Local Workshops Teach Family Members How To Offer Support

Navigating the world of substance use and helping a family member to break free of a cycle with either alcohol or other drugs can be a challenging and often confusing place to be.

Fortunately, there is help out there and next week not-for-profit, non-government organisation Drug ARM is coming to the Whitsundays to offer two free workshops as part of their 'Breakthrough for Families' program.

Anyone who is concerned about a loved one and wants to learn how to best help them is invited to attend these informative sessions.

At the sessions you will learn how to:

• How to have a conversation with someone who has a substance use issue

• How to set healthy boundaries and keep them

• Information on why people use alcohol and other drugs

• Information on lapse and relapse

• Introduction to the Stages of Behaviour Change

• Trustworthy information about alcohol and other drugs and their effects

• Information on how to navigate the alcohol and other drug treatment system

• Accessing support for family members, including connection to ongoing social or health services.

You don’t have to do this alone, reach out to support services, connect with others and share experiences to learn how to best help those you love.

Through this session you will also receive links to other programs in the local area, like AOD group programs, withdrawal support, services or counselling.
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WHAT: Community Information Sessions On Alcohol and Drugs

CANNONVALE: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, Thursday December 15 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm

PROSERPINE: Proserpine Community Centre, Wednesday December 14 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm

COST: Free

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A brand-new parenting support program will be launching in Collinsville at the end of January with the aim to offer regional families a place to connect, create friendships and discover referral pathways for services.

Zoe Williams from Stella Life Care is helping to organise the event which will be facilitated weekly by Jill Wilson.

“I’ve seen a real need for it in the community,” said Zoe.

“Sometimes people don’t have the confidence to attend playgroups and getting out of the house can be an issue for some people.

“We have really limited mental health services here and people are often going to the hospital to seek help.”

The support program will help connect parents with other likeminded people but also important services that can assist with mental health.

Parents will have the opportunity to share experiences and learn how to build self-resilience in a peer-to-peer support network.

“We hope this program will help connect people and get them out of the house – it takes a village to raise a child,” said Zoe.

The Parents Support Group will start on Thursday, February 2, and then every Thursday from 4pm to 5pm at the Collinsville and Scottville Playgroup.

Everyone is welcome.
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WHAT: Collinsville Parenting Support Program

WHEN: Thursday, February 2 from 4pm to 5pm

WHERE: Collinsville and Scottville Playgroup
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Parenting Tips For Regional Communities

• Ask for help

• Find a parenting or play group to join

• Quieten the internal critic and don't try to be perfect

• Keep a sense of humour

• Try to reduce stress and make time for you- self-care is vital

• Establish routines and be organised

• Involve your children even in the everyday tasks

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I know a dark secluded place

A place where no one knows your face… (Archie Bleyer)

Mention the words “Hernando’s Hideaway” and a smile will come to the faces of any restaurant workers, housemaids and porters as they recall their magical, carefree days as a staff member on Hayman Island. No matter what you were or where you worked, you were always welcome at Hernando’s.

Hernando’s Hideaway was a small beachfront hut. Decked out with fish nets hanging from the rafters, buoys scattered with thick mooring ropes lying about and palm fronds, Hernando’s was purposely built for the staff to go after hours but guests were also welcome.

The building was established in 1961- 62 (the exact year is unknown but it was definitely in operation in 1962). The “hut” was officially opened by Andre Maestracci who wanted to call it “The Wreck” however, the name Hernando’s was chosen by someone of influence in Ansett.

Located at the far end of the bay with beach access which was tidal, the journey to and from Hernando’s could be quite perilous. When the tide was in, one had to walk along the higher goat track; a trek that was scary and eerie enough without the added screeching of curlews in the dead of night. Many stories abound of hairy trips home after a night at Hernando’s. Not long after it opened, one staff member, Jack Jones, fell down the mountain on to the beach in his inebriated state. Jack sustained hardly a scratch. From all accounts, it seemed that only the non-drinkers were the ones to get injured. Then there were reports of those who returned soaking wet but insisting that the tide was out!  And also, the tales of lost souls found in the bushes in the morning light as others made their way to breakfast.

By the light of the moon, night clubbers would make their way along the rocky path to the inner sanctum of Hernando’s, so dimly lit, that it was hard to know who was and was not there. But the bar could be seen from the open door with the ever-busy barman dishing out cheek and drinks and in later years, the occasional pie straight out of the microwave – with soft pastry and the filling the temperature of molten lava (especially to an angry, drunk patron).

The dance music blasted through the speakers making it impossible to talk but friendships were made and romances blossomed. Here, staff could let their hair down and dance and drink the night away. Many did drink the night away and then made their way directly to work the next day.

And no one cares how late it gets

Not at Hernando's Hideaway, ole´

The morning would dawn into another beautiful Whitsunday but Hernando’s didn’t have the same appeal in the day. “It was a night creature. You could hear the booming music as you rounded the last corner. Dark and moody with flashes … lighting spilling out onto the beach … The vibration penetrating my inner core - That’s my memory of this magical place. Unforgettable!” (Robbie Muller - early 1980s)

Hernando’s was also unforgettable for the kids of Hayman. On a weekend or afternoon, they were often seen down on their hands and knees looking for any loose change in the cracks of the floor board or under the big long wooden bar, dropped there by the carefree and careless patrons.

The kids made a small fortune. The staff made lasting memories.

Story and photos courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and “Hayman Island Golden Days till 1985 closing” Facebook page.

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Hernando’s was located on the beach at Hayman Island

Hernando’s music in the early days

Hernando's Hideaway

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Image 1: Kieran Horsfall was awarded Mackay Man of the Year at the International Men’s Day Breakfast

Decades of community service, voluntary work and supporting youth was recognised last month as Kieran Horsfall was awarded Mackay Man of the Year at the International Men’s Day Breakfast.

Kieran’s role as Police Coordinator for Project Booyah Mackay sees him help and mentor disadvantaged youth through issues at home, school and with the law.

He is also involved in the community through local sport and organisations, his passion for youth development apparent in every role he fills.

“I’ve always been around youth, to be honest,” Kieran said.

“For me, being a member of the community, it’s all about helping the community and providing a service that supports young men and people in the community to become who they want and succeed.”

Role Models Honoured At Breakfast For Blokes

Image 2-4: Chances Cafe, TEEN Shed and Vinnies Men's Hostel received cheques for $3,000 thanks to diners and sponsors

Image 5-6: Two pieces of art from the International Men’s Day Art Show were auctioned. Photo credit: Liz Andrews

Image 7: L-R DGH Engineering General Manager Dave Hackett, Shed Happens Mackay Convenor Frank Cowell and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal CEO Steve Rae

Image 8: Photo credit: Liz Andrews

Kieran said it was a shock to be recognised as Mackay’s Man of the Year.

“it’s an honour to be awarded with such an accolade,” he said.

“I’ve had good role models, good mentors in my life.

“There are good male role models in the community doing great things and I think it should be recognised.”

Shed Happens Mackay Convenor Frank Cowell said Kieran’s active involvement in the community helped him stand out.

“Kieran impressed us with his enthusiasm for voluntary work and also the things he said about raising his family and the Project Booyah lads, you could tell he had a passion for it,” he said.

Friday’s International Men’s Day Breakfast was the fourth time the occasion has been recognised with a breakfast in Mackay, with 120 people attending the Ocean International Hotel.

The day started with light exercise led by Steve Eden of City Fitness, followed by addresses, speeches and welcomes from Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Reverend Doctor Solman Zwana, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal CEO Steve Rae and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.

Two pieces of art from the International Men’s Day Art Show earlier this year were auctioned and donations were given to Chances Cafe, TEEN Shed and Vinnies Men's Hostel.

Group discussions were held throughout the morning, discussing the role of a positive male role model in the community.

“The biggest message that came out of that was that most people’s positive male role model was their dad or their grandfather,” said Mr Cowell.

“We talked about the qualities of a good role model, and they were integrity, honesty, the ability to listen.

“We need to celebrate the good things, when people do good things.

“That’s what International Men’s Day is all about, is celebrating the positives.”

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Image 1: Sharon Fox is urging people to not forget about her friend Helen Barnett who has been missing February. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Image 2: Helen was last seen about 300m from her home on Turnors Paddock Road at around 4:20pm on Sunday, February 13. Photo supplied

Sharon Fox was looking forward to a road trip with her good friend Helen Barnett earlier this year but before the two could reunite, Helen went missing.

54-year-old Helen of Koumala went missing on Sunday, February 13, 2022, and after thorough searches, no trace of Helen has been uncovered.

“My immediate response was shock because she expected me to be there on the following Wednesday,” said Sharon.

“I just couldn’t believe it.”

Sharon and Helen met around nine years ago through mutual friends and became very close very quickly.

“We had similarities and we always called each other sisters,” said Sharon.

“She’s just an amazing person – loved life, loved people, not once in all those years have I ever seen Helen in a bad mood.”

Sharon said Helen is a free-spirited person who loves to travel but when she had a seizure at the wheel of her small bus and lost her license, her mental health took a turn.

“That contributed to a fair bit of her depression at the time she went missing,” said Sharon.

The pair planned a road trip, with Sharon to pick Helen up from her Koumala home on Wednesday, February 16.

Helen was seeking support for her mental health at Sharon’s suggestion and was released on Friday, February 11.

“She’d gone home and then her carer called me on the Sunday and said she was missing,” said Sharon.

“From that day on, I searched for a whole week down there with a couple of friends to no avail.

“We’ve found nothing, we’ve heard nothing.

“It’s just heartbreaking to know that we can’t find her.”

Helen’s disappearance is shrouded in mystery.

While it wasn’t unlike her to go for walks, Sharon says she would never have left without her joggers and phone.

She was also taking regular epilepsy and blood pressure medication, which was left at home alongside her beloved dog Rocky’s ashes and her cat Smudge.

“Helen would never have wanted people to give up on her,” Sharon said.

“She would never have given up on us.

“That’s the sort of person she was.

“I hope we find her, and I hope she’s returned to us all in one piece.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Image: New stinger signs were installed at Eimeo Beach last week

Do you know a Box from an Irukandji?

Mackay Regional Council is installing new warning signs at a number of popular beaches to coincide with the beginning of stinger season.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the signs were designed to increase awareness of the risks of two of the most dangerous species of jellyfish (stingers) found in the region; the Box jellyfish and Irukandji.

“Stinger season runs from November to May each year, so we want to increase awareness around this issue,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We had a death in our region earlier this year due to a jellyfish sting, so we want to remind residents to remain vigilant when visiting our beaches,” he said.

“Full length stinger suits provide the best protection against jellyfish stings when swimming at local beaches.”

Mayor Williamson said the new signs were designed to give users a better appreciation of the risks of swimming at the beach.

“The signs detail the time of year when these jellyfish are most likely to be found in our waters, what protective measures should be taken, symptoms, first aid information, emergency locations and contacts.

“Beachgoers can also scan the QR code on the signs, which provides a link to even more detailed information in the event of a sting.”

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Image: L-R: Ally Blines, Tammy Laval, Chrissy Evangelou, Scott Jamieson, Bonnie McCarthy, Jonathan from Detailed Windows, Vicki Smith. Photo supplied

They say many hands make light work, and these dedicated citizens put it to the test, coming together to spruce up the Mackay City Heart one dirty window at a time.

Ahead of tonight’s City Heart Christmas, the Mackay Town Team along with past and present Chamber committee members and Council representatives hit the City Heart last Sunday to make the city’s windows sparkle.

The Mackay Town Team became the second Town Team Movement team in Queensland earlier this year.

Town Team Movement is a non-profit social enterprise working with proactive people to improve places, building a movement of positive ‘doers’.

“We were trying to work out how we can continue to move forward, especially with the development happening at the waterfront, we don’t want the city centre to be left behind,” said Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Business Engagement, Events and Communications Manager Ellen Maddern.

Commerce then came across the Town Team Movement, a movement whose values align perfectly with what Commerce is trying to achieve.

“They give us a group of resources, so we started with an expression of interest that we sent out … and people applied and then this group formed,” said Ms Maddern.

“We had a couple of meetings and thought, ‘What can we do first? What’s a good, quick win?’ and they came up with washing those windows.”

Reach out to Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce if you’d like to know more or be part of the Mackay Town Team and like their Facebook page for future initiatives.

Make sure to get down to the city tonight and admire the team’s handiwork at the Mackay City Heart Christmas.

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Last week, Kaley from STAR 101.9 wrote in her column that she's a firm believer in waiting until December 1 to get into the Christmas spirit, and it got me thinking about the different traditions we have.

Many people believe it’s bad luck to put the tree up before December 1, whereas others are champing at the bit to get theirs fully laden around mid-November.

Decorating the tree is perhaps the only tradition I share with my husband. Whenever we go away on holiday, we try to get decorations from significant places we visit, so when we hang them each year, we can reminisce about the places we have travelled.

In this week’s Community Chat section, Councillor Bonaventura talks about the tradition of going to the Christmas Carols in Habana.

If you’re new to town, your family has recently grown and you want to start a new tradition, or if you’re simply looking for something festive to do, check out our Event Guide on page 20. It’s a weekly ‘what’s on’ which will get even busier in the lead-up to Christmas.

One other tradition I make time for each year is to give to someone less fortunate than myself. Whether it’s some gifts under a wishing tree, a dignity bag and meals for the homeless, a hamper for the Women’s Centre or donating to Vinnies or the Salvos, I think it’s an important time of the year to show those who often feel forgotten that someone cares.

From carol singing to breakfast with Santa, lolly scrambles and local performances, what new tradition will you start this year?

Amanda

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Image 1: Phillip (middle) was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year

Image 2: A raffle and auction were held at the Gargett Rodeo to raise funds for FightMND. Photo supplied

The Gargett community gathered for their annual rodeo recently, but it was the half time entertainment that stole the show.

Emily Mastropaolo held a raffle and auction at the rodeo, raising funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease, a cause close to their hearts since their brother Phillip was diagnosed last November.

“We’d never heard of it, so we wanted to start fundraising to spread awareness and fundraise to find a cure or at least a treatment,” said Emily.

With the help of generous businesses around Mackay, Emily and her family gathered raffle prizes and auction items for the Gargett Rodeo, raising almost $30,000 for Australia's leading MND foundation, FightMND.

Emily says Phillip was a confident and articulate man, so his family found it unusual when he started slurring.

“He was a very well-spoken man,” she said.

“He just started slurring and my mum was like, ‘You should go see somebody.’”

Phillip was diagnosed with MND which is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells, or neurones, controlling your muscles fail to work normally and eventually die.

“It affects the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you breathe, it affects your muscles,” said Emily.

“It’s just your body just slowly failing.

“We’re very lucky – (Phillip) hasn’t lost his voice but it’s getting very hard to understand him – but he’s still physically fine, he can still walk, use all his muscles, it’s just his speech.”

Emily started selling raffle tickets as early as June, aiming to raise $10,000 and eventually raising almost triple for FightMND.

“There is a lot of research yet to be done as to why people get it,” she said.

“There’s all these ‘could bes’, but nothing’s ever been confirmed.

“Funds help research to finding a cure or at least a treatment.”

Emily says Phillip is trying absolutely everything to prevent his body from failing and his family is 100% behind him.

“That’s our way of helping him, trying to raise money and finding a cure,” she said.

“When it does hit your family, you’ve got to think positive and don’t let your mindset think negative because that’s where things can go downhill.

“If you’ve got a positive mindset and you’re strong, it helps through the dark days.”

Early MND Symptoms Include:

• weakness in your ankle or leg – you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs

• slurred speech and difficulty swallowing some foods

• a weak grip – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttons

• muscle cramps and twitches

• weight loss – your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time

• difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations

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Photo caption: Mayor Greg Williamson and Grapevine Group President Debbie Knight encourage the community to be suicide alert this Christmas

Christmas is once again upon us and Grapevine Group is reminding the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities to keep an eye on mates and loved ones, and to do their bit by learning the 16 warning signs of suicide.

Grapevine president Debbie Knight is wishing for more to learn about what to look out for.

“It’s a good time to remind our communities that Christmas can be hard for some, and we can help our mates and family by learning the warning signs,” said Ms Knight.

“Anyone can participate in our new free safety toolbox talk called Suicide MythBusters.

“It’s as simple as carving out an hour to learn from one of our qualified trainers on the 16 signs that can be an indication someone is thinking about suicide.”

Suicide Mythbusters can be presented on-site at businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations.

This year, the Chamber of Commerce and Resource Industry Network are backing the group by endorsing the toolbox talk.

“We’re proud to be part of this worthy cause because prevention can save countless lives,” said Chamber of Commerce President Geoff O’Connor.

For Christmas this year, Dean Kirkwood, General Manager of Resource Industry Network wants us all to check in with friends, neighbours and loved ones.

"It is essential the community knows what to look out for and how to link people to help,” Mr Kirkwood said.

Strong supporter of the Christmas campaign Mayor Greg Williamson urges the community to support suicide prevention.

“As always, we want people to be safe and by keeping an eye on those around us, we can make Christmas that little bit better."

Look out for the Christmas campaign which will appear on the Mackay Showgrounds digital billboard to encourage the community to learn the signs and book the quick Suicide Mythbusters one-hour course.

The talk is free and introduces suicide intervention by discussing the common fallacies and tips on how to help when someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts. Book a toolbox talk by emailing training@grapevinegroup.org.au.

To learn the 16 signs, download the Grapevine Group app, visit grapevinegroup.org.au or check out the group's Facebook page where you will also find a list of local suicide prevention services.

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Image: A vessel sank near Scawfell Island last week with the six occupants safely escaping to the island’s shore. Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue

Six boaties had a lucky escape last week when their vessel sank near Scawfell Island.

RACQ CQ Rescue were tasked to investigate reports of a rapidly sinking ship and departed base quickly, with a rescue crewman on board prepared for a possible over water winch retrieval from a sinking boat.

Within 15 minutes the chopper arrived on scene about 35km north-east of Mackay to find the boat’s six occupants had already evacuated the vessel in a small tender and spotted them on the nearby rocks of the south-west side of the island.

Radio contact with the boaties then confirmed all were safe and uninjured.

Their boat didn’t fare so well unfortunately.

The chopper crew provided watch overhead until VMR 448 Mackay arrived on scene to retrieve the stranded, but still incredibly lucky, boaties.

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Image: Guzman y Gomez have submitted plans to build in the carpark of the Mount Pleasant Centre. Photo supplied

Residents on the north side of the Pioneer River are about to have a whole lot more choice when that craving for something spicy hits.

Popular Mexican quick service restaurant Guzman y Gomez (GYG) has submitted documents to Mackay Regional Council with plans to build its first Mackay location in the carpark of Mount Pleasant Centre.

The documents submitted to council say the development “will provide valuable services and convenient facilities for residents living within the Mount Pleasant area and employees within the locality.”

“The proposal is considered to be in the public interest as it will deliver a number of public, social and economic benefits with minimal adverse impacts,” the documents state.

The 282m2 building will incorporate 230m2 of internal dining area, food preparation areas, storage, amenities, office and service area as well as 52m2 of external/alfresco area.

74 car parks will be lost to facilitate the construction and the new site will include eight new car parking spaces including one disabled space.

The drive through element of the restaurant will have a capacity of 14 cars and include a dual lane order point, forming a single lane payment booth and pickup booth.

The restaurant will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and construction of the site is predicted to cost over $1 million.

“The proposal will generate direct ongoing employment opportunities as well as further job creation during the construction phase,” documents read.

“The development will be compliant with relevant disability standards, and will meet the needs of people with physical disabilities, sensory disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

“The proposal will provide much needed services to the area meeting the daily needs of the surrounding residents, workers and visitors.

“The development will have a positive impact on the natural environment by enhancing Mt Pleasant and maintaining the downstream water quality as a result of the development.”

About 10 minutes north along Mackay Bucasia Road, construction has begun on a new shopping complex that will feature Mackay’s second Zambrero site.

Nearby, Burrito Bar Rural View recently reopened under new management, offering a revamped menu through its drive through restaurant.

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Locals Say No To Port Expansion Plans

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Image: Local residents gathered at North Wall last weekend to protest draft plan for a Mackay Port expansion which would eradicate a large portion of beach and put turtle nesting sites at risk. Photo: MP Amanda Camm

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is leading master planning for the priority Port of Hay Point/Mackay to establish a long-term strategic outlook for the ports, however a group of concerned residents say the plan puts a fragile ecosystem near North Harbour Beach (North Wall) at risk.

Last weekend, hundreds of residents took part in a community walk along North Wall to protest the proposed future development of the Port of Mackay, which the master plan shows would eradicate around one third of the beach.

The walk was held to raise community awareness of the proposed plan and to extend the community consultation period. Public information sessions were held in October and November, but the public wasn’t made aware of these sessions until a Facebook post was made by TMR on November 16, one day before the last information session on November 17.

Local resident Kim Edwards started a petition on the website change.org called North Harbour Beach Community Interest Campaign, calling for TMR to extend the deadline and open up community consultation again as she said the initial notice for consultation was poorly communicated to the community at large.

“We are asking that TMR extend that deadline and reopen community consultation so that we can have further consultation with our community and in particular the local environmental groups like Mackay Turtle Watch and the Mackay Conservation Group,” Kim said.

“This is really concerning because that area is an important turtle hatching area, both green and flat back turtles’ nest there,” she said.

“That area is also surrounded by wetland ecosystems and also a large section of parabolic dunes, which are a relatively rare natural feature.

“The wetlands and inshore reef catchments are also recognized as vital by Queensland Wetlands Program to the health of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and its catchments.”

MP Amanda Camm attended the walk and spoke to concerned locals, urging people to make a submission on the TMR website so as to better inform the Government on the use and importance North Wall beach has in our community.

“The Queensland Government has tried to slip another report through without any genuine community consultation,” Ms Camm said.

“This plan includes resuming large amounts of North Wall beach and possibly closing public access to the area. Whilst I support planning and growth, I believe any decisions need to be transparent and include community consultation - that means with the community.”

Ms Camm wrote to Minister Bailey, requesting that he extend the consultation period for the Draft Master Plan for the Mackay Port to enable locals to have adequate time to make a written submission.

“I have also requested that the Minister ensures that TMR engages with Mackay & District Turtle Watch and other local environmental and conservation groups to obtain the necessary data to ensure that the government is making decisions based on accurate information,” she said.

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Anglo American CEO, Dan van der Westhuizen, joined Minister Mick de Brenni and Stanwell CEO Michael O'Rourke to announce the supply of 100% renewable electricity for Anglo’s operations in Australia. Photo credit: Anglo American

Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business in Australia will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy from 2025, as part of a ten-year deal with Queensland government-owned energy generator, Stanwell.

In what will be Stanwell’s biggest ever retail deal, the company will supply Anglo American with renewable electricity, powering their five steelmaking coal operations across Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan was answering the call of businesses and industries wanting to decarbonise, while delivering huge investment in the regions and 100,000 more good jobs.

“This partnership with Anglo American and Stanwell demonstrates the strong shift to clean energy from Queensland businesses,” the Premier said.

“Stanwell is one of Queensland’s major energy suppliers, and until recently has been known only for coal-fired energy generation.

“Because Queenslanders own their energy assets, we are able to guide our energy transformation in way that provides energy security, while delivering more good jobs.”

The deal will power all electrical equipment at Anglo American’s mines in Moranbah, Middlemount and Moura, including draglines, longwall equipment, conveyors, coal preparation facilities, lighting and ventilation and cooling infrastructure, water treatment plant and administration facilities.

Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said this was another example of how Queensland was working together to support the state’s decarbonisation efforts.

“Boardrooms across the nation and the world, are setting their own emissions reduction targets, so it makes supporting Queensland industry with clean energy a priority,” Minister de Brenni said.

“Today’s announcement shows Queensland’s energy transformation is well and truly happening, and it’s supporting traditional industries to remain strong.”

CEO of Anglo American in Australia, Dan van der Westhuizen, said the energy supply would effectively remove all Scope 2 emissions from Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business in Australia from 2025.

“Securing 100 per cent renewables from Stanwell is a major step towards our target of carbon neutral operations in Australia – and globally – by 2040,” Mr van der Westhuizen said.

“Many of the metals and minerals we produce - including steelmaking coal - are critical to supporting decarbonisation projects and the transition to renewable energy, as an essential component of solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy and hydrogen power generation.”

The partnership with Anglo American Steelmaking Coal Pty Ltd will be linked to renewable energy from the Clarke Creek Wind Farm and Blue Grass Solar projects.

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Image: Futura Wilton and Fairhill mine map

Two steelmaking coal mines in the Bowen Basin have been given the green light, bringing with them up to 130 good regional jobs.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the approval of Futura Resources’ Fairhill and Wilton projects near Emerald was a big boost for the regional workforce and economy.

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Queensland resources sector and our state’s large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal,” Mr Stewart said.

“These projects are in the heart of the Bowen Basin and will benefit from the existing infrastructure in place from nearby mines.

“At their peak, these two mines will produce more than three million tonnes per year of steelmaking coal, which will be processed then transported by rail to the Port of Gladstone and exported to key international markets.

The Wilton and Fairhill projects are located adjacent to one another about 50km northeast of Emerald, with coal to be processed using existing infrastructure at the nearby Gregory-Crinum mine.

Construction works are set to begin in early 2023, with coal production expected to begin within six months.

Both mines have an initial 10-year proposed lifespan but could be expanded to more than 20 years with continued exploration.

Futura Resources Chief Executive Officer Ben Dunlop said coal continued to play a big role in Australia’s and the world’s steelmaking and energy mix.

“We see ourselves as a sustainable, low environmental footprint producer utilising nearby existing infrastructure, including coal processing facilities which will be 50 per cent powered by renewable energy by end of 2023, Mr Dunlop said.

Mr Stewart said recent analysis by Queensland Treasury showed steelmaking coal will remain an essential international export commodity for the state until at least 2050.

“Treasury forecasts show Queensland will likely remain the world’s largest seaborne exporter of steelmaking coal for many decades to come,” he said.

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