Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank awarded Sarina Cricket Association (SCA) the 2023 Community Impact Award last week for their efforts in uplifting the community.

The award is in recognition of making a positive difference for people in the community.

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said the SCA’s efforts in creating a welcoming Juniors’ program and establishing a women’s team were “hugely significant for both the Club, and our community”.

“It’s wonderful to award the organisations we sponsor for supporting the community and promoting inclusion and diversity because that’s our goal – building a strong community – and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Sarina Cricket Association President Brodie Boswood said SCA started ten years ago with one senior men’s team and have “grown to eight solid teams”.

“Receiving this award is recognition to our whole group that the work we have been doing over the last decade is truly appreciated by our community.

“Community Bank Sarina’s continued support has allowed us to bring in a wider variety of members and provide necessary equipment like the training nets that we secured through a Community Grant a few years ago.

“We now cater for the whole family with our Master Blaster’s Program, which is for ages 6 to 9, Junior teams for under 11s and 14s, our new ladies’ team for Mum, various grades for Dad and even Granddad can play in our over 50’s winter competition.”

The Community Impact Award is also paired with a $500 donation to the organisation.

Follow @sarinacricketassociation on Facebook to find out when home games are on.

Visit Community Bank Sarina on Facebook to learn more about upcoming sponsorships and opportunities.

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Sarina Cricket Association’s Shannon Pietzner, Ryan Lowrey, John Price, Erin Rutherford and Brodie Boswood receiving the 2023 Community Impact Award from Community Bank Sarina’s Charmaine Matsen, Karen May and Maree Franettovich

Teen Driver Clocks 153 km/h In 80 km/h Zone

A 17-year-old male driver was intercepted by police on June 5 in Rural View, following an alleged high-speed incident on Mackay Bucasia Road. Officers from the Highway Patrol Group, engaged in speed enforcement patrols, pulled over a Nissan Pathfinder, allegedly traveling at 153 kilometers per hour in an 80-kilometer-per-hour zone, exceeding the speed limit by 73 kilometers per hour.

The driver received an on-the-spot fine of $1,653 and incurred a loss of 8 demerit points, resulting in a six-month suspension of their driver's license. Senior Constable Steve Smith of the Mackay crime prevention unit reiterated the police's concern over all speeding incidents, emphasising the risks posed to the driver, passengers, and other road users.

All incidents of speeding concern police, there are no exceptions," he stated, highlighting the inherent risks associated not only with the driver and his passengers but also with other innocent road users who could have fallen victim to the teenager's dangerous speed.

With a clear message to all motorists, Senior Constable Smith stressed the importance of responsible driving. "Speeding creates risks not only for yourself and your passengers, but for those who are unfortunate enough to be on the road with you at that time. Speed enforcement is happening every day - we are urging all drivers to do the right thing," he implored.

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He was a qualified plumber and is now on the road to becoming an environmental scientist.

Never in his wildest dreams did Mackay local Josh Potter expect to be travelling the career path that he is now on.

“I dropped out of school in grade 11 and started an apprenticeship as a plumber with no consideration of going to uni,” Mr Potter said.

“After I finished my apprenticeship I wanted a career change, so I went into water/wastewater treatment which put me down the science pathway, and eventually with some encouragement I decided to study.”

Now in his third year of a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree with CQUniversity, Mr Potter is excited about what lies ahead.

“When I was working as a water/wastewater treatment operator, the role involved laboratory testing and the management of biological nutrient removal processes to prevent detrimental impacts on the receiving environment (primarily waterways).

“The role was a great introduction into biology and basic science, but I wanted more. So, after much deliberation I decided to study Environmental Science. Biology and chemistry were on the cards, but I felt I could make a bigger difference as an environmental scientist.”

While studying, Mr Potter is also working full-time as a fisheries ecologist in the Fisheries and Aquatic ecosystems team at Catchment Solutions and he recently applied his university learnings to monitor habitat reef modules in the Pioneer River in Mackay.

“During my job interview I mentioned some of the fisheries monitoring we got to do with CQU at Great Keppel Island, and it just so happened that there was upcoming monitoring on the cards which was similar to what I had done,” Mr Potter explained.

“The habitat reef modules had been deployed in the Pioneer River at three all-abilities accessible fishing platforms to provide enhanced fishing opportunities (15 reefs per site). The reefs were designed to allow safe refuge for large, small-bodied, and juvenile fish species while also providing a surface that allows colonisation of encrusting marine organisms. The monitoring was conducted 18 months post-deployment and involved using Baited and Unbaited Remote Underwater Video units (BRUV and UBRUV),” he said.

“During the environmental monitoring residential school, this method was one of the monitoring techniques that were taught to us by lecturers Guy Carton and Nathan English.”

Mr Potter, the first in his family to attend university, provided some sound advice for aspiring environmentalists.

“Find a way to get your foot in the door. Try to find volunteering opportunities or basically anything that you can include in your resume that relates to environmental science before your degree is done,” he said.

“I’ve found that employers value evidence of experience so highly. I started out working in water treatment which barely scratches the surface of the enviro game, but just getting to know other environments and learning how to use basic equipment has opened so many doors for me.”

By CQUniversity Australia

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Seagrass, coral and water quality will continue to be monitored to provide much needed data on local marine conditions thanks to new funding from Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (Daly Bay) and Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (DBI).

Daly Bay and DBI have agreed to provide $415,000 over three years to fund the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program.

Daly Bay Manager of Safety, Risk and Environment, Ricci Churchill said Daly Bay was excited to build on the success of the monitoring program and to further understand how local ecosystems are responding to changing pressures.

“To effectively look after our waterways and the environment around us, we first must understand what is happening in the local area,” she said.

“The Southern Inshore Monitoring Program provides us with the data needed to keep an eye on the health of the marine environment and inform management actions if necessary.

“As a founding member of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, we are proud to have established this monitoring program and continue to support it in partnership with DBI. It shows what can be possible through the partnership and by investing in your local community.”

First established in 2017, the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program fills a crucial data gap in the region’s waterway health report card, which assesses the condition of freshwater, estuary, inshore and offshore environments.

Scores for water quality, coral, pesticides and seagrass have been added as the monitoring program has matured.

DBI Site Manager Tim Ffrost said it was great to see the monitoring program fill data gaps over the years.

“Supporting the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program is an important part of DBI’s commitment to sustainability and connecting with community partnerships,” he said.

“With Dalrymple Bay Terminal located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, we understand how vital it is to contribute to programs that help protect and preserve local waterways.

“Having a robust and reliable monitoring program is the first step in that management process.”

Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Chair Julie Boyd said the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program was a key example of what could be achieved through collaboration.

“This important marine health monitoring program brings immense value to the Report Card and our understanding of local waterway conditions more broadly,” she said.

“We are very grateful to Daly Bay and DBI for their ongoing support and we look forward to working with them over the next phase of marine monitoring.”

You can read more about the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program and the current scores for this zone at www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au.

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Ricci Churchill (Manager of Safety, Risk and Environment at Daly Bay) and Tim Ffrost (DBI Site Manager) are ready to learn more about our region’s waterway health

More than 100 years of service is being honoured with North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) naming its new assets after long-serving staff members.

NQBP Financial Reporting Officer Debbie McDonald and Weipa Port Supervisor John Clark have had first-strike oil response vessels named in their honour. Additionally, a maintenance truck has been named after Port Service Worker Greg Steward.

NQBP Acting Chief Executive Office Belinda Kenny said the trio have amassed an impressive 103 years of service.

“We know our success is achieved through the support and commitment of our people, port partners, customers and port communities,” Ms Kenny said.

“It is fitting we name the assets after long-serving staff members who have contributed a significant part of their lives to helping our ports operate safely and efficiently.”

Mrs McDonald, who said she was humbled by the move to name a vessel in her honour, shared her favourite memories at the Port of Mackay.

“Over my 43 years in the finance team, I have been involved in exciting major projects that have changed the look of the port like the construction of the grain terminal, wharf five, the workshop complex and the new southern breakwater to name a few,” Mrs McDonald said.

“I feel privileged every day to work at the port that has been a large part of the Mackay community and economy. The view of the water and the people are pretty special as well.”

Mr Clark credits his love for the people, the bush, family connections and the western Cape lifestyle as the secret to his 20 years with the company.

“The people are lovely to work for. I couldn’t have had a better set of bosses,” Mr Clark said.

“My office in Weipa is about 20 metres from the water and there’s a nice southeast breeze all year round – it’s a pleasure to come to work.”

Mr Steward said his proudest achievement since joining the Port of Mackay four decades ago is helping train young people.

“There are so many memories but my favourites are from working with a great bunch of people and making life-long friendships,” Mr Steward said.

When asked what he most enjoys about working at the port, he responded, “Working beside the water and no two days are the same.”

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NQBP Port Service Worker Greg Steward, Financial Reporting Officer Debbie McDonald and Weipa Port Supervisor John Clark have had assets named in their honour recognising their collective century of service

Debbie McDonald

Council's Mackay Show display will have a new centrepiece this year which will be barrels of fun for the whole family.

Mayor Greg Williamson said he was excited to announce Sarina Sugar Shed will be the main feature of this year’s display.

“Sarina Sugar Shed has always been a popular attraction at the Show, but this year they will have a massive display, right in the middle of our pavilion,” Mayor Williamson said.

Sarina Sugar Shed acting coordinator Adele Lewis said the Sugar Shed display would be amazing.

“We will have a brand-new fairy floss machine at the show, whipping up fairly floss art sculptures for the kids,” Ms Lewis said.

“We’ll also have a delicious range of free taste-testers for people to try and buy, including our sauces, chutneys and liqueurs,” she said.

Mayor Williamson said the theme for the display this year was #discovermackay.

“The Discover Mackay theme ties in well with the Sarina Sugar Shed display, but also with the interactive mountain bike that will be back again to promote the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trails,” Mayor Williamson said.

“While at our display, people can ride mountain bike trails from all over the world, while tracking their speed on a large 75-inch digital screen,” he said.

“For the first time in the event’s history, we will also have a free photobooth from In The Booth Mackay to capture your 2023 Show moment with family and friends.

“Show-goers will also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win an NRL Cowboys game package, two Sky Deck game tickets and $700 in travel vouchers.

“To enter, visitors need to fill in a digital entry at the council display and tell us in 30 words or less what they love about our region.

“Similar to last year, we will be located on the ground floor of the 500 Pavilion and will have a free chilled-water refill station at the front of the pavilion.”

Council’s Mackay Show display hours are 2pm to 8pm Tuesday (June 20), 10.30am to 8pm Wednesday (June 21) and 9am to 4pm on the public holiday (Thursday, June 22).

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Water Services water refill station at council’s 2022 Show display

After spending the last couple of years at Queens Park, Mackay Rainbow Pride returns to its original home tomorrow, Saturday, June 17 for their annual Pride event.

“Back To The Bridge” is happening at Bluewater Quay tomorrow where attendees will march across the Forgan Bridge and back, showing off their colourful costumes and signs and increasing the visibility of the region's LGBTIQA+ community.

Festivities will continue at Bluewater Quay with markets, food, live music from The Feels and entertainment from drag performers Miss Lady Saint Diva and Evalyn Eatdith.

Support services Headspace and Feros Care will also be at the event.

“The event is to tell people there is a queer community here in Mackay and also for the queer community to know there is help here if you need,” said organiser Gary Thomas.

“Fortunately, these days it is certainly more acceptable to be ‘out’ at work and in public and events like this really help.”

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their brightest outfits and create colourful signs for the march, with prizes on offer for Best Dressed, Best Dressed Pet and Best Pride Sign.

The free, family friendly event kicks off at Bluewater Quay from 3:00pm with an afterparty continuing into the night at the Gallery from 7:00pm.

Mackay Rainbow Pride is supported by Mackay Regional Council, Magpies Sporting Club, Sydney Street Markets, and Rema Tip Top.

WHAT: Mackay Rainbow Pride

WHEN: Saturday, June 17 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

This is a free community event.

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Life can change in a heartbeat. But is your insurance adequate if the unthinkable happens?

It’s easy to convince yourself that it won’t happen to you. It’s also easy to tell yourself that tomorrow is the right time to insure your shiny new boat or increase your cover to protect your newly renovated house – but tomorrow may be too late.

Here are some of the life milestones that can affect your insurance. Take a moment to do a quick check.

• Let’s face it, buying a car, boat or motorcycle is a big purchase. It’s easy to get so intoxicated by that new-car smell that you completely forget to call your insurer. So, before you hit the road in your new vehicle, consider whether you’ll need comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, or third-party property insurance.

• It’s easy for things to go pear-shaped on an overseas holiday. And things can go wrong in Australia, too. Don’t assume you’ll receive reciprocal medical cover in a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance for your health and valuables is just as important as packing your suitcase.

• Moving out of home is a milestone worth celebrating. But don’t get so caught up in your new freedom that you forget to insure your possessions. If you’re moving, you’ll need to take out cover to protect everything from your mobile phone to the clothes on your back.

• Buying property is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Ensure your investment is covered so it can be rebuilt or repaired if it’s damaged. Remember that you’ll need separate insurance to cover your belongings (contents) and your property (home).

• Becoming a landlord can feel daunting. Landlord insurance is different from standard home insurance as it provides a few extras to protect your income. You can be covered for problems such as loss of rent and malicious damage caused by tenants.

Talk to the team at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank on 4943 2634 to learn more about insurance for all of life’s milestones. As a bonus, if you take out insurance by 30 June 2023 – then you have the opportunity to win up to 12 months' worth of cover! Terms and conditions apply.

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The Sarina Sugar Shed celebrated new releases at a special launch event last Saturday night.

The big-ticket item on the night was the newly released Cocktail Recipe Book, with goodies to match, including orange aromatic bitters, chocolate aromatic bitters, cocktail kits with handmade glass stirrers and dishes by Azure Glass, and Sugar Shed Cocktail candies, with champagne jelly beans.

Attendees were given exclusive access to the range of new products and were gifted a copy of the recipe book to take home.

“The team at the Sugar Shed have outdone themselves with their new cocktail book,” said Deputy Mayor Karen May, who attended the launch.

“It is literally bursting with cocktail recipes and ideas to get the Sarina Sugar Shed rums and liqueurs off the shelf and into some amazing cocktail creations.”

The new cocktail book was inspired by the Mackay community, according to Sarah-Jane Parrott, a Sugar Shed distiller.

“While at local events, we are often asked for cocktail making tips for our rums and liqueurs and it motivated us to write down some ideas and share our favourite recipes,” she said.

“The new cocktail guide lists 16 cocktail recipes, a number of which were my own and others are favourites from our team, which will help our customers create their own delicious drinks.”

“One of the cocktail recipes is named in honour of the late Trudy O’Rourke, who was an amazing tour guide for many years at the Sugar Shed and greatly missed by all the team.”

The Sarina Sugar Shed Cocktail Book is available at the Sarina Sugar Shed gift shop at the Sarina Field of Dream Parklands.

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Great turnout for Sarina Sugar Shed Cocktail Book launch. Photo supplied

A revamp of aged care facilities at Collinsville’s Multi-Purpose Health Service has been warmly welcomed by residents who have now had a month to settle back into their own rooms with the added benefit of individual ensuites.

Allan Smyth, a jack-of-all-trades bushman - drover, stockman, camp-drafter and yard builder - is one who appreciates the new facilities.

“I didn’t complain about sharing, but it’s much better to have your own bathroom,” he said.

89-year-old Allan, who was previously living at Gleneva Station 150km southwest of Collinsville, took up residence about 12 months ago.

“I’ve seen Queensland from the back of a horse, but now I’ve had half a lung taken out and got a leg full of iron (from a bad fall on tiles)’, Allan said.

“I used to live out bush, but they (family) didn’t want me back out there.”

Another resident who welcomes the change is Joan Sellings.

“It’s been marvellous having our own bathroom,” Joan said.

“It’s really lovely.”

Joan is a born-and-bred Collinsville resident who has been at the facility for a few years.

Collinsville’s Director of Nursing Ben Lawrence said the facility’s six current residents were all happy to be back in familiar surroundings after the four-month renovation phase.

“This is a much better arrangement for our residents; it’s less disruptive,” Mr Lawrence said.

“Individual ensuites not only offer our residents greater dignity, but it also means we don’t have to move residents if there’s a need for isolation because of infection concerns.

“Overall, it’s a great improvement for the Collinsville MPHS and the community we care for.”

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Allan Smyth

Revving engines and exhilarating races await at the Mackay and District Kart Club, but recently, the track has hit a few bumps – quite literally.

The racing club is in urgent need of track repair, with several significant bumps causing issues for both go karts and drivers.

With the club set to host a 16-hour overnight enduro round of the Queensland Pedal Prix Super Series, which will include human powered vehicles from schools around Queensland, something had to be done to smooth these obstacles.

Council was more than happy to assist with its latest round of Community Grants.

Community Grants Committee chair Cr Laurence Bonaventura said the committee was pleased to be able to approve a $29,999 Minor Infrastructure grant to kick start repairs.

“Mackay and District Kart Club is actually the largest independent kart club in Queensland, and that’s largely due to the club’s ability to cater for beginners,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“The current issues with the track have a real potential to jeopardise that, and the club’s ability to hold enduro events,” he said.

“This funding will allow the club to repair some of the main bumps and then open the facility up for more events and expanded participation.”

The Kart Club was one of 25 local not-for-profits to share in $167,305 for this funding round.

Also receiving a substantial grant was Pioneer Swimming Club, which received $18,000 towards the purchase of six bulkhead lane dividers to effectively divide the pool’s 50m lanes into multiple 25m lanes.

Kelley Porter from the Pioneer Swimming Club said the dividers would allow swimmers to be able to train for short course format events (25m) in their home pool.

“And our swimmers will be able to properly practise tumble turns for these races, rather than having to guess where the middle of the pool is,” Mrs Porter said.

“As well as training, we will be able to host our own short course carnival at the Pioneer Swim Centre – which will bring swimmers from the NQ region to Mackay to compete,” she said.

Grasstree Beach also has a reason to celebrate, with $15,500 awarded towards the development, creation and installation of a public art mural along the Grasstree Beach foreshore.

“Council is excited to see this mural come to fruition,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“The Grasstree Beach foreshore is already a well-used location for food swaps, the motorbike races and community gatherings, so it’s great to see the progress association investing in the beautification and revitalisation of the area,” he said.

Also receiving funding were several exciting events that have the potential to draw people to our region. These included:

• The Sarina Coconut Festival on September 9 ($4000)

• Super Summer Clinic at the Pioneer River Valley Pony Club in November ($7200)

• Eungella Ceilidh on June 10 ($4600)

• Mackay Bluewater Fling on July 8 ($7500)

• Mack PopCon pop culture convention on July 22 ($7500)

• Mackay Open Chess Tournament on May 27 and 28 ($2500)

• Inline Roller Hockey Tournament ($4200)

• Mackay International Film Festival from August 4 to 6 ($4000)

• 80th Anniversary Bakers Creek Memorial Sunrise Ceremony ($1028)

Other community groups receiving funding were:

• Special Olympics Australia Mackay - $1500 towards travel costs for the Special Olympics World Games in Germany

• Pioneer Valley Rail Trail - $5000 towards the development of a scoping study for the development of a rail trail in the Pioneer Valley

• Rotary Club of Mackay West - $2500 towards a swap meet and community markets

• Pioneer Valley Mens Shed - $6300 for a dust collector and fluming

• Mt Ossa Community Hall Committee - $1664 for a fridge

• Sarina Western Performance and Equestrian Club - $18,000 towards portable, temporary PVC fencing

• Pioneer Tennis - $18,265 towards improving storage capability and a solar system

• Mackay and District Senior Citizens Association - $825 for a colour printer

• Latin Madness - $1500 for audio equipment

• Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society - $1500 for audio equipment

• Pioneer Valley Arts - $1500 for computer and tablet equipment

• DAS Netball Club – $1358 for a laptop

• Mackay Toastmasters Club - $1365 for a laptop

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The Mackay and District Kart Club was one of 25 local not-for-profits to share in $167,305 worth of council Community Grants this funding round

Mackay Regional Council is about to begin work upgrading drainage along Barton Street, West Mackay, to help reduce the flood risk to properties in significant wet weather events.

Large machinery will require access to the area as part of this project.

As a result, some non-native species of trees including two large poinciana trees, one large teak tree and a small poinciana tree are required to be removed from the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens parkland.

Some ground vegetation will also require removal.

The tree removals will take place from Monday, June 19, to Thursday, June 22, and they will be replaced with local Indigenous species once the drainage works are complete.

The drainage works will start in the Botanic Gardens and will commence shortly after the tree removals. Construction will then move to the southern end of Holland Street and a section of Barton Street in late September, weather permitting.

During this time traffic changes will be in place along Lagoon Street.

Pedestrians are advised that the shared path along Lagoon Street will remain open during the drainage work. However, two paths to the south and one path to the east of the area of the works in the Botanic Gardens will be closed.

There may also be some temporary path closures while equipment and materials are being transported to and from the site.

Pedestrians are being asked to follow all the signage in place and detour around the area during the tree removals and drainage work.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by this project.

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Non-native trees will be replaced with Indigenous species at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Communities across Australia trying to come to grips with feral cats and foxes will be better equipped with the release of two new planning guides by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.

“Recent research shows that feral cats and foxes kill and eat 697 million birds, 510 million reptiles, 1.4 billion mammals and well over 1.1 billion invertebrates every year”, said Ms Gillian Basnett, National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator with the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions

“Their populations are huge: it’s estimated that the number of feral cats ranges seasonally from 1.4 and 5.6 million, and the number of foxes is steady at about 1.7 million. Fox and cat numbers vary across landscapes, with higher numbers in agricultural, peri urban and urban areas where there is more food.

“These invasive animals threaten our native animals with extinction: at least 140 species are threatened by feral cats; 95 species are threatened by foxes.

“They also spread disease: feral cats spread toxoplasmosis which can infect any animal or bird, it doesn’t discriminate between wallabies, bandicoots or sheep.

“Together with another disease, Sarcocystis, toxoplasmosis spread by feral cats is estimated to cost farmers more than $12 million a year. Throw in predation by foxes and you add a further $28 million in costs a year”, said Ms Basnett.

Ms Basnett has found that there is huge community interest in controlling feral cats and foxes but often the first question she is asked is, ‘what can we do about it?’.

The new Planning Guide for Feral Cat Management in Australia and its companion, the Planning Guide for Fox Management in Australia have been written to help land managers, community groups, pest control professionals, biosecurity organisations and others ask the right questions and find the right answers that suit their circumstances and resources.

“Many people are daunted by planning — it’s a bit dull, it’s a bit dry, it seems too complex — and they just want to hook in and start controlling feral cats and foxes from day one”, said Ms Basnett.

“A useful plan doesn’t need to be long and complicated: a map to get you started, a list of everyone involved, details about why you want to control the pests, and a calendar of who is doing what, when.”

The new planning guides provide a framework for people to make decisions and to select management options that suit their circumstances.

“People might want to bait, shoot and trap, or invest in exclusion fencing, or habitat improvements and rabbit control. It depends on what they can commit to and what works for them”, said Ms Basnett.

People interested in the new planning guides can find them online at https://pestsmart.org.au/pest-animals/glovebox-guides-order-form/. Also available to help communities record pest animal sightings and control activities are the free FeralCatScan and FoxScan apps which can be found at https://www.feralscan.org.au/

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Foxes threaten 95 native species with extinction. Credit Ballard

By Amanda Wright

As the relentless march of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) threatens to wreak havoc on Australia's ecosystem and economy, concerned voices are growing louder, demanding urgent action from all levels of government. A recently released report has shed light on the failure of the current eradication program, sounding the alarm for the need to redouble efforts in containing this menacing invasive species.

CANEGROWERS has called on federal, state, and territory governments to intensify their efforts to combat Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) following the release of a long-withheld report revealing major shortcomings in the current eradication program.

The report, which remained undisclosed for two years, delivers a grim assessment, stating that the existing strategy is incapable of eradicating RIFA and preventing the global super-pest from spreading beyond southeast Queensland.

"To prevent RIFA spreading beyond SEQ, building up more around Brisbane, and eventually becoming entrenched throughout Australia, a larger, more comprehensive and inevitably more expensive program will be needed," the report warns.

Failure to take immediate action would have dire consequences, including major public health impacts and billions of dollars' worth of damage to Australian agriculture and the wider economy.

In light of the report's findings, the report suggests that if governments are not serious about eradicating or containing RIFA, the national eradication program should be phased out and a state-by-state management approach should be implemented.

CANEGROWERS Environment and Sustainability Senior Manager Mick Quirk emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Red Imported Fire Ants are one of the worst invasive species to ever reach Australia, and failure to eradicate them would have dire consequences for the entire community."

Quirk further criticised the current fire ant program, describing it as "not fit for purpose" and "grossly under-resourced." He questioned the two-year delay in responding to the report's recommendations, calling for urgency and transparency in addressing the issue.

"We call on all states and territories and the Federal Government to recommit to a properly funded and coordinated national program that will eradicate fire ants once and for all. Failure to do so will have a devastating impact on a whole range of agricultural industries and on the Australian way of life," Quirk added.

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While the Mackay region experiences a milder winter compared to other parts of Australia, it is the perfect time for home and garden maintenance projects, with cooler temperatures and less reliance on air conditioning.

● Irrigation and watering: Adjust your irrigation system or watering schedule to account for the change in water requirements during the cooler months. Avoid overwatering and adjust the frequency and duration of waterings to suit.

● Prune and trim plants: Winter is an ideal time to prune and trim trees, shrubs, and hedges. Remove dead or diseased branches, shape the plants, and thin out dense areas to promote healthy growth.

● Mulch garden beds: Apply a layer of organic mulch to garden beds to conserve moisture and insulate plant roots during the cooler winter months. Mulching also helps suppress weed growth and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down over time.

● Check roof and gutters: Inspect your roof and gutters for any signs of damage or leaks before the wetter months.

● Pest control: Winter can bring certain pests seeking warmth and shelter. Seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior to prevent their entry and engage a pest control expert to inspect your property. Don’t forget about your annual termite inspection.

● Check air conditioning systems: While heating may not be as critical for Mackay winters, it's a good time to check and service your air conditioning systems. Clean or replace filters, inspect units, and make repairs.

With the easing of temperatures, now is a great time to maintain some crucial aspects of the home to prepare for the warmer months ahead.

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