Note From Nigel 22 August

It’s been a busy and rewarding week here in Mackay, with plenty happening across housing, science, public safety, and our vital primary industries. There’s never a dull moment — and that’s exactly how we like it.

We welcomed Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth, Sam O’Connor, to Mackay to see firsthand the challenges we face in housing, as well as the people working hard to create real change.

A highlight was opening a new social housing facility in North Mackay. New resident Heather proudly showed us her home — a powerful reminder of the dignity safe housing brings. We also visited the Mackay Housing Services team and spoke with frontline staff about their essential work. I took the Minister on a tour of areas affected by homelessness and visited Chances House, where my $1 million election commitment will help expand meals and increase staffing for vulnerable locals.

Over lunch, we met with fantastic local organisations — CASA, Kalyan House, YIRS, and Mudth-Niyleta — all doing vital work to connect people with safe housing.

Under the new state budget, $44.1 million has been allocated to social and community housing in Mackay and the Whitsundays, with 110 homes currently under construction or contract. This forms part of a broader plan to deliver 53,500 new social homes by 2044, in partnership with the Australian Government.

We also welcomed Mackay’s newest police recruits — a proud moment and a reminder of the critical role public safety plays in our region.

As a member of the Primary Industries Committee, I helped launch the Primary Industries Prosper 2050 roadmap — a 25-year vision built on six months of consultation, unlocking new opportunities for our local farmers, fishers, and producers.

To celebrate National Science Week, we kicked off a new round of Engaging Science Grants, offering up to $25,000 for STEM events, community science projects, and initiatives celebrating First Nations knowledge.

Finally, mark your calendar for Digital Detox: A Night to Rethink Tech on Tuesday, 2 September. International speaker Brad Huddleston will be in Mackay to share insights on digital addiction and how we can reconnect with ourselves and each other.

It’s been a week of innovation, collaboration, and community spirit — just the way we like it in Mackay.

Contributed with thanks to Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton.

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Kayliegh taking Minister O’Connor and I for a tour of Chances House

Opening the new social housing in North Mackay with Minister Sam O’Connor and Glen Kelly MP.

Celebrating Science Week with the Year 9 Students at Whitsunday Anglican School.

Welcoming the new police recruits to the Mackay Whitsunday Police District. Photos supplied

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