Community News

Andrew Black Marks More Than Two Decades In Mackay Real Estate

Andrew Black Marks More Than Two Decades In Mackay Real Estate

After more than 25 years with Blacks Real Estate, Andrew Black continues to be a familiar face in Mackay’s residential property market. Andrew joined the agency in 2000, beginning his career in residential property management before transitioning into residential sales. Now a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Sales Consultant, he has spent decades helping local buyers and sellers navigate the Mackay housing market. His long-standing connection with the agency has given him extensive knowledge of the region’s property landscape and changing market trends over the years. Blacks Real Estate said Andrew’s experience across both property management and sales provides clients with a well-rounded understanding of the real estate process, from investment properties through to family homes. Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the region. CAPTION: Andrew Black has spent more than two decades with Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate

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Property Point

Property Point

I’m not sure that Donald Trump would play fair if he were one of the buyers in a multiple offer scenario on a Mackay property. There are clear rules about how multiple offer situations must be handled and, based on recent form, I just don’t think the US president would want to abide by the rules. From what I can tell he doesn’t seem to be a very good sport, not a great loser, and in a multiple offer situation in Queensland real estate there has to be a loser. Take Trump’s conduct during the soccer World Cup, being held in the US, Canada and Mexico. When US star Folarin Balogun received a red card and, as is standard practice, got an automatic one-match suspension Trump was on the blower to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for a review. The result was that the US star’s suspension was suspended for one year and he was able to play in the next World Cup game. It seems unlikely that a phone call from leaders of other countries would have resulted in a similar reversal of a decision. But I don’t blame Trump … that’s what he does. He tries to push and shove and shout and bully his way to getting the best deal he can for the United States. You might not like him but he certainly tries to get the best deal he can for his country on the world stage and, no doubt, for himself when it comes to business. It was, however, a bit of a surprise to hear he had made a call to the FIFA president trying to reverse the ban on a US player. What was even more surprising was that his strategy worked. Now I’m not to sure about this and I am just a real estate agent in Mackay who follows other football codes much closer than soccer but that FIFA mob looks a bit dodgy to me. You would have thought there would be a clear response from the FIFA president along the lines of: “Thanks for the call Mr President but you have got to be kidding if you think the independent body governing the world game is going to be influenced by political leaders about who can and cannot play based on our established rules.” Clearly that was not how the call played out and it turns out that there seems to be some flexibility in the rules and how they interpreted based on the person who is making the request. Which brings me to another contentious situation, the multiple offer scenario for properties being sold in Queensland. When it comes to multiple offers and which one is accepted, it is entirely up to the seller. The seller can accept a higher offer, accept a lower offer that might have no building and pest clause or no finance clause, or accept an offer just because that’s the one they like. A client of mine accepted a lower offer on a property last year because the buyer was a young, local woman who was starting off in life and had made the best offer she could. An investor offered about $30,000 more but the seller said, “I’m making good money out of this either way. I want the young woman to have it.” But one thing that is clear is that a real estate agent can’t tell one buyer what another buyer has offered in a multiple offer situation. We have to tell a buyer: “There is another offer on the table so you are in a multiple offer situation and I suggest you put in your best and final offer as you might not get a chance to make another offer.” That’s when some buyers say: “How much is the other offer.” Some buyers can be quite forceful but rules are rules and agents can’t reveal that. Although, if the FIFA president was the agent and Donald Trump was the second buyer there might be some flexibility.

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Why Small Business Marketing Feels So Overwhelming

Why Small Business Marketing Feels So Overwhelming

Most small business owners I speak to are not short on ideas, if anything, they have too many. They are trying to keep up with social media, update their website, understand Google, run ads, write emails, serve clients, follow up leads and still actually do the work they are known for. No wonder marketing starts to feel overwhelming. And here is the thing. The problem is not always that you are doing nothing. Sometimes the problem is that you are doing a lot, but without a clear direction. You post because you feel like you should. You boost something because business feels quiet. You update your website because someone told you it might help. You try another platform because everyone else seems to be there. But without a strategy behind it, it can start to feel like you are throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. This is where stepping back can make a huge difference. In most cases, you do not need another platform, another content idea or another person telling you to “just be consistent.” Sometimes, you need to look at the bigger picture. What are you actually trying to sell? Who are you trying to reach? What is working already? What is wasting your time? What should you focus on first? A clear conversation can often save weeks or even months of guessing. Marketing coaching can be helpful for this reason. It gives you space to untangle the mess, ask the right questions and create a plan that feels realistic for your actual business. At Glow Sphere Marketing, this is something I help small business owners with through short, practical coaching sessions, including a 2-hour option for those who want clarity without ongoing support. Marketing does not have to feel so messy. Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through it.

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Pets of the Week: Ahsoka & Johnny Cash

Pets of the Week: Ahsoka & Johnny Cash

Some rescue stories stay with you, and Ahsoka and Johnny Cash’s journey is one of survival, strength and an unbreakable bond. Ahsoka was found as the smallest of a litter of six kittens, cold, weak and barely responsive after losing her siblings. Thanks to the dedication of an incredible foster carer who provided round-the-clock care, she defied the odds and pulled through. She is still being monitored for an injured eye but continues to grow stronger every day. Johnny Cash, affectionately known as the “Man in Black”, was found alone at just two weeks old. After being placed alongside Ahsoka in an incubator, the pair quickly became inseparable. While Ahsoka is gentle and resilient, Johnny is bold, curious and full of playful mischief. Together, they have helped each other heal and formed a bond too special to break. These two little survivors are now ready to find their forever home — but only together. If you can offer Ahsoka and Johnny Cash the loving indoor home they deserve, contact Ros on 0403 814 318 and share a little about yourself, your family and why you could be their perfect match.

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RHB Rect

BACK TO SCHOOL 2023

August 24, 2023

See How Schools Welcomed Students Back To The Classroom

Click for the Gallery

Back To School Whitsunday Anglican School

Back To School Mackay Christian College

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A ‘Toadily’ Awesome Discovery

August 24, 2023

Rangers conducting track work in Conway National Park, near Airlie Beach, were shocked to find a monster cane toad beside the Conway Circuit last week.

The discovery has generated interest from all over the country because of its enormous size.

Dubbed "Toadzilla", the cane toad was found to weigh a whopping 2.7 kilograms and was swiftly transported to the Queensland Museum where she will be on display as the largest of her kind on record.

Cane toads were introduced into Queensland in 1935 to control the cane beetle and have since been recognised by the Commonwealth Government as a key threatening process to the nation under the national Environment Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999.

Ranger Kylee Gray found the gigantic amphibian and said she was thrilled with the discovery.

“A cane toad that size will eat anything it can fit into its mouth, and that includes insects, reptiles, and small mammals,” she said.

“We believe it’s a female due to the size, and female cane toads do grow bigger than males.

“I’m not sure how old she is, but cane toads can live up to fifteen years in the wild – so this one has been around a long time.

“We’re pleased to have removed her from the national park.”

The discovery of Toadzilla in the Conway National Park highlights the significant impact that cane toads can have on the local ecosystem.

It is important to continue monitoring the population and removing them from the wild to protect native wildlife. The community is also encouraged to report any sightings of cane toads in the Whitsundays area to the relevant authorities.

Cane toads are not widely spread through rainforests, but will penetrate these areas along roads and walking tracks such as the Conway Circuit where Toadzilla was found. They can be fatally poisonous to wildlife, have caused local extinctions of some of their predators, compete with native species for sheltering sites and food resources. While they primarily feed on insects, they are opportunists and will also take small vertebrates.

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A ‘Floody’ Good Deed

August 24, 2023

This week I would like to dedicate my Editor’s Note to all the kind individuals that helped motorists that were stranded during the recent flooding event which saw the Bruce Highway completely cut-off four three days.

Last week in our ‘Flooded With Kindness’ story we featured the incredible volunteers who assisted at the Bowen PCYC.

This week, we would like to share the story of some selfless Proserpine locals who fed, clothed and warmed the hearts of individual motorists and the numerous ‘truckies’ whose vehicles were banked up along the highway.

On the Sunday night Ingrid Ruck from Proserpine Community Centre received a message from three stranded motorists who were trapped without shelter, unable to get any accommodation and with rain pelting down.

It was late at night so Ingrid directed them to the BP service station where they received permission to park their car undercover for the evening and use the facilities.

First thing the next morning, Ingrid greeted the travellers and offered them a shower at the community centre. She then called the Council to see if an emergency shelter could be opened and by midday the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) was made available.

Within a few hours 30 stranded motorists came to the shelter and Ingrid was tasked with making sure they were comfortable.

Ingrid and her husband brought chairs from the community centre and then called Chris from St Paul’s Op Shop where they were given blankets, jumpers, towels and other essential items.

As evening came along Ingrid realised no-one had been fed so she rang Steve from the Proserpine Lions and, because it was too late to rally his team of BBQ chefs, he added funding to Ingrid’s resources and the pair were able to deliver kebabs, pizzas and hot chips for everyone.

“We had to feed the people!” said Ingrid.

“You should have seen their faces when we arrived – it was incredible.”

By the end of the evening 50 people were now being sheltered at the PEC and support from the local community was flooding in.

The next morning one lady delivered freshly baked muffins and fruit, another cooked a quiche and biscuits, and by lunch time five volunteers from the Lions had arrived to serve one of their classic BBQs.

“We must have cooked over 200 burgers!” said Steve Thompson from the Proserpine Lions.

“It’s what we do, it’s what we’re about.”

That afternoon Ingrid received a call from the Proserpine Impact Church asking what they could do and, with trucks backed-up along the highway, it was decided they would feed the truckies.

A call was put out on the radio and some of the congregation hand delivered burgers to the grateful drivers.

The Church also opened its doors and offered the truckies hot showers.

Everyone in the community came together to support those who were struggling – a four-month old baby and its family were given the last available room in town, those who had run out of necessary medication were shown how to get scripts and people who had no Australian currency left were assisted.

“Everybody just jumped in to help and it was a pretty cool experience,” said Ingrid.

“Our community is very special.”

The Proserpine Lions cooked over 200 burgers in one day

Mayor Julie Hall (centre) with some volunteers

Blankets were donated by St Paul’s Op Shop

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Australia Day Award Recipients Announced

August 24, 2023

Individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to the community this year were honoured at a special ceremony held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) on Thursday.

This is the first time the Australia Day awards were staged as one inclusive and united community celebration following a decision by Councillors last year to consolidate the separate events across the Whitsundays.

Collinsville retained their Collinsville Community Association Australia Day Awards which were announced at a special breakfast attended by Mayor Julie Hall.

The inaugural Whitsunday Australia Day regional event began with a family fun day which included free activities, live music and a free barbecue for all.

The official Citizenship Ceremony and Australia Day Awards were then opened by traditional owners with a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony.

Mayor Hall said it was an honour to be involved in her first Australia Day Awards Ceremony.

“I am extremely proud of the fantastic Whitsunday community we live in,” she said.

“One of the great delights of Australia Day every year is the opportunity to honour the commitment and achievements of outstanding individuals within our community.

“These regional awards are all about acknowledging our community heroes who have made positive contributions to the lives of others, without asking for anything in return.

“It is the community spirit and thoughtfulness of the people in our region that makes the Whitsundays such a special place to live,” Mayor Hall said.

“The award winners today are true champions and their passion for our community should be an inspiration to us all.”

Alongside the Australia Day Awards, 27 new citizens from 10 different countries were welcomed to the Whitsunday region.

“I am so excited to welcome these new residents to our community,” Mayor Hall said.

“Many of the new citizens have already contributed a great deal to our workforce and our community and we warmly welcome the prospect of your future contributions.”

The Whitsunday Australia Day celebrations and award ceremony will now rotate across the region each year while the community organised traditional Citizenship breakfast at Collinsville will still take place.

The full list of the Whitsunday Region Australia Day Award Winners 2022 are as follows:

Whitsunday Regional Council Awards

Community Event of the Year Award - Bowen Neighbourhood Centre & Cooinda Family Fun Day

Volunteer of the Year - Marlene Reiffel

Environmental Achievement Award - Kidz at the Beach Childcare Centre

Arts and Cultural Award - Lisa Stanley

Citizen of the Year Award - Graham Smith

Young Citizen of the Year Award - Mac Rogers

Senior Sportsperson of the Year Award – Anne-Marie Attlee Kehres

Collinsville Community Association Australia Day Awards

Citizen of the Year – Graham Smith

Young Citizen of the Year – Jack Groocock

Community Event of the Year – Springlands Campdraft Association Young Sports Award – Rilee Mackie

Senior Sports Award – Gregory Fuller

Environmental Achievement Award – Carol Cosentino

Volunteer of the Year Award – Christine Pennay

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Flood Recovery Underway

August 24, 2023

The flood waters have receded but much of the impacts of the flooding remain and can be seen in the region’s destroyed gravel roads, frequent potholes, the build-up of debris in culverts and our eroded beaches.

Recovery works have begun and Council crews are already embarking on repairing damage, aiming to finish the majority of works by the end of this month.

The stinger net at Cannonvale Beach has now been cleaned of debris and re-instated, the beach has also been re-graded and evenly distributed.

Council’s 1200-kilometre gravel road network was most affected as a result of erosion caused by flood inundation.

Gloucester Avenue, Saltwater Creek Road and Collinvale Road all received significant damage and assessment of other roads is still underway.

The old, lower-level Ted Cunningham Bridge has been assessed and works have commenced to reinstate the approaches and removal of debris.

Council aim to have the bridge operating for vehicle traffic up to a 10-tonne limit by today.

“The severe weather event “Nimbosus” caused significant interruptions to traffic along the full length of the Bruce Highway and brought local traffic to a standstill for three days,” said a Council spokesperson.

“Council’s staff and outdoor teams, contractors and emergency response personnel have done an excellent job in responding to the event and reopening the region quickly in a safe and efficient manner.

“Whilst full recovery from this event will take some time Council asks the community to have patience whilst we work towards bringing all assets back to normal operations.

“Council reminds road users to drive to the conditions and to be mindful of the impact of the rain event whilst travelling through our region.”

A digger redistributes sand on Cannonvale Beach

The accumulation of debris on Inverdon Bridge

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Meet Chloe McCardel Australia’s Greatest Marathon Swimmer

August 24, 2023

One of Australia’s most loved sporting heroes and advocate for the awareness of domestic violence, Chloe McCardel, is visiting the Whitsundays next week to give a series of talks to help inform and empower the community.

Heading to St Catherine’s Catholic College on Tuesday morning to talk to the students, Chloe will then meet aspiring swimmers at Cannonvale Swim School.

She will then host a Whitsunday Christian College event where all the community are invited to listen to a presentation about Chloe’s personal struggles with domestic violence.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton will also be present, and he will follow with an easy to understand talk about domestic violence legislation which includes information about subjects such as coercive control and social media.

Of course, many attendees will also be eager to hear about Chloe’s swimming career and there will be an opportunity to ask her questions on the evening as well.

Chloe is the holder of the World Record for the longest ocean swim which stands at an impressive 124.4 kilometres.

She has also completed 44 solo swims of the English Channel which is another World Record.

These impressive achievements are testament to her resilience, inner strength and determination – skills which she imparts on her audience throughout her motivational speeches dedicated to helping and inspiring others.

You can see her speak at the Whitsunday Christian College on Tuesday night from 6pm.

WHAT: An evening with swimmer Chloe McCardel

WHEN: Tuesday, January 31 from 6pm

WHERE: Whitsunday Christian College

COST: Free

Marathon swimmer Chloe McCardel and Sergeant Nigel Dalton when they visited Bowen last year. Photo supplied

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Willcox Slams Flood-Vulnerable Roads

August 24, 2023

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has vented his frustration about the lack of funding given to flood-proof our local roads, stating that the government have been too slow to use over $30 million that has been allocated to provide improvements to two known flood spots.

The region is slowly returning to normal following last week’s flooding disaster which saw the Whitsundays become like an “island” where the Bruce Highway was completely cut-off from both the north and the south for four days.

During this time hundreds of people were displaced or stranded and the direct line for supplies were cut leaving supermarket shelves bare for days and farmers unable to transport produce.

Mr Willcox believes the delays and disruption were highly unnecessary and could have been avoided if the allocated government funding had been used to make improvements as promised.

“Our Bruce Highway is an essential route for locals and tourists. Its closure has been a stark reminder of how vital it is,” he said.

“Flooding events in the tropics are common and our major highway should be able to withstand these kind of weather events.

“The flooding of the Bruce Highway has resulted in a hit to our local economy, with businesses shutting, people not being able to get to work, and goods not being delivered to towns.

“Towns like Ayr and Bowen couldn’t get grocery supplies delivered to them when the road was closed.

Frustrated by delays and budget cuts, Mr Willcox says the Whitsundays should get what it deserves in terms of flood protection and an accessible highway.

“In places like Goorganga flood plains, $12 million of funding from the Coalition Government has been lying dormant because the state government have failed to come up with a plan. It’s a disgrace,” he said.

“In my time as Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council I lobbied and secured almost $30 million from the previous Coalition Government to provide flood immunity to Hamilton Plains, the main connection from Airlie Beach to Proserpine.

“Why has this vital work not been completed? I will continue push the State Government on this issue.”

When Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King was asked about flood proofing the highway on Wednesday, she failed to commit any funding to the flood affected highway.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Bridget McKenzie, has been to Dawson to advocate for upgrades to the Bruce Highway, however, Mr Willcox believes that it’s time for Minister King to come North and see why “we’re crying out for funding”.

“I will gladly give the Minister a tour of the Bruce to show the condition it is in,” he said.

Mr Willcox is also dismayed that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese didn’t look at the roads when he visited the region last week.

“I was disappointed that he didn’t see the dismal state of our highway or meet with his state government counterparts to hold them to account on the progress of the upgrades,” said Mr Willcox.

Since 2013, the Federal Coalition Government had a 10-year, $10 billion commitment to upgrade the Bruce Highway, to improve safety and flood immunity and bust congestion to reduce travel times for motorists and freight.

With the regional elements of the Bruce Highway program funded on an 80:20 basis, the Coalition’s $10 billion commitment to the Bruce Highway has contributed to most of the funding to the Queensland Government’s $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

In the October 2022 Budget, Federal Labor made several decisions to cut funding to specific Bruce Highway upgrade projects over the forward estimates. These funds have been ‘reprofiled’ to years beyond the forward estimates.


Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says our highways should not have flooded if allocated funding had been spent on improvements. Photo supplied

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Free Farm Fencing!

August 24, 2023

Local farmers are invited to apply for grants that will enable them to erect fences along the riverbanks in their property thanks to Federal Government funding.

The fencing will help better manage stock and pest animals on properties which will, in turn, help protect creek and streambanks from erosion during severe weather events.

Studies show that extreme weather events can be catastrophic for our local ecosystems and, riverbanks can be an area where damage is extensive.

Areas with healthy riparian fare much better in extreme weather because their riverbanks act as a natural buffer protecting the broader area from extreme volumes of water.

Less resilient were the riparian zones that lacked this buffer and these areas required much greater investment in recovery and remediation after the event.

Thanks to the government funding, made possible by the Preparing Australian Communities Program funding stream, local farmers are now able to receive a grant for off-stream watering points and riparian fencing on their property.

Any farm in the Whitsundays that is south of Heronvale is eligible to apply for the grant.

Reef Catchments project officer Michael Boland said assisting property owners to protect the riparian zones along creeks and stream banks will help to improve farm management and prevent the loss of productive agriculture land.

“Managing grazing and pest animals in riparian areas with fencing and off-stream watering points helps to support the establishment and enhancement of creek and streambank vegetation, which in turn reduces the risk of erosion and increases resilience to extreme weather events,” he said.

Landowners have already taken up grant opportunities and with the project running until March 2025 there is still plenty of opportunities for new applicants to submit expressions of interest.

To download an application pack, visit www.reefcatchments.com.au or call 07 4968 4200 for further information about the program.

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Meet Reef Crusader James Unsworth

August 24, 2023

Monitoring and protecting the reef is no longer a task reserved for scientists, it is now a big part of the job for many people working in the local tourism industry.

Government incentives have assisted with funding to enable operators to engage with environmental projects and a rising trend in tourists seeking eco and educational tours has heightened the demand for meaningful experiences.

Ocean Rafting’s Environmental Manager, James Unsworth encounters this every day with the huge variety of reef protection projects that he is tasked to oversee.

In November during the annual coral spawning event, he was part of a team that conducted the Boats 4 Corals initiative.

Coral spawn was captured and left to culture in large nets before it developed into larvae and was out-planted into the reef.

“Only one in one billion eggs survive to being an adult,” said James.

“And the coral takes three to five years to grow so we have not seen results yet.

“But larvae has settled on the tiles which suggests it is settling on the reef so it is looking positive.”

James is also involved with the Coral Restoration Project through the Coral Nurture Program.

Branching coral that has broken off the reef is collected and “given a second chance” when it is replanted using a coal clip that connects it to the reef bed.

Ocean Rafting has a coral garden at Luncheon Bay where coral is planted and monitored.

“With all the methods we use we try and have as little human impact as possible,” said James.

“We don’t want to play God, the reef is able to recover on its own, we are just giving it a little helping hand.”

Another initiative close to James’ heart is the Rapid Monitoring excursions where he hosts school groups and shows them how to collect data, count sea cucumbers and other marine life while providing educational talks to inspire the next generation.

Moving forward, he is excited about the Reef Protection Initiative which is a government funded project that will allow Ocean Rafting teams to spend 150 days over 18 months conducting reef surveys.

Through Reef Health and Impact Surveys, Ocean Rafting can collect data and report back to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority (GBRMPA) who manage the reef and decide on the location of moorings, zones and reef protection markers.

A total of 80 per cent of the Ocean Rafting staff are trained in reef monitoring and James is proud to be part of the team.


Environmental Manager, Master Reef Guide, Skipper and all-round good guy, James Unsworth, moved to Australia from the UK five years ago. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Safe Places Of Refuge By Councillor Jan Clifford

August 24, 2023

A belated seasons greetings to you all.

The year has started with the return of the wet and we witnessed a large number of stranded motorists and other travellers. Thank you to everyone who went above and beyond to keep our community and visitors safe and dry during this time.

The Whitsunday is renowned for its mateship and swiftness to band together in times of disaster, and this was demonstrated once again last week. We must all take this as a timely reminder to remember “If it’s flooded, forget it” and to also make sure our disaster kits and evacuation plans are ready for storm season.

The floods however did highlight to me that we have limited options for safe places of refuge in the Airlie Beach /Cannonvale area other than the local accommodation houses. The PCYC Whitsundays and our Local Disaster Management team always do a wonderful job at stepping up when disaster strikes. However, it would be wonderful to have a second option within the Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket areas in times of major disaster if the PCYC in Jubilee Pocket was unavailable.

To mitigate this, I want to seek funding to build safe place of refuge in the Airlie Beach/ Cannonvale area. Key Focus Area 5 of Council’s Operational Plan suggests considering a safe place of refuge to be located within a Multi-Storey Car Park Facility addressed in the Airlie Beach Parking Strategy.  This will give dual usage to the facility and make it a worthwhile investment in our region. I will be heavily focused on lobbying for funding for this as one of my top priorities for 2023.

In other news, the long-awaited Stage 1 upgrade to the Shute Harbour Lookout will be completed in the first quarter of the year, weather depending. The works will offer two new picnic settings, a drinking fountain and an expanded concrete footpath to give our residents and visitors another wonderful location to stop for a while and take in the magnificent views of Shute Harbour and surrounds.

I have a long wish list of other projects I would like to champion in 2023; stay tuned for that.

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Did You Know?

August 24, 2023

The Whitsunday Region covers 24,000 km2 and has a road network of over 1790 km – that’s as far as driving from the Whitsundays to Sydney!  

This extensive network is made up of 580km of sealed roads and over 1200km of unsealed roads which we must maintain year-round. Last year $10.5 million of rate payer money alongside other grants and subsidies was spent on road maintenance alone!

As well as keeping our local roads safe, Council is also contracted to maintain approximately 380km of sealed state roads, 160km of unsealed state roads and 140km of sealed National Highway.

The maintenance of these roads is not funded by Council, however we are always actively advocating for better State and National roads in our region.

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Tax Traps In Buying A Second Home

August 24, 2023

One of the most common financial steps people go through involves buying a new family home which is of a better standard then their last one.  This is a natural progression as people settle into careers, have more disposable income and build families.

Often people decide to keep the previous property as an investment and use the rental income to assist with repaying the new debt and building wealth.  There is a trap with this scenario that can lead to a poor taxation outcome.  This makes repaying the debt take significantly longer due to the limited assistance from the tax man.

The issue is whether the interest on a loan is tax deductible or not.  Most people in this situation would be in the 34.5% or 39% tax bracket.  That means that if their loan is tax deductible, they are getting a tax refund equivalent to over a third of their interest.   Obviously the more of their debt that is tax deductible the better.  If they are going to have debt against their own home and also debt against a rental property, they should ensure the debts are clearly separated so that any principal repayments can be coming off the ‘bad’, own home loan as it’s not tax deductible.  

The key to whether a loan’s interest is tax deductible or not is what the money was used to purchase and not which property the bank takes a mortgage over.  Generally, the family home doesn’t produce income and therefore loans where the money was used to purchase or renovate the property you live in are not tax deductible.  Loans for rental properties or shares generally are tax deductible.  Based on this, minimising the new loan against the new family home and consequently increasing the investment loan makes sense.  Sometimes selling the old home, maximising the cash deposit on the new home, and buying a new rental property makes more sense however this needs careful analysis.

There are several strategies that can be used to decrease non-deductible debt and replace it with deductible debt and investments, and a range of flexible lending products to assist.  As always seeking the advice of an experienced financial planning professional is advisable.  

If you’d like an obligation free review of your situation, to maximise your lending structures, call us for an appointment today.

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Don’t just survive - THRIIVE!

August 24, 2023

Shiift's ’Thriive’ Women's Personal Development Group is founded upon Positive Psychology and aims to build resilience and emotional wellbeing, create confidence, evoke positive behaviour change, through neuroplasticity and building emotional intelligence.

A monthly women's group which helps identify, explore, and develop self-strengths, and capabilities and discover untapped potentials. Our team have lived the challenges faced by women and have developed this program for participants to take back into the workplace, homes and share with family, peers and friends.

Enhancing communication, creating self-awareness, harnessing improved outcomes - all within a psychologically safe environment. Designed for women looking for more in personal development, seeking growth, support, and those wishing to build connection and engagement with a group of like-minded women.

"Thriive offers women, local opportunity for ongoing personal development. A wide variety of topics are covered in monthly workshops, and all are meaningful and provide useful knowledge and ideas to use in the workplace and in personal life.

“It is refreshing to be able to access personal development face-to-face with the Shiift team, who bring passion, enthusiasm, vast knowledge and lived experience to every session. It is a highlight of my month and a valuable way to learn and grow,” said Maree Sturdy.

Running in Mackay and the Whitsundays from March to December, Thriive is one of Shiift’s signature programs we are truly proud of.

Reach out to the Shiift team for more information on how you can join Thriive today or visit www.shiift.com.au

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Whitsundays Top Lifestyle Destination

August 24, 2023

The Whitsunday property market is one to watch this year as southern buyers continue to flock to the tropical paradise, cementing its position as one of Australia's key lifestyle markets.

Recent market activity suggests that the Whitsundays is going head-to-head with the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and Sunshine Coast, proving to be a favourable lifestyle destination as southern buyers continue to snap up luxury properties.

Rob Taylor from Taylors Property Specialists reveals that the Christmas and New Year period has shown a continued strong demand from southern states for properties in the Whitsunday region.

"We've seen steady demand for property from southern buyers who have identified the Whitsundays as a key lifestyle market, especially blue chip locations such as Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach," said Mr Taylor.

With growth in the state's southeast coupled with limited stock due to rising construction costs, demand is outstripping supply and attention has turned to markets further north, especially among lifestyle buyers.

Among the major projects currently marketed by Taylors is the $350 million Shute Harbour Marina Resort which has drawn extensive inquiry from buyers who are enticed by the lifestyle and value offered in the Whitsundays.

"Already in the first few weeks of the new year buyers have secured numerous $1 million-plus lifestyle homes," said Mr Taylor.

"The enquiry rate hasn't shown any real signs of slowing down from southern interest.

While we don't expect to see the hectic market activity of early 2022, we can expect a far more realistic, solid market which is best for the long term."

Shute Harbour Marina Resort master plan will feature 58 luxury waterfront residences to be located along the marina, each with their own private marina berth of between 25 and 35 metres.

When completed, the marina village will comprise mixed retail and commercial Pier 61, restaurants, cafes, and swimming pool, as well as managed apartments with resort club facilities for berth owners.

As one of the biggest residential-resort projects in North Queensland in more than a decade, the transformational development is also destined to become the region's premier lifestyle and leisure precinct – the perfect place to live, work, and play.

The $350 million Shute Harbour Marina Resort

The 58 luxury waterfront residences each have their own private marina berth: Photos supplied

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Support The PCYC - Join A Gymnastic Class

August 24, 2023

Due to last weeks’ flooding, the PCYC Bowen had to cancel their Gymnastics Come and Try Day, but the dedicated team are encouraging everyone in the community to come down and experience a free trial at one of the gymnastic classes instead.

Last week the local PCYC was used as an emergency shelter for over 400 people affected by the flooding and due to the lengthy clean-up process the centre was unable to host the Come and Try event which was due to be held last Thursday.

“We opened our doors in a crisis to support the community and now we are asking the community to support us,” said Sergeant Michelle O’Regan from the Bowen PCYC.

“By coming along for a free trial and registering for one of our gymnastics classes, you can in-turn help us keep our doors open.”

Bowen has one of the most advanced gymnastic facilities in a PCYC anywhere in Queensland, boasting a competition grade spring floor, a nine-metre tumble tramp, 12 metres of air track, a variety of bars and much more.

Over $300,000 has been invested in the facility.  

Weekly classes include the Kinder Gym with Ebonee Zahn for children five and under.

This class offers adventure based learning where gym skills are made fun.

“This is a great way for kids to learn gross and fine motor skills while having so much fun that they don’t even know they are learning!” said Ebonee.

The PCYC also offers a Fitter For Life over 50’s Fitness Class with Tracey Hivon who has been teaching seniors fitness classes for over 20 years.

The goal of this class is to increase mobility, fitness and balance.

Beau Brooker teaches a range of gymnastic classes to students from four-years-old right through to adults.

He also teaches parkour which has become very popular.

“Gymnastics is a different fitness option for people,” he said.

“It’s a different way to challenge yourself and increase your core fitness and strength.”

Beau’s classes are held after school most days of the week and families looking to enrol are recommended to call the PCYC on 4786 1383 to find out which will best suit their needs.

The other classes are open to walk-ins.

WHAT: Kinder Gym at PCYC Bowen

WHEN: Mondays 9.15am to 10am or Wednesdays 10am to 10.45am

WHAT: Fitter For Life Over 50’s

WHEN: Tuesdays 8am to 8.45am and Thursdays 8am to 8.45am and 5.30am to 6.15pm

WHAT: General Gymnastics and Parkour

WHEN: Most days after school

Sergeant Michelle O’Regan, Gymnastics Coach Beau Brooker and Kinder Gym Coach Ebonee Zahn. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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