With just a few months until new low-cost airline, Bonza, starts bringing an additional seven weekly flights to the Whitsundays, the aviation company’s Chief Commercial Operator Carly Povey met with over 100 tourism operators at a celebratory networking evening hosted by Tourism Whitsundays and Shute Harbour Marine Terminal on Tuesday.

The Sunshine Coast based airline will be launching eight aircraft by the middle of the year and servicing 25 new routes to 16 destinations across the country.

Determined to link previously unserviced regional areas, Ms Povey said they are looking forward to connecting Australia like never before.

“Of the 15 largest global airline markets, Australia was the only one with only one low-cost airline,” she said.

“This showed there was a lack of choice and a pent-up demand - Australia is not well connected and we see huge opportunity in linking region to region or major city to region.”

Ms Povey went on to add that in 2010 there were 58 low-cost routes in Australia and although some of the destinations have changed in the past decade, there are still only 58 routes – this shows zero per cent growth, compared to 258 per cent growth in the United States.

Bonza is a Sunshine Coast based company and has Miami-based investors called 777 Partners who hold a diverse portfolio of 55 other companies, one of which includes a low-cost airline in Canada.

With this backing, Bonza has the flexibility to grow easily within the market.

“They want to democratise air travel for all Australians,” said Ms Povey.

While focusing on a low-cost business model with the average one-hour flight just $50, Bonza will also be introducing brand-new 186-seater planes that are fitted with leather seats.

“We offer low fares but great value and genuine care,” said Ms Povey

“We are an app only airline, totally paperless which is a win for sustainability and operate the newest, most fuel-efficient aircraft.”

Bonza will soon provide weekly connections to Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Newcastle with increased destinations expected to be announced over the next few years.

Mayor Andrew Willcox with Bonza Chief Commercial Operator Carly Povey at Tourism Whitsundays networking night on Tuesday

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Fresh off the back of last week’s announcement that affordable airline, Bonza, will be connecting the Whitsundays to new markets, there are plans for an expansion at our local airport so that our regional runway can keep up with demand and growth.

The $10 million project will increase aircraft parking bays from four to seven which will allow for additional taxi ways plus two standover bays for overnight stays.

Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) are currently seeking funding for a feasibility study and detailed design costs so that they can move forward with the project and advocate for further funding from the government.

A total of $250,000 has been requested through the 22-24 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, with WRC contributing an additional $100,000.

Notification of the grant application outcome is expected late April 2022.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said that planning for future increased flight capacity was key for Australia’s fastest growing regional airport.

“As Australia and the world starts to reopen, we are positioning the Whitsundays as the best place in the world to visit and increasing flights and adding new routes,” he said.

“This means we need to plan well ahead to ensure our infrastructure can keep pace with our growth.

“Having a shovel ready project will increase our chances of securing funding from Federal and State governments to partner and deliver the project which will cost in excess of $10 million.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic the Whitsunday Coast Airport goal was to reach 500,000 passengers annually - this has now been revised to a target of 750,000 annual passengers if the world opens up as expected in 2022.

New taxi ways set to expand capacity at Whitsunday Coast Airport

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Bowen’s Pink Stumps Ladies Day hosted over 300 women at the Bowen Sporting Complex to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation, part of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign to bring attention to the devastating disease.

Each year the Cricket Ground swaps stumps for frocks as part of the McGrath Foundation charity day, welcoming women to support breast cancer nurses nationwide, as well as here in the Whitsundays.

The McGrath Foundation funds McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who provide invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer at no cost.

This week’s fundraiser took the shape of a seated lunch, with platters and drink stalls running alongside the marquee. Throughout the day the organisers ran auctions with the profits heading straight back to the McGrath foundation.

The items on auction ranged from a Cowboy’s jersey, two signed bats from the Australia-Sri Lankan team 2007, one from the Big Bash League, and another from the Glenn McGrath Foundation itself.

There was live cricket played on the field, although the ladies’ interest was chiefly on the food, drinks, and good company. Expert speakers took to the stage to highlight proper health checks and information on Breast Cancer.

Breast Care Mackay attended, as well as Sue Murray from the Coastal Radiology who gave talks on breast cancer. Sergeant Michelle O’Regan of the Bowen Police department emceed the entire event, “keeping it lively,” and Councillor Michelle Wright attended on the day as well.

Last year, the group raised $10,000 for the foundation with a crowd of 200. President of Bowen Cricket Incorporated, Seth Mcintosh, said that they were hoping to bring in even more this year.

The event has raised almost $40 thousand dollars over its time of operation in Bowen.

One of the pink-tastically decorated tables at Bowen’s Pink Stumps Day

Two internal cricket matches were played to raise funds alongside the sit-down lunch

Ladies enjoyed themselves at the sit-down lunch for Pink Stumps Ladies Day

Fast talking auctioneer Peter Lawton was a source of constant humour

Two of Mackay’s McGrath Foundation Nurses

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Our region is about to become famous with reality TV fans from around the world when the new series of Below Deck is broadcast to millions of fans on the 18th March.

The entire series of the break-off show Below Deck: Down Under, was filmed right here in the Whitsundays in September 2021, with the super yacht, Thalassa, known to have docked at Coral Sea Marina for a number of weeks.

The party-loving crew were spotted having lively drinks at Magnums during filming and many whispers abounded from local operators whose services were sequestered by producers before they were sworn to silence.

The new series is expected to feature ‘Down Under’, not just in the sense of Australia being down under, but also in taking the audience on an underwater adventure with the guests enjoying diving, scuba diving, snorkelling and spearfishing with the cast.

While nothing has been formerly confirmed, many suspect that the crew will include some well-known faces.

Tumi Mhlongo, Benny Crawley and Magda Ziomek were thought to be onboard, however, an anonymous local source said Aesha Jean is the only returning crew member.

Speculators are also suggesting that Jimmy Threthewie from The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise will be a guest in one of the episodes.

Reports state that fan-favourite, Captain Lee, will unfortunately not be the skipper.

The vessel itself, however, comes from famous origins having been used in the 2008 film, Fool’s Gold, starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson when it was named Keri Lee lll.

It houses a beauty salon, a massage room and a hot tub with a movie screen.  

Many gossip sites who are following the story have heard rumours that the guests were offered highly discounted trips in order to get the spin-off series started.

A group of eight people shared the cost of $20,000 to participate.

In the American version the average Below Deck yacht costs $236,000 to hire per week.

Make sure you tune in on Friday 18th March on Bravo.

Season 6 Below Deck – the Tahiti crew

Super yacht, Thalassa, starred in the move Fool’s Good in 2008

The Below Deck Down Under crew spotted at Magnums in September. Photo Declan Durrant

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67-Year-Old Local Represents Australia at World Championships

Fitter than most people could hope to be at the prime of their life, retired local Michael Kimpton, has qualified for the Ironman World Championships which are due to take place in the United States later this year.

Over 100,000 athletes from around the world vie for just 2000 places in the World Championships and Michael won his place to represent Team Australia by finishing 3rd place for the 65-69 age-group in an Ironman competition in Cairns last June.

Old Dog, New Tricks

Ice baths, ocean swims and a strict diet are just some of the daily practices that Michael Kimpton builds into his intensive routine which will see him fighting fit and ready to compete in the Ironman World Championships this year.

It was just six years ago that Mr Kimpton picked up running again after a 30-year hiatus, when he and wife of 41 years, Val, moved to Airlie Beach.

The couple were determined to keep active during their retirement and while Mrs Kimpton plays tennis, Mr Kimpton decided to enter a few local triathlons and quickly became an active member of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club.

To qualify for his age-group in the world championships is an incredible achievement for a man who, at the age of 22, survived a near-fatal motorbike accident when commuting home from work one rainy evening in Melbourne.

With a compound break in his femur, a large portion of his calf muscle missing and kidney failure, Mr Kimpton spent six months in hospital and had complete nerve damage to his left leg leaving him temporarily paralysed and unable to walk.

“After numerous operations and intensive rehabilitation, I was determined to regain my fitness to its fullest,” said Mr Kimpton.

Flash forward almost 46 years and not only has he led a fulfilling life with three children and two grandchildren, he is also living his best years now.

First representing Australia in France in 2019, Mr Kimpton is now looking forward to jetting off to Roth in Germany, where he will compete on the 3rd July, a day before his 68th birthday.

Also participating in this event will be another Airlie Beach local, Cassandra Carman.

Alongside his biggest supporter and wife, Mr Kimpton will then head to the World lronman Championships at Kailua Pier, Kona, Hawaii and race on October 6.

The mammoth event consists of a 3.8-kilometre swim, a 180-kilometre cycle, followed by a 42.2-kilometre marathon run.

The couple then head to St George in Utah where Mr Kimpton has also qualified to represent Australia in the World Half lronman Championships on October 29.

Using this impressive sporting achievement to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer of Foundation Australia Mr Kimpton is hosting a fundraising page to support a cause which is close to his heart.

So far, he has raised $5000 and if you would like to donate, simply go to fundraise.pcfa.org.au.

Ironman World Championships qualifier, Michael Kimpton

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Caneland Central is going to market as current owners Lendlease seek investors to acquire 100% interest in the Mackay region’s largest shopping centre.

Owned and managed by Lendlease’s APPF Retail fund since 2001, the centre underwent a major refurbishment in 2011 and has DA approved plans for a further expansion and development for a new cinema and food and beverage precinct.

Lendlease Investment Management’s Managing Director, Scott Mosley said, “Caneland Central is the premier shopping and lifestyle destination in the Mackay region and is positioned at the heart of its local community.

“The centre has been a strong performer for APPF Retail and is uniquely situated to continue servicing the local community and tourists with its mix of retail, lifestyle and dining.”

Caneland Central covers 65,964m2 and houses major retailers such as Myer, Coles, Woolworths, Target, and Big W as well as a large range of mini-majors and speciality tenants.

The centre services more than 175,000 people across the Mackay region and is the only regional shopping centre housing Myer within a 320 km radius.

JLL Retail Investments Senior Directors, Nick Willis and Sam Hatcher, have been exclusively appointed on behalf of Lendlease to bring APPF Retail’s 100% interest in Caneland Central to market.

Willis said, “The offering to acquire a 100% interest in an institutionally owned and managed asset like this is unique, with only eight regional assets being offered over the past 10 years and only two in Queensland, highlighting the rarity of the opportunity.”

Caneland Central will go to market via an Expressions of Interest campaign.

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A growing number of people in Mackay are seeking swift access to specialist emergency medicine, with a 43 per cent increase in patients presenting to Mater Private Hospital Mackay’s Emergency Care Centre over the past year.

The Emergency Care Centre (ECC) - which celebrates its third anniversary this month - had 13 452 patient presentations in 2021 compared with 9 385 the year before.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Executive Officer, Beth Thomas, said the increase reflected a rising trend amongst patients for easy access to specialist medical advice as well as services like imaging and pathology.

“All of our ECC doctors are experienced emergency medicine specialists, so patients are confident they will receive a high standard of care and expertise,” Ms Thomas said.

Mater’s ECC Director, Dr Khalid Yousif, said increasing numbers of patients were also choosing the Mater because it provided low wait times.

“The ECC was established three years ago to provide the people of Mackay and surrounding region with more choices in emergency health care,” he said.

“The 43 per cent rise in patients in the past year makes it clear that our patients are prioritising access to emergency medicine expertise, as well as the radiology and pathology services provided.

“Typically, we see patients present and be assessed first and foremost by an emergency medicine specialist, who will order the necessary radiology and pathology services, and/or additional specialist consultations.

“Patients can then either be swiftly discharged, referred onto the appropriate medical specialists for further treatment, or admitted if necessary.

“This process reduces our waiting times and delays and appears to be building the trust and confidence of the community through their increasing demand for our emergency services.”

Ms Thomas said the ECC was a partnership between Mater Private Hospital Mackay and Private Emergency Health Australia (PEHA) and was accessible to both public and private patients.

The Mater Mackay Emergency Care Centre is located within Mater Private Hospital Mackay at 76 Willets Road, North Mackay and operates from 8 am – 10 pm daily.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay’s Emergency Care Centre has seen a steep rise in demand from 2020 to 2021. Images supplied: Mater Private Hospital

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The Regional Queensland Council of Mayors (RQCOM) is seeking commitments for disaster recovery and mitigation support from the Commonwealth.

The call for a commitment comes after the Shadow Prime Minister Anthony Albanese alongside Senator Murray Watt and Labor Candidate for Dawson Shane Hamilton pledged $5M from a Labor federal government to improve Mackay’s disaster readiness by investing in a flood levee along the Pioneer River.

“Our announcement is about building a better Queensland, making a more resilient Queensland for the future,” Mr Albanese announced in Mackay last month.

The RQCOM is seeking a similar commitment from the LNP federal government and says there is a fund sitting there for this purpose which has not been utilised when communities have needed it most.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, who is RQCOM Chair, said he looked forward to working with the Federal Government before the next disaster season to rebuild and mitigate against future damage.

“The National Recovery and Resilience Agency has a $4 billion disaster recovery and mitigation fund that is earning hundreds of millions of dollars in interest every year,” said Mayor Williamson.

“This fund has earnt $836 million in interest, which is supposed to be spent to fund emergency response and natural disaster recovery and preparedness,” he said.

“We want to see that money spent for the very purpose it is intended for.

“This is especially timely now, coming off the back of a disaster season that has seen damage across many of our member councils’ areas.

“We’re determined to see this money released and actually used for what it has been set aside to do, so we can get commitments for expenditure from this fund that will help people across regional Queensland rebuild their lives and prepare for next time.”

Mayor Williamson said that it had been like pulling teeth trying to get money out of the fund, which was earning a heap for the future when the need was right now.

“Despite being up and running for years, I’m not aware of one project that has been funded,” he said.

The Emergency Relief Fund was established in 2019 to fund emergency response and natural disaster recovery and preparedness in response to natural disasters.

Labor has already pledged that Mackay would be the first in line to receive funding from its new Disaster Ready Fund, which will invest up to $200 million per year on disaster prevention and resilience.

“Thousands of Australians who face bushfires, floods and cyclones every year deserve to be protected by a federal government who plans ahead and invests to keep them safe,” Mr Albanese said.

“We know weather events are on the horizon – we have the smarts and the resources to prepare and prevent disasters happening from these events.”

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Domestic violence (DV) can often go under the radar, which is why Community Bank Sarina is participating in the ‘Red Bench Project’ – to help generate awareness within the Sarina community.

A symbol of hope, like a red bench, is a reminder that there are pathways of assistance for sufferers of the violent scourge.

Broad Street in Sarina, which forms part of the Bruce Highway, is now home to a red bench donated by Community Bank Sarina – a visible reminder that domestic violence is in our community, but that we are the ones who can change that.

Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May said that Red Rose Foundation, the founders of the Project, and the Bank are “especially concerned at the high number of domestic violence related deaths that occur each year”.

“Domestic violence deaths are largely preventable – and we want to do all we can to be a part of that prevention,” Ms May said.

“We believe that Sarina is a close-knit community – so if there is someone in our community who is suffering from domestic violence, we want this bench to be a symbol to them that help is available.

“The more people who are aware of the signs of domestic violence, and the support available – the more we can help prevent the physical, emotional and mental damage that can come from a domestic violence situation.”

The Foundation’s motto, which is included on the bench’s plaque, states ‘Let’s change the ending’.

“To our team in the branch and to those on our board, this means that there is hope – that we can help to make a difference, and change the ending for those who are currently suffering.”

While the bench alone won’t break the cycle, it speaks volumes; to celebrate the survivors, to act as a permanent reminder that DV won’t be tolerated and to encourage victims and those who see DV to speak up and seek help.

If you or someone you know is interested in domestic violence counselling or advocacy, please contact the Red Rose Foundation on info@redrosefoundation.com.au.

To report a suspected case of domestic violence, please contact 000 in an emergency, or phone police for non-life-threatening help on 131 444, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

(L-R): Karen May (Chair, Community Bank Sarina); Charmaine Matsen (Branch Manager, Community Bank Sarina); Mel

Nielsen (Customer Service Officer Community Bank Sarina); Cr Belinda Hassan; Cr Fran Mann

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The creation of a new corridor between Paget and the Peak Downs Highway is touted to improve freight, tourism and road transport between Mackay and Moranbah. More importantly, the creation of the Walkerston Bypass will offer a safer and more efficient link by reducing congestion issues posed by the existing Peak Downs Highway.

The project is one step closer to commencing, with the construction contract for the $186.6 million piece of infrastructure being awarded to Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd. It is expected to be completed during 2024.

The Walkerston Bypass will receive up to $149.28 million in funding from the Australian Government and up to $37.32 million from the Queensland Government.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the 10.6km link will follow Stockroute Road from the Bruce Highway before it deviates south at the western end and joins the Peak Downs Highway, ensuring heavy vehicles are diverted away from the Walkerston town centre.

“This is a huge win for the Walkerston community making it much safer and more accessible for residents and motorists,” Mrs Gilbert said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said this milestone pushes the project closer to reality.

“This project will deliver a new two-lane highway connection between the Peak Downs Highway, west of Walkerston and the Mackay Ring Road, near Paget,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Once complete, Queenslanders will enjoy more efficient, safer journeys. Additionally, it will boost the region’s economy, supporting an estimated 235 jobs during construction.

“This is another example of how the Australian Government is getting the job done and delivering the infrastructure Queenslanders need through our record $110 billion infrastructure plan.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the 10.6 kilometre link between the Bruce and Peak Downs highways would divert heavy vehicles away from Walkerston.

“The bypass will improve safety for local residents, by removing heavy vehicle traffic out of the town's centre and away from local schools and businesses,” Minister Bailey said.

“Construction of the Walkerston Bypass is an important step towards improving efficiency from Mackay to the mining communities in the Bowen Basin.”

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the project complements other road projects currently underway in the region.

“Since 2013 the Australian Government has committed to delivering more than $14 billion in regional road improvements across Queensland, supporting more than 30,000 jobs and boosting the economy,” Ms Landry said.

“We have already delivered the $497.3 million Mackay Ring Road, with a $397.9 million federal commitment.

“The Australian Government will continue to invest in and deliver the road infrastructure projects that matter to locals, tourists, businesses and freight operators.”

The Walkerston Bypass is scheduled for completion in late 2024.\

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert announcing the Walkerston Bypass tender has been awarded to Fulton Hogan Construction. Image supplied: Julieanne Gilbert

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Over the last few weeks, I have been having a few days off from my 4MK radio show, so that meant no 4am alarm to get up and go, but it did allow me to do a few other things that I don't normally do.

I got to see the sunrise from my bed. That I just don’t get to see during the week, and I love it.

I live in South Mackay near the beach, so I love getting up and going for a walk on the beach with a dog on the lead. Right now, I don’t have a dog so if anyone wants a dog walker give me a call when I get back to work.

The other thing I love to do on holidays is have a cheat breakfast day, every day of the week. That means bacon and eggs when you wake up. How great is that? Like I say, a cheat day to many people could be sweets, biscuits or even alcohol. To me the good old bacon and eggs are the bomb and I’m very lucky to be able to do it during the week.

Holidays also allow me to get out and explore a bit more. Last week I was up at Finch Hatton Gorge going for a swim. I’ve been having a beer at the Eimeo Pub, and I’ve also taken the drone up near Walkerston to check out our beautiful cane fields. It’s just the best view from 100 metres in the air.

That’s all stopped now because I’m back on the radio and loving it.

If you’re still on holidays now that the kids have gone back to school, that’s great. If you’ve got kids with you at home for any reason, I’m thinking of you. I hope you’re having some of your own time as well.

A reminder if you’re looking for things to do and see around our Mackay region, please go and check out the volunteers at the region's visitor information centres. They have all the details and ideas to look outside the box.

One suggestion from me, go up the Diggings at Eungella. You’ll love it. Guaranteed.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK!

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A revised policy that provides incentives to encourage development in the Mackay region will remain in place for at least another 12 months, with an amendment approved hoping to attract a diversity of housing development.

The Facilitating Development in the Mackay Region Policy has been in place since late 2014 and reviewed and amended annually. Since the policy was first established, a total of 59 applications have been approved. The approved applications have a combined construction value of $484 million, which is modelled to generate $1.147 billion economic output and 2163 construction jobs.

The most recent review was brought forward following a resolution of council and included a workshop with councillors and key stakeholders.

Mayor Greg Williamson said, following that major review, councillors agreed it was important to keep such a policy in place and include more incentives for housing diversity.

“Although Mackay has seen increased demand for housing, the majority of this has been for detached dwellings, with units not seeing similar increases in demand,’’ he said.

“Most other comparable local governments offer some form of incentives for development.

“There is competition among local governments for investment and it is an important consideration.”

An ordinary meeting of council last week adopted the revised Facilitating Development in the Mackay Region Policy for one year, starting February 14.

A key focus of the amended policy is to contribute to housing diversity and a greater choice for the community.

Among the amendments to the previous policy is a change to Schedule 7 (Housing Diversity).

Since the introduction of Schedule 7 in December 2020, only one application has been received, with a further three in the Expression of Interest stage.

“This shows that even though there is a surge in demand for housing, the existing 25 per cent infrastructure charges discount, up to $250,000, isn’t attractive enough to promote additional unit type developments,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“To promote the development of alternative housing types and increase the potential viability, the revised policy increases the reduction in infrastructure charges from 25 per cent to 50 per cent,” he said.

“It also increases the maximum amount from $250,000 to $500,000.”

There are other minor amendments to other schedules within the policy. The ongoing monitoring is an important consideration of the Policy review as it allows for a more accurate representation of the concessions likely to be realised and reduces the risk to council of approving disproportionate concessions and forfeiting excessive revenue.

An ordinary meeting of council last week adopted the revised Facilitating Development in the Mackay Region Policy aimed at attracting diversity in housing development. Image supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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From rescuing a missing bushwalker lost in the wilderness, to assisting with a high-speed chase following an alleged kidnapping, RACQ CQ Rescue provided an eye in the sky for the police last weekend.

The helicopter service was tasked at about 11.30pm on 12 February by the Queensland Police Service to ‘assist, trace and tail’ a vehicle which reportedly had a kidnapped child on board last seen headed south of Mackay at high speed.

With a police officer on the chopper, the RACQ CQ Rescue crew departed base at Mackay Airport and quickly located and tracked the Toyota Corolla as it sped south along the Bruce Highway just after midnight.

It is believed police stingers/spikes were deployed near Bakers Creek, but only one wheel of the alleged offenders’ vehicle was punctured. The helicopter crew reported seeing sparks and smoke coming from the rim of the vehicle as it continued along the highway.

The car finally stopped on Sarina Beach Road and the rescue helicopter crew reported seeing at least two people running from the vehicle into a residential area nearby.

The helicopter continued to ‘help from above’, assisting police by flying over the area and using the spotlight and Night Vision Goggles (NVG) to locate the offenders who were seen jumping fences and entering yards in the vicinity of Millennium Drive.

Mackay detectives have since charged two young adults allegedly involved in a deprivation of liberty incident in Sarina on Saturday night (12 February).

19-year-old Storm Michael Spurling has been charged with one count of deprivation of liberty, dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful possession of suspected stolen property and common assault.

18-year-old Kate Elizabeth Hill has been charged with one count of deprivation of liberty and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

It was alleged that two teenage boys, aged 13 and 14, were walking along Coles Hill Road, at around 7.20pm when a blue sedan pulled up. The 14-year-old boy, who did not know the pair, refused to get into the vehicle and it will be alleged a bladed weapon was then produced and the boy made to enter the car.

The car then drove to Slade Point where Ms Hill and Mr Spurling pulled over and parked the vehicle. The 14-year-old took this opportunity to flee and ran to a nearby business where police were called. The 13-year-old boy, who knew the pair, remained with the vehicle and its occupants. No one was injured.

Ms Hill and Mr Spurling appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court on Tuesday February 15. Mr Spurling was denied bail and will appear in court in March. He denied using a knife to force the 14-year-old into Ms Hill’s car. Ms Hill was granted bail as it was determined she was the passenger. Ms Hill was already on probation for dishonesty and drug-related offences and has also been further charged with possession of stolen property.

Earlier the same evening, RACQ CQ Rescue successfully searched for and rescued a lone bush walker from a rocky shoreline near Smalley’s Beach at Cape Hillsborough.

A 57-year-old Mackay woman was reported missing by her husband when she didn’t return to their campsite from a walk in the area, about 40km north of Mackay.

After nearly two hours of low-level flying and using the aircraft spotlight to scour the bush land, rocky hills and beaches of the national park, the crew finally spotted the walker in the dark, waving her mobile phone flashlight. She was located south of Smalley’s Beach on a rocky shoreline after becoming disoriented on a walking trail and cut off by the incoming tide.

RACQ CQ Rescue conducted five search missions in three days earlier this week, from assisting Police in an erratic car chase, to searching for people lost, missing or fleeing and assisting an ill fisherman at sea. Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue

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Jules Thompson of Broken Ballerina has highlighted two instances of “disgraceful” housing for domestic violence survivors in Mackay - housing that is part of the state government's public housing scheme which allegedly smells like cat urine, is brimming with mould, and is host to illegally few smoke alarms.

Local Charity Exposes Substandard Living Conditions

Jules Thompson of Broken Ballerina Inc., the non-for-profit charity supporting Mackay’s female domestic violence survivors, has uncovered conditions in two homes which “no normal rental property would get away with”.

The housing in question is run through the public housing scheme, which is essentially a property rented out by private entities, whether that be an individual, organisation, or company, for the express purpose of public housing.

People who have suffered instances of domestic violence are often approved to homes through these housing organisations as the rent is subsidised by the government.

The first of Ms Thompson’s clients at one of the public houses is a young mother with two very young children who escaped a domestic violence situation.

Broken Ballerina helped her move into the new premises, where they were greeted with the smell of cat urine, moulded together curtains, no bedroom door on the main bedroom, as well as free-hanging cords on the blinds, which are illegal strangulation hazards.

Most notably, the rental property housed a single smoke detector at the rear of the property, which is now illegal, as all rentals are required by state law to meet minimum requirements for fire alarms.

“She was afraid to speak up, because she is and was afraid of being kicked out, because it’s either that or homelessness,” Jules said.

“This is not the first property that’s been brought to my attention either.”

Ms Thompson said that the young mother was incredibly grateful to be able to have her own home for her and her little ones, but that “just because someone was homeless and in a refuge, it does not mean that this is ok.”

The situation is still ongoing at the time of writing, and Ms Thompson has reached out multiple times to the property manager to seek to remedy the conditions but reportedly had been refused, as well as told for her client to give two weeks’ notice and leave the property.

The other instance prior to Christmas was related to Ms Thompson’s clients was a property with no air conditioning, in which the residents, another mother of young children, had been unwell due to the heat with multiple nosebleeds, and her younger child even vomiting.

The home also had no insulation in the ceiling.

The residents were redirected to medical professionals, being told that they would need to prove that the children’s sickness was related to the lack of air conditioning, and then the property managers would act.

Luckily, through Broken Ballerina and the Mackay community, the family received a series of portable air conditioners.

Items were donated by Mad Cow Coffee, Betta Home Living Mackay, as well as $1000 from Scott at Enlightened Financial Services for air conditioning.

Evan Corry, co-owner of Corry Cycles, also contacted Ms Thompson and organised a working bee for the young client.

“It’s fantastic, but it shouldn’t be on the community to supply these things for people, the organisations and the housing should be supplying or already have them,” Ms Thompson said.

“These places that provide subsidised housing, receiving government funding to operate and I would like to know why some of these properties are not kept up to standards that are legally required.

“It’s time that the public housing sector was audited, and every single public housing property looked at by an independent body who knows the tenancy laws inside and out.”

Jules Thompson, Broken Ballerina Inc. said that the housing conditions for Mackay’s domestic violence survivors were abhorrent. Photo: Declan Durrant

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The long debated and recently approved high-rise development at Port of Airlie is meeting with continual backlash from the Save Our Foreshore community group who are determined to fight against what they see as a “total travesty.”

Over 40 people gathered at the site of a new billboard on Shute Harbour Road on Sunday, one of three road signs that have been funded by Save Our Foreshore to raise awareness for the cause.

They depict the favoured low-rise development next to the recently approved high-rise.

In 2010, Council approved a visually pleasing three to five storey resort complex for the site.

This vision was in-tune with both developers and local activists who are eager to see Airlie Beach retain its small-town feel.

Then, in 2016 the results of a Hotel Needs Study completely changed these plans and the reclaimed land, which was previously Muddy Bay, has now been sub-divided into 10 lots, creating a need for developers to extend upwards in order to make profits.

Plans for the new development include a 180-room five-star hotel, luxury apartments, shopping, entertainment, food and beverage facilities as well as bowling and cinema, restaurant, bar and function centre.

Late last year it was controversially approved by Council that the development could exceed the statutory 18-metre maximum building limit and extend to 47 metres in height.

“We gave up Muddy Bay for this!” said Suzette Pelt from Save Our Foreshore.

“People come to Airlie Beach for the lifestyle and low-rise village feel – this tourism branding has taken 40 years to create, and we have spent 20 years fighting to maintain it.”

At a recent Whitsunday Regional Council meeting, the developers asked to reduce the amount carparks on the site, to which Council refused.

Once this issue has been resolved, Save Our Foreshore will be starting legal action and lodging an appeal with the Planning and Environment court.

This can be costly exercise, and Ms Peel said that if it goes to trial, they can expect to pay upwards of $70,000.

If you would like to show your support, simply head to the Save Our Foreshore Facebook page where you can follow the links to donate to their GoFundMe page.

Over 40 residents meet up to show their support for retaining a low-rise development

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