The election has been called for Saturday 21 May, which will make the next six weeks interesting to say the least. While it’s easy to become disenchanted or disengaged in the name calling and petty finger pointing, I’m looking forward to something other than COVID occupying the headlines every day.

The polling will pit Scott Morrison's Liberal-National Coalition against a Labor Party led by Anthony Albanese. While these two parties have always dominated the votes, I do wonder if the disruption to people’s lives caused by vaccine mandates and COVID restrictions will see a bigger swing towards the smaller parties who have spruiked freedom of choice.

In the lead-up to the election we will strive to provide balanced coverage for our region’s federal candidates to keep you informed of their policies and what it will mean for Dawson and Capricornia.

Some candidates have chosen to support our locally owned publication with additional advertising. Being a free publication, we rely on advertising to continue to provide free news to the community, so while at times it may appear one candidate may receive more coverage than another, they may be paying for that privilege. These spaces will be marked as advertising features and give candidates the opportunity to share their voice.

It’s important for us to be transparent so readers understand why a candidate may be represented more than others. Candidates who haven’t approached our newspaper to be included are also encouraged to make contact so the community can stay informed on who is standing for what.

Strap in and let the games begin!

We are interested in your thoughts, and Letters to the Editor can be sent to:  amanda@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

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A growing community in Walkerston has been treated to a new and improved library, located across the road from its predecessor.

Mayor Greg Williamson and students from Walkerston State School and St John's Catholic Primary School Walkerston did the honours of cutting the ceremonial ribbon in what is a new chapter for the library.

Since it first opened in 1977, this little library has been a hub for Scrubby. The move across Dutton Street to its new location in the Walkerston Shopping Centre on Creek Street has been a remarkable success.

A Mackay Regional Council spokesperson said “Memberships are skyrocketing, demonstrating that the community appreciate the increased accessibility, parking, space and new technology.

The opening celebrations included cupcakes and tours of the new facility.

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Construction has begun on a $1 billion coal mine near Moranbah, which will create up to 1000 new local jobs.

Speaking from the Olive Downs coal mine last week, Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the project would bring significant economic benefits to all of Queensland.

“The Olive Downs mine is estimated to be worth $10.1 billion to the gross state product and will be an absolute jobs jackpot,” Mr Stewart said.

“At its peak, this mine will produce 15 million tonnes per annum of steelmaking metallurgical coal.

“This will be transported by rail to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, for export to key international markets such as Japan, India and South Korea.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said increasing coal exports would make Australia wealthier and stronger.

“To become as strong as possible as quickly as possible, we must produce and sell more of the products that create wealth,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Coal is one of our biggest export earners and a significant economic driver, helping pay for services such as our Defence Force, the NDIS, and hospitals and schools.

“If we don’t put coal on boats, Australians must choose which services and opportunities they don’t want because without that income, our nation will become weaker and poorer.”

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the Olive Downs mine will further drive the success of the resources industry in Queensland.

“In Capricornia during the 2019-20 financial year, the resources industry contributed around $1.1 billion in wages paid to 7,335 full-time jobs, with $4.5 billion in royalties shared across Queensland,” Ms Landry said.

“Around $2.7 billion was also spent on goods and services locally, benefitting around 1,306 local businesses.

“The resources industry is alive and well in Queensland and the start of another project will go a long way in assisting the state as we move into a post-COVID-19 economy.”

Isaac Regional Council Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said Olive Downs is symbolic of a strong future for metallurgical coal and the Isaac region’s communities.

“We welcome Pembroke to the mining community and thank them for bringing a new opportunity of such incredible scale to this region,” Cr Vea Vea said.

Pembroke Resources Chairman and CEO Barry Tudor said the official start of works at the project opened the door to new job and economic opportunities for Central Queensland.

“The high quality steel-making coal that will be produced from our mine will contribute to national and state economies as well as much needed infrastructure across the world, delivering economic benefits and jobs from a grassroots to a global scale,” Mr Tudor said.

“Importantly, Pembroke is committed to providing workers with an opportunity to live in towns near the mine including Moranbah and Dysart and is building sustainable futures for people in the communities in which Olive Downs operates.”

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Known for his extravagant lifestyle and wild parties, Travers Beynon, known as the Candyman, has a flamboyant style and the capacity to push boundaries. Arriving in Mackay last week with two of his many luxury cars, a Ferrari, and his famous gold Lamborghini, Mr Beynon is more than a successful business owner, he is an entrepreneur with a difference, one who sees no boundaries in living life to its fullest, but stays grounded by keeping close to his team and customers.

The fast cars have become a part of his brand, FREECHOICE, but it’s not the beautiful women, parties and exotic cars which define him. He’s also a loving father who enjoys the joy it brings to children’s faces when they get the opportunity to sit in his exotic cars.

Mr Beynon brought his cars to Mackay last week to celebrate the opening of a new store in Rural View as well as celebrate the first anniversary of his Bucasia store. His affiliation with Broken Ballerina saw Jules Thompson on the end of the tongs, providing free sausages for locals keen to get close to the fast cars.

CANDYMAN’S

Sweet Backing Of Broken Ballerina

Travers Beynon is a passionate lover of life who sees the beauty in everything – art, fashion, cars, women. He’s charismatic and campaigns for what he believes in: hard work, a positive attitude and a genuine desire to inspire others to succeed.

His brand FREECHOICE stands for accepting and celebrating the diversity in people’s beliefs and most importantly freedom of expression, freedom of speech and freedom of choice…FREECHOICE. It is this mantra which saw his brand align with Broken Ballerina who also advocate for people to live their lives free from fear with freedom of choice.

Mr Beynon said he’s always excited to bring community events to rural areas and loves the positivity he receives from locals.

“We really love Mackay, which is why this time I’ve transported up the Ferrari and the Lamborghini,” Mr Beynon said.

“The Ferrari was the first exotic car I bought in 2006, the Lamborghini in 2016. They really are part of the brand. 20 years ago I was doing store openings and I was in my suit handing out fliers, it’s part of who we are.

“We let the kids sit in the cars and get photos. The best part of the day is when you see the look on the kids' faces, and not just the kids but some of the adults too, it’s a great experience.”

He said his brand is proud to be affiliated with Broken Ballerina.

“It’s important to collab with the right people,” Mr Beynon said.

“The story behind Broken Ballerina is similar to the FREECHOICE brand. When I first came out onto the market, I had a lot of haters and a lot of people putting me down.

“Life should be about the freedom to be yourself.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right; it allows dialogue on important issues in society and plays a vital role in the healthy development process of a society. Restriction of freedom of expression is the beginning of the end, the decline of a free world.

“It’s about not giving up despite facing adversity. When you get knocked down, you get back up and stay strong.”

Broken Ballerina Founder Jules Thompson agreed, saying she enjoyed working with FREECHOICE.

“We were asked to do the opening of the Bucasia store last year. They were so nice to work for that when we were approached to do the sausage sizzle this year we said yes, Ms Thompson said.

“FREECHOICE paid us to do that which goes to Broken Ballerina.

“We stand for the same thing, free choice. Being able to be free to live your life how you choose to.

“With fundraising opportunities like these we’re able to help people change lives and save lives, so they can live free from fear. We are the only organisation in Mackay helping domestic violence victims 7 days per week and we don’t receive Government funding.”

FREECHOICE stocks a diverse range of items. As you would expect, it has a diverse range of tobacco items, but it also provides nicotine-free vaping products, a large range of unique giftware and homewares, incense and candles, party products and adult items, even snacks and drinks.

“For us it’s about more than just the products we sell, it’s about the brand name, FREECHOICE, especially in the times we’re faced with today,” Mr Beynon added.

“Freedom of choice, freedom of speech. We are all mortals, and our demise is not negotiable nor predictable, so why not live our lives to the fullest.”

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The Whitsundays Arts Festival’s Art Prize Exhibition has opened its entries for artists Australia wide, giving them a chance to take home their share of the total prize pool of $11,200 for the 2022 Festival running September 17 to 30.

The exhibition – to be held at Coral Sea Marina Resort - is seeking submissions of works which respond to the theme ‘Memories.’

The finalists will be selected by a highly lauded judging panel of industry professionals who have had over 20 years of experience and are enthusiastic in developing innovative programs to grow artist platforms.

The year’s judging panel is being led by Tracy Cooper Lavery, Director of Gallery and Visual Arts at HOTA Home of the Arts Gold Coast - the largest public gallery outside of a capital city.

Ms Lavery said she was looking forward to seeing the work of the Whitsundays Art Prize finalists in 2022.

“Art Prizes both big and small are a fantastic opportunity not only to introduce your work to a larger audience but perhaps win an award or sell an artwork in the process,” she said.

Whitsundays Arts Festival President Jess Begun said in what has been another incredibly challenging year, they are asking artists to take a moment to reflect.

“To remember and reminisce on what the theme ‘Memories’ means to them - I look forward to seeing how artists have chosen to connect with the theme,” Ms Begun said.

In 2021 the Art Prize Exhibition received over 100 artwork submissions, with 53 finalists selected, and received over 1,000 votes in the People's Choice Award.

New this year is the inclusion of works from Australian artists working in any 2D or 3D medium, excluding photographs.

Entries opened April 1 and close on August 1, with finalists announced August 22.

For more information on Art Prizes visit: www.whitsundaysartsfestival.org/art-prize-exhibition-2022

Mayor Andrew Willcox presenting last year’s winner of Whitsunday Regional Arts Prize, Lisa Ashcroft

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The English writer Virginia Woolf said that memories expand; “the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time.”

When Bowen local Cheryl Stanton saw her father lose sight of his own beautiful past in the fog of Alzheimer’s disease, she understood the fragility of memory and that the rose tint of yesteryear counts for nothing if it is lost.

A passionate photographer her whole life, Cheryl captured her family memories on film, and realised the potential of taking photography and the written stories of her life in combination to craft Life Story Books.

She’s now taking her Life Story Books online, assisting families to share their stories before they lose them forever, allowing future generations of families the privilege of reading them.

“I am sure all families can relate to the many stories they hear from their parents and grandparents,” Cheryl said.

“The laughter and passion, love and sorrow, heartbreak and despair, success and hardships, fun and adventure and the many tidbits of everyday life along the way.

“These are the stories that should be told and these are the stories that will be lost in time.”

Over 12 months, Cheryl sends clients one prompting question per week, like what is your fondest childhood memory? Describe your life at school in the early years. Tell us about your favourite family tradition? Or what was the fashion of the era?

You can choose from a suggested list of questions or write your own.

These answers are then compiled into a hardcover Life Story book – 200-page collections created for “all generations to enjoy.”

Cheryl said the prompting questions are also a fun way to reminisce, and a journey that loved ones can cherish.

“Every moment creates a memory; every memory creates a story.”

Cheryl Stanton is helping people across the country keepsake their treasured memories

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Why not start your own worm farm this Easter break?

It’s relatively easy - they eat your scraps and produce liquid fertiliser as well as a supply of worm castings that your vegetable plants will thrive off.

There are a few important things to know about worm farms:

1. We live in a warm climate and you can bake worms, so make sure they are in a shady position. Soil temperatures over 26 degrees may see loss of worm life.

2. Worms need water - a dry worm farm will die - so keep it moist but not wet.  

3. Be careful not to over feed your worms - you only need to feed them once or twice a week. Only add more food once the last batch has been consumed. My hint:  Blend, chop finely or shred your scraps before giving them to your worms.

4. You only need a small amount of worms to get started, as they populate easily.

Indian Blues are a good option for the Whitsundays, they cope with our warm climate better than some other species.

The three most important things to do when making your own worm farm:

1. When choosing your worm bin, make sure it has a large surface area. You’ll offer more oxygen and room to be active and feed with a wider tub. You can even use a polystyrene box.

2. Make sure you drill holes into the sides of your tub but remember to put mesh over the holes, so worms don’t fall out.

3. Three tubs are ideal - the bottom one to collect your worm tea (obviously no breathing holes in this tub!)

How to use it:

Worm tea is diluted to part to ten and then poured over your vegetable plants - put a tap in this layer or a hole with a bucket underneath it.

The middle layer is where you’ll put your worms - I use shredded paper in this layer that has been wet through and then squeezed out along with Coir (coconut fibre).

Add your worms, then cover them with a layer of damp hessian or paper.

The top layer is where your worms move into when the second layer is full - once they have moved home, you can use the second layers castings in your veggie garden.

Did you know:

Worms can live up to 20 years! A worm breathes through its skin. A worm has no eyes but it does have five hearts and a brain.

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Holiday season has hit and town is buzzing with visitors! Accommodation reports almost 100 per cent occupancy which means that tourist operators, food and beverage and retailers can all expect solid trade over the school holidays. More importantly, it is hoped that this will herald the start of more widespread visitation in general – with extra flights, access to the Whitsundays has never been easier.

The Whitsunday Coast Chamber participated in a couple of round table discussions during the past fortnight. The first Regional Policy Committee meeting for chambers in the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region was held on Wednesday, March 23 with a view to establishing the most pressing issues limiting businesses in the greater region. Mandates, staff shortages and social housing being identified as needing immediate attention by government.

Locally, the Whitsunday Coast, Proserpine and Bowen Chambers met with Gary Warrener (Council Economic Development). Gary updated the Councils efforts to attract significant industry to the area whilst the three chambers also put forward ideas and solutions to local business issues. Several positive outcomes were achieved and the collaboration of all three chambers with council will better drive the local economy and ensure advocacy is targeted and unequivocal.

The Federal Budget was handed down last week and whilst there was a splash of cash for general population to "ease the cost of living" it did little to actually reduce the immediate business input costs pressures driving prices upwards. The relief will be short lived for the consumer as the cause of the problem was not addressed and only short term symptomatic relief was provided. That's what happens when there is an election around the corner.

The next Chamber event is shaping up to be a cracker with former Australian keynote speaker of the year booked in pending final confirmation. Save the date, April 21, 2022 – it will be an evening event focussing on customer service, culture and inspiration and one for not just business owners but managers and staff as well. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and website.

From Allan Milostic, Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce

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An entrepreneurial young local who is paving the way for environmentally conscious residents is encouraging his neighbours to drop their glass and plastic bottles into his big red bin so he can take them to the Containers for Change depot.

This non-for-profit organisation recycles used bottles by receiving donations in exchange for cash.

12-year-old William Logan, who is a year seven student at Proserpine State High School, receives 10 cents for every eligible item he delivers to the depot and has raised over $1000 so far.

Starting out when he was just seven years old and living in Logan, just south of Brisbane, William was able to secure weekly donations from four of his neighbours.

Having moved to the Whitsundays three years ago, he began collecting again and in a twist of fate, his old neighbours happened to move a block away from his new home in Cannonvale.

Rekindling a friendship and a profitable business arrangement, the couple suggested William approach the body corporate managers at their apartment complex to see if it was possible to service all 12 units.

Jumping at the opportunity, William received permission and then delivered a personal note to each home.

Placing his red bin adjacent to the standard garbage bins the young man waited to see if anything would happen.

Fortunately, in less than a week his bin was full.

Estimating roughly 300 cans and bottles would fill the bin, he anticipates making $30 from each bin load and aims to save money to go towards a new car when he turns 16.

Dreaming of being a pilot when he is older, however, a portion of the money goes towards purchasing the latest model aeroplanes for now.

William is currently looking for new locations and apartment complexes that would like to donate to the cause. If you are interested, please contact him through his family business at Whitsunday Hearing – 4946 4906.

12-year-old William Logan

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The doors are open and it’s time to pack the seats as the brand-new Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) welcomes its inaugural show, The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow.

Promising to home-deliver a belly-laugh inducing night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song, the Roadshow is hitting the highway to bring the freshest and funniest from its famous festival to Proserpine.

For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide – and this year it will arrive at the PEC on May 3.

The rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your comedy cravings will be sure to test the foundations of the newly reinvigorated PEC.

PEC General Manager, Katie Boyd, said they were still putting on the finishing touches for the venue but they were extremely excited.

“There’s been a lot of buzz about it,” Ms Boyd said.

“We’re very, very excited for our first show and the good news is we’ll have the bar running - who doesn’t love having a drink ahead of a comedy show?”

In Queensland, the Roadshow will head to 13 other locations, bringing with it the group of hand-picked, touring comedians selected from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Book now for that much-needed live comedy fix when they roll into town.

Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references, and material that may offend, and the show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow will arrive at the PEC on May 3

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The doors are open and it’s time to pack the seats as the brand-new Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) welcomes its inaugural show, The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow.

Promising to home-deliver a belly-laugh inducing night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song, the Roadshow is hitting the highway to bring the freshest and funniest from its famous festival to Proserpine.

For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide – and this year it will arrive at the PEC on May 3.

The rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your comedy cravings will be sure to test the foundations of the newly reinvigorated PEC.

PEC General Manager, Katie Boyd, said they were still putting on the finishing touches for the venue but they were extremely excited.

“There’s been a lot of buzz about it,” Ms Boyd said.

“We’re very, very excited for our first show and the good news is we’ll have the bar running - who doesn’t love having a drink ahead of a comedy show?”

In Queensland, the Roadshow will head to 13 other locations, bringing with it the group of hand-picked, touring comedians selected from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Book now for that much-needed live comedy fix when they roll into town.

Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references, and material that may offend, and the show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

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Construction is underway for the new $2.5 million Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre with facilities forecast to rival the country’s best and expected to attract trainees from near and far.

Located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in the heart of Airlie Beach, the new centre will increase the training capabilities fivefold by doubling the floor space of the entire club.

There will be five purpose-built classrooms, an engineering workshop and lecture theatre as well as a versatile boardroom which can be opened up to boast a substantial deck with expansive sea views.

While its first role will be training future mariners, the centre will also become a community hub and a multi-use function space for industry and community groups to hold meetings, workshops, seminars and more.

Director of Projects and Development, Terry Archer said that he is excited to see this game-changing facility come to the Whitsundays.

“This will make the Whitsundays one of the best learning maritime centres in the whole country,” he said.

“It will attract students from all over Australia and potentially South East Asia and the South Pacific.”

Training Manager, Kaye Williams, said that she is looking forward to expanding the services and no longer having to restrict numbers due to limited space.

“We will be able to expand our training offerings which will be terrific,” she said.

“The quality of our instructors is equal, if not better than, other training centres – we even have a Master 1 instructor which really stands out.”

The Whitsunday Maritime Centre will focus on ‘near coastal’ qualifications, inside the reef on vessels up to 45 metres in length.

Mariners can achieve their Coxswain ticket, Master 24 (5), Master 33 (4), Master 45 (3) and their MED 2 certificates from the centre.

The build is expected to be completed by the end of this year and, due to an increase in building costs, developers are currently securing more funding for fixtures and furniture.

Sailing Manager Ross Chisholm, Training Manager Kaye Williams and Whitsunday Sailing Club General Manager Robin Ross.

“This will make the Whitsundays one of the best learning maritime centres in the whole country,”

Terry Archer

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Holidaymakers will now be able to arrive at Whitsunday Coast Airport in style rather than simply depart with ease, thanks to a new bottle shop and bar experience located in the baggage claim area.

The first of its kind in all of Australia, the new bottle shop and bar will enable arriving passengers to pick up a six-pack or a bottle of wine as they arrive, making the experience flexible and seamless.

“We had plenty for outbound guests but nothing for inbound, so their holiday doesn’t start until they get to Airlie Beach - but now it starts right here!” said Taste Whitsundays owner Kevin Collins.

“We noticed it had constantly been an issue where they say the baggage takes too long – now they will be saying – slow down I’ve got time for another champagne!”

Not only will inbound guests be able to enjoy the take-away and sit-down arrival service, locals who are picking up visiting family and friends, will be able to wait next to the baggage claim.

No more traipsing through baggage control, they can relax in comfort.

As a Whitsunday Regional Council owned facility, the innovative concept not only benefits those that pass through the airport, but it will also benefit rate payers.

“The more money we make, the more money pours into the rate base,” said Mr Collins.

“That means there is less money the rate payers have to pay for services – it’s a win win – and we maximise the potential of the airport to generate income for the rate payers.”

The new bottle shop is due to open today.

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The Cowboys will soon be delivering the key messages of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness to pre-school children in our local community thanks to funding from the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), which is bringing The Resilience Project’s (TRP) Early Years Program to local childcare centres.

With the aim of introducing positive mental health strategies at a key point in a child’s emotional development, the program teaches both educators and families how to live a happier life and instil an attitude of gratitude in everyday living.

This is achieved by involving parents and carers with the Early Years Family Journal to raise awareness of practical strategies to build resilience for themselves as parents and within their children.

The Journal includes a space for children to capture reflections of their learning as well as ways for families to connect and share activities together.

WSPN believe that the TRP Early Learning Program will greatly assist young children and their parents in our region to cope better with the current challenging times resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Research shows that if you practice the three principles of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness your mental health improves, you feel happier and your ability to cope in challenging times improves,” said WSPN Treasure Paul Burke.

This view is also supported by recent university research commissioned by TRP.

The research looked at the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of 80,000 young people who had used the TRP resources and 80,000 young people who hadn’t.

It found that the young people who had used TRP resources managed to maintain their mental health throughout the pandemic while the other group had experienced significant mental health issues.

The delivery of the Early Years Program in the Whitsundays will be rolled out initially to two regional early learning centres and is expected to commence in term 2, 2022.

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Ergon Energy greeted Airlie Beach residents with news they were set to invest $27.5 million into the local network.

The state-owned electrical company said that the Whitsunday’s role as a tourism hub for North Queensland meant the demand for electricity in the area is growing, creating the need for a major project to bolster the region’s electricity supply.

“The Whitsundays is growing and we’re growing with you,” The Ergon Statement reads.

“This project will refurbish and expand the Cannonvale substation and duplicate key sections of the 66,000-volt underground cable network between the Cannonvale substation and Shute Harbour, providing greater network resilience.”

Ergon said this investment will increase the network’s capacity and improve the security of the electricity supply for 8,000 homes and businesses.

The company has said the existing Cannonvale substation control building across from Banjos Bar and the Whitsunday Shopping Centre will remain, with an additional modular building to be built on the site closer to TAFE.

The duplicated underground cabling will “where possible” run adjacent to the existing line, but with development in the area having progressed significantly since that initial installation, the line route options may be different.

“We’ll be able to provide more information after our detailed design is completed,” the statement reads.

The works on the substation will commence in the third quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of the year for the duplication through Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, Mt Rooper, and Shute Harbour substations.

Completion is expected by the end of 2023.

More information can be found at https://bit.ly/3K5tt6s

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