By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It has been excellent to see the recent news from the University of Queensland and Sugar Research Australia that a five-year collaboration has resulted in proof through a validation trial that genomic selection can successfully predict the performance of key sugarcane traits.

The technology promises to bring benefits to the industry, improving plant breeding outcomes and speeding up the implementation of genetic improvements.

In the announcement, SRA’s Executive Manager of Variety Development Dr Jason Eglinton said while other crop industries were also adopting genomic selection, the technology would probably have a bigger impact for sugarcane because of the plant’s biology.

“For the UQ team to develop the calibrations, algorithms and then to validate those predictions in field performance work is a significant step forward. Sugarcane is a perennial crop so ordinarily we would be growing a trial for three years over multiple crop cycles to test its performance. If you can have a shortcut like a DNA profile telling you something about its performance, we don’t just save a year, we save three years.”

Dr Eglinton has said the models and methods developed by the UQ team were already being deployed in commercial variety development by SRA.

From my point of view as a grower, for some time now productivity has generally been in decline, although we have seen some reasonable outcomes in years of suitable weather conditions, particularly rainfall.

Since the early 90s and the introduction of green cane harvesting and trash blanketing, the industry has been on the search for the next stepped change in increasing production. These findings, I believe, are a great boon for our industry and have the potential to see us making major advances in our breeding program.

When we as farmers talk about productivity, it's very easy to blame varietal development. But there is a huge amount of work that goes into selecting varieties that suit different climate patterns in different growing regions, varieties that perform well in difficult soils, plants that have disease resistant qualities. The SRA plant breeders in each region are selecting, years in advance to solve many productivity challenges.

It's a 10 to 12-year process to release a new variety, with thousands of seedlings and years of careful seedling selection and ratooning trials that look at traits for ratooning, disease resistance, milling performance and, of course productivity qualities.

In SRA's renowned plant breeding program, only a small percentage of varieties come through the trials to be released and then trialled by growers in their own conditions on farm.

As an important part of the process of release, new varieties need to pass an assessment of the data presented by SRA staff through a long process at a Regional Variety Committee, comprising representatives from CANEGROWERS, prod services, millers.

It's great to see this development in genomic selection and the work of the UQ research team led by Professor Ben Hayes, and the SRA Variety Development staff led by Dr Jason Eglinton, SRA Executive Manager of Variety Development.

Prof Hayes has indicated that genomic selection has the capacity “to accelerate gains for the sugarcane traits that determine INCREASED profit for growers”. The technology has been successfully applied in both dairy cattle and wheat, resulting in productivity gains for those sectors.

The sugarcane genome is one of the most complex plant crops with modern varieties containing between 110 and 120 chromosomes – more complex, surprisingly, than the human genome.

Research is also underway at UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) to map the genome to pinpoint which genes are responsible for which traits and how genetic variation influences a plant’s composition and performance.

It is to be hoped that the introduction of this technology will support and refine the work of variety development and allow more precision in delivering the traits needed to build the industry's productivity in a shorter timeframe.

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Validation trial, first ratoon stage. Photo credit: SRA

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One of the questions you get asked a lot in real estate is: When is a good time to sell?

There are not many bad times to sell in Mackay but certain times of the year are very good for selling a property. This is one of them. The lead-up to Christmas from late October is a very active time for buyers.

One of the things sellers should be more aware of is the mind-set of buyers. Put yourself in their position. Imagine what would be going through your head if you were a buyer.

At any time of the year buyers are in the market for various reasons … divorce, marriage, downsizing, upgrading can all happen irrespective of the time of the year. So there really isn’t a bad time to be selling unless you have a property that is dramatically affected by the wet season.

But there are times of the year when there are some additional factors that create more interest among buyers,  generate more activity, greater energy.

So, what additional factors would be motivating buyers over the next six weeks or so?

The additional aspect relates to Christmas and the upcoming year and buyers wanting their plans in place and their lives conveniently set up.

Many of the people buying right now want to be in their new home for Christmas. When your plan is to have the kids/grandkids/parents/extended family having Christmas lunch by the pool at your new home on Christmas day … well there is a bit of extra motivation for locking in a place now.

The dates are important to factor in: in theory, the last day for a property to settle before Christmas this year is Friday the 22nd of December, although many law firms will probably close at lunchtime that day so the 21st is probably a better last-day option.

A bit earlier would make things easier but if a buyer wants to get the keys no later than the 21st of December and they have the normal 35-day settlement period, they would need to have a signed and dated contract by Thursday the 16th of November. Not long to go.

But sellers have not missed the boat. Plenty of other buyers want to get through Christmas without the hassle of moving into a new property but they want to be in a property before the end of January so they are set up for the year ahead.

Those buyers need to factor in Christmas and New Year closures for banks/law firms/real estate agents/building and pest inspectors, and the delays they cause, so you would need to factor in more than the usual 35-day settlement period.

But someone who buys a property on the 14th of December could have a 42-day settlement period and still get the keys on the 25th of January, providing everything goes smoothly. So the period between now and mid-December is hot in more ways than one.

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OPINION PIECE

There is always excitement around celebrating our sporting achievements and on November 4 we will do just that.

The MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards is being held at the MECC to determine the best North Queensland has to offer, with 129 finalists across 11 categories. Mackay is well represented, with 28 finalists in the following categories: Service to North Queensland Sport, Masters Sportstar, Athlete with Disability, Senior Sportstar, Junior Sportstar, Senior Team of the Year, Junior Team of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

The NQ Sportstar awards started in 1991 and has grown in popularity over its 32-year history, with the winners for Junior, Senior and Athlete with a Disability being nominated for the QSport Awards to be held in Brisbane later in November, with the possibility of progressing to the National Awards.

Senior category winners Wayne Mawer of Cairns (1997, World Champion Water Skier) and Ashleigh Stebbeings of Mackay (2009, World Champion Barefoot Water Skier) went on to win both State and National Awards. Kristen Wadley won the Junior State Award in 2016, David Nicholas won the Athlete with a Disability Award in 2017 and Chelseann Osborne won the Athlete with a Disability Award in 2019.

This year marks 40 years since the formation of the North Queensland Sports Foundation (NQSF) and to celebrate the milestone a Gala event has been planned with memorabilia and a presentation from past NQ Games and other events.

A highlight of the evening will be guest speaker Brooke Hanson OLY OAM. As an Olympic gold and silver medallist, she empowers people to live a purpose-driven life, motivating individuals and inspiring organisations to achieve greatness. Brooke will share how to embrace what’s important through passion, purpose, love, leadership and finding internal strength to persevere in the face of your biggest challenges.

To our local sponsors – I appreciate your support to ensure the success of the event.

I would like to invite you to attend this one-off event to show support to our sporting heroes from across North Queensland. Tickets are available online at the MECC box office.

Cr Laurence Bonaventura

Mackay Regional Council

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A couple of big things are happening this weekend that you may not be aware of. I suppose you could get into quite an argument over which is more important than the other.

I’ll just put it out there.

The first one is National Teachers’ Day which is today. The second is our 4MK Cyclone Sunday in Bowen.

Sure, both are very important to highlight and to be thankful for so I’m going to break down both for you and you can either agree or disagree with me. That’s your call.

Let’s look at National Teachers’ Day. It’s a day that quite frankly shouldn’t even happen. It should be 365 days a year not just one day on the calendar. When we celebrate a day like this, it’s nice to give a big thanks to all the teachers who shape of children’s lives, from kindy to high school and forwards to tertiary life. They do amazing things for our kids. For that I say thank you.

We all know teachers cop a hiding as to all the holidays they get every year. Well, here we go, try working 7 days a week, marking exams, fielding emails, attending courses, preparing classes, and the old weekend volunteering for events like the classic bikeathon. All that requires holidays that go longer than an Adam Reynolds post grand final speech, which isn’t that hard to do. I want teachers to get more holidays, not less.

The other event this weekend is Cyclone Sunday in Bowen and I reckon it could be on par for equal status with teachers’ day for the one reason, staying alive.

Think about it, if you want to be safe this cyclone season, get all the info this weekend so you and your family can be prepared just in case the worst happens. Now that could be a storm event, it could be a cyclone, it could also be a bushfire. For all these safety is paramount, just like teachers’ day.

My point is both special days have huge significance to us all. You can’t have one without the other, so let’s highlight both, make us all safe, and know that when it comes 9am Monday next week, we’ve all got smiles on our faces.

If you don’t have a smile, we can only presume that you weren’t nice to a teacher on Friday, or your house blew away with a Cyclone. I hope the later doesn’t happen for both of us.

Here’s a tip, buy a few apples today and start handing them out to teachers. You might get some handshakes, and perhaps some apple pie in a few days’ time!

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Hi Everyone,

This week our humble little publishing house has produced 136 pages of local news for the Whitsunday, Burdekin, and Mackay regions.

A whopping 163 ads have been placed and 156 articles have been written.

Very soon, the best part of the job will happen for all of us . . . the knowledge that all our hard work, hunched shoulders and dry-computer-screen-eyes will be worth it when you, the community, pick up your copy and read the fruits of our labour.

It is both exciting and rewarding to know that our local community loves and appreciates what we do, especially when we strive to deliver an awesome paper, even under immense pressure!

This week has been particularly special for Whitsunday Life as we celebrate the winners of the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards with an incredible 16-page feature to commemorate the achievements of local businesses.

Within the feature you will be able to read about 17 local businesses who have each

excelled across different categories this year, scooping up awards that will undoubtedly be taking pride of place in their offices as we speak.

Congratulations to each of you and thank you for sharing your story with the paper, it was wonderful learning more about your wonderful businesses.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful team for putting together a fantastic paper again this week – from the design and production team who always make sure the paper looks incredible to our journalists who tell amazing stories and of course our sales team who work closely with local businesses.

Every single person in the team has an equally important role that keeps every cog of this crazy machine working – thank you all for smiling under the pressure and delivering something magical no matter what.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song” (Maya Angelou)

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For one visiting family, Airlie Beach was a calling card of fun and excitement.

And for single mum of two, Mandee, that’s exactly how her holidays unfolded thanks to the kindness of strangers.

The story began when Mandee was travelling in a taxi, headed towards the ferry with her children ahead of their much anticipated holiday to Daydream Island, and she suddenly realised that she’d misplaced her card.

Panicked, Mandee asked the driver to turn around so she could see if the missing card was in the last place she’d visited.

Pulling up at the Vinnies carpark, the driver kindly waited in the carpark allowing Mandee ample time to rush into the store.

Fortunately, a kind gentleman had discovered her keycard and handed it to the ladies at Vinnies, to safeguard.

Mandee gratefully placed the card back in her purse, relieved to be able to continue on her holiday with funds enough to enjoy every minute.

Turning to Facebook later that day, Mandee expressed her gratitude to the pair of strangers.

“Thank you to the man who handed in my keycard to Vinnies at Cannonvale,” Mandee’s post said.

“You saved my holiday. I am a single Mum with 2 small children and without my card I would have had a hard time and stressed the rest of my holiday.

“And also to the beautiful taxi driver who went out of her way to turn around and give me time to walk in and look for my card. You are a ray of sunshine. Thank you so much.”

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Trucks, tradies, and diggers retuned to the previously abandoned work site on the corner of Paluma Drive and Shute Harbour Road this week and it looks as though works have resumed.

A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said that “a component of the enabling works on this section of road was temporarily paused while a review of the scope and program of works in this location was undertaken”.

“Progression of the full scope of the project to construction is subject to the outcomes of the Australian Government’s Independent Strategic Review of its Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) and timelines for delivery will be confirmed following this review,” they said.

Confirming that crews were due to return to the site this week, TMR said that while the works were “paused” the project site was made safe with some fencing and concrete barriers.

“Reduced traffic lanes are remaining in place to preserve the roadworks and ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians in this location,” said the spokesperson.

TMR confirmed that the overall project is “currently in the detailed design phase” which has been underway since mid-2021.

The TMR website states this phase will be completed by late 2023, and will include the construction of the shared path, the progress of required service relocations, and other works to support the future delivery of planned upgrades.

The $60.34 million project comprises three projects, which will widen Proserpine - Shute Harbour Road from two to four lanes, build a new shared pathway and upgrade key intersections between Paluma Road and Tropic Road.

While works paused over the past few weeks TMR confirms “road crews were mobilised to progress enabling works between Valley Road and Tropic Road” where traffic lights are due to be installed.

When asked about the much-needed upgrades to the flood-prone Hamilton Plains sole arterial road linking the Bruce Highway to the Greater Airlie Beach Area, TMR stated it was still in the “procurement phase”.

“Progression of the project to construction is subject to the outcomes of the Australian Government’s IIP review,” said the spokesperson.

“Timeframes for award of contract and construction will be determined following the Australian Government’s review.”

With population growth increasing traffic and adding pressure to our local roads, many believe these works to be vitally important, especially as we approach rainy season.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has written to the Minister for Transport, Mark Bailey and raised the issue in Parliament.

“We are about to go into a wet season and peak tourism season, and we have half a road left in extremely dangerous conditions that sees over 26,640 traffic movements a day”, Ms Camm stated.

“Regional Queenslanders and our Whitsunday community deserve better”.

As of this Wednesday, roadworks had resumed at the intersection of Paluma and Shute Harbour Road. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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All local servicemen and women are invited to the 100 years commemorations of the Proserpine Returned Services League.

“We have over 65 returned servicemen and women members of our league, from all walks of life, from all different services,” explained League volunteer Brian Dunlop, known more affectionally as ‘Weary’.

The celebrations will begin at the Proserpine Cenotaph with a service, before a lunch at the Proserpine RSL Hall.

“It’ll be a big lunch with all the trimmings, and we’re expecting 60 members and their families.”

Brian asks that all members ring him, on 0427 728 217 to RSVP seats.

“This will be free for members, just let me know you’re coming.”

WHAT: Proserpine RSL 100 Years Commemorations

WHERE: Proserpine Cenotaph and Proserpine RSL

WHEN: Saturday November 11, from 10am

RSVP: RSVP to Brian on 0427 728 217

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Russ Bowden, John Jobson, Brian Dunlop, and Nick Topp. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The grand final of Young Whitsundays Got Talent took place in front of a crowd of over 400 people last weekend, the young stars performing heartfelt renditions of their favourite songs for an engaging afternoon of live entertainment.

Winners on the day were Gleezus, a band from Bowen who stood out from the rest when they chose to play an original song in the grand final.

In second place was the ever-popular Category 5 and coming in third place was the talented Damon Leary.

A total of seven soloists and seven bands performed on the afternoon and Organiser Paula Hovey said she was impressed by everyone involved.

“Absolutely super proud!” said Paula.

“They’re next level this year and every year they just seem to be getting better and better!”

The winners are being spoilt this year with a $1000 gift voucher thanks to Airlie Beach Music Centre, a $250 cash prize from Lola’s Bar and the opportunity to perform for one hour at Lola’s Bar.

They will also receive a back-stage experience at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.

Paula said she would like to thank all the youngsters for their participation this year and that she is looking forward to growing the event in 2024 to include battle of the bands and all age groups.

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A total of seven bands and seven soloists performed in the Young Whitsundays Got Talent Grand Final at Northerlies on Sunday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith  

Bowen band Gleezus were crowned winners on the day. Photo supplied

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Nominations are now open for the 2024 Australia Day Awards, through the Whitsunday Regional Council.

And Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall is calling on residents to nominate the special people in their lives for the awards.

“This is your chance to recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups that make our community a better place,” Mayor Hall said.

“The Australia Day Awards are a tradition that honours outstanding contributions to our community, and it’s your turn to be a part of it.

“Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to make the Whitsunday Region a more vibrant, inclusive, and caring place to live?

“Whether they’ve demonstrates remarkable leadership, offered a helping hand to those in need, or achieved something extraordinary in their field, we want to hear about them.

“Residents can complete the form online, making it quick and easy to nominate someone special living in our community.”

There are eight categories of awards:

Citizen of the Year (aged 26 and older)

Young Citizen of the Year (aged 16 to 25)

Young Sports Award (aged 16 to 25)

Senior Sports Award (aged 26 and older)

Arts and Culture Award

Environmental Achievement Award

Community Event of the Year

Volunteer of the Year Award (awarded in honour of the late Wally Hinschen)

You can complete the online form at yoursay.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/, or go to Council’s Customer Service Centre, or print one from the website.

Nominations close Wednesday November 29, at 5pm.

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Over 150 people, including children and their families took to Lake Proserpine last weekend for a mammoth day of fishing and fun.

A total of five lucky local youth won the big prize of a Daiwa Fishing Rod and a one hour exclusive fishing session with the local fishing legend Matt Scholz.

“They released 1000 bara fingerlings into the lake for the event,” explained Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday Regional Council.

“We also had great stalls, jumping castles and other activities for kids to enjoy.”

With informational talks about fishing for the adults and kids alike, there was something for everyone on the day.

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Photos supplied

Whitsunday local Karen Vloedmans has taken part in the JDRF One Walk Australia every October for the last few years, this year uniting a team, Whitsundays Type1 Tribe, to pool donations and make an even bigger impact.

JDRF is the leading supporter of type 1 diabetes research, their major fundraiser One Walk tasking participants to take 8,000 steps a day during October for the eight Australians diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every day.

Ms Vloedmans thanked the Whitsunday community and her fellow teammates for their support.

“We are receiving such incredible support with over $11,000 raised so far,” she said.

“Our awesome team is made up of those that either have Type1 Diabetes, or, like me, love someone who does.”

Joining Ms Vloedmans in the Whitsundays Type1 Tribe are Kym Hepburn, Theresa Huttley, Kelly Belton, Kelly Bullen, Hannah Oliver, Liliana Hepburn, Mia Vloedmans and Jessica Cristaudo.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that can develop at any age, with over 130,000 Australians living with the condition.

Type 1 diabetes is unpreventable and, right now, there is no known cure.

“We are each walking 8,000 steps a day in October to raise research funds to improve the lives of those living with Type1 Diabetes and to ultimately help find a cure,” Ms Vloedmans said.

“Thank you to everyone who has already donated, it really means the world to us, we so appreciate the love and support, we see you all.”

Whitsundays Type1 Tribe are accepting donations until the end of October.

To donate and support the team, visit walk.jdrf.org.au/fundraisers/whitsundaystype1tribe.

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Back row L-R Kym Hepburn, Theresa Huttley, Karen Vloedmans, Kelly Belton, Kelly Bullen. Front row L-R Hannah Oliver, Liliana Hepburn, Mia Vloedmans. Absent: Jessica Cristaudo (top left). Photo supplied

Innovations are coming thick and fast for the new-look Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, with the announcement of a new name and three new committee members at its AGM last week.

Now known under its new name, The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the decision was made so the name reflects the chamber’s intention of being “more inclusive of diversity”, representing all the different businesses in our region.

The AGM also welcomed a brand-new business logo and three new committee members, while retaining five familiar faces that will now join as one to represent the welfare of businesses in the region.

Chamber President is Allan Milostic from LiveLife Airlie Beach Pharmacies, Vice President is Gus Walsgott from Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, Secretary is Megan Taylor from Kapow Interactive and Treasurer is Annette Neil from PRD Whitsunday Real Estate.

Also joining the committee are Jannah Baker (Scallywag Fabrication), Melinda Louise Hutchings (Melinda Louise Media), Anthony Nobilia (ABES - Airport Transfers and Charters)

and Kim Porter (Hummingbird Refrigeration, Electrical & Air Conditioning).

During the AGM, which was held at Whitsunday Green’s new conference room, plans were outlined for the year ahead.

These included the announcement of the five-year Strategic Plan, the 10-year Advocacy Plan, a new membership model and the launch of the Vision of the Whitsunday Project.

The Chamber are also hosting the Inaugural Whitsunday Business Conference in May 2024.

With ambitious and innovative plans afoot, memberships are steadily increasing, and the committee would like to extend a warm invitation to any other local businesses who would like to be part of this diverse and dynamic community.

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Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The past few weeks have been hectic as I was part of the Greater Whitsunday Regional delegation to present to the State Government in Brisbane, then attended the Local Government of Queensland Annual Conference in Gladstone before arriving back in region for the Tourism Whitsundays’ night of nights at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

I joined Isaac Mayor Anne Baker, Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen and GW3 CEO Kylie Porter as part of the delegation to showcase our region’s vision to the state government and unlock investment opportunities to allow us to evolve and diversify.

I gave a speech at the showcase and spoke of the opportunities and strengths of our region especially the Abbott Point State Development Area which we hope will not only be home to Queensland’s first Space Station but also become a key hydrogen and energy hub, a lynch pin between the Isaac and Northern Queensland Renewable Energy Zones.

However, to attract further investment and capitalise on further opportunities the addition of simple services like power, water, gas, and sewerage will be the icing on the cake to secure development opportunities.

Put simply we do not have the financial capacity to do this alone and would be excited to collaborate with the Qld government to explore funding options to make it happen.

Add to this the news that Australia’s largest aquaculture company Tassal have committed more than $240 million to expand their prawn farm near Proserpine indicates we are entering an exciting period of growth and innovation in the Whitsundays.

At the LGAQ Conference I presented three motions on behalf of Council, and all were carried convincingly.

At the Whitsunday Tourism Awards our very own Whitsunday Coast Airport took out Gold and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal Silver in the Tourism Retail Hire and Services.

The good news kept coming with Council’s Director of Commercial Business Craig Turner being awarded the Bob Porter Award for Outstanding Contribution by an individual to tourism. Congratulations Craig, very well deserved.

The Proserpine Entertainment Centre was the venue for the awards and looked amazing. Thank you to Rick Hamilton and his team at Tourism Whitsundays for such an amazing event recognising our outstanding tourism stakeholders and operators.

Starting next week, we will roll out a series of Whitsunday Regional Council staff profiles to highlight the people behind the scenes at Council that help make our region a great place to live, work and play.

Contributed with thanks to Mayor Julie Hall.

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Storm season in the Whitsundays starts on the 1st of November and continues until the 30th of April.

It is more important than ever to make sure you are prepared for the season, by understanding your zoning, having a disaster plan in place for your household, having an emergency and evacuation kit ready and also having a plan in place for pets in case of emergency.

To help the community keep up to date with storm and disaster news, Council now offers an opt-in notification service exclusively through the Whitsunday Disaster Dashboard. This service allows residents to receive real-time alerts and notifications tailored to their individual needs, including emergency news and weather warnings.

The Whitsundays has seen approximately 7 cyclones pass directly through our region since 2010, the largest and most notable being Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

For more information on how to get ready for storm season, head to the Disaster and Emergency section on Council's website.

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