2026-27 State Budget Delivers For Mackay

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Over the past year, I've spent a lot of time out in our community – talking with families, sporting clubs, business owners, healthcare workers, volunteers and local organisations about what matters most to them.

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Again and again, people have told me they want practical action. They want cost-of-living relief. They want better healthcare. They want safer communities. They want housing solutions. And they want to see Mackay continue to grow and prosper.

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That's why I'm pleased to see the 2026-27 Queensland Budget delivering real outcomes for our region.

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At a time when many households are still feeling pressure on the family budget, this Budget provides relief you can rely on. Permanent 50 cent fares are locked in, the Back to School Boost has increased to $150 per child, Play On! sports vouchers continue, and regional Queensland families supplied by Ergon will benefit from lower electricity prices.

These measures might seem simple, but they make a real difference to family budgets right here in Mackay.

Just as importantly, this Budget delivers significant investment into our local community.

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More than $30 million has been committed towards community and social housing projects across our region. Having a safe place to call home is something every Queenslander deserves, and this investment will help support vulnerable residents while providing more housing options for our growing community.

Healthcare is another area where I've heard strong feedback from local residents.

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That's why I'm pleased to see $8.8 million committed to upgrades at the Mackay Community Health Centre. This investment will help improve access to healthcare services and ensure local families can continue receiving the support they need close to home.

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I've also been advocating strongly for better sporting infrastructure, particularly facilities that support the growing participation of women and girls in sport.

One project I'm especially proud to see funded is the new female changeroom facilities at the Mackay District Junior Rugby League playing fields.

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This $1 million project, jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council, is something the local community has been calling for. It will provide modern facilities for current and future generations of female athletes and ensure our sporting infrastructure keeps pace with the growth we're seeing across our region.

It's another example of what can happen when local voices are heard and governments work together to deliver practical outcomes.

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Beyond Mackay, this Budget continues important investments across Queensland, including new schools, hospital upgrades, more police on the beat, critical road and transport infrastructure, and record investment in social and community housing.

But my focus remains firmly on what this means for Mackay.

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For too long, many people in our community felt that Mackay wasn't getting the attention it deserved. I'm committed to changing that.

Whether it's healthcare, housing, sporting facilities, community safety or cost-of-living relief, I'll continue fighting to ensure Mackay gets its fair share and that the voices of local residents are heard in Brisbane.

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This Budget won't solve every challenge overnight, but it represents another step forward for our region and builds on the work already underway across Mackay.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their ideas, concerns and priorities with me over the past year. Your feedback helps shape the conversations I have in Parliament and the issues I continue to advocate for on behalf of our community.

As your local Member, I'll keep listening, keep advocating and keep working to deliver the outcomes that matter most to Mackay families.

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Mackay Regional Council is upgrading and extending the Pioneer River Levee system in West Mackay, with funding from the Australian Government and council, to improve flood protection for residents, businesses and key infrastructure, with construction set to run from mid-2026 to December 2026, weather permitting. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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A major upgrade and extension of the Pioneer River Levee system is set to improve flood protection for Mackay residents and businesses, carried out by local contractor Pentacon.

The project is jointly funded by $6.1 million through the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, $555,225 from the Disaster Ready Fund and $12.7 million from Mackay Regional Council.

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Works will include construction of a new levee wall, stormwater upgrades, road reconstruction and revegetation works. The existing levee will be extended along the southern bank of the Pioneer River adjacent to West Mackay, with flood gates to be installed at key access points for activation when flooding is imminent.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said the project was a significant investment in the region's flood resilience and would help protect homes, businesses and key infrastructure from future flood events.

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"We know how significant flood events can be for our region and this project will provide greater peace of mind for residents by reducing risk and improving community resilience," he said.

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Mayor Williamson said the project was being delivered in response to increasing flood risks across the region, resulting in more frequent emergency services call-outs in recent years.

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"What we have to do, as a council, is make sure that the bulk of our area in West Mackay is protected."

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Council estimates the project will cost just under $19 million.

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"The cost of the project, we're estimating now at just under $19 million," Mayor Williamson said.

He said council had been pursuing the project for many years.

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"We've been campaigning for many years. Certainly since I've been in the chair, so that's a decade."

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Construction is expected to begin in mid-June and continue through to December 2026, weather permitting.

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"We expect it'll go through until December, weather permitting, to be completed by the end of December," Mayor Williamson said.

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While some disruption is expected during the construction period, works will be delivered in stages, with advance notice provided to minimise impacts on residents and businesses.  

Access to properties will be maintained throughout construction and the Mackay Cemetery will remain open.

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Executive Manager Portfolio Management Office Mick Zimmerle said the project would provide important benefits for the community.

"This is vital for the Mackay community," Mr Zimmerle said.

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"It's going to protect West Mackay and all the residents and properties around."

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Mr Zimmerle said the project would involve multiple construction methods.

"It's a combination of both concrete block levee construction as well as earth levee," he said.

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He said the project had been informed by years of planning and flood studies.

"A considerable amount of planning goes into this," Mr Zimmerle said.

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"Our team's been working on this for many years, and they do flood studies up and down the river to come up with this construction."

Cr Williamson said the completed project would deliver long-term flood protection benefits for the region.

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"At the end of this project, you will get much better protection for river flooding than you would ever have in the last 50 or 60 years."

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A simple act of kindness gave a Mackay bottle-collecter an unexpected $50 surprise, proving that generosity can show up in the most ordinary moments. Photo source: Shutterstock

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A Mackay man’s routine bottle-collecting hobby turned into an unexpected act of kindness at a local car park.

The man, who collects discarded plastic bottles and cans to redeem for 10-cent refunds, said he was going about his usual morning when a woman called him over and handed him two empty bottles.

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After joking that he now “owed her 20 cents,” the pair shared a brief, light-hearted moment before the woman and her companion went to leave.

But then, just as they drove off, the pair handed the man an empty Coke bottle — with a quiet instruction to “look under the cap.”

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Inside the neck of the bottle, he found a folded $50 note.

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Stunned by the gesture, the man said the pair simply drove away without waiting for thanks, in a moment he described as proof that kindness still exists in everyday Mackay life.

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“Good, generous people still do exist,” he reflected.

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If you're using DISC, it's probably because someone introduced it to your workplace years ago and it simply became "what we do here." Not because it's the best tool available.

DISC was developed nearly 100 years ago and focuses on categorising people into four broadly defined behavioural styles. It tells you how someone tends to behave. Don’t get me wrong - definitely useful - however, it’s like describing a car by its colour and never looking under the bonnet.

CliftonStrengths takes a very different approach – and I’m hooked! Rather than putting people into DISC’s four boxes, it identifies an individual's unique pattern from 34 talents. Based on positive psychology (looking at what you do well vs what are your gaps and weaknesses), it’s like cracking open your head to see exactly how you tick – but only in a positive way! It helps people understand what they naturally do best and how they can easily leverage those talents for better performance, job satisfaction, and team collaboration. In this world of ‘busy-ness’ I’m all about efficiency, so it makes total sense to me.

The research is compelling. Gallup has studied millions of people over several decades and found individuals who ‘sit in their strengths’ every day are more engaged, productive and experience greater wellbeing. Teams that intentionally use their strengths perform better, get along better, and collaborate more effectively.

DISC often creates statements such as, "That's just my style." Whereas the CliftonStrengths creates conversations such as, "How can I leverage my talents better?" The first statement is a ‘full stop’ whilst the latter fosters growth.

In today's workplace, we don't need more labels and ‘boxes’ constructed around our potentials. We need people who understand their strengths, appreciate the strengths of others, and know how to combine collective strengths to achieve greater outcomes.

Think of it this way - DISC is a black-and-white photo of your team, whereas CliftonStrengths is high-definition colour. Once you've seen the difference, it's hard to go back. Level-up your team and your business with CliftonStrengths!

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Budget Shifts: A Turning Point for Property, Tax and Family Wealth

Every so often, a Federal Budget signals more than minor adjustments. The 2026 Budget is one of those.

With proposed changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax (CGT), and discretionary family trusts, the Government has targeted three of the most common strategies Australians use to build wealth.

For many locals this is not just a policy update. It’s a shift that could influence decisions for years to come.

Negative Gearing – A Narrower Approach

Negative gearing has long supported property investors by allowing rental losses to reduce taxable income from other sources. That is now being scaled back.

From 1st July 2027, negative gearing will largely be limited to newly built properties, with existing investments continuing under current rules. New purchases of established properties will still allow deductions, but those losses can no longer offset salary income and instead must be carried forward to offset future property income or gains.

The intention is to direct investment toward new housing supply and improve opportunities for first-home buyers.  

However, investors may become more selective, development demand could increase, and the property market may begin to split between those operating under old and new rules.

Capital Gains Tax – A Structural Shift

Alongside this sits a significant change to capital gains tax.

The long-standing 50% CGT discount is proposed to be replaced with inflation indexation, along with a minimum 30% tax rate on gains from 1st July 2027. Rather than applying a blanket discount, the system will focus on taxing gains above inflation, while ensuring a base level of tax is still paid.

While the concept sounds straightforward, the implications are broader. Investment strategies may need to be reassessed. Importantly, gains accumulated before the change are expected to be protected, which may lead to increased planning and restructuring ahead of implementation.

Family Trusts – Reduced Flexibility

The third key change involves discretionary (family) trusts.

From 1st July 2028, a minimum 30% tax rate is proposed on trust income, regardless of how it is distributed. Historically, trusts have allowed income to be distributed across different tax brackets. Under the new rules, that benefit is significantly reduced.

A Shift in Direction

Taken together, these measures reflect a broader shift.

The system is moving towards more consistent taxation of capital, while easing reliance on concessions that have historically favoured investors. The goals—improving housing affordability and fairness—are clear. However, the outcome will ultimately depend on how markets and individuals respond.

What Should You Do?

At this stage, remember these proposals are not yet law.

For now, the focus should be on awareness, not reaction:

• Understand your current structures

• Be mindful of how future investments may be treated

• Review whether your strategy remains appropriate & seek advice before making major decisions

Final Thoughts

Tax rules evolve, and this Budget marks a clear pivot. For some, that will create opportunity. For others, it may require adjustment.

Either way, those who understand the changes early are best placed to respond.

If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment today.

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On the 13 June I was privileged to be a Guest Speaker along with the remarkable McQuility ‘’Coco’’ Quirke a veteran of many overseas tours to unspeakable War zones. We told our stories at the WHITSUNDAY SUICIDE PREVENTION NETWORK Annual Fundraiser Legends night in Bowen.  

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We both shared our powerful and inspiring messages of ‘’Hope’’ to all those in attendance, encouraging that everyone can recover from ‘’dark days’’ on the journey to physical and mental stability if they reach out and seek help. Both our stories of overcoming diversity, courage, thinking positive, being proactive and not giving up were meant to motivate our guests. By the cheers and claps we both succeeded and at the same time felt humbled!  

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This premier event arranged by the amazing Jen Lowcock of award winning Lowcock Builder exceeded all expectations. Jen’s meticulous planning, marketing and seamless execution was absolutely amazing. There were hours of planning and preparation, what a talent! The work that was put in by Jen and her team for this Gala Event was just incredible. In attendance were the WHO’s WHO of our Region. Ron Peterson the Manager of Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks and founding President and Chairman of WSPN was in attendance with his Team from interstate.  

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The remarkable Event was held at the phenomenal venue 360 on the Hill in Bowen, just incredible! The décor was AMAZING, black/white/gold was just stunning. The food and catering was to die for!

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The number of local & regional sponsors for the event was just outstanding! Their generosity covered the categories from Bronze to Platinum. There were 33 in total, the result of some remarkable work of Jen Lowcock. The Event arranged a number of ‘’live auction’’ prizes donated by many local businesses, truly remarkable! All the proceeds to this non for profit community led network.

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All guests had the opportunity to wind down later in the night with live music from Zed Charles and the Band. Many on the dance floor showed rhythm, fluidity and polish. The President of WSPN, Matt Stokes had his dancing shoes on following a standout performance as MC for the night. The recipient of the Whitsunday Regional Council 2025 ‘’Citizen of the Year’’, Matt has dedicated the past decade supporting our community through his work with WSPN. His tireless advocacy for mental health, mentoring of young people and commitment to creating a stronger, more connected community have inspired us all! The community is indebted to this man as he balances a huge and diverse workload. In charge of Plants Whitsunday, he juggles a busy timetable around fitting in time to spend time with his beautiful family, I am so proud to call him a ‘’great friend’’  

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The words of encouragement from myself and McQuility were meant to inspire and the funds raised will greatly support this important cause. Being retired, I am happy to volunteer my time to any employer, sport group or school to speak and provide inspiring stories.

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Feel free to contact Michael Kimpton

0417 717 818

mkmotivationalspeaker@gmail.com

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Last week Council adopted the 2026/27 Whitsunday Regional Council Budget.

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I know most people don't spend their time reading budget papers or financial statements. What they want to know is simple – what's happening to my rates, what am I getting for it, and is Council spending my money wisely?

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They're fair questions, and they were front of mind for Councillors throughout this year's budget process.

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Over the past two years, we've spent a lot of time taking a hard look at the Council's finances. We had identified some challenges that had been building in previous terms of government, including a large deficit in the Council's General Fund. Rather than kicking the can down the road, this Council made a conscious decision to tackle those issues head on.

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It was time to tighten the belt. Before considering any rate increase, Councillors directed management to look inward first. We challenged spending, reviewed services, identified efficiencies and looked for ways to do things better. Costs are rising steeply with high inflation and Like every household and business across the Whitsundays, Council has had to take a close look at where money is being spent and make savings where we can.

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It hasn't been easy but in a relatively short period of time, Council has reduced its General Fund deficit from around $12 million to approximately $3 million. There is still more work to do, but it is a significant step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable organisation.

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At the same time, we can't lose sight of the fact that the Whitsundays is one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional communities. More people are choosing to live here, more businesses are investing here and that means continued demand for roads, water, sewerage, parks, community facilities and essential services.

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This year's budget invests more than $100 million in infrastructure and services across our region, including roads, footpaths, water and sewerage infrastructure, waste services, parks, pools, libraries and community programs.

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Importantly, we've adopted an average general rate increase of four per cent across all categories, ensuring a fair and balanced approach across residential, business, rural, tourism, mining and island communities.

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If I was to describe this Council's journey so far, I would say our first year was about understanding, our second year was about reform, and this year is about delivery.

Our community expects results, and that's exactly what we're focused on delivering as we continue building a stronger future for the Whitsundays.

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulates local manufacturer Scallywag Fabrication on successfully securing funding through the Queensland Government’s Business Growth Fund program. 

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The funding will support the continued rollout of advanced manufacturing technology within Scallywag Fabrication’s growing Proserpine facility, helping increase local manufacturing capacity, improve production capability, create future employment opportunities and strengthen advanced manufacturing in the Whitsundays region.

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The project includes additional high-end aluminium welding systems and specialised fabrication infrastructure to help the business improve efficiency, increase output, further upskill staff and continue delivering Australian-made products from the region.

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Founded by Jason Weir and Jannah Baker, Scallywag Fabrication has become well known for its innovative approach to aluminium fabrication, manufacturing Ute trays, canopies and 4WD accessories for customers across Australia. The business has also gained recognition for championing advanced technology, regional manufacturing, and workforce development opportunities within the Whitsundays.

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Jannah said many businesses think grants are all about being good at writing, but in reality, most of the hard work happens long before an application is submitted.

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“I’m really passionate about helping more businesses understand that grants are actually achievable, especially in regional areas where many businesses don’t apply simply because they think they won’t be successful,” she said.

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“With AI now available, grant writing itself has become far more accessible for someone that doesn’t consider themselves a good formal writer. The hard part isn’t necessarily writing the application anymore; it’s the strategic thinking, planning, positioning, and groundwork that needs to happen well before a grant opens.”

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When asked what she believes contributes to successful grant applications, Jannah shared the following practical insights:

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• You need a project that already fits the grant. Trying to jam a random idea into a funding program usually doesn’t work.

• Government care about their outcomes first. You need to clearly explain what they get out of funding you — jobs, regional growth, apprenticeships, innovation, exports, productivity or community impact.

• You need proof you’re already doing good things. Be involved in your local Chamber, nominate for awards, invest in future technology and support your local community. 

• You need your Business Plan and numbers ready before grants open. You can’t throw together proper forecasts and strategy in two weeks because you suddenly saw a grant online.

• Connections and visibility genuinely matter. Attend workshops, webinars and Government programs. Ask questions. Businesses that consistently show up become familiar names.

• Don’t undersell your project. Grant assessors are funding future potential, so if your project could create jobs, increase output or expand into new markets, say it clearly and confidently.

• Passion matters more than people realise. Businesses genuinely excited about what they’re building usually write far stronger applications than businesses simply chasing funding.

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“The strongest applications usually come from people who deeply believe in what they’re building, because that passion naturally comes through in the application.”

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The Chamber acknowledges Scallywag Fabrication’s ongoing contribution to regional manufacturing, innovation and local employment pathways, and looks forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the Whitsundays business community.

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Beach expert Brad Farmer with Mayor Ry Collins

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Beach expert and conservationist Brad Farmer has spent more than four decades assessing Australia's coastline, but on his latest visit to the Whitsundays, he wasn't focused solely on the region's most famous stretch of sand, Whitehaven.

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Instead, the Tourism Australia Beach Ambassador set out to explore lesser-known beaches across the mainland and islands, asking local figures such as Tourism Whitsunday Chairperson Katelyn Aslett and Mayor Ry Collins, in search for destinations that also capture the great Australian beach experience.  

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“70% of international tourist arrivals in Australia are seeking a beach, aquatic or coastal experience and that leads them to places like Bondi, Gold Coast, South East Queensland and Whitehaven,” Brad said.  

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“But they have become almost overexposed or overloved.  

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“I would personally like to see a greater diversity of product offerings."  

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During his visit, Brad explored several beaches across the Whitsundays, including Gloucester Beach, Hideaway Bay, Dingo Beach and Honeymoon Beach on Haslewood Island. While Whitehaven remains the region's best-known destination, he said these number of lesser-known locations deserved greater attention from visitors.

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“Airlie Beach in Whitsundays is synonymous with Whitehaven,” Brad said.

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“But like everywhere, if you point people in the right direction, they're going to find out-of-the-box places around the area.”

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Farmers criteria for rating a beach is an extensive 130 points but they can really be boiled down to three. Affordable, accessible and authentically Australian.  

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He stressed the importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental protection, warning that the natural beauty attracting visitors today cannot be taken for granted, as he mentions with our Asian counterparts.  

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“In places like Bali and Thailand, the over-commercialisation of a site is not a desirable thing,” Brad said.  

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“People are increasingly looking for green as our gold.

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"Environmental protection and tourism guardianship, stewardship must go hand in hand.”  

Earlier this month, Tourism Whitsundays, along with 14 of its members, took The Whitsundays East Coast Roadshow to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, connecting with the travel agents and trade partners who promote and sell Whitsundays holidays to travellers across the country. 

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In Brisbane, operators gathered at Lina Rooftop to share what's new and what's next for the region. Sydney's Ivy Sunroom followed, before the roadshow wrapped up at The Boatbuilders Yard in South Wharf, Melbourne. 

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Tourism Whitsundays said that at each stop, members were outstanding ambassadors for the destination, bringing genuine enthusiasm for The Whitsundays and showcasing the strength and diversity of their products.  

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Through face-to-face conversations and product updates, almost 300 agents left the events better equipped to recommend The Whitsundays with confidence. 

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Alongside the networking events, the group also met with Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland to share the latest developments across the region and updates on attending operators' products.  

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“Keeping our state and national tourism bodies informed ensures The Whitsundays continues to be well represented in key domestic and international markets.”

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“A huge thank you to sponsors Palm Bay Resort, Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Coast Airport for making it all possible. And to our 14 members who made the trip south and represented our region so well: thank you for making the week such a great one.” 

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Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays   

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Whitsunday Coast Airport's new Kerbside Assistance Service will commence on 29th June as part of a three-month trial. Photo Source: Whitsunday Regional Council

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Travellers requiring additional assistance at Whitsunday Coast Airport will soon have access to a new support service designed to make their journey through the airport easier.

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A new Kerbside Assistance Service is set to commence on 29th June as part of a three-month trial that will provide pre-booked assistance from the airport car park or designated drop-off areas through to the terminal check-in area.

The initiative is part of a broader goal of making the airport a more enjoyable, easier and safer experience for all travellers. This will include several new accessibility improvements also being introduced, including dedicated spaces at baggage claim and reserved priority seating at boarding gates.

"Whitsunday Coast Airport has experienced extraordinary growth over recent years, with passenger numbers reaching record levels and more people than ever choosing to travel through our region," Mayor Collins said.

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"As our airport continues to grow, so too does our responsibility to ensure every passenger enjoys a positive experience from the moment they arrive.

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"We want every visitor and resident to feel confident, comfortable and cared for when travelling through Whitsunday Coast Airport."

Director Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said accessibility and customer service were becoming increasingly important considerations for airports across Australia.

"Passenger expectations continue to evolve and accessibility is now a critical part of delivering a modern airport experience," Mr Turner said.

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"This pilot program has been developed to provide practical assistance for passengers who may benefit from a little extra support between their vehicle and the terminal.

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"Importantly, this service complements the assistance already available through airlines and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement across all aspects of the passenger journey.

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"We've taken inspiration from leading airports around the country and tailored a solution that suits the needs of our community while remaining practical and sustainable for a regional airport."

Mr Turner said the airport would monitor demand, passenger feedback and operational performance throughout the three-month trial period.

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"Whether it's new airline routes, terminal upgrades or improved passenger services, our focus remains on ensuring Whitsunday Coast Airport delivers an exceptional experience for every traveller,” Mr Turner said.  

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The Kerbside Assistance Service will operate Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm (excluding public holidays) and must be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

Airport staff can provide luggage trolleys, wheelchairs and general assistance to the terminal check-in area. The service does not replace airline assistance and airport staff are not trained carers or medical support personnel. Full terms and conditions apply.

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Passengers can make a booking by emailing wca@wrc.qld.gov.au

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Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region.

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Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces.

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Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division.

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Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525.

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Major upgrades at Gooseponds Park, including a new pedestrian bridge, widened shared pathway, fencing and tree planting, are set to improve access and connectivity, with works expected to run from mid-June to late September. Illustrative image supplied.

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Visitors to Gooseponds Park can expect improved access and connectivity, with major upgrade works set to begin on a replacement pedestrian bridge, new fencing and a renewed shared pathway.

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The project, to be delivered by D&M Composites Pty Ltd, will include replacing the existing footpath between Valley and Hicks streets with a widened 2.5-metre shared pathway, enhancing links to the popular Gooseponds circuit.

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the project is another example of the Queensland Government delivering for the state and supporting important upgrades for the community.

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“That’s why we made Works for Queensland funding permanent, to back local councils with the funding they need to deliver vital projects like this for their communities.”

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A new bridge, parallel to Malcomson Street, will be constructed one-metre higher than the existing bridge to provide increased flood immunity.

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The existing bridge will remain in place while the new one is constructed directly behind it. Some short traffic delays are expected on Malcomson Street. Traffic control will be in place.

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Pedestrians can detour via Glenpark and Meadow streets while the work is completed.

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New fencing will be installed and 23 new trees will be planted along Hicks Street.

Work is due to take place between mid-June and late September, weather permitting.

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Mackay Regional Council have said they apologise for any inconvenience caused by the works and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding.

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Jointly funded by Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government. For more information visit www.connectingmackay.gooseponds-park-upgrades

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Bruce Highway upgrades at Bakers Creek and Sarina will boost safety and strengthen a key transport link for Central Queensland motorists. Photo supplied

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Improved safety, stronger infrastructure and greater resilience are on the horizon for motorists travelling between Mackay and Sarina, with the latest round of Bruce Highway upgrades welcomed as a significant investment in the region's transport network.

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Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, said the upgrades form part of the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal governments and will deliver lasting benefits for road users across Central Queensland.

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Mr Kelly said the Bruce Highway remains one of the most vital transport routes within the Mirani electorate, supporting thousands of vehicle movements each day, including freight transport, daily commuters, tourists, school buses and emergency services.

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“Roads are consistently the number one issue raised with me by local residents, and that's not surprising when the Mirani electorate contains over 400 kilometres of the Bruce Highway stretching from the Mackay city gates right through to Raglan Creek,” Mr Kellysaid.

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“These upgrades are about improving safety, reducing road trauma and ensuring Queenslanders can get where they need to go safely and reliably.”

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Mr Kelly highlighted the importance of the Mackay to Sarina section of the Bruce Highway, particularly its role in connecting local communities, industry and freight movements throughout the district.

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“The Mackay to Sarina corridor is one of the busiest sections of highway in regional Queensland. It supports our agricultural sector, our mining industry via the Port of Hay Point, and the thousands of people who travel this route every week for work and familycommitments.”

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“That's why it is fantastic to see significant investment being directed towards projects such as pavement strengthening at both the northern and southern entrances to Sarina, along with ongoing works at Bakers Creek.”

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Works at Bakers Creek include bridge resurfacing and repairs to expansion joints, helping improve skid resistance and road performance during wet weather.

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Mr Kelly said, “Many locals were concerned about the significant deformation that had developed in the road surface at Spider Creek.  

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“The upgrades delivered there, including road widening, wide centre-line treatments and audio tactile line marking, will provide a much safer journey for motorists.”

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While the investment is a welcome boost for the region, Mr Kelly acknowledged that additional improvements are still required.

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“For too long, Queenslanders have had to accepted that travelling on the Bruce Highway means dealing with potholes, narrow sections and safety concerns.”

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“These upgrades are a major step forward, but nobody is pretending the job is finished.”

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“We will continue advocating for further investment because regional Queensland deserves a Bruce Highway that is safe, resilient and fit for the growing freight and passenger task it carries every day.”

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“Every upgrade matters. Whether it's a major highway project, a bridge repair or pavement strengthening, these investments help keep people safe and keep our regional economy moving.”

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For more information on the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and Bruce Highway Upgrade Program projects, visit www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bruce-highway-priority-projects

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The Sugar Industry Code of Conduct protects growers’ ability to choose who markets their Grower Economic Interest sugar. Photo supplied

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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A decade ago, Queensland Canegrowers was in the throes of a fierce defence of growers’ right to choice of sugar marketer. Now, the industry has been called to consider the future of the Code of Conduct that emerged from that industry debate.

Growers retain an interest in the sugar produced from their sugarcane, and in the 2010’s, the industry moved away from a single desk marketer model with new marketers emerging.  Some industry players wanted growers to market only through their miller.

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The situation was resolved through good support from some key politicians of the day – and particularly the then member for Dawson George Christensen – and through some strong and important industry tools including the 2015 “Real Marketing Choice” amendments to Queensland  Sugar Industry Act, then at a Federal level in 2017 with the introduction of the Sugar Industry Code of Conduct.

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The Code of Conduct requires parties to negotiate in good faith, and protects growers’ ability to choose who markets their Grower Economic Interest sugar, and provides access to pre-contract arbitration if negotiations break down.  

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This week, submissions closed in the review of the Code of Conduct, with the Australian Government to consider these and consider whether the Code be allowed to sunset as scheduled on 1 October 2027, or be retained as is, or with changes made.

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CANEGROWERS is committed to the Code being retained in its current form.

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In our view, the current Code continues to provide an essential and balanced framework that promotes fair dealing, transparency and workable commercial discipline across the sugar supply chain. The review is intended to examine whether the Code is meeting industry needs and objectives.  

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The Australian Government has described the Code as supporting fairness and transparency in commercial arrangements, and that objective remains as important today as when the Code was introduced in 2017.  

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The underlying market conditions that justified its introduction have not disappeared. In most cane-growing regions, growers cannot simply switch counterparties if negotiations fail. Cane is perishable, harvest windows are tight, and freight economics limit alternatives.  

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In that setting, the Code performs an important public policy function by establishing minimum rules of conduct and a framework for resolving bargaining impasses. Those protections are not redundant; they are fundamental to a fair negotiating environment.  

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Importantly, the current Code is not an excessive or unworkable intervention. It does not remove commercial risk, guarantee outcomes, or prevent parties from pursuing their legitimate commercial interests. Rather, it sets baseline expectations for conduct, transparency and process in circumstances where bargaining power is uneven. In our experience, that balance remains appropriate.  

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The Code provides a disciplined structure for negotiation while still allowing commercial parties to reach outcomes that reflect local conditions and business realities.  

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It is critical that the Federal Government upholds this important industry tool, allowing us to retain the Australian sugar industry’s good reputation as an equitable, stable player in global sugar trade.

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