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Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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The Greater Whitsunday region has taken a significant step toward accelerating agricultural innovation with the release of the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Ecosystem Mapping Report, a comprehensive picture of the organisations, services and partnerships supporting agricultural technology adoption across the region.
Commissioned by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and supported through the Queensland Government’s Regional Enablers Program, the report identifies more than 140 regional stakeholders across agriculture, technology, research, training and industry who together form the region’s growing AgTech ecosystem.
Released by the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub, the report provides a clear, evidence-based foundation for how the region can strengthen AgTech adoption, improve productivity and support the long-term competitiveness of agriculture across the Greater Whitsunday.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the findings confirm what producers, industry and innovators have long recognised - that the region is uniquely positioned to lead practical, on-farm technology adoption.
“This report highlights the strength of the Greater Whitsunday ecosystem and the opportunity we have to accelerate real-world technology adoption across agriculture,” Ms Porter said.
The report highlights that the region’s greatest opportunity lies not in inventing new technologies, but in strengthening the systems that help producers confidently adopt existing technologies that improve efficiency, reduce costs and support better on-farm decision making.
Over the coming year, the Hub will focus on building a coordinated regional AgTech adoption model, bringing together producers, suppliers and service providers through demonstrations, trials and validation activities that allow technologies to be tested and understood in real production environments.
By improving coordination between industry, government, research and suppliers, the Hub is helping position the Greater Whitsunday as a region that is AgTech-ready, connected and capable of supporting the next generation of agricultural innovation.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance is the region’s peak, independent economic development body committed to making the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region strong for generations.
Revolutionising the experience of working, training, learning and living in remote locations is at the forefront of business development at M&P Services. Their Signature Mobile Cribs are proudly designed and manufactured at their Mackay headquarters, establishing them as a market-leading solution for remote-site facilities. Built to rugged minesite specifications, each mobile crib features robust EPSpanel shells, C2 cyclonic resistance, and a heavyduty offroad base - all fabricated on-site in Mackay’s Diesel Drive factory in Paget.
Offered for both hire and sale across QLD, WA, NT, NSW and into PNG and New Caledonia, these units include amenities like reversecycle airconditioning, generatorpowered operation with a 7day fuel supply, kitchenette, toilets, even emergencyshower and firstaid options. They’re selfsufficient and quick to deploy, using a specialised trailer that delivers and unloads the unit directly on-site.
M&P says proper deployment makes the asset “costneutral,” with direct benefits in safety, productivity, and staff comfort. Whether for mining, civil construction, remote agriculture, or emergency relief, Mobile Cribs stand as versatile, dependable, Australianbuilt solutions.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP is urging residents across the electorate to have their say as part of Mirani’s Biggest Community Survey, with early results already highlighting key challenges and priorities in local communities.
Mr Kelly said the survey was delivering valuable insights, but stronger participation was needed, particularly from Walkerston and communities within the Isaac Regional Council area.
“The more people who complete the survey, the better we can understand the real issues facing our communities,” Mr Kelly said. “I represent a diverse electorate stretching around the major centres of Mackay and Rockhampton. Too often, our communities feel overlooked, and this survey is about making sure every town and district has a voice.”
Initial findings revealed that 66.7 per cent of respondents in Ooralea reported not having access to enough safe walking and cycling paths, while 54.5 per cent of Sarina respondents said they were very dissatisfied with local community infrastructure, including parks, sporting grounds and the pool. In contrast, 45.5 per cent of Sarina respondents rated Sarina Hospital as excellent, reflecting confidence in local health services.
Across the electorate, residents also raised concerns about limited public transport options, with many saying they feel cut off or underserviced.
Mr Kelly said the early data reinforced the importance of community feedback.
“These results help guide our advocacy, shape our priorities, and ensure we’re pushing for the things that matter most, whether that’s safer pathways, better community infrastructure, reliable public transport, or improved services.”
He encouraged all residents, particularly those in Walkerston and Isaac communities, to take part in the short online survey.
“Every voice matters. If we want better outcomes for our region, we need to hear from as many locals as possible. This is your chance to help shape the future of Mirani,” he said.
The survey is being conducted alongside a Town Hall Roadshow visiting communities across the Mirani electorate.
Residents can take part online at glenkellymp.com.au/biggestsurvey/, by phone on (07) 4806 0700, or by requesting a hard copy from the Mirani Electorate Office.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP is urging residents to complete Mirani’s Biggest Community Survey, as early results highlight key local issues including infrastructure, transport and access to services. Photo supplied
Mackay Regional Council is taking a step toward a greener future, launching a new trial aimed at cutting carbon emissions from equipment used by outdoor crews.
The initiative will see more than a dozen battery-powered tools put to the test, as council explores both the cost and environmental benefits of transitioning away from traditional petrol-powered machinery.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the modelling done by council officers is very encouraging.
“We estimate that in a five-year period, council could reduce their CO2 emissions from this kind of equipment from almost 11 tonnes to about three tonnes,” Mayor Williamson said.
“With the current volatility of fuel prices, any reduction in our reliance on petrol will offer a financial benefit to ratepayers, with electricity charging costs at about $0.24 per kilowatt hour. That’s significantly less than the current cost of fuel,” he said.
“If 100 petrol tools were replaced with battery-electric equivalents, we could see cost savings of about $28,000 over five years and more than 800-tonnes of CO2 emissions reduced.”
Among the equipment purchased for the trial is brush cutters, whipper snippers, blowers and chainsaws.
Sustainability Strategic Advisory Committee co-Chair Cr Alison Jones said there are other benefits to the community and staff.
“Often the equipment is lighter than petrol-powered – reducing strain and fatigue on staff, and by moving away from fuelled equipment we are removing any workplace hazards around airborne particulates,” Cr Jones said.
“The battery-powered equipment is also quieter, meaning that council staff can use them at expanded times and locations.”
The trial aims to determine if projections around cost and CO2 emissions reductions are correct and if the equipment is fit for purpose.
It’s also part of council’s goal to reduce emissions and achieve net zero by 2050, in line with Australia’s international commitments.
The trial will run for three years, with council officers to review how many tools and batteries are still viable and which tools are preferred and fit-for-purpose
The three-year trial will evaluate the long-term viability of the powered tools and batteries. Photo supplied
Community members are being encouraged to come along and show their support as Safe Sleep Mackay prepares to launch its inaugural Bosses on Buses event, aimed at raising vital funds for those experiencing homelessness across the region.
Set to take place on Friday, March 27 at the Mackay Showgrounds from 3pm to 7pm, the event will offer the public an opportunity to step inside the Safe Sleep bus, meet participating local leaders, and gain a deeper understanding of the initiative driving change in the community.
Safe Sleep Mackay spokesperson Lisa Jamieson said the event is about more than just fundraising, highlighting the importance of community connection and collective action.
“The Bosses on Buses sleepout is about leadership, our community coming together and stepping up when it matters most. We’re asking the Mackay community to get behind this event — nominate a boss, make a donation, or come along and check out the bus.”
Funds raised will help Safe Sleep Mackay operationalise the bus service and start providing safe, dignified overnight temporary accommodation people experiencing homelessness in the Mackay region.
To find out more about the event and how to nominate a boss or how to donate visit, www.safesleepmackay.com.au
The Mackay community is being urged to support the upcoming Bosses on Buses event, raising funds to deliver safe overnight accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. Photo source: Safe Sleep Mackay
Mackay Regional Council paid tribute to the Queensland State Emergency Service this week, in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
To commemorate the milestone, eight 50-year Anniversary Flags will travel right across the region to be signed by SES volunteers.
The Central Region stretches from the Whitsunday Islands to Agnes Water, consisting of 14 units, 66 groups and over 1200 active volunteers, supported by 26 staff spread across offices in Rockhampton, Mackay and Longreach.
Mayor Greg Williamson acknowledged the dedicated, highly trained volunteers who support our community in times of emergency and disaster.
“Every year, SES volunteers make a real and lasting impact on the lives of Queenslanders – providing help, hope and practical support when it’s needed most,” Mayor Williamson said.
“These tremendous individuals always step up when they are needed and often the conditions they work in are extreme,” he said.
“Whether that’s sandbagging and tarping roofs in torrential rain or searching for missing people amongst dense bushland or in flood boats in raging rivers and creeks – our SES volunteers are local heroes through and through.
“So, if you know an SES volunteer or see one out and about, please thank them for their service.
“Now is also the perfect time to get involved, so if you have ever thought about becoming an SES volunteer, head to ses.qld.gov.au and register your interest.”
SES Mackay Local Controller Alexander McPhee said the Central Region had two 50-year serving members.
“Our region is incredibly lucky to have such a depth of experience and expertise amongst our members,” Mr McPhee said.
“It’s great to be able to celebrate all our volunteers and this is a special opportunity to acknowledge the history of this organisation and the amazing, lifesaving work these volunteers have carried out over the last 50 years,” he said.
The Queensland SES was formally established on December 11th 1975.
It was created in response to the devastating 1974 Queensland floods, evolving from the former Queensland Civil Defence Organisation that had operated since 1961.
2 - SES Mackay Local Controller Alexander McPhee presented Mayor Greg Williamson and Deputy Mayor Karen May with a commemorative plaque of all the SES groups in the state and thanked council for its support.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind, with plenty happening both in the Mackay community and at Queensland Parliament. I am proud to see the Mackay events and sporting season for 2026 in full swing — from festivals and art exhibitions to thrilling sporting matches. As we get closer to the Easter school holidays, my priority — and Parliament’s — remains squarely on public safety.
One of Parliament’s key achievements has been Daniel’s Law — Queensland’s first public child sex offender register — which is already delivering results. Just ten weeks after launching in Queensland, nine reportable offenders have been identified, including two now facing charges for allegedly breaching reporting obligations. A further seven individuals not previously on the register have also been identified, prompting new police investigations.
We’ve also taken strong action through the Blue Card system across Queensland. So far, 543 people have been suspended under strengthened powers. This includes 269 prevented from starting child-related work and 274 who can no longer work with children. These changes close gaps, act earlier, and strengthen protections for families across our community.
On opportunities, Round 2 of the Women’s Career Grants has officially opened. With grants of up to $4,999, the program helps women who have been out of the workforce for six months or more cover the costs of returning to work — whether that’s training, study, or other practical support. For more information, visit: https://www.women.qld.gov.au/grants-sponsorship/women-career-grants
Closer to home, March also marks the wrap-up of my third year raising funds locally for Laps for Life — supporting youth mental health and suicide prevention. Many Mackay locals know I’m a passionate swimmer, and youth mental health is especially close to my heart, having previously served as a Crime Prevention Officer with the Queensland Police. Laps for Life allows me to combine my love of swimming with a greater cause. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to hit the pool, sign up, or support another local participant. I swim with the Master Swimmers Queensland Team, and every donation makes a real difference.
Donate at: www.lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/NigelDalton/laps-for-life-2026
These updates reflect a clear focus: safer communities and stronger opportunities. Whether it’s protecting children of any age, supporting families, or investing in the future of our workforce, the work being done in Parliament is focused on delivering practical outcomes where they matter most — right here in our region.
Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Willcox MP, today called on residents across the region to report fuel shortages using a new website: www.nofuelhere.com.au.
As communities throughout North Queensland feel the sting of the national fuel crisis, Mr Willcox is seeking hard evidence to take to the floor of Parliament.
"I have spoken with farmers in the Burdekin, Bowen, Proserpine and Mackay who are staring down a critical planting window with the fear of empty diesel tanks looming. In the Whitsundays, tourism businesses are already feeling the pinch of rapidly increasing prices.
Families are rationing their travel, and our transport operators are being pushed to the brink," Mr Willcox said.
"Regional Australians do not have the luxury of jumping on a train and many are in positions where they can’t work from home. Fuel is the lifeblood of our region: it is how we get to work, how we get our kids to school, and how our farms keep running. When the pumps are empty, Dawson grinds to a halt.
"I am asking every local resident who has experienced a shortage to log it at www.nofuelhere.com.au. Every report strengthens our case to the Albanese Government that regional Australia needs its fair share of fuel security.
"The website, launched by the Coalition, allows Australians to quickly log shortages at their local service station. These reports provide MPs with real-time data on where the crisis is hitting hardest.
Australia currently imports around 90 per cent of its refined fuel and is the only International Energy Agency member country that fails to hold the mandatory 90-day fuel reserve. This vulnerability has been exposed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Mr Willcox said his role in the Shadow Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability portfolio has highlighted the urgent need for Australia to become a self-reliant nation.
"It is economically nonsensical that we export our natural resources only to buy them back as finished fuel at a massive markup. We cannot have sovereign capability if we cannot fuel our own tractors and trucks. We need to be a nation that makes things here, fuels things here, and stands on its own two feet," Mr Willcox said.
"The Albanese Government claims this is just a distribution problem, but that is cold comfort when you are staring at an 'Out of Service' sign in Dawson.
“Regional Australia cannot wait for Canberra to catch up. We need a plan that treats our food and fuel security as a strategic priority, not an afterthought."
Residents are encouraged to report fuel shortages at: www.nofuelhere.com.au.
Contributed with thanks to the office of Andrew Willcox MP
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox at the pump. Regional families cannot afford to run on empty. Mr Willcox is calling on the community to report fuel shortages at www.nofuelhere.com.au.
Hi lovely readers!
Last week, you would have seen our wonderful new journo Suz make an appearance here. She’ll be helping out with stories for Mackay, and even travelling up and down the coast to cover events with me from time to time.
During last week’s print deadline, I was headed up to Airlie Beach to work for the day… but unfortunately, I blew out two tyres after hitting a humongous pothole and was stranded on the side of the road for a few hours until my beautiful husband came to the rescue!
Suz thankfully stepped in and wrote her wonderful note here.
Since then, it’s been a big week. The next day, the Life Publishing team spent the day on a wonderful boat out to Whitehaven Beach, where we were able to relax, snorkel and enjoy a bit of team bonding, which carried over into Friday as we learned all about our unique personalities.
Then on Friday afternoon, I raced back to Mackay to celebrate Adam’s Citizenship Ceremony at the MECC. Although he was born in Indonesia, he’s now officially a full-blown Aussie!
We also took lots of photos together at the ceremony with Mayor Greg Williamson, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, who kindly included our photo in his monthly ‘Note from Nigel’, which you can read on page 5.
Scripture of the week: Jesus said: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” - John
Behind every patient journey at Mackay Hospital and Health Service is a team working quietly to support individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Social workers play a vital role in helping patients navigate issues beyond the hospital bed, from complex diagnoses and discharge planning to connecting people with essential services for recovery.
Their contribution was recognised at a special lunch held at Mackay Base Hospital on March 17 to mark World Social Work Day, celebrating the dedication and compassion shown by the team each day.
“Behind every patient journey is someone helping to navigate the challenges beyond the hospital bed,” a spokesperson said.
“Thank you to our social workers for the powerful difference you make in healthcare, helping patients feel heard, supported and never alone on their sometimes-complex journey.”
Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service
We often hear people complain about the services that council delivers, the amount of rates people pay and what value they feel they receive for what they pay. To give you an idea of just how broad the range of services are that council delivers, here are some statistics to consider:
Civil Operations maintains, repairs and cleans 3135 roads, 65 off-street carparks, 409km of footpaths and pathways, 455 bus stops and 314 bus shelters, 27 boat ramps, 166 bridges and 445 culverts.
Facilities and Open Spaces maintain about 23 million square metres of grass, including 260 parks and botanic gardens, 111 reserves, 109 playgrounds, nine skate parks, three swimming enclosures, the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails and six cemeteries. They also manage 272 council buildings, including libraries, halls, aquatic centres and commercial properties.
Field Services deliver a portion of the Capital Works Program, primarily using council’s ground crews (predominantly civil renewal projects, including roads, drainage, water and sewer main construction).
Mobile Assets manage the procurement, maintenance, repair and compliance of council vehicles, machinery and equipment (approximately 1300 items), to ensure staff have safe, fit-for-purpose assets for efficient service delivery.
Waste Services deliver waste and resource recovery services, implements integrated strategies to divert waste from landfill and promote sustainable practices, including waste planning. Facilities include Paget Waste Transfer Station, Hogan’s Pocket landfill and nine regional transfer stations.
Water Network operates and maintains water and wastewater infrastructure across 11 water schemes and four sewer schemes, including 2100km of pipe, 200 sewer pump stations, 30 water pump stations, 35 water reservoirs and 46,000 water meters.
Water Treatment team treats and supplies potable water and processes sewer and recycled wastewater, utilising a fleet of assets that includes nine water treatment facilities, two referable dams and a NATA accredited laboratory.
Community Lifestyle operates arts, culture, and community facilities, including five libraries, two mobile libraries, three museums and Artspace Mackay. The team delivers 2048 library programs, 511 community programs and 75 public art programs.
Corporate Communications and Marketing provide communication, marketing, design, digital media and community engagement services. The team manages council’s social media profiles and corporate websites. They facilitate about 45 community consultations each year.
Health and Regulatory Services promotes and enforces local laws and regulations to protect public health, safety and amenity. During the 2025-2026 financial year to date, the team have actioned 3480 service requests, including unregistered / straying animals, parking and vehicle offences, and illegal dumping.
MECC and Events operates public events, festivals and facilities (MECC, Foodspace, and BB Print Stadium) – in 2025, local festivals attracted 96,000 visitors and the MECC hosted 67,000 visitors across 218 events.
As you can see, just across these two major areas of council, our staff do a lot more than just collect rubbish and fill potholes. So next time you consider making a negative comment about council, consider the depth and breadth of what they actually do, and maybe remember that everyone is doing their best to deliver services to our community.
There are a lot of new businesses popping up around Mackay at the moment (woot!). People backing themselves, starting something new + giving it a crack – so this one’s for you. Whether it’s your first or your 21st business, there’s always something new to learn.
If I had to start my marketing from scratch tomorrow, I wouldn’t overcomplicate it. I’d come back to a few simple things that get you that starting momentum – without making life harder than it needs to be.
First - I’d get really clear on what I do, who it’s for + how I want to be seen. That includes who you want to help, what your point of difference is (why should I choose you over someone else) + your brand (how you want people to see + remember you). This doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need thought out – the clearer + more consistent you are from the start, the easier everything else becomes. If you can’t explain what you do simply, and your brand doesn’t reflect that, your marketing is going to feel WAY harder than it needs to be.
Second - I’d pick one place to show up + kick butt at it. You don’t need to be everywhere, and trying to be usually means you end up being seen nowhere. Choose the marketing activity or platform your target market is already using + focus your energy there. Once you feel like you’re getting traction, then add in the next logical one. You can build out a full strategy over time, but at the start, this is more than enough.
Third - I’d make sure there’s a clear next step. If someone sees your content or meets you at a networking gig + thinks, “This sounds pretty cool,” what should they do next? Follow you, send a message, make a booking? If you don’t guide people, they’ll move on. A simple yet clear “call to action” makes it easy for someone to take your preferred next step while they’re interested.
Starting a business is a big step, but your marketing doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it simple, back yourself + get out there – the Mackay business community is watching (and quietly cheering you on!).
Queenslanders could soon see some welcome relief on their power bills, with new figures showing electricity prices are set to fall under the latest draft Default Market Offer.
According to the Australian Energy Regulator, residential electricity prices are expected to drop by 10.1 per cent in 2026–27, while small business customers could see a reduction of 12.8 per cent.
The changes form part of the Queensland Government’s Energy Roadmap, aimed at delivering more affordable, reliable and sustainable power across the state.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the draft determination showed progress after a period of rising costs.
“The draft Default Market Offer from the Australian Energy Regulator demonstrates that the Energy Roadmap is putting downward pressure on power prices, as we said it would,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“Under Labor power prices soared by 19.9% in a single year due to Labor’s failure to properly maintain our power plants. The Government is doing its bit to put downward pressure on power bills and it is now up to retailers to ensure savings are passed to customers.”
The Default Market Offer acts as a benchmark for electricity retailers, setting the maximum price for customers on standard contracts.
The regulator is expected to finalise the determination in May, with a separate announcement for regional Queensland to follow in the coming weeks.
The Government is delivering more affordable power for Queenslanders, with the default electricity reference price set to drop by more than 10 per cent next financial year. Photo source: Shutterstock
Queensland’s tourism industry has reached a significant milestone, with new figures confirming record-breaking international visitation and spending in the year ending December 2025. According to Tourism Research Australia, the state welcomed 2.4 million international visitors—an increase of 9.8 per cent—who contributed a record $7.5 billion to the economy.
More notably, 1.4 million of those visitors travelled for holidays, spending $3.6 billion, a sharp rise of nearly 30 per cent. These figures underscore the continued global appeal of Queensland as a leisure destination, particularly as international travel continues to stabilise following years of disruption.
New Zealand remained Queensland’s largest international market, with more than 508,000 visitors contributing close to $1 billion in spending. Other key markets included China, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States, alongside emerging strength from Taiwan and France, all of which recorded substantial visitor expenditure.
Major events played a role in driving these numbers. High-profile fixtures such as the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour and the Ashes Test in Brisbane helped boost visitation, particularly from the UK. Meanwhile, Brisbane and the Gold Coast led the state in international visitor spending, while Tropical North Queensland stood out as the strongest regional performer, attracting 622,000 visitors and generating more than $1.2 billion.
Domestic tourism also remained a cornerstone of the state’s visitor economy, with total expenditure reaching $36.9 billion. Growth in this segment, supported by strong day-trip activity, continues to provide stability alongside the international market.
The Queensland Government has pointed to these results as evidence that its long-term tourism strategy, Destination 2045, is beginning to deliver outcomes. Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the figures reflect growing global recognition of the state’s appeal.
“Queensland’s reputation as a premier holiday destination is resonating globally,” he said.
“Destination 2045 charts a path for Queensland to lead global tourism with unforgettable experiences, stronger economies, and better connections for visitors.”
Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strength of the state’s tourism offering.
“Growth in holiday visitation and spend shows Queensland continues to resonate with travellers seeking that holiday feeling,” he said.
While the figures are encouraging, they also highlight the importance of sustained investment, careful planning and industry confidence to maintain momentum. Tourism remains a key economic driver for Queensland, supporting businesses, jobs and regional communities.
As the state looks ahead, the challenge will be to balance growth with sustainability, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are widely shared while preserving the natural and cultural assets that make Queensland a destination of choice.
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Photo source: Shutterstock
David is an incredible volunteer supporting PCYC Whitsunday’s ‘Braking the Cycle’ program, who has been generously giving his time to help young people develop skills and confidence necessary to get their license. His work has helped young people build up their hours – providing much needs support.
Braking the Cycle is a state-wide initiative that covers 53 locations and so far has seen over 43,000 driving sessions conducted. The aim of the program is to provide young people with increased employment oppurtunities, community education and driver connection. Mentors provide encouragement and help young people improve their self-esteem and develop positive road safety attitudes.
Since its inception in 2012, Braking the Cycle has received numerous awards from the Australian Road Safety Awards, Queensland Reconciliation Awards and Regional Achievement & Community Awards, a silver award in the 2017 National Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
PCYC also has an additional program – Changing Gears, an adapted program designed to support the specific cultural and learning needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living within remote communities.
Programs like Braking the Cycle make a huge difference, allowing participants to gain independence, improve employment and build essential life skills.
A huge thanks to David and the PCYC Whitsunday team for the wonderful work they continue to do – supporting the community and aiding local youth.
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Photo source: Facebook
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