New Year’s Day, 2023.

While most of us were sleeping peacefully, perhaps nursing a sore head or wiping crusty eyes from seeing the new year in, our region’s rescue helicopter crews were primed and ready for activation.

They weren’t waiting for long.

On the morning of New Year’s Day, RACQ CQ Rescue were tasked to Moranbah to airlift a woman with a cranial bleed. This was followed in the afternoon by an even longer flight to Clermont, to transfer a hospital patient to Mackay.

To find out more about our region’s community funded rescue service, visit cqrescue.org.au.

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RACQ CQ Rescue started 2023 by airlifting a patient with a cranial bleed from Moranbah. Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue

Mackay families worried about expensive back-to-school costs for the new year can breathe a sigh of relief with the news that School Savvy is coming to town.

Selling secondhand school uniforms and quality booklist stationery supplies at extremely low-cost, School Savvy will be opening their pop-up shop at the Mackay PCYC from January 9 – 12.

CatholicCare’s General Manager for Health and Wellbeing, Flavia Prospero, said that she and her local School Savvy team were excited to be bringing the much-needed event to the region.

“School Savvy is a great program that is already run very successfully in many places across Queensland,” Ms. Prospero said.

“Pop-up shop prices generally range between one to five dollars, with the program all about making sure that no student is left without the resources they need to be engaged at school and to feel no different to any of their classmates.

“We believe very strongly that a family’s financial situation should never be a barrier to accessing a good education.”

Local businesswoman and Champ Group Managing Director, Matilda Chapman, said that Champ had previously supported School Savvy’s introduction to other areas of Queensland.

“You see a lot of families struggling, particularly with the rental crisis that we are in at the moment, housing affordability, and increases in electricity prices,” Ms. Chapman said.

“The School Savvy program is practical, real relief that will benefit a lot of Mackay families by making sure that they can access the school resources their kids need, without the added financial pressure.”

Mackay PCYC Manager, Sgt. Dorinda Freeman, said that she was also happy to extend the PCYC’s support after hearing the program was coming to town.

“I love the concept behind School Savvy,” Sgt. Freeman said.

“There are so many kids and families in Mackay who need this extra support, and to be able to help provide it to them in such a welcoming and inclusive way is something that really aligns with what we do at the PCYC.

“We look forward to hosting the School Savvy pop-up shop in January.”

For more information, find School Savvy CQ on Facebook.

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Flavia Prospero (left) with Sgt. Dorinda Freeman (right)

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Strong tourism recovery results for domestic tourism have been released in the latest National Visitor Survey by Tourism Research Australia last month.

The Mackay Isaac Region placed eighth nation-wide in the Top 10 tourism regions in overnight trips in the year ending September 2022, compared to the year ending September 2019, with an impressive 13 per cent increase and a total of 1.2 million trips.

The Mackay Isaac Region was unique in seeing an overall increase across both holiday and business travel visitors, with an increase of 31.9 per cent and 13.6 per cent respectively compared to 2019.

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, all spend by travel purpose categories exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO, Al Grundy said that these results can be attributed to the efforts of the tourism industry working together to promote our region.

“The generous support of our major sponsors, including Mackay and Isaac Regional Councils, Tourism Events Queensland, Mackay Airport and Harrup Park, along with the hard work and contribution of our local businesses and operators, have been instrumental in returning these record-breaking results for the region,” Mr Grundy said.

“We are seeing the results of a successful events calendar drawing visitors to the region, along with the strength of the domestic drive market, which has seen caravan and RV growth supporting the overall leisure visitation.

“We look forward to maintaining strong visitation into 2023. Our major Destination Marketing Campaign, commencing in February 2023 will highlight the region’s strong event calendar and promote the message to ‘stay a little longer’ and experience the wonderful local experiences on offer.”

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The Mackay Classic Car Club finished off 2022 with a $500 donation to Dragons Abreast Mackay made on Sunday, December 11.

The money was primarily raised through driver reviver at Waverley Creek, a fundraising activity the Car Club takes part in every year.

“Up until this year, we go down on the last week of the school holidays in July,” said Mackay Classic Car Club President Les Palmer.

Dragons Abreast is a national charity with groups spread across the country and a membership of over 1200 individuals, the majority of whom are breast cancer survivors.

The group provides an understanding network for survivors who participate in the sport of dragon boat paddling.

The Car Club was approached by Dragon Abreast Mackay, saying their tractor needed attention.

“We had a call from them to say that their tractor that they pull their dragon boat out of the water with, they were having difficulties with it, mechanical problems,” said Mr Palmer.

“One of our members just happened to know somebody in the club, so we said, ‘Righto, we’ll donate $500 towards you getting your tractor fixed.’”

The Mackay Classic Car Club made the donation at Mackay Harbour in December last year and will continue to make similar donations throughout the community where they can.

“Without people like our car club, a lot of those little organisations wouldn’t survive,” said Mr Palmer.

“They’re not government funded, they’ve got to raise the money the best way they can and we’re willing to help out.”

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The Mackay Classic Car Club have donated funds to assist in the repair of Dragons Abreast Mackay’s tractor

The generosity of the Mackay community in the leadup to Christmas was commendable. Thousands of hampers, toys and other goodies were donated and distributed to organisations who help those in need, however that need doesn’t diminish along with the Christmas tree for another year.

Mayor Greg Williamson recently presented Lorraine Wirth, Manager of Community Accommodation and Support Agency (CASA) Mackay, a donation of $1200.

This donation was money saved from printing and sending hard copy Christmas cards, as the council opted to send eCards again this year.

It is a good opportunity to remember that organisations such as CASA rely on donations throughout the year, to support those in our community who need food and shelter.

The community is invited to support CASA by sending donations of non-perishable items to their office, or by donating via their website www.casamackay.org.au

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Lorraine Wirth, Manager of Community Accommodation and Support Agency (CASA) Mackay and Mayor Greg Williamson

A new, lower cost of PBS medicines came into effect on New Year’s Day, meaning the most patients will pay for a PBS listed medication is $30, down from $42.50.

This follows Parliament passing legislation late last year to lower the maximum co-payment cost of PBS medicines.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey, says this will be a big help to some 19 million patients, especially those who have been struggling to afford their medicines.

“In 2019-20 we learnt that 900,000 Australian patients did not get a script filled because they could not afford it,” Professor Twomey said.

“As health professionals, this disturbed us immensely and led to our “Affordable Medicines Now” campaign which pressured both parties to commit to lowering the cost of PBS medicines in the lead up to the last election.

“It’s a credit to our politicians that they listened to those concerns and gave a bi-partisan commitment to lower the maximum co-payment for PBS listed medicines after the election.

January 1 marked a significant date as was the first time in the history of the PBS that the general co-payment for medicines has come down and not gone up.

However, Professor Twomey says the campaign to make medicines universally affordable is far from over.

“We are now pushing to lower the maximum co-payment of PBS medicines even further, to $19.

“Reducing the maximum co-payment to $19 will mean an additional 30 per cent of PBS medicines are covered,” Professor Twomey said.

A national survey commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild in 2022 revealed the affordability of healthcare was the biggest hip pocket concern among polled voters.

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It’s a shocking statistic that a female giving birth in a Timor-Leste hospital is 14 times more likely to die, or have her baby die, than if she gave birth in Australia.

Timor-Leste has one of the highest rates of maternal mortalities, perinatal (stillbirth and newborn death), and infant mortality rates in the world. As a result of the recent conflict with Indonesia, the older generation of mentors is deceased and there is also a lack of infrastructure and training.

To help combat the sad statistics, the Mackay area Rotary clubs are sponsoring a vocational training team of 14 nurses and midwives from Timor-Leste to train at the Central Queensland University Nursing Campus in Mackay.

District Directory (D9560) Bente McDonald said many clubs in the region have been involved in developing a grant application and assisting with the project.

“We have also developed a strong relationship with our partner Central Queensland University which will deliver the training,” Ms McDonald said.

The vocational training team will attend a five-week course at Central Queensland University in Mackay, from January 7 to February 12, 2023. There will be an induction ceremony on Sunday January 8 at 9:00am, at CQU’s Canefield College, where interested people are welcome to attend.

“The nursing/midwifery training that will be offered in Australia is not available to the vocational training team members in Timor-Leste,” Ms McDonald added.

The area of focus will be maternal and child health. The participants all have nursing degrees and have worked for at least two years as nursing midwives, most much longer.

The group will be accommodated at Mackay Central Queensland University Student Accommodation.

“The Rotary clubs of Mackay Region are managing the program for the nurses,” Ms McDonald said.

“During the visit, they will be acting as tourist guides to the Timor-Leste visitors, escorting them around to explore many of the region’s wonderful attractions.

“On Australia Day our Timor-Leste guests, along with any interested people, will be invited to join our local Mackay clubs’ Australia Day celebrations.

“At the end of the Timor-Leste group’s five-week study visit to Mackay there will be a Rotary Foundation Celebration Dinner at which the vocational training team members will receive course completion certificates from the Dean of Nursing at Central Queensland University.

“This is a Rotary Foundation Project conveying that with good leadership, and determination, we can make a difference and do good in the world!”

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Midwives and nurses from Timor-Leste will complete vocational training in Mackay in an effort to reduce maternal mortalities. Photos supplied

Isaac Regional Council had to make thedifficult decision to cancel the 2022 Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon, whichwas postponed in January.

Despite Council’s best efforts to deliver thetriathlon later in 2022, staffing and volunteer shortages have meant Council wasunable to deliver last year’s event, once the swimming season had recommencedfrom September. 

The Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon will beback on 26 January 2023 with Council committing to a refreshed event in the newyear.

Individuals and teams who registered for 2022will receive an invitation to register for the 2023 triathlon.

Council would like to thank the community fortheir support and understanding.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteerfor the 2023 event, please call Council’s Community Engagement, Programs andEvents team through our Customer Service Centre on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).

EVENT DETAILS

Thursday 26 January 2023
6.30am - 8.30am
Greg Cruickshank AquaticCentre

Jump start your health and fitness for2023 by joining us at Moranbah's annual triathlon.

Entry is free, with the first 100 registrationsgetting a free singlet!

There will be a free BBQ Breakfast andPresentation of winners when all competitors finish.

SCHEDULE

6.00am - Registration opens
6.20am - Race Briefing
6.30am - Adult start
6.45am - Mini kids

LONG COURSE (ages16+)

·        TRIATHLON - 600m Swim | 20km Cycle| 5km Run

·        AQUABIKE - 600m Swim | 20km Cycle

·        AQUATHON - 600m Swim | 5km Run

·        DUATHLON - 2.5km Run | 22km Cycle| 5km Run

TEAMS (ages 12+)

·        TRIATHLON - 600m Swim | 22km Cycle| 5km Run

ENTICER (ages12+)

·        TRIATHLON - 300m Swim | 12km Cycle| 2.5km Run

MINI KIDS (ages 7 -12yrs)

·        TRIATHLON - 50m Swim | 2km Cycle |500m Run

·        AQUATHON - 50m Swim | 500m Run

FREE:

·        REGISTRATION

·        RACE SINGLET - First 100 Receive aFREE Singlet*

·        BBQ Breakfast

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National Australia Bank (NAB) closed its Dysart doors last month due to dropping customer numbers.

The bank said more and more customers are choosing to do their banking online, over the phone or by video conference.

Approximately 58% of NAB’s customers in Dysart had only visited the branch once in the last year and more than 74% of customers are also using other locations.

“As (customers) continue to bank differently, it’s important we continue to adapt with them,” read a statement from NAB.

“Closing a branch is always a difficult decision and we understand the change can be a big adjustment for some customers.”

The nearest alternative branch for NAB customers is in Moranbah, while customers are still able to withdraw cash, deposit cash and cheques and check account balances at Dysart Post Office.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry is calling on the NAB to stop closing regional branches.

“The closure of the NAB branch in Dysart is a massive blow to the local community and will have an impact on the local economy, with those local jobs being lost,” Ms Landry said.

“In regional towns such as Dysart, many of the elderly members of the community have only ever had the experience of face-to-face banking with bank staff that they trust and are friendly and familiar to them.

Kerry of IGA Dysart said while the closure won’t affect her business, many locals are disappointed.

“I know there’s a lot of unhappy people,” she said.

“It’s yet another business closing down, another service we’ve lost.

“They had a lot of trouble for the last few years manning the NAB bank.

“I know from running this place, finding people is ridiculous.”

A fellow Dysart resident agreed that while most banking services are offered by the post office, the closure is disappointing.

“There’s only two ATMs in town so it’s hard for people to get cash-out,” they said.

“We can understand, because there’s no staff and it’s hard, too, because it’s a small town.

“It’s still hard for many people because everyone relies on the one bank in town, everyone has a NAB account, so that’s a bit hard.”

Another five towns are set to lose their last bank over the next two weeks with the big four banks giving notice to 35 more regional towns that they will be closing branches in the first half of 2023.

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Josh Sondergeld has embraced Moranbah, and word has it that Moranbah has in turn embraced Josh.

The registered nurse arrived in the town he’d never even heard of before, three years ago.

“My partner Ashleigh, who is a teacher, finished uni the same year I did and she got a contract here in Moranbah,” Josh said.

“I had absolutely no idea about Moranbah at all.”

Though Josh has been a carer from a very young age, nursing wasn’t his first career choice.

“I did concerts; sound and lighting, for 15 years,” Josh said.

“My grandmother was a nurse. She passed away, but beforehand I was up at the Wesley hospital spending time with her, and I just thought ‘I’m going to do it (nursing)’.

“I also have an aunt who’s a nurse at Baralaba (in Central Queensland).”

The sad circumstances that led to Josh adopting a carer role from an early age relate to his little sister being involved in a motor vehicle accident when she was just two years old.

“I’ve always had an interest in nursing because my sister was reversed over by a car, which left her with an acquired brain injury," Josh said.

“I’ve helped to look after her pretty much my whole life, along with mum and dad, because I was the eldest in the family.

“I’ve always been around the medical field, and I loved looking after people.”

After finishing a two-week placement in Moranbah Hospital, Josh was given a part-time contract immediately.

Moranbah Hospital Director of Nursing Mel Hornery said they saw potential.

“Josh was mature, and a quick learner,” she said.

Over the past three years, Josh has embraced both the town and the hospital, and thrown himself wholeheartedly into community life.

He took a lead role in preparing for the hospital’s most recent accreditation and has also been promoted into the acting nurse unit manager role.

He is just as active outside of work volunteering in the community, and he was snapped up due to his sound and lighting skills to help with the recent @MoranbahCarolsByCandlelight event.

He also has a passion to see the rural facility through the build of its new hospital.

“I love Moranbah – I like the community, and I’m heavily involved,” Josh said.

“I think that also helps a bit with the job, because you develop a rapport with people.

“A familiar face puts people at ease.

“I have a huge passion to see this hospital through the next stage, to see the new hospital built and operating.”

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Josh Sondergeld became a carer from a young age after his younger sister was involved in a motor vehicle accident

The Isaac Resources Excellence Hub has been named a top priority commitment following last month’s coal royalties announcement.

Isaac region, Queensland’s largest mining region, will be sharing in a $120 million investment for critical community infrastructure.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick announced funding in December, 2022 with priority commitments to the Isaac Resources Excellence Hub and the upgrade of Phillips Creek Bridge near Dysart.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the funding is a win for resource regions following years of advocating on behalf of Isaac communities.

“Coal mining is in Isaac’s DNA. This is about ensuring our communities are set up to embrace a future in a changing world,” Mayor Baker said.

“This announcement follows critical new Moranbah Hospital investment to service the Bowen and Galilee basins, the beating heart of Queensland’s resources.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see the return of royalties especially when Isaac coal mines continue to support the growth and prosperity of Queensland and the nation.

“On behalf of the community, we look forward to working in partnership with the Queensland Government to ensure consistent royalties reinvestment.”

Council has advocated for the Phillips Creek Bridge replacement project to both the Queensland and Australian governments for a number of years.

The bridge on Saraji Road is a key link between Dysart and Moranbah that provides access to several coal mines and for community safety.

The Isaac Resources Excellence Hub’s vision is to help unlock innovation and access to technology to support research into mine rehabilitation and decarbonisation while also delivering education and reskilling opportunities at the coalface.

The Queensland Government’s royalties reinvestment announcement follows budget commitments from the Australian Government in October this year.

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Isaac mayor Anne Baker (left) said royalties funding of $120 million is a win for investment in critical community infrastructure

At Get Real Workwear & Safety, safety flows through everything we do – including the products we stock.

With summer in full swing, it’s vital that hydration is kept top of mind and an overall safety culture is maintained for workers to have improved performance, recovery, and wellbeing in our harsh Australian conditions.

We’re a proud supplier of the THORTZ range of electrolyte fuelled products, including the popular solo shots sachet that easily add electrolytes, vitamins, and branched chain aminos into a 600ml bottle of water.

While sugar, salt and water are vital to fluid absorption, many leading sports drinks contain too much sugar and inadequate electrolytes for rapid sustained hydration. The THORTZ range is 99% sugar free and focused on maintaining a premium overall health outcome.

Electrolyte formulas have a long history of supporting athletes in restoring fluid loss from strenuous exercise. However, with worksites across Australia reaching a minimum 40 degrees, they are the perfect solution to maintaining and supporting workplace health and safety in climatic conditions, hot work processes, radiating heat from surrounding environments, and heavy protective gear.

Adequate workplace hydration is key to avoiding heat stress and the negative impacts of even mild dehydration, which include:

1. Fatigue

2. Low energy

3. Slow cognitive responses

4. Headaches and nausea

5. Reduced productivity and morale

The THORTZ range is the fastest, easiest, and most portable option for workplaces to ensure safe outcomes, every day. With their range including icy poles, cooling scalfs, and 2.5L water bottles, their commitment to safety outcomes is evident through their complete range of scientifically formulated hydration products.

Get Real Workwear & Safety is an Australian owned and operated business located at 203-215 Maggiolo Drive, Paget and is Australia’s leading supplier of workwear and workplace safety equipment – both instore and online.

For more details about the THORTZ range and to view the full range of Get Real Workwear & Safety products, visit the website www.getrealworkwear.com.au or drop in to see our friendly team.

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Let’s take a look at the IMPORTANCE of CODE CLEARING, CALIBRATIONS and YOUR INSURER!

As technology in our cars continues to expand - it is helpful to have an understanding of why and how these procedures play a part in the pre-, mid- and post-repair.

Every manufacturer has their own position statement in relation to the way these procedures are to be carried out. Some of these are explicit in instruction regarding their expectation and use words “MUST” or “ESSENTIAL”

Some are a little vague and choose to use words like “recommend” or “suggested”.

Some insurance companies operate utilising “Average Cost of Repair” this can in some cases be at loggerheads with the Manufacturers Position Statements for action on Coding.

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EXAMPLE

(This is an actual extract from an email received by an insurer, as a directive on a recent repair)

“Management has advised me that if there is no fault showing on the dash we would not consider a scan required. They are happy to take responsibility for any problems that may arise in the future as we offer a lifetime warranty on all repairs”

Using the same vehicle as an example, the manufacturer states their position that all vehicles being assessed for collision damage repairs must be tested for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) during the repair estimation in order to identify the required repairs. Additionally, the vehicle must be re-tested after all repairs are complete in order to verify that the faults have been repaired and new faults have not been introduced during the course of repairs.

A pre-repair scan procedure can identify more extensive repairs than originally expected.

A post repair scan procedure, it can reset your vehicle, and confirm that all safety systems are once again fully operational.  Including sensor modules and battery systems.

While some fault codes present as a light on the dash, not all do.

Some can be considered hard faults and may remain present until cleared.

They have the potential to create an unnecessary diagnostic distraction from a real concern in the future.

Next month we look at calibrations.

Andrea McCarthy

McCarthy Panel Works

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Glencore’s decision to withdraw from plans to develop a $2 billion coal project south-west of Emerald is a sign of things to come, says Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane, in the wake of the State Government’s decision to impose “excessive” new royalty taxes on coal producers.

Glencore’s Valeria project south-west of Emerald would have created 1400 construction jobs and 1250 operational jobs.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said Glencore had made it clear the Queensland Government’s royalty hike was a factor in its decision to cancel the project.

“Companies take into account a broad range of factors when considering multi-decade, large-scale investments in projects like this, and regulatory stability is one of those factors,” he said.

“Glencore has commented that ‘abrupt decisions like the Queensland super royalty hike have damaged investor confidence, increased uncertainty and raised a red flag with key trading partners’, which is consistent with the QRC’s position from day one – this royalty hike will affect long-term investment in this state.”

Mr Macfarlane said previous Queensland governments have offered stable and consistent investment environments for resources projects, but that was no longer the case in Queensland.

“The Queensland Government does not appear to appreciate the impact of its decision to lift coal royalty taxes to the highest rates in the world,” he said.

“Short-term political decisions like this make it harder for companies to invest here and send a signal to shift their focus to other destinations that offer better returns to investors.”

Mr Macfarlane said the QRC has repeatedly warned the government of the long-term impact of its decision to over-tax coal producers on investment in resources projects across the board, not just coal.

“Unfortunately, our concerns have fallen on deaf ears,” he said.

“We now have a situation where major mining companies such as BHP, Peabody and Glencore are rethinking their investment plans for Queensland, which means every Queenslander loses out in terms of new jobs and business opportunities and the flow-on benefits from that.

“Sudden changes in the rules for investment discourage investors from future job-creating projects, which should be a major concern for any government."

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox echoed the concern, saying the recent decision from Glencore to can their $2 billion investment into a mine in Queensland shows the cracks beginning to appear in Queensland’s coal sector.

“One of the biggest tragedies in the withdrawal of the Glencore Project, are the job opportunities that will be lost.  Regions like ours are built on these jobs. They bring so much local investment and boost our local economy,” Mr Willcox said.

“Mining companies are used to the boom & bust cycle.  So in good times like these, they use profits for further exploration, upgrade their mining equipment and rehabilitate previous mines sites which creates job opportunities within our region.

“Instead, the coal royalties hike squashes further development, which will affect our region when coal prices reduce”.

Mr Willcox criticised the State Government for making decisions that impede regional communities.  

“The profits being generated in Central Queensland should be reinvested in Central Queensland and not spent in the southeast corner”.

“This is happening again and again, and the people of Dawson are sick of it, especially when their roads are crumbling, the health infrastructure is failing and critical services aren’t being maintained,” Mr Willcox said.

“When we have city centric, and suburban obsessed governments, the whole nation suffers. Regions like Dawson do so much to generate the nation’s wealth, but we are being flat out neglected by a government who is happy to shout their own praise and boast of their budget, having little regard for those who bring about the profits.

“Labor needs to govern for the entire state of Queensland, not just for the cities of the SE corner.  They need to start looking after our rural and regional powerhouses.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox is concerned that high coal royalties will result in the withdraw of future coal projects in Queensland

There is a meaningful career in agriculture.

A lot of people will glaze over a bit when you tell them you are a farmer: it just hasn’t been seen as an attractive career. But it’s a great job that takes you in the open air, where you are a jack of all trades as you care for your land, your crops, your machinery, and your business. It’s a job where you work with your family and your community.

And agriculture is more diverse than simply farming and grazing: there are opportunities right across the supply chain in the retail and wholesale businesses that service farming, in research and laboratory services, in extension services, and in the processing and transport sectors.

From my point of view there is real change in ag.

It is an industry that is accelerating in the use of technology in all areas to lift productivity, to solve labour issues, and to achieve better environmental outcomes. And with that technology comes new jobs: drone and robotic pilots, programming, data analysis, servicing.

Precision ag is one area that is making a dramatic difference in farming, from tractor-linked GPS being used to log delivery rates and areas, to the emergence of weed-identifying AI creating real-time identification and precision spray targeting of weeds in crop, dramatically reducing chemical application in field at the same time as avoiding application to the food crop.

In the Mackay region, the development of a biofutures sector will create new jobs right across the supply chain – in science, farming, processing, and export- in the cutting-edge area of developing plant-based proteins that will work to help meet the food needs of a growing world population. This involves state-of-the-art technology and will mean that our young people, whether they are keen for a job in a lab or a job in the field, can look to working here in their home region.

Australian farmers and people working in farming service are noted worldwide as being great innovators. For example, the first mechanical harvesters were developed and put into the paddock in Australia. That spirit continues into the future as we take on the challenges of helping the world decarbonise through renewable foods, fuels and fibres.

But there is a necessary link that needs development in Central Queensland, and that is in the space of agriculture education, in secondary and tertiary schooling. In reality, for someone wanting to study hands on agriculture, such as a Diploma of Agriculture, they will need to travel to southern Queensland. A Bachelor of Agriculture is available through CQUniversity, but still means travelling to other CQ centres. We need better learning opportunities here in Mackay. We need secondary schools to support agriculture as a career pathway.

Thankfully, we do have some Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) such as Axiom College who do support certification in horticulture and ecosystem management, as well as chemical accreditation, and there are opportunities in some of our high schools to engage with agriculture, although primarily cattle focused.

It’s a conversation that we need to have as a region. If we want a flourishing agricultural sector, if we want to be part of the solution in developing renewables and decarbonisation, then that needs to be supported locally with education and training pathways into careers in agriculture and its satellite services and businesses.

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From research and agronomy to paddock to processing, there is a career for all tastes in ag. Pictures: Contributed