In the ultimate of grudge matches, there’s nothing that tastes sweeter than a Queensland victory against New South Wales. Unless you’re talking about the clean, crisp taste of Marian’s water, which again was recognized as being amongst the best tasting water in Australia.

Water from Mackay Regional Council's Marian Water Treatment Plant was named a top drop at the 2022 Ixom Water of Origin Competition.

Mackay Regional Council, representing Queensland, went head-to-head with Shoalhaven City Council, representing New South Wales, in a best tasting tap water competition. Queensland were victorious, making it 6-2 to Queensland in the eight years the competition has been running.

Water operators Brad Richards and Mark Vairy were at the conference on the Gold Coast to collect the trophy, with Mr Vairy complementing the water treatment team, saying it takes constant monitoring.

“We have a good source of water at the Marian plant, which comes from the rainforest and is surrounded by little industry,” Mr Vairy said.

“We have a great team of operators, from electrical and mechanical to the operators, who proactively look after the plant. It takes constant fine tuning and passionate trialing to get the best tasting water and the team is constantly learning, trying to improve our processes.”

Mackay was well represented at the awards, with Mr Richards and Mr Vairy also coming in third for best operator paper. Young operator Matthew Gosper was highly commended in the young operator of the year and Kevin Kippenberger was a finalist for operator of the year.

There are two main water treatment plants in the Mackay Region, at Mackay and Marian, as well as four smaller plants which disinfect or soften the water depending on its needs at Gargett, Finch Hatton, Eton and Bloomsbury. Because the chemistry at each water source is different, it requires different solutions to produce good tasting drinking water.

“The Eton plant softens the water as well as disinfects it, whereas the one at Bloomsbury removes heavy metals,” Mr Vairy said.

The Marian Water Treatment Plant has online instrumentation which monitors the water 24/7. There are on-call operators to respond if the instrumentation picks up an anomaly in the water.

The Ixom Water of Origin, held annually at the WIOA Australia Conference, raises awareness of the high quality of drinking water in both Queensland and New South Wales, and also recognises the outstanding efforts of our water industry workers.

Mackay Regional Council Water operators Brad Richards (centre) and Mark Vairy collect the Water of Origin trophy at the 2022 Ixom Water of Origin Competition

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The Federal Government has agreed to back a motion moved by Senator Susan McDonald to reinstate a parliamentary body to oversee issues and development in Northern Australia.

The Federal Government had scrapped the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee for Northern Australia – a bi-partisan body tasked with examining the region’s issues and advising the Government – with Ms McDonald, the Shadow Minister for Northern Australia based in Townsville, criticising the decision.

Ms McDonald says she drafted a motion to reinstate the committee and began canvassing independent Senators for their support in a vote.

“The response I received from the independents was fairly positive and then Labor approached me and agreed to negotiate forming a new committee,” she said.

“The negotiations resulted in the establishment of a Joint Select Committee and ensures Northern Australia will continue to have a strong focus in Canberra.

“This motion was unanimously supported.”

Senator McDonald says the Government had made a mistake in reducing Northern Australia’s parliamentary presence.

“Northern Australia is of national significance. People in Melbourne and Sydney rely on minerals from this part of the country, much of the food they eat was likely grown in the North and mining royalties and taxes paid in the North fund roads and healthcare Australia-wide,” she said.

“There was no way people in the North would accept less of a voice in Canberra and I congratulate Labor for recognising their short-sighted error and rectifying it as quickly as possible.”

Senator McDonald said she had received scores of complaints from Northern Australia community leaders concerned that the Government’s move would result in less funding for infrastructure and could even herald an intention to scrap the federal Northern Australia agenda altogether.

The new committee’s membership is yet to be determined but will contain members from both sides of politics.

Senator Susan McDonald

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A hardware store which has been servicing the Mackay and Whitsunday region since 1883 has shown it still has plenty of life yet.

Porters Mitre 10 Mackay has taken out Queensland Store of the Year over 2500sqm at the recent Hardware Australia - QLD state awards.

The Porters Mitre 10 Mackay City Store was recognised for their commitment to continuous improvements in store standards and operational excellence.

“The entire team is incredibly proud to have been recognised for their dedication to excellent customer service and store standards” states Porters Mitre 10 CEO, Hayden Cargill.

“It is wonderful that the hard work of our teams has been recognised at this level.

“The past few years have been challenging for the hardware industry, it is a true testament to our teams. This award really means a lot” explained Hayden Cargill.

“I would also like to thank the Mackay and Whitsunday communities for their continuous support.”

Since 1883, Porters Mitre 10 Mackay has been serving the local Mackay community with all their hardware and lifestyle needs.

The store located in the Mackay CBD features a thriving café, beautiful garden centre, wonderful homewares and giftware offering, STIHL Dealership Mackay’s only Weber Specialist Dealer. Combined with the dedicated paint, plumbing and trade offer; Porters Mitre 10 is really a one-stop shop.

The Porters Mitre 10 Mackay Team with the award

Porters Group CEO Hayden Cargill and Porters Mitre 10 Mackay Store Manager Mitchell Glover

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Three local students were awarded academic bursaries last week, with the aim to encourage the academic progress of students from the Mackay Regional Council area who are studying within skills shortage areas within the region.

The 2022 Mackay Regional Council Academic Bursary recipients were Scott Vella, Andrew Vella and Chloe Sampey.

The program is in its 10th year and not only financially assists students, but also gives them invaluable work experience in a field related to their studies.

Scott will work alongside the Water Network program, Andrew will be working in the Corporate Communications team and Chloe will complete her work experience in the People and Culture team.

The bursaries aim to provide students with monetary assistance for costs associated with studying, as well as potential work experience within Mackay Regional Council.

2022 Mackay Regional Council Academic Bursary recipients Scott Vella, Andrew Vella and Chloe Sampey with Mayor Greg Williamson

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The highest honour in the Joey Scout Section of Scouting was recently awarded to Banksia Joey Scout Mikayla Page when she received the Joey Scout Challenge Award.

Mikayla’s scouting journey began in October 2019.

With an older brother involved in Scouts, Mikayla often joined in activities prior to that and knew what was in store when she joined.

She was very enthusiastic and achieved well above and beyond what she was expected to achieve for the Challenge Award.

For Mikayla’s Adventurous Journey, she completed a Plan, Do and Review for a walk along the Gooseponds Walk from Silly Solly’s to John Breen Park and return.

Mikayla contacted her leader Rebecca Johnson to talk about the risks involved in her journey.  

One thing mentioned was the risk of animals attacking but she forgot about the risk of rain and subsequent flooding.

This was a huge walk with rain occurring, but they put on their raincoats and kept walking.

A discussion was held about all sorts of things including what they saw along the way.  

They all had a play at John Breen Park, snacked and then went on their way again.  

The walk was completed within a few hours and they reviewed how the walk went and what they could do to make it better for all of them.

Mikayla reflected on her journey through Joey Scouts.

She remembered being the oldest Joey Scout in the Mob, helping other people with parade, packing up the flag each night and playing games.

Her Joey Scout Leader Rebecca Johnson aka Possum said “Makayla is a wonderful young girl who will go far in whatever she does.

“Congratulations and well done.”

* breakout box *

Mikayla’s Special Interest Areas

• STEM and Innovation: Mikayla designed and created a bedroom which was pink and with lots of glitter.

• Growth and Development: Mikayla baked delicious cupcakes with Nan

• Arts and Literature: Mikayla wrote a report on her favourite book, Weirdo by Ahn Do

• Environment: Mikayla grew basil and brought in the results

• Creating a Better World: Mikayla was involved in Clean Up Australia Day (March 2022) at Seaforth

• Sport and Adventure – Mikayla is learning a new skill in netball

Mikayla’s Outdoor Adventure Skills

• Bushcraft – Stage 1

• Bushwalking – Stage 1

• Camping – Stage 1

• Cycling – Stage 1

• Aquatics – Stage 1

• Paddling – Stage 1

Mikayla’s Milestones with (Leads, Assists and Participates)

Completed – Milestone 1, Milestone 2 and Milestone 3

Mikayla Page with her leaders and family at the presentation of her Joey Scout Challenge Award. Photo supplied: Mary Wallace

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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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