Rising “safety concerns” have led one of the region’s largest commercial marinas to introduce “Pedestrian Only” zones.

From mid-December, all Coral Sea Marina Resort waterfront pathways, pontoons, and marina villages will require all personal mobility device users to dismount and walk through the denoted areas, or to take an alternate route – including cyclists.

Citing the “exponential” increase in electric personal mobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, as the deciding factor for the decision, Coral Sea Marina Resort has partnered with Whitsunday Regional Council to demarcate its Pedestrian Only Zones.

CEO of Coral Sea Marina, Kate Purdie, said the new zones throughout the precinct are an “added safety measure for the benefit of everyone sharing the site.”

“The waterfront pathways are utilised by vessel owners, passengers, and business operators with loaded trolleys every day, in addition to visitors passing through on foot including people with prams and young children, and those walking dogs,” Ms Purdie said.

“We have recently seen an increase in the number of bikes, e-scooters and electric skateboards on these pathways, many traveling at high speed and with little regard for the safety of others.

“To ensure these pathways remain safe, we need to keep all traffic at a walking pace.”

Ms Purdie said an alternate route through The Gardens remains available for those who wish to pass through the south marina to reach their final destination, whilst, in the north marina, there is no alternate route available, “so everyone must dismount and walk through the village.”

Directional signage will be installed throughout the precinct making it “very clear” to all users where the Pedestrian Only Zones are located.

Maps have also been designed and distributed throughout Airlie Beach already.

The decision aligns with new laws regarding mobility devices which went into effect across Queensland on 1 November to “ensure the safety of riders and pedestrians alike”.

The Marina has built additional bike and scooter parking facilities within its premise so visitors “have a dedicated place to lock up their wheeled devices whilst enjoying” the Marina’s offering.

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Labor Quashes LNP Backed $2.9 Billion Urannah Dam Project

In contention since the Labor government came into power earlier this year, funding for the Urannah Dam project was cancelled last week amid claims that the apparent threat of runoff would impact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

In addition, Labor estimated that only 75 cents from every dollar spent on the project would be returned and that the dam would predominantly be used to facilitate the coal mining industry.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has been advocating for the construction of Urannah Dam for many years and says that it would have provided much more than water for mining.

“Urannah Dam was the only dam that has been through Infrastructure Australia and has private equity partners ready to go,” he said.

“Urannah Dam ticks all the boxes, provides water for agriculture, tourism, mining, and urban use as well as pumped hydro which will put clean, green electricity directly into the north south grid.

“The UNESCO report is a political convenience for the Federal Labor Government who were never in support of the Urannah project and the many benefits it proposed to the community in central and north Queensland.”

First proposed in the 1960’s, there have been over 25 feasibility studies into the dam, but conflicting viewpoints have always halted the project.

Both Andrew Willcox and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry are now calling on the government to reinstate funding so the crucial water security plan can be delivered.

“The Urannah Dam site is 270 kilometres from the closest reef, and the dam wall will trap sediment and improve water quality in the downstream catchment,” said Ms Landry.

“Mitigation measures in line with Reef 2050 and Burdekin Water Quality Improvement Plan have been applied in the Urannah project.

“A great deal of effort and adhering to environmental assessment and consideration has gone into the planning of the Urannah Dam to ensure that it ticks all the boxes.”

Rumours have abounded this week that private investment may revitalise hopes that the project will still go ahead with an announcement that Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have acquired the Bowen Renewable Energy Hub.

Matthew Stuchbery from CIP, however, confirmed they are not investing in the Urannah Dam.

“We have bought pumped hydro, wind, and solar projects off Bowen River Utilities,” he said.

“But there is no connection between these projects and the dam going forward.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Senator Matt Canavan and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry at the Urannah Dam site: Photo: Contributed

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Some local students recently had the honour of hearing their carefully curated speeches read out by politicians as part of this years’ Raise Our Voice Australia Campaign.

“Politicians speak on behalf of us, this time their speaking directly for us,” said a Raise Our Voice spokesperson.

Dedicated to giving young people under the age of 21 a voice in Parliament, the program invites participants to answer the question: What should Australia’s new parliament accomplish?

A speech written by Year 6 student Georgia Granich from Queens Beach State School in Bowen was selected by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and read in parliament on November 21.

Georgia asked for our regional highways to be improved and ideally expanded to two lanes so that they are safer to overtake slower vehicles like caravans.

“It’s just like an overtaking lane right up the highway,” read her speech.

“I think this issue is important and needs to be addressed urgently.”

Mr Willcox thanked Georgia for her outstanding contribution.

“I am truly inspired and encouraged by our next generation of leaders,” he said.

“I was proud to be able to deliver Georgia’s speech about road safety - with strong advocates like this, we have a lot to be hopeful for when it comes to our future.”

Year six student from Cannonvale State School, Abby Maher, had her speech read out by Queensland Senator Larissa Waters.

Abby chose the subject of affordable housing.

“In the Whitsundays it is estimated that children make up almost half of the area’s homeless community,” read her speech.

“This issue really concerns me, and we need to find a solution.”

Abby offered ideas such as building cheaper houses that more people can afford, temporary housing for getting people off the streets and a government housing plan for cheaper housing.

She said that it was a great honour to see her speech selected.

“Homelessness is a big problem, not only here but right across Australia,” said Abby.

“I feel happy that my speech was chosen, and that the government are trying to do something about it.”

Abby’s mum, Lisa, said they were very proud.

“She was very passionate about this,” explained Lisa.

“She spent time at home working on it and it’s something very important to her.”

Over 80 politicians read speeches as part of Youth Voice in Parliament Week which took place from November 21 to 24.
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Abby Maher, year six student at Cannonvale State School, had her speech about affordable housing read out in parliament

Senator Larissa Waters picked Abby’s speech to read aloud

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After 16 years running one of our leading local agencies, the owners of Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Real Estate, Terry and Cathy McMullen, have decided to pass the baton onto their protégé, Dannielle Rennie, who looks forward to continuing the same standard of service and professionalism.

Respected for their integrity and openness, Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Real Estate are known for their trusted, personal and honest approach that sees them work alongside clients to create an enjoyable experience for all involved.

In their combined career both Terry and Cathy have sold upwards of 2,500 properties, it is this wisdom, experience and knowledge they are now passing onto Dannielle.

Terry will work alongside Dannielle for the next 12 months in a support role until he joins Cathy in a well-deserved retirement.

“It was our baby,” explained Terry and Cathy.

“But it’s grown up now and it’s time for it to fly the coup.”

New-owner, Dannielle, is originally from England but spent a lot of time in South Africa before moving to Australia where she worked as a skipper for the Coastguards on the Gold Coast for many years.

A change of career and lifestyle prompted her to move to the Whitsundays and a dream to work in real estate saw a chance meeting with Terry and Cathy turn into realising that dream when the timing for both parties was right.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to both of them,” said Dannielle.

“Being part of this organisation strengthens our commitment to our clients and ensures the high moral and ethical standards are cemented into our fabric.

“Airlie Beach And Whitsunday Real Estate has a great understanding of today’s evolving market, it is more important than ever, that you can trust and expect accurate information and trusted feedback, ensuring that our relationship continues so you will make the best decisions for you and your family.”

Dannielle has completed her full real estate license and has ensured that the agency has retained the membership of the REIQ (Real Estate Institute of Queensland).

“Terry is a great mentor and Cathy is so helpful and a wonderful teacher,” said Dannielle.

“I feel very privileged to learn from the best and look forward to continuing that same level of service into the future.”

“We will endeavour to go above and beyond to assist you and reach your most desirable outcome.

“We will welcome the opportunity to become your most trusted advisors with the support of expanded industry knowledge.

If you are planning to buy or sell in this ever-evolving market, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Dannielle Rennie buys Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Real Estate from Terry and Cathy McMullen. Photo: Rachael Smith

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After a two-year hiatus, the Community Christmas Day Party is returning and everyone is invited to come together to enjoy some free and inclusive festive cheer.

The first event was held in 2019 and came about when Councillor Jan Clifford purchased a turkey that was too large to fit in her freezer or oven.

When she asked Di Fraser from the Salvation Army if she could give it away to someone in need, they decided instead to invite everyone doing it tough to join them for Christmas Lunch.

“Don’t be sad and alone,” said Jan.

“Come down and join us, you might make some friends!”

In 2019, almost 50 people came to the event which was held at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

This year it will take place at the Whitsunday PCYC and anyone from anywhere across the region is invited to come along.

There will be lucky door prizes, a present for each child and of course a delicious Christmas Lunch.

Kind sponsors include at Hotel Group, Live Life Pharmacy, Zonta and Whisper Bar.

This year Jan is organising the event alongside Paula Hovey from Young Whitsundays Got Talent.

Attendees are required to book in advance for catering purposes and can reserve their spot at Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Proserpine Community Centre or Whitsunday Housing Company.

You can also text Jan directly on 0412 721 969 or send a private Facebook message.

“If you say you are going to turn up, please make sure you come,” said Jan.
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Anyone doing it tough this year can get a free Christmas Lunch at Whitsunday PCYC

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A local cricket club has planted over 180 trees so far in its mission to beautify the Bowen Sporting Complex and provide a long-lasting legacy for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Bowen Cricket Inc. hosted a ceremony coinciding with its final junior’s home game of the year to celebrate the monumental tree planting effort which combined the work of Whitsunday Regional Council, volunteers, and the club itself.

The $20,000 in funding was awarded by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tree Planting Program. Mr Willcox and other dignitaries from Whitsunday Regional Council – including Mayor Julie Hall and Councillor Michelle Wright – attended the service.

Mr Willcox said over the years the Bowen Sporting Complex has seen many trees lost through cyclones over the past 10 years.

“Congratulations to Club President Seth McIntosh and all the volunteers for the hard work in bringing this together,” Mr Willcox said.

The locations and species of trees were chosen in conjunction with Matthew Bath, a member of the club’s cricketing family, as well as Whitsunday Regional Council’s leading hand of Parks and Gardens.

With consultation of Mr Bath, and Whitsunday Council Asset manager for the sporting complex Daniel Borgh, holes were then dug by local contractors, and the ten species of trees planted with the help of the QCS Community Work Program.

Club President Seth McIntosh said a further 50 trees would be planted to further improve the Bowen Sporting Complex for each club.

“It’s not just for cricket, the trees are for everyone - touch, soccer, cricket,” Mr McIntosh said.

“It will provide a legacy to have really good shade coverage with these flowering trees and is something the whole community can enjoy.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox joins Bowen Cricket as they plant 180 trees as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tree Planting Program

A campaign to attract a regional workforce to the North Queensland agricultural and aquacultural industries has been a dramatic success, drawing in over 220,000 potential workers to the regions.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association’s ‘Pick Paradise’ workforce attraction campaign has reached its halfway mark having already made a marked impact according to recent statistics.

Commencing in September, the Pick Paradise campaign initially focused on attracting Australian based workers to roles in North Queensland through a free job noticeboard and social media platforms.

But the evolving campaign – which focuses on delivering a lifestyle message and connecting workers directly with employers - has resulted in strong interest not just domestically, but internationally.

As well, it has proven immensely popular among the younger Australian demographic through highlighting the “adventures that can be had on a working holiday in North Queensland.”

Timed closely with the peak horticultural season and beginning of the mango harvest, the Paradise campaign has received great feedback from growers across North Queensland, according to Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) Chief Executive Officer, Ry Collins.

“Pick Paradise draws attention to both the jobs available in the region and the great lifestyle workers can enjoy on the weekend,” Mr Collins said.

“When we attract an engaged and excited workforce, we see greater on-farm retention of employees and the increased opportunity for those workers to return to our region to work in successive seasons.”

During a picking season in the southern states where worker shortage caused major distress, local growers were mindful of the impact workforce security had on the success of their farming business, including owner of Lower Don Organics, Jessica Volker.

“A strong and focused workforce enables me to spend time on other aspects of our business, rather than investing so much time in finding workers,” Mrs Volker said.

As the Pick Paradise campaign enters its fourth month the focus will shift to attracting a future workforce for the region.

The campaign hopes to address future concerns from growers surrounding the diversity of the workforce in the country and will target specific international audiences as they plan a working holiday in Australia.

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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association’s Pick Paradise campaign has drawn in 220,000 potential itinerant workers from domestic and international markets

The campaign, which began in September, is now hoping to encourage workers to return to the region in its next growing season

Another Summer Of Coral Bleaching

The natural wonder of the world that sits at the Whitsundays’ doorstep is under intense scrutiny this week after United Nation’s scientists released their recommendations that the Great Barrier Reef be listed as “in danger”.

The two UN-backed scientists, Elanor Carter and Hans Thulstrup - who visited the Reef in late March while the natural wonder was experiencing its seventh recorded mass bleaching event, and first ever in a La Nina year – released their findings from the 10-day trip in a 100-page report.

Concerns regarding the health of the Great Barrier Reef had been held by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for years, but they are now looking to come to a head.

The report will likely head to the World Heritage committee in early 2023 where a decision surrounding its status as a World Heritage site will be in contention due to the “in danger” recommendation.

The report states that, while there has been much hard work and progress made on improving water quality in the Reef, they have been far too slow.

“The [Great Barrier Reef] is faced with major threats that could have deleterious effects on its inherent characteristics… for future generations,” the report reads.

The United Nations Reef Report makes a number of high-level recommendations that focus on programs targeting farmers and graziers, work on land erosion, clearer and more ambitious climate targets, and state government work to manage fisheries, amongst others.

Meanwhile, the spotlight on the reef could not come at a worse time: Scientists have said record ocean temperatures could spell another summer of coral bleaching.

Ocean temperatures over the reef reached record numbers in November – their highest since 1985 – according to data from the US government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa).

The peak period for heat over the reef is expected for February, but a “well-timed cyclone” could stave off the high expected temperatures.

With Nooa’s predictions, there is a “good chance we will see another back-to-back bleaching event,” according to Professor Terry Hughes, a leading expert on coral bleaching at James Cook University.

Whitsunday Conservation Council member, Tony Fontes, said, alongside the potential bleaching, the report held more importance than ever.

“We have limited time and must move on the report’s recommendations,” Mr Fontes said.

“The future health of the Reef is in danger, with or without the World Heritage listing. But we still have a small window of opportunity. The recommendations in the UNESCO report need to be applied now.”

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The Christmas tree coloured coral of the Great Barrier Reef is just a stones’ throw from mainland Whitsundays, whether you rest your head in Bowen, Airlie Beach, or Proserpine -- locals can sometimes forget about that full, holiday experience at our doorstep.

With the gift-giving season coming to its head in two weeks’ time, maybe the perfect yuletide present has been staring the Whitsundays’ residents in the face all along.

One of the region’s biggest tourism operators is offering the “gift of experience” this Christmas with its full suite of premium tours.

Cruise Whitsundays is highlighting how locals can keep the holiday vibe rolling in the New Year by heading out into their own backyard. Take on the Camira Sailing Adventure, indulge with their Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet day trips, explore with Cruise Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef Adventure, or their biggest and best: Reefsleep or Reefsuites.

Is a cruise to Whitehaven your style? Cruise Whitsundays have you covered: the jewel of the Whitsunday Islands is yours to experience in either their half-day cruise, or chill and grill (with a gourmet burger on the beach to boot), or aboard Camira.

Their iconic 85-foot purple catamaran harnesses the wind as it sails the azure waters of the Whitsundays on its way to the unforgettable Whitehaven.

But if you’re more inclined for something entirely unique, then the tourism giant has another raft of incredible experiences up its sleeve: Reefsleep and a Great Barrier Reef Adventure.

The two-day and one-night encounter with the Great Barrier Reef that is Reefsleep is an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep under the stars and above the ocean.

At Hardy Reef, the permanently moored pontoon of Reefworld - located 39 nautical miles from shore – is one of the world’s most incredible experiences. Snorkel, swim, dive and explore an incredible natural ecosystem that recently garnered Zac Efron’s tick of approval.

Or head on the perfect escape to one of the seven natural wonders of the world for an adventure and see the Great Barrier Reef – the choice is yours. Cruise Whitsundays will take you there.

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Cruise Whitsundays is offering the “gift of experience” this Christmas – why not pick up a gift certificate today?

What says ‘special’ – that’s always the hardest part of Christmas shopping. What can we get for the people who seemingly have everything?

It’s all mass-produced nowadays. We can head to “The Store” – whatever it may be, they’re all basically the same - and get an elegant wooden Le Creuset Revolution for the special person in our lives who loves to bake, but it’ll still read: Kmart Wooden Spoon #211,829 on the back.

And that’s nothing against Kmart.

So, what says ‘special’ with that little twinkle of fairy dust over the words more than something hand-crafted and one of its kind?

Shopping local, that’s what; uniqueness cannot be store-bought.

And there’s no better place or time in the Whitsundays than a Saturday down at the Airlie Beach Lions Community Markets for a personalised present.

A bespoke pack of perfumes and soaps might be just right for the indulgent ones.

Or maybe it’s one of those funny hats with the puffy grey wigs sticking out the top for your uncle with no hair. Oh, oh! No, it could be one of those cakes for your sweet, toothed nan!

The resident population of the Whitsundays is often not from the Whitsundays to begin with. Expats, kids on gap years and holidayers all call this region home, to name a few – as well as plenty of sailors.

And taking a little piece of the Whitsundays – maybe just something as simple as honey harvested in the Conway Ranges – and packaging it off for a Christmas Care Package can mean the world to mums and dads who miss you a whole lot.

Give them a piece of your new home, something memorable, something ‘special’.

The Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets take place each Saturday from 7.00am to 1.30pm.

Drop down for your perfect present and support the smallest of the small business owners.

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Head down to the Airlie Beach Lions Community Markets this Christmas season to see what special, unique gifts you can grab

The first of its kind in the Whitsundays, the new Lokahi Poke Bar has just opened its doors in Cannonvale and has a mission to provide the local community with healthy, balanced meals that are also delicious to eat.

For those that are yet to try this tasty treat, a Poke Bowl is a dish originating from Hawaii and inspired by the large population of Japanese residents on the island.

Bringing together a fusion of Asian and Hawaiian cultures, the Poke Bowl has a noodle, rice or salad base, a choice of protein – from meat to tofu, salmon and tuna – and a colourful array of complementary salad items on top.  

Purple cabbage, bright green cucumber and Edamame beans, yellow corn, orange carrot and pink radish – a rainbow of vibrantly coloured goodness makes you feel great inside and out.

Lokahi Poke Bar has been created by Erina Miyake, who is originally from Japan but has lived in the Whitsundays for the past five years, bringing up her two children in the area with her husband Leo.

Having visited cities like Brisbane and Sydney, Erina noticed Poke Bars were very popular and thought that, with our local healthy lifestyle, they would work perfectly here.

Available in gluten free, vegetarian and adaptable for most dietary requirements, everything is made fresh to order and the delicious dressing is also home-made.

Lokahi also serves Acai Bowls, both classic and chocolate flavoured, yoghurt cups in mixed berry and mandarin mango, and dairy free chia pudding.

Located at Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale, look for the bright green shopfront and choose from the menu or design your own bowl.

Made fresh to order, they will be ready before you can say ‘Get Poked!’

Staff member Boyeon Cha and Lokahi Poke Bowl owner Erina Miyake. Photo: Rachael Smith

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The first trailer for a highly anticipated television series filmed in Proserpine dropped in late November – and Proserpinians will be able to spot the local locales.

The Stan Original Series Black Snow will premiere on January 1 on the streaming network, having filmed entirely within Proserpine for roughly four months and utilising 350 local extras – a few familiar faces.

Promising to be a “gripping drama”, Black Snow stars Australian actor Travis Fimmel alongside newcomers Talijah Blackman-Corowa, Jemmason Power, Molly Fatnowna, and Eden Cassady.

The drama mystery series is set in the small, fictional North Queensland town of Ashford, with Proserpine acting as its stand in. In the trailer, local audiences are treated to snippets of the story, as well as snippets of their hometown.

The atmospheric teaser shows off Proserpine Cemetery, aerial shots of surrounding cane fields and the Conway National Park abound, recognisable Proserpine side streets, and even the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.

The story follows a group of high schoolers working on creating a time capsule in 1994. But, one week before the time capsule is set to be buried, a student, Isabel Baker, is murdered.

After 25 years, the case still unsolved, the time capsule is unearthed and reveals a letter from Isabel that shakes the town to its bones – which is where our Detective Sergeant James Cormack (Fimmel) comes in.

In six, hour-long episodes, Fimmel goes on a thrilling hunt for the killer, and treks through Proserpine while he does it.

A potential further economic boon for the region by enticing tourism, Black Snow will drop on Stan on New Year’s Day.

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A television series filmed in Proserpine launched its trailer in late November, with a few local faces and places

A local Proserpine State High Schooler has been selected for one of Australia’s highly prestigious science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs which selects only 140 students from across the country.

Proserpine State High School year nine student Ella Cram earned her place in the six-month learning program Curious Minds after a rigorous application and short-listing process.

The program – which enables high potential female students in years nine and 10 – invites its 140 students to benefit from the expertise and mentorship of 94 STEM coaches across a half-year period of exploring all aspects of STEM through lectures, experiments, workshops, coaching, and networking.

The young Proserpine student was ecstatic to receive the news of her successful application and said she had “not been expecting it”.

“I thought my chances were incredibly slim; really, really slim,” Ella said.

“It took a lot of work and detail with teacher referrals, information about my grades. I’m excited to start the six-months of training in January through July.”

Ella had completed this year’s International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) test – a voluntary skills-based assessment program that functions much like school examinations – when her teacher, Ms Sherelle Shields, had suggested attempting to gain a place in Curious Minds.

“I encouraged Ella through the Curious Mind application process as she is an amazing student. Ella shows excellent aptitude in the area of STEM and is an exemplary role model for all of her peers,” Ms Shields said.

The year nine student has always had an interest in biology and chemistry and believes the program will help her achieve her dreams of working in the sciences.

“The career I want to go into once I finish school is in the sciences – I’ll go to medical school and then become a forensic pathologist,” Ella said.

“I want knowledge of that field from this program and an understanding of what that kind of rigorous learning is like.”

Ella will take part in multiple Curious Minds camps throughout 2023 during the six-month program.

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Proserpine year nine student Ella Cram will take part in a prestigious STEM program called Curious Minds in 2023

A returning Proserpine resident, who moved back to the area 12 months ago, has written five children’s books over the past year and sold over 650 copies.

Kaye Ogilvie grew up on a cane farm in Lethebrook and has spent over 30 years living away from the region, most recently down in South Burnett where she ran a 123-acre farm with her partner and ‘star’ of her books – Farmer Dodds.

The couple started their farm from scratch, beginning with ducks, turkeys, geese and chooks before bringing in some goats and 12 calves.

Each animal at the farm has its own name and individual personality and, Kaye would often regale her family with stories of their antics, so much so that her son said she could write a book about them.

So, she did!

There are now five in the series of ‘Tales of Cackleberry House’, each sharing a story inspired by a farm animal or funny incident on the property.

From the Irish Wolfhound who was scared of everything, to the red cattle dog that taught him the ropes – every character in the book is real, although many of the stories have been embellished for fun.

Kaye does all her own illustrations as well, using a mixed medium of watercolour, ink and acrylic penicils on water colour paper.

“I found my own method and own forms,” said Kaye.

“Now I’ve got them all down pat.”

Once the stories are created, she scans them into the Canva app and creates the books from scratch.

She then self-publishes them, and they are available both in digital and hard copy.

You can purchase them through her website thetalesofcackleberrylodge.com.au or through Amazon.

The books are suitable for children aged three to 10 years of age and Kaye is available for author talks at any local schools.

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Children’s author Kaye Ogilvie with her ‘Tales of Cackleberry House’

The star of the books, Farmer Dodds attending to the cattle

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In this year’s already extended sugarcane crushing season, the Proserpine Mill has reported a crush of over 34,000 tonnes for the week, a decrease -and another setback - in weekly throughput due to rainfall.

Up to 120-millimetres across the region has once again pushed back the season’s endpoint in Proserpine.

This week’s harvest brings the season-to-date total to just over 1.5M tonnes.

Average CCS levels have decreased to 12.80 units, 0.42 units less than the previous week. This was 0.10 units below forecast, which was expected as a result of the rainfall.

Average bin weights remained similar to the previous week at 9.33 and 9.35 tonnes respectively.

The highest CCS sample was 15.26 units from a rake of Q208 ratoon in the Elaroo Productivity District.

Wilmar Sugar is urging growers to access the 2023 forecast maps, which have been uploaded to GrowerWeb, and please update with any changes for the 2023 crushing season.

As well, the local sugarcane mill, with the crushing season extending into the school holiday period, are asking parents and caregivers to talk to children about the dangers of playing on or around our cane rail network.

“Do not linger near any part of the rail network, and only cross the line using designated crossings,” Wilmar write in their sugar mill report for the week.

“Remember our locos are towing heavy loads and can take up to 1km to come to a complete stop. Our cane trains are in operation around the clock, seven days a week during the crushing season, including over the holiday period.”

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