People Power Demonstrates Local Significance Of North Wall

Image: The beach at North Wall is popular with surfers. Photo credit: Martinez Helene Sylvia

Image: Turtle tracks have been spotted at North Wall this month during nesting season. Photo credit: Shane Jackson

Mackay locals said ‘NO’ to draft port expansion plans released by the state government, saying the expansion would put fragile environmental sites including multiple turtle nesting sites at severe risk.

A local Facebook page, ‘Save our North Wall Turtles’ set out to inform the public of the draft plans, which quickly garnered more than 1,700 followers within a month. Many passionate locals sent submissions to the state government citing the devastation the expansion plan in its current form might have to the beach, not only eradicating areas where turtles nest, but also destroying a large portion of beach used regularly by local families.

The state government listened, and has extended the public consultation period after what they say has been of social and environmental significance in the area.

“The draft master plan and draft port overlay for the priority Port of Hay Point Mackay consultation process has identified social and environmental significance of the area,” the Queensland government statement said.  

Priority port master planning sets out the sustainable development of the port until 2050, while protecting social, cultural, and environmental values, including the Great Barrier Reef.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she advocated to have local turtle information verified with the Department of Environment and Science.

“I heard what local groups, including the Mackay and District Turtle Watch, had to say on the importance of the North Wall Beach area and pushed for their valuable data to be supplied to the Department of Environment and Science,” Ms Gilbert said.

“This data has now been verified, which means the turtle nesting and tracking information provided will be front and centre in this ongoing planning.

“I’m pleased to also announce that public consultation will be extended until mid-January to allow more time for community groups to have their say.

“It’s only with the community's help that we can truly understand the significance of our local areas, and deliver the best outcome for everyone.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey thanked Ms Gilbert for her work.

“I want to thank Julieanne for meeting with local groups, and understanding how we can best incorporate the significance of the North Wall Beach into our planning process,” Minister Bailey said.

“The draft master plan and the draft port overlay will be updated to reflect all new information supplied by the public after the submission period closes.

“What I want to see is our final plans being well-informed and back by local residents as the users of these areas.

“I encourage those interested to continue to make submissions online, and directly to the project team.”

The final master plan will take into account submissions and will set out the vision for the area until 2050.

The state government encourages community members to get in touch with the TMR project team via mail, online or at this email address: HayPointMackayPortMasterPlan@tmr.qld.gov.au

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MP Calls Out Transport Minister For Lack Of Community Consultation

Image: Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, discusses the Bruce Highway upgrades with residents, from left, Frank Cortis, Andrew Sherry, Bill and Madalyn Kingsbury

The Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, is calling on Mark Bailey, Minister for Transport and Mains Road and his department, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to listen to the locals.

This comes after Ms Camm attended a meeting with locals from Farleigh who have been impacted by roadworks on the Knobels Road, Nebia Coningsby Rd intersection on the Bruce Highway.

Ms Camm said that there has been little to no communication with the residents who regularly use this stretch of road, some of whom have allegedly been advised by TMR to access their property in what locals describe as a dangerous and unacceptable way.

“TMR has forgotten what community consultation actually means. It doesn’t mean informing residents of their plans with no intention of listening to feedback or altering design plans”, Ms Camm said.

Camm Calls For Considered Consultation On Roadworks

Image: MP Amanda Camm met with residents, farmers, contractors and a home business who have been impacted by the Knobels Rd and Nebia-Conningsby Rd Intersection upgrades from Farleigh to Conningsby. Photo supplied: Amanda Camm

Along the section of the Bruce Highway from Farleigh to Conningsby, Ms Camm said there are residents who have lived along this section of the Bruce Highway for more than 50 years.

“But TMR won’t consider their local knowledge and input,” Ms Camm continued.

“The current design might be fixing the Knobels Road, Nebia Coningsby intersection but it is making this section of the Bruce Highway more dangerous, not only for these residents, but everyone who travels this stretch of highway.”

Ms Camm added that it has been pointed out to TMR that their design will put lives at risk and will restrict certain residents from being able to operate their business, but they won’t consider these issues because they don’t want to change their design.

“The arrogance of TMR is astounding!  To actually inform residents to make illegal traffic moves to enter their own driveway, to compensate for their flawed design is frightening,” she said.

“It is just another case of a Queesland Government Minister, refusing to take accountability for their departments.”

Ms Camm said that there has been limited access for months to sidings for cane haulage, adding additional stress to farmers who are already caught in a wetter-than-usual crushing season, adding that she has written to Minister Bailey on the matter.

“I invited him or his representative to the meeting I had this week with concerned locals, but as usual my office has had no response.  

“This government has given up listening to the people. You cannot sit back and watch your departments keep making decisions that negatively impact the lives of Queenslanders.

“We’ve seen the Health Minister, and the Local Member, the Assistant Health Minister, Julieanne Gilbert, take no responsibility for the current health crisis at Mackay Base Hospital. We’ve seen the Environment Minister and the Premier take no action for the anguish they have forced onto the residents of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley over their thought bubble Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Announcement. We’ve seen Minister Bailey take no responsibility for TMR’s lack of consultation on the Mackay Port’s draft master plan or local road projects such as this.  When will it end?” Ms Camm asked.

“I am calling on Minister Bailey and TMR to communicate with the locals so everyone understands the design of this upgrade and how it will impact them.  And I am calling on the Minister and TMR to listen to local feedback and change the design, so it doesn’t impact local residents and put motorists’ lives in danger, as it currently stands.”

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The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Mackay, with locals sharing daily stories of good deeds and good will. From free coffees in the Maccas drive-thru and people offering to pay for someone else’s groceries to hundreds of hampers and toys for charity drives, there’s no shortage of generosity despite the tough times many are facing with the rising cost of living.

In this edition on page 4 you will find a story on Raj Sharma and his family, owners of Roshni by Raj Indian Restaurant where on Christmas they believe no one should eat alone. In support of his effort, many locals have contributed to the cause, like Connect Housing, who are running a raffle to raise funds to support Raj’s generosity.

At the Resource Industry Network function last night, attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items. They will be donated to Chances Op Shop who run the Australian Street Aid project assisting local homeless with accommodation and food. Founder, Kayleigh Brewster, shared her message on how they are ‘filling the gaps’ with a support network approach while providing the Mackay and surrounding areas homeless community with access to essential services.

Even local sports clubs are getting into the spirit. In this edition on page 25 you can read how Marian Ladies Bowls Club donated 23 bags to Share the Dignity. Many volunteer groups are gift wrapping presents for a gold coin donation, read about the SCOPE ladies on page 24.

With financial turmoil hitting many families due to the rising cost of living and constant interest rate rises, the added stress at Christmas often results in a rise in cases of domestic and family violence. Consider donating to a local cause like Broken Ballerina who will be assisting women and children in need when they need help the most these holidays.

Image1: Prochem donated $10,000 for Triple M’s Toy Drive Appeal to buy toys for the underprivileged kids of Mackay and the Whitsundays

Image2: Goodstart Rural View started a hamper collection for STAR 101.9’s hamper drive to donate to the Mackay Women’s Centre

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I did my first music interview in 2017 and I don’t know if I’ve ever been more nervous.

It was with Lachlan Denton from Melbourne band The Ocean Party, a band that means a lot to me and is unfortunately no longer.

I’ve added a lot of big names to my portfolio since then and those nerves never really go away but, once I get on the call and start chatting music, I feel I’m in my element.

That was the case last week when I got the opportunity to chat to Bernard Fanning.

A humble and chatty man, Bernard was a delight to talk to.

When I told him an anecdote about my mate posting videos of himself driving past the XXXX Brewery in Brisbane with Powderfinger song ‘My Happiness’ cranked on his Instagram stories, it was a delight to hear Bernard respond with a laugh.

You can find that chat on page 22 and, just like Missy Higgins, who I chatted to in last week’s edition, Bernard will be in Mackay next May for Legends on the Lawn.

I also played some Bernard Fanning on my radio show ‘The Prekend’ last night, something I aim to do whenever I have an interview with a musician coming to town.

I’ve been playing some summer classics on my show the last couple of weeks; songs that hit perfectly when sitting on a beach or balcony with beer in hand.

Next Thursday will be my last show of 2022 so I’m going to play some of my favourites from the year.

Making a top ten is something I started doing in my triple j listening days, voting in the Hottest 100 a highlight of the year.

While I tend not to vote anymore, I continue to compile top tens because it’s just good fun!

I’m no musical authority but if you’d like to hear my favourite songs of 2022, tune into ‘The Prekend on 4CRM 107.5FM next Thursday from 8:00pm.

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox questioned the Federal Government’s plan to address the cost of living crisis burdening Australians at the moment.

In his speech to Parliament he said that constituents in Dawson are facing tough financial choices as the cost of living continues to increase.

“This is a critical time for the household budget for families and individuals across Dawson. I am concerned about the Government’s sluggishness to present feasible solutions for Australia's hip pocket,” Mr Willcox said.

“On Budget night, the Labor Government walked away from a commitment to reduce every household’s energy bills by $275. A promise repeated over 97 times. Since then, we are yet to see any alternative sense of reprieve and that is of great concern to me.

“My constituents in Dawson are currently dealing with a 56% increase in their power prices, which is why in Parliament this week I continued to stress to the Government the urgency of the matter.  

“It is getting harder & harder for families to make ends meet, to just enjoy the simple things in life, as those simple things are fast becoming luxuries.”

Last week, Mr Willcox also called on the government to honour commitments for vital infrastructure projects in Dawson including VMR Whitsundays, and veteran’s wellness funding in the region.

“Prior to the election, the Coalition committed $420,000 to the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue, but this funding has been cut by Labor. The funding would go a long way to improve the safety of those thousands of water users in the Whitsundays,” Mr Willcox said.

“Another group left behind is veterans in and around Mackay. The Coalition Government committed $5 million Dawson to invest into veterans’ wellness. This would have brought an RSL to Mackay, a wellness centre to the Mackay Memorial Centre Pool Complex and a retreat at Kinchant Dam.

“If our men and women are willing to put their lives on the line for the security and sovereignty of our nation, the very least we can do is offer support when they return home.”

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While Christmas is a time of family, friends, presents and prawns for some, it can be a harsh time for others, a reminder of hardship and loneliness.

Six years ago, Raj, Jess and Lily Sharma opened the doors to their restaurant, Roshni Indian Restaurant, to those who had nowhere else to go, starting an annual tradition that hundreds look forward to every year.

Raj said the restaurant moved premises from Ooralea to the city and while business was booming, the economy was not.

“The support I received from people, even though I moved from Ooralea to here, was just phenomenal,” he said.

“We thought, ‘You know what? Mackay’s given us so much, why don’t we just do something for people?’

“There were still so many people out of jobs and a lot of elderly people who were struggling.”

They shared a post on their social media, inviting anyone doing it tough to the restaurant for a free Christmas lunch, to an overwhelming response.

“At the same time, you don’t want to see people, but you do want to see people because all you want as a human being is that everybody does as well as you are and they’re healthy and wealthy,” said Raj.

“The very first year, we saw 60 plus people, and it was sad but at the same time I was happy to cater for them.

“We never looked back and it’s become a tradition, it’s become a culture, that people look forward to every year and we look forward to it as well.”

Over the years, the Christmas lunch has grown, with the Sharma’s welcoming hundreds of people each year, some coming from as far as Moranbah and Clermont to share in the festivities.

“This year with interest rates rising, with the housing crisis, basic necessities are becoming so hard to buy now and people are doing it more tough than they were before,” said Raj.

Raj is asking anyone who is interested in, and in a position to, assist to donate food vouchers from Coles or Woolworths and drop them into the restaurant.

“I think food vouchers will go a long way … so that this whole period of Christmas and new year, they have at least a week or two weeks’ worth of groceries at home that they can feed themselves and look after themselves,” said Raj.

If anyone is interested in volunteering and assisting on the day, Raj asks that you simply rock up and get amongst it.

“If somebody wants to be a part of it and be a volunteer, absolutely!” he said.

“Just rock up and join in.”

The Roshni Indian Restaurant Christmas Lunch is open to anyone who may feel lonely or less fortunate on Christmas Day.

Join in for a free lunch from 11:00am to 1:00pm including ham, prawns, rolls, salad and dessert and Indian delicacies.

“When people come here every year, a lot come as strangers, we see new faces, but when they leave, they leave as family,” said Raj.

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Image1: Teen Shed Mackay are turning plastic bags into mats for the less fortunate

Image2: Teen Shed Mackay are hosting a disco tonight

Showing off the homemade handicrafts of Mackay’s talented teens, the Teen Shed Mackay market stall at City Heart Christmas last Friday proved popular for many reasons.

While it was an opportunity for crafty youngsters to display and sell their work, it was also the drop off point for an upcoming school holiday project for the teens.

The group are making mats for the homeless and are seeking plastic bag donations to help complete the project.

Teen Shed Founder Lisa Versaci said the group of teenagers have been volunteering and serving breakfast for Orange Sky which is where they were informed of the mats.

“As a Teen Shed, we’re always looking for community things to support and we thought this was a lovely initiative just to give the kids something to do but also give back to the community, so we put our hands up,” said Lisa.

The plastic bags will be cut into strips and then knitted together into balls to be joined into a mat.

Once the mats are ready, they will be donated to Orange Sky and other organisations to be dispersed into the community.

The project is already underway with some children taking home bags to start on, but Lisa hopes to plan a day to come together to make the mats with a completion date looking likely for after Christmas.

“If the kids want to continue it, they can take it home and do it in their own time, but we are trying to create it as a group where they can all come and sit in a room and chat and create at the same time,” she said.

Teen Shed Mackay is a community initiative created by a group of mums to show teens how much there is to do in Mackay, with a committee of teenagers advising the adults on the activities they’d like to do.

“Our idea is not only for the kids to make a difference but also for our community to see that our teen kids are pretty cool kids, and they are here to make a change and they are here to make a difference,” said Lisa.

“They just want a voice, and they just want to be heard.”

Teen Shed Mackay has planned a full school holiday program including a disco tonight, days at the pool and botanic gardens, barefoot bowls, golf, craft and a weekend camp retreat.

Visit Teen Shed Mackay on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok to see all upcoming events and get in touch to get involved.

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Image1: Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May said there is no shortage of residential land in Mackay

When Regional Development Australia (RDA) Greater Whitsundays completed a regional strategy for economic development and growth earlier this year, housing or a lack thereof was a key issue identified.

This should come as no surprise, with housing becoming less affordable and accessible and reports of more and more people applying for social housing than ever before.

RDA partnered with Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) on Tuesday to host a Roundtable event, bringing stakeholders together to address the housing issues facing the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays regions.

Invited stakeholders included employers, developers, financiers, social and affordable housing not for profit organisations, local Regional Councils, realtors, economic development organisations, churches, a university, local government planners, the State government and Federal Members. RDA Greater Whitsundays CEO Robert Cocco said he’s confident that key issues and opportunities were identified by the people in the room.

“The anticipation moving forward is that we’ll continue to utilise their skills and knowledge and find and implement solutions not only in terms of the role of government but also the role of industry itself in terms of the housing sector,” he said.

“One of the fundamental messages from today is that we need more investors and more investment into the region to support more volume of dwelling and housing offerings.”

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor and GWC Chair Karen May also encouraged investors to enter the private market.

“When you’ve got all those pillars of the economy firing, and we’ve got people that are able to afford to build houses and live in, and we’ve got investors that are cashed up and can afford to invest in properties go be able to rent them out, that’s what we want to see,” she said.

“We want to see that wholistic economy.

“We’ve got jobs available; we’ve got strong economic growth; we just need to put people into places to live to enable us to grow as a region.”

Ms May said there are council and state-owned blocks of land available to be built on.

“You still have to go through the development process, which is the planning application, the DA application, so even though there might’ve been places or blocks identified, there are still other processes to go through,” she said.

“In Mackay itself, there is no shortage of residential land … D.A. approved, ready to go, it’s available.”

The Roundtable was designed to help identify the key themes and areas stakeholders want to see addressed and is the first of three components, with an independent study and a summit in 2023 to follow.

“The summit is really the culmination of those two where, armed with that information, there’ll then be no doubt a set of recommendations but also broader discussion around those recommendations by stakeholders so we’ll have confidence that what is put forward will then be picked up and supported by the many good people that are here and some more at the summit,” said Mr Cocco.

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Image: Reg Butler wrapped up 13 years as School Crossing Supervisor last Tuesday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

“Happy retirement, buddy,” a postman yelled as he scooted past Reg Butler on his last day as School Crossing Supervisor at Fitzgerald State School.

The postman was one of many wishing Reg well on his last day, such is the impact the man has left on the school and wider community.

Reg started at the school in August 2007 after a long career in the tyre repair game, previously managing Goodyear Autocare.

“I just saw it in the paper,” he said.

“I’d been retired for 10 years.”

Reg turns 90 in May and decided it was time to hang up the high-vis vest, but said he’ll miss seeing the smiling faces of schoolchildren as he helps them cross the road safely.

“I’ve seen them grow from preppies into high school,” he said.

“The staff at the school have been very great and just the kids and their parents, all very polite.”

“It’s been very enjoyable, and the people and the kids have been so nice, very respectful.

“I’ve made some great friends.”

Reg has also been involved in the Surf Life Saving Club since 1950 and looks forward to spending more time volunteering in the future.

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Image: Jordan Miller

After more than five years on the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) board, Mackay business leader Jordan Miller has decided to step down from his directorship.

Mr Miller, director of Explore Property Commercial, has been a director of GW3 since its inception in January 2017.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chairperson Mr Tony Caruso said Mr Miller has been a valuable and enthusiastic director, who has always looked to the future. Mr Caruso said Mr Miller’s skills and passion for commercial real estate provided the board with valuable insights into the region.

“Jordan’s insights and knowledge as a GW3 director helped to establish GW3 as a leading economic development organisation.

“I would like to thank Jordan for his commitment and vision in promoting our region on the broader stage,” Mr Caruso said.

Mr Miller said one of the highlights during his time as a director has been seeing the growth of GW3 and the strong partnerships which have evolved the Greater Whitsunday region.

“Seeing GW3 grow from its inception to one of the most well-respected economic development organisations in Australia, has been the biggest highlight during my time on the board,” he said.

“It has been rewarding to see how GW3 is now known by political and business leaders across Queensland and Australia.”

Mr Miller said GW3 has brought a new perspective to the Greater Whitsunday region and has been instrumental in promoting the region’s emerging and established industries.

Through GW3, others are now understanding the incredible natural features, resources and innovation that this region possesses.

Mr Miller said it is now time to focus on growing his business Explore Property Commercial.

“I also want to give the opportunity for some board rotation to continue the great work that the board is well on its way to achieving.”

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Mater Private Hospital Mackay is investing $7.3 million to refurbish and expand its perioperative theatres to meet the growing health needs of the community.

The investment will allow a sixth perioperative theatre to be added to the hospital’s suite of theatres, where more than 12,000 procedures are performed each year. The project will also include refurbishment of the existing theatre shell to support the expansion, a redesign of the pre-operative, recovery and patient amenity zones and the creation of new sterile storage areas.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Executive Officer Elizabeth Thomas said the expansion was a proactive step to meet the future needs of the community.

“Mater Private Hospital Mackay’s five current perioperative theatres are utilised by 34 doctors of varying specialties,” Ms Thomas said.

“Currently more than 12,000 procedures are undertaken in our theatres each year and significantly more are projected following the addition of a sixth theatre.

“Mater Private Hospital Mackay has continued to grow since the merger of all Mater hospitals and services in Queensland in July 2020 – creating the state’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider.

“The merger has allowed our facility to expand services to complement our most common procedures in orthopaedics, gynaecology, ear nose and throat and general surgery with the introduction of perioperative robots and significant infrastructure works such as the perioperative theatre expansion.

Ms Thomas said that Mater has been caring for the people of Mackay since 1927 and the current hospital was commissioned in 2003.

“As a trusted provider of healthcare across Queensland, Mater strives to continue being a leader in the development and delivery of services for our patients, and we are proud to be expanding our presence in Mackay,” she said.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Perioperative Services Manager Hazel Douglas said the additional theatre and improved layout would be of benefit to both staff and patients.

“Mackay and the surrounding regions are growing, and Mater’s capabilities are growing with them; we are excited to be expanding our perioperative theatre capacity ahead of projected growth in the district,” Ms Douglas said.

“This is an opportunity to ensure we have the capacity to treat people here in the region, rather than patients having to seek support further afield in Townsville or Brisbane.

“Investments in robotics locally have also greatly improved capabilities to ensure the breadth of services locally continues to grow to support our community and allow them to be treated locally.”

Work is expected to commence next year and is scheduled for completion in mid-2023

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Maltese Corner Will Honor The Cultural Importance Of Maltese Migrants In Mackay

The Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc reached a milestone last week with the signing of a contract to begin construction of three statues to be located in the Mackay CBD.

The group had previously gained approval from Mackay Regional Council to construct the monuments at the corner of Victoria and Wood Streets which is colloquially known as the “Maltese Corner”.

The statues are based upon a 1994 photograph taken by Joe Caruana from J & J Photography, of a group of Maltese men who variously, for many years, used to meet at the corner to talk and often do business.

There is currently a plaque at the corner which reproduces the photo and Mackay Regional Council has recognised the corner as an important historical site which it includes in the Mackay Heritage Discovery Trails.

“Maltese migration swelled in Mackay in the post-war era, attracted by the abundant agricultural opportunities. This corner was a social and cultural meeting spot for many Maltese men, gathering on Tuesdays and Thursdays to talk and await the opening of the banks”.

The idea for the statues was conceived several years ago during an informal meeting between local Maltese historian and author, Carmel Baretta and Council officers. Since then, the concept has gained popular support which culminated in a petition that was presented to a Council meeting in May 2021, at which it received unanimous support from Councillors.

The Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc was formed in August 2021 with the primary goal of raising the funds to complete the project. The group has been busy with many fundraising activities over the past twelve months and has received generous donations from many local families and businesses. They were also grateful to receive a $15,000 contribution through “Activate My Place!” which is a placemaking grant program co-ordinated by Mackay Regional Council.

The contract with local artist Kay Paton was officially signed off at the committee’s Christmas Spectacular which was held at the Mackay Turf Club on Saturday 26th November.

Kay Paton has been commissioned to undertake the work from her Nebo foundry and workshop. Kay’s previous works include the Moranbah Miner’s Memorial and numerous bronzes to commemorate the lives of loved ones, special events and milestones in our history. They also feature in the Nebo Museum and Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

Sculpting is expected to commence in January 2023 and the three statues are due for completion by April 2024. Whilst the commissioning of the work is a major milestone, the final vision for the projects also includes informational plaques and lighting at the corner, which will keep the committee busy with fundraising in the New Year.

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Image: Vehicle tracks near turtle nests at East Point, Mackay Harbour

Residents driving 4WD vehicles and motorbikes on beaches have been damaging turtle nesting areas and putting hatchlings at risk, Mackay Regional Council reported.

It’s turtle nesting season, which runs from October to April each year, and residents are being asked to avoid driving on the region’s beaches.

“Several turtle nests have already had to be relocated,” A council spokesperson said.

There is also the risk that turtle hatchlings will fall into tyre tracks and get stuck while trying to make their way back to sea when they begin hatching next month.

“As a result, council will begin installing turtle nesting awareness signage across the region over the coming weeks,” they said.

Residents are also being asked to take down the vehicle details of any 4WDs or motorbikes they see driving on the region’s beaches and report it to council by calling 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Motorists are reminded that driving on the foreshore and dune areas at local beaches not only puts turtles at risk, but it can have devastating effects on coastal vegetation and habitat for other native wildlife.

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Join Coral Cay Bar & Grill for an unforgettable night of Christmas delights.

Freshly refurbished with tropical elements, Coral Cay Bar & Grill invites Mackay locals to celebrate the end of year with friends, family or team members.

There’s still time to celebrate with a pre-Christmas get-together. Available every Friday from 6pm – 9pm until the 16th of December, indulge in a three-course, three-hour beverage package for only $99 per person.

It’s the ultimate way to eat, drink and be merry this festive season. The package is perfect for couples, family gatherings and intimate end-of-year workplace events for those wishing to celebrate in style.

As the sun sets, enjoy wings three-ways poolside with beverages, followed by dinner and dessert. Then, retreat to your own luxury accommodation to finish an unforgettable night. No need to book a taxi when your bed is mere footsteps away, and locals receive a special discount when booking the Friday night Christmas experience. Simply use the code LOCALS to receive 20% off your accommodation, subject to availability.

Bookings are essential. Round up your mates or treat your staff with an evening of delicious food and unlimited house beverages by the pool at Coral Cay Bar & Grill Mackay.

Phone 07 4957 7677 or email us on reservations@coralcayresort.com.au.

Other than the fabulous Friday offer, Coral Cay Bar & Grill is open for dinner Monday – Friday from 6pm. Bookings are still essential as the popular restaurant is often full of diners.

Prepared by Chef Matt, the menu focuses on quality Queensland ingredients. Popular dishes include the Fettuccine Marinara, MB 5-6 Score Wagyu Rump, Sticky Korean Chicken Wings and Rolled Pork Belly.

Coral Cay Bar & Grill is located at Coral Cay Resort, 14 Nebo Road, Mackay. There is free onsite parking at the front of the hotel.

Discover Coral Cay and enjoy the tropical resort ambience without having to pack for a vacation.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

Image 1: Riparian systems are important parts of the Great Barrier Reef catchment

Image 2: Young cane with cane trash blanket, helps reduce run-off and build soil health by retaining moisture and delivering organic matter Pictures: Contributed

It was reassuring to have the efforts of the sugarcane growing industry – through programs like Smartcane BMP and Six Easy Steps- acknowledged in the UNESCO Report On The Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission To The Great Barrier Reef (Australia), released at the end of November. Climate change remains the Reef’s major threat.

The report called for acceleration of Smartcane BMP accreditations across Queensland's 4000 growers. Currently, around 40 percent of Queensland’s land under cane is accredited under the industry’s best management practice program. There are also many more growers who have embarked on the journey, and have registered and benchmarked their properties in the program.

Across the Mackay and Plane Creek (Sarina) milling districts, 184 growers are fully accredited, representing 31,703.6 hectares of land operated under best management practices. It’s a 187.5 percent increase on the number of fully accredited growers in 2019, and an additional 20,978 hectares.

This growth in accreditation is bolstered by the 624 growers across the region now benchmarked within Smartcane BMP. BMP is a process- Growers work with their BMP facilitators at Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) and Plane Creek Productivity Services (PCPSL) to refine their on-farm practices and record keeping, so as to complete the core and optional modules (eight in all) of Smartcane BMP.

Stewardship is at the core of Smartcane BMP. Lots of growers have streamlines and gullys on-farm. They are protective of their patch and want to preserve it as part of their heritage. But also, economically, it makes sense that you keep any expensive inputs in the ground where they are meant to do a job: nourishing the crop. At every opportunity, we are encouraging our members to engage with Smartcane BMP and to connect with other programs like Sugar Research Australia’s Six Easy Steps (6ES) which puts in place a scientific process to calculate optimum fertiliser rates.

The industry is engaged with the quest for positive environmental outcomes.

Locally, SRA staff have been engaged in their Cane to Creek Mackay Whitsunday in-paddock water quality monitoring project, investigating different farming practices and run-off results.

Beyond accreditation, there are growers working with programs being delivered through natural resource management groups like Reef Catchments, such as the recently concluded Sandy Creek Project, a long-term project through the State Government Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. Others are working with the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program.

Canegrowers Mackay is an active member of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, and our CEO Kerry Latter sits on the committees for this and for the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program funded under the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

We thank both the State and Federal governments for their support in response to the UNESCO report, but also implore that now is the time to direct funding to growers to support activities like BMP, or to purchase precision ag equipment that helps minimize and target biocide application. Now is the time to get money on the ground. It is on farm where the real goals of improving water quality are achieved but to date funding has been directed towards other purposes and as a result limiting progress on farm.

The Queensland sugar industry is recognised worldwide for our sustainability credentials. This only comes as a result of our Smartcane program. This in fact has made us a preferred supplier for businesses seeking sustainable feedstock in the burgeoning global bioeconomy.

To fully participate in the bioeconomy we need to raise productivity within quality environmental parameters, therefore the suggestion by UNESCO in the report that governments should be buying up land as cane farmers retire, for the purposes of revegetation is absurd. Such an activity that actively reduces land under cane would spell the industry’s demise, rendering mills unviable, removing jobs across rural communities in farming, milling and peripheral services, and beyond: one dollar spent in cane multiplies to $6.40 across the regional economy. And all just as we move to contribute a carbon neutral crop to a renewable, sustainable food, fibre and fuel industry in a de-carbonising economy.

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