Picnicking at Sarina Beach will be better than ever, with two new covered barbecue areas set to be installed at Owen Jenkins Drive Park.

Council, in response to requests made by the Sarina Beach Progress Association, will be constructing two new park shelters and replacing the park’s old single barbecues with two new double hot plate units, which will also be wheelchair accessible.

The barbecues will be installed under the two new shelters for all weather use and protection.

Two additional picnic settings will also be fitted offering increased seating capacity in the popular beachside park.

As part of these upgrades, disabled car parking and path access to the existing and new picnic shelters will be constructed.

BH Building will be undertaking the work on behalf of council which started last month, with construction expected to take eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Construction will take place between the hours of 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some weekend work may also be required.

While works are under way the playground will remain operational, however parking along the front of the park will be temporarily closed.

Traffic control will be in place to assist motorists while the road is partially closed for two days, weather permitting.

One coconut palm will be removed to allow for construction of a pram ramp and new path. The palm tree will be replaced with three new shade trees.

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Two large items of property have been located by the Sarina police. Officers are keen to return them to the rightful owner.

If you are the owner or know the owner, please contact Sarina Police and quote QP2300043718.

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If you are looking for a unique experience, try a fun run on the beach at the upcoming CRUISIN’ THE COAST Sarina Beach event this May.

Held annually at the picturesque Sarina Beach, the fun run has grown in size each year and has become a trademark event for the region.

Powered by Community Bank Sarina, the 5km Community Walk plus 3km, 5km or 10km runs are returning favourites, with the 21.5km half marathon a challenge for those more experienced competitors.

The event is family friendly, and spectators are more than welcome to enjoy the hot coffee and spectacular views.

Check Community Bank Sarina Facebook page for all upcoming events and opportunities www.facebook.com/communitybanksarina

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Images from the 2022 Cruisin’ The Coast fun run

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Sarina High School students are kicking off the year with some extra cash in their pockets thanks to Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s annual scholarship program.

Zali Hooper and Chelsea Trusz were the deserving recipients of the 2023 scholarships, which provide support to assist SSHS students with their educational costs. The scholarship program is designed to promote and encourage community engagement, building the students’ confidence and developing them into the region’s future leaders.

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank also is offering CQUniversity Scholarships for those commencing study in 2023. If you’re a first year apprentice or degree student through CQUniversity this year, you are eligible to apply for the $4000 apprenticeship scholarship or a $6000 higher education scholarship. There are two scholarships available per category and they can assist with travel costs associated with studying, learning materials like textbooks, the purchase of tools or a toolbox and other related work or study expenses.

Applications are open now and close 31 March, if you're interested in applying please contact executive@sarinacommunity.com.au for the application pack.

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Peak sugarcane industry body CANEGROWERS is calling on Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) to explain the reasoning behind its decision to abandon a long and successful commercial partnership with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) for the operation of the state's bulk sugar terminals.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said the bulk sugar terminals, which give Australian sugar a competitive edge over other sugar exporting nations, were built on the back of investment by growers, but STL had failed to consult growers before announcing its decision.

"These terminals are industry assets, and they remain one of our main competitive advantages, allowing Australian sugar to be traded as a reliable, high quality, sustainable product into our most valuable markets in a timely manner," Mr Menkens said.

"There seems little justification for this change and it appears to be more about corporate manoeuvring."  

Mr Menkens also questioned why STL had not made clear in its public statements that the current operating agreement with QSL requires a three-year notice period.

"STL have not consulted with anyone in industry about this matter and they have chosen not to make it clear that their agreement with QSL has a three-year notice period," he said.

"While technically CANEGROWERS has no say in this agreement, given their stated intent, we call on STL to clearly explain to growers why they are determined to take this course of action."

There is no disputing that QSL has operated the terminals safely and efficiently, and its performance has been highly scrutinized.

Mark Gray, Chair of STL, stated: "In an effort to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and eliminate conflicts of interest, STL has decided to terminate its Operating Agreement with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL). This move positions STL to better serve the industry in the future. As STL is already responsible for all operating costs and capital investment funding, it makes sense for us to operate the BSTs directly. A simplified structure will streamline operations, remove duplicated efforts, and clear up any conflicting interests in the current outsourced agreements."

Gray continued: "The duplication of costs from the QSL Board, Executive, support functions, insurance policies, and auditing requirements are unnecessary. Eliminating this duplication in corporate overhead costs will provide a permanent reduction in expenses, clarify accountability and responsibilities, and increase transparency, leading to potential additional cost savings for the sugar industry."

CANEGROWERS is now calling on STL to make clear:

1. how they intend to operate the terminals to deliver lower operating costs and an improvement in efficiency

2. how these cost savings will flow through to growers

3. what the forward operating strategy is for the terminals

4. how STL will ensure this strategy is used to benefit the Australian sugarcane industry and not be distracted seeking alternative business models driven by a focus on shareholder returns

"The successful operation of these terminals is vital to the overall success of Australia's sugarcane industry," Mr Menkens said.

"QSL's smooth and efficient operation of our terminals has ensured the industry maintained a competitive edge. This move by STL is threatening that competitive advantage and growers are rightly concerned. They deserve an explanation."

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Caption: Sugar Terminals Limited has announced it has decided to in-source the operations of its Bulk Sugar Terminals, located at Cairns, Mourilyan, Lucinda, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg. Image: Mackay Bulk Sugar Terminal

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CANEGROWERS Mackay Area Committee (MAC) met with Mackay Sugar representatives last week to improve industry collaboration and urge a successful crushing season in 2023.

Evaluating the key impacts of the 2022 crush, that extended into January 2023 and saw just short of 95% of the sugar cane crop processed, MAC Chairman Joseph Borg and Mackay Sugar Chairman and Nordzucker Group Manager Michael Gerloff, along with Mackay Sugar CEO Jannik Olejas, identified several key topics to address in the lead up to next season.

Acknowledging the impact of weather and the increasing crop during the season, Mr. Borg said, “Milling performance was certainly a vital topic we wanted to address, on behalf of Mackay local growers and harvester groups.

“Throughout last season, Mackay Sugar’s milling performance was substandard overall, despite some positive signs of improvement, such as the relatively good rate and reliability at Racecourse mill,” he said.

“The other key factor in seeing a more successful 2023 season is identifying solutions to overcome the widespread labour and skills shortage that is affecting both the growing sector and milling maintenance and operations.

“CANEGROWERS Mackay is already acting on behalf of the grower and harvesting sector on the issues, in the lead up to the coming season” Mr Borg said.

“Mr Gerloff clearly outlined Mackay Sugar’s strategy and reaffirmed Nordzucker’s commitment to the region, which has given me a level of confidence.”

For Mackay Sugar, the meeting was an important next step in maintaining open and transparent communication and collaboration with growers and industry representatives.

“Nordzucker Group invested in Mackay Sugar because we saw great value in the region and local industry and this has not changed,” Mr Gerloff explained.

“If anything, the significant increase in crop size we saw last year strengthens our commitment, and further fuels our plans to see Mackay Sugar operate as the sustainable and agile business we know it will be,” he said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties confirmed the importance of ongoing collaboration and industry alignment when it comes to ensuring a sustainable business for all parties.

“We all want the same thing - and that’s productive crops with efficient crushing seasons, making the most of what our region can deliver,” said Mr Olejas.

“Whilst we can’t control things like the weather, we can deliver improved performance in the mills with the ultimate ambition to ensure that even the largest of crops - farmed and safeguarded by committed growers - can be processed.”

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QUICK QUIZ CAN MAKE YOU $100 RICHER

How much do you know about dengue fever?

Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regional councils are calling on residents to take the dengue quiz as part of their annual awareness campaign.

The quiz will test your knowledge on how dengue is spread, where dengue mosquitoes breed, and how you can help prevent the spread.

Everyone who enters the competition will go into the draw to win one of five $100 Porters Mitre 10 vouchers.

The annual dengue campaign is part of an EHWIM (Environmental Health Whitsunday Isaac and Mackay) initiative.

Mayor Greg Williamson said dengue was something that everyone living in the tropics needed to be mindful of.

“The wet season is upon us, and dengue mosquitos (Aedes aegypti) will be breeding,” he said.

“They breed in stagnant water around the home left in buckets, pot plant bases and containers, as well as gutters.

“That’s why it’s so important to tip out any stagnant water, throw out any rubbish lying around your yard, clean out your gutters and store items that can hold water in a dry place.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said residents living in north and central Queensland communities needed to be aware of the signs to look for when it came to dengue.

“The symptoms of dengue fever include headaches, fevers, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and, in some rare cases, can result in death,” she said.

“If you experience any of these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately.”

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said residents in an area prone to mosquitos should take adequate steps to protect themselves from being bitten.

“When outdoors, make sure you wear long sleeves, trousers, a hat and use an effective insect repellent,” she said.

“To prevent mosquitoes from entering your house, check your window and door screens to ensure they don’t have any holes in them.

“You can also spray surface spray at all the entry points to your house to deter insects from entering your house.”

To complete the dengue quiz and go into the draw to win one of five Porter’s Mitre 10 vouchers visit mackay.qld.gov.au/dengue. Entries will close at 5pm on Sunday, March 12, and you must be a resident living in Mackay, Isaac or Whitsunday regional council areas to be eligible.

For further dengue prevention tips visit health.qld.gov.au/dengue.

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Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or something a bit more creative, a festive drink is a great way to add a touch of romance to your Valentine's Day celebration.

With a bit of sweetness and a bit of excitement, a romantic Valentine's Day cocktail could be a classic Champagne Cocktail, made by adding a sugar cube, a few drops of bitters, and a splash of brandy to a flute of champagne. The bubbles and festive nature of champagne, combined with the sweet and slightly bitter flavor from the sugar and bitters, make for a celebratory and romantic drink.

Non-alcoholic option – use non-alcoholic champagne and omit the brandy.

Spice things up with a Love Potion Cocktail, made by mixing raspberry liqueur, triple sec, and vodka with a splash of cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. The sweet and fruity flavors, combined with the hint of tartness from the cranberry and lime, create a delicious and romantic drink that is perfect for toasting to your love.

Did someone say Strawberry Mimosa? This cocktail is made by mixing champagne with strawberry puree or syrup. The combination of bubbles and sweetness from the strawberries makes for a delicious and romantic drink. You can also add a splash of orange juice for added flavour.

Make it pretty as a petal with a Rose Petal Martini. This cocktail is made by mixing gin, vermouth, and rose water. The addition of rose water adds a subtle floral flavour that is both unique and romantic. You can also rim the glass with edible rose petals for added decoration.

Whether you enjoy something sweet and fruity or something a bit more complex, these drinks are sure to impress your special someone.

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Dating is hard enough in this day and age – regardless of your age. But for me it’s gotten to a point where even those nearest and dearest are concerned about my lack of love life!

Scotty, my co-host, has taken it upon himself to help me along this Valentine’s Day by taking over my Tinder and entering me in our True Love on A Treadmill comp on the 16th of February. We’re getting a bunch of single men and women from Mackay and the Whitsundays to join us at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre for a round of speed dating… at speed. If you’re unlucky in love, it’s a low-pressure way to put yourself out there. You can register on our website star1019.com.au – with prizes to also be won!

If you’re already loved up with a boo than here’s my cute but easy guide to making your lover swoon this V-Day:

● Flowers are great but they die, buy your girl a voucher to her favourite hairdresser or beauty salon instead.

● Ladies, don’t skimp on the gifts! Your man will only be a more reluctant gift giver if it’s another day he has to work out what to give you but he gets nothing in return – why not put together an IOU booklet? It could be fun, cheeky or useful!

● Don’t underestimate how romantic it can be to go sit at a nice spot like the Slade Point Lookout or Mount P Lookout with some nibbles and have a good conversation.

● And if all else fails (or you’re single) agree to gift to yourself because the person who loves you the most should be you!

Happy loving from your unlucky in love cupid,

- Kaley

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With added stress and workplace pressure rising, external family dynamics and increased living costs it’s no wonder that 1-in-5 employees took time off over the past year for mental health.

That’s 20 per cent of your workforce.

Issues faced by your employees can keep them from doing their best work and as a result can lead to high staff turnover, absenteeism, presenteeism, lost productivity and a loss in revenue.

The cost to workplaces is substantial – $10.9 billion – according to a recent PwC commissioned by beyondblue, Australian Government and the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance.

There is good news though, while there are major costs to Australian workplaces, there are also significant rewards for those who do something about it. For every $1 spent on creating a mentally healthy workplace there is on average a $2.30 return.

Creating a mentally healthy workplace involves a variety of steps with one of most crucial being the introduction of employee assistance programs (EAP).

Through employee assistance programs like selectability’s EAP+ you can support your team while supporting your business.

Employee assistance programs (EAP) are designed to support and enhance the emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing of your employees and their family. The program is designed to boost employee’s performance by helping them to resolve personal and work-related issues.

selectability partners with organisations to deliver a range of EAP services to support employee wellbeing.

Acting General Manager Clinical Services Kate Stevens said selectability’s approach emphasised early intervention and included a range of proactive preventative measures and strategies.

“Through our EAP+ we work alongside employees and support them to build resilience, which in turn can improve workplace performance,” said Kate.

“Mentally heathy workplaces take effort from everyone. Ensuring employees are happy and well supported at work is one of the most important jobs for any employer.

“There are situations that arise that can prevent employees from doing their best work. This can lead to a reduction in productivity while also negatively impacting other employees.

“As a result, employers have come to recognise the benefits of EAP in keeping their employees healthy and happy.”

Here are four benefits of signing up to selectability’s employee assistance program…

✔  Reduction in staff turnover

Having EAP that is accessible to all can build loyalty. Employees who feel valued are less likely to be unhappy in the workplace and quit.

✔  Reduction in sick days and workplace absenteeism

Did you know that absenteeism is often a result of an employee’s personal problems? EAP encourages employees to deal with problems that otherwise left can escalate.

✔  Improve staff morale

Stress related issues including decreased performance and absenteeism affect the whole workforce not just the individual. Someone experiencing high level of stress may become defensive, argumentative and less communicative at work. EAP can help by providing support as well as an outlet to discuss their issues.

✔  Increase performance and productivity

Those dealing with unresolved issues tend to lose sleep. They may also lose concentration, have accidents, overreact and underperform. Often these attitudes are infectious and will spread throughout teams. Accessing an EAP session can be a simple solution to keep the workplace healthy and happy.

Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business.

For more information email clinical@selectability.com.au or call 1800 573 253.

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When it comes to Valentine's Day, it’s often the most thoughtful and sentimental tokens that mean the most.

With Cupid just around the corner, local restaurateur Mark Laffin is offering the people of Mackay the chance to spread positivity and love this month with a unique social media experiment.

Mark “Laffo” Laffin, owner of Laffos Bar and Pizzeria at Caneland Central, is asking people to share their love for those special to them on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Participants are asked to post a photo or video of themselves as a public display of affection and love to their special someone, with the incentive of $1,000 cash for the winner on offer.

"This is a great opportunity to bring some cheer to the town during February, which can otherwise be a pretty drab month," Laffo said.

"We are hoping for people to get creative, have some fun and make others happy."

The winner will be decided based on creative effort, heartfelt-authenticity and the number of Likes their post receives.

The winners will be announced on Laffos Bar & Pizzeria Facebook page and via Messenger on February 28, 2023.

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Caption: Laffo leads the way in Laffos Bar and Pizzeria Valentine’s Day competition by posting this photo for his wife, Nicole. Photo supplied

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If you watch the national news and you’re easily spooked it would be natural to curl up in your darkened bedroom, pull the covers over your head and brace for the Armageddon that is about to rain down upon us.

War in Ukraine, Chinese spy balloons shot down over US territory, interest-rate increases strangling real estate markets, man-made climate change destroying the planet.

The message is: be afraid, be very afraid.

Well, I’m not afraid and most of the people I know in Mackay aren’t either.

The war in Ukraine is terrible and, while we feel for the people involved, there’s not much we can do about conflict in a far-away place. China is going to be an increasing issue and the US, Australia and other nations need to stand up and be bold but that’s international power politics, it’s not new and you and I can’t do much about that either.

The climate change narrative is a new religion among inner city influencers and big city media types but while we all know the environment must be looked after, those of us in the real world remember that weather extremes are not new.

These days every weather event is linked to climate change; if it’s cold, if it’s hot, if it’s dry, if it’s wet, if it’s windy … it’s all climate change and we are in peril.

But as the old poem says: We live in a sunburnt country, a land of drought and flooding rains. We always have. So we get on with work, paying mortgages, raising kids and celebrating life in a fantastic part of a wonderful country.

As for interest rate increases, they will have an impact and they certainly are in places like Sydney and Melbourne. But in Mackay, average mortgages are lower and people are getting on with life and buying properties.

I’m not going to pretend I have a crystal ball but the real estate indicators are excellent for Mackay; rental vacancies are low, unemployment is virtually non-existent, wages are generally good and our coking coal production and exports are looking good.

The real estate market has started well in Mackay this year and there is very strong activity among buyers at open homes.

The news around the Chinese economy is very promising for us. Political leadership in that country is pushing for the sort of strong economic growth we haven’t seen for some years and Bowen Basin coking coal is expected to be a beneficiary of that change.

We have diversified our export markets so we are no longer as reliant as we once were on China, however the easing of political and trade hostilities with the Chinese has created a fantastic economic opportunity for our region.

So if you see someone metaphorically curled up in the corner with the doona over their head worried about all the negativity, remind them of who we are and how good we’ve got it.  

We’re gonna be okay.

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We have all seen photos of the damage to Mackay-Eungella Road from the January rainfall event that made national headlines.

The heavy rain has also affected our road network of 1551 km of sealed and 873.43 km of gravel roads with some areas suffering damage and needing repair work. I think we have fared reasonably well, and I would like to thank our council crews who have worked to make our roads trafficable again repairing everything from a few potholes to major washouts that left some roads inaccessible.

The extent of the damage means we will qualify for QDRA funding to assist with repairs. In sites that suffer damage on a regular basis we can now claim betterment to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

So, if the roads in your area have suffered damage rest assured we will get there to do the repairs. In situations where improvements will be made it will take a bit longer as redesign maybe necessary and then works will need to be programmed to meet crews or contractor availability.  If you have major road damage in your area that has not been attended to please call our client service centre on 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).  

As I write this the weather forecast is predicating possible cyclone disturbance off the coast, if the weather has turned bad, please remember to stay off the roads unless essential, tidy up around your home, and check on your neighbours.

Cr Laurence Bonaventura
Mackay Regional Council

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The Whitsundays helped to make aviation history this week when the first ever Bonza aircraft landed its inaugural flight at the Whitsunday Cost Airport on Tuesday morning.

With flights starting from just $49, Bonza aims to be here for ‘Allstralia’ and will open the Whitsundays up to new markets that would not have previously been able to access or afford a holiday to the region.

The new low-cost airline will also allow Whitsunday residents to fly directly to Sunshine Coast, Toowomba and Newcastle, opening up more opportunity to visit family and friends in previously unconnected areas.

A Bonza Day For The Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Coast Airport was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday morning when the highly anticipated Bonza flight touched down on schedule, bringing with it 160 passengers from its home base in the Sunshine Coast.

Chief Operating Officer of Whitsunday Coast Airport, Craig Turner, said this flight represented the beginning of a new era for local travel which will open our region up to 2.5 million people that would not otherwise be able to get here conveniently or cost-effectively.

“This is 15 months’ worth of negotiation, communication and organisation,” he said.

“We’ve built a magnificent relationship with Bonza and to see the first aircraft land and know that they are going to bring 134,000 seats to the Whitsundays is incredible.”

“It places us very well to exceed over 500,000 passengers this year which will be the first time in the 70-year history of the airport.”

Bonza Airlines will service 27 different routes across Australia, 17 of which went on sale last week.

93 per cent of these flight paths are not currently served by any other airline and 96 per cent currently have no low-cost carrier.

Within two days of opening ticket sales, Bonza sold 10,000 seats, many of them booked for the Whitsundays.

Chief Commercial Officer of Bonza, Carly Hovey, said they chose to make their inaugural flight to the Whitsundays because of the warm welcome they were given when scouting locations the previous year.

“When we made the largest network announcement in Australia aviation history a year ago, we travelled to all our destinations,” said Carly.

“And when we came to the Whitsundays there were around 200 people that had come along to meet us, to thank us, and to explain what a difference it would make.”

“They all chanted Bonza for five minutes – the support has been phenomenal!”

Bonza airline is the only low-cost airline to launch in Australia in the last 15 years and its presence will make the market a much more competitive place.

All interactions, from ticket sales to in-flight meals, are only able to be made through the Bonza app and many other services are streamlined, sustainable and modern.

“This is a chance to fly like you’ve never been able to before,” said Carly.

“There are now choices that have never before been available, we thank you for your support, and we are delighted that we are here today to deliver on our commitment.”

Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton, said that a whole new market will now be able to visit the Whitsundays.

“When fares are maintained at such a low price it actually means there is a whole new customer coming into the region that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to come here,” he explained.

“It’s a big injection for the region and we will see countless long-term benefits.”

Craig Turner said he has big plans for the future and that he is looking forward to opening even more routes with a variety of aircraft carriers over the coming year.

He hopes this will include a seasonal 10-week period of direct flights to Canberra.

“This will bring people up out of their winter, but it would also mean the Whitsundays could be the gateway to the snow!” he said.

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Image:

1: The first passengers disembark

2: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Chief Commercial Officer of Bonza, Carly Hovey and Chief Operating Officer of Whitsunday Coast Airport, Craig Turner

3: Mayor Julie Hall welcomes the first Bonza Flight

4: Tourism Whitsundays Chair Julie Telford, Mayor Julie Hall and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton at the long table lunch in Airlie Beach

5: Bonza CEO Tim Jordan makes a speech

6: The dedicated team from Whitsunday Coast Airport

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For the first time in Bowen TAFE’s history, a range of specialist courses in agriculture will be available thanks to its brand-new $3.4 million upgrade which was celebrated with the opening of its Agriculture Centre Of Excellence on Tuesday.

The facility will offer advanced technology which includes a Farmbot for robotics, nutrition, soil science, biology and coding; and there’s a Growpod for monitoring stable growing environments and producing horticultural and agricultural products in all climates.

There will also be a virtual reality room providing advanced technology for emerging industry needs and a science lab.

The facility also has remotely monitored and controlled technology and devices, so that Bowen students can connect to the Rural Centre of Excellence on the Toowoomba TAFE campus.

Councillor Michelle Wright attended the opening and was excited to receive a full tour of the facilities, allowing her an insight into the high-tech modern working spaces that students can now enjoy.

“It will be a fantastic place for growing new skills and I don’t think kids today are necessarily aware of the different careers you can have in agriculture,” she said.

“Being the salad bowl of the state, we are in a really good place to help and assist our local growers.

“This facility will be a game-changer for Bowen and the agriculture industry as a whole.”

Jobs Queensland predicts agriculture industry jobs in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday and Townsville regions will increase by more than 10 per cent from 2020-21 to 2024-25 employing more than 10,300 workers.

The new facility in Bowen will be able to cater for this substantial growth and will be able to upskill and educate a thriving local workforce.

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Image: Bowen TAFE received a $3.4 million upgrade and opened its Agriculture Centre Of Excellence on Tuesday. Photo credit: Liz Andrew Photography

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