NOTE FROM NIGEL

Nigel visiting The Mackay City Rollers who received $10’000 from The Gambling Community Benefit Fund

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As July wraps up and we head into August, I can’t quite believe we’re already in the last month of winter.

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The past month has been a busy one, from Parliament sittings and community events to school visits and my latest mobile office at Caneland. Every conversation helps keep me connected with what matters most to our community.

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July also saw Mackay welcome two Ministers and both the Premier and Deputy Premier, with a strong focus on delivering local projects and backing our region's future.

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One announcement that generated plenty of discussion is the planned upgrade to the Golf Links Road and Bucasia Road intersection. After extensive community consultation, the upgrade will include intelligent traffic signals with AI technology, additionalturning lanes and an additional left-turn lane on Golf Links Road, designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow through one of Mackay's busiest intersections.

Alongside Glen Kelly MP, I was also pleased to help bring the Parliamentary Primary Industries Committee to Mackay. It was an important opportunity for local producers and industry representatives to have their voices heard without travelling to Brisbane, ensuring the committee could hear directly about the opportunities and challenges facing our region.

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Public submissions on the proposed Circuit Breaker program have now closed. The feedback received will help inform the next stage of the proposal, which aims to introduce a court-ordered youth rehabilitation program in a rural setting, helping turn young lives around while improving community safety. Alongside this, we’ve strengthened youth justice laws, including the new "Breach Bail, Go to Jail" legislation.

One of my election commitments is also nearing completion, with the new shed for the Mackay Comedy Players now receiving its finishing touches. I'm looking forward to seeing the group make full use of the new facility.

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It has also been great to get out and visit some of the latest recipients of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Every organisation has a different story, and it's always rewarding to see how these grants are being put to good use—whether it's new equipment, upgraded facilities or helping local volunteers continue the fantastic work they do in our community.

Social media has been keeping me on my toes lately too. I threw the decision over to Facebook on whether I should wear a kilt to the Scottish Bluewater Fling... and the people spoke! Before I knew it, I was kilted up and joining in the fun. Safe to say it was one of the highlights of the month.

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Looking ahead, National Pyjama Day is on Friday 1 August and I'll be hosting a Pyjama Day fundraiser at the Memorial Swimming Centre. Pull on your favourite PJs, enjoy a pie and a bowl of soup, and help raise funds for The Pyjama Foundation, supporting children in foster care through learning and mentoring.

Schools across Mackay will also be taking part in National Schools Tree Day, and I'll be joining local students to plant a tree and help leave a positive mark on our environment.

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Another milestone on the calendar is Victoria Park State School's Centenary Celebration. Reaching 100 years is an incredible achievement, and I look forward to celebrating the school's rich history alongside students, staff, families and the wider community.

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As always, thank you to everyone who has stopped for a chat over the past month. Whether it's at a community event, school visit or mobile office, I appreciate hearing your ideas and concerns and look forward to catching up with many more of you over the coming weeks.

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