🏗️Peabody’s $2.32B coal deal | Mackay’s regional property surge | NVIDIA’s new breakthrough AI model | Ancient saber-tooth discovery and more!
Today's newsletter is 828 words, a 4.1-minute read.
Welcome back to the Mackay Minute, it’s November 28!
🎲🎄 That’s Fun: It feels like it’s well and truly winding into silly season, so here’s a quick and free Santa Parkour game to help the jolly fellow parkour race jump and dodge obstacles on roofs of the city.
In today's email
One Big Thing: Peabody Acquires Anglo’s Coal Assets
Mackay leads: Regional Property Growth in QLD
Saddling Up: For Asbestos Awareness
Trending: A hole-in-one over a house
Around The Web (Snippets): Mental health services move to Proserpine, Spotify empowers audiobook creators, Festivities light up City Heart and many more.
Upcoming Events
Mackay Weather - Weekend Forecast
The Weekly Dream Gig
This week - Nobul is hiring Production Operators in the Bowen Basin! With $170K + Super, 7/7 rosters, free BIBO, and meals + PPE covered, it’s time to dig in.
Got 2+ years’ open-cut mining experience on trucks, dozers, or excavators? Apply now and join the team—minus the bull!🚜
Need to advertise a job? Contact us here👇
Live National Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Peabody Acquires Anglo’s Coal Assets
What’s Happening?
Peabody Energy is acquiring four premium coal mines from Anglo American in Queensland for $2.32 billion.
The deal will boost Peabody’s metallurgical coal production by 200% by 2026.
Why It Matters
This move strengthens Peabody’s position as a global leader in steelmaking coal, targeting high-demand Asian markets and ensuring long-term sustainability.
By the Numbers
Production Growth: 7.4M tons in 2024 to 21–22M tons by 2026.
Reserves: 306M tons with 1.7B tons of resources.
Synergies: $100M annual savings projected.
Local Impact
The Bowen Basin mines will support jobs and economic growth in Queensland, solidifying the region’s role in global steel production.
What The People Say
“A rare opportunity to acquire premier steelmaking coal assets,” said Peabody CEO Jim Grech.
“We are delighted to ensure a successful transition,” added Anglo-American CEO Duncan Wanblad
Want to know more?
2. Mackay leads Regional Property Growth in QLD
What’s Happening?
Mackay topped Queensland’s regional markets with an 8.3% rise in dwelling values last quarter, per CoreLogic’s latest report.
Why It Matters?
Affordability and lifestyle appeal make Mackay a prime spot for buyers and investors, despite broader economic pressures.
Local Impact
Mackay’s growth boosts local industries but may challenge affordability as prices rise.
What The People Say?
“Regions like Mackay... are seeing exceptional growth, driven by affordability advantages and lifestyle appeal,” said CoreLogic economist Kaytlin Ezzy.
What To Look For Next?
Strong investor confidence is expected to sustain Mackay’s growth, but affordability could become a concern.
Read the full article below 👇
3. Saddling Up for Asbestos Awareness
Australians are gearing up for “Ride in Shorts for Leah”, a heartfelt campaign to honour Mackay mother Leah Smith, who tragically passed from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure during her childhood.
This event celebrates Leah’s passion for horses while raising awareness about the hidden dangers of asbestos still present in 1 in 3 Australian homes built before 1990.
The Mackay equestrian community will honour Leah on 11 December—her 50th birthday, as part of the campaign.
Donations raised will support the Asbestos Awareness Campaign, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
Leah’s husband, Phillip Smith, shared, “Don’t think this can’t happen to you. Everyone needs to stop and assess their premises before renovating or demolishing.” He hopes to turn the event into an annual tradition, uniting horse lovers across the country to educate and protect communities.
Read the full article below 👇
5. Trending
A hole-in-one over a house. ⛳️
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Spotify debuts marketing tools and insights: For audiobook authors
A 35,000-year-old: Saber-toothed cub was unearthed in Siberia which still had whiskers and claws
City Heart Christmas Celebrations: A Festive Night Out for the Whole Family!
Alibaba release an ‘open’ challenger to: OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model
The latest decisions made by Ad Standards, which include: A case against Temu for their ad named "Yellow Bikini Girl Hot Butt Metal Tin Sign"
Grants help keep: City Centre and Waterfront vibrant and safe
The Greater Whitsunday Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service: Has relocated and is now open at Proserpine.
NVIDIA’s breakthrough AI model called: Fugatto allows you to create audio from text 👇
6. Upcoming Events
🎧DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT: 90s + 00s Hip Hop & RnB Party, 29 November: We’ll have you Jumpin’ Jumpin’ In Da Club to all the best from hip hop legends. Plus Me & U will Get Low to all your RnB faves.
🎨Seaforth Mega Market Art Day Pop-up, 1 December: Pop on by and see what #susanrileygee, the students have been creating in 2024.
🎄Spring Soiree does Christmas, 1 December: Last big market of the year mini market, outdoor bike track, inside kids area, Santa and more.
🍸 Smirnoff Sundaze - Summer Sunday Launch, 1 December: Summer just got hotter at MOJO Rooftop Bar!
💡BMA Kidspace,3 December: At Artspace Mackay, a free and ever-popular toddlers’ program, gives children 0-5yrs a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning.