundays” and that 1,700 letters of opposition were “ignored by the councillors in their decision making”.

"We see this decision as one that will, in reality, hold the Whitsundays back,” she said.

“This decision could also set off a string of future applications along the length of Airlie Beach, resulting in what’s known as the ‘canyon effect’”.

Meanwhile, others in the community believe the development could expand the overall tourism offering as the new hotel must be of five-star standard.

It is also set to include a 500-seater function room which would attract corporate clients and enable large-scale events to be held in the region.

Once again, SOF flag this as a concern because developers, Meridien Holdings, are currently in receivership and the nature of the future development uncertain.

“The development site is problematic, the development must obtain and maintain a 5-star luxury rating, and as stated in the judgement (paragraph 123), to date no potential operator has committed to the development,” Ms Pelt said.

Whitsunday Regional Council Director of Development Services Neil McGaffin said they are still waiting to hear more about the conditions of the approval.

“The judge has ruled in Meridien/Council’s favour and the approval has been allowed, albeit adjourned for parties to provide advice to the Court on appropriate conditions of approval,” he said.

“This should be resolved within the next two – three weeks.”

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Save Our Foreshore have been campaigning against a high-rise on the Airlie Beach Foreshore for many years. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Islands have become a hot commodity, with investors spending big to own their own piece of paradise.

Recently, Adelaide real estate tycoon, Mike Dobbin has purchased Poole Island, a 20-hectare island one kilometre off the Whitsunday coast.

Poole Island cost just $1 million and according to Adelaide Now, Mr Dobbin has plans to clean up the island, renovate the two homes, and offer the island as short term accommodation for families facing hardships.

This recent sale marks only one in a stream of other acquisitions.

The leasehold for Hook Island was snapped by Sydney-based Glenn Piper two years ago for $12 million and has shared plans to establish a luxury resort.

Earlier this year a Singaporean family purchased Lindeman Island for $10 million.

Currently, South Molle Island is listed for sale, with the asking price being $30 million, considering the extensive renovations needed to bring the resort back up to luxury standard.

This is only emphasised with the rumours of Hamilton Island’s upcoming sale.

This recent slurry of activity could point to rising confidence in local resort islands, many of which have either been abandoned or neglected, left to disrepair over the past decade.

1: Poole Island – Sold For $1M

2: South Molle – For Sale $30M

3: Lindeman – Sold For $10M

4: Hook Island – Sold $12M

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Low Production Causes Price Rise

By Bronte Hodge

A less than fruitful mango season could impact the supermarket shelves this summer, with customers paying higher than usual prices for mangoes due to poorer growing conditions that have decreased overall production this season.

While this is bad news for consumers, especially with other concerns around the increased cost of living, it could be good news for farmers because with less mangoes on the market, they can command a higher price.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) President Ry Collins, said they are expecting lower numbers this year, but it is too early to tell the scope of the reduction.

“The delayed flowering of the crop indicates a reduced crop, but it’s hard to say how much this will affect the market,” he said.

“The KP variety, that is the Kensington Pride, or better known as the Bowen Special, is seeing a smaller season, but this could be a good thing for growers.

“In the last season, we saw an oversupply of mangos, which meant the price decreased, and our farmers weren’t seeing a good return.

“If this reduction is a nationwide reduction and not just a regional decrease, then the price of the market will go up and the return for the producers will be good.

“A reduced crop is not necessarily a bad thing.”

Bowen mango grower Ben Martin agrees, saying it’s too early to really predict the incoming seasons yield.

“Numbers are being thrown around that have no weight to them,” he said.

“Yes, we will see a decrease in the crop but not drastically.”

Mr Martin explained that the reduced crops are due to warmer winter temperatures, meaning the mango trees weren’t able to flower as thoroughly as usual.

“Mangoes require cold temperatures and weather to flower, below 16 degrees is ideal, and a few nights of five or six degrees is great, but we struggled with that this winter.”

Mr Martin is also the President of the Australian Mango Industry Association and wishes to encourage consumers to not panic about this predicted reduction.

“Consumers will see less mangoes at shops and have to pay a little bit more for them, but they will still be of great quality.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Bowen and Burdekin regions contribute between 20 and 25 per cent of all Australian mangoes.

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Bowen mango farmer, Ben Martin. Photo supplied

The Federal Government has just released Fair Work Legislation amendments and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says he is worried about increases in business expenditure and the possibility of a recession.

According to Mr Willcox, the new amendments to the Fair Work Legislation are complex and are going to cost billions in wages.

“The amendments are going to cost consumers more, and this is the last thing Australians need in a cost of living crisis,” he explained.

“Rent has increased, cost of supplies has skyrocketed, and workforce shortages are a constant and never-ending battle.

“These are all costs that business must either absorb, which is unstainable, or they must pass the costs on to consumers, who can’t afford to pay more.”

The last time Australia entered a recession was in the early 90s, and with increasing financial pressures on businesses and individuals, recession is at the forefront of Mr Willcox’s mind.

“We are facing a serious threat of another recession,” Mr Willcox said.

Mr Willcox has called for the Federal Government to “do the right thing” and reverse the legislation otherwise he fears the repercussions could “grind this economy to a halt”.

“Don’t condemn us to more cost-of-living pressures. Don’t condemn us to business closures, job losses, bankruptcy, and even more homelessness.”

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Energy is building ahead of The Voice referendum which is due to take place on October 14 and local group, Yes 23, are encouraging everyone to get involved with supporting the movement.

The group are inviting the community down to the Airlie Beach Markets to meet them this Saturday, and they will also be hosting a relaxed social gathering at Banjo’s at 4pm that day.

In addition, there will be a peaceful march this Sunday at Whitsunday Plaza from 11am.

The group will give away merchandise and participants are encouraged to bring signs.

A highly contentious issue, The Voice has become a talking point both nationally and locally.

If The Voice To Parliament goes ahead, an indigenous ‘voice’ will be enshrined in the constitution and indigenous people have a bigger say on issues that affect them.

Those who oppose The Voice, however, believe it adds race to the constitution and that it is a symbolic gesture that will not fix systemic issues.

Yes 23, however, are eager to spread the word about the positive impacts of The Voice.

Local Yes 23 coordinator, Deb Barrow, said she is getting behind the cause because she believes it will reduce the gap in issues such as infant mortality rates, overall health, and living standards.

“Every government over the generations have done the same thing,” she said.

“They’ve tried to tell the indigenous people what they need and put a lot of money into these communities, but it’s not been working.”

Louise Mahony from Yes 23 agrees, saying that for her, it is about reducing costs.

“Billions of dollars have been wasted on Aboriginal affairs and getting no-where,” she said.

“I just want us to stop wasting money!”

WHAT: Yes 23 March

WHERE: Whitsunday Plaza

WHEN: Sunday, September 17 from 11am

Deb Barrow and Louise Mahony from Yes 23. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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