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Three new major projects in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday set to boost jobs and the economy have been revealed.
The federal government will announce on Wednesday a $10m funding injection in three new projects under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program to drive the region’s recovery from COVID-19.
These projects include an upgrade of the Biocommodities Pilot Plant in Mackay, a new Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub for the Whitsunday region and delivery of stage 2 of the Clermont Saleyards and Showgrounds Revitalisation.
The federal and Queensland governments have identified these projects as high priority.
Dawson MP George Christensen said the Whitsunday-based Tech Skills Hub would deliver ag-tech programs and training to boost the sugar cane, beef, aquaculture and horticulture industries.
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Subscriber only Two community leaders from across the political aisle have demanded action to fix skyrocketing rents in Mackay Whitsundays as affordable housing dwindles. This week, Labor candidate for Dawson Shane Hamilton and Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm put forward their ideas on what is needed to solve the region s housing crisis. Mr Hamilton spruiked Labor leader Anthony Albanese s promised $130m for crisis housing for women escaping domestic violence and veterans who have hit hard times, delivered from a $10bn social housing fund, if the party wins the next election. The centrepiece of Labor s plan is a $10bn Housing Australia Future Fund .
Opinion: Investment is needed now to diversify our economy DIVERSIFICATION: We need to make the investment now to diversify our local economy and future-proof our region, Paul McLaughlin says.
Opinion Paul McLaughlin
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There is no doubt the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region is one of the most naturally beautiful places in Australia.
From the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the hidden coastline gems in Bowen and the scenic Eungella National Park – it is truly a spectacular place.
It’s no surprise that in the year ending December 2020, 532,000 Australians enjoyed an overnight stay in the Whitsunday region and spent over $630m during their visit (an increase of 16.2 per cent on the previous year).
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Mirani MP Stephen Andrew says his concern for the wellbeing of a child on a flight from Brisbane to Mackay sparked a police incident.
Mr Andrew was on an evening flight after last week’s Queensland Parliament sitting when the incident occurred.
A Virgin Australia spokesman said a “disorderly passenger incident” occurred on-board VA621 from Brisbane to Mackay on April 22.
“The matter has since been referred to Queensland Police,” he said.
A Queensland Police spokesman said police were called to Mackay Airport in response to “interactions that occurred on an aircraft”.
“The matter continues to be subject to inquiry,” the spokesman said.