Elevating Cane Farming Through Sustainable Practices

CaneRise brings together the great work of cane farmers and industry in the Mackay Whitsunday region to reduce runoff, and improve soils and water quality in the region.

It’s a new website (canerise.com.au) featuring stories and tools to help cane farmers in the Mackay Whitsunday region grow their productivity through sustainable practices.

Established as part of a Great Barrier Reef Foundation Reef Trust Partnership project, it recognises practices that are working to improve water quality in reef catchment areas.

More than 460 landholders throughout the Mackay Whitsunday region alone have taken part in free Reef Trust Partnership-funded projects over the past few years.

We have seen benefits for farmers—with savings to time and money— as well as benefits to the environment. We now have the opportunity to share this widely through the CaneRise site.

The build of CaneRise responds to research which identified a need to have information about resources for sustainable practices in the Mackay Whitsunday region in one place, that cane farmers can more easily find and access.

The site includes existing tools that can help farmers improve practices, but can often be harder to find. This includes calculators for fertiliser blends and application, tools to support economic decision making, and resources to make data collection and record keeping easier.

It also showcases industry best practice frameworks such as Smartcane BMP and 6 Easy Steps, which many local growers have been implementing and seeing benefits for over almost a decade.

And many of these practical tools and practices come from local farmers themselves. Sarina grower, Ron Gurnett, built a high rise sprayer, modified from a cotton picker. The high rise gives more flexibility in his spraying routine, saving time and money, and improving the land for the future.

Find more stories like this on CaneRise.com.au, and keep up to date with the latest resources and tools by signing up on the website for updates.

Sarina grower, Ron Gurnett

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With property owners getting set for hazard reduction burns in the lead-up to bushfire season, Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are urging them to take extra precautions around the power network.

Ergon Work Group Leader Craig Maddy highlighted the dangers of fires getting too close to power poles and other electrical assets when people conduct burns.

“More than a dozen power poles were brought down by landowner’s burns getting out of control last year, bringing down powerlines and cutting supply to entire communities in some cases,” Mr Maddy said.

“In addition to the inconvenience of widespread power disruptions, fallen powerlines can cause serious injury or even death to people and livestock that come into contact with them.  

“Just as troubling is a power pole that’s only partially burnt because it will be significantly weakened and potentially snap during high winds or storm activity without warning.

“So we’re asking any landowners who are about to burn to ensure vegetation is cleared within a five metre radius of the base of a pole.”

Rural Fire Service A/Assistant Commissioner Peter Hollier said taking precautions before and during hazard reduction burns could significantly minimise the risk of damaging property and electricity infrastructure.  

“It is imperative landholders are well aware of their surroundings and remain vigilant to ensure they, their families and properties are safe while conducting any bushfire mitigation work,” Mr Hollier said.

“To minimise the chances of fire damaging power poles and property, I would encourage property owners to trim or clear any long grass, foliage and rubbish around their electricity infrastructure and remain with any planned burns they carry out.

“If your council area is not currently drought declared, dampening the radius with water can also reduce the chances of accidental damage to property.

“Remember, you will need to apply for a free permit from your local fire warden before lighting a fire larger than two metres in any direction.

“For more information around bushfire preparedness head to qfes.qld.gov.au.”

In the event of a fire always dial triple zero.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

A grower’s interest in the sugar they produce doesn’t end when cane is supplied to the mills for processing. Cane Supply Agreements include Grower and Miller Economic Interest clauses, which mean that growers can use the marketer of their choice to forward price their sugar on the commodities-based Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).

Thus, through a cane pricing formula, growers and millers share the risks and rewards.

The arrangement is also enshrined in the Federal Sugar Industry Code of Conduct, and, in Queensland, the Sugar Industry Act 1999. The Code of Conduct, overseen by the ACCC, is a vitally important instrument, maintaining equity and certainty around regulation and expected conduct between growers, millers, and marketers.

The Code was hard-fought-for by CANEGROWERS and the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA), to keep in place the transparent, not-for-profit, industry-owned sugar marketer QSL. The need for a Code of Conduct (CoC) came about as a result of the industry moving into a deregulated environment in the past decade, giving millers a potential added advantage as monopoly marketers. The CoC set out obligations for supply contracts between millers and growers, and on-supply agreements from millers to marketers, maintaining a balance in the marketing of Grower Economic Interest (GEI).

The economic interest split, broadly speaking, is about 70% GEI to 30% MEI.  From there, growers can opt to forward price their GEI out three years at varying amounts according to the certainty of harvest and supply capitalising on current strong prices into the future. Or, they may choose just to keep their pricing in line with the current harvest. Forward pricing is not unique to sugar- other agricultural commodities use the strategy. To that end, growers are making decisions on even a daily basis in an effort to maximise their income.

For the past year, sugar prices have been very strong, climbing up over the $800 per tonne to a recent April high of $842/tonne. It’s a long way from the $350/ tonne on offer in 2020. While prices remain strong, the market has been somewhat fickle of late. There are still opportunities for growers pricing their Production Risk pool if they have filled all of their target pricing. Of course, it’s important to note that while market price is riding high, the price growers actually receive is less.

There are a range of factors that influence sugar price, from the progress of crops and harvests across sugar producing nations like major players like Brazil and India, to Thailand, Australia, USA, EU, Pakistan and Russia. Further influences include ethanol production from sugar, exchange rates, Reserve Bank decisions, free trade agreements, shipping, cost of production (eg: fuel, fertiliser) to name a few.

Even the Russian war in Ukraine is an influence, as it affects fertiliser prices and is a driver OF global food inflation, with mounting pressure on grain supply. The Ukraine has been a vitally important supplier of the world’s grain- used across human and livestock food.

Indicators are that despite that recent bearish behaviour of the market, prices are remaining strong. There remains a high demand for sugar, while countries like India and Thailand grapple with a delayed monsoon, and the Brazilian sugar industry struggles to move sugar from port (where it competes with other commodities like corn) and has had reduced sugar recovered per tonne of cane this harvest, due to harvesting of immature crops.

Locally, CANEGROWERS Mackay wants to see the best for our members’ opportunity to capitalise on the high sugar price. That means getting our full crop away, currently hampered by rain events across July, and by poor mill performance. We can’t do anything about the weather, but millers can invest in their mills sufficiently to have them work reliably and efficiently. CANEGROWERS Mackay grower representatives have been highly vocal with millers in Mackay and Plane Creek on this subject.

The predicament for growers in Mackay and Plane Creek with the repeated rain events and decreased mill performance both this year and the preceding two years, is that it is difficult to make decisions on forward pricing. Forward pricing comes with a risk factor if the grower is not able to get all of that crop away. If any growers do have concerns, we urge them to talk to their marketer rep sooner rather than later to explore solutions.

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Growers can forward price their sugar with the marketer of their choice, based on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

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A cohort of 260 Central Queensland high school students took part in the state’s first ever STEM Big Day Out which puts the spotlight on a whole new era of exciting careers for young people in the resources sector.

Students received an insight into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) through a unique program developed by the Queensland Resources Council’s education arm, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

The QMEA is rolling out the model nationally with the support of BHP through a program called ARISE, which aims to connect young people with future career opportunities in the resources sector.

Spread over two days and five schools, the initiative will see Year 8 and 9 students working in teams guided by QMEA and BMA representatives to solve a series of real-world puzzles and challenges related to the resources sector.

Moranbah State High School hosted their STEM Big Day Out earlier this week on August 1, which involved the school’s entire Year 8 cohort of 160 students.

This was followed by another STEM Big Day Out on August 2, hosted this time by Sarina State High School and involving 100 students from Sarina, Mackay, Pioneer, and Mackay Northern Beaches state high schools.

Michelle Pole, Principal of Moranbah SHS, said students were excited to be part of this inaugural event, especially on their home ground.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to stir the students’ passion for STEM subjects,” she said.

“The program will foster teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, and enable students to make connections between STEM subjects and how they’re relevant to future careers in the resources sector.”

Team challenges include solving riddles based on the periodic table to promote critical thinking to increase students’ knowledge of chemical elements.

Along with opportunities to explore pulley mechanics, control robots and engineer machines to consistently select samples, students will have plenty of fun as they harness their creativity and develop analytical and strategic thinking skills.

QMEA’s Manager of Skills and Education, Matthew Heskett, said BMA’s involvement in the program in Queensland added an extra dimension to the STEM activities planned.

“Being able to personally interact with BMA staff will give students a lot of insights into the real-world applications of the skills they’re developing in the classroom,” he said.

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Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L) is making a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations students at CQUniversity. The company's generous $5,000 donation last year launched a bursary program for Mackay-based First Nations students pursuing the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways course.

Since its inception, the bursary program has been a lifeline for 21 First Nations students, providing essential support to excel in their vocational studies. Levi Fallon, Keegan Zaro, and Xavier Anson-Kissier are among the latest recipients of this initiative.

At a presentation on July 19, the three students each received $500, proving to be a game-changer in their educational journey.

Levi expressed his gratitude, saying, "The money will definitely help me with my transport costs to get to the Mackay Ooralea Trades centre each week and also with the cost of some new PPE."

Keegan shared his appreciation, stating, "This will help a lot. I can buy all the safety gear needed like safety boots and work pants.

“After I complete this course, I want to continue my studies to complete Year 12 and graduate from high school. After I graduate, I want to apply to the Navy and become a Navy Seal as a career."

Xavier echoed their sentiments, adding, "When I have completed Year 12 and graduate from high school, I am hoping to get an apprenticeship as a diesel fitter. I would also be keen to work at Aurizon on the trains."

DBCT P/L CEO, Steve Rae, emphasised the company's commitment to supporting future workers, especially those facing potential barriers to entering the workforce.

"We want to ensure young First Nations people in Mackay who have an interest in trades and engineering have what they need to be successful in this space," he said.

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L-R: Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) Start TAFE Now Bursary recipients Keegan Zaro, Xavier Anson-Kissier, and Levi Fallon with DBCT Public Relations Officer Emilie-Jain Fitzpatrick

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World-class simulation training is helping North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) marine pilots stay at the top of their game more than 950 kilometres from their home ports.

NQBP’s pilotage team joined terminal operators and tug masters to test their limits at the Queensland Government’s Smartship Australia facility in Brisbane using virtually recreated ports of Hay Point and Mackay.

NQBP Acting CEO Belinda Kenny said the port industry collaboration saw stakeholders undertake state-of-the-art shipping simulations over two days.

“Working with Maritime Safety Queensland including the Regional Harbour Master, terminal operators, and towage operators, we explored our operational limitations in a safe environment without any disruptions to trade,” Ms Kenny said.

“This simulation training leads to real-world improvements to our port operations.

“The simulations brought to life the berthing of virtual vessels up to 300 metres in length in all types of weather conditions and loading capacities.

“Navigating ships in and out of our ports is a complex and specialised job. Our pilots handle more than 2,800 shipping movements a year. So, it’s vital to be able to hone their skills alongside port stakeholders,” Ms Kenny said.

“NQBP continues to lead the way in pilot competence and safe pilotage integrating innovative approaches to their professional development including simulation training.”

Smartship Australia Director and Principal Instructor Captain Peter Listrup said modern marine simulation systems played a key role in improving safety and efficiency outcomes for port operations.

“Simulation provides a zero-risk training environment for marine pilots to develop and enhance their piloting skills,” Captain Listrup said.

“Smartship Australia welcomes working with forward-thinking organisations like NQBP.”

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Marine pilots from North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) are staying at the top of their game with the aid of world-class simulation training

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Auto Women

This was established in 2022 by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland). It works to provide a supportive environment for women working across the automotive industry to network and grow.

Our vision is to empower women in the Automotive Industry to reach their full potential.

Auto Women is committed to encouraging and empowering women to strive for maximum capacity to achieve success on their own terms. We will provide opportunities for women to connect with like minded professionals to support each other to contribute to their personal and professional development.

https://www.mtaq.com.au/auto-women/

Industry Workforce Advisory

MTA Queensland has been selected as the Industry Workforce Advisory organisation for the automotive industry, reporting directly to the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.

The aim of the program is to provide tailored workforce planning assistance to small and medium employers, enabling them to address workforce challenges, diversify their workforces, and support workforce and productivity growth.

This may include identifying recruitment strategies to expand applicant pools and consider underrepresented cohorts such as migrants, skilled migrants, young people, first nations, and/or those with a disability.

The Industry Workforce Advisor role will run from 7 November 2022 to 31 December 2025.

Industry Skills Advisor

MTA Queensland has been selected as the Industry Skills Advisory organisation for the automotive industry, reporting directly to the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.

Industry Skills Advisors will engage with employers, small business and industry stakeholders to provide high quality, evidence-based industry advice and intelligence about current and emerging industry direction, regional skills needs and training solutions, job growth and employment opportunities.

The Industry Skills Advisory role will run from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023.

https://www.mtaq.com.au/industry-engagement/

Information of additional projects including the Transit Lane School to Work Project is available online: https://autoschoolconnect.com.au/blog-post-2/

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One of the things I like about life is having a range of friendships with people from different age groups and an array of different socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Life is more interesting when you can have a laugh just as easily with the 90-year-old bloke who lives on the corner, the 21-year-old tattooed pommie hairdresser who is up for a chat while she has a vape outside the restaurant, the 45-year-old miner who is enjoying a Friday night beer at the pub after returning from over the hill or the 60-year-old Maltese cane farmer who is annoyed about too much/too little rain.

The mix of people don’t have to be your best friends, just people you get on with and have a connection with when you see each other.

And it can be pretty much anyone, with the obvious exceptions of Collingwood supporters and politically correct left-wing tyrant bullies with no sense of humour.

But even that isn’t quite true … I have met some quite decent Collingwood supporters over the years.

One of the great things about being a real estate agent is that you have to deal with all types of people. You don’t have to become best friends, but you need to create a connection and get on in a way that allows you to work together to get a deal done.

A friend of mine runs a small business in Mackay. He is what my mother used to call a New Australian. He speaks with an accent and comes from working class roots but he’s got money because he works hard and his business is successful.

He told me that he was pretty much ignored by a real estate agent at an open house recently and he felt it was because the agent assumed he didn’t have the money to buy that particular property. Not true.

I find that one of the most enjoyable aspects of real estate, as in life generally, is coming across a mix of people, ranging from business executives, stay-at-home mums, stay-at-home dads, doctors, truck drivers, artists, mechanics, builders, office workers and teachers to scientists, florists, miners and lollypop ladies.

An agent needs to connect with all of them and take them comfortably on the journey of buying or selling a property.

It is a great advantage if you tend to get on with all types of people, which means you can be authentically yourself and not be forced to pretend to be someone/something different.

That’s almost always the way it plays out for me. And when a politically correct, left-wing, Greens-voting, coal-hating, pillar of today’s cancel culture wants to buy a house I am selling … well, this little agent knows when to shut his mouth and not let his opinion get in the way of a good sale.

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OPINION PIECE

I’ve always aimed to “dream big” in life.  Dreaming big has taught me that amazing things happen when you adopt this mind set. From starting up my own successful consulting business for almost 13 years, to being successful in the 2020 Local Government election and now working in my role as councillor, a privileged position that has been challenging at times, but also richly rewarding.

So, what is my next “dream big” project?

Through my involvement with the Trudy Crowley Foundation, as Chair, the board of directors have always dared to dream big.

From formation in 2018, we have employed a part-time, fully qualified palliative care nurse; employed a part-time counsellor, who specialises in oncology counselling and emotional support; opened the Trudy Crowley Community Cancer Support Centre in February 2023; employed a second fully qualified palliative care nurse in March this year and will be employing a third fully qualified palliative care nurse in 2024. All free services to our patients.

Dreaming big has achieved these amazing results.  But we believe in dreaming bigger and chasing more audacious goals!

Our next ‘dream big’ project is to bring our vision of the Trudy Crowley Palliative Care Sanctuary to fruition.  The sanctuary will provide respite and end-of-life care for patients undergoing oncology treatment and will include eight bedrooms (one allocated for children), non-denominational chapel, kitchen and amenities room.  It will be a tranquil haven for palliative care patients to be cared for with dignity, compassion and respect.

Our partners are fully behind this dream and support the need for this facility within our community.

Fundraising has begun and we require $2m to find the perfect piece of land. We are seeking companies or individuals willing to pledge money for one bedroom, which will bear their name.

This is a massive dream big project and will take some years to achieve. However, nothing has ever been achieved by thinking small and I firmly believe in my heart, this vision will become a reality for our community.

https://www.trudycrowleyfoundation.com.au/

Cr Pauline Townsend

Mackay Regional Council

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With Mackay 50’s & Better

With live music, singalongs, a fashion parade, lunch, tea and coffee, Mackay 50’s & Better celebrated Christmas in July in style.

Attendees were invited to wear an apron; the funnier and naughtier, the better.

Annette Worthington provided music and laughs throughout the morning, while the best dressed were judged before all indulged in a delicious Christmas feast at Goosies.

For more information on Mackay 50’s & Better, contact Garry and Margaret on 0400 242 779.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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If you’re a bit tired reading this as you had a late night at the Human Nature show at the MECC last night, get ready for this.

If you have no plans for tomorrow, let me tell you, this will be awesome.

Saturday will be a great day to get up early because the annual day to raise money for Jeans for Genes Day is happening and we want you and the family to be part of it.

It’s the annual Kilometre Burpee Challenge with Christine and Col running the event.

A few years ago, I got a call from Christine on 4MK, asking if I would volunteer some time on the microphone to rev the crowd up as a whole bunch of legends do burpees outside the council building on Gordon St early on a Saturday in August. Of course, I said yes, and here we are three years later, and we are going stronger again.

All it takes is teams of how many you want, doing burpees after burpees going to reach one kilometre on the grass. Sounds easy right? Nope, but you know what, that’s why it’s like this.

Jeans for Genes Day is all about finding a cure for kids with cancers, and disorders which makes it difficult for them to lead a well, easier life. These kids get hit for six, their families get smacked out of the park every day, and they get back up again and do it all over again 365 days a year. So, there is the reason we do burpees. You get smacked down, and you get up again.

If you want to join us, come down after 7:30, and get ready to go after 8am. It will be fun. I’ll have the microphone so you’ll know it will be.

Once it’s done you can come to the Sarina Show because that’s where I’ll be heading to do the 4MK show live, and there’s something different this year. I’ll be putting some of my cooking up for judging to bag an award. What will I have with me? Scones? Jam Drops? Cakes? You’ll have to wait and see, and maybe join me at the Sarina Showgrounds and taste test some with the QCWA ladies too!

Oh, and yes, I’ll have to taste them myself too! Only if I must.

Enjoy the weekend, and the next time we catch up, I’ll tell you how you can have dinner on the runway at the Mackay Airport for a wonderful cause.

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,

Three years ago, when News Corp announced they were shutting 14 regional newspapers overnight, three of which were located in the Whitsundays, our region instantly lost all its printed weekly news.

Friends could no longer gather to complete the newspaper’s weekly crossword, die-hard TV guide fans could no longer circle their favourite shows in ink, but more than that – the local community had lost its connection.

Whose kid had competed in what sport? What’s going on in the local property market? Whose playing at The Pub on the weekend? What local causes do we all need to get behind?

Overnight, all this was gone.

And while the internet is great at giving us national news and celebrity gossip, there is still nothing that can replace a printed weekly newspaper as the only source of local news gathered by local journalists.

This was evident in January this year when I received a call from a guy called Neil who was part of the Economic Development Group in the Burdekin.

He told me he loved what we do and implored us to start a similar publication in his region, assuring me we would have strong support from the local community.

I passed him over to our publisher Bec Douthwaite, and after months of discussion, it was decided that we would launch a new publication called Burdekin Life.

The new newspaper will have a very similar format to this one, but of course it will be entirely local to the Burdekin, with a full-time journalist living in the region.

For the past few months our team has been contributing to its launch and we are all heading there on September 28 to personally deliver and present the first edition.

For many of the team, the launch has involved considerable effort and planning – a whole new newspaper has been designed, advertising spots have been filled and one member of our team has moved up to the region to be Burdekin Life’s new journo.

As we celebrate this newspaper’s third birthday this week, it is exciting to now be embarking on a fresh challenge, one that will take commitment and dedication from everyone involved.

Thanks to all the team, and especially our publisher Bec who continues to back her dreams and bring us all along for the ride!

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Do one thing every day that scares you” (anonymous)

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What began as a 4,500-kilometre bike trek from Brisbane to Adelaide has become an East Coast expedition, with Hiranuma Kaoru deciding to continue and cycle to Cairns.

Initially beginning in January, Hiarnuma left his Brisbane home for Melbourne, raising funds for Guide Dogs Australia.

Completely solo, Hiranuma is using a non-electric bike, with all his belongings strapped to the frame, including his tent and sleeping bag.

After completing the Gold Coast Half Marathon in July, he decided to take on the 2,000 kilometres to Cairns.

“I think I’ll overcome new encounters and experiences on my journey and enjoy everything while climbing a local bar,” Hiranuma explained.

He has continued to share his journey over social media, taking snaps of locals along the way who have donated to his cause.

In mid-July, he faced a big setback, with his bike faulting to its highest gear and not changing, while he cycled up a hill into Gladstone.

Stopping into M1 Cycles for the repairs, he was pleasantly surprised to have the repairs completed at no cost.

“’Well then!’ I said and donated the coast of the repair to Guide Dogs Australia.”

The team at M1 Cycles shared Hiranuma’s story on their social media and got him back on the road.

Last Thursday, July 27, he moved through the Whitsunday region, enjoying a sorbet from Bowen, and he is set to hit Cairns later this week.

Through his journey, Hiranuma has raised over $3,000.

If you wish to donate, follow this link:

bit.ly/3rTsVwx

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Brisbane-based Hiranuma Kaoru has taken on the challenge of the East Coast of Australia, raising money for Guide Dogs Australia. Photo: Facebook

Tragedy has struck at the heart of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 with an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter suffering massive catastrophic failure and falling into waters of the Whitsunday Islands last Friday night, July 28.

The helicopter was manned by four Australian Defence Force members and crashed at around 11pm on Friday evening.

The men on board have been identified as pilots Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.

All four men belonged to the Sixth Aviation Regiment, based out of Sydney.

The aircraft had been participating in night training operations, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, when it was reported missing.

While some of the aircraft has been recovered, as of the time of going to print, the main frame and the four occupants have yet to be recovered.

Sadly, it is very unlikely the men will be recovered alive, with authorities discovering significant wreckage on Monday morning.

Minister for Defence, Richard Marles spoke in a press conference on Monday, sharing news that the search efforts have turned into body recovery.

“With every passing hour, it is now clear any hope of finding Captain Lyon, Lieutenant Nugent, Corporal Naggs, and Warrant Office Laycock alive has been lost,” he said.

By the evening of Monday, July 31, Mr Marles confirmed the deaths of the four ADF members.

“Our focus remains on bringing our people home to their families and supporting the Defence family through this difficult period,” Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said, Chief of Joint Operations.

The ADF continues to work closely with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to aid the recovery efforts.

Superintendent Graeme Paine said since the determination has been made that the search and rescue is now a recovery mission, QPS is working to prepare a report for the coroner.

Cause of the accident remains unknown; however the entire fleet of Taipan helicopters was grounded following the accident.

Prior to this accident, the helicopter was meant to be discontinued from December 2023, in favour for American Black Hawks.

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Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs are feared dead following a helicopter crash during a military training exercise in the Whitsundays. Photo supplied

By Rachael Smith

While Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) are excited about the upcoming upgrades, they are also concerned by the changing political landscape that they believe is creating an uncertain future for VMR’s right across the state.

President of the Whitsunday VMR, Paul Martin, explained that the state government is introducing a new funding model that he believes could hinder the operation of our local VMR.

There are plans for VMRs across Queensland to become state funded and all revenue streams are set to come through the government which means any localised fundraising avenues could become redundant.

Mr Martin said that to date, the Whitsunday VMR has been given very little detail on the funding changes and this uncertainty is causing the organisation to feel vulnerable.

Whitsunday VMR needs $500,000 per year to operate.

This sum comes from sponsorships, memberships and call out fees.

They have 1,500 members, each paying $100 per year.

Mr Martin says that without this money the VMR would cease to operate in the way it currently does.

“We’ve got it organised and it’s working – why change it?” he said.

“We own our two vessels, and we look after the maintenance and insurance – with this new funding model will the state government purchase the vessels or are we expected to donate them to the state government?”

With lots of unanswered questions, Mr Martin says he is looking forward to a meeting with other Queensland VMR Presidents on August 19, where he hopes they will get some answers.

“The NSW model is run by the state, and it took 18 months to implement – here in Queensland we’ve been talking about it for five years!”

Whitsunday VMR was the first VMR in the state and will be celebrating 60 years next year.

As one of the larger and more established facilities it is operating successfully, fully supported by its independent funding streams, 1,500 members and over 150 dedicated volunteers.

Mr Martin says that there are undoubtedly other smaller VMRs in the state that are struggling and would definitely benefit from state funding, but that the larger sites that are functioning well should be left alone.

“I am worried that when people find out that we are becoming state funded, our costs will go up because people will think we are getting paid by the government,” he said.

“We could lose our sponsors overnight, but we might not see any of the funding for five years!”

“We may also see membership loss and cuts on little things like hosting open days.”

When asked how he would like to see a state government funding model work, Mr Martin explained that he would prefer to see a lease agreement in place.

“A leasing agreement for our vessels that would take care of the maintenance, fuel and projected replacement costs could work,” he said.

“But all this would take away our flexibility and result in the rise of overall costs that we can’t forecast.”

With the Whitsundays boasting the highest number of boat registrations in Queensland, this issue is at the heart of the community and it is clear that more information is desperately needed to ensure the future and stability of one of our most valued local institutions.

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President of Whitsunday VMR, Paul Martin with volunteer Dick Filewood. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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