Local tour operators are once again doing their bit for the reef thanks to the newest iteration of the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative (TRPI) which is here and ready to deliver concise, balanced, and relevant information on the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Tourism Reef Protection Initiative (TRPI) is a program for tourism operators to commit to and deliver reef protection and conservation services, within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

There are 26 tourism operators involved in this Initiative and Cruise Whitsundays is one of them.

General Manager Adam Hosie said he and his team are extremely proud to be involved in such a worthwhile initiative.

“With over 2,900 individual reefs making up the Great Barrier Reef, the involvement of tourism operators in supporting the Reef Authority’s monumental efforts to preserve and protect one of the planet’s most significant natural wonders is vital to success,” he said.

Cruise Whitsunday’s Marine Biologist Jemma Simpson said the increase in resourcing for our in-water survey team will make a huge difference to the resilience of the sites at Hardy Reef.

“Reef surveys and data collection have always been a key priority for Cruise Whitsundays. Happily, now through the additional funding thanks to the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, we have been able to increase resources,” she explained.

“This project has allowed us to allocate more dedicated research days and expand the areas we monitor.”

By June this year, the Cruise Whitsundays team had conducted over 40 in-water survey days, with 188 RHIS (Reef Health Impact Surveys) completed.

“Our team has successfully removed three Crown of Thorns starfish and over 1,100 Drupella from our site,” said Jemma.

“Contributing to this initiative means that we are able to help protect our area of reef for the future.”

The project is funded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, as part of the Australia Government’s Reef Protection Package, a $1.2 billion commitment.

$16.6 million has been allocated towards contracting marine tourism operators across the entire Great Barrier Reef network.

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The Tourism Reef Protection Initiative team conducting Reef Health Surveys on Hardy Reef. Photo supplied

June 2 1939 - Imagine this night seventy-four years ago. It was Tuesday and Sole Brothers Circus was in town. In those days, the tent was set up in the grounds on the corner of Main and Hinschen Streets, adjacent to the railway line.

As was the case, the lions and lion tamer, Mr Andrew Sole, opened the show. During the performance, an attendant accidentally left a gap in the tent while removing a trestle. Taking advantage of the situation, the lioness made a dash for freedom, going straight out the entrance and disappearing into the railway yard. With a packed house, there were fears of panic but the circus people assured the crowd to stay seated and the performance continued as if nothing had happened.

From thereon, most of the thrills happened outside the tent.

Tex Newberry, the “hot pie king”, had his cart parked on the roadway and the “Guardian” reported there were at least sixty people in the street. A group of young people gathered on the opposite corner from the circus had been jokingly discussing what they would do should a lion escape. John Maltby had declared with bravado that he would jump the nearby fence. Little did they know…

When the young men spotted an animal making its way from the tent, they thought it was just a dog until the alarm was given that it was indeed a lion. Everyone was looking for a safe place. Some scrambled onto lorries. And John did jump that fence – from a standing position! He was then able to open the gate and escort everyone to safety. Other reports relayed the story of a chap who was extremely intoxicated and on realising that it was a lioness and not a dog he was about to pat, sobered up immediately and took off. Oblivious to all the commotion, the lioness made its way over to the sugar mill where, in the darkness, another unsuspecting man mistook the animal for a dog until it let out a deep growl. He too made a beeline for safety.

By this time, with the aid of police, the circus people had organised a hunt. The police, who were having difficulty finding batteries for their torches, armed themselves with .303 rifles. Other civilians helped, including Mr Jack Ashton who was visiting from Mackay.

Jack came to Australia with the famous Buffalo Bill Circus about 1915 and decided to stay. He resided for many years in the Gregory area. Jack had amazing dexterity with the whip, rope and throwing knife and was a remarkable sharp shooter. When the lion was located, he lassoed it, however the rope was light and the animal charged, broke the rope and headed off into the cane paddock.

For two hours, the lioness eluded the search party until she was discovered near the fowl house in Mr Jim Perry’s yard – perhaps in search of food. The circus people were alerted and help soon arrived. Eventually, the lioness was caught at Number 1 Main Street. This time Jack Ashton was successful with his lasso and a large rope net was thrown over the lioness and she was carried back to her cage. Had that not been the case, Mr Sole had instructed Sergeant McLeahy, that should the lioness become dangerous, he was to shoot it.

All the while, the enterprising Tex Newbury, who was still parked in the Main Street, was trying to drum up business selling his pies with the slogan, “Buy a pie before the lion gets you!”

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Our local prawn farm is expanding its operations and once construction is complete, it will be responsible for producing almost half the farmed prawns in Queensland.

Last year, the total Queensland aquaculture production of prawns was 8,728 tonnes and once operational, the new upgraded facility will produce an additional 3,650 tonnes.

This will effectively increase the overall farmed prawn production in the state by roughly one third.

Due to begin by mid-2024, the Stage 4 expansion will be located at the existing facility between the Gregory River and Eden Lassie Creek, Edgecumbe Bay.

The expanded facility will provide for an additional 210 hectares of production ponds located immediately to the south of the existing ponds, utilising the existing intake and discharge infrastructure.

In addition, approximately 59 hectares of water treatment ponds and supporting infrastructure are proposed to be built as part of the project.

“The scale of the proposed Stage 4 is considered significant at the local, regional and state levels, and will supply the growing demand for sustainably produced protein,” said a spokesperson for De Costi Seafoods.

The company has already obtained the relevant planning and environmental approvals from both the Queensland Government and Local Government for Stage 4 of the project.

Final Federal approval is expected to be obtained early in 2024.

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Stage 4 of Proserpine Prawn Farm will be underway next year. Photo credit: Declan Durrant

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Wed 30 August – Single stableford played both men and ladies.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Roslyn Tilden 36pts, runner up Judi Morris 36pts.  

Men’s winner was Toss Eisemann 41pts, runner up on a countback David Insch 38pts.

Saturday 2nd September – Men’s September monthly medal.

Winner on a countback was Jeff Jackson 64 nett, runner up Walter Maguire 64 nett.

Sunday 3rd September – Ladies September monthly medal.  

Winner on a countback Margaret Need 67 nett, runner up Judi Morris 67 nett.  

Congratulations to the following Bowen players on their achievements in the opens held recently around the region:

Marcus Yasso on winning the boys 18-hole event at the Bowen Junior open held on Sunday 27th August and the Mystic Sands Junior Open held on Saturday 9th September – 3 over par score, well played.

Jeremy Chrzanowski on his good performance at the Ayr Mens open held on Sunday 3rd September – Gross runner up.  

Over the weekend, the Bowen men played their Club championships.

After playing 54 holes for the weekend, the Club champion for 2023 is Jeremy Chrzanowski – 192.

B Grade Gross winner James Miller 215.  A grade nett winner Daniel Borgh.  

B grade nett winner Lester Keller.  

The C Grade players played 36 holes over the weekend.  

Gross winner Jeff Jackson 193, runner up Fred Tammist 194.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Mackay’s business community was at its charitable best last Friday, September 1 as the M&P Services and Key Solutions Group 8th Annual Charity Golf Day took over Mackay Golf Club.

The event was once again a sellout, with 36 teams taking to the fairway on a beautiful spring day, all for a good cause.

“Before we’d even teed off, we raised over $37,500 for 10 local charities,” said M&P Services General Manager Max Lamb.

The number of beneficiaries has doubled on previous years, with all money raised to go to RACQ CQ Rescue, Mackay Cutters Change the Game, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, Australian Street Aid Project, Mackay Netball Association, CASA, Mackay Hospital Foundation, Broken Ballerina Inc, Kidney Support Network and Mackay Community Visitors Association.

“This has become one of the most iconic charity golf days in our region and this is the eighth one, so congratulations to Max and his team,” said Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson.

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Golf for a good cause. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Over the past eight weeks, our region has witnessed eight tragic road fatalities.

While driver error and the 'fatal five' are contributing factors in some of these accidents, it's high time that governments step up and acknowledge their share of responsibility for poorly constructed and inadequately maintained roads and highways.

The incessant battle with pothole-riddled roads, constant bumps, and gouges undoubtedly exacerbates driver fatigue.

The frustration of motorists navigating roads devoid of overtaking lanes often leads to dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, especially given the surge in traffic, particularly during the ever-popular caravanning season.

The Bruce Highway, in some sections, falls short of what should be a dual-carriage highway, resembling more of a crumbling goat track.

A few months ago, while driving to Rockhampton, I experienced my vehicle unexpectedly veering sideways after hitting a substantial gouge in the road. Fortunately, the modern ute I was driving equipped with substantial tyres regained control, but the danger is evident, especially for older vehicles. A week later, tragically, a fatality occurred in the same area, and I wondered if they had struck one of the bad bits of the road.

Our region contributes billions of dollars in mining royalties to the state's coffers, yet very little is reinvested in our roads. The allocation for Bowen Basin road improvements is woefully inadequate. Those workers generating immense wealth for the state should, at the very least, have a safe passage to and from their workplaces.

If investigations into recent accidents, such as the one on the Saraji road near Dysart, reveal that poor road conditions played a role, it is only right that governments are held accountable for the rising death toll on our roads.

Road safety is a collective responsibility, and we must demand better from those entrusted with our infrastructure and safety.

Amanda

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In an act of pure kindness, Tristan Dales celebrated his 10th birthday in a unique way – by giving back to those who can't speak for themselves. Instead of asking for toys or games, Tristan decided to use his special day to help homeless dogs and cats at the RSPCA in Mackay.

Tristan's journey into generosity began with a realisation.

His Mum, Khloe said, “While cleaning his room one day, he said to me, "I have plenty of toys, Mum, and I don't think I need any more."

While completing his home schooling he learnt about donating and charity, and said to his Mum, “I want to help the homeless doggies and cats".

“He’s grown into such a kind-hearted young man,” Khloe added.

With the support of family and friends, Tristan embarked on his noble mission.

For his birthday party, Tristan's guests joined his cause, contributing to his donation fund. The result? A heartwarming $155 raised and gifted to RSPCA Mackay.

The RSPCA Mackay team expressed their gratitude, saying, "Happy 10th birthday to Tristan!

“Tristan so kindly donated $155 of his birthday money to us!

“Thank you, Tristan!"

Tristan was given a tour of RSPCA Mackay and spent time with animals needing a forever home.

His love for dogs and cats, coupled with his compassion, is a reminder that small gestures of kindness can make a world of difference.

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A new face-to-face general practice service, which aims to address the current gaps in afterhours primary health care delivery and improve access to timelier care, is now available for all residents in Mackay and surrounding areas.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is pleased to announce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Mackay will deliver a new comprehensive and integrated afterhours primary care service for all community members in the Mackay region whose health conditions cannot wait for health care during normal hours.

The NQPHN Health Needs Assessment (HNA) 2022-24 confirms a demonstrated lack of comprehensive afterhours services, including access to general practices and pharmacies, with people finding it harder to access afterhours primary care, particularly where primary care services are already limited during normal hours. NQPHN is an independent not for profit organisation, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said the afterhours primary care service would help reduce reliance on emergency departments (EDs) and avoidable hospitalisations after hours.

“We recognise there is a rising need for afterhours services in Mackay and the surrounding areas, and the limited availability of primary care services after hours can lead to the increased use of emergency departments and urgent-care services,” Ms Whyte said.

“ATSICHS Mackay was selected as the lead provider following a rigorous tendering process to ensure timely access to safe and high-quality afterhours services could be met.”

ATSICHS Mackay has been delivering tailored quality primary health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Mackay and surrounding areas since 1978, and celebrated 40 years of operation in 2019.

Ms Whyte said ATSICHS Mackay had an established presence in the Mackay region in meeting the health care needs of local communities and would commence delivery of the afterhours primary care service from today, 4 September 2023.

ATSICHS Mackay Executive Manager Valerie Pilcher said the service would help community members access care without having to travel to the Emergency Department.

“Having an alternative option to attend a clinic that offers afterhours emergency services will benefit our community positively, especially those living in the Northern Beaches and Bucasia area,” she said.

ATSICHS’ afterhours primary care service will operate Monday and Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm, and Saturday from 2pm to 5pm.  

Ms Whyte said the afterhours primary care services would ultimately complement existing health services in the Mackay area.

The main ATSICHS clinic operates from 31-33 Victoria Street, Mackay, while the subsidiary clinic operates from Shop 21, Hibiscus Shopping Centre, 54 Downie Avenue, Bucasia.

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The new afterhours service will help all Mackay residents access care without having to travel to the Emergency Department

A Refreshing Esplanade Oasis Revealed At Grand Opening

By Amanda Wright

Hundreds of excited residents from the Mackay region gathered last Saturday for the grand opening of the Seaforth Esplanade, the area's newest and most thrilling leisure destination. The recently unveiled Esplanade upgrade, built by Vassallo Constructions, boasts an impressive array of attractions designed for all ages to enjoy.

At the heart of the new Esplanade recreation hub is an all-abilities water play area, a true centrepiece that promises endless aquatic fun. This exciting feature includes an oversized splash pad area adorned with various water jets and sprays, cleverly modelled after the local marine life and vibrant corals.

Mayor Greg Williamson officially opened the facility, alongside Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and it was highlighted that the esplanade upgrade was developed in collaboration with the Hibiscus Coast Progress and Sports Association.

Overlooking the swimming enclosure, a brand-new barbecue and picnic area has been established, providing visitors with the perfect setting to relax and soak in the scenic beauty while lounging on sun chairs. Along the foreshore, you'll find innovative playground facilities designed to cater to a wide range of ages, ensuring that everyone can have a fantastic time.

Mayor Williamson emphasised that inclusivity is a core focus of the project, extending beyond the water play area. Change facilities, designed to assist disabled adults in getting dressed, have been installed. Wheelchair and ambulant toilet facilities, in addition to general male and female changing rooms, have been thoughtfully provided.

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Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Mackay Police have announced a new virtual reality road safety resource, Drive and Thrive, an immersive visual and auditory experience that will put school students in the driver’s seat.

The resource is the work of school-based police officers Senior Constable Tamara Cook and Senior Constable Jaime Brooks, collaborating with local business Tropical Exposure to bring virtual reality into Mackay’s classrooms.

The program will give students in the district the opportunity to use 360-degree virtual reality goggles to experience a variety of road safety situations.

“The virtual reality goggles will allow students to safely experience and react to challenging road safety events,” said Senior Constable Steve Smith.

“They also give police officers the opportunity to discuss road safety with the students after they have (virtually) experienced the best and worst of what can happen on a road.”

School-based police officers will roll out the Drive and Thrive program in high schools across the district, with Mackay Police already contacting schools who may be interested in participating.

“We are extremely grateful for the assistance and support of our local Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and our student actors – without your contributions we could not have seen this through,” said Senior Constable Smith.

“Thank you to all of the staff at Tropical Exposure for your dedication.

“We are all very hopeful that this new great resource will lead to safer roads for our younger drivers.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Janelle Andrews (Road Policing and Regional Support Command), Acting Inspector Nicole Fox (Road Policing Specialist Operations), Superintendent Graeme Paine, Detective Inspector Emma Novosel, Acting Inspector Lisa Mansfield and Adam Dyer all attended the Drive and Thrive launch, ‘test driving’ the new equipment.

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Mackay Police staff launched and trialled Drive and Thrive, an immersive visual and auditory experience. Photos supplied

A local teacher has combined her passions for youth and yoga, partnering with Mackay Regional Council and the Activate Program to implement Yoga for Youth, a yoga class aimed exclusively at young people aged 12 to 18.

Rebecca Cooper previously explored yoga within her role as a secondary physical education teacher.

“I noticed how much the students got out of that experience, quite a diverse group of students who really needed this opportunity to slow down and escape the challenges of being a young person,” Ms Cooper said.

While on maternity leave, Ms Cooper contacted council to explore the possibility of a youth-focused yoga class who, at the time, had recently completed the Youth Out Loud 1000 survey.

“They interviewed 1,000 young people and from that they identified that there was a lack of safe spaces for young people to connect in the Mackay and Northern Beaches area and a lack of affordable and accessible youth-centred events, hence the birth of Yoga for Youth,” she said.

Whether young people are looking for low impact exercise to develop their sporting performance or are feeling stressed or anxious about the pressures of study, Ms Cooper said yoga can help.

“We’re encouraging young people to let go of their preconceived ideas about yoga and who it is for,” she said.

“Yoga is for everybody, and everyone can gain something different from the practice.”

Yoga for Youth classes present an opportunity for young people to move their body in a different way, improving strength, power, flexibility and balance.

“It gives young people the opportunity to move their body, regulate their stress, connect with themselves, calm the mind, and it’s also an opportunity to put the phone down,” Ms Cooper said.

Yoga for Youth classes are held weekly at the Mackay Northern Beaches State High School Performing Arts Centre from 4:45 to 5:45pm at a subsidised cost of $5 per student.

Ms Cooper will also host a mindfulness and yoga afternoon at Mackay Northern Beaches Community Group’s upcoming R U Ok? Day event on September 14 at Eimeo Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Visit Yoga for Youth - Mackay on Facebook for more information.

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Rebecca Cooper

The State Government’s decision to pass legislation forcing mining company QCoal to accommodate its employees in the Central Queensland town of Glenden from 2025 onwards was made without consulting the people most affected, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) said.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the government had pushed through the legislation without any real consultation or consideration of the consequences for the 400 QCoal employees who currently work at Byerwen mine.

“QCoal has complied with all regulatory requirements required by the government, only to see the rules changed after the event without any consultation,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Now the company is facing a workforce walk-out at a time when it’s already hard enough to attract enough skilled workers to the resources sector.

“The State Government should have properly consulted all parties to find a solution that doesn’t have such a deep personal impact on the lives of mine workers and their families.

“It’s understandable that employees have serious concerns about being forced to live in sub-standard homes with sub-standard community services in Glenden when they already have suitable on-site accommodation available. It’s difficult to imagine the Government doing this to any other industry.

“The resources sector supports 90 per cent of jobs in the Isaac region and is the biggest contributor to the local economy.

“If Byerwen mine’s ability to operate to its full potential in the future is impacted by this decision and flow-on staff shortages, the economic consequences will be felt by businesses right across the region’s supply chain.”

A statement from QCoal said it believed the company is being unfairly targeted in a politically motivated campaign of misinformation to disrupt the approval process for its proposed mining accommodation.

“QCoal workers have the right to choose where they live and their safety is paramount.

“QCoal cannot legally dictate to its workers where they live or demand that they move their families to Glenden,” the statement issued by Managing Director, Christopher Wallin, said.

“Glenden requires 2000 rateable homes to be sustainable. Even if all 600 of Byerwen’s workers moved to Glenden this would not be enough to make the town sustainable.

QCoal is of the firm belief that being forced to accommodate its non-resident workers in Glenden during their working week will only put them at increased risk of travelling nearly 100 kilometres a day to and from work.

“It will also unnecessarily and unfairly take up a further two hours per day with travel and the time necessary to muster workers onto bus transport.

“QCoal does not believe this is reasonable and neither does its workforce.”

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At about 2:45am on September 4, someone stole a car from the front yard of a home on Main Street in Bakers Creek.

Mackay police reported that the resident was woken by the noises of her dogs barking and discovered two people searching a Toyota Prado parked in the front yard.

“When they moved into the front yard to investigate further, a separate car was seen being stolen and driven away from the area,” the police statement said.

The stolen car is a white coloured 2008 model Toyota Hilux, registration number 176 WLY.

Police said this car had also been parked in the front yard and the keys used to steal the Toyota Hilux were found in the Toyota Prado that was initially searched.

Anyone who might have information about the current location of the stolen car or the original theft is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. The police report number to refer to is QP2301470313.

Police are urging car owners to store their car keys in secure and out of sight locations within the home - especially during nighttime hours.

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In a heartwarming display of community unity, Safe Sleep Mackay proudly announced the achievement reaching its $300,000 fundraising goal. With this financial milestone secured, the organisation has wasted no time and has promptly ordered three crucial Sleepbuses, providing essential sleep solutions to the local homeless population.

Through a combination of community grants and generous donations, residents joined forces with a common purpose: to enhance the quality of life for everyone in our region.

Safe Sleep Mackay would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to: Mackay Regional Council, Run for MI Life, BMA Benefiting My Community Fund, Mackay Community Foundation, Port of Mackay Rotary, Macrossan & Amiet Charitable Foundation, Freemason Lodges of the Mackay Region, Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Housing affordability is affecting communities across Australia, in that respect Mackay is not different to other regions.  

Lisa Jamieson from Orange Sky and the Safe Sleep Mackay committee said what makes the Mackay community stand out is its generosity and the expediency in coming together to find a solution.  

“Remarkably, the Mackay region will have three buses to provide safe sleeping options for those in need,” Lisa said.

“The Sunshine Coast is the only other location that has multiple buses with two, and this funding milestone has been achieved in 8 months!”  

“We look forward to the first bus arriving in the first quarter of 2024.  

“This will bring another opportunity for our community to be involved and make a difference to someone else’s life. The buses will need volunteers, and ongoing financial support, to operate in both Mackay and Sarina.”

Mackay's Sleepbus received a $30,000 Community Grant from Mackay Regional Council, with Community Grant Committee chair Cr Laurence Bonaventura saying council was happy to be able to contribute.

“Sleepbus provides a temporary accommodation service, getting people off the street by offering safe overnight accommodation in a bus with ten sleep pods for those who would otherwise be sleeping rough,” he said.

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Orange Sky Service Coordinator Lisa Jamieson Australian Street Aid Project CEO Kayleigh Brewster have raised $300,000 to order three sleepbuses for Mackay’s most vulnerable. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The MECC and Events team is developing a game plan to enhance attendance and spectator experiences at BB Print Stadium Mackay.

The stadium will remain the home of Mackay Cutters, but MECC and Events staff will collaborate with them to help attract more events to the council-owned facility.

As part of the plan, a memorandum of understanding is being developed, subject to council approval, which will bring the stadium management role in-house to Mackay Regional Council.

The mutually beneficial plan will allow both parties to concentrate on their core business.

The Cutters will be better placed to manage their six rugby league teams and build their membership and sponsorship bases.

The MECC and Events team will attract and deliver high-calibre events to activate the stadium, draw people to our region and generate economic benefits.

Council CEO Scott Owen said a key catalyst for the transition was the Mackay Stadium Masterplan.

“Council has allocated $3.1 million as part of its current budget for Mackay Stadium refurbishment and master planning for future development,’’ he said.

“The Cutters management contract was also expiring, so the opportunity was taken to look at options for management and operation of the stadium.”

Mackay Cutters CEO Mitch Cook thanked council for its proactive approach in dealing with future management of the stadium.

“This will be a great outcome for the stadium, the region’s economy and Mackay’s sports and events lovers,” he said.

“We’ll be able to concentrate on footy, knowing our interests in the stadium are being looked after as part of a greater plan to activate and improve the facility going forward.”

This collaboration promises exciting prospects for the Mackay region, and both the Mackay Cutters and the MECC and Events team are eager to work hand in hand to create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

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Artist impression of what BB Print Stadium could be redeveloped into, a 15,000-capacity stadium if future funding is secured