The 2021 Waterway Report Card for the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region was released last week reporting on the health of the region’s waterways from data collected between July 2020 and June 2021.

Chair of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership (HR2RP) Julie Boyd says this year’s report card shows the extent and breadth of the different monitoring programs that inform the results.

“The release of our eighth report card shows great commitment from our partners who continue to support the reporting of waterway conditions in our region,” Ms Boyd said.

“In the 2021 Report Card, we have included the third instalment of cultural heritage assessments, which helps monitor the state of culturally important places and highlight areas requiring maintenance and preservation.

“We’ve also included our urban water stewardship grades which provides an assessment of how local councils manage urban water compared to industry standards and best practice.”

Ms Boyd says a key highlight in this year’s results was the inclusion of seagrass grades for the southern inshore marine zone, which was possible thanks to a partner-led monitoring program.

“The strength of this report card and the partnership is really about the different partners coming together and identifying priorities in both monitoring programs and management actions,” she said.

“The Southern Inshore Monitoring Program is a key example of this, where a priority data gap was identified by the partnership and this monitoring program is now funded by Dalrymple Bay Terminal and Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure.”

HR2RP Executive Officer Dr Bonny Stutsel says that her team was excited to present this year’s report card results to the community and start a conversation about waterway health.

“It’s like when you go to the doctors each year, we keep in check on the conditions of the waterways,” she said.

“We look at our priorities and that comes from two areas: what’s going to make the results more robust or what is the community interest.

“It’s to start a conversation with the community about waterway health instead of just being a big technical report.

“As our sampling and data collection programs become more established, we can start to look at trends over the last five to seven years, and better inform management actions in the region.

“As a whole, the grades across freshwater, estuary, and marine zones remain fairly consistent to previous years, but what sets this report card apart this year is the new data that we’ve included and the opportunities for growth in future programs.

“This year we are reporting on fish in the Don River Basin for the first time, and we’ve also improved some of our sampling and data collection methods for the marine inshore zones.

“We still have data gaps that we would love to fill, such as an estuary monitoring program and improving our flow indicator.

“I think for us as a community, it’s really pesticides that we’re working towards and there’s lots of projects going on with sediment, so bank restoration projects.

“Potential partners have a great opportunity to fill these gaps and help make the report card as robust as it can be.”

The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership is supported by the Queensland, Australian and local governments, industry, community and other partners, including the host of the partnership, Reef Catchments.

Download a copy of the 2021 Report Card and supporting technical documents at www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au.

*BREAKOUT BOX*

Key Findings

Overall Highs

• Water Quality: Water quality has remained relatively consistent in freshwater basins and estuaries throughout reporting years, with 11 out of 13 grades remaining unchanged from the 2019-2020 reporting period.

• Seagrass: Seagrass reporting in the Southern Inshore Marine Zone is included for the first time this year, after five years of baseline data collection. In the Northern Inshore Marine Zone, seagrass scores have improved every year since Cyclone Debbie.

• Coral: Coral scores improved in the Central Zone due to increased juvenile recruitment and reduced macroalgae coverage. In the Whitsunday Zone, the decline of coral health following Cyclone Debbie reversed for the first time. This indicates the potential for ongoing recovery providing conditions remain favourable.

• Fish: Scores for freshwater fish were included in the Don Basin for the first time, receiving the highest grade of all basins. The freshwater fish index is a way to measure the number of indigenous fish (native to the region) and non-indigenous fish (non-Australian and translocated Australian species) in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac basins.

Overall Lows

• Water Quality: Pesticides remain the poorest scoring water quality indicator in both freshwater and estuarine systems. Imidacloprid and diuron were the key contributors which are used to suppress pest insects and weeds.

• Water Quality: Water clarity in the Whitsunday Inshore Zone remains an ongoing issue.

• Coral: Coral scores declined in the Southern Inshore Marine Zone driven by residual impacts of the February 2020 marine heat wave.

Rebekah Smith and Dr Bonny Stutsel of Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Thieves have entered a construction site on Mackay Bucasia Road in Mount Pleasant between 6:00 pm on August 8 and 5:30 am on August 9 after climbing a perimeter fence.

Four containers on the site have been broken into and a variety of items have been stolen.

Two vehicles on site have been entered by force and tools have been taken.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

YOU CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC - FOUND PROPERTY, MACKAY CITY

At about 5:10 am on June 26, a worker on Victoria Street was walking past gardens when they found an abandoned guitar.

It is described as being a Sanchez SC-36-SR model guitar, brown and cream in colour.

All inquiries made by police to date have not assisted with identifying an owner.

If you have any information about this matter please contact the Mackay police station on 0749 683 444.

Once ownership is confirmed officers will gladly return this item of property.

WILFUL DAMAGE TO A VEHICLE, MORANBAH

Between 4:00 pm on August 7 and 12:00 pm on August 8 someone approached a car that was parked on McCool Street in Moranbah.

An implement has been used to cause deep scratches to both drivers side doors.

In addition, abusive, obscene language has also been scratched into the doors

Anyone who may have information about this matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

HOME BREAK IN, DYSART

Between 8:45 am and 1:15 pm Thursday August 4, someone has forced entry into a briefly unattended home on Nolan Street in Dysart.

Entry was gained into the home by forcing the back door.

Once inside the home all of the food/groceries have been removed from the refrigerator and stolen. Nothing else was taken or disturbed.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police.

VEHICLE FIRE, COPPABELLA

At about 4:46 pm on August 3 police from Moranbah along with Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) responded to a car on fire on Thallon Street in Coppabella (Moranbah)

On arrival at the scene, it was evident that the car was completely burnt. It had been parked a short distance from the actual roadway.

The fire was extinguished although a small shrub area nearby was also burnt by flames.

Efforts will be made to further examine the car to identify its make and model.

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service has received an updated timeline on the independent investigation into obstetrics and gynaecology services.

Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones said the investigation team had advised they were about to start the last part of their work which would take four to six weeks.

This work is for the investigators to provide interested parties an opportunity to respond to any potential findings they may make in the final report.

Ms Davies Jones said this important part of the investigation was necessary to ensure fairness to all involved.

“I have been clear from the beginning that the independent investigators must be allowed the time they need to do their work and that the process must be fair, and this is why I have agreed to this further extension of time requested,” Ms Davies Jones said.

“I want to reiterate the importance of the independence of this investigation and the commitment by myself and the health service to not pre-empt the investigation in any way.”

Ms Davies Jones said the health service expected to receive the final report in August, an extension from the previously advised report delivery of 30 June.

“We will provide a further update on timing closer to the conclusion of the investigation’s work,” she said.

Ms Davies Jones said after receiving the report the health service would develop an action plan in response to any recommendations.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones

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A popular gardening competition is back to put a spring in the step of green thumbs in the Isaac region this month.

The Dig It Isaac competition is back for its third year with $3,450 worth of prizes up for grabs thanks to a partnership between Isaac Regional Council and local businesses.

Mayor Anne Baker said Dig It Isaac is all about the health and wellbeing benefits of gardening.

“This competition is for those who absolutely love to grow, whether it is in pots or in the backyard, we have a category for all budgets and abilities,” Mayor Baker said.

“I can’t wait to see what amazing creations our keen gardeners create, and we could not have done this without our local businesses who have supported this incredible community initiative.”

Entrants have from 1 August to 18 September to spend $20 at a local Isaac business, use what you bought for your garden and complete their entry.

Winners will share in $2,250 worth of Shop Isaac gift cards with the major prize winner walking away with $500 to spend at Isaac businesses.

A total of 40 entrants will also be randomly selected to receive a water-wise wobble-tee sprinkler as a thank you for entering.

Entries will be accepted for Best Overall Garden, Best Edible Garden, Best Water Wise Garden, Best Lawn, Best Potted Garden, Best School, Kindy or Daycare.

All the information and entry details are available at www.speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).

Mayor Anne Baker having an unbe-leaf-ably good time with some potted beauties

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Hi Amanda,

I've just been reading your story and editorial on safer space for survivors.

It is a great step forward to have this safer space for victims of domestic violence, I also have been a victim of this.

In my immediate family we had an abusive, drunken father, we had to call the police many times as we feared for our safety, our lives even sometimes, back then it was behind closed doors and the police wouldn't do anything, he would pretend to be asleep and they would say well it's all calm now, and then they would leave, and then he would wake up.

My sister's and I could scale a 6ft fence in one leap, and then run, run as fast as we could, too scared to come home until late at night.

When I was in my late teens, he got really angry, hit me on the back of my head when I had my back to him, I didn't even know he was there. My head went down from the force of the hit, my face hit the taps at the kitchen sink, my nose was broken, my cheek was fractured, my teeth were broken, I just started screaming and spitting out blood and broken teeth.

He was shocked with the damage he had caused to me, he offered to drive me to the hospital, I told him I didn't want him to drive me to the hospital or anywhere else, I would get myself there.

While waiting in Emergency at the hospital I had to go to the toilet, that was when I actually saw what I looked like, I screamed, and my Mum came running in.

I cried to her, “look at me, look what he's done,” my eye was so swollen it was shut, I had blood and bruising all over my face.

I had him charged with assault, I had to practically force the police into doing this, and they were saying things like, ‘you better go through with this and not back out wasting my time’, over and over, with aggression.

It went to court, he was fined $1000, I received victim compensation which was just enough to cover my dental bill.

But a big issue was the general public, people I knew who couldn't understand how I could charge my Father and take him to court, I was dumbfounded, I would say to them, ‘how could he do this to me, how can it be okay for him to break my bones because he's angry’, I'd say, ‘it's not okay, he's the one who did wrong, not me’.

I had to sit in court near him, he had support from his friend, I had an angry police officer, and then I had to go and live back in the same house with him because I had nowhere else to go.

Another time, I was married by this time, I was having Friday night drinks with some people I worked with and I'm sure my drink was spiked, I was offered a ride back to my car at a train station, which I accepted, only we didn't go straight to my car, I fell asleep and woke up in a dark car park at the beach.

I'm not going to go into details, but I will say it was not consensual.

Again, I was faced with an angry police officer when I tried to report what had happened to me, she said I was reporting him because I was married and I didn't want people to think I was unfaithful, she said that everyone we were around that Friday evening would be questioned to see what my behaviour was like.

I was so upset and felt totally alone, I had no support, no-one would help me, the only thing I could do was go to the doctor to get a script for the morning after pill.

So even though it's great that there is financial support coming in for victims if people don't change their attitudes towards violence, and don't stop making the victim feel like they have to fight to get justice and not try to lay the blame on the victim, their soul won't heal, they may smile on the outside but inside they are still broken.

Identity has been kept anonymous

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The Port of Mackay has broken a decade-long record to post its greatest trade year by volume.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick visited the Port of Mackay last week and said the 3.6 million tonne throughput for 2021-22 beat the previous record for 2012-13.

“One in five Queensland jobs rely on exports, and two out of five exporting businesses are based in regional Queensland,” the Treasurer said.

“Overseas trade is central to supporting good jobs, better services and our great Queensland lifestyle.

“The 3.6 million tonne throughput for 2021-22 is a 9 per cent increase on the previous record in 2012-13 and it’s nearly 13 per cent higher than the 3.2 million tonnes record in 2021-22.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the trade numbers highlighted the strength and diversity of the local economy.

“Mackay’s importance to Queensland’s mining exports is well known, but this record for the Port of Mackay is built on high sugar and grain exports,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Our strength across resources, agriculture and tourism gives the Mackay economy resilience through diversity and helps to insulate us from external shocks.”

North Queensland Bulk Ports CEO Nicolas Fertin said strong fuel trade also contributed to Mackay’s record throughput.

“For petroleum, it was a record high year and a 19 per cent increase on the previous financial year (2021/22:1.84 million tonnes; 2020/21: 1.55 million tonnes),” Mr Fertin said.

“Sugar was the port’s second-largest trade at 978,000 tonnes. Grain trade saw a four-fold increase from around 60,000 to 300,000 tonnes.

“We’ve kept trade flowing safely and efficiently through Mackay during a difficult time for markets globally.

“This could only be achieved with the support and commitment of our people, port partners, customers and port communities.”

The Treasurer announced the record figures while visiting Port of Mackay-based business Real Time Instruments, a finalist in this year’s Premier of Queensland Export Awards.

“Businesses like Real Time Instruments have a drive and ambition which showcase how Queensland does business with the world every day,” the Treasurer said.

“This Mackay success story provides equipment to analyse bulk materials online in the coal mining, mineral processing, power generation, cement and food manufacturing industries.

“Currently, around 1000 RTI analysers are operational throughout the world, in over 60 countries and operating on every continent.”

Real Time Instruments CEO Praanesh Prasad said his business had enjoyed a long relationship with Trade and Investment Queensland which helped RTI build and expand its export capabilities and become a finalist in this year’s Queensland’s Export Awards.

“TIQ advisors throughout Queensland, Latin America, India, Africa and the Asia Pacific region have been instrumental in assisting us in moving into these markets, Mr Prasad said.

“We are grateful to the support RTI has had from TIQ over the years. In many ways they have been like an extension of our team.”

“Real Time Instruments is also thrilled to have been named as finalists in the 2022 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards and it is a testament to our team and the incredible work they do in the innovation and technology space.”

A total of 34 companies will compete in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards across 13 categories with one category winner also awarded Queensland Exporter of the Year.

The awards will be presented at a gala event at the Royal International Convention Centre at the RNA Showgrounds on October 5.

After the press conference, the Treasurer was spotted dining on a chicken schnitty at the Eimeo Pacific Hotel, as well as visiting local business, 2Censo

The Port of Mackay is regularly full of ships with petroleum, sugar and grain amongst the highest volume of commodities shifted. Image supplied: Port of Mackay

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick (centre) with Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert (right) visiting Real Time Instruments at the Port of Mackay.

Corey Vaughan (right), the inventor of 2Censor, with Treasurer Cameron Dick. Images supplied: The office of Cameron Dick

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A string of horrific tragedies rocked the region and devastated first responders last weekend.

Last Sunday morning, a man died following a two vehicle crash at Hampden, north of The Leap.

Mackay Police reported that initial investigations indicate at approximately 10.20am a Toyota Landcruiser collided with a Mitsubishi Triton travelling in the opposite direction.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked to the scene by Queensland Health, where debris was strewn across the stretch of road at Hampden on the Bruce Highway.  The helicopter, with a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board, landed on the closed highway near the intersection with Zunkers Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, a male driver was being treated by paramedics and was in a stable condition. A woman in the second vehicle, believed to be towing the caravan, had suffered minor injuries and the driver was trapped inside the crumpled wreckage of the ute for about 30 minutes.

Police said the driver of the Mitsubishi Triton, a 70-year-old Munruben man died at the scene. Two other passengers were taken to hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

The day prior, Saturday August 6, RACQ CQ Rescue was returning from a hospital transfer from Clermont when the Mackay-based rescue helicopter was tasked to a serious farming accident south of Koumala.

A man had been working alone on a tractor on a hill on the property more than 60km south of Mackay and didn’t return home at the expected time. A family member set off an hour later in search and tragically found the man crushed between the tractor and a tree. It is believed the tractor came off the track and slid down a siding, pinning the driver against the tree.

RACQ CQ Rescue landed on flat ground nearby the accident scene as paramedics performed CPR on the critically injured man for over an hour. Sadly, he died from his injuries.  

The tragic deaths last weekend follows Friday’s airlift of a 30-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his abdomen after he and three of his family members were allegedly shot and killed over a property dispute at Bogie, east of Collinsville.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health to fly to Collinsville with a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board after reports four people had been shot. The flying trauma team was then diverted to a homestead on a property at Normanby Road to treat, deliver blood and transfer the wounded man. He was flown to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition for life saving surgery.

The Bogie shooting is covered in more detail in this edition of Whitsunday Life.

A man has died and two others were injured in a horrific two-car collision on the Bruce Highway at Hampden last Sunday

A man died after being crushed by his tractor on a property south of Koumala last weekend. Photos supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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Authorities have confirmed that there are no serious injuries in the road incident which took place between a vehicle and truck on the Bruce Highway at the intersection of Sawmill Dr and Myrtlevale this afternoon.

Queensland Police Services were called at 1.14pm this afternoon and were told that a female was stuck in the car.

Queensland Fire and emergency Services were the first to attend at 1.30pm this afternoon and a spokesperson said that equipment was used to remove the door of the vehicle as the passenger was ‘encapsulated’ but not trapped.

A Queensland Ambulance Services spokesperson said that Paramedics transported four patients to Proserpine Hospital including a male teen for precaution, two female children - one with a minor head injury and the second for precaution – as well as one female in her 20s with head, neck and hip injuries that are not serious.

The highway was closed in both directions and re-opened at 2.30pm. Police are still investigating the cause.

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The first ever vessel was launched off the new Slade Point public recreational boat ramp last Thursday to mark the boat ramp’s official opening.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert celebrated the opening, which she said is vital for Mackay boaties.

"The long-term benefits of the new facility are important for Slade Point local boaties," Ms Gilbert said.

"Having a new facility right in their backyard will go a long way to help ease congestion at other key locations.

The new facility is located on Seagull Street on the south bank of McCreadys Creek at Slade Point, providing boating access for residents of Slade Point and nearby suburbs.

"This is a significant win for the large boating population of Mackay, as it is rare to find flat foreshore land in key locations like this one for new recreational boating infrastructure,” Ms Gilbert said.

"The new facility features a single-lane boat ramp supported by a new car-trailer parking area with 15 bays."

Ms Gilbert says Transport and Main Roads provided $1 million in grant funding to Mackay Regional Council under a Deed of Agreement as a contribution towards construction costs of the new boat launching facility.

"Mackay Regional Council will own and manage the facility - we thank council for delivering this important project and agreeing to own and manage it," she said.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says council had a Mackay Region Recreational Fishing Strategy and one of the key pillars of that strategy was prioritising the enhancement of recreational infrastructure.

“This ramp is a big step up from what was here before,” Mr Williamson said.

“The earlier ramp was pretty much just timber slats on a beach and was subject to severe scouring and erosion of the banks.

“It was actually removed for safety reasons.”

Mr Williamson says council was pleased to be able to partner with the Queensland Government to provide more car and trailer parks, more boat ramp lanes and better access to our tremendous fisheries.

Transport and Main Roads’ grant funding was provided from the State Government’s $185.3 million Maritime Investment, as part of the record $29.7 billion road and transport plan over four years.

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert were aboard the first vessel to launch off the new Slade Point boat ramp. Photo: supplied

Luke Galea and Councillor Alison Jones at the Slade Point Boat Ramp

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More than 7,500 solar panels have been installed at Mackay state schools to help slash electricity costs and cut carbon emissions.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program was expanded in February 2022 and had exceeded targets to deliver more panels at more schools than originally planned.

“I am particularly proud that we exceeded our original target of 180,000 panels at 872 schools and have instead delivered 200,000 panels at 912 schools,” Minister Grace said.

“This equates to a $26 million saving on energy bills every single year and is enough renewable energy to power 25,000 homes.

Fitzgerald State School had 454 solar panels installed which will offset the costs of air conditioning and other energy costs in a $298,000 investment.

Principal Tracey Adams said the school is delighted with their new solar panels, which can generate an average of 590 kW of electricity every day.

"The ACES program has delivered great savings to our school," Mrs Adams said.

"Through this Queensland Government investment, Fitzgerald State School is showing our students and community that clean and affordable energy benefits everyone.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the program was good news for schools and great news for the state’s renewable energy target.

“ACES is making a significant contribution to the State Government’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, with the 200,000 solar panels on state school rooftops expected to generate an average of 280MW of electricity every day,” Ms Gilbert said.

“The 7,500 panels in Mackay alone can generate around 9,800kW of electricity every day.”

Ms Gilbert said the completion of the ACES program follows the State Government’s delivery of air conditioning for every classroom, staff room and library in Queensland state schools.

“In April, our government announced the completion of the $477 million Cooler Cleaner Schools Program in time for staff and students to enjoy air conditioning in every Queensland state school for the start of Term 2,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Now the ACES program is complete, the solar panels we have delivered for more than 900 Queensland schools are helping to offset the added electricity costs of air conditioning.”

Minister Grace said the State Government was committed to providing quality facilities to schools right across Queensland.

“In the 2022–23 budget alone, we are delivering an overall infrastructure investment portfolio valued at nearly $2 billion, driving the Queensland economy by supporting nearly 4200 jobs,” Ms Grace said.

More than 400 solar panels were installed at Fitzgerald State School

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The Mackay Disability Expo, coming up on Friday, August 12, has almost doubled in size since the inaugural expo in 2021.

In fact, with exhibitor numbers increasing from about 30 to more than 50 this year, council has made the decision to move the event from a community hall to the Big Shed in the Mackay Showgrounds.  

The expo will kick off at 9am and run until noon, with four exciting demonstrations scheduled throughout that time.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the event organisers had arranged for Art from the Blind Side, Groove Movers, Crossroad Arts and Fit Boy International to put on interactive demonstrations at the expo.

“David Conway of Art from the Blind Side will be doing some live painting,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Groove Movers will be doing some of their interpretive dances, and are inviting attendees to join in,” he said.

“Fit Boy International is an NDIS registered fitness provider who supports people with disability to reach their fitness goals.

“And the tremendous team at Crossroad Arts will share their weekly ROAR program in the Showgrounds Big Shed with us, so everyone can have a go and participate if they like.”

The Mayor said that with more than 18 per cent of Queenslanders living with some form of disability and more than 10 per cent acting as carers, there was a very real call for an expo of this nature.

“If you crunch the numbers, that means, in our region, more than 33,000 people could potentially require some level of assistance from the disability sector,” he said.

“This expo is council’s way of offering local providers an inexpensive way to showcase themselves while also providing an opportunity for service providers and businesses to network and connect with each other.

“It’s all about promoting those who offer services, information and products that enhance the lives of people with disability.”

Entry is free.  For more information, follow the Mackay Disability Expo 2022 event on Facebook.

Peyawadee Petts, Theresa Ahwang and Julie Browne at the 2021 Mackay Disability Expo

There is lots to see and discover at the Mackay Disability Expo

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A partnership is set to take flight to help protect the Isaac region’s premier wetlands, which boasts more than 250 bird species.

The St Lawrence Wetlands has been selected as one of 10 sites to benefit from Conservation Volunteers Australia’s Revive our Wetlands project due to its significance to migratory shore birds and location in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. Isaac Regional Council has teamed up with the Koinjmal People of Koinmerburra Country and Conservation Volunteers Australia to help community-led, on-the-ground actions.

Mayor Anne Baker said the 594.9 sq km wetland area is a significant environmental and social pillar in the Isaac region.

“We already know that more than 50 per cent of Australian wetlands have been lost and it’s up to each and every one of us to help protect our prized St Lawrence wetlands,” Mayor Baker said.

The project is looking for volunteers to help support wetland conservation activities such as weed management and mapping activities on prickly acacia and giant rat’s tail, mapping and camera traps for feral pig and deer activity, marine debris collection, flora and bird surveys, and vegetation planting around campgrounds and wetland public view platforms.

CEO of Conservation Volunteers Australia Phil Harrison said Australia’s wetlands are thriving sites of carbon storage – accounting for around 10 percent of the world’s blue carbon ecosystems – but they’re disappearing at a rate three times faster than natural forests.

“Growing global research is unlocking the potential of wetlands as natural carbon sequestration and storage systems,” Mr Harrison said.

Managing director of Chevron Australia, Mark Hatfield, said that they have been working with CVA to protect the local environment through workplace volunteering and community programs for more than 15 years.

“Chevron Australia is pleased to build on our relationship with Conservation Volunteers Australia and look forward to working together to advance innovative carbon capture and storage research,” Mr Hatfield said.

The Revive our Wetlands Project at St Lawrence Wetlands is being delivered by Conservation Volunteers Australia, in collaboration with traditional owners and Isaac Regional Council, and will deliver great benefit to the health and profile of the internationally significant St Lawrence Wetlands.

Conservation Volunteers Australia has recently partnered with Chevron Australia to deliver the $3.45 million Revive our Wetlands environmental program aimed at restoring and protecting wetlands at locations across Australia over a three-year period.

To get involved and to protect the St Lawrence Wetlands register your interest with Conversation Volunteer Australia’s Revive Project Officer, Leah Scoble on 0436 335 037 or email lscoble@cva.org.au

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The Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP has called on the Labor Federal Government to honour the Coalition’s pre-election promise to commit $5 million to Veteran Wellbeing Centres in the Mackay region.

“With Vietnam Veterans Day coming up later this month, I took the opportunity to address the Parliament to call on the new government to support our veterans, Defence Force personnel and their families,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Coalition made a commitment to fund two wellness centres in Mackay and another at Kinchant Dam west of the city in the Capricornia electorate held by my Coalition colleague Michelle Landry MP because there is a real need for them.”

Veteran Wellbeing Centres provide a one-stop shop, established in partnership with ex-service and community organisations, to help connect veterans and their families to extensive support and advocacy services already available, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.

The centres in the Mackay region would also be available to first responders and their families.

“The Coalition recognises that it is critical for veterans, serving Defence Force members and first responders to have the support they need,” Mr Willcox said.

“During my speech, I urged the government to honour the ANZAC spirit of standing by your mates by standing by veterans and their families,” Mr Willcox said.

“There is an even greater need for Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Mackay, which is a major regional centre without its own RSL Sub-Branch.

“I’m looking forward to working with Mackay RSL president Ken Higgins and PTSD Frontline to get these centres up and running,” Mr Willcox said.

“The centres are about providing local solutions to local veteran issues.”

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In the Canadian province of British Columbia, around 30km south of a town called Quesnel, you’ll find a community called Australian.

This is where former Mackay resident Ben Direen became a Canadian citizen, with Canada joining Australia and New Zealand on the list of countries Ben is a citizen of.

Ben grew up in Mackay before moving to Brisbane to complete a Sport Management degree.

He then embarked on a career in sponsorship sales, working for companies such as V8 Supercars, the National Basketball League and the Townsville Crocodiles.

In a period of uncertainty in his professional and personal life, Ben took the opportunity to travel to Europe.

“On the way back, I ended up visiting my brother who was living in Vancouver at the time,” said Ben.

“I was completely conned because Vancouver was sunny for three days – its nickname is Raincouver.”

Ben was taken aback by the beauty of Vancouver and other places he visited on a road trip down the west coast of America.

After another stint in Australia, Ben secured a Visa and moved to Canada.

“Just before I left, I interviewed for the Rocky Mountaineer, the train, in my parent’s living room in Mackay,” he said.

Ben arrived in Vancouver and was met with 100 days of straight rain.

“I was like, ‘what have I done?’”

He got the job on the Rocky Mountaineer where he worked with his brother and met his now partner of six years in his first season.

It was also on the Rocky Mountaineer that Ben became familiar with the area of Australian.

“It’s a tiny little spot on the train line and there’s only two or three signs there that refer to the Australian name, but the history of it ties in really nicely with the history of the early pioneers of the gold rush of western Canada,” said Ben.

When Ben decided to become a citizen of Canada, he saw a unique opportunity given the virtual nature of the citizenship ceremony.

“I was like, ‘why don’t I try and be a little funny with it and become the first Aussie to become Canadian on Australian soil,” he said.

“Technically, it still is Canadian soil, which is part of the rules.

“By doing that, I was just being a bit cheeky.”

Ben called the owners of the ranch situated in Australian the morning of the ceremony and asked if he could complete the ceremony on their property.

He was welcomed onto the ranch by Bob Yorston, a descendant of the Yorstons who bought the property in 1903, his wife Lenore and their daughter.

A fan of symbolism, Ben took his citizenship oath overlooking the Australian ranch with a Tim Horton’s coffee in hand and sporting a Canterbury-made Wallabies jersey with an iconic plaid shirt over the top, giving his colleagues on the Rocky Mountaineer a unique anecdote to spin on their tours past Australian.

“I look back and I was pretty moved during the whole thing, it just worked out perfectly,” said Ben.

“I’m proud to be a citizen of all three countries.

“Australia is my home country and I think, personally, you’re splitting hairs with Canada, New Zealand and Australia for three of the best countries on the planet and I don’t want to give up any of them; I love each country for different reasons.”

Ben at Australian Ranch, B.C prior to his citizenship ceremony wearing a plaid shirt and a Canterbury Wallabies jersey with Tim Horton's Coffee in hand

Ben works seasonally on the Rocky Mountaineer where he came across the area of Australian. Photos supplied: Ben Direen

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Mackay residents have been mostly on board when it comes to the new Beam e-scooters.

The first official monthly report received by council, under an agreement with Beam, shows that since launching on June 7, there has been more than 38,000 trips in Mackay.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this was a staggering number of trips, with riders travelling about 89,000km.

“Following launch week, residents were really keen to try them, with each Beam e-scooter in Mackay being used an average of six times per day,” Mayor Williamson said.

“That adds up to almost 10,000 trips within the first week of Beam’s launch!

“Mackay residents and visitors are also making e-scooters part of their event days, with 1450 scooter trips taken on this year’s Wine and Food Day on July 16. That’s a total distance of 3143km,” he said.

Beam e-scooters are a greener transport alternative in the region and have saved 23,149 kilograms of CO2 emissions so far.

Mayor Williamson said he hoped residents and visitors continued to take advantage of this great service.

“The scooters are a carbon-neutral, affordable, and fun form of transportation that provide a great alternative for exploring our region.

“Riders are reminded to always use the scooters safely and follow the law while riding them for their own safety and that of pedestrians.

“It’s also important that the scooters are parked in a considerate manner so as not to block the footpath,” he said.

The Beam e-scooters’ operating area includes the suburbs of Central Mackay, North Mackay, East Mackay, West Mackay, South Mackay and parts of Ooralea, Glenella, Mount Pleasant and Mackay Harbour.

The app-based service features affordable pay-as-you-go rates, with a $1 unlock fee and $0.45 per minute.

Beam e-scooters have been a huge hit in the first month since their introduction, with more than 38,000 trips being taken already

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