👀 Mackay Council CEO steps down after two years
The most hacked phone pins | Slade Point dog park? | QLD regional rail lines reopen after floods | Meta's huge subsea cable | Next-level AgTech solutions for farming | Perceval the robot dog and more!
Welcome back to the Mackay Minute, it’s February 20.
Today's newsletter is 983 words and a 5-minute read.
In today's email:
One Big Thing: Freight on track for the East Coast
Mackay Council CEO steps: Down after two years
Next-level AgTech solutions: For farming challenges
Trending: A stunning view of the Pioneer River
Around the web (Snippets): Meta’s mega subsea cable, Phone pins you shouldn’t use, HomeSafeID pet chipmaker shuts down and more!
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Freight on track for the East Coast
By Olivia Hatch
Queensland Rail’s North Coast line reopened as far north as Townsville last weekend (February 15 2025) following significant flooding that caused major damage between Mackay and Cairns.
Queensland Rail employees and contractors were mobilised to accelerate the recovery, resulting in the reopening of the track in under three weeks despite challenging and ongoing weather conditions.
Recovery works involved clearing fallen trees and debris from the track, repairing more than 60 damaged sites that had washouts, and scouring. Numerous track machines and excavators were deployed, and tonnes of ballast were poured.
2. Next-level AgTech solutions for farming challenges
What’s Happening: Queensland-based AgTech company InFarm is revolutionising the agricultural sector with AI-driven solutions that address key farming challenges.
Led by founder Jerome Leray, the company has developed a weed detection platform that integrates with existing tractors and a remote cattle monitoring system using AI-powered cameras and an app.
Local Impact: InFarm’s technology has already helped farmers save up to 97.5% in herbicide use, significantly reducing costs and environmental impact.
The company’s cattle monitoring system, tested at Brian Pastures Research Facility near Gayndah, offers remote surveillance that supports better herd management, even in areas with limited connectivity.
What To Look For Next: InFarm’s innovations are changing the game for Australian agriculture, offering farmers practical, AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
And more at the full article below👇
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3. Mackay Council CEO steps down after two years
What’s Happening: Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen has resigned, with his departure effective immediately.
In a special meeting on Monday, February 17, the council delegated authority to Mayor Greg Williamson to accept the resignation.
Local Impact: Executive Officer David McKendry has been appointed as Acting CEO while recruitment for a permanent replacement begins.
The transition in leadership comes at a critical time for the council, which remains focused on continuous improvement.
What They Said: Mayor Williamson assured the community that operations would proceed without disruption, emphasising, “We have a strong ELT and senior leadership team, as well as a dedicated workforce and councillors working hard for the community they live in.”
What To Look For Next: The full article below 👇
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week – The Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disabilities is seeking Child Safety Officers to join teams in Bowen, Mackay, Mount Isa, and Townsville, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in the child protection process.
Offering a fortnightly salary of $3,808 - $4,147, this role involves assessment, intervention, casework, and case management within a strengths-based framework.
Applications close April 30 2025.
Want to advertise a job here?
Contact us.
4. Trending
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5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Pets’ microchips registered with HomeSafeID should be transferred to: another national pet registry as they are shutting down
Is your phone unlocked with PIN 1234, 1111, 0000, or 1342..? If so, you should: Change it as these were just found to be the most common breached PINs, per ABC’s analysis of HaveIBeenPwned.com.
Mackay City and Waterfront are offering: Free guided riverside walks with Anytime Tours Australia
Meta announced a subsea cable project that’s going to be: Longer than the Earth’s circumference
Council’s Vector Control teams are conducting: Early morning fogging in mosquito-prone areas after recent heavy rainfall and high tides last week
You’ve heard of ChatGPT, but have you ever heard of: GhostGPT? You now have an uncensored AI chatbot designed to assist malicious activities like malware creation and phishing scams being used by cybercriminals.. Awesome 👎
The council is keen to hear the community's thoughts on: An off-leash dog park facility in Slade Point
Archaeologists have unearthed ruins of a: 2,000-year-old Roman Basilica Beneath an Office Building in London
Applications are now open for a: Free eight-week online research and development (R&D) training program to help Queensland-based SMEs
Meet the robot dog, Perceval, that’s going to: Potentially start inspecting train tracks in Sydney instead of humans (software for striking not included..)
6. Upcoming Events
🖼 RADF Showcase Opening and Networking Event: February 21 from 5 pm to 7 pm; Hear from industry experts in our "Creative Business" panel discussion about the do's and dont's of creative business while enjoying the RADF showcase at the Jubilee Community Centre
🧑🏼🍼 Dads ‘n’ Bubs Baby Bounce: February 22 at 10 am onwards; this session is a great opportunity for dads to do something special and beneficial with their little one at Dudley Denny City Library
🎸 Reece Mastin - One Night Stands: February 22 from 7 pm onwards; Reece Mastin is back with a brand new show full of all your favourite hits at Arcadia Bar
🔢 Beats Bingo: February 27 from 7 pm to 9 pm; be reminded of the songs you love while you eat, drink, and be merry at the best and most entertaining version of bingo at The Bavarian Mackay