Photo caption: Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey met with Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert to inspect the region’s roads following this month’s flooding event. Photo credit: Office of Julieanne Gilbert

Caption: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said he has driven the length of the Bruce Highway in the Dawson electorate since the flooding event and challenged Minister Mark Bailey to do the same. Photo credit: Office of Andrew Willcox MP

“Flood resilient upgrades along the Bruce Highway delivered by the Palaszczuk Government have stood up to the test of a recent heavy rain event which impacted Central and Northern Queensland,” the State Government said in a recent press release, however both federal and local LNP members have said this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey was in Mackay last week, inspecting some of the damage to the Mackay and Whitsundays region, saying many communities which would have once been cut-off in similar events have stayed connected.

"The Palaszczuk Labor Government has 106 Bruce Highway projects funded and underway right now, including 45 in construction, as part of a massive $13 billion pipeline of joint funding locked in over the next 15 years," Mr Bailey said.

"Flood resilience is one of the three major scopes of the current $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, and the flood resilient projects we have delivered have stood up to the test of months' worth of rain hitting Central and North Queensland in just a few days.

Minister Bailey said he visited the $145 Mackay Northern Access Upgrade on the Bruce, which was opened late last year, saying it “has held up incredibly well despite the big downpour, as has the $500 million Mackay Ring Road on the Bruce, which we opened in 2020.

"We also contributed funding for the drainage upgrades at Archibald and Milton Streets in Mackay, which traditionally cut access to the airport when they flooded, and they too have held up well.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox hit back saying the minister’s comments couldn’t be further from the truth.

“I am very concerned that the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, came to Mackay to inspect how our roads have held up during the floods, and come to the conclusion that they are good,” Mr Willcox said.

“The fact that he only visited newly built roads to form this conclusion is pure madness.

“The State Member for Mackay should know her constituents are tired of battling constant road work delays and are now dealing with immense flooding damage on the Bruce Highway which is unsafe for motorists and costing locals thousands in repairs.

“It is negligent of the State Member for Mackay to be fully aware of the disgraceful and dangerous condition of our main highway and not lobby her Minister for action! Instead, they revisit recently completed roadworks,” Mr Willcox added.

“The Minister has accused me of “going rouge” all because I am calling for the State Government to take our road safety seriously – this is the same Government who has been in power for 27 out of 30 years.

“The first thing I have done since the roads have re-opened is drive from one end of the Dawson electorate to the other, from Mackay through to Townsville. I know exactly what condition the Bruce Highway is in.  

“I invite Minister Bailey to do the same.”

Minister Bailey said that "Right up and down the Bruce, the projects the Palaszczuk Labor Government have delivered are doing their job.

"It's a stark contrast to the LNP who, when David Crisafulli was a minister in the Newman Government, delivered just four projects on the entire Bruce Highway, one of them was an audit report, and two others were fully funded by the Federal Government.

"Just four projects from the LNP compared to 106 projects being delivered right now by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

"Not to mention that David Crisafulli, Amanda Camm and the LNP lied to Queenslanders before the last state election with their Bruce Highway duplication hoax, which was exposed to be only a planning study with no funding for upgrades.”

Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm said Minister Bailey’s comments were “disrespectful” and “out of touch”.

“Given the Minister flew in and out of Mackay to inspect an inner-city project that was 80 per cent funded by the former Federal demonstrated arrogance and out of touch he really is,” Ms Camm said.

“His comments were an insult to every resident across Mackay and the Whitsundays who was isolated from their jobs, their hospital, and critical services.

“Minister Bailey demonstrates every day the lack of consultation and arrogance through the Hamilton Plains Project that has not commenced in seven years, the Shute Harbour Road upgrades that will now be littered with traffic lights against the communities wishes and the Northern Beaches Mackay-Bucasia Road where there is no plan for duplication, upgrades, or alternative access.

“A Minister who lists announcements yet has delivered no outcomes evidenced everyday by the sub-standard roads and boat-ramps our region must put up with."

Mr Bailey said the Queensland Government will continue to deliver more flood resilient projects along the Bruce Highway, and deliver a Second Bruce Highway to provide an alternative during rain events like the one we have just seen.

"At 1,679km long the Bruce Highway is a massive stretch of road, and there's no denying we still have work to do, but it's clear we are delivering and have a credible plan for the future," he said.

"Our future plan for the Bruce includes flood resilience improvements on projects like the 26km long Gympie Bypass project, the 15km long Rockhampton Ring Road, the 9km long Tiaro Bypass, and the almost 30km of flood resilient stretch being delivered as part of the Townsville Ring Road and Townsville Northern Access projects, just to name a few.

"But we know the North Queensland coastline usually cops it worst in summer during the wet and cyclone season, and that's why we're building a second Bruce Highway from Charters Towers to Mungindi which was bagged by the LNP when we announced it in 2020.

"The Inland Freight Route (or 'Second Bruce') will provide a genuine alternative to keep supplies coming into Central and Northern Queensland communities during the wet season or a cyclone.

"There is more than $1 billion in joint funding committed to upgrade the Gregory, Dawson, and Carnarvon Highways to provide a real alternative to the Bruce during the wet season, and also get more trucks off the Bruce all year round.

"The inland link to Mackay will also soon be bolstered by the $186 million Walkerston Bypass where construction is progressing well and is on track to be completed next year."

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PHOTO CAPTION: The 2021 Youth Ambassadors, Sebastian Padget, Emilia Konopka, Savannah Vella, Laina Rudken, Jonte Tupaea, Jack Oliveira, Suzanna Elliott Haynes, Lisa Grobler and Jayde Readman. Photo supplied: MECC

Becoming a MECC Youth Ambassador is a life-changing opportunity. Not only do you enjoy special access to arts events, but you also gain hands-on experiences in performing arts, technical productions, and media and marketing.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the MECC had just opened applications for the 2023 Youth Ambassador Program.

“If you are looking to undertake a career in the arts, media or marketing, this is an exciting opportunity” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our MECC Youth Ambassadors have exclusive access to workshops and events that link directly to their studies,” he said.

The program has seen great successes over the years, with many students continuing their studies in the events industry post school.

“We have had a number of Youth Ambassadors successfully apply for the annual Jack Sturgeon Bursary, a $1000 bursary to help with the expense associated with tertiary studies,” Mayor Williamson said.

“One former Youth Ambassador, Eddie Tiller, recently won Mackay Regional Council’s Jason Vassallo Trainee of the Year Award.”

Eddie Tiller spoke highly of the program.

“My experience as a Youth Ambassador was amazing,” Eddie said. “I met like-minded friends – who I would never have met otherwise,” she said.

“My favourite moment was volunteering at a Queensland Museum exhibition. I was able to create life-like movements with animated puppets, it was a lot of fun.”

After completing the program, Eddie was successful with an application for employment at the MECC and has since completed a Certificate III in Live Production.

Budding performers, singers, dancers, sound designers, lighting technicians, curators, producers, marketers or anyone with an interest in the MECC can apply.

Criteria:

• Must reside in the Mackay Regional Council area

• Enrolled in grade 10-12

• Must have parental permission

• Must be able to attend regular workshops, meetings or training sessions

• Be willing to positively advocate the MECC and its programs and performances

• Have the support of one teacher at your school who will liaise with the MECC Engagement Officer

• This is a voluntary position

All entries must be received by Friday, 3 February 2023. Application forms available from themecc.com.au/schools/youth_ambassador

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See a wave tank in action when environmental consultants Alluvium visit our region next month.

The wave tank simulates the ocean’s movements to demonstrate how different combinations of coastal defences and wave and tide conditions can affect issues such as wave overtopping and flood risk.

Alluvium will be hosting four community workshops in February as part of the Mackay Coast Our Future program, which will include coastal erosion and storm tide inundation displays and maps, and opportunities to discuss possible adaptation options for the region.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the workshops would allow residents to gain a better understanding of what adaptation options would be most suitable for specific locations in our region.

“When you install a barrier like a seawall to help protect the coastline, the water has to go somewhere,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The purpose of the wave tank is to demonstrate that not every adaptation option is suitable for every location,” he said.

“We want to take proactive action to protect our region’s coasts and foreshores from the future effects of climate change and coastal hazards, such as erosion, storm tide inundation and rising sea levels.”

The Mackay Coast Our Future study aims to determine what adaptation options are best suited to the areas that have the most risk of these coastal hazards in our region.

Council conducted two surveys last year to gather feedback on how residents use the coast and what knowledge they had in relation to coastal adaptation options.

“Next month’s workshops will be an opportunity for residents to learn from experts about what coastal hazards exist in their area and what adaptation options make the most sense,” Mayor Williamson said.

Residents are invited to attend one of the following workshops:

> Thursday, February 2, from 11am to 1pm at the Jubilee Community Centre

> Thursday, February 2, from 4pm to 6pm at Seaforth Community Hall

> Friday, February 3, from 4pm to 6pm at Llewellyn Hall, Armstrong Beach

> Saturday, February 4, from 1pm to 3.30pm at Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club

No bookings are required.

For more information on the Mackay Coast Our Future study and to subscribe to project updates visit connectingmackay.com.au/future-coast.

Recent results of the Mackay Coast Our Future surveys revealed:

• The top three reasons that attract people to live and visit our region are:

> Outdoor experiences and recreational opportunities (boating, fishing, camping, 4WD etc)

> Unique landscapes and natural beauty

> Access to the beaches

• 68 per cent of respondents visited the beach or foreshore weekly, with 43 per cent visiting the beach two to three times a week

• 49 per cent of respondents believe there is a lot more planning and preparation required to prepare for coastal hazards

• 49 per cent of respondents have been affected by coastal hazards

• 63 per cent of respondents believe they have a good to expert understanding of potential coastal hazards such as sea levels rising and changing storm tide intensity.

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An online survey has been released to help identify and prioritise key actions that will enable the Mackay region to increase its appeal to the growing recreational vehicle (RV) market.

Mayor Greg Williamson said camping and caravanning are an important part of the outdoor recreation experience for locals.

“The self-drive camping and caravanning market has a significant role to play in the region’s tourism product with outdoor recreation opportunities like camping, fishing, cycling and other related activities experiencing substantial growth annually,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We want to capitalise on this growth and ensure we are taking the right steps to plan for our future in regard to the RV industry.”

According to statistics released by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, as of June 2022, there were nearly 800,000 registered RVs in Australia and over 150,000 on the roads at any one time.

Since the impact of COVID, the self-drive tourism market continues to strengthen and increase. "Van-life” and caravanning has started appealing to a wider demographic.

The Mackay region already offers a mixture of self-drive destinations and an established range of caravan and camping sites.

Mayor Williamson said the region had a strong self-drive market presence, demonstrated by the annual winter “migration” of retired travellers and a growing regional market looking for short-break destinations.

“To ensure this strategy hits the mark, we need to hear ideas and feedback from existing caravan and campground operators, tourism-related businesses, residents as well as tourists,” he said.

The survey closes at midnight on Wednesday, February 8, and can be found on council’s dedicated community engagement website, connectingmackay.com.au.

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My Christmas-New Year holidays were a wonderful mixture of beaches, beer, test cricket, family time, beer, time in a resort, jerky morning exercise and beer. Oh, and phone calls from real estate buyers.

The beaches and resort were on the Gold Coast, the cricket was in Melbourne, the jerky morning exercise was on whatever discreetly hidden grassy spot I could find, the beer was pale ale and the buyer phone calls were an indication of a strong market heading into 2023.

Sometimes the calls interrupted my morning exercise (“Oh, I’d better take that”), sometimes it interrupted the beer (“Bloody hell, can’t a bloke have a holiday”) but they kept coming and it instilled a great anticipation in me for the year ahead.

I only had a couple of listings left from 2022 but I also had a couple of listings that hadn’t gone on the market yet but some buyers knew about them and didn’t want to wait until I came back in the second week of January.

I work six days a week and need a decent break at Christmas just to keep my insanity below publicly perceptible levels … but don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining about the calls.

While I was away I got to see people who live in other markets, I read newspapers that told a national story of real estate negativity and picked up a general vibe about mortgage stress in markets where people are trying to pay off $1 million properties.

The vibe I got from the callers inquiring about my Mackay properties was that they saw opportunity and value.

That positive feeling has continued now that I am back in Mackay and into the working year.

There is good buyer inquiry, plenty of activity at open houses and properties are going under contract.

All the fundamentals remain good. Rental vacancies of under 1 per cent, unemployment at the lowest levels in the country, a good bustling energy about the future, median prices that are far lower than other parts of the country.

It looks like peace has broken out in the recent trade war with China and word has it that their massive economy is ready to get moving again, which is a good sign for our coking coal production.

The Mackay region has managed to enjoy strong economic activity in recent years despite the trade ban from China so the détente in that area bodes well for local businesses … and real estate. Bring on 2023!

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YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Inc. (Youth Information Referral Service) is a non-government organisation operating in our region since 1996 and provides support to disengaged and disadvantaged youth between the ages of 8 – 21 years with the aim to remove barriers that young people and their families often face when accessing services relevant to their needs.  

YIRS works alongside external organisations by offering numerous services in one location and offers an alternative distance education program for young people in years 8, 9 and 10 who have disengaged or are disadvantaged to continue their education in a mainstream education setting. Post year 10, YIRS assists youth to continue with further education, and apprenticeship and employment pathways.

The YIRS team is small, but they deliver so much to the young people who present to the service for assistance. They are a trusted, safe space and they see and hear about heartbreaking situations every day and keep doing what they do because they are so committed and passionate. YIRS are always seeking opportunities to assist with the possible expansion of program delivery to continue to decrease margins and to benefit the youth of Mackay and the region.

The organisation is committed to helping young people with the most basic of needs that we often take for granted. Things like access to good quality food which they help to prepare, as YIRS is seeing increasing numbers of young people who present because there is no food at home. YIRS also helps with budgeting, medical needs, identification needs, transport – basic everyday needs.

YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Inc. is currently seeking sponsorship to continue to educate young people who are disengaged from mainstream schooling. These are young people who are slipping through the cracks through no fault of their own because unfortunately, we know that not all young people have a roof over their heads, 3 meals a day and a safe and happy home environment.

If you can assist, or hear more about YIRS, please let me know. If you wished to contact them directly call 4957 7949 or email admin@yirs.org.au.

Cr Fran Mann

Mackay Regional Council

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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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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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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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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:

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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
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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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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.”

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A digger redistributes sand on Cannonvale Beach

The accumulation of debris on Inverdon Bridge

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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

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

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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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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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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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