Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A single-vehicle bus crash has sadly claimed the life of one passenger at Gumlu, north of Bowen overnight. According to initial police investigations, at approximately 4pm on Thursday 14th May, a bus with 29 people on board was travelling south along the Bruce Highway from Cairns to Airlie Beach, when it left the roadway and rolled onto its side. Several other passengers were injured and transported to Townsville, Ayr, and Bowen Hospitals. The bus driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was transported to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries. As of Friday morning, three patients are confirmed to be in a life-threatening condition with one assessed on the scene and two airlifted to Townsville University Hospital. Multiple people were injured and transported to Ayr Hospital before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor’s Service. There are eight stable patients in Townsville whilst one remains in a stable condition at Ayr. The Bruce Highway has reopened at Gumlu. This tragic accident comes less than two years after a fatal bus crash on the same stretch of the Bruce Highway, which claimed the lives of three women in on June 3rd, 2024. On this occasion, a Greyhound bus with 33 people on board was travelling north along the Bruce Highway, also near Gumlu, when it crossed over to the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic. The bus struck a Land Cruiser station wagon travelling in the opposite direction. A 56 year old Townsville woman and two German women aged 21 and 33 passed away as a result of the incident. The 52-year-old bus driver from North Ward was charged with five counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm, but was subsequently found not guilty. Anyone with relevant dash cam vision of incident last night is urged to contact police. Investigations are continuing
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So, what’s going on with the property market? The thing about the property market is that it doesn’t stand alone in its own little world untouched by the drama going on around it. And there is a fair bit of drama at the moment. Let’s get all the dramas to form a conga line and point them out one at a time. First there’s inflation, an annoying factor that adds to the cost of living and affects people’s ability to buy real estate. Right behind inflation, and I mean very close, is its brother in arms/partner in crime/long-time bedfellow, interest rates. Interest rates have been particularly pesky lately as the Reserve Bank pushes them up in an attempt to bring inflation down. The idea is to make housing less affordable so you can make housing more affordable. Then there’s a war in the Middle East. War is very good for business if you are a weapons producer and part of the military-industrial complex but it’s not very good for everyone else. It certainly isn’t good for confidence and housing markets are pretty big on the old confidence factor. So, not good. This particular war has the additional benefit of taking place in the Persian Gulf, where a fair portion of the world’s oil is transported from Middle East oil producers to the rest of the world. The war has created a traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz, which is restricting the supply of oil, meaning that in a world of demand and supply the price of fuel at the petrol bowser has gone up significantly. Which means our old friends inflation and interest rates give us another wave from the conga line and remind us of another impact on the property market. The conga line of dramas was joined this week by the Federal Budget and its changes to negative gearing, up until now a key driver in property investment and the supply of rental properties. Nothing changes for people who had negatively geared properties up until Budget night. My Pommy colleague Andy Collins, the Sales Manager at Gardian real estate, pointed out after the Budget that there was no way the changes would include investors’ existing properties because too many politicians own investment properties and the pollies wouldn’t do anything to hurt themselves. It’s up to you whether you think Andy is a sniping little Pommy whinger or an astute judge of human nature. Or can he be both? What Andy correctly pointed out is that from now on investors will be looking for properties that provide such good rental returns that they are positively geared, removing the need for negative gearing. That’s where Mackay’s strong rental returns come into it. Investors from southern markets have been active in the Mackay market because of those rental returns. When they can get returns like $750 a week on properties they have bought for $650,000, those southern investors realise Mackay offers better opportunities than the high-priced, low-rent options in their own cities. Andy was suggesting that it is possible that the budget changes will spur even more investment activity in Mackay because the removal of negative gearing makes investments in other markets unviable. I will delve further into the status of the Mackay market in upcoming columns but there are a few initial points to make. There is no doubt that, like every other market, the conga line of dramas has had an impact and given buyers pause for thought. But we are still seeing strong buyer activity and properties selling. As always, the buoyancy of our coal market and the jobs and business it provides will continue to be a driver of our economy and a key factor in the property market. Will the budget changes create an additional spur to our market and bring more investors in or is that conga line going to have a bigger impact? Stay tuned over the coming months.
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With more than three decades of experience and deep roots in the land, Royce Dunn brings unmatched insight to rural property across the Mackay region. Joining Blacks Real Estate in 1991, Royce is a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, who has spent the past 25 years as Director leading the agency’s rural department. Over that time, he has built a strong reputation for his knowledge across all areas of property sales and marketing, from farmhouses and grazing land to residential subdivisions. Coming from a rural background and operating his own small farm, Royce understands the realities of life on the land, and the expectations that come with it. That lived experience allows him to connect with clients on a practical level, offering advice that is grounded, honest and tailored to the needs of farming families. Known for his straightforward approach and strong work ethic, Royce is committed to delivering results, working closely with clients to navigate the complexities of rural property transactions and achieve the best possible outcome.
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From wildlife caring, to country kitchens or supporting people with disability – a world of volunteering opportunities awaits at this year’s Volunteer Expo! This year’s event is set to be one of the biggest on record, with 55 community, support and other organisations have registered. The Volunteer Expo is being held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Sunday, May 17 from 9am until midday. Deputy Mayor Karen May said volunteering is at the heart of sustainable and supportive communities. “There are so many benefits to volunteering – from the people and organisations being supported, to those who so generously donate their time and skills. It increases community and individual wellbeing and drives positive change in the community,” Deputy Mayor May said. “What’s great about events like our Volunteers Expo is it gives people a one-stop shop to see what’s out there – and it could be something you’d never thought of,” she said. “Feedback from previous years shows how valuable this expo is to our community groups, with one organisation signing up more than a dozen volunteers on the day.” Data from Volunteering Queensland shows that for every $1 invested in volunteering, there’s a $4.70 return to the community. More than 110,000 jobs were created in 2024 through spending on volunteering – with the sector worth more than $117-billion to the state economy. Cr May said volunteering gives people to build on their passions while learning new skills and meeting new people. “It also opens up opportunities beyond the organisation a person volunteers with – it can help build new professional relationships and create new connections,” she said. “Data from Volunteering Queensland shows the overwhelming majority of people (64 percent) volunteer because they want to help others and the Volunteers Expo has dozens of options for people to help others. Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook
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Karen Hill Floral Design: More than just a business. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
For the past eleven years, Karen Hill Floral Design has been more than just a floral business — it has been built on passion, resilience, creativity, and community.
What began as a love for flowers has grown into a trusted name, woven into the lives of so many people through life’s most meaningful moments. From celebrations and weddings to sympathy flowers and everyday gestures of love, every arrangement has been created with heart and purpose.
“Flowers have always been more than something beautiful. They tell stories, bring comfort, celebrate milestones and say what words sometimes cannot.” Owner, Karen Hill, shared.
“For eleven years, it has been an honour to be part of those moments within our community.”
“Now, after more than a decade in business, I am incredibly proud to be opening a new store in Proserpine, Queensland.
“This is more than opening a shopfront — it is the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The new Proserpine store is a space created for the community — a welcoming place where locals can connect, share their stories, and find flowers designed with care and authenticity.
“This store represents growth, dedication, and the support of the people who have stood beside Karen Hill Floral Design over the years.”
“No business reaches 11 years without the support of its people.
“To every customer, friend, family member, and local supporter who has trusted and encouraged this journey — thank you. Your support has helped shape Karen Hill Floral Design into what it is today.
“This new store is not just mine. It belongs to the community that helped build it.
“Here’s to the next chapter in Proserpine, and many more years of creating beauty, connection, and unforgettable moments.”
Come support us this Mother’s Day at our new store!
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Men’s Shed members with the Hamilton Cup, restored by Peter Halsey, middle-right.
Tucked away in the leafy streets of Cannonvale is the Airlie Beach Men’s Shed, a small building filled with timber and tools, whose door is open to anyone looking for a place to be. Born to combat the loneliness epidemic, it’s a space for men to come together and work on carpentry projects; a place to make a new mate or connect with an old one.
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Recently, The Men’s Shed received a very special project: to restore the old Hamilton Cup. In August 2025, Outrigger Whitsunday member Michelle Lynes found a collection of outrigger trophies that had been sent from Hamilton Island to the Shute Harbour logistics terminal.
Among them was the Hamilton Outrigger Cup; a spectacular wooden trophy awarded to winners of the iconic race conducted on Hamilton Island since 1984. The artefact was carved by Arno Schilling before the first race - a skilled carpenter who previously worked for Keith Williams on the development of Sea World, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Port Hinchinbrook and the Whitsundays Islands.
“It’s the largest trophy I’ve ever seen, and it carries so much history,” Michelle said.
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After arriving at the Men’s Shed, the cup was carefully restored by Peter Halsey, who delved into the history behind the cup’s creation. The restoration took over 72 hours. Parts that were broken off had to be completely restored whilst other pieces that had gone missing had to be made from scratch.
This treasured cup will return to the spotlight at the Hamilton Island Reunion this June to celebrate the legacy of outrigger paddling in the Whitsundays.
This is not the only project being developed in the shed. President Don Campbell is currently making a swinging bench for his daughter and will be adding the finishing touches soon.
The Men's Shed invites any history buffs, would-be-carpenters, or complete beginners to join their community.
Decked out with specialist equipment, the space is one of over 1200 across Australia operating under the Australian Men’s Shed Association. The scheme has an ongoing participation of over 50,000 men across Australia, and has been in operation since 1993.
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Newcomers will find guidance from experienced members, in a workshop specifically designed to ensure maximum safety.
Interested parties can attend the Men’s Shed every Tuesday and Thursday between 8am and 1pm.
Busta is a soft-hearted young Staffordshire cross with a calm, affectionate nature and a strong desire to be close to his people. At approximately one year old, this medium-sized dog has already shown himself to be an easygoing and loyal companion, well suited to a variety of homes.
Originally found in Ayr, Busta has quickly won over his carers with his gentle temperament and “big sook” personality. He enjoys affection, reassurance, and simply being near those he trusts. He walks well on a lead and has displayed a non-aggressive nature, making him a promising fit for a family environment.
Busta is considered suitable for homes with children and appears to interact well with other dogs, although further assessment is ongoing. His compatibility with cats has not yet been tested.
His ideal home would include secure fencing and an owner—whether a family, couple, or individual—seeking a loving, steady companion.
Busta is desexed, vaccinated, and up to date with all veterinary care. His adoption fee is $400.
To express your interest in adopting Busta, please message Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc and include your name, phone number, and “Busta.”
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc is a foster-based organisation dedicated to placing animals into safe and caring homes.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Sergeant Gary Hiles, Councillor Jan Clifford, and Manager of Whitsunday Counselling and Support Sharon Parker at the 2025 vigil. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
The Whitsunday Counselling and Support organisation will be hosting their annual Candle Lighting Ceremony in Cannonvale to mark the beginning of Domestic and Family Violence month on Wednesday 6th May. The vigil is part of the annual Queensland Domestic and Family Violence prevention month and will coincide with ceremonies simultaneously held across Queensland.
At the vigil, everyone will hold a candle to honour those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Community organisations, businesses and the general public are all invited to attend.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is run statewide with the support of the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. The annual initiative aims to raise awareness of domestic violence, family violence and coercive control, highlighting the support services available, to send a clear message that violence in the community is not tolerated.
The theme for 2026 is unity: Together, Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence.
The Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network held its monthly barbeque on Friday 24th April with the usual community, spirit and great food.
The morning event featured guest speaker Rebecca Woods from the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, an organisation that offers a range of services for people struggling with their mental health.
Rebecca spoke about the importance of accessing services and reaching out when people are in need.
“When a lot of people think of the Neighbourhood Centre they think that’s just where the op shop is – but next to the op shop is a building with a lot going on,” Rebecca said.
The centre offers a family support programme which helps with a range of commonly faced issues including behaviour, separation, challenges at home with a branch for early childhood.
The centre also launched the Cannonvale Food Bank last September, offering free and low-cost supplies to community members.
“It’s open to anyone. It’s not means tested. You don’t have to produce a pension card or anything like that. Theres no stigma or judgement. Its open to anyone in the community and it’s just there to help everybody’s grocery budget go that little bit further.”
The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre also facilitates outreach programmes, with professionals travelling from Mackay and Townsville to offer drug and alcohol counselling. The centre also hosts Alcoholics Anonymous meetings three nights a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“It’s open to anybody. Its discrete, its confidential and there’s no judgement.”
WSPN CEO Matt Stokes reiterated important messages for navigating mental health as a community.
“This issue is sadly still quite prevalent in the community. Our message is clear – suicide prevention is everyone’s job. If you are struggling yourself, the biggest thing you need to do is not isolate yourself. You need to reach out to a friend or family member and talk – keeping it in your head will make sure things start swirling the wrong way and before you know it, little problems have become big problems.”
Matt also emphasised the importance of looking for any signs in other people.
“You need to look out for your mates if you see changes in their behaviours – hitting the bottle, hard drugs, not sleeping, always tired, always cranky, not socialising as much as they used it. Ask the hard question – it might just save a life.”
WSPN hosts these BBQs on the last Friday of every month at 6.30am at Shirtfront Solutions, and all are invited to attend.
Whitsunday tourism operators have welcomed the Government’s Tourism Support Hub initiative. Photo source: Shutterstock
Just months after its launch, the Government’s Tourism Support Hub has surpassed 100 enquiries, marking an early milestone in its broader plan to reshape the state’s tourism future.
Developed under Queensland’s Destination 2045 initiative, the Tourism Support Hub has already drawn strong interest from Regional Tourism Organisations across the state, fielding enquiries spanning business development, agritourism, cultural tourism, national park permits and disaster recovery.
Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Mr Tim Booth, has welcomed the initiative, saying the Tourism Support Hub will make a meaningful difference to how small and regional businesses operate.
“It can be quite difficult for small businesses to navigate government processes whilst they are busy running their business that they are passionate about and the whole reason they are working in the tourism space,” he said.
“Any tools and ways that the government can assist small businesses navigate permits or applying for grants to grow their businesses is only going to help and we encourage our businesses to take use of this service to minimise time wastage and maximise their time in their business.”
Once submitted, each Tourism Support Hub enquiry is paired with a dedicated tourism support officer who offers step-by-step guidance and tailored solutions for more complex issues.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said support from the State Government to assist tourism operators is always appreciated.
“The Tourism Hub is a dedicated portal, making it a simple process to contact Government about many issues as well as grant opportunities,” she said.
Mr Booth said he has seen firsthand that many small businesses across the Whitsunday Shire are seeking greater support navigating permits and grants, typically managed at a State Government level, with approvals for National Parks and Marine Parks consistently posing a major challenge for operators.
“We know the State Government is continuing to work on this [Permits across National Parks and Marine Parks] and this service is one of the ways they are helping businesses navigate this process,” he said.
“Having assistance available to maximise businesses across Queensland to be able to apply is beneficial to all regions.”
Chief Executive Officer of Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Julia Evans, said there’s a strong, ongoing need for support agencies like the Tourism Support Hub in regional areas.
“Regional businesses often operate with fewer resources while navigating complex regulations, workforce challenges, and higher operating costs,” she said.
“Support that helps cut through red tape, streamline compliance, and provide access to trusted, high-quality business advice is not just valued — it’s essential. It enables businesses to focus on growth, adapt to changing conditions, and continue contributing to strong, resilient regional economies.”
Dr Evans said it is clear local businesses are contending with a mix of immediate pressures and long-standing structural challenges, now increasingly amplified. At a practical level, rising fuel costs and reduced aviation access are impacting visitor numbers, freight and the overall cost of doing business.
Beyond these immediate pressures, she noted the challenges closely reflect the broader priorities outlined in the Chamber’s Ten Point Plan.
“Businesses continue to navigate red tape and regulatory complexity, which can slow recovery and limit the ability to adapt quickly in changing conditions and delivering service excellence and maintaining a strong visitor experience is becoming more challenging as cost pressures rise, while collaboration across the business community is more important than ever to share knowledge, build capability, and support the next generation of operators,” she said.
“In short, the Whitsundays business community is not facing a single issue — they are managing a complex environment where cost pressures, access, workforce, infrastructure, and confidence all intersect. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action across all levels of government, with a clear focus on regional conditions and opportunities.”
Tourism operators can find more information on the Tourism Support Hub at www.qld.gov.au/tourismsupporthub, or contact the team directly on 07 3101 2002 or via email at tourismsupporthub@detsi.qld.gov.au.
Next week, we bring our region together for one of the most important conversations we have each year — our State of the Region.
And this year, the message is simple. We need to think big.
The Whitsundays is not standing still. We’re growing and we are growing fast.
More people, more visitors, more investment, and more opportunity than we’ve seen in a long time. The question isn’t whether growth is coming. It’s whether we’re ready to make the most of it.
That’s exactly what State of the Region is about.
On Friday 8 May at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, we’ll hear from leaders across government, industry and sport. People who understand what it takes to step up, perform under pressure, and seize opportunity.
We’ve locked in an outstanding line-up including Dominique Lamb talking about the Brisbane 2032 Olympic opportunity, alongside an Olympic and Paralympic panel featuring Cate Campbell, Cedric Dubler, Al Vinney and Sam Tait.
These are people who know what “thinking big” actually looks like and more importantly, what it takes to deliver it.
But this isn’t just about hearing from others. It’s about what it means for us.
From our infrastructure pipeline and tourism growth, to housing, workforce and investment, we’ll be putting a clear focus on where the Whitsundays is heading and what needs to happen next.
Because the opportunities in front of us are real.
Brisbane 2032 is not just a Brisbane story. It’s a regional Queensland story and the Whitsundays has a genuine role to play if we position ourselves early and back it in.
That means backing local business, backing our young people and backing investment by making smart decisions now that set us up for the long term.
This event is about bringing all of that together, business, community and government, and getting on the same page.
If you care about where this region is heading, you should be in the room.
Because the future of the Whitsundays isn’t something that just happens.
It’s something we build together.
Home Brewitt is a locally owned home brewing supply store based in Proserpine, proudly servicing the Whitsundays and shipping Queensland-wide. Established in November 2023, the business was created with one clear goal — to build a welcoming space where people can learn, experiment and connect through the craft of brewing.
Home Brewitt supplies everything from beginner starter kits to advanced all-grain brewing systems and kegerators. Customers will find a wide range of fresh wort kits, grains, hops, yeast, cider and essences, along with personalised advice and ongoing support. Whether it’s a first brew or a refined competition recipe, we’re here to offer support and supply the quality ingredients and equipment needed for great results.
In recent years, more people have turned to home brewing as commercial prices rise and interest in craft-style beer grows. Customers are looking for better quality ingredients, more flavour control and the satisfaction of creating something themselves. Education and community have become just as important as the product — and that’s where Home Brewitt stands out.
Like many regional businesses, cost of freight can be challenging.
As business owners, our philosophy is simple: listen more than you talk, build relationships rather than just transactions, and never stop learning and adapting. These principles guide how we serve our customers and support our local community.
Being part of the local Chamber of Commerce provides valuable connections and opportunities to collaborate with other businesses.
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
For the past nine years, your locally owned and operated Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine has proudly supported local not-for-profits, sporting clubs and community initiatives – returning more than $264,000 back into the Whitsundays. And we’re only just getting started.
2026 is shaping up to be one of our biggest years yet.
From backing major regional events to supporting grassroots groups and school communities, we’re passionate about investing where it matters most – right here at home. If you’ve seen our fully equipped Community BBQ Trailer firing up at weekend events, you’ve already seen that support in action.
“Our profit-with-purpose model means the more our community banks with us, the more we can reinvest,” says Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
“It’s a cycle of support – when you back us, we back you.”
We’re proud to support a packed calendar of events across the region, including:
And that’s alongside our continued, year-round support of the many sporting and community groups that form the heart of our region.
Sponsorship applications are now open for local events and initiatives – including bookings for our popular BBQ Community Trailer. With limited funding and high demand, make sure your application shines.
Get started by contacting our Board Secretariat at secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au
Your Town. Your Bank. Everything You Need.
Feel good about where your money goes. Every account, loan or service with us helps build a stronger local community.
Visit Branch Manager Amanda and the team at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (closed 1:00–2:00pm)
Or call us on (07) 4948 3599 or email cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Bendigo Bank – The better big bank
Student leaders from across the Whitsundays will come together at the B Kinder School Summit, building skills in leadership, connection and kindness to create positive change in their schools and communities. Photo supplied
In a continued effort to champion kindness and proactive wellbeing in schools, the B Kinder Foundation is set to return to the Whitsundays with its impactful B Kinder School Summits this May, building on the success of last year’s inaugural events.
Moving beyond short-term or “band-aid” approaches to mental health, the foundation focuses on early intervention, equipping young people with practical tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that foster a strong sense of belonging, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. At the heart of this mission are the B Kinder Summits, immersive leadership experiences designed specifically for student leaders.
Created to spark thought, ignite passion, and build momentum, the summits empower students to step into their roles as ambassadors for a kinder, more connected world. Through engaging activities and meaningful discussions, participants are encouraged to reflect on their capacity to influence positive change within their schools and wider communities.
This year’s High School Summit will be held on Wednesday, 27 May at Proserpine State High School, bringing together student leaders from Proserpine State High School, Bowen State High School, and St Catherine’s Catholic College, with Whitsunday Christian College to be confirmed. The Primary School Summit will follow on Thursday, 28 May, with students from Proserpine State School and St Catherine’s Catholic College (primary) confirmed to attend, alongside several other schools pending confirmation.
The summits will once again be delivered in collaboration with Illuminate Education Australia, with experienced facilitator Adam Mostogl leading the sessions. Known for their innovative approach to educational design and student engagement, Illuminate Education plays a key role in ensuring the events are both impactful and memorable. B Kinder ambassador Tessa Jolley will also be present across both days, supporting students throughout the experience.
Running from 9am to 2:30pm at the Resource Centre within Proserpine State High School, the summits promise a full day of connection, inspiration, and growth.
More than just a day out of the classroom, the B Kinder Summits are designed as a catalyst for lifelong impact. Students leave not only inspired, but equipped with the confidence and tools to take meaningful action, embedding kindness into the culture of their schools and creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom.
As the B Kinder Foundation continues to grow its reach, initiatives like these are helping to reshape the conversation around student wellbeing, placing kindness, leadership, and community at the centre of education.
Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. is celebrating 13 years of partnership with Cruise Whitsundays, working together to protect the Whitsunday Islands and care for marine life in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
To mark the milestone, Eco Barge volunteers have created a colourful artwork of the Cruise Whitsundays logo made entirely from recycled bottle top lids collected during island clean-up trips.
Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc., Libby Edge, said the partnership has been instrumental in supporting both marine debris removal and turtle rehabilitation in the region.
“Cruise Whitsundays has been an incredible supporter of Eco Barge for 13 years,” Ms Edge said.
“Their support helps ensure the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre can continue caring for sick and injured turtles, while also helping us remove marine debris from island beaches to protect the marine life that calls this region home.”
Since 2009, Eco Barge volunteers have removed over 277,947 kilograms of marine debris from the Whitsunday region and cared for 302 sick and injured marine turtles through the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.
For more information or to volunteer, visit http://www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au/
Ecobarge have created a new art piece to symbolise their partnership with Cruise Whitsundays, working in tandem to help turtles and clean debris from the ocean. Photo supplied
MP Amanda Camm met with community members this week to discuss the proposed Mt Challenger wind farm. Photo source: Facebook
Member for the Whitsundays Amanda Camm met with locals at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on Friday 24th April to provide an update in response to concerns over Alinta Energy’s proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm.
The meeting attracted a passionate crowd, with Mayor Ry Collins also in attendance. To date there have been four community meetings held on the issue: two with Ms Camm, one with Federal Member Andrew Willcox and one broader community update session.
The Mt Challenger Wind Farm is a proposed project by Alinta Energy that seeks to develop over 30 turbines between Bowen and Proserpine in the Whitsunday Regional Council Area.
The proposal has been met with backlash by members of the community, most prominently the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group.
At Friday’s meeting, attendees raised concerns surrounding the objectivity of the Social Impact Assessment process. Also known as an SIA, the assessment is a mandatory stage of development to be conducted on large-scale energy projects under Queensland state law.
They also clarified that they want large-scale renewable energy projects like wind farms to be kept away from the coast and separate from homes with a minimum 3-kilometre setback from property boundaries. Several of the proposed turbine locations are currently planned close to existing rural homes, some situated within 1.5-kilometres of residences and less than 9-kilometres from Proserpine town centre.
Another key theme discussed was the eventual decommissioning of the turbines, as the community are seeking clear assurances that the structures will be properly decommissioned at the end of their life, with the site returned to its original condition.
The expected operating life of Alinta Energy’s turbines for this project is more than 30 years.
Ms Camm assured community members that their concerns and opposition to the project had been acknowledged and the issue would be further escalated.
“I want to give you all assurance that I am 100% against the project,” Ms Camm said.
It was also shared that Alinta’s proposals to erect a temporary ‘met mast’, a steel structure up to 160m high that would monitor wind and gather data to help determine whether the project is viable, have now been put on ‘pause’.
Ms Camm since highlighted the importance of the conversation.
"Spending time with the community and hearing directly from residents is incredibly important,” she shared.
“There are clear processes that projects like this must go through, and my focus is on ensuring the community understands how to engage at each stage, while making sure their feedback is acknowledged and carried forward.
“These conversations matter, and I will continue to support residents and ensure their voices are heard as each step of the process moves forward.”
According to Alinta Energy, the program is currently at the feasibility and engagement stage, which includes site-specific investigations and feedback from the community.
Such discussions took place at a pop-up office held by Alinta at Proserpine community centre on March 4th, though any further decisions regarding the project have not yet been shared.
“We’re committed to making a positive impact in communities to create social, economic, employment, educational, and environmental opportunities and outcomes.” The company stated.
“Our benefit sharing approach is all about listening to the community to meet local needs. This could include grants, sponsorships, or opportunities for education and skills development. The project is expected to bring a range of benefits, including jobs across construction, operations, and decommissioning phases; upgrades to essential services like roads and emergency response; and contributions to initiatives led by the community itself.”
Fuel price pressures and supply concerns are beginning to bite across the Whitsundays, with local businesses reporting rising costs, shifting customer behaviour and growing uncertainty. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Whitsundays businesses are feeling the growing strain of fuel price volatility and supply uncertainty, as regional leaders push for stronger support and practical solutions to protect the local economy.
New data from Business Chamber Queensland highlights the scale of the issue, with 95 per cent of businesses reporting impacts and more than 70 per cent experiencing major or severe challenges.
Locally, early results from the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Fuel Crisis Business Impact Survey reveal businesses are still operating, but under increasing pressure.
According to Executive Officer Dr Julia Evans, rising fuel costs and supply concerns are already affecting day-to-day operations, staffing and customer behaviour.
Businesses across sectors including tourism, construction, transport and professional services reported adjusting operations, reducing hours, changing logistics, delaying jobs and shifting to remote work or carpooling.
Eighty per cent of respondents reported fuel-related cost increases of between 11 and 25 per cent, while a further 20 per cent experienced increases as high as 50 per cent.
Customer behaviour is also shifting, with businesses reporting fewer bookings and enquiries, increased cancellations, greater price sensitivity and a noticeable move toward online purchasing.
The Chamber’s President Mr Milostic said the situation is escalating rapidly.
“The high cost of living and high cost of doing business existed before the fuel crisis, they are now being amplified.”
While fuel supply remains stable for now, the Chamber warns that broader economic impacts are already being felt across the region, with ongoing uncertainty likely to shape business conditions in the months ahead.
Dry conditions are expected to intensify across the Whitsundays as a strong El Niño looms. Photo source: Shutterstock
The upcoming 2026 El Niño has been forecast to be among the strongest on record, bringing hotter, drier weather in the coming weeks.
With already drier-than-average conditions recorded in early 2026, farmers are bracing for a challenging season as worsening soil moisture deficits and water scarcity raise concerns.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins has sought to reassure the community, saying Council will continue to keep a close watch on the evolving conditions.
“As Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, we’re watching the El Niño outlook closely and what it could mean on the ground here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins.
“We’ve only just come through flooding, so the prospect of flipping straight into dry conditions is a real concern.”
Mayor Collins assures residents the Whitsunday Shire will remain in a strong position, pointing to Peter Faust Dam, which is currently at 100 per cent capacity; the first time it has reached full capacity since 2011.
“Peter Faust Dam gives us a solid buffer, but we know how quickly conditions can change in North Queensland, and having come out of the ag sector myself, I know exactly how quickly things can tighten up,” he said.
“When you start talking water, pasture and input costs all going the wrong way at once, it puts real pressure on families and businesses. And when ag feels it, the whole region feels it.”
Mayor Collins acknowledged that although the farming sector are feeling the pressures at the moment, prolonged heat and dry conditions can also impact tourism, increase bushfire risk, and put added strain on local communities.
Mayor Collins said that while Whitsunday Regional Council is taking the necessary precautions and making preparations, it cannot face such an unpredictable period alone, calling for additional support from higher levels of government.
“We’re not sitting back. We’re actively managing water, working closely with emergency services on bushfire readiness, and continuing to strengthen our resilience planning across the region,” he said.
“But the reality is regions like ours can’t carry this alone. We’ll need strong, ongoing support from State and Federal Government — particularly for our primary producers and for health and wellbeing services, because we know the pressure builds quickly when conditions turn.
“North Queensland communities are tough — we always are. But it’s about being prepared, backing each other in, and making sure our communities have the support they need to get through whatever comes next.”
131 sanitary products were donated by generous members of the community to locals in need this week, in an initiative driven by Share The Dignity.
Targeting period poverty, the organisation works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or otherwise in need, by distributing period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.
Their motto? “When someone is doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be dealing with their period.”
For their March ‘Dignity Drive’, Share the Dignity installed collection points at Whitsunday Woolworth stores for shoppers wanting to support their mission, and the yield has been delivered to the Whitsunday Counselling and Support Office.
Emma Anderson, a volunteer for the organisation and newcomer to the Whitsundays, expressed her gratitude for the generosity of the community she now calls home and highlighted that all donated products will be used locally.
With March seeing soaring fuel costs, causing many of us to feel a squeeze, the drive highlighted how even in tough times, the community is willing to give.
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