Calling all university students; now’s your chance to get a head-start on your career through Mackay Regional Council’s popular academic bursary program.

The program offers university students the chance to gain valuable work experience and financial assistance.

Council has five academic bursaries up for grabs, worth $5000 each, plus paid work experience with a council team that aligns with your area of study.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the council hoped by offering these bursaries it would be able to retain these professionals in the Mackay region.

“Mackay is a great place to live and work and the academic bursary program gives students a taste of what it’s like to work in their chosen field and the opportunity to make great work connections,” Mayor Williamson said.

2019 Academic Bursary recipient Brodie French, who studied a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), has gone on to work full time for council as a graduate engineer in the Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Planning department.

“While working with the Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Planning team over the last two years, I’ve gained an appreciation for the work that goes into making sure our community has quality drinking water and sustainable sewerage networks in the near and distant future,” Mr French said.

“The bursary allowed me to fund equipment for my final year engineering thesis and help with other on-going university costs, and the work experience gave me an on-the-ground perspective of how my studies were translated into the real world,” he said.

Applications for this year’s Academic Bursaries are currently open and close on Monday, April 4.

To be eligible for a council bursary, students must be from the Mackay region – preferably studying in the region – and in their second-last year of studies.

They must also be studying in a skills shortage area including:

> Engineering

> Planning

> Business (Accounting/Marketing/HR/Public Relations/Social Innovation)

> Business Services (IS, Procurement, Projects)

> Workplace Health and Safety/Emergency Services, Social Work or Environmental Science/Health.

To apply, go to www.mackay.qld.gov.au/academicbursary

For more details contact the Recruitment Team on jobs@mackay.qld.gov.au or 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

2019 Academic Bursary recipient Brodie French, second from left, is pictured with Mayor Greg Williamson and fellow recipients, from left, Jackson Lamb, Hunter Aitchison and Taitianna McGrath. Brodie and Taitianna now work full-time with Mackay Regional Council

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I had the great fortune of living in Melbourne for about 10 years and there is a lot to love about that town. Superb restaurants, cool bars, a compelling brand of football, excellent arts culture and layered clothing among the delights.

Some readers might not be with me on the football comment but I think the rest stacks up. The “layered clothing” line reflects another, less admired, feature of the city … its weather.

The popular saying is that if you don’t like Melbourne’s weather, wait five minutes. Hence the layered clothing.

“Oh, the sun’s come out.” Coat off, scarf off, jumper off. That’s better. Dark T-shirt, dark jeans, black boots … fitting in.

Investing can be like Melbourne’s fickle weather, although the change doesn’t usually happen in five minutes. Whether you have invested in stocks or real estate, things change.

For Mackay real estate owners and investors, the climate changed around 2013.

The market plunged, rents dropped, sale prices fell and while some people were forced to sell, many held on to their properties. Well, you had to wait more than five minutes, but I can tell you the climate has changed again.

Prices are up dramatically from where they fell to during the downturn. About four months ago I sold a house for $570,000 that I sold for $476,000 in 2015, and the market continued to fall for another few years after 2015. Prices have bounced back dramatically and this is now a hot market.

One of the reasons is that thanks to a strong economy and the covid experience, a lot of people are moving to Mackay. But, due to the downturn, nothing was built from 2013 to 2019 so high demand and lack of supply has created a massive shortage of rental properties, with vacancies at under 1 per cent.

People moving to Mackay are finding there is nothing to rent so they are buying straight up. Others who have been living in Mackay for a while have decided they love the place but don’t like rent increases so they’re taking the plunge and buying.

And the supply side of sales is tight because very few people are leaving Mackay and selling. It’s a great place to live and the Covid experience down south has locked people into Mackay.

So, who gets an opportunity out of this? Investors. That property you bought years ago but couldn’t sell during the downturn is now worth a lot more than it was. You might want to put money into super, pay off your main property or put away some cash and, if so, now is a great time to get an appraisal on your investment to find out what it’s worth.

It’s also important to get good advice on the strategy for selling. Do you allow your tenants to sign another 12-month lease? If not, when do you give them notice? Do you sell with tenants in there or not? Do we need to freshen up the property or is that a waste of money?

Good, experienced real estate agents will have a strategy that gets you the best result.

Of course, as Melburnians know, the climate can change so give us a call at Gardian to get some good advice on what to do, and when to do it, to get you the best result.

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Residents and visitors are encouraged to have their say to help chart the next phase of one of the Isaac region’s premier recreational hubs.

Theresa Creek Dam – a family favourite near Clermont – is set to be reimagined as Isaac Regional Council seeks community feedback on the concept development plan this March.

The dam in the Isaac region’s west is a core social and economic pillar and the public consultation hopes to understand usage, the areas that need to be enhanced and what benefits the dam provides. This information will be used as a guide to create the Theresa Creek Dam Concept Development Plan.

Mayor Anne Baker said the concept development plan will focus on the recreational assets of the dam to help build a management strategy for the next 20 years.

“This community consultation is a fantastic opportunity as it nears 40 years since it was built. Here’s our chance to improve and enhance one of our region’s key recreational areas providing a boost to the local economy and attracting more visitors to Isaac,” Mayor Baker said.

“Clermont’s primary water source offers a kiosk, picnic areas, camping, boating, fishing, recreational water sports and birdwatching. Our families, our visitors enjoy the calm and beauty the dam has on offer and as a community we want to harness and protect that through a formalised process.”

Councillor Carolyn Moriarty said Council is seeking feedback to help shape its planning considerations for the dam’s recreational management.

“Any plans for the dam need to be balanced carefully with the ongoing water quality needs of our area and require state, federal or private investment,” Cr Moriarty said.

“Theresa Creek Dam has been a major drawcard and much-loved destination for our residents and visitors, this plan gives community the chance to have their say on what changes they would like to see.”

Residents and visitors can click https://speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au/theresa-creek-dam-concept-plan to have their say by 1 April 2022. Hardcopies of the survey will be available at Council libraries and offices throughout the Isaac region.

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Mackay Regional Council’s Councillor Alison Jones donated part of a recent pay rise to local not-for-profit arts organisation Crossroad Arts earlier this week.

Councillor Jones says that, as a council, the Mackay Regional Council opted out of a pay rise set by the state government.

The pay rise was given regardless to stay on par with state-regulated remuneration.

“I just felt that, if we made that decision to not accept a pay rise, that I wanted to give mine back to the community,” she said.

Having previously worked in the disability sector and with family members with a disability, Councillor Jones says that Crossroad Arts is a very meaningful cause.

“It’s in my heart,” she said.

The donation came at an opportune time, as Crossroad Arts are currently holding their Annual Giving Program for 2022.

“It’s very generous,” said Crossroad Arts Artistic Director and CEO Alison Richardson.

“Last year we started our first annual giving program.

“This year the community champions, ReNew Mackay, are able to match what we make up to $5000, which is really great,” she said.

“It’s nice that more of a local business community is getting on board,” added Crossroad Arts Artistic Associate Autumn Skuthorpe.

Crossroads Arts is a local not-for-profit organisation and registered charity that provides inclusive art experiences for artists with disability with the goal of building a stronger community.

The 2022 Annual Giving Program will run until June 30, 2022.

To donate to Crossroad Arts, visit www.givenow.com.au/crossroadarts.

Councillor Alison Jones presents her donation to local artist Erin, helping Crossroad Arts on their way to their goal of $5000

Crossroad Arts offer a variety of workshops including making wearable art, filmmaking, and theatre

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Last week was World Delirium Awareness Day (16 March), bringing an opportunity to acknowledge the multi-disciplinary approach to prevent and promote delirium recovery.

Supporting vulnerable patients who are at risk of developing delirium is the focus of Mackay Base Hospital’s Eat Walk Engage (EWE) Program team.

Delirium (an acute confusional state) and functional decline (an increase in need for assistance with mobility and/or activities of daily living) are potentially common complications in older hospitalised patients or those with pre-existing cognitive impairment.

Eat Walk Engage (EWE) is a statewide program developed by the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital that helps patients by providing optimal nutrition and hydration (Eat), early and regular mobility (Walk) and meaningful cognitive and social activities (Engage) to prevent delirium and promote recovery in acute care wards.

Mackay Base Hospital EWE facilitators Megan Chapman and Caitlan Golder are supported by a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals including allied health and nursing.

“Delirium is very distressing for patients and their families. The symptoms are associated with poor outcomes including longer hospital stays, potential for admission to aged care facilities, and may heighten future dementia risk,” Megan said.

“The EWE program aims to further support our at-risk patients to mobilise early and regularly, to eat and drink adequately, and to keep their minds’ active through meaningful cognitive activities.”

Individual and group activities suitable to engage patients to reduce the risk of delirium have been developed by the team designed to align with interests and capability.

“Individual activities include activity packs with books, colouring pencils, decks of cards and magazines, kindly provided by the Mackay Hospital Foundation. While group activities comprising of bingo, painting, colouring, craft and occasionally tai chi are being facilitated for patients,” she said.

“Biographical tools which are essentially a snap shot of a patient’s interests are placed next to or above a patient’s bed. These may include a list of hobbies, their pet’s name or places they like visit to assist with topics of conversation.

“We also encourage families or carers to bring in familiar items such as clothing and photos or personal items they prefer.”

The EWE program is being implemented on Mackay Base Hospital’s G2 and F2 wards and focuses on patient activities as well as education, training and space redesign.

Article courtesy of Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Mackay Base Hospital EWE facilitators Megan Chapman and Caitlan Golder. Image supplied MHHS

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The Regional Queensland Council of Mayors is looking forward to working with the first Regional Education Commissioner to ensure regional residents have the same education and employment pathways as south-east Queenslanders.

Chair of the Regional Queensland Council of Mayors (RQCOM), Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, has met with the first Regional Education Commissioner, Fiona Nash.

Mayor Greg Williamson said his meeting with Ms Nash showed great promise for the role of Regional Education Commissioner.

“This was an important step in having the voice of regional Queenslanders heard in the south,” he said.

Mayor Williamson will chair a forum for key Regional Queensland Mayors in April to hear from the Commissioner about her role and to provide an opportunity for the Commissioner to hear first-hand the impacts of education shortcomings on regional Queenslanders.

“It’s a travesty that regional Australians are less than half as likely to obtain a university degree by age 35 compared to those in metropolitan areas,” he said.

“The Commissioner’s plan to halve that gap by 2030 is a good start and I’m determined that regional Queensland people are involved in that process.”

Ms Nash said she would be a champion for regional, rural and remote education, working with stakeholders across sectors to ensure all Australians can access and benefit from a high-quality education, regardless of where they live.

She said her role would have a broad remit across regional, rural and remote student education from early childhood education to tertiary education to improve regional education outcomes

Regional Queensland Council of Mayors Executive Committee

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Community groups may feel a little foolish if they let April 1 pass by without applying for a council Community Grant.

All up, $189,000 is up for grabs in the latest funding round which will close at midnight April Fools’ Day (Friday, April 1).

Grants can be used by groups for a range of activities, purchases and projects.

Funding is available for small equipment (up to $1500), community initiatives, programs, events and upgrades (up to $7500) and minor infrastructure and assets (up to $30,000).

This means grants can be used for everything from buying simple office equipment to infrastructure projects, including concept development, as well as the purchase of large equipment, like vehicles.

This gives tremendous flexibility to community clubs and not-for-profit groups needing financial assistance.

To apply, and for full grant guidelines, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/grants

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Mackay Police have put a call out to motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads today (Friday 25 March) as ‘ride to school day’ will see an increased number of bicycles on the road.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton said it was exciting to see schools welcoming cyclists of all ages with a healthy breakfast.

“Cycling is a great way to keep fit and many young cyclists go on to ride for health and fitness for many years,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“Police all over the Mackay District will be assisting with Ride to School events and will be involved in briefing the children on bike safety.

“But all motorists need to be alert to what younger riders might do – many have little road sense so please be extra careful when you see young people on their bik

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Like a lot of you, I'm doing home quarantine at the moment with Covid, and if you're in the same boat, I hope you're doing ok.

It's a strange thing knowing you'll get it at some stage, but then not being totally prepared for when it arrives at your house.

My wife's a teacher so she's around many different people every day, and we were sure she'd get it first.

After I had a Friday night with quite a few of my 6.4 per cent home brews, I thought my very slight headache and not feeling 100 per cent was due to my delicious hazy pale ale. But after playing a game of Saturday afternoon 3rd grade cricket for Pinnacle, and still not feeling right at 8pm that night, we tested my wife first because we thought she may have it, and me almost for a laugh. But it was the other way around with me positive and her negative; which is still the case three days later, and we've changed nothing with how we live, eat and sleep.

Since then, my 11-year-old son has Covid and my daughter too.

Day 4/5 for me today and I've gotta say, triple-vaxxed, I'm pretty much sailing through and feeling pretty good. It's feeling like a slight-medium head cold, but you go through stages of feeling really great, and then now and then a slight fever and just not feeling quite right. Compared to stories I've heard from friends that had Covid, I'm counting myself very lucky so far.

The Coles delivery truck from Rural View has stocked us up for the week, some friends have dropped off treats which we're very grateful for. Plus, the third test between Australia and Pakistan is on Kayo, so that's making home time pass a little quicker.

If one of your kids feels a little warm when you give them a hug, test them, because that's how we think it got into our home, and don't send them to school.

Stay well if you've got Covid.

Scotty

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Our very own Mayor, Greg Williamson, said he will be channeling his best John Travolta impersonation at this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball, even if it means his wife, Annette, may disown him. It’s all part of the fun of the disco-inspired theme of this year’s gala event, to be held at the MECC on 14 May.

If you’re feeling hot on the night, fingers crossed it’s not Covid, organisers are asking attendees to channel their inner ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and boogie on the dance floor.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the disco theme should resonate with many of those attending.

“It will be plenty of fun as we raise funds for two great causes,” Mayor Williamson said.

This year’s ball will raise money for HeartKids Mackay, also a recipient last year, and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to assist with construction and operation of a Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay.

The launch for sponsors and recipients was held on stage in the MECC auditorium last week and tickets for the Ball are now on sale online through www.themecc.com.au.

The Red Tie band, as well as some surprise guests, will help create the disco atmosphere on the night. Emcee will be Channel 7 fishing personality Scotty Hillier.

There will also be the usual gala charity auction.

This 2021 Mayor’s Charity Ball raised nearly $100,000 for charity, split 50-50 between Domestic Violence Resource Service (DVRS) – a recipient for two years – and HeartKids Mackay.

HeartKids Queensland manager Holly Williams said the organisation was thrilled to be a beneficiary of the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball once again in 2022.

“Following the amazing success of the 2021 Gala, HeartKids was able to employ a support coordinator in Mackay to provide meaningful support to individuals and families within the Mackay HeartKids community, as well as foster strong connections within the local community to increase awareness of congenital heart disease,’’ she said.

“We look forward to increasing our connections within the Mackay HeartKids community throughout 2022 by growing our support opportunities and options for all families impacted by congenital heart disease.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia chief executive officer Tamara South said she sincerely appreciated the generous support the local community had shown for the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay.

“We are delighted by and incredibly grateful for the generous support the entire Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities have shown for the Mackay Capital Campaign,” said Ms South.

“The construction of a Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay will make an immense difference to the lives of local families. It will give families with sick or injured kids a place where they can rest and recuperate and enjoy a much-needed break from the clinical environment of the hospital.”

Mayor Williamson said the 2022 event was off to a fantastic start, with corporate sponsorship of about $50,000 locked in.

The Mayor’s Charity Golf Day, hosted by Rotary Club of Mackay and sponsored by Enlightened Financial Solutions, will be held the day before the Ball on Friday, May 13.

Mayor Greg Williamson and representatives of 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball recipients, Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia Mackay and Whitsundays community engagement executive Samantha Lee (left) and HeartKids Queensland manager Holly Williams, get into the disco spirit at last week’s event launch. Image supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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In early March, a collection of average blokes from Shed Happens Mackay assisted a man living in a Government Housing unit to move to the St Vincent De Paul’s Men's Hostel.

For over two years the man had been directed to clean up the excess gear he was collecting in his front yard but had not complied.

Shed Happens Mackay - a local men’s group helping men with issues of all kinds, including mental health - put the call out to its cohort to help him move.

The Shed Happens blokes responded to the call, as well as their regular sponsors DGH Engineering, who provided a truck with three men to help with the task.

Matt Cole from Empire Trailer Hire also provided the group with a free trailer to use for the day.

Frank Cowell, Convenor of Shed Happens Mackay said it was “a bit of a job,” but was another part of Shed’s continued involvement with the men’s shelter which they are ever proud of.

“He’d been evicted because he was a hoarder, and we were asked by Collin Cook at the shelter to help out, so we got together a few blokes,” Frank said.

They worked from 8am until 3pm and took a “fair bit” of stuff to the tip.

Sadly, the gentleman who’s home it was has dementia and wanted to keep everything.

There was so much that the group returned on Wednesday to finish the job.

Although sad, there is a silver lining and an altruistic tinge to the story, which Frank Cowell put perfectly.

“When you do that sort of task, the reward is in itself that you know you’re helping someone out, and the blokes that were there, they’re shed blokes that have the heart for helping others,” he said.

“Hopefully, he can get the help he needs there.”

One of five Shed Happens vehicles that was used to help remove the gear

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The lure to live by the beach is as strong as ever, evident by the rapidly growing cluster of subdivisions forming Mackay’s Northern Beaches. However, the idyllic lifestyle comes with a catch. There is only one road in and out, which becomes clogged and congested during twice-daily peak hours.

The Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP has joined with LNP Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox, to launch the Build It for The Beaches – No Delays petition.  

Ms Camm said in 2020, the State Government put $750,000 aside for planning works to investigate options to deal with capacity upgrades and duplication for Mackay-Bucasia Road.

“Nothing has happened since this announcement and this planning work is not scheduled to commence until 2023/24,” Ms Camm said.

One in six Mackay region residents currently live in the Northern Beaches, which is more than 16 per cent of the total population. The current approximate population of the Northern Beaches is 21,000 people. By 2036, this is expected to grow by 43 per cent, adding more than 9000 residents.  

“The fastest growing population in Mackay needs a faster connection,” Ms Camm said.

“As it stands, there is only one way in and one way out for emergency services. This is unacceptable to adequately respond to the needs of this growing population.  

“The impacts are not just being felt by Northern Beaches residents, but the broader Mackay community.  

“The Mackay-Bucasia Road has become known for long delays, traffic jams and bottlenecks. This is now a daily part of the city commute for many locals.  

“With over 2000 estimated new constituents enrolling in the Northern Beaches since I have been elected to Queensland Parliament, we call on the Minister to upgrade this road immediately,” Ms Camm said.

Andrew Willcox has joined with the Member for Whitsunday on this campaign.

“Travel to and from the Northern Beaches of Mackay should be quicker and safer than what it is,” Mr Willcox said.

“If the State Labor Government has the money put aside for planning on Mackay Bucasia Road, what are we waiting for? Let’s get on with it.”

In response, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the State Government has locked in funding for a business case on an upgrade of Mackay – Bucasia Road, which is due to start next year.

“This forms part of more than $1 billion worth of roads and transport projects we are delivering across the region, including the $120 million Mackay Northern Access Upgrade which will greatly improve access to the Northern Beaches,” Minister Bailey said.

“This petition is clearly just a federal election stunt,” he added.

“No more delays or excuses – let’s Build It for The Beaches,” Ms Camm said.

The Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP (right) has joined with LNP Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox, to launch the Build It for The Beaches - ‘No Delays’ petition for an upgrade to the Mackay Bucasia Road

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The Reef Gateway Hotel in Airlie Beach has opened the doors of its onsite liquor retail outlet with a brand-new look this month.

The newest Harry Brown store is now part of one of Australia’s leading independent retail groups, providing independent store owners with the collective buying power they need to offer local customers great deals on the products they love.

The store is the biggest liquor retailer in the area, offering an impressive variety of local, national, and international wines, beers, ciders and spirits at competitive prices.

“We have tailored our range to suit local needs and have designed our store layout to help you find your favourite choice quickly,” Store Manager Steve Wright said.

“Whether you are shopping for a gift, the perfect match for your meal or searching for that hard-to-find bottle, Harry Brown staff are here to help.”

There are currently six Harry Brown outlets in Australia, with Airlie Beach the newest store, and the company was nationally crowned Best Retail Liquor at the 2021 Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence for its Bracken Ridge Tavern store in Queensland.

For locals, it’s looking good and especially for those with a crafty brew inclined palette, as Harry Brown is especially well known for its extensive craft beer selection and is already offering an everyday special of 25 per cent off when purchasing any six single craft beers.

Steve Wright, store manager at the country’s newest Harry Brown

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Our local Lions Youth of the Year winner, Mac Rogers, has returned triumphant, winning the Public Speaking Award at the Lion’s district championships which were held in Townsville last weekend.

The inspiring 17-year-old is the school captain at Proserpine State High School and this was the second year in a row that he had been awarded Lions Youth of the Year, beating participants from Bowen, Whitsundays and Collinsville to secure his place.

While in Townsville, Mac competed against six other students who came from as far afield as Cairns, west of Townsville and Mackay.

Representing Zone 9, Mac was sponsored by Proserpine Lions Club and was supported by 13 fellow Lions who also attended on the night.

There were four finalists from across North Queensland - Alannah Falvo, who represented St Stephen's Catholic College in Mareeba, was the overall winner.

Aurelia Woods from Trinity Anglican School in Cairns won the Community Service Award and Barnabas Juhasz represented Townsville Grammar School from Castle

Hill.

Well known for his excellent public speaking skills, Mac was thrilled to take home the award that reflected his speciality.

“It’s been a really good opportunity to develop my public-speaking skills and I have met lots of interesting people, both Lions and students,” he said.

The Proserpine Lions Club would like to congratulate Mac on his achievements

and wish him well for his future endeavours.

Marc Rogers won the Public Speaking Award at the District Youth of the Year Finals

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For the first time in recorded history, a mass coral bleaching event in the Great Barrier Reef is occurring during the usually cooler weathers of a La Nina year.

This serious event also happens to coincide with a ten-day delegation of two Unesco scientists who will be collecting evidence that will help decide whether to classify the reef “in danger.”

The Great Barrier Reef has seen six mass bleaching events and this will be the fourth in six years.

Chief Scientist of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Dr David Wachenfield said that the thermal stress has accumulated across the reef, with the worst affected area being the central one.

Aerial surveys by the Marine Park Authority are occurring this week over the major tourism areas, but Dr Wachenfield said the stress was less in these areas.

"The majority of reefs surveyed from Hinchinbrook to Bowen were severely bleached, with some mortality observed at some of these reefs,” Dr Wachenfield said.

"These thermal anomalies have worsened since the start of March, which is counter to what we would normally expect in a typical March.”

Spokesperson for the Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC), Tony Fontes, said that a change of reefs world status to ‘In Danger’ would only serve to help.

“The Reef is in danger. No amount of government spin can change that. Recognising that the Reef is in danger is the best way to protect the reef,” he said.

“Global warming, fuelled by the burning of fossil fuels, has caught up to us.”

Bleached coral

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