Amid the shining success stories of Queensland's Go Global grant program, East West Lighting of Mackay has emerged as a beacon of innovation and international ambition.

With the program's support, this industrial lighting specialist has illuminated the way for Queensland businesses seeking to expand their reach beyond domestic borders. From humble beginnings in a challenging industry, East West Lighting has leveraged the program's funding and resources to forge a path to the global market, showcasing the state's vibrant export potential in the process.

The $750,000 funding pool will help Queensland businesses overcome common exporting barriers faced when entering new international markets, such as accreditation, logistics, product trials and packaging.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said, “It was a great achievement for Mackay-based industrial lighting specialist East West Lighting as they are proof of the success of the Go Global funding program, which has added extreme value to their business, and shows what can be achieved through programs such as this.    

“Queensland businesses continue to prove their passion for their products and innovative services, and their tenacity for taking them to the world. Ongoing support and investment in our exporters is vital,” she added.

“Queensland’s goods exports are now valued at $137.2 billion. 

Exporters contribute nearly a third of our annual economic output and higher-paying jobs in both regional and urban areas”.

35 businesses received match-funding grants of up to $25,000 in the latest round of Go Global grant funding delivered through Trade and Investment Queensland.  

First launched in February 2020, the Go Global Export Program has provided a total of over $2.88 million to 137 applicants. Of these recipients, 61 per cent were based in regional Queensland.

“The Queensland government is investing an extra $150 million over the next decade to supercharge and deliver the 10-year Trade and Investment Strategy launched in June 2022,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“Of this $150 million, five million is allocated for grant programs such as Go Global.

Trade and Investment Queensland assists exporters and attracts investment. The dedicated business agency has 18 overseas offices in 14 key markets and a regional Queensland network.”

The LINK N LIGHT is a clever solution to safety and underground illumination that has global mining industry relevance and appeal.

CEO of East West Lighting Lance Walk said, “As an electrician working in the mines for 30 years, I created a simple, yet very important solution to the perennial problem of providing reliable lighting deep down in mines.

“The grant was essential to our ability to service both the Australian and international mining markets.”  

Grants and programs currently available:

New Market program – opened 1 March, closes 5 April

Fast Track to Investment – open 31 March, closes 21 April

New to Export – opened 20 March, closes 3 April

The Go Global Export Program - next round will likely be mid July 2023

Information on all these grants programs and assistance to export visit:

Trade and Investment Queensland.

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Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert with CEO of East West Lighting Lance Walk being shown the LINK N LIGHT underground mining lighting solution

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With the future economic prosperity of the Greater Whitsunday region the focus, Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) have launched the next phase of its strategic partnership: the Transformation Region Project.

Following on from an initial partnership of three years, focused on the future of work and enhancing our supply chains in the region, the Transformation Region Project is a five-year strategic partnership to support GW3’s regional communication and advocacy capacity and to continue to drive economic growth across the Greater Whitsunday region.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer Kylie Porter said the partnership was focused on preparing the region for the increasing impacts of technology and diversification opportunities for the region’s industries and workforces.

“It’s a five-year program designed to think about what our region can be in the future and actually lay the foundations and start the work around thinking about all the things that we need to do as a region collectively to achieve that future,” she said.

“The key projects we will be delivering as part of the BMA partnership include focusing on regional workforce development activities; increasing the adoption of technology to drive increased efficiency and productivity across a range of local industries; leveraging regional water assets to value add and create new industry and jobs and support the region make value decisions based on evidence, research and analysis.

“Our focus is really about what the next 10, 20, 30 years look like in terms of our workforces and making sure that our people have opportunities, have a pipeline of jobs, but also have access to skills development and training to make sure that they can stay here in the region.

“We know that this work will have a direct and positive impact on our regional community, and we are very excited to be a part of such an innovative, long-term partnership.”

BMA’s Head of Technology Fernando De Mattos said the partnership with GW3 was critical in bringing key stakeholders together to address the challenges we all face, such as building economic resilience, supporting skills required for the jobs of the future, and working together to tackle global issues such as climate change.

“Queensland has the world’s best metallurgical coal which is needed to make steel.

“However, we need government policy that is both competitive and predictable to make new investments in Queensland.

“Partnerships like this help build a region which is strong and sustainable for the future.”

Ms Porter said the launch of the Greater Whitsunday Regional Digital Roadmap was a tangible example of the vital work the partnership was delivering.

“There is no simple, or easy ‘quick fix’ to improving digital infrastructure, and the roadmap identifies that collaboration between government, industry and community will be critical moving forward.”

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Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer Kylie Porter and BMA Head of Technology Fernando De Mattos

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The Vital Importance Of Workplace Defibrillators

Just another mundane Monday turned into a life-altering experience at Jennmar Australia last month.

Dylan Holmes, a 42-year-old employee, was having a casual conversation with a colleague on February 6, when suddenly he collapsed. The shocking incident could have been fatal if not for the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) installed at the workplace.

With a jolt of electricity, the AED jump-started his heart, and Holmes was given a second chance at life. Grateful for the presence of the life-saving device, he's now an ardent supporter of having AEDs in every workplace.

Mr Holmes suffered a cardiac arrest and was fortunate to be in a workplace which had an AED installed.

“One minute I was talking to a mate and the next minute I was on the ground,” he said.

“Lucky the boss started compressions and the defib did the rest, so I’m very lucky.”

Mr Holmes acknowledges that his survival on that day was the result of the combined efforts of his workmates at Jennmar Australia, the Queensland Ambulance team who were soon on site and the Mackay Base Hospital’s emergency, cardiac and intensive care teams who provided surgery and follow-up care.

Mackay Base Hospital cardiologist Dr Dominika Budzbon said that Mr Holmes’ cardiac arrest was caused by a very fast and abnormal heart rhythm.

“After a period of stabilisation in hospital, we decided he needs protection from any possible event like that in the future.”

Dr Budzbon explained that Mr Holmes became the first patient in Mackay to receive an implant of a subcutaneous defibrillator (ICD).

“This is a clever and highly programmable processor which recognises dangerous heart rhythms and works out what to do with it,” Dr Budzbon said.

“It is suitable for patients who only need a device to shock the heart, and do not need the support of a pacemaker as well.

“He is young and he will have this for many years, and we can minimise risk by using this device, rather than the traditional one.”

Mr Holmes spent 10 days recovering in the Intensive Care, Cardiac Care and Rehabilitation Units before being discharged home. His remote monitoring system collects data from the implanted ICD and sends it to the hospital’s Clinical Measurements team to review.

He was an advocate for workplace defibrillators even before his close call but is even more so now.

“I believe all workplaces should have them; they’re a lifesaver,” he said.

“I can’t believe what’s happened. I’m lucky that I’m still around and I’m lucky that I had the people to help me when it was needed,” Dylan said.

“From the blokes at Jennmar to ambulance workers that rocked up …. all the doctors and nurses – everyone’s been awesome.”

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Dylan Holmes became the first patient in Mackay to receive an implant of a subcutaneous defibrillator (ICD) after suffering a cardiac arrest at work last month. Image: Mackay Hospital and Health Services

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Police have initiated a homicide investigation subsequent to the discovery of a deceased man in Emerald last week.

The incident occurred on Loch Street, where emergency services were called to a residence at 11 pm on Friday 10 March in response to a disturbance call. Upon examination of the premises, the body of a 58-year-old man was found. Police are treating the death as suspicious.

An 18-year-old male, who was acquainted with the victim, was taken into police custody and cooperating with the investigation. He was later released.

Capricornia District Detective Inspector Luke Peachey addressed the media and stated that it is premature to draw any conclusions at this point in the investigation.

While no charges have been filed yet, Inspector Peachey urged anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV footage who was in the area between 11 pm and 12 am on the night of the occurrence to contact Crime Stoppers or Emerald detectives.

Inspector Peachey emphasised that the police would maintain an open mind throughout the investigation.

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When Lesa Ashford discovered there was no ultracycling record for circumnavigating Australia set by a woman, she said “there damn well should be”.

The Brisbane cyclist has taken it upon herself to set the female record, hoping to inspire other women and prove what’s possible.

She embarked from Brisbane on March 8, International Women’s Day, passed through Mackay on Monday and hopes to complete the ride on Mother’s Day.

“I’m starting for the women and finishing for the women,” Lesa said.

“For all the girls out there, I just want to set it.”

Lesa hopes to complete the 14,200km ride in 67 days, averaging 211km a day.

She departed a rainy southeast Queensland six days prior and was met with uncompromising central Queensland heat.

“I’ve actually decided I want to keep the rain because it’s so humid up here,” she laughed.

“I know I can do over 200km, but I’ve just had a head wind the whole way, relentless head wind, relentless humidity.

“The guys that have done this before, they haven’t had that through this section, so I feel like I’m behind, but I’m not.

“While I’ve got a head wind, I’ll just keep turning that bike and moving it forward.”

Travelling with Lesa is a support crew of seven, all with unique roles and responsibilities to keep her on the road.

“They’ve got their own expertise in a lot of things across a lot of different rides that we’ve done,” Lesa said.

“Our first ride out, on our first day, was pretty much our first training day.

“We’re all still learning and working out who works best with who and what’s the best way to go.”

Lesa also has many supporters watching from home, including her daughter who manages her social media platforms from Brisbane and her nutrition coach who is monitoring her glucose levels all the way from Ireland.

As well as riding to set the record, Lesa is raising funds for Fortem Australia, a charity supporting the wellbeing of Australia’s first responders after a relative, his partner and their unborn son were killed by a drunk driver in Brisbane in 2021.

“This is my way of giving back to the first responders that attended that scene, because it was horrific,” she said.

Lesa has a great appreciation for healthcare workers on the front line.

Last time she was in Mackay, she spent five days in Mackay Base Hospital after an accident while riding from Brisbane to Townsville.

“I did a full degloving and the emergency and my aftercare in Mackay Hospital was exceptional,” she said.

To find out more about Lesa’s journey and follow her progress, visit Lesa Ashford - World Ultracycling Record: Circumnavigating Australia on Facebook.

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Lesa Ashford passed through Mackay this week on her way to becoming the first woman to circumnavigate Australia on a bicycle

Lesa’s support crew is made up of cycling enthusiasts she has met throughout various rides

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Eighteen staff at Mackay transport and logistics business Centurion stepped up to fight breast cancer when they joined the International Women’s Day Fun Run – presented by National Storage – last Sunday March 12.

They were part of a strong contingent of virtual participants supporting a record 20,000 runners, joggers and walkers lining up at the main event in Brisbane.

Dan Pustkuchen, Centurion’s North Queensland Regional Manager, says his team didn’t have to think twice about signing up, and had planned their path along the Pioneer River prior to the virtual event.

“A couple of our colleagues have been diagnosed with breast cancer over the past few months,” Mr Pustkuchen said.

“They’re both tough ladies, but you don’t fully realise the impact it has on someone until you see them go through treatment – the emotional toll it takes.

“So, for us, this is about trying to raise awareness of what breast cancer patients go through, how we can help and how others can too.

“And if we can help one person, then this is worth it.”

Centurion’s team, ‘Another Bad Idea’, raised more than $1,000, as has fellow Mackay contingent ‘Team Joyce’. The International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by National Storage, raises money for Mater Foundation to fund new equipment, services, and research for breast cancer patients across Queensland.

It’s a cause close to Susan Cameron’s heart. The Registered Nurse at Mater Private Hospital Mackay travelled from Mackay to Brisbane to take part in the big event.

“I decided to do it because my mum had breast cancer and is in remission at the moment,” Ms Cameron said.

“My sister also had breast cancer, as did my great grandmother, her sister and my cousin – there is a long family history of it.

“Everyone is touched by it at some point in their life.

“I think it’s important to show your support where you can, whether it is in person in Brisbane or virtually from afar, or by making a donation to help advance research, because it really does make a difference.”

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas said the fund-raising target for this year’s fun run was $1.75m, which will enable Mater to provide personalised support services for breast cancer patients, purchase more state-of-the-art equipment to better diagnose breast cancer and invest in life-saving breast cancer research.

“The response from the community this year has been overwhelming, with a record 20,000 people joining our main fun run,” Mr Thomas said.

“Every dollar raised will help women fighting breast cancer.”

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Centurion’s International Women’s Day Fun Run team

Mater Private Hospital Mackay staff (from left) Susan Cameron, Beth Thomas (Executive Officer), Carol O’Brien, Sarah Tomisson and Nikita Hoare

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Key points:

• The Queensland Competition Authority is going to review irrigation prices for Sunwater and Seqwater

• The State Government is extending a 15% water discount for irrigators

• The review will inform prices to apply from 2025/26 to 2028/29

The State Government is encouraging irrigators to participate in the Queensland Competition Authority’s (QCA) review of irrigation water pricing.

The QCA will carefully consider the supply costs Sunwater and Seqwater recover from irrigators, to make sure these costs are reasonable, transparent and efficient.

Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said, “The independent regulator will undertake detailed review, talking to irrigators and other stakeholders so that we strike the right balance between the interests of customers and water providers.

“I encourage all Sunwater and Seqwater irrigation customers to participate in this process to help the QCA form detailed, well-informed advice on irrigation prices for the government.”

To allow time for the businesses and QCA to consult with irrigators, the Queensland Government is extending a 15% water discount to 2024/25.

“I’m happy to announce the extension of the 15% discount for irrigators for another year, to 2024/25,” the Minister said.

“Queensland is one of Australia’s major food bowls, so we owe it to our growers to ensure they’re getting a good deal, for what they contribute to the Queensland economy.

“The government will consider the QCA review, including the views of customers and stakeholders, before making a decision on prices.”

The State Government has also confirmed that as part of this process, irrigation prices are soon to be capped at the QCA’s assessed cost reflective level, often referred to as the lower bound price.

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Fishers who support research by reporting tagged mud crabs in Queensland can get their claws on free escape vents.

The reports will help researchers track the spawning migration of female mud crabs and learn more about the species.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal scientist Dr Julie Robins said the research would help ensure Queensland mud crab fisheries remained sustainable.

“The research is part of a bigger project that aims to provide a better information base to assess and sustainably manage Queensland’s mud crab fisheries,” Dr Robins said.

“There is a lot of folklore about female mud crabs and where they go to spawn.

“Reports of tag recaptures will help us understand where females move to and how long they live for.”

If you find a mud crab with a yellow tag on its carapace, text a photo of the crab—along with the date and capture location—to 0466 868 913. (There’s no need to remember this number: it’s printed on the tag.)

“Remember, it is illegal to retain female mud crabs in Queensland,” Dr Robins said.

“If you do handle a female mud crab, it must be immediately returned unharmed to the water.”

Dr Robins said those who reported a tagged mud crab would be offered a free escape vent.

“Escape vents are compulsory in commercial mud crab pots in Queensland, but use in recreational pots is also encouraged,” she said.

“The vents enable sub-legal sized mud crabs and fish to escape, making it easier for people to sort their catch and reducing the risk of overcrowded crabs injuring one another.”

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Image credit: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It might be called the slack, but it is still a busy time for growers and for CANEGROWERS Mackay, with maintenance work on farm and those important opportunities in training and information events generally programmed for this time of year.

This coming week, on March 23, CANEGROWERS Mackay’s Plane Creek Area Committee will hold its annual information meeting. Special guests this year include CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens with guest speakers CANEGROWERS Queensland industry specialists Burn Ashburner and Chris Gillitt, talking about the Business Essentials course and the benefits it can offer cane farming enterprises.

The course covers cost of production, sugar marketing, and succession planning. These are three important areas in the life-cycle of a farming business. This excellent low-cost course benefits grower members because it is important in today’s economic environment to keep skills honed to remain competitive, especially where we are dealing with rising costs of our three main inputs of fuel and fertiliser and chemicals. There are always new advances in research and technology advancing the methods of the use of these inputs to consider.

Aside from the chance to hear from our guest speakers, the event – this year being held at Sarina Bowls Club - is always a good social afternoon and a chance to get together with people from across the district.

Mackay Area Committee is presenting a series of five shed meetings in April with useful information leading into the 2023 Crush, plus a social BBQ.

Many farming families across the Mackay Sugar milling area will be heading to tonight’s productivity awards to celebrate the district’s top achieving growers and agronomists across productivity, sustainability, research and innovation. Plane Creek Productivity Services will hold their productivity awards in the coming months.

Next week – on the 24th - Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program’s Annual Grower Forum will be held in Koumala. We encourage growers to register for this interesting program of presentations and field demonstrations.

The growing season is progressing well, with rain coming at just the right times. It does mean another big crop is highly likely, should these conditions prevail, so the pressure is on for mills to be in great working order and ready to start at the earliest opportunity and get that crop processed in a timely and efficient manner. We do not want or need a repeat on last year of an overlong crush running past Christmas. As ever, mid-November remains the optimum time to have the crop removed. Prices are remaining well above $650 per tonne, giving us hope that we can make the best of 2023, processing a good crop in a timely fashion and take advantage of that higher price environment.

Mackay and Plane Creek Area Committees are meeting regularly with mill management for discussions about crop estimates and start dates in the lead up to the crush.

Mill performance is a critical factor in the success of the industry, as is export. Discussions continue among the growing community to express concern to grower representatives in CANEGROWERS and other organisations about Sugar Terminals Limited’s (STL) decision to remove not-for-profit bulk sugar terminal operator Queensland Sugar Limited QSL, STL giving notice on a long-standing operations agreement. CANEGROWERS Mackay recently had an opportunity to discuss issues surrounding this decision in a frank meeting held with the STL  board and management. We continue to seek a clear business plan detailing how STL propose to achieve the savings claimed. Our sugar terminals are an integral part of the sugar value chain. CANEGROWERS Mackay continues to strongly assert that this change represents an industry risk. Given our outstanding record as efficient, reliable exporters of a quality product we must ensure that any changes deliver much-improved results in cost and operations. at this stage STL have failed to convince the industry that the rewards will far outweigh the risks.

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Regional Queensland's rental market has experienced a slight uptick in rental vacancies as regional migration eases, according to a PropTrack Market Insight Report released recently. The report found that the rental vacancy rate increased by 0.19 percentage points year-on-year, reaching 1.64 per cent in February. This increase is due to the easing of regional migration, which has caused a slight reduction in demand for rental properties in the region.

Despite this increase, the rental vacancy rate in regional Queensland is still down 47 per cent from the levels seen in March 2020, indicating that the rental market is still very tight. The report also shows that Brisbane's rental vacancy rate fell 0.51 percentage points year-on-year to 1.30 per cent in February, representing a 55 per cent decrease from March 2020.

The report's senior economist, Paul Ryan, notes that house rentals in Brisbane last an average of 14 days on realestate.com.au, but this number is lower in certain suburbs such as Strathpine, where the vacancy rate was 0.75 per cent. This suggests that some areas in the region still experience high demand for rental properties, making it challenging for renters to secure a property.

Interestingly, the report also highlights that Central Queensland's Bowen Basin and Cairns regions saw the most significant decrease in rental vacancy rates. This decrease could be due to the recent influx of workers in the mining and tourism industries, respectively.

The report's findings suggest that the rental market in Queensland remains challenging for renters, despite the slight increase in rental vacancies. This highlights the importance of renters carefully considering their options and working with trusted real estate agents to secure a property that meets their needs and budget.

For further rental vacancy insight specific to the Markay market, and what alternative options are available to renters, turn the page to page 16 to read David Fisher’s column.

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Porters have been supporting and working with the Mackay community for 140 years, growing and expanding within the region. Continuing their support for community programs, the Porters Cutters Care program has kicked off for the year.

This program is a community initiative that aims to promote healthy learning and physical activity among young children, by providing a fun and engaging session of sports and team-building exercises.

The program seeks to instil in children the importance of a healthy lifestyle and promote the development of fundamental skills necessary for their physical and mental wellbeing.

The program is delivered by the QCCS Mackay Cutters Wellbeing Manager, Jarrod Cane, an experienced professional in sports and wellbeing. Jarrod, along with several Cutters players, facilitates the sessions to provide guidance and support to the students. The players are not only experienced in the game, but they are also role models, inspiring the students to pursue their dreams and work hard towards achieving their goals.

The program aims to create a fun and engaging environment that encourages children to participate and learn these skills in a positive and supportive setting. The program forms a very important part of the QCCS Mackay Cutters Change the Game initiative which plays a role in building a healthy and inclusive region.

Porters chose to support this community program as it invests in the future of our local youth. Promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging children in sports and educating them on healthy habits is an area Porters is passionate about.

Porters is a proud supporter of the Mackay and Whitsunday community, taking great pride in standing by the tagline ‘locals supporting locals’.  Some of the organisations the Porters Group involves themselves with are Airlie Beach Bowls Club, Galaxy Netball Club, Mackay Cutters Rugby League team, Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, Pioneer Valley Swim Club, Sarina Saints Football Club and Whitsunday Brahmans Football Club.

Visit www.facebook.com/Porterscando to see what Porters Mitre 10 get up to in the community.

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As the wet season in Queensland comes to an end, it's the perfect time to start planning and preparing for painting your fence. Painting your fence can not only improve the appearance of your property, but also help protect it from the harsh elements. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose the right paint: Make sure to choose a paint that is suitable for outdoor use and can withstand the Queensland weather. Choose a high-quality paint that is designed to protect your fence from fading, cracking, and peeling.

2. Clean the fence: Before painting, make sure to clean the fence thoroughly. Use a pressure washer or a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to remove any dirt, grime, and loose paint. Allow the fence to dry completely before painting.

3. Sand the fence: If the fence is rough or has any peeling paint, it's important to sand it down before painting. This will create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to.

4. Protect the surrounding area: Cover any nearby plants, windows, or outdoor furniture with plastic sheeting to protect them from paint splatters.

5. Apply the paint: Use a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer to apply the paint to the fence. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the paint evenly. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your fence is painted correctly and will last for many years to come. Your local hardware store can provide additional advice for your unique property.

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Mackay Safety Pool Inspections is passionate about pool safety so give us a call today.

Mick Storch (Pool Safety Inspector) says the biggest issue he sees in his work with Mackay Safety Pool Inspections is faulty pool gates that don’t shut properly or pool owners propping gates open.

“(Pool owners) all have an obligation to ensure that the pool barrier, which is the fence and the gate, are compliant,” he said.

“Compliant means in good order, no things stacked up against it, that the gates close correctly and there’s a CPR sign installed on the pool fence.”

The Royal Life Saving Society’s Keep Watch program has identified four key drowning prevention Actions:

1. Active Supervision

● Be prepared – always make sure you have everything ready, such as sunscreen, towels, hats etc., before you enter the spa or pool area.

● Be close – remain within arm’s reach of children.

● Be alert – focus all your attention on your child when they are in, on, or around water. avoid distractions such as your smartphone or tablet.

● Be present – you should never leave your child alone in the water, nor should they be left in the care of an older child. If you must leave the pool or spa area, even if it’s just for a minute, take your child with you.

● Be responsible – set clear rules and boundaries for all children when they are in the pool or spa area.

2. Restrict Access

● Secure gate – must always open outward and be self-closing and self-latching. Gate is to be kept always closed while the latch must be more than 1.5m from the ground and close securely from fully opened and just opened.

● Adequate fencing –comply to pool fence standards, be at least 1.2m high with no vertical gaps more than 100mm apart, and in good working order. (Spa covers cannot be used as safety barriers in place of a fence for above ground spa pools.)

● Proper clearance – ensure outdoor furniture / pot plants are 900mm away pool fence on the outside and 300mm on the inside as it can entice children to climb on them and enter the pool area.

3. Water Awareness

● Water familiarisation – classes, such as Royal Life Saving’s ‘Swim and Survive’ or Laurie Lawrence’s ‘Kids Alive Do The Five’ programs focus on the gradual introduction of basic skills for children aged 6 to 36 months like moving in the water, getting their face wet and blowing bubbles. These are followed by learn to swim classes.

● Removing water hazards – store pool toys out of view when the pool is not in use to ensure children aren’t enticed to reach for them.

● Set rules around water – establish clear boundaries for all children when they are in, on, or around pool or spa water.

● Discuss water safety – educate children in an age-appropriate language about the potential dangers of water, and how rules help keep them safe.

4. First Aid & CPR

“We can contribute to the community, through education and raising awareness of how important it is to ensure that pool gates are always closed.”

So, give Mackay Safety Pool Inspections a call today to make sure your pool complies with all the required safety requirements.

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No market is the same but there is one aspect of the housing market that is very similar no matter where you live in this country.

That is rental vacancies. It’s tight out there and there’s very little for tenants to pick and choose from.

Rental vacancies have been extremely low, we’re talking under 1 per cent, in Mackay for some time now.

The lack of available rentals in Mackay means that those who are renting are finding their rent goes up on a fairly regular basis, typically every six months unless the lease is longer than that.

And the picture is also bleak for those people who are moving to Mackay. There is very little available and it can be pretty stressful planning to move to a new city when there appears to be nothing available to rent.

Many of those people end up buying rather than going through the tried-and-true process of renting for six months, settling in and then buying something once you are established.

But while tenants in Mackay have been doing it tough for a while, it is interesting to see that the low vacancy rate is a national phenomenon.

Statistics put out recently by the property management software company propertyme, using information sourced from the Reserve Bank and SQM Research, found that Mackay is not the Lone Ranger, with rental vacancies around 1 per cent throughout the country.

This time last year, Sydney’s rental vacancies were at 2.3 per cent, now it is at 1.3 per cent. In the same 12-month period, Melbourne’s rental vacancies have dropped from 3.3 per cent to 1.2 per cent.

Brisbane is .8 per cent, Hobart is .7, Adelaide .5 and Perth .4 per cent. Of the capital cities, Canberra has the highest rental vacancies at 1.6 per cent, hardly a glut of empty rental properties.

So, no matter where you live, it is tough out there for tenants.

I am sorry if you are a tenant with no option but to keep renting because I know it is tough and doesn’t look like getting any easier. I know it doesn’t help in any way but the situation is the same pretty much wherever you live and not just a Mackay issue.

It is worth noting that there are still opportunities for some tenants, those who have a job and are able to get a deposit together to buy something cheap.

Units are still affordable. I recently sold a nice two-bedroom, well-presented unit in North Mackay for $200,000. With a 10 per cent deposit, your mortgage is less than you would be paying in rent for the same property.

I sold a two-bedroom unit in East Gordon St recently for $174,000. It needed a bit of a freshen-up, some new carpet and a coat of paint but that could be done cheaply, and the buyer ended up with a stake in the Mackay market and paying a mortgage much lower than the rent he would have been paying for the same unit.

I know this is not possible for everyone but a young person with a job and a 10 per cent deposit can break into the Mackay market by buying a unit, use that as a stepping stone and forget about paying rent.

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I pen this story as we are 12 months out from the Local Government elections, and I would like to encourage community members to consider putting their hand up to become an elected representative of Mackay Regional Council (MRC).

Over the past 19 years I have had the privilege to serve our community. Firstly, at Sarina Shire Council where I held positions of councillor, deputy mayor and mayor and then at MRC as councillor and deputy mayor.

Some of the most enjoyable parts of my role is assisting community members achieve their goals. Whether it is fixing a pothole, mowing a park, staging an event or art exhibition, or attending a community meeting. When it all comes together you can assist people to make this happen and that’s a great outcome.

One of the most memorable moments that will stay with me is when as mayor I had the pleasure of performing the citizenship ceremony for the very first time and attending many other citizenship ceremonies over the years. Announcing the Australia Day recipients’ and attending the awards certainly highlights what great people we have in our community.

Internally participating in policy development that enhances our customer service and our service delivery is also a rewarding part of the role. Contributing to the development of the  corporate plan and the strategies that enable goals to be achieved is an especially important part of a councillor’s role. Working with all sectors of our community to help deliver our region’s vision and enabling the region to grow into the best region in Australia to live, work and play.

I have been extremely fortunate to be involved in projects such as the Sarina Sugar Shed, Waterfront redevelopment, relocation of the Visitor Information Centre, the Northern Beaches Community Hub and the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail.

The role also comes with challenges and one of the hardest challenges to overcome is making sure you don’t let your own personal bias detract you from good decision making. Listening to the community and not interrupting people when they are trying to explain to you their issue is also especially important.

If you would like to know more I would encourage you to reach out to your local representatives both current and previous who would be keen to share their insights into the role. Now is the time to start to consider nominating.

Cr Karen May

Deputy Mayor

Mackay Regional Council

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